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."
Kamara nodded, glad that the mystical seeming lioness held somewhat the same values, to be tied down in one place with a lazy, boring male or two or three, the thought was a fate worse than death to her. Her eyes narrowed as Khalima tilted an ear backwards but whatever she had been about to think, driven from her mind when the lioness mentioned never abandoning the cub. "I WOULD NEVER!" she said, her voice almost a snarl, offended at the mere thought of abandoning another, let alone a CUB. She held her tongue on any further comment as Khalima kept talking "I swear that Oath, gladly" she said, taking a single step forward, putting her paw on the ground hard, as if to reinforce her conviction.
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 8:18 pm
Nefarious Muse
Silently moving through the dense foliage of the jungle, eyes darting about straining to see through the darkness, Kwesi moved in grace and determination. He had heard of the one from the Jungle of Secrets, one who would help those cubs' unfortunate enough to become without a pride or parents. Shaking his head in slow agitation he let out a small breath and focused on his movements.
The smell of fresh rain hung in the air, the breeze stagnant, insects buzzed about in a frenzy and noises carried in the stillness. Standing still he took in all that was around him. His eyes closed on their own, concentrating on the rhythm of his heartbeat he focused his mind. Suddenly his eyes opened, he turned his head towards the West and crouched. He was not alone, what was there he did not know but he was on guard.
Kamara nodded, glad that the mystical seeming lioness held somewhat the same values, to be tied down in one place with a lazy, boring male or two or three, the thought was a fate worse than death to her. Her eyes narrowed as Khalima tilted an ear backwards but whatever she had been about to think, driven from her mind when the lioness mentioned never abandoning the cub. "I WOULD NEVER!" she said, her voice almost a snarl, offended at the mere thought of abandoning another, let alone a CUB. She held her tongue on any further comment as Khalima kept talking "I swear that Oath, gladly" she said, taking a single step forward, putting her paw on the ground hard, as if to reinforce her conviction.
Khalima got a slight smirk at her outburst but was somehow also satisfied with her fervor. Khalima leans forward and rubs her forehead on Kamara's, marking her with Khalima's scent. She then turns away and lets out a low trilling sound from inside her chest. A female cub comes romping out of the ferns behind her and up to Kamara. When Kamaras eyes refocus on Khalima, she is gone.. somehow..
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 3:34 pm
irishgirl1017
Silently moving through the dense foliage of the jungle, eyes darting about straining to see through the darkness, Kwesi moved in grace and determination. He had heard of the one from the Jungle of Secrets, one who would help those cubs' unfortunate enough to become without a pride or parents. Shaking his head in slow agitation he let out a small breath and focused on his movements.
The smell of fresh rain hung in the air, the breeze stagnant, insects buzzed about in a frenzy and noises carried in the stillness. Standing still he took in all that was around him. His eyes closed on their own, concentrating on the rhythm of his heartbeat he focused his mind. Suddenly his eyes opened, he turned his head towards the West and crouched. He was not alone, what was there he did not know but he was on guard
.
Khalima lay resting under her deep dark ferns when a funny sensation hit her, there is a male in her Jungle. Her eyes open just enough where they look like vibrant green slivers in the darkness. It was strange that a male was here, males, usually cub killers, aren't ones that usually adopt. Khalima is not one to jump to conclusions tho, she yawns a wide toothy yawn and stands up to her paws. Once she does the spots of defused light glance off of her silver clasped shawl, sending glints dancing through the dank air, right about the time Kwesi breaks through one last dense row of flora and Khalima is in view. Her eyes fixate on him immediately but she waits to see if he will notice her or if he will just pass her by, she knows he is naturally and wildly camouflaged. Him on the other hand is pale older looking too. A handsome Lion, The scar on his shoulder from obvious time spent in battle, and his pale color doesn't hide him well here.
Cautiously taking one step, his paw hitting the dank, hard dirt he scanned his surroundings. The darkness was unsettling but his senses were sharp, he knew there was something very close by.
He smelled the air which was thick with rain but also a hint of something, earthy almost in a sense. Tossing his head to the side as if to shake off the smell he again scanned the area near him. Suddenly a flash of glint caught his attention, stepping towards it he noticed a female lioness studying him.
