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 Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 8:47 pm
The lioness laid in front of the entrance to her den, paws curled comfortably around one another, casual, relaxed, content. It had been a while since she had ventured too far from the den, lucky enough to have befriended a lion or lioness or two that helped her immensely with the hunting, with seven mouths to feed plus her own. It helped, also, to have Nairobi, the Ratel with the strict disposition who had helped with both litters. She was off doing something on her own now though, Nairobi, that was.
These days the "cubs" were already almost grown, wandering on their own and together more and more, but especially Katiti. That girl had a mind all her own indeed.
Changing her mind, Kimya laid out a foreleg in favor of beginning to groom, smoothing down the rich brown fur that she had unknowingly inherited from her mother. Strange, she'd always assumed they were father's colors, and never thought about the fact that Kimya so little resembled their litter.
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Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:55 pm
It was evident by the change of the landscape and the foreign scents within the air that, once again, the crimson and black striped male had wandered off once again. His wandering paws had again dragged him onwards, leading him into the uknown which seemed to keep him on alert and mindful that he was the outsider here and many places intended on keeping such creatures from out and away from tainting their own 'bloodline'. A grin seemed to tug at his maw as a deep chuckle rose from his throat, black ears flickering as he seemed give his walk a slight swagger. The day seemed typical along with the heat which always seemed to be attracted to his thick, tapered mess of a mane and of course the stripes that adorned his body- one of the very attributes that he wished the sun would find quite unappealing and cease to bother with.
Yet as such a wish could never be granted, the young adult male shook his head as his eyes seemed to drift across the horizon, intaking the very peculiar sights before him as he was slighty begining to get a slight feel for this place. If memory served him correctly, the cogs of his mind no doubt seemed to recognize that iconic monument of Pride Rock towering over any animal or tree within eyesight with its structure looking as if it was being basked within the sun in a certain aspect of glory and-
"Glory? Pe'haps- but it's somethin' dat I don' quite 'ave a feel fo'. Pridelands aren' quite familiar or within' much int'res ta any warrior; peace an' prosperity 'ere is all," the lion reasoned with himself, snorting softly as he turned his gaze away and settled his crimson orbs back upon the trail before him.
Duzi himself wasn't quite interested in lurking closer to Pride Rock for the moment as it seemed that a twinge of an ufamiliar scent seemed to drift upon a passing breeze. Although given that much, if not most, everything was new to him such a simple scent seemed to strike a certain curiosity within him. Oh the possibilities that could arise! Yet it seemed as scent was wafting stronger within the air that the distinctions were becoming a bit more noticable.
The male inhaled a deep breath as the scent seemed to tickle his nostrils.
Wait-
Female.
Yes. So at least there was no need to tense or will his adrenaline to begin to course throughout his body yet some females were known to be vicious and even beat up other males. Well god knows Duzi hoped that this wouldn't be the case- a shame to have to fight and attempt to soothe a voracious, angry soul with a smooth tongue.
Drifting coser as he was begining to see a figure within the distance, the young male canted his head slightly, brows knitting as he squinted his eyes slightly.
Well there was only one thing to do wasn't there.
"Afty, Miss." He called out, though still quite a distance between them the last thing he wanted was to startle her. A warning seemed well fitted for such a sitution. Casually strolling onwards with an easy step and a slight swagger in his walk which was always such a natural occurance, Duzi smiled.
"Beautiful day isn' it?"
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Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:26 pm
Kimya's gaze haulted abruptly, lifting to look out ahead. Who was that approaching on the horizon? Another pride member? Not that she'd know the difference with as little as she socialized. Kimya rose cautiously to her paws. She hadn't a mean bone in her body, but she'd defend her children with her life if the need came. Otherwise, though, she was harmless, and it likely showed.
"It is... and... you are?" She questioned quietly, eyes concerned but not accusing.
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Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:58 pm
In reguards to keeping a comfortable distance between the two of them, Duzi yeilded several feet away from her yet kept a warm smile to grace across his maw. His posture was loose, lacking any form of tension or taunt nature as he stood there while his tail seemed to sway behind him looking as if it was caught within an isolated breeze. From the little of which he was familiar with the Pridelands, Mpinduzi seemed to take a bit more precaution in knowing that if he was invading a mothers territory that he could be facing quite a hell of a stand off but as his eyes seemed to trace her figure and her overall posture it seemed as if that thought was wisked away and become quickly obsolete.
