Maximus and his slave, Palaestra, were sitting along the shore of Lake Victoria. The large Ceasar chuckled softly at something the slave said, the slowly setting sun reflecting off of his thick mane. "No, you are right, Pala... And it is alright. I do not mind if you seek out a male. Just be sure that they are of proper birth.. I do not wish to have so many uncontrolable, barbaric pups running around."
"Of course not, Domina." She nods, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you for your blessing. I will be sure that my children serve you well, as my ancestors always have." The lion only nods, seemingly pleased by the decision. He then sighed, looking out over the sparkling waters. The water seemed so holy, it was no wonder that the gods had blessed them to watch over it's shores.
Bakar'Odol was a quiet lion, he preferred to watch over the happenings in the pride and hold any judgments in his mind instead of letting them slip off his tongue. In the senate he often sat in the back and simply watched and listened, it was rare for him to speak when not spoken to. Bakar knew that his size and strength could intimidate yet he never felt the need to exercise such an ability. He had a job to do, and as a citizen of the pride, he was proud to do his duty. Everyday he trained hard running, leaping, sharpening his claws and ensuring that each muscle was well flexed and ready for action.
Not that there was much in the way of action, a little patrol along the pride lands, some training, perhaps a small hunt. It was rare that any citizen or slave should do something wicked enough to warrant the need for him to perform his duties. It had happened of course, and he remembered each execution, a small box of memories locked in the back of his mind.
Today he decided to walk along the shores of the lake to relax and re-focus himself. His muscles were tense and he longed to feel his body go slack for a moment. He couldn't help but take all things seriously, best demonstrated by the way he acted when he spotted the Ceasar. Though he had been born into the pride and worked his way into his position Bakar never lost respect for traditional roles and rules. He approached the other male and bowed his head respectfully his voice serious despite the attempt at having a relaxing day.
"Greetings Ceasar..." He almost asked the other how his day was, but in starting any conversation at all he already felt uncertain, perhaps the other male just wanted some time alone.
Maximus lifted his head when he heard the other lion approaching him, a smile spreading across his face. He was always happy to sit and talk to other citizens, even him... He might have put others in the pride off a bit, but Maximus always tried to be welcoming towards him. After all, he had one of the... mentally hardest jobs in the pride.
"Greetings, Bakar. Come, sit with me for a while, if you can find the time... I was just relaxing to watch the sunset before I go back to scouting the territory."
Bakar almost declined, but the truth was he could use a little company and his Ceasar was perhaps the only one who wouldn't feel nervous chatting. He gave a soft nod and moved to sit beside the other male, he tried to relax but his muscles refused to cooperate with the attempt.
"All is well, I just returned from training and saw no disturbances on the horizon, but one never knows..." His blood red eyes turned and focused back out over the lake. "The waters are calm, the gods must be pleased to send us such beautiful days and nights." Slowly his frame began to relax, first the muscles in his shoulders and down his spine.
He nodded his approval when Bakar sat, looking him over quickly before following his gaze out over the lake. It was good for the Executioner to get out and talk to people... He knew it was a rare occurance.
"Yes, indeed... It lightens my heart to know that we are currently in their favor... I only hope it remains this way." He paused, musing. "..Yes... one never knows... I've been working hard to secure our territory, make sure everyone around us knows that it's our land they walk on."
The large tanned male nodded softly his tail gave a slight twitch before it draped relaxed beside his large paws. "Our pride has always respected the gods, offerings are made daily even by the slaves. They have no cause to quarrel with us or show us any malice. The new year has begun most fruitfully, the pride grows...should you need my aid in securing any part of the territory you know I am always in your service."
The large male slowly relaxed and gave a slight smile as the sun colored the lake a fire-orange shade. It felt good to talk to another, his voice felt strained and unused perhaps because he was so out of practice. It seemed that his throat muscles were the only ones not in use.
"Yes... We've always respected the gods... But I think the earthquake was a sign that we should not take things for grantied, or feel that we are untouchable... Even if we do everything we can, the gods still might see fit to take it from us..." He nods pensively, his gaze turning heavier. "I only pray that they will not teach us a similar lesson any time soon..."
He sighed softly, shifting until he got more comfortable. "But, if they do... So be it." The slave that sat on his otherside glanced towards Bakar. She was not as welcoming as her master... She'd never say anything mean to him, though it was a bit obvious that the huge male made her uncomfortable.
"No one is untouchable." He nodded at his Ceasars words taking them to heart, he would make another sacrifice to diana once the moon rose. Though Pluto was the god that Bakar turned to for strength and comfort, he frequently made offerings to the Goddess of the hunt lest his pride mates fear him further.