He instantly realized who this female was, and he stopped in his tracks. He bowed slightly and allowed himself to lower his guard. He was in her territory, and he knew he had to defer to her until she knew his intentions, that did not mean he would not defend himself if the need arose. It was unusual for a male to defer to a female especially one who is not of his pride or mate, but he had no choice. His mind swirled with the thoughts of why he chose this long, arduous task and his resolve strengthened.
He turned slightly backed away a few steps and allowed her to peruse him. He already summed this female up soon as he saw her, he saw power and a sense of duty. Awaiting her response, he stood still.
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 8:28 pm
irishgirl1017
Cautiously taking one step, his paw hitting the dank, hard dirt he scanned his surroundings. The darkness was unsettling but his senses were sharp, he knew there was something very close by.
He smelled the air which was thick with rain but also a hint of something, earthy almost in a sense. Tossing his head to the side as if to shake off the smell he again scanned the area near him. Suddenly a flash of glint caught his attention, stepping towards it he noticed a female lioness studying him.
He instantly realized who this female was, and he stopped in his tracks. He bowed slightly and allowed himself to lower his guard. He was in her territory, and he knew he had to defer to her until she knew his intentions, that did not mean he would not defend himself if the need arose. It was unusual for a male to defer to a female especially one who is not of his pride or mate, but he had no choice. His mind swirled with the thoughts of why he chose this long, arduous task and his resolve strengthened.
He turned slightly backed away a few steps and allowed her to peruse him. He already summed this female up soon as he saw her, he saw power and a sense of duty. Awaiting her response, he stood still.
She tilts her head with an expression that is rather unreadable but she still shows no hostility, it was curious that this Lion would defer to her and show respect even. Most Males only respect their naptime but this one seems... different. She returns the nod-like gesture and steps out from her ferns, patches of dim light move down her spotted body and her movement disturbed moths from the undergrowth around her paws, surrounding her in their silvery dancing wings. She usually does not speak first, but this is still a male and she wont suffer him in this Jungle very long, none realize that especially this area has cubs hidden everywhere. Her voice isn not gentle, it is not sweet but is not deliberately snarled in any way either (very Zira-ish sounding only without her specific attitude ) and her speech pattern falls in strange riddles. "I am surprised, This one is male and not a foolish one. " even from here, her eyes gaze so piercingly, strangely dis-focused looking for she peers within him, not at him, slowly farther and farther. She is not moving very hastily and her shoulders roll with a slight slink.
He stood there watching as she had her eyes focused on him, moving with a natural ease but there was a slight tension in her steps. Curious he peered back at her, allowing her to get a complete sense of who he was and possibly why he was here. Every fiber of his being was screaming to be dominant he realized that was not the correct course to take.
Only one female he deferred to and that was his mate, the one he left behind and the reason for this task. He forced himself not to move in anyway, for a simple movement could send this female on the attack. Those who spoke of her said she was unbalanced, one who could not be fully trusted. A part of her was always hidden, although she could be gracious that didn't last very long.
Kwesi knew he was on borrowed time so to speak and the longer he was away from his mate the more the unknown gnawed at him, he promised her and the one thing he would never do is break a promise. She was his mate and love, he would do anything for her.
Moving slowly and non threatening he sat down. He lifted his head and met her gaze evenly. He knew he had to speak although he was still gauging her intent, he spoke in a tone that was not threatening nor was it commanding.
"I have come to speak with you. I know who you are and will not take up much time as those who speak of you knows your preference for solitude. I have come to seek a conversation with you, I am wanting to petition for your acquiesce of adopting a cub for me and my mate. She is very depressed as we have not been able to have any of our own. I fear for her each moment that passes, this is the only way I can think to help her. I have told her of this journey and would undertake any requests you give in order to grant me this request." with that he slowly moved his head down and waited. His eyes fixed firmly on the ground in front of him. He knew this could be perceived as weakness which in his mind was not, it was showing respect and how badly he wanted to leave with a cub to call his own. One his mate would mother and flourish again with life.
