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 Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:35 am
The lion trotted near the borders of the Pridelands, too shy to actually cross but curious nonetheless. Mchumba had found himself drawn to the borders more and more, intrigued by the mysteries of the unknown. It amazed him to think that there was so much more than the Pridelands. . . .lands he called home, lands he had memorized as a cub, lands he thought were huge and endlessly expansive.
But it was strange that he could come to a place where 'home' ended and 'somewhere else' began. As a cub and juvenille he hadn't been brave enough to travel. Not only would his mother disapprove but it didn't make sense for him to leave; he had everything he wanted within the Pride. . . .didn't he? Even now, there was no reason for him to leave, no reason for him to give up what he knew.
His mother was here, even if he doubted she half-remembered him. His sister was around, but once again, he doubted if she'd notice if he disappeared. His brothers too were off in their own world. . . but they were still his family, still his rock. . . Besides, he was just a male. He wasn't meant to be adventurous or outgoing. . . Heck, he didn't even know how to hunt! Not . . not really at any rate. And goodness only knew he'd get scolded if he dirtied his pelt or broke a front claw. . . .
No, it wasn't his place to leave. He was just Mchumba, and in all honesty, growth and maturity pointed out that he wasn't much of anything important. He was a nobody in the pride, he had no close friends, and his family had all but forgotten about him. Other cubs had quickly found him strange, though he didn't know why. . . . Some dubbed him lazy (but wasn't that what he was supposed to be?) and heaven forbid he meet any girls. Even though grown, the lion was still rather terrified of the female species. . .
They were indeed so much better than him. They were stronger, tougher, wiser, brighter. They were creatures to be respected and revered, but also scared of. . . They were something he would never be, no matter how hard he once wished. Instead he could only treat them as they were meant to be treated, nothing short of perfection.
Tail swishing, the vibrantly coated lion gave a small shake of his head. Silly for him to be so close to the borders anyway. It wasn't as if he'd be able to defend himself, not really. . . He was big but he wasn't very strong for a male his size; and he certainly was a bit pathetic on the fighting front. And that was the understatement of the year. . . .
Heaving a sight, Mchumba paused beneath the shade of a tree. His coat was dust covered enough just from the walk, best to clean it before someone saw his sorry lot and possibly reported back to his mother. It never occurred to the lion that he'd need to (figuaratively speaking) cut the umbilical chord. His mother was his life, in a sense, because she was the only stability he understood. It didn't occur to him that there was more than her thoughts and judgment and opinions.
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Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 11:46 pm
Amesi was still upset at being dumped back into the Pridelands. The place was beautiful, that much she couldn't deny, and there was always plenty of activities to partake in and endless new faces to meet. But it was still only the Pridelands, stationary and never changing. She missed the outside world, where she could go from one landscape to the next and meet lions so vastly different it was amazing they were all of the same species. She missed the freedom, the adventure, the joy of simply being out and exploring. But, most of all, she missed her great great grandmother. The goddess of the past, Koya. She frowned slightly, and that frown quickly turned into a glare as she flexed her claws.
She wasn't normally a violent lioness, and in fact never got angry enough to even think about swiping at someone. But she simply felt so peeved to have been left back in the Pridelands like she was some package being delivered. Some cub being toted around wherever the adults saw fit.
It was true, she loved seeing her father again, although she was disappointed to learn that her mother was no longer with him. He seemed sad at this, but attempted to put on a happy front while his favorite daughter was staying with him. Amesi saw through it, but went along with it for the sake of her father. She knew how fragile he was, and how dependent he was on those that were closest to him. To have lost her mother... she shook her head, not wanting to think about what could have possibly happened to make the pair split. It saddened her, and made her wonder if two lions could ever be together forever.
But that wasn't the issue on hand that she was bothered with. She still couldn't believe she had allowed herself to be left back into the Pridelands, to be watched over like some cub who had just begun to open its eyes. It was downright degrading.
