Honesty... It is brutal just as Africa herself is also just as brutal and in so many ways, Khalima walks as a reflection of that honesty with every brutal step. She stops in front of Serket finally, The Jungle has literally fallen silent and still as the grave as tho holding its breath. Khalima sits, neatly folding her tail over her paws as she watches Serket's reactions. Many fall short here in this moment, when the sweet things someone could say would all but tarnish in the Jungle's still air. It is hard to tell if it is Khalima or the Jungle it's self that judges Serket but Khalima's face finally shows some form of expression, a fang graced smile. There is real and solid truth in Serket's words and Khalima does not doubt that Serket would lay down her life for her cub, That reguardless if she is able, she is willing to pretiect and do what has to be done. No matter how hard someone tries, even Khalima hasn't always been able to save her wayward cubs and still may watch the Jungle take another. Serket is smart, and wiser than most would think, her answer was impressive and so very on point. No empty promises, Something Khalima cannot stand, Only realism. Her voice is much smoother than before as she speaks however still somewhat sharp, is she... happy??? " This one is veery corrrect. Not even I, with knowledge of medicine and a strong bite, can ultimately succeed in saving a cub... Not always, for even they have their place to take in the Circle of Life. But at least This one will try to prevent it." Her eyes finally refocus more on Serket's face and into her warm colored eyes, Khalima tilts her head and in her expression is something most motherly. "This one, Serket the Paaaale.. Surprises me. That does not often happen. So, you want to know how it worrrks? One must take an Oath to neeever abandon the cub, To teach the cub not only to survive but to value life... and death. To teach the cub of the Great Circle of Life. Only then will the Jungle of Seecretzs let you leave with one alive. So my next question is veeerry ssimple little Ghost.. Is one prepared? For if you try to return a cub to me, I will let the Jungle eat." There is a small rustle of movement near by and as one small bright green eye peeks from between the Jungle leaf fronds. Khalima's tail twitches with annoyance at the Cub whom is disobeying her and lingering way waaaayy too close is making noise in the silence but she stays focused on Serket.
All at once Serket realized that the jungle had gone quiet. Even the crawling insects and bugs had fallen silent. What could that mean? Then Khalima sat in front of her, her green eyes seemingly piercing her brain through her own red eyes. The greater lioness smiled a toothy smile. She understood that even cubs had a place, and sometimes they had to die. Serket huffed a heavy sigh. What had she been expecting, some answer as to save the cub in the worst of circumstances? Well, no. It was not possible in every situation. There was no secret word or ritual that would keep this new cub safe for ever. So, she would do her best in every situation. She could do no more, and was not willing to do less. So she nodded. She was ready. "Yes, how does it work?" Then she listened. She would do these things Khalima asked. She would have anyway. And she would nenver give that cub back. She doubted she would be willing even if Khalima came to Serket.
"Khalima," she paused and raised her voice. "Cub. I will never abandon you. I will teach you many things, including about life and death in the Great Circle of life. And I will love you as a mother to her child!" Then she blinked and glanced at Khalima, as she heard a rustling of leaves. Was it one of the cubs? She looked at where they had heard the noise. She thought she saw a faint glimmer of green beyond the variable dim light. She bit down to hide a smile. She was still young herself, and not beyond a silly child's antics.
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 11:18 am
MiddyGlow
Abioye let out a breath she was holding when she shaman said she believed her she felt like this was going in the right direction. She listened as she said she had to be more she wondered if that meant she had to stand on her own and make her own pride. "Well since yes safety is a factor in the outlands, and finding enough food and water is a problem, if I took us to a pride I think I would go to the pridelands, if there is a ruling pride there anymore.." She wasn't even sure how long it had been since the stories of the legendary pride had lived. She knew that the time of kings and queens had passed.
"Since times have changed, maybe I could start my own pride in the pride lands, for lost souls since it seems that there are a lot of lost souls right now.. " She said softly looking into the shadows of the jungle looking for the cubs protected here. She wondered why they were here they deserved better. "I wish I could care for them all, but I know more will come to give them a home and perhaps that home will some day be with me in a way." She said like a promise.