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:25 pm
irishgirl1017
He stood there watching as she had her eyes focused on him, moving with a natural ease but there was a slight tension in her steps. Curious he peered back at her, allowing her to get a complete sense of who he was and possibly why he was here. Every fiber of his being was screaming to be dominant he realized that was not the correct course to take.
Only one female he deferred to and that was his mate, the one he left behind and the reason for this task. He forced himself not to move in anyway, for a simple movement could send this female on the attack. Those who spoke of her said she was unbalanced, one who could not be fully trusted. A part of her was always hidden, although she could be gracious that didn't last very long.
Kwesi knew he was on borrowed time so to speak and the longer he was away from his mate the more the unknown gnawed at him, he promised her and the one thing he would never do is break a promise. She was his mate and love, he would do anything for her.
Moving slowly and non threatening he sat down. He lifted his head and met her gaze evenly. He knew he had to speak although he was still gauging her intent, he spoke in a tone that was not threatening nor was it commanding.
"I have come to speak with you. I know who you are and will not take up much time as those who speak of you knows your preference for solitude. I have come to seek a conversation with you, I am wanting to petition for your acquiesce of adopting a cub for me and my mate. She is very depressed as we have not been able to have any of our own. I fear for her each moment that passes, this is the only way I can think to help her. I have told her of this journey and would undertake any requests you give in order to grant me this request." with that he slowly moved his head down and waited. His eyes fixed firmly on the ground in front of him. He knew this could be perceived as weakness which in his mind was not, it was showing respect and how badly he wanted to leave with a cub to call his own. One his mate would mother and flourish again with life.
"It is not solitude, for in the Jungle of ssseecrets I am never alone.." She clicks her tongue before speaking again. "Then that's see about this one then, This one who has came veeeery far for a cub" As Khalima spoke, something was less sharp in her tone, a cubless pair.. His dedication to his mate and his concert for her hits a small soft spot for her, most males would have abandoned a barren female and moved on but Kwesi's plight does seem to land on the ears of someone who would actually listen. She doesn't stop walking, she opens her jaws half way and draws in his scent, she can taste his mate within his smell as she veers around him, looking him over. Her eyes pin a moment on that jagged scar on his shoulder as she circles tho she doesn't pause her leisurely stride. Khalima speaks again " This one dedicates a King's heart to hiiis mate, loyal and determined, I see the strands of this Ones bond and they are vast. This one carries her sorrow like a wound within him. It issz rare. ..MMmmmmvvery strong and has seen injury that most would need medicine for. " She stops in front of him again and faces him, close enough to touch him in need be but she sits, neatly folding her speckled tail over her paws. The Jungle starts to grow silent. "No journey nor quessst will be needed, but an Oath."
Watching her move about him all his instincts roared to not let her so close, but this was a necessity. She was still gauging his intentions, his inner thoughts and mostly his worth. He would remain still until she settled or attacked.
Her words sounded somewhat melodic in a way, almost hypnotic. Shaking his head slightly he focused on the lush green fronds right in front of him to keep his mind occupied.
As she circled him, she drew his scent in deep and that rang wrong in his mind but again a necessity. He detested another female being this close to him, his mate has sacrificed more than most would for their partner. The past began to rise up in his mind and now was not the time, he had to force his mind to focus on those green fronds that seemed to ripple almost in laughter at him. He knew it was his imagination, but it somewhat agitated him a little. Forcing it down deep he waited to see what the female sizing him up would do.
Her words were spoken as if in riddles and rhymes. He listened to each word, trying to see the truth, intent and wisdom behind each one. The words Kings heart caught his attention, did she know? Then the next words soothed the sudden panic he felt, loyal and determined. Those words relaxed him, and he allowed the rest of her words to wash over him.
A reaction to her words in regard to his scar made him turn his head slightly to attempt to see it but the darkness hid it from his view. Without another word or attempt to be subtle she sits right in front of him close enough to touch him but not and relaxed placing her tail over her paws. Suddenly he realized the jungle it seemed to go eerily quiet as if in deference, reverence or in fear.