From how she presented herself and stood Duzi could easily decipher that she too seemed rather quite cautious, perhaps unexpectant of a visitor to pass by this way yet wary of him like he was of her.
Often he had heard of others being able to look into the eyes of another as many seemed to believe that the eyes were windows to ones own soul and as Duzi found his own crimson orbs to level with those of the lioness before him it was there he found a mix of emotions; hesitation, concern, curiosity and a slight alarm yet malicious and vile expressions seemed absent and extinct within her eyes.
With due respect, Duzi lowered his head as his tapered mane seemed to sway. "Name's Mpinduzi- o' Duzi fo' short, Miss," he replied sweetly, his voice holding a slight deepness to it yet accompanied by a silky tone. "'m jus' passin' through' an' I didn' mean ta' alarm ya an' I assure ya I'm no' lookin' ta' make a row o' no'hin." With an easy motion and shift of his body, Duzi sat back upon his haunches as his tail curled aroud his body.
"So whut's yo' name, miss?"
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:37 pm
He spoke so oddly... sort of... similar, but not, to her brother, Kamal. Why did it seem like she was running into more and more lions like this? Not that it bothered her, except to remind her of home.
"Oh... it's alright... I'm naturally jumpy anyway." She offered a small smile in mild embarrassment, but at least partly bashful as well. "My name is Kimya'ukilia, just Kimya for short." She answered, gradually settling on her haunches again.
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:03 pm
Ah! When was the last time he could relax? That good feeling was stirring inside of him, easing himself into observing the lioness before him with attention as his crimson eyes seemed to follow every curve and line of her body. As of lately the old habits which kept him on his toes and even entertained were falling short- the rebellion off in the Firekins domain was mentioned to already of begun to attract both the attention and the strength of others who seemed rather anxious and restless to shed blood and stand up for their beliefs and values. Such a thought made a smile lightly tug at his maw and soft chuckle rise form his throat. The times were changing and he was certain, like the Rebels, that the old ways were dying and a new generation of beliefs and followers were coming to power. Although his intense and whole hearted beliefs seemed to enstill a certain feeling of victory already and a stride, there certainly was a mild sadness that he hid.
Oh that invisible mask upon his face was such a clever tool at hiding his real emotions behind those crimson orbs, wasn't it?
There was no time to let such emotions toll upon him. Damnit, he was a hell of a lion and lately it seemed that the tensions upon his heart seemed to grown taunt slowly with Rin having left to join both Kidondo and No to fight. She was one of the few that understood him; someone he trusted with his own life and that sickly, horrid void of a feeling left inside of him never did settle well or was something he could be customed to living with and, for the time, he'd have to find some way to numb the pain just a bit.
As a gentle breeze seemed to wisp tapered, black pieces of mane in his face, Duzi let a small smile slid across his maw. It seemd that his old antics were slowly kicking out from under the dust as he took a step forwards, smiling up to her with a flash of pearly whites.
"Ah, well I'd 'hate ta' sta'tle ya even more. Seems like sum'times dat some blokes and sheila's can get a bit riled up o' defe'sive when a newcom'er comes around but its good ta' see a friendly face. Some places on ta' outskirts seem ta' lack smiles an' such; its good ta' know dat' dey ain' lost 'roun 'ere," he commented.
Black ears flickered as his tail thumped upon the ground. Ah- Mpinduzi couldn't help but smile a bit wider.
"A pleas'a Kimya," he replied, lowering his head in due respect and rising it upwards once again to level with her eyes. "Quite a lovely name ya' 'ave."
He was curious- rather interested in getting to know the female who he had stumbled upon. From the looks of her she seemed meek, kind and vastly different from other females whom he had run into time and time again. Duzi canted his head yet again, his posture and body language relaxed and loose as his tail swayed upon the ground and curled a bit around his body. His weight shifted as he rose to his paws in a fluid motion- paws rolling from off the ground as he neared her with a slight swagger.