"Dirty dirt," she mumbled, not making much sense as she paced back and forth, kicking up dirt every so often. And, occasionally, she would catch a small pebble and toss it a ways. "Stupid rock." She flicked her tail in exasperation. She was at the borders of the Pridelands, looking out into the roguelands beyond. The Pridelands would always be her home, but for some reason she felt wrong being there. She wanted to get back out into the world, to continue on her adventures. Out there, she felt like she belonged. Here, she just felt like a nuisance, a burden because she couldn't contribute in any way because of her illness. It irritated her more, and she blew air out of her nose angrily.
She was at the edge of the Pridelands, and she could easily slip away unnoticed. There were no guards about, and she knew where Koya had gone. At least, the general direction. But then she remembered her father, how alone he was, and instantly felt guilty.
"I have no choice but to wait," she sighed, settling down and gazing longingly out past the borders of the Pridelands. She completely missed the fact that there was a rather brightly colored lion heading her way.
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Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 1:52 am
The lion had just begun to groom his coat when his eyes settled on a stranger. Tongue sticking haphazardly out of his mouth, the lion froze as his green eyes focused on the form. Whoever it was, it was without a doubt a she, and one he'd never seen before. (Not that that was surprising, the numbers in the Pridelands were ridiculously huge. . .) The lioness was stalking towards him, flicking her tail now and then in what could only appear to be a most irritated fashion. Her coat was of the purest white with ebony stripes raining down her back. Her body language was easy enough to read as she stomped near the borders, and Mchumba couldn't stop his ears from flattening in fear.
Oh . . . Oh Spirits she was heading right for him!
Realizing his tongue was still half-glued to his shoulder, the lion decided that now was nott the time to groom. He hoped the girl wasn't looking for a fight, but he was concerned. . . . She didn't look the least delighted to be here. Slinking down low, despite his large size, the fluffy purple and pink Mchumba finally found his sense. His mother and sister had tempers and got angry and he always found a way to try to butter them up. It wasn't right for a lady to be unhappy, it was his job to try to make them feel better, right? But. . . even strangers?
Yeah, he was sure his mother-dearest would be most displeased if she found out her grown son was treating the ladies of the pride as nobodies. No, each and every one of them was far more special than he could ever hope to be, just because they were ladies! Lucky for them, really. Clearing his throat, both to tentatively capture Amesi's attention but to also try to find his voice, Mchumba spoke. "Uh. . . . e-excuse me, M-miss," he stumbled over his words, despite being full grown. "B-but are you . . . are you going to be all right?" He winced and shrunk back, half-expecting her to turn her anger on him. He'd take it, wouldn't fight back of course, but he also understood that sometimes ladies didn't like to be bothered when in such a mood.
At least the spirits could say he was trying. . . . He genuinely wanted to make the stranger feel a little better, if she were indeed upset. Too late he realized that some lions were just plum grumpy all the time.
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Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 3:52 pm
Amesi remained completely oblivious to the presence of the other Pridelander. She was too busy thinking and daydreaming, wishing that she could help in some way to find the cure to the curse. She was, after all, the main reason why Koya was teaming up with this other god in the first place. She shook her head, thinking that everything bad in her life and the lives of others was somehow traced back to her. If she hadn't been born cursed...
She was unable to continue her thoughts any further, however, as her sensitive audits picked up the sound of another's voice. She blinked, thinking for a moment that she was hallucinating. The last she had checked, she was completely alone. Had one of the guards made the rounds and was now coming to force her back within the boundaries? She sighed, exasperated. It seemed that she would never have the freedom to do as she wished.
Turning towards the sound of the voice, she realized that she didn't recognize the other. The first thing that crossed her mind was that this was a rogue, wanting to enter the Pridelands. Yet then she quickly threw that option out, deducing from his bright coat that he was in fact a Pridelander. Besides, he seemed genuinely frightful and concerned about her wellbeing. She had ventured enough to know that not all rogues were generally like that. It was a trait she had found mostly within the Pridelands, as everyone within the pride seemed rather friendly and easygoing.