Pridelands.. She had traveled them once.. It takes her back a bit, thinking about when the world was a bit younger. She in ways, can still feel the gazes of Kings of the past on a clear night, and it wasn't a bad idea for a Lone Lioness to venture toward. Khalima's green eyes never remove from the lovely striped Lioness who yet again makes a mention of a feeling of in was, being lost. One of Khalima's ears tilts off to her left, listening for something a moment before she speaks " This one, Abioye the Stripped warrior has promise. I see you will protect a cub, nurture a cub.. Whaat will you teach it?" Khalima watches Abioye's response carefully, being lionesses roughly the same size would mean a hard fight if this went wrong but the Jungle of Secrets is a place Khalima knows very well and may have an upper hand.. If she has to. The jungle around them is slowly growing more and more quiet.
Abioye smiled and said "Those who wander are not always lost, you have said I have a lot to live up to and I will need that in order to teach a cub the circle of life. Not everything is about being kind, nor is it about destroying everything. For all I know that is why this cub needs me now, they may need a gentle paw to navigate life rather than a harsh claw. Balance is what I want to teach them and balance is what I want to offer a pride. Perhaps a jungle pride near a waterfall if you would allow that, a place for others adopting to settle if they don't want to go to the land where pride rock was, if it is still there.. Time changes things." She said gently. She looked into the shadows and then said "The time of kings and queens has ended, so peace time, but the outlands is still a harsh place that must be watched." She said looking in the direction of the outlands. "I have seen both sides, perhaps the answer is somewhere in the middle?" She suggested.
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 11:38 am
Melomar
All at once Serket realized that the jungle had gone quiet. Even the crawling insects and bugs had fallen silent. What could that mean? Then Khalima sat in front of her, her green eyes seemingly piercing her brain through her own red eyes. The greater lioness smiled a toothy smile. She understood that even cubs had a place, and sometimes they had to die. Serket huffed a heavy sigh. What had she been expecting, some answer as to save the cub in the worst of circumstances? Well, no. It was not possible in every situation. There was no secret word or ritual that would keep this new cub safe for ever. So, she would do her best in every situation. She could do no more, and was not willing to do less. So she nodded. She was ready. "Yes, how does it work?" Then she listened. She would do these things Khalima asked. She would have anyway. And she would nenver give that cub back. She doubted she would be willing even if Khalima came to Serket.
"Khalima," she paused and raised her voice. "Cub. I will never abandon you. I will teach you many things, including about life and death in the Great Circle of life. And I will love you as a mother to her child!" Then she blinked and glanced at Khalima, as she heard a rustling of leaves. Was it one of the cubs? She looked at where they had heard the noise. She thought she saw a faint glimmer of green beyond the variable dim light. She bit down to hide a smile. She was still young herself, and not beyond a silly child's antics.
Khalima's mouth opened as to say something and the rustling interrupted her. for A moment the annoyance makes her eyes sharp but this white Lioness speaks rather boldly. Khalima can feel her absolution and in a way has a good deal of respect for one like this to still bravely be standing here. Serket sees movement of black and white in the edge of view as the lingering cub starts to move in closer, attempting to sneak and still not realizing they know he is there. Khalima smirks and stands, almost towering over Serket and leans into her face, rubbing the velvet of her nose and her forehead on Serket's light colorless face. The moent Khalima does, the Jungle starts to return to its mysterious on the ambience. Pulling her head back she speaks " I am convinced and so is the Junngle. Here, sense he wishes to be nosey, he is yours." She looks to the moving undergrowth and makes a groaning rumble deep in her spotted chest. Out of the brush tumbles a not so usual male cub, almsot like the Jungle spat it out. Patched in white over black and having an excited expression. its so strange... even tho no one saw Khalima leave, when Serket looks back, she is gone. (congrats! )
Abioye smiled and said "Those who wander are not always lost, you have said I have a lot to live up to and I will need that in order to teach a cub the circle of life. Not everything is about being kind, nor is it about destroying everything. For all I know that is why this cub needs me now, they may need a gentle paw to navigate life rather than a harsh claw. Balance is what I want to teach them and balance is what I want to offer a pride. Perhaps a jungle pride near a waterfall if you would allow that, a place for others adopting to settle if they don't want to go to the land where pride rock was, if it is still there.. Time changes things." She said gently. She looked into the shadows and then said "The time of kings and queens has ended, so peace time, but the outlands is still a harsh place that must be watched." She said looking in the direction of the outlands. "I have seen both sides, perhaps the answer is somewhere in the middle?" She suggested.