"So tell me, love, why are ya' sittin all ta' way ou 'ere all alone? Seems strange ta' see a lovely lioness such as ya'self ou' 'ere jus' catchin' some sun. O' pe'haps ya' playin' a bit 'ard ta' get an' keepin away from all o' ta' blokes. 's dat' it?" His voice was smooth, silky as his unique accent seemed to draw out his words again adorned with a warm smile.
His motion had directed him to walk slowly around her, heading towards a rather large rock and leaping up upon its face while the rest of his body hunkered down a top of it; paws crossed, eyes still focused upon her and already attepting to conjure a bit of charm.
Try as he might it certainly was something that he had quite a hard time trying to ignore. Duzi couldn't help but show his chivalrous side and make a good female blush; though Rin was not around, it seemed as if even more his old habits were breathing again. And to be noted the male wasn't looking for gain or anything slovenly or disrespectful. Simply put all of his sly tactics and flirt had been cramming his head for so long that he couldn't stop it; maybe today he'd get some reward or feel a bit better if he made someone else smile.
The cogs of his mind began to turn as he mused with a sweet voice.
"O' maybe I jus' 'appened ta' catch an angel whose fallen 'rom 'bove. I jus' hope ya' fall didn' 'urt too much."
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:21 pm
Kimya was just beginning to suspect that his mood wasn't up where it could, or perhaps should, be but before she could think further on it he seemed to shift gears. Now she was being complimented, and before she knew it her eyes had widened, taken completely off guard. Her mouth fell open briefly before snapping shut again, and if lions -could- blush, she certainly would have been then.
"Oh... I, no, I'm not--!" She attempted to protest, ears swiveling back on her head with simple embarrassment. It wasn't that she disliked the compliments, per say, but she never knew what to say in return, and wasn't quite confident enough to simply accept them either. Finally giving up she simply looked as horribly embarrassed as she felt, though not actually upset, so to say. "You needn't use such flattery. I trust that if the scouts let you through, there's no reason to distrust you..."
Oh dear, she thought he was trying to butter her up! It wasn't the first time she'd been complimented, but, after failing to find a male that would actually stick around for more than a one night frolic, she began to doubt her ability to appeal "enough" to the opposite sex.
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:46 pm
Ah- it seemed as if the right reaction was expressed and Duzi seemed to chuckle softly, leaning slightly to the left as his tail flicked side to side with a rhythmic motion. Just as he expected; his tongue was still rather smooth and well equipped with compliments that seemed to stop a female in its own mindset and current train of thought. Embarrassment seemed to spread across her face quickly- along with a lack of words and perhaps a bit upset was it? It wasn't as if he hadn't seen it before as Rin was a bit too stubborn in complimenting and winning over that she made it a hell of a battle before the two of them could actually admit it one after the other the feelings which they shared. But now it seemed that Duzi was at least finding someone else to grace his words with but, at the same time, she seemed a bit flustered- a minute sliver of it perhaps? She was certainly a bit hard to read!
"Flattery? Love please- can't a bloke at leas' speak ta' truth?" The crimson and black stirped male replied, knitting his brows slightly as he shifted his position- body laying on its side while his eyes seemed captivated and lured to her. "Certainly it doesn' do any good tryin' ta' deny it, now does it?"
Black ears flickered as his head tilted slightly. She was rather a bit peculiar but certianly that wouldn't stop him; oh no not at all! Even now he found himself curious even more and dare he say intrigued? A broader smile tugged at his maw as the rather large male rolled up to all fours and stood upon the rock face.
"I'm sure ta' blokes 'round 'ere are jus' crazy fo' ya. I'm sure ya've broken 'earts an' 'ave quite a line o' potentials jus' waitin' on ya' paw fo' a chance ta' be wid' ya, eh? So what's the numba's lookin like? Five males, ten pe'haps? But on accoun' of seein' dat' ta' beauty which ya' 'ave is breathtakin' I'm willin' ta' raise ta' stakes ta' sayin' ta' whole pride's afta' ya."
Mpinduzi leapt downwards onto the ground, several feet away from the lioness as he stretched his paws forward and slinked low towards the ground in a stretch. Oh did that feel good!
"There mus' be a hell of a lis' o' males waitin' fo' a shot, eh?"
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:45 pm
Kimya's ears flattened to her head this time with a bit more of a subdued and saddened expression. Oh, if he just had any idea how wrong he was.
"No... none."
