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Now, Ilahle wasn't one to fuss over her looks often. She had natural grace and her mother was lovely, which she hoped she'd inherited. So she didn't spend time worrying about it when she could be out practising something practical - perfecting a killing blow or teaching little Huang- or simply to spend time with Kadogo. But she'd spent time today making sure her fur with clean and sleek, and that she looked good.

Best make a good impression on this Saburi that Vuvi had been keeping to himself so much. She was after all older than Ilahle and from what Ilahle'd seen a true beauty. She didn't want to arrive looking like a scruffy cub.

*

"Ilahle! You're looking lovely this evening." Vuvi greeted, appreciative as always of a pretty girl, but with a sort of proud look. Like an uncle whose niece was showing of a new dress. Only Saburi captured his attention these days, not that he'd really noticed. Speaking of which -

"Saburi should be joining us soon"

"Saburi, this is Ilahle'wamuhu. Ilahle, Saburi." Vuvi interjected swiftly. He knew how nervous Saburi was, especially when he'd mentioned that Ilahle was Nyuepe's daughter. So he moved to stand next to her. He flashed her one of his small smiles and tried to convey that everything with fine without saying so. If he wasn't such a proud creature he'd have placed his paw right next to hers. But Firekins, in general, didn't hold paws. They were strong alone.

*

"Pleased to meet you." She gave a short nod of her head and a small smile of her own, trying to to openly study Saburi. She was a bit on the small side but she was sort of sweet looking. And Ilahle was a bit envious of all her red fur. While white and black were perfectly fine colours, red was the most dominant of the Firekin colours.

"And I'm sorry for my mother's...insults. She's a good lioness but you'll find some of you younger lions are more open minded." It caused Vuvi to give her an odd look but she hoped the comment would calm the other female. No disrespect to her dear mother meant of course. It was just the times - they were a'changing.

"True enough." She admitted. But it wouldn't always be that way, and not or much longer hopefully, Ilahle knew. Just yesterday she'd been going over a plan to help some slaves get away safe from the coming civil war and she could only hope Nyeupe would choose the same side and her daughter. She adored her mother - but couldn't find it in her to discuss the rumors of unrest and sides with her. On that front Ilahle was a coward.

"But anyway. Lets not worry about that?"

*

"Yes..." Vuvi agreed, thinking it an awkward topic. He couldn't condemn Nyeupe's actions and if he wasn't attatched to Saburi, would have agreed with her in a flash. He did like Ilahle, thought her a good girl, but the things lions came out with lately!

As to Saburi moving closer, he tried not to react either way, though he was concious of her move. It was just easier that way.

Ilahle started up one of those ambling 'getting to know you chats' as they went, about favourite pastimes, stories, strengths (like hunting) and weaknesses (in her case, paw to paw combat and maths)...really hoping to make a friend of Saburi. Not just for Vuvi or even charity towards Saburi herself but because she was a tomboy essentially. So many brothers, Vuvi, a male slave and Kadogo as a best friend. She needed a girl friend to be honest. Another lass to chat with.

*

Vuvi tried to make sure he didn't butt into the conversation too often, as he'd rather watch the girls get to know each other and see if they got on, rather than chatter. He was only here to make sure Saburi was alright anyway. It was such a girly trip. Like many males he usually only hunted for sport with the females and left them to it most of the time. It was their job and generally they were better suited to it anyway.

Vuvi eventually had to tell the girls to hush and point out they were traveling too far to the east, amusement obvious in his deep voice. It seemed to be going so well! Hopefully their hunt would too. They were heading towards the very borderlands, where there was arid scrub and more game.

*

"So, Saburi! What position do your prefer in a hunt? Ambusher or chaser?" Ilahle asked brightly, but quietly, when the hidden trio had located a small herd of antelope. She loved hunting so much she didn't care what task she had, though usually she ambushed. Unaware of what was being discussed nearby the prey nibbled obliviously on the grass.

"Oh good - it would have broken my heart if you'd said ambusher." Ilahle joked. Not that she really had a preference but it made Vuvi chuckle at least. Like something so simple could break ones heart~! Now. Down to business.

"Okay. I think we should go for that doe on this side of them - see her? The one with two fawns. Obviously exhausted for having more than the usual one. They've wandered a bit far, now...here's our plan...."

*

Vuvi had to admire Ilahle as she quickly formulated a plan and laid it out, before vanishing. She circle downwind to their chosen point. Vuvi was to go the furtherest up wind and start the herd running while Saburi needed to move just a way closer and run along side, making sure they past Ilahle. Vuvi got his job because he was biggest and the most obvious - the antelope would have had to be blind, deaf, dumb and unable to smell to be able to miss the huge male Firekin.

He gave Saburi a grin then set to work.

Ilahle moved like a shadow over to a good position, silent and smiling. She did love her work so! What wasn't to love? The thrill, the chase, the kill, the meat. She made sure Saburi saw which way she went and was in a place Saburi could herd the animals past. Now she just had to wait a bit and her patience and her anticipation as a sweet mix.
*

As soon as Vuvi had wandered out the herd had gotton restless and watchful, and he soon had them heading towards Saburi, as he harried them. Head low, obviously snapping and snarling, he sent them the way they wanted them to go.

((Sorry it took so long!))

Vuvi joined Saburi in her task, but along the opposite side of the herd, helping her funnel towards the ambush point - not that she really needed it! Vuvi was pleased to note that unlike some slaves who were new to the lands, Saburi wasn't having a problem as he'd feared adjusting to the new enviroment out here. He grinned as he ran, snarling loudly at the herd.

*

Ilahle exploded from her hiding place when the targeted female raced past, after a few seconds of wariness about the way the herd went - if they turned too much her way they'd be stampeding on her! But it went off perfectly and they just missed her, leaving her with a clear path to the female. She landed on the mother's back and pulled it down heavily, the two foals slowing but urged to run by both their doomed mother and the herd that rushed by.

A pity, Ilahle thought, because they might have had a couple of bonuses if the foals had been a bit younger and more dependant - they might have stayed with their mother. But the Firekin still had one good large kill, so no matter.

This thought took but a moment, for she soon had the females kicking form to steady. She was down but not out and if Ilahle hadn't bee a dead weight she'd have been away.