Khalima listens intently, Piercing green eyes so focused but not on Abioye's face, something father inside her and behind Abioye's golden eyes. She speaks of old eras and the kings and queens of the past. Abioye speaks of peace and growth. Khalima tilts her head, that is interesting most lions would not want to live so close to her. This part of the jungle, its dark and deep core is where they stand. This young Lioness before her has good aspirations and Khalima sees a potential most uncommon inside of her Abioye. Khalima speaks in a kind of sharp and lower tone for a moment " I will not permit anyone to live within the Jungle of secrets, hhooowever. This one may stay in another part of the Jungle. It is vast and only its core belongs to meee.. It is where I bring the cubs from all over the lands to hide them. I believe this one and that one carries more strength than one even know. All that is left than.. Is to take an Oath. To never abandon the cubs To teach the cubs not only to survive but to value life... and death. To teach the cubs of the Great Circle of Life. Only then will the Jungle of Secretttsss let you leave with them alive. Is this one prepared? Do not attempt to bring them back to me, or I let the Jungle haaaave them." There is movement on either side of them in the undergrowth, again Khalimas wayward cubs are being disobediant as they usually are, unawares of possible danger and just wanting to get a peek and this new Lioness with purple and pink little eyes.
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 12:20 pm
Nefarious Muse
Abioye agreed with the oath and then she said "They will live with me till there is no breathe left in my body, I will protect and teach them and if I somehow face death sooner than I plan, I will make sure they are safe and never have to be an orphan again, because they are not. All these cubs deserve love and a family." She nodded sharply "I would take more if that was allowed but I know my limits this is a big responsibility. I will find the home I seek and set up a home there to care for this cub and any others who wander and want a home." She smiled "Thank you for helping me find the right path."
Abioye agreed with the oath and then she said "They will live with me till there is no breathe left in my body, I will protect and teach them and if I somehow face death sooner than I plan, I will make sure they are safe and never have to be an orphan again, because they are not. All these cubs deserve love and a family." She nodded sharply "I would take more if that was allowed but I know my limits this is a big responsibility. I will find the home I seek and set up a home there to care for this cub and any others who wander and want a home." She smiled "Thank you for helping me find the right path."
Khalima leans forward and rubs her soft forehead on Abioye's and a flurry of butterflies is disturbed in the undergrowth near them, bright colors on thin wings dance about around them, creating such a beautiful moment. Khalima pulls away and give a low rumble towards the clumsily rustling bushes on either side of them. Suddenly, one from each side comes 2 male cubs marbled very similarly but opposites, however their eyes are identical. It was an attempted pounce however floppy it may be. Abioye doesn't know when Khalima left, but she is just simply gone. (congrats!! you get 2 as a thank you for the discord XD )
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:42 pm
Kamara had heard of this jungle of secrets, something about lost cubs being cared for, she figured she would go investigate and see who was caring for the cubs. If nothing else she could probably help. She stalked among the leaves, her black and white pelt blending with the shadows as she carefully made her way around. She trod softly, tail flicking as she looked for this lion and these orphan cubs.
Kamara had heard of this jungle of secrets, something about lost cubs being cared for, she figured she would go investigate and see who was caring for the cubs. If nothing else she could probably help. She stalked among the leaves, her black and white pelt blending with the shadows as she carefully made her way around. She trod softly, tail flicking as she looked for this lion and these orphan cubs
.