She tried something different this time, tried to laugh it off, tried to roll it off her shoulders, to keep an optimistic front. She'd gotten herself into plenty of "trouble" before giving males an opening to think she needed to be pitied. That was how she ended up with her last litter, heavens bless them.
"No. Though I suppose finding them isn't the problem, so much as finding one that will stay." She smiled.
It didn't reach her eyes.
"But... thank you, thank you for the compliment." She should be embarrassed, getting depressed, mopey even the slightest bit. She didn't resent Al-Hattal, or the males that had come and go in her life, save for that very first one, that attacker, but even that was fear and not just resentment. She'd never find one to stay, she was certain of that. It wasn't unheard of, her mother was single to this day after all, maybe Kimya was meant to remain single and "alone" too?
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 1:53 pm
It seemed as of lately good lioness's were hard to find. Though it was true that he did find Rin, Duzi seemed certain that most of the females around the surrounding prides and clans were most likely unavailable and males seemed to stake their claims fast and get on with the ritual of love and everything that included in that genre. Though being an individual who didn't like to move too damn fast or make a fool of himself, Duzi was acustomed to having to wait things out or at least try to entice his subject into getting somewhere before he could make the first step.
But what was this?
His brows knitted slightly as his jaw seemed to slack, eyes blinking for a moment. Clearly that was a bad move on his part and even watching her change of expression seemed to make that evident. Perhaps there was a way to at least make her smile rather than drive her deeper?
"Well, well," he mused, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth as he shook his head.
"'Den ta' otha' blokes don' know what th'ere missin'! 'dose blokes aren' worth havin' ya o' worth ya' time, love. Ya betta' 'den dat, 'eally, an' deserve betta'. Ya migh' not believe it o' think 'm off ma' rock'a but I can see it."
Mpinduzi's cogs within his mind were turning, trying to at least formulate something to help the lioness bounce back. Facial expressions and body language seemed to be quite a key in deciphering an individuals thoughts and current feelings and, at the moment, Kimya seemed rather downtrodden. Even still the thought of how any male could just up and leave her baffled him; those blokes seemed to be either blind or simply weren't accustom to beauty or finding a diamond in the rough. Let them have their worthless prizes, then! It seemed as if today was his good fortune or at least he was lucky enough to stumble upon her. Frowns never did look pretty on a lioness.
"I betcha' 'dose blokes will be lookin' back an jus' regrettin' leavin' ya! Wishin' an' pleadin' ta be wid' ya but soona' o lata' ya won' even rememba' their names," he chuckled, nodding his head with a smile.
"Ya know if ya' need someone' ta pay 'em a visit I'd be mo' than 'appy too. If anyone of' 'em are givin' ya a 'ard time 'den let me know. I'll teach 'em a thing o' two o' 'ave a nice chat 'wid em."
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:08 pm
More words that she'd heard before, promises, smooth talking, but it was alright. Though Kimya had a harder and harder time believing such things coming from strangers with each passing day, it also served to make her stronger.
So then why was there this odd feeling lingering?
"Oh, no, that's not neccessary... I can't really be angry. I wouldn't have my children if it weren't for them, and I've managed to make a few friends here, they've been a great help."
Change the subject, or at least try, talking about herself for so long was a strange new concept. She was a fish out of water.
"... What about you, Duzi? Do you live here, or are you passing through?" She tilted her head a bit, curious.
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:53 pm
Though with only a minor hint into Kimya's own experiences dealing with males, heartaches and heartbreaks, Duzi tried to keep the harm away as best he could and the discomfort level minimal. Even still the cogs of his mind continued to turn yet alongside his smooth words and chivalrous apporach it seeme deep down something was stirring. Could it be possible? It was certainly strange- uexpected but he could feel something flowing through his veins. For now Duzi tried to ignore it for it very well could be simply a figment of his imagination or feelings which Rin had left behind with the male.
Mpinduzi shook his head, smiling warmly as he tried to keep those away from the moment. The last thing he wanted was to scare her away and think he was some sort of creep. He really wasn't; her was more of a chivalrous and caring bloke rather than someone whom wanted to hurt and take advantage of a female.
Although his large stature and rugged appearance, Duzi was really a cuddly teddy bear deep down.