That worried him but until he knew her thoughts on what he had asked he needed to be patient. Her next words spoke almost broke him.
Taking a moment to take in her words he gazed into her eyes and stated back to her "an oath?" "What oath, if it is within my power to do so I shall" he waited for her next words.
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:07 pm
irishgirl1017
Watching her move about him all his instincts roared to not let her so close, but this was a necessity. She was still gauging his intentions, his inner thoughts and mostly his worth. He would remain still until she settled or attacked.
Her words sounded somewhat melodic in a way, almost hypnotic. Shaking his head slightly he focused on the lush green fronds right in front of him to keep his mind occupied.
As she circled him, she drew his scent in deep and that rang wrong in his mind but again a necessity. He detested another female being this close to him, his mate has sacrificed more than most would for their partner. The past began to rise up in his mind and now was not the time, he had to force his mind to focus on those green fronds that seemed to ripple almost in laughter at him. He knew it was his imagination, but it somewhat agitated him a little. Forcing it down deep he waited to see what the female sizing him up would do.
Her words were spoken as if in riddles and rhymes. He listened to each word, trying to see the truth, intent and wisdom behind each one. The words Kings heart caught his attention, did she know? Then the next words soothed the sudden panic he felt, loyal and determined. Those words relaxed him, and he allowed the rest of her words to wash over him.
A reaction to her words in regard to his scar made him turn his head slightly to attempt to see it but the darkness hid it from his view. Without another word or attempt to be subtle she sits right in front of him close enough to touch him but not and relaxed placing her tail over her paws. Suddenly he realized the jungle it seemed to go eerily quiet as if in deference, reverence or in fear.
That worried him but until he knew her thoughts on what he had asked he needed to be patient. Her next words spoke almost broke him.
Taking a moment to take in her words he gazed into her eyes and stated back to her "an oath?" "What oath, if it is within my power to do so I shall" he waited for her next words.
Being this close, he can see her really well, those piercing greed orbs in her head almost had a glow as she gazed up and into his eyes as well, his sheer height swallowing her like a shadow and indeed, the jungle held its very breath. Within those eyes he can see something maybe he is familiar with, eyes that know death, eyes that have seen things that the living cannot yet imminence wisdom, there is no wonder why some seek her out for guidance. She smells like the Jungle but deep under it is the scent of the herbs she chews for medicine that she makes for others, even deeper under that, the scent of so very many cubs. He was being so good to his mate, Khalima knows she is beautiful but never does she use that in any situation. Her being this close, he can feel the darkness that sits crouched within her just as she can feel his unease and at the end, his relent. " The Oath is simple and for some mostly commmmon sense, One never knows these days tho." Khalima pauses as the small sound of a rustle and a giggle breaks the Jungles maddening silence, her tail tip twitches with a slight annoyance. These cubs are always disobeying her, always pushing but she never stifles it because pain is the best teacher and will only protect one from it's self so much. Kwesi can't tell which direction it came from, sounds glance and move here in the deep and the dark. She continues, her voice like static rain. " One must take an Oath to never abandon the cub, To teach the cub not ooonly to survive but to value life... and death. To teach the cub of the Great Circle of Life and it's place therein. Only then will the Jungle of Seecrets let One leave with it alive. " Then that cold and dark part of her shows with what she says next. " Do not attempt to return the cub to me, Or I will let the Jungle eeeeeat"
His patience was being rewarded as she spoke. Again, it seemed to be in riddles, but it was the way it was to be. She was this way for a reason, one may say she has let her time alone in the deep dark recesses of the jungle take over her mind, but others will say with some madness comes intelligence and resourcefulness.
As he listened to her words a small noise came from somewhere near but which direction he could not tell. Sound traveled much differently here then his home, and that was disconcerting in itself. Then a giggle, he relaxed quickly not realizing he tensed up. The giggle was from a cub he was sure, and he glanced at the female in front of him and noticed her tail it was twitching ever so slightly. It almost seemed as if she was agitated by the noise. "Interesting, a cub giggle and being nearby is making her agitated. Reason must be they disobeyed" with that thought the rest of her words began to replay in his mind.