It had rained last night , the jungle was still glistening this morning and the ground was still soft with water. Mysterious ricocheting sounds of creatures, life and death meet the ears of your Lion as its view is filled with what everyone forebodingly calls "The Jungle of Secrets". Lush foliage covers even your paws as thin blades of light dance through the shimmering green. Insects fly and buzz by your ear as your lion gazes into the foliage, there is no path, no clear markings to know where to go, or how to find Her... Her.... Stories of Khalima have been whispered for some time now, That she is a strange dark shaman of sorts whom Lions from Rogues to even Pridelanders have sought out for several reasons. Medicine for ailing Pride members, Spiritual guidance and "dark rituals" for those who seek it, but here, in this vast and deep Jungle is where they look for her to adopt an Orphaned Cub. Some say she is just crazy, Some think she is dangerous and can consume your spirit's essence (or YOU for that matter) but others say that she cares for the Orphans here, where the Jungle can conceal them. The buzzing and chattering of the Jungle are disrupted by a sound, a splitting and somewhat thunderous sound. Khalima's roar, slightly jagged sounding, bellows from between densely hanging vines from somewhere deeper in and seemingly strait ahead... Seemingly that is, it' is difficult to follow sounds here, the trees and the Jungle likes to play tricks on your ears and as her roars continue a moment or two, it bounces through the trees in many directions. Did she know you were coming?!?
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 2:05 pm
Nefarious Muse
It had rained last night , the jungle was still glistening this morning and the ground was still soft with water. Mysterious ricocheting sounds of creatures, life and death meet the ears of your Lion as its view is filled with what everyone forebodingly calls "The Jungle of Secrets". Lush foliage covers even your paws as thin blades of light dance through the shimmering green. Insects fly and buzz by your ear as your lion gazes into the foliage, there is no path, no clear markings to know where to go, or how to find Her... Her.... Stories of Khalima have been whispered for some time now, That she is a strange dark shaman of sorts whom Lions from Rogues to even Pridelanders have sought out for several reasons. Medicine for ailing Pride members, Spiritual guidance and "dark rituals" for those who seek it, but here, in this vast and deep Jungle is where they look for her to adopt an Orphaned Cub. Some say she is just crazy, Some think she is dangerous and can consume your spirit's essence (or YOU for that matter) but others say that she cares for the Orphans here, where the Jungle can conceal them. The buzzing and chattering of the Jungle are disrupted by a sound, a splitting and somewhat thunderous sound. Khalima's roar, slightly jagged sounding, bellows from between densely hanging vines from somewhere deeper in and seemingly strait ahead... Seemingly that is, it' is difficult to follow sounds here, the trees and the Jungle likes to play tricks on your ears and as her roars continue a moment or two, it bounces through the trees in many directions. Did she know you were coming?!?
Kamara's paws padded softly on the damp ground, every now and then, squelching as she hit a more wet spot. She didn't really have a direction in mind and there were no pathways, no game trails to speak of either. Her ears flicked in agitation at the insects that came with the humidity around her, tail twitching, she was cautious, who wouldn't be given the stories about the strange lioness that lived here but if she cared for cubs, she couldn't be that bad, right? She hoped anyway.
Kamara flinched as a roar sounded around her, silencing all but the bravest of insects, she froze, body crouched as she looked about, it had sounded close but not too close. For a few heartbeats Kamara didn't move, but she decided to go ahead, it seemed pointless to sneak now so she moved past the vines, straight ahead, waiting to see what would happen as she walked.
Kamara's paws padded softly on the damp ground, every now and then, squelching as she hit a more wet spot. She didn't really have a direction in mind and there were no pathways, no game trails to speak of either. Her ears flicked in agitation at the insects that came with the humidity around her, tail twitching, she was cautious, who wouldn't be given the stories about the strange lioness that lived here but if she cared for cubs, she couldn't be that bad, right? She hoped anyway.
Kamara flinched as a roar sounded around her, silencing all but the bravest of insects, she froze, body crouched as she looked about, it had sounded close but not too close. For a few heartbeats Kamara didn't move, but she decided to go ahead, it seemed pointless to sneak now so she moved past the vines, straight ahead, waiting to see what would happen as she walked.