He nodded his head, understanding her yet finding himself a bit curious. The male couldn't help but admire her; living without hate and being thankful for the challenges certainly seemed to build her up. Kimya seemed to embrace life- taking whatever she got and never trading it fo the world. Secretly he wished he could be more like that.
"Ah- I admi'a ya' fo' dat Kimya- hates somethin' dat's consumes an' takes energy. Ya gotta be strong ta' be like 'dat," he commented, smiling as he emphasized with yet another nod of his head.
"Ya not like otha' lionesses."
As the subject seemed to shift, Duzi chuckled softly and leaned back upon his haunches. His rugged, thick tail thumped casually upon the ground as he pursed his lips slightly. "'m afraid 'm jus' passin' through, love. I wish I could say I 'ad a home but it seems as if 'm jus' a vagrant fo' now jus' livin' each day as' it comes, ya'know? Though I 'ave ta' admit 'm still gettin' a bit use ta 'dese lands- I'm not from 'round 'ere an 'm still gettin' a feel fo' it all."
He shifted slightly, unable to keep from smiling.
"Anythin' else I ca tell ya, 'm an open book."
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 10:13 pm
"Thank you..." She meant it. She lifted her eyes again as she settled down to sit, trying not to be flustered now that she thought about the close proximity he'd just been keeping. "It's probably the one thing that I get from my mother, without a doubt." A small smile. She didn't see much of Kinja these days. Loved her, still thought about her, just didn't see much of her. It was a happy memory, just nostalgic. Surely she couldn't keep on with this depressed or even somber attitude though. Duzi was trying so hard...! "You look... almost like her, but, stripes. She doesn't have stripes. Or a mane."
She couldn't stifle a giggle at that, covering her muzzle with a paw anyway to try to muffle the sound of her laughter at her own sudden realization.
"Sorry. Mm... take it from someone who knows. It doesn't hurt to travel... one day your heart will tell you when it's time to settle. It'll tell you when you've found home. Mine did."
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 10:43 pm
Duzi's crimson orbs couldn't help but settle easily upon her as a warm smile seemed to tug and broaden across his maw. He nodded his head, curious and rather intrigued. He flicked his ears, shoulders relaxing even more to new heights as the feelings that once surfaced seemed to rise again. For Duzi it was somewhat confusing; they seemed persistant yet he still felt as if they were only a figment of his imagination or perhaps just genuine feelings that needed to be expressed. It certainly was strange yet, at the same time, he wasn't quite refusing them just yet.
The young adult chuckled, grinning at Kimya's comment. "Oh 's dat so? Well crimson is quite a catchy col'a an' stripes aren' 'dat grand. Ta' only thing that I'm glad ta' know is dat' manes a'still fo' boys- I think I'd lose ma' edge if sheila's started sportin' manes."
He couldn't help but cant his head, listening to her laughter with her paw. It seemed strange and though he was rather curious of hearing it he still couldn't bear to rush onwards and feel as if he was pressuring her. That wasn't his style and nor could he settle knowing that he was conning someone. While Kimya continued talking, Duzi's black ears perked upwards. As he had traveled for so long he had yet to even gain insight from his own heart of where he would seem to fit in or be able to settle. Had he not reached that point yet?
Mpinduzi's brows knitted slightly, lips pursed. "I wish I could say 'dat I've 'eard it tell me where ta' go but.. well I neva' 'ave. How do ya' know? How did ya figure out 'dat ya wanted ta be 'ere or belonged in ta' pridelands?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 11:16 pm
Oblivious, or perhaps just plain, old fashioned, down right naive. Either way, Kimya was "conviniently" unaware of how odd these feelings were or weren't, or more so the fact that they were there.
"Yes, a good thing indeed. That would get confusing." Another soft grin. "Well... I didn't at first. I've been wandering for a long, long time. I wanted my daughter to have someplace safe to grow, though. I was attacked almost constantly in the rogue lands, and I didn't want that for her. The lions here are all so kind, though. It was the first time I was able to make real friends, then came my second litter." She laughed again, this time unhindered, soft and somewhat short lived. It was a laugh of genuine joy, memory, mirth. "Seven of them this time. From one to seven, and again I had help from my friends here....... and, I guess this sort of just became home. It's close to my mother, and I just can't see myself anywhere else anymore."
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