Huffing, she shrugged then looked back out towards the roguelands. She had been irritated with her family, but this male had done nothing to wrong her. As such, she wouldn't take her exasperation out on him.
"I'm just a little miffed because of my family. No big deal." Blue eyes studied him hard, and she wondered how long he had been living here, or if he had been born here. She had been away for such a long time that she hardly knew anyone in the Pridelands anymore.
"I'm Amesi," she piped, seeming more cheerful than before. "Who're you?"
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Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:49 pm
The lion watched as the female approached, still partially cringing, intimidated by her body language but concerned nonetheless. It was a strange mix, really. It came naturally for the lion to care about others, even if they were but strangers, but at the same time he had been raised to respect females at all costs. Respect and fear. Easily a doormat for others to walk upon, that was his lot in life and he happily accepted such a position. He had been sheltered and protected and knew no other way of life.
Still, he was relieved that the striped lioness chose to restrain her discontent. He didn't feel claws against his fur (thankfully, that meant he wouldn't scar!) and for the most part she seemed. . . .distracted? He gaze kept scanning the horizon, as if she were searching for someone or something. Out past the borders, in to the unknown. Turning his green gaze out to peer where she might be looking, all Mchumba saw was unfamiliarity. For the most part it looked like another extension of the Pridelands, but rogues lived out that way. . . strangers. . . . danger. . . a world he had yet to discover and doubted he ever would.
"Oh," he started, turning back to peer at the striped lioness after she spoke of her troubles. He found her staring at him, and he dipped his head lower in a submissive gesture despite his large and plush size. "Well uh . . ." He didn't dare poke and pry where he was unwanted, but at the same rate, if she were upset then it was a big deal. "I hope that whatever troubles you can get resolved soon." Generic answer but his voice was sincere and he offered a small encouraging smile nonetheless. And that was the truth! Mchumba didn't like to see anyone upset or irritated. . . . Happiness was the key to existence, as far as he understood; and he wished happiness on everyone.
Relaxing lightly as Amesi introduced herself, the two-toned lion's smile grew. See, she was starting to relax some; maybe he could help her have a good day yet! "Tis an honor to meet you, Miss Amesi!" He added, his words genuine once more. "I'm Mchumba." He wanted to ask if the white and black lady was a new member, but feared poking and prying too much. Regardless where she came from, it wasn't his place to bother. He worried she would soon grow irritated of him, or stomp off in agitation and anger. If he spoke too much he would be a nuisance and heaven forbid he upset a lioness! He'd learned from his family that males were frequently to be seen and not heard. . . . They were weak, vain things and their life was to do nothing more than make sure they stayed out of the lioness' way.
"May the s-spirits let you have a g-great rest of your day," he added quietly, meekly, almost afraid to speak. But there, he was shutting up now, seriously! For REAL! Averting his gaze, he fell quiet and was sure the lioness wouldn't waste her time on him any further.
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Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 7:26 pm
Amesi admitted that she was rather baffled by the other's behavior. He acted as if he was scared of her, or as if he expected her to lunge at him at any moment. She didn't consider herself threatening at all, and was actually the runt of her litter and so rather smaller than the usual lioness. Plus she had always considered herself sweet and friendly, not dangerous in the least. So why was he acting as if she were going to kill him? To her, everyone was a friend until proven an enemy, but even then she rarely considered those that wished her harm to be her enemies. Rather, just personalities that needed a little bringing around; someone to be their friend and make them realize that they didn't have to be so grouchy.
When the other voiced that he wished for her troubles to be resolved soon, she smiled warmly at him and wiggled slightly in excitement. "Thank you, but I don't think I'll have to wait too long. I'm jus staying here while Gran goes out to do some business." She wasn't sure if Koya's quest was a secret or not, so she opted to say as little as possible. It still sent shivers of excitement through her when she thought about the fact that she had a goddess for a relative.