Khalima can sense the Lioness within her Jungle, she gets a small smirk of amusement when the new Lioness stopped and hunkered after Khalima's roar. Characteristic to Khalima, she raises to per paws from under her favored ferns, adorned in wild spots and tightly knit with muscle. The Jungle will definitely keep you tuned in mind and body, if you don't, especially if the sun sets on you here, you may take your place in the Circle of Life sooner than intended. They can see one another now, Khalima's silvery clasped green shawl makes her blend even better but those eyes, no matter how much green she is surrounded in, catch attention. Primal, almost feral looking in many ways and Khalima's presence feels... dark, like her soul is stained. She stands there as the gap between them closes, ferns cupped to her speckled belly but very much in view in this dense place. She waits to see what Kamara does and has to say.
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 9:07 am
Nefarious Muse
Khalima can sense the Lioness within her Jungle, she gets a small smirk of amusement when the new Lioness stopped and hunkered after Khalima's roar. Characteristic to Khalima, she raises to per paws from under her favored ferns, adorned in wild spots and tightly knit with muscle. The Jungle will definitely keep you tuned in mind and body, if you don't, especially if the sun sets on you here, you may take your place in the Circle of Life sooner than intended. They can see one another now, Khalima's silvery clasped green shawl makes her blend even better but those eyes, no matter how much green she is surrounded in, catch attention. Primal, almost feral looking in many ways and Khalima's presence feels... dark, like her soul is stained. She stands there as the gap between them closes, ferns cupped to her speckled belly but very much in view in this dense place. She waits to see what Kamara does and has to say.
Kamara wasn't a stupid lioness, but she had her pride, so when she stepped to where she could see the lioness, she stood as such, she didn't cower or hide. "So you're the one" she said politely, leaving no doubt that she was here to see Khalima, her blueish eyes bright against her grey and white fur, though not as catching as the odd Lioness' herself, they seemed to almost glow, especially in the gloom. Kamara swallowed. "You care for the cubs" she said, more a statement than a question "I would like to care for one myself"
Kamara wasn't a stupid lioness, but she had her pride, so when she stepped to where she could see the lioness, she stood as such, she didn't cower or hide. "So you're the one" she said politely, leaving no doubt that she was here to see Khalima, her blueish eyes bright against her grey and white fur, though not as catching as the odd Lioness' herself, they seemed to almost glow, especially in the gloom. Kamara swallowed. "You care for the cubs" she said, more a statement than a question "I would like to care for one myself"
Khalima's eyes do not waver but her shoulder blades roll as she takes a few steps forward and into the open, her head level with her body, not upright in a way that some would expect. It becomes more apparent as the splashes of defused like manage to move over her form, that she Isn't so much as threatening but deeply searching within Kamara's azure like eyes. Khalima does not circle this Lioness before her, no, this time she stops close enough to catch her scent within jaws that she lightly hangs open. Her black speckled tongue curls over her muzzle a time or two before she speaks, her voice jagged and without any attempt to be any softer. "This one... This one wishes for a lost little ssoul? " Khalima looks Kamara over, healthy, strong enough but will this beautiful Lioness before her take the Oath? "I wonder of this one's Values. Tell me of them" she questions the interestingly colored Lioness.
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 9:41 am
Nefarious Muse
Khalima's eyes do not waver but her shoulder blades roll as she takes a few steps forward and into the open, her head level with her body, not upright in a way that some would expect. It becomes more apparent as the splashes of defused like manage to move over her form, that she Isn't so much as threatening but deeply searching within Kamara's azure like eyes. Khalima does not circle this Lioness before her, no, this time she stops close enough to catch her scent within jaws that she lightly hangs open. Her black speckled tongue curls over her muzzle a time or two before she speaks, her voice jagged and without any attempt to be any softer. "This one... This one wishes for a lost little ssoul? " Khalima looks Kamara over, healthy, strong enough but will this beautiful Lioness before her take the Oath? "I wonder of this one's Values. Tell me of them" she questions the interestingly colored Lioness.
