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It was another beautiful night that hid dark and terrible secrets. Well...they weren't really secrets, were they? Most of the older pride members knew the horrors that had befallen their lands not terribly long ago, but newcomers and cubs alike were living under false pretenses. As a Lady Jioni knew better than to run her mouth, but as she lived her daily life she pined for the return of the old family.

She put on a pretty face and a cheery, calm air as any Lady should expect to, but inside she was boiling with thoughts of how to assist in the uprising that would surely start soon. She wasn't close to the king but her position in the pride might be made useful. She just had to know when to play her cards so her world wouldn't come crashing down on her.

As she thought she padded quietly to the river to get a drink. She almost didn't notice a dark lion sitting not far from where she had paused to lower her head to the water. She drank on, not turning to look at him but keeping her senses sharp. As a Lady there were few that were on par with her in terms of rank and only the royalty stood above her. She had never seen this male before and, as such, knew he wasn't on her level. That didn't mean she wouldn't talk to him, but it did mean she wouldn't go out of her way to greet him like she should do for her. She was always interested in newcomers...perhaps this lion would be able to help her. She would just have to figure out what side he stood on, if any.

Jioni kept her head down by the water as the male addressed her, feigning disinterest. It was the way nobles were expected to act, really. Poised, refined, aloof. She played the part very well. Her nose and ears were in tune to the male, though, keeping his position and tone of voice in check.

Finally she lifted her head, licking her lips a few times to make sure not one drop of water dripped from her fur. She gave the male a once-over before meeting his gaze, her bright eyes meeting his dark ones. He seemed to have the body type of a guard...interesting.

"That's quite all right. I could use some company," she said, her voice light and airy. "What is your name and rank? I can't say I've seen you before and I'm quite familiar with those in the pride." She had to be, really. Being a noble meant you didn't do any grunt work. While some lions allowed themselves to be lazy and dull because of it, Jioni made sure to keep her mind sharp and tasked herself with knowing everyone that was in the pride.

Well, he certainly wasn't shy. That was good, in Jioni's eyes. Guards needed to be strong and stout and not afraid to make waves. Guards that bowed to anyone and did as they were told without question were useless.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Zah, and I'll surely remember you the next time we meet." Part pleasantry, part threat should he wish to take it that way. She was quiet as he asked her her own name and position. Polite, at least, even if he was a bit bold to ask rather than waiting to be told. He was new to the pride, though, he wasn't wise to their ways yet.

"I am Lady Jioni," she said with a little bob of her head.

Jioni picked up on Zah's discomfort instantly. He wasn't very good at hiding his emotions, but then again, he was a guard. Generally they weren't well-versed in the ways of keeping things to themselves. They ran on adrenaline and emotion and there was nothing wrong with that, it just made it easier for others to read their true feelings.

Rather than ignore it, she pressed the issue. "There may be something you can help me with," she said, her bright eyes burning in the darkness as she moved a little closer to Zah. "I can't help but notice your change in mood. Could you tell me why that is?"

It had to be something to do with her rank, that much was obvious. He hadn't been nervous before she had stated it. There were rumors about how some had gained their titles, but she had been a Lady from birth, long before the coup.

He regained his composure quickly, Jioni noticed, and she lessened her intense gaze a bit. New to the pride...quick to learn...hm. Perhaps there was something here she could work with. The resistance needed some more strength to it and Zah might just be the lion they were looking for.

"Well," she said, swishing her tail. "If you'd like some lessons I wouldn't mind helping. As a Lady it's part of my duty to make sure newcomers don't step on anyone's toes." A lie, but he didn't need to know that. Hopefully he'd agree to the lessons and she could pry a bit more to see if he already had an opinion on what had happened, or if he knew at all.

"Don't feel as though you have to say yes," she added. "I'm content to let you be as well. Just a friendly offer."

Jioni nodded as Zah asked if they could meet here again. "Yes, that sounds fine. Tomorrow it is, Zah. I look forward to it."

She didn't want to keep him from his duties, after all. She turned to go after giving him a very small half smile, keeping her head held high. The lightening of the sky made her wonder how many days it had been since the coup and how many more were left before things were put back to normal. Well. As normal as they could be.