She was glad to meet a friendly face, though. She had thought that she would be unhappy coming back to the Pridelands, and in the beginning she had been, but that was before she remembered that the lands were full of new faces. Just like the roguelands, she had the chance to meet new lions and make new friends. Like Mchumba, for instance. For some reason, she had failed to realize that she could have an adventure within the Pridelands. And, with this sudden realization, she found herself invigorated with new energy. This male could be her first partner on a new Prideland adventure! She liked his spirit and, though he appeared somewhat fearful, she was sure she could turn him around and make an explorer out of him yet.
And, speaking of spirits...
The white lioness tilted her head slightly, not knowing what he meant by spirits. Gods, perhaps? But the way he said it made it seem as if he was going to leave. Or, when he didn't appear to be leaving, it almost seemed to her like he wanted her to leave him alone. This made her frown.
"Am I bothering you?" she asked quietly. She hoped not, but she could always leave if that was what he wanted. It didn't occur to her that he might be thinking the same thing.
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Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 5:51 am
It was nice to be social, even if it were with another lioness. Thankfully this one didn't seem to have a temper on her, even when upset or aggravated! That was relieving. It wasn't that Mchumba didn't know how to be social, he merely had lived an incredibly sheltered life. His morals and views had been shaped differently than others and the knowledge that came along with traditional gender roles had been lost on him. As he grew, he understood there were some differences between other males his age, but surely his mother wouldn't have guided him wrong. No, he was soft and gentle, considerate and sweet. . . maybe not the strongest traits in a male, but males weren't supposed to be strong. A lioness on the other hand. . . . she was perhaps the most blessed and wonderful species ever designed!
A shame he hadn't been so lucky.
Realizing that Amesi honestly meant no harm, the big lion did begin to relax some. He sat up a bit taller even if he made sure to never keep his head above her own, and happily curled his tail around his pink stained toes. "Ah, so . . . a visit then, more of less." His green eyes brightened slightly at the idea that, if she were just visiting the pride, it must mean that she lived . . . . out there. In the big mysterious beyond. "Is the world really as different outside the borders as the stories say?" He remembered all the threats and fears that were engrained in his young cubbin' mind; but amidst the tragedy of predators, disease and all-things-evil, there were also stories of epic romance and adventures and finding oneself.
Mchumba didn't really understand why one would have to leave to 'find themself' especially as he knew he was home here in the Pridelands! But . . .well. . . . there was much the young lion didn't entirely understand. He wasn't very bright and he understood such a thing; the bullies he had met wouldn't have told him as much if it weren't true. He was only a meager male after all. . . .
If Mchumba had accidentally put off the white lioness, he hadn't meant to. Upon her question of bothering, he jerked his head up, eyes going round with both surprise and alarm. "Huh? What!?" He questioned, almost as if a snake had bit him. Oh dear. . . did she think she was a bother!? HEAVEN FORBID! "Oh no no nononono!" He hastily assured, giving a fervant shake of his head and maroon mane. "Not at all! I . . . I j-just . . . I mean. . . The real question should be if I'm b-bothering you!" Damn his nervous stutter, causing him to trip over his words. "Cause I can leave if you'd like, Miss. You just tell me to back off and I will, no questions asked." He didn't want to upset her, after all, and could only assume like his mother and sister she'd get easily frustrated with him.
He never wanted to be a bother or hassle or inconvenience; never, ever, ever!
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Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:19 pm
Amesi couldn't remember being mad at anyone, ever. Anger simply wasn't one of the emotions that took up residence within the white lioness. Her naive and childish personality prevented her from truly developing the ability to become offended, and as such she always seemed to obtain a new friend wherever she traveled. She thrived on being social, and it was all she knew. She grew up in a tight-knit and loving family, and she had always needed others around her to keep an eye on her, thanks to her physical handicap. It was all bitter sweet, since she hated being reminded of her shortcomings, but she had managed to look on the positive side; she knew that she'd never be alone and that there would always be someone there for her. Someone to talk to, someone to keep her company. And, since she was back in the Pridelands, she figured that she might as well make the most of her situation and gather up some new friends. Mchumba was an excellent start!