Raising his head and staring directly into her eyes he began to speak in a clear and authoritative voice. "I have heard your words and hereby state I will give my oath. I will never abandon the cub; I will teach it all I know, and I will never attempt to return the cub to you for they will become my son or daughter as well as my mate's. I give you my word she will treat them as if she birthed them herself. I will not allow any harm to come to the cub you will entrust to me, for they are the continuation of my life cycle. The knowledge and strength I have obtained will be taught to the cub and they will learn their place out among our kind. The life I shall protect at any cost."
The stillness of the jungle was no longer bothersome to him, his eyes have adjusted somewhat, and he felt at peace. He knew it was up to her when she brought the cub to him, but he would wait as long as necessary.
It would be a long trip home; he would provide and protect his cub at all costs. The meeting between the cub and his mate is a moment he is looking forward to with every fiber of his being. He will explain one day to his son or daughter why he only has one female as his mate but that is for a much later time. All the things he will be teaching his cub fills his heart with pride he can't begin to fathom and how his mate will be with them as well. That is the one thing he is most looking forward to, her face when he returns with their cub.
He knows to most his life is odd, since most males have several females as his mates. He has heard it all before and has set whoever is speaking straight about his mate and will not tolerate disrespect towards her. He can only hope if he has a daughter she will be as strong willed, determined and protective as she is. Every bit of knowledge she can and will impart on their cub will speak volumes as to her character.
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:52 pm
irishgirl1017
His patience was being rewarded as she spoke. Again, it seemed to be in riddles, but it was the way it was to be. She was this way for a reason, one may say she has let her time alone in the deep dark recesses of the jungle take over her mind, but others will say with some madness comes intelligence and resourcefulness.
As he listened to her words a small noise came from somewhere near but which direction he could not tell. Sound traveled much differently here then his home, and that was disconcerting in itself. Then a giggle, he relaxed quickly not realizing he tensed up. The giggle was from a cub he was sure, and he glanced at the female in front of him and noticed her tail it was twitching ever so slightly. It almost seemed as if she was agitated by the noise. "Interesting, a cub giggle and being nearby is making her agitated. Reason must be they disobeyed" with that thought the rest of her words began to replay in his mind.
Raising his head and staring directly into her eyes he began to speak in a clear and authoritative voice. "I have heard your words and hereby state I will give my oath. I will never abandon the cub; I will teach it all I know, and I will never attempt to return the cub to you for they will become my son or daughter as well as my mate's. I give you my word she will treat them as if she birthed them herself. I will not allow any harm to come to the cub you will entrust to me, for they are the continuation of my life cycle. The knowledge and strength I have obtained will be taught to the cub and they will learn their place out among our kind. The life I shall protect at any cost."
The stillness of the jungle was no longer bothersome to him, his eyes have adjusted somewhat, and he felt at peace. He knew it was up to her when she brought the cub to him, but he would wait as long as necessary.
It would be a long trip home; he would provide and protect his cub at all costs. The meeting between the cub and his mate is a moment he is looking forward to with every fiber of his being. He will explain one day to his son or daughter why he only has one female as his mate but that is for a much later time. All the things he will be teaching his cub fills his heart with pride he can't begin to fathom and how his mate will be with them as well. That is the one thing he is most looking forward to, her face when he returns with their cub.
He knows to most his life is odd, since most males have several females as his mates. He has heard it all before and has set whoever is speaking straight about his mate and will not tolerate disrespect towards her. He can only hope if he has a daughter she will be as strong willed, determined and protective as she is. Every bit of knowledge she can and will impart on their cub will speak volumes as to her character.
A fang blessed smile raises on her face, its the first time she has shown much expression, it pleases her that he recites his Oath. His words are brimming with truth and it is something she respects, he can see it too, the way her eyes glimmer up at him. " Today, King Kwesi the Faithful, becomes a Faaaather" This male is very unique and she feels that it is the right choice to gift him a cub. Khalima lowers her head in what some would see as a bow but it isn't, she rubs her exotically speckled and streaked head on his front paws, marking him temporarily with her scent, when she does the Jungle begins again it's sounds of birds and insects that creep and sing... Almost like accepting his presence here, for it was his presence why it fell silent. No more words come from her, but a low rumble with her head still low, the unmistakable sound a mother makes to her cub to beckon it. Romping out from right beside them and fearlessly up to this huge male Lion is a little female cub. She got closer to them than perhaps they realized. Like a spirit of some sorts, Khalima is just suddenly gone when he looks back to where she was.