Kamara did not move as the lioness walked forwards, she felt herself being judged and by more than just Khalima's eyes, she was being judged to her very soul, she could feel it and she couldn't help but feel a little nervous, who wouldn't?
"Yes, I would like to help, I travel and don't stay in one place for long which puts males off, they want to start prides and dynasties, where I wish to be free to wander where I feel like, not to be confined to the realms of any one land" she said, lifting her head, meeting Khalima's eyes. The lioness' voice slightly grated on her but she wasn't about to mention that. "My Values?" she said questioningly "Well I hadn't considered them really, but I am kind, I wouldn't pass up someone in need, if someone is thirsty, I share water, hungry, I share food, I can't abide bullies" she didn't add that she found that most of the male lions she'd met had been bullyish, it was their way or no way. "I would like to care for another life as my parents once cared for me" she said, unsure how to really verbalise how she felt, she couldn't put it into words, she just had a feeling that had grown stronger of wanting to find this place and raise a cub.
Khalima's eyes do not waver but her shoulder blades roll as she takes a few steps forward and into the open, her head level with her body, not upright in a way that some would expect. It becomes more apparent as the splashes of defused like manage to move over her form, that she Isn't so much as threatening but deeply searching within Kamara's azure like eyes. Khalima does not circle this Lioness before her, no, this time she stops close enough to catch her scent within jaws that she lightly hangs open. Her black speckled tongue curls over her muzzle a time or two before she speaks, her voice jagged and without any attempt to be any softer. "This one... This one wishes for a lost little ssoul? " Khalima looks Kamara over, healthy, strong enough but will this beautiful Lioness before her take the Oath? "I wonder of this one's Values. Tell me of them" she questions the interestingly colored Lioness.
Kamara did not move as the lioness walked forwards, she felt herself being judged and by more than just Khalima's eyes, she was being judged to her very soul, she could feel it and she couldn't help but feel a little nervous, who wouldn't?
"Yes, I would like to help, I travel and don't stay in one place for long which puts males off, they want to start prides and dynasties, where I wish to be free to wander where I feel like, not to be confined to the realms of any one land" she said, lifting her head, meeting Khalima's eyes. The lioness' voice slightly grated on her but she wasn't about to mention that. "My Values?" she said questioningly "Well I hadn't considered them really, but I am kind, I wouldn't pass up someone in need, if someone is thirsty, I share water, hungry, I share food, I can't abide bullies" she didn't add that she found that most of the male lions she'd met had been bullyish, it was their way or no way. "I would like to care for another life as my parents once cared for me" she said, unsure how to really verbalise how she felt, she couldn't put it into words, she just had a feeling that had grown stronger of wanting to find this place and raise a cub.
Khalima listens, finally blinking and lifting her head to the same level at Kamara. She says she wants to help, That she doesn't want to rule some kingdom and finds herself happy being free to roam. Khalima relates to this feeling, not wanting to be made to bare the cubs of an an oafish, self proclaimed King that sleeps all the time. Not wanting to be bound to a single place with limitations. To want to provide for another to gain fulfillment, or perhaps in Khalima's case, to atone for her vicious and lethal nature or even dark practices. Khalima can see this Lioness tells the truth, though a bit soft hearted in her opinion she doesn't judge Kamara as weak for it. She can feel Kamara's emotions, feel her want and her certainty. "This one understands the way of a Rogue. I do not desire some overstuffed guinea of a male myself nor would I be happy tied to a single land. The voices... Always call me.... " Her eyes seem to look somewhere else though they stay fixed at Kamara, like gazing at a memory within herself a moment, but it is disrupted by the sound of something heavy but small very close by, under her dark ferns as a matter of fact. Khalima tilts her left ear back towards the sound with a flick, her expression in her eyes becoming annoyed. She continues but her voice has begun to smooth out more. Less sharp and more meaningfully serious. "One must take an Oath to never abandon the cub, To teach the cub not only to survive but to vvaaalue life... and death. To teach the cub of the Great Circle of Life. Only then will the Jungle of Seecretzs let you leave with one alive. Is this one ready? Know this, do not try to return a cub to me, for I will leave it to the Jungle of Secrets."