As the male deduced that she was simply visiting the Pridelands, a broad grin spread across her maw. "That's right!" she spoke cheerfully. "I'm staying with Daddy for a while, until Gran comes back to get me." When he brought up the stories he had heard about the roguelands, blue eyes flickered off to the side as her gaze shifted from the bi-colored lion to the lands beyond the borders. Thinking for a moment, she finally came to the conclusion that it really depended on the traveler.
"It depends where you go, really," she answered easily. "There are places just like the Pridelands, and also places completely different. There are friendly lions and... those that are not so friendly." She frowned slightly as she recalled the meeting between Koya's grandson and herself. Something had triggered him to fall into a frenzied attack, and she had been caught in the middle of it all, leaving her with a healing wound on her right forleg. It still bothered her every now and then, and oftentimes gave her a bit of a limp. But she believed in herself and was an overall resilient female. She knew she'd bounce back from the ordeal. Turning back to a lighter note, she smiled once more at the other and flicked her tail curiously. "The places outside the Pridelands are really interesting, though. There's so many new things to discover!" Tilting her head at him, she questioned, "Have you ever been outside the Pridelands?"
It was interesting simply being outside the Pridelands, exploring new lands and discovering that the world was far bigger than anyone might imagine. Certainly bigger than she had ever dreamed. But it was even more interesting to hear the tale that others had to tell, their experiences and life lessons learned in their travels. She loved nothing more than to swap stories and compare adventures, aside from actually heading out and venturing about.
Amesi had to admit that she was rather caught off guard and surprised by the male's response to her asking if she were bothering him. He suddenly developed a stutter and seemed to almost want to apologize for making her think such a thing. He was shaping up to be a strange lion, but she found herself attracted to him for that very reason. She wasn't exactly normal herself, and found it easier to bond with others who might find themselves outcasted from the inner workings of the popular crowd. Then, when he asked if he were bothering her, she couldn't help but simply giggle slightly.
"Silly!" she laughed. "Why on earth would you be bothering me? I'm the one that intruded on you." Smiling warmly, she purred slightly. "I don't want you to leave. In fact," she spoke, narrowing her eyes as if she had some sort of devious plan cooked up within her mind, "How would you like to go on an adventure with me?"
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Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 2:18 pm
((Sorry for the late tag! o__o wink )
The maroon and purple lion listened to Amesi, his emotions both intrigued and somewhat intimidated. Though he lived in a large pride, the lion honestly was a bit of a home body and didn't frequently travel. In fact, he was so in tune with his mothers ideas and attempting to please her, Mchumba really didn't have much of a life at all outside of her. Only lately had he begun to think of his own life, his own dreams and goals, but even then his conscious guilt tripped him anytime he thought about straying. The lion wasn't sure what he wanted out of his life, especially since he didn't really know any possibilities other than keeping his family (Mom in particular) happy.
Still, listening to the white lioness piqued the male's curiosity. It sounded as if she'd had a lot of experience traveling to new lands and meeting others. In fact, the more Amesi spoke, the more Mchumba felt as if the Pridelands wasn't nearly as expansive as he'd first imagined. It seemed big enough, but if there was so much space outside of it, so many different prides sprinkled around it. . . . well. . . . it just went to prove things weren't always as they seemed.
Green eyes blinked up at Amesi as she questioned his experience on travels. "Uh. . .well. . ." He started, giving a little shrug of his shoulders and a bit of a nervous smile. "I'm afraid I haven't been far off the borders ever. . . " It was pretty clear he was naive, even for a lion his age. Poor thing had been horribly sheltered all his life and was only just starting to come in to his own. He truly was unlike many within the pride, and as such he wound up tiptoeing around every female who chances his way and looked upon the other males with great confusion.
His life truly was turned upside down and inside out.
Life wouldn't be so complicated, he knew, if he'd only been born a female.