"We can only pray that no harm befalls our pride, that our lessons can be learned without loss, yet some lessons can only be appreciated after much tribulation." He turned his gaze to his Ceasar, for a moment he glanced at his slave and gave her a small nod. He showed respect for all, even those of a lower position, arrogance was not good for his health. His eyes flicked back to Maximus and then to the sun as it sunk lower and lower. "Do you prefer the beauty of a rising sun or a setting sun?" He surprised himself with the question, it was far more sentimental and philosophical then his usual straightforward reporting.
"Wise words." Maximus chuckles softly, his mane shaking as he nodded. "I'm sure our pride will be stronger because of our pain." He was silent then, looking out over the lake as well. It was so peaceful here...
His question brought him out of his thoughts, making his eyes flicker back towards the other male. "Hmm... They're both very beatiful. I suppose I prefer the setting sun though... The colors seem more vibrant, and I do like watching the stars sparkle into existance... What about you, Excecutioner?"
The word executioner was not said with scorn, or distrust, instead the title was comforting when his Ceasar spoke it. He felt appreciated for his duty, being the prides tool for justice was no always easy, but it was worth the effort knowing that he filled a necessary role. He smiled softly his front legs relaxed now, his voice steadier.
"The sun rising and bathing everything in light is beautiful, but I appreciate the slow setting sun watching the moon take her place. There is something comforting in seeing the glory of the sun fade away, it leaves a cool peace a time for rest and reflection." Bakar flexed his claws slightly enjoying how loose his body felt, the usual strain was gone from his neck, shoulders, and back.
He didn't dare to go to a healer for the tension though they may have had knowledge of how to ease pains born from hours of stressful training. Somehow he felt that he was the healers opposite, where they nourished and gave life his job was to take it with swift brutality and impartiality. The idea of being the healers opposite had also made him wonder if they held him in contempt, certainly some of the pride did after all he had executed some citizens that had family or friends, but the law was the law and to break it meant paying the consequences.
"I understand." He mutters softly, his eyes lingering on the the horizon. In the distance where the sky met water, there was a small strip of deep green... The land of the gods. Or so they believed. Some day that island would be home to their Oracle. Then the pride would truely be blessed.
"The moon is indeed peaceful... Diana made it so." He sighs, turning to look over at the slightly larger lion. He looked over him again for a moment, then slowly pushed himself to his feet. "You look tired, Bakar. Perhaps you should go see Nyao... She did wonders for my weary soul."
"I shall make her an offering tonight, today the hunt was plentiful." He gazed out over the lake his thoughts similar to his Ceasars. He wondered however in what form the oracle would be sent to them, and though he might never lay eyes on them he wished their life to be full of peace and joy in the service of the pride.
He focused once again on Maximus' words and closed his eyes a moment before responding.
"Hmm perhaps she could help...I try not to bother the healers however, I wouldn't want them to feel...uncomfortable."
His eyes were shadowed with uncertain thoughts for a moment before he nodded softly. "I shall heed your advice though great Ceasar and visit Nyao...it wouldn't be wise to strain myself in training and break by body before my service to the pride is complete." He chuckled softly.
"Uncomfortable?" He raises an eyebrow, glancing over at him. "It is her job... And believe me, she loves doing it." He chuckled thickly, looking back at the lake. For a moment he became lost in thought, letting out a pensive sigh. The lioness had been on his thoughts a lot lately, it seems...
But then he shook his head to clear his thoughts. He needed to focus on other things, like his conversation! "Anyway, yes... It does not do any good to ruin your body before you've done your duties."
Bakar's ruby eyes focused for a long moment on his Ceasar, there was something in the sigh that was familiar. It was like a call for company, a realization that one longed for something. He shook his head and brushed the thoughts away, just because he felt isolated did not mean he ought to project similar feelings onto Maximus. After all the Ceasar was dearly beloved by all certainly it was foolish to imagine that he might feel lonely. Still the idea pricked in his mind, he shook it back again and focused.
"She sounds like an excellent healer if you recommend her so highly, I shall be certain to pay her a visit." He waited a moment before daring to voice his curiosity.
"Maximus...do you ever feel lonely? You've done so much for the pride yet you have no family to return to when the sun sets and senate is dismissed." His tone was cautious and curious, he did not want to sound harsh, perhaps the Ceasar had simply not found any female to his liking.
The lion tensed slightly, eyes flickering towards the other male with a slight frown. Lonely? Thoughts ran heavily through his mind, and he was silent for a while as he thought. Everyone got lonely, sometimes... It was a strange lonliness though. Sure, he had many around him, but... it wasn't the same, at times.
"Mmm..." He finally spoke, his voice low and deep. "There are times... that I feel... a little lonely, yes...." He seemed unsure... It