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 Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 10:56 pm
The long-legged lion padded quickly past the mound of boulders, the wind catching his fluffy mane. This wasn't his home and he didn't wish to stay any longer than necessary, prefering to get back to his den for the night. Besides, who was to say that the lions on this territory were friendly? He thought he was in the Pridelands, and if he was then there was nothing to fear, but if he was mistaken... well, that could be a deadly mistake.
Mtani slowed, pressing his back against a cool boulder. It was rather windy that night and it whipped through his fur, making him squint his eyes to block particles of dirt in the breeze. Of course, his den was upwind, and he was struggling against it. His eyes watered and mane grew tangled, so finally, he grunted and padded around the other side of the boulder, sheltered from the wind.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:07 pm
Kit was out for a stroll, as she normally was at night. The earlier breeze had been pleasant but now the wind was vicious and she, too, kept getting bits of things in her eyes. The pile of boulders ahead looked like a safe shelter until she could get home, so, with a spark of hope, she loped towards them, chilled to the bone.
As she pushed her way to the largest and most sheltered, however, she was caught by surprise by the fact there was already a lion there. She didn't recognize him - he was pale was hundreds of spots across his body, and a shaggy blue-gray mane. For a moment she tensed up, since he was scruffy and looked especially roguish from the wind, but she relaxed when he looked just as surprised and nervous as she did.
"Hey," she said, offering a smile. "Do you mind if we share? It's too windy out there for me to make it back home safely."
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:09 pm
Indeed, Mtani looked a bit uncomfortable. Not only was he being kept away from the comfort of his home, but now he was stuck here with a female that he had never met. Still, she seemed nice enough, and so he gave a hesitant nod and scooted over, watching as she curled up against the boulder as well.
"Go ahead," he said. "My name is Mtani... I hope I'm not trespassing."
He frowned, waiting for her reply. She made no effort to chase him off so he relaxed slightly, sliding to his belly as well, tucking his legs under his chest for warmth.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:16 pm
"Trespassing? Well, you're in the Pridelands, but I doubt it's considered trespassing. From what I've seen, lions are allowed to pass through here." She smiled. "I live here, and my mate and I just sort of entered and asked to join."
Kit's smile brightened. "Mtani, huh? My name is Kitengele, but I go by Kit. So, Mtani, you don't live here? Where do you live?" Her tail curled around her haunches as she waited patiently.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:24 pm
Mtani let out a breath of relief. This was the Pridelands! Good - he knew they were they were peaceful lions, so he had nothing to worry about. "Kit, huh? Nice to meet you." He shivered slightly. "Some wind. It's pretty intense. Is that how it usually is around here? I live near the Southlands, and it can get windy, but it's never this bad..."
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:28 pm
"No, it's usually much calmer and warmer than this," she said. "I never would've left my den if I had known it would get this bad!" Kit smiled.
"So, you're just passing through?" She frowned. "The Southlands? Have you heard of a lioness named Roho? A friend of mine said that she's trying to claim the entirity of the Southlands for her own. He's been attacked by her several times. She's vicious and completely evil. I hope you're on the outskirts."
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:31 pm
Mtani scowled. "Yes, I've heard of her, and had an encounter myself, though thankfully nothing happened because she had some cubs with her. Warned me to leave, but couldn't chase me off because the cubs were a bit rambunctious. I was a bit worried about them, but left, since I didn't want to get on her bad side."
"Anyway, yes, I'm fairly close to the Pridelands, so hopefully she won't be any trouble. Your friend... does he live in the Southlands?"
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:34 pm
"Good! I'd advise you to stay out of the heart of the Southlands. From what I've heard, that's where she's set up camp. No, Kiwi lives here in the Pridelands, but he had an encounter with her before she settled there. They were both traveling in the area between the Unity Walkers and the Pridelands, and unfortunately for him, crossed paths. It's too bad, really, because he's a kind and peaceful lion... not the type to fight back, even against such a vicious lioness."
Kit stretched out a paw and licked it, running it over her ears. "Ugh, there's so much dirt flying around out there. I'm lucky I still have my vision! Have you been hiding in here for very long?"
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:39 pm
The pale lion followed suit, rasping his rough tongue over the fur on his leg. "No," he said between licks. "In fact, right after I stopped here, you showed up." He smiled slightly. "I'd really like to get home soon - I'm a bit uncomfortable being away for long periods of time - but it's not like I have a whole lot of choice. At least I have some company. It'd be awful if I was trapped here, all alone."
"So, Kit... have you ever been to the graveyard? A bit of a morbid question, I guess, but you resemble the heir for the throne quite strongly."
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:43 pm
Kit brightened significantly. Mtani knew, or at least knew of, her father! "Kikausha? Yes, he's my father!"
"So, does that make you the Maziko princess?" Mtani asked with a smile.
Blushing, she replied, "Technically, yes, but I'm not the heir or anything... I suppose that would be my brother." There was a sharp pain in her chest. The heir had been Dhamisa, but now that she was missing... she shook it off. "I left the pride to come to the Pridelands because the graveyard is so dark and depressing. I was afraid my father would be upset, but he was so wonderful and understanding." She smiled.
The wind still whistled outside and Kit yawned. "I should get back home... Ash will be worrying about me, but I don't want to travel in this. Do you mind if I rest for a bit?"
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:55 pm
"Sure thing, Kit, no problem. I'll keep watch. If the wind stops before the sun rises, I'll wake you up, but if not, then I'll let you sleep."
Kit smiled and curled up into a tight ball, burying her nose into her tail. The space within the boulders was still cool, but much warmer than outside, especially with the body heat from the two lions. Eventually, she drifted asleep.
A few hours passed and slowly, the wind began to calm down. Mtani was drifting off himself, but he was still listening, and as the shrill whine from the wind died down, he opened his eyes.
"Kit?" he murmured, reaching out a paw and nudging her softly. "Kit, I think it's safe for us to go home."
Kit's eyelids fluttered as he stirred her from her sleep, and she yawned. "Hmm? Ash?... oh, Mtani." Her muscles tensed as she stretched and finally she rose, shaking herself off. "Thanks for waking me."
Poking her nose outside, she nodded. "Looks nice enough to me. I should be going - Ash must be having a fit now." Turning, she offered Mtani a warm smile. "Nice meeting you... maybe we'll meet again!" With that, she padded out, heading home.
"You too, Kit," Mtani murmured, before leaving, heading for his own den.
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