As Amesi laughed, Mchumba's spot of anxiety eased up . . . but only for a moment. Soon after the pale and striped coated femme was glaring at him! In fact, such was her expression that his ears practically pinned and he couldn't help but gulp. Uh-oh. . . what did he do to upset her now? Ah, but the spirits weren't quite so kind to the lion; where he had thought her angry, mischief was the name of her emotion and he found himself her target.
"Me?" He gasped, emerald gaze widening. "An adv-v-venture?" He could hardly spit out the world as his anxiety skyrocketed. Here the lion was at a cross-roads; he wasn't sure how he felt about adventure, he didn't even know where one might find it. But something told him it would be out there, away from the Pridelands. . . .And it would be something his mother would be most unhappy about.
On the other paw, he didn't want to upset Amesi. She was nice and wasn't bossing him around or rolling her eyes at him like some other girls did when he was younger. "I . . . I don't know," he started, tail flicking nervously as he quickly averted his gaze. "I don't know how good I'd be with that. . . . Girls are much more adventurous than guys, you know. And much better suited for it too!" Seeing as they were strong personality types, created to be the best and better than all else. "I'm just a male, you know," he reminded her gently, giving another shrug and lowering his head.
"But . . . but uh . . . ." Glancing around, as if his mother might be there to glare daggers at him, he swallowed hard and quickly added, "But so long as you forgive that . . . and the adventure isn't too terribly demanding I . . . I'd really like to try. Please. Maybe. . .if . . . ifyouwouldn'tmindterribly. . ." Mchumba did want to try something new, but he wasn't entirely sure how to go about it. Thankfully, his new companion seemed much more confident and sure of herself.
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Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 8:33 pm
Amesi wiggled her slim body slightly as she sat awaiting the male's answer to her question. If there was one thing she loved more than traveling, it was hearing of travels experienced by others. She knew that, even when in the same place, different lions often had different views on similar things. She was honest with herself and admitted that he didn't seem like the type to go off on grand adventures, but then again she supposed that neither did she. And if there was anything she despised, it was being taken for something she wasn't. So she tried to not judge him by his looks, in the very least.
When he finally gave his answer, a frown overcame her features instantly. She was a little disappointed that he hadn't traveled far from his home in the Pridelands, but in fact it also fueled her desire to take him out to do some exploring.
"Well we're just going to have to change that, aren't we?" she announced cheerfully, a smile replacing her earlier frown. The white lioness was completely unaware of how differently their views on life were. The male believed that he was a low-life male, and that females came above all else. Amesi, on the other hand, believed in making her own way and proving to everyone else that she was just as capable as any other lion out there, despite her handicap.
But her happiness soon turned to a bit of shock as she watched the male become horrified with her. She lowered her ears back and looked around herself quickly, wondering if some great monster had creeped upon them. But upon her observation, she noticed that they were completely alone. Her blue eyes settled back on him, and she tilted her head quizzically at him. She was about to ask what she had done to upset him, when he stuttered about going on an adventure. It was then that she realized that he must be scared, or perhaps nervous, and she allowed herself to ease slightly and chuckle good-heartedly.
"That's right, an adventure!" she repeated, suddenly filled with a new lust and excitement for the potential adventure. She absolutely loved the rush she got from exploring new places and finding new discoveries. She didn't want to brag, but she considered herself an expert when it came to this sort of thing.
What startled her the most, however, was when he spoke about girls being more adventurous than guys. Everything she knew told her otherwise, but here he was acting as if females truly were the superior sex! Amesi wondered vaguely if he was raised by giant women, but quickly dismissed the idea. He didn't seem too startled by her smaller-than-average size.
"Just a male?" she repeated, clearly puzzled. "But males make the best exploring partners!" she exclaimed, looking him over. Maybe not all males, but certainly in her experience they seemed more bold and willing. What was wrong with this one?
"Forgive what?" she giggled, tilting her head in the opposite direction. "You're so silly, you know that? Don't be afraid. If anything happens, we'll have each other to get out of whatever situation we end up in." She nodded her head confidently. "I'm willing to try if you are!"
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