Dark paws stepped delicately upon the ground, each step calculated and precise. Giza had heard tales about the dark shaman, from crazy to sane, each story different than the last. The one thing that seemed a constant, however, was that as 'dark' as many might call her, Khalima truly cared for cubs. Without cubs, a pride would slowly dwindle out and eventually become no more. That was something this dark lioness was sure even Khalima could agree was something most lions could frown upon. While she had no mate as of yet, Giza felt a tugging inside her, ready to mother a little one to carry in her paw steps if all else failed. And so she found herself, trekking far into a jungle littered with it's fair share of dangers and beauty. She had been careful to keep quite thus far, not wanting to alert bigger dangers, but as she let her eyes wander towards a flower in bloom, she felt something snap beneath her next paw step, causing her to freeze instantly as the sound echoed around her. What had just been alerted to her presence from her careless misstep?
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2025 6:23 pm
Fea Line
Dark paws stepped delicately upon the ground, each step calculated and precise. Giza had heard tales about the dark shaman, from crazy to sane, each story different than the last. The one thing that seemed a constant, however, was that as 'dark' as many might call her, Khalima truly cared for cubs. Without cubs, a pride would slowly dwindle out and eventually become no more. That was something this dark lioness was sure even Khalima could agree was something most lions could frown upon. While she had no mate as of yet, Giza felt a tugging inside her, ready to mother a little one to carry in her paw steps if all else failed. And so she found herself, trekking far into a jungle littered with it's fair share of dangers and beauty. She had been careful to keep quite thus far, not wanting to alert bigger dangers, but as she let her eyes wander towards a flower in bloom, she felt something snap beneath her next paw step, causing her to freeze instantly as the sound echoed around her. What had just been alerted to her presence from her careless misstep?
Khalima, showered in exotic spots and leanly muscled, sat contemplatively in front of her favored ferns.. With the cubs fed she is left with what is left. She gazes downward at a few scraps of bone with dirtied flesh on them, Her green orbs study them, thinking about what rituals she could use them for. The jungle was sticky today, more humid than usual but she didn't mind, it was at least not as hot as some of her other territories. Khalima's speckled ear twitches in Giza's direction, hearing the snap from a small distance away and on the other side of wide leafed plants that grew there, cradling her clearing and providing cover. She has a visitor.. Khalima lifts her head in this shadowed place and gazes into that direction a moment, a darkness stirring within her as she contemplates letting the traveler just pass her by, but she decides to let out a roar to signal the cubs to stay hidden. The same roar also signals the newcomer of her location too. It does not last long and bares no feeling of threat. Khalima's roar, much like her voice, is jagged and somewhat sharper than most but it resounds just the same. She stays put and waits to see who responds or comes, but her unworldly senses tell her it is a lion.
For what felt like several long moments, Giza stayed still, the sound of her heart about pounding into her ears. She took a few steady breaths, nothing immediately having come to eat her yet. She lifted her paw, eyeing the snapped bone beneath, a chill rushing down her spine a moment before she shook herself. 'Remain calm Giza.' she mentally told herself. Just then the sound of a roar caught her attention. Her ears swiveled atop her head and she paused. The roar didn't hold any trace of ill intent, but seemed more welcoming. Though as quickly as it sounded, it also stopped and Giza found herself pressing forward, quickly though not at a run, more of a brisk walk, towards the direction the roar had come. She followed it, pressing through some large fronds that seemed almost impenetrable until she found herself breaking into a clearing. As the last of the wide leaved plants fall behind her, her green gaze falls upon the spotted lion, a coat Giza had never seen before. She stands silent a moment, beholding the other's beauty. Had she really found Khalima?
