He spotted the youth and moved to block his path, staring down at him with a solemn, silent gaze. Didn't the child realise where he stood? Had his mother not told him? Yes, children could certainly be more trusted than the adults, but there were still rules to be followed.
"A child of Kenna should not be heading towards the Regents' den." His voice was low. Not threatening, but held no tone for argument. As long as the Safi were still under strict watch, he wasn't going to have any going near his family, especially with his own children close by.
--
Rowtag lifted his head and swallowed back a growl, smothering it into a whimper. He cowered back a little, tail winding around a hind leg. His eyes, rimmed with that white mask, searched the Regent's face.
So this was Kidondo.
He was just as Rowtag had expected. Royal red, strong face, well built. Everything that a leader needed to be. Yes. But he was too sure of himself. Far too sure.
"Sorry, sir." He backed up and straightened a little. He'd been hoping to get a little closer to the den before being caught, just to scope things out. Apparently he should have chosen a better time for approach.
--
"Come on then, young one, tell me your name. I'd like to get to know you a little bit, seeming as you're a member of the pride." Kidondo blinked. "I am Kidondo, Regent of these lands. Tell me, what do you think of it here?" He wasn't finding it very easy talking to them, but cubs were easier. Cubs, at least, did not hold those horrible memories to cling to. Memories to feed their vengeance.
--
"Rowtag, sir." The young male replied, lowering his head slightly. "A pleasure to meet you. Sir." He tamed the sarcasm in his voice, but his body was quaking with anger. How dare he!? How dare this lion try to make friends with him.
Rowtag knew his crimes.
"It's...pleasant enough."
--
Kidondo blinked. Oh dear. It seemed the child wasn't much of a talker. Clearly, didn't take that trait from his mother. He remembered their first meeting very well. Oh, and she had loved the power of her voice. He resettled himself onto the sand and drew in a short breath.
"I'm glad of it. And your family? Are they settling, too?"
--
So, Rowtag thought, he's trying to use me to find out whether my family plot against him. Isn't he talking to the wrong person? Can he not read the anger in my face?. He stilled himself and forced his tail to force still.
"Yes. Fine. Thank you, sir."
--
"Not much of a talker, are you, Rowtag? Tell me, what are your skills? You may have heard by now that young firekin are expected to apprentice themselves to another in the pride." He tried to find a niche in which to talk to the youngster.
"Have you had any thoughts onto what your favourite path might be?"
--
A spy, perhaps? Rowtag chuckled to himself, finding great amusement in this newfound skill. Truly he had thought this sort of thing beyond him. But here he was, proving himself rather good at it!
"Not really, Kidondo Sir. I was thinking of taking the route of Soldier. There are some who would say I am good in the craft." He unsheathed his claws and the hooked black weapons dipped into the sand. "Is there something I must do in which to prove myself in this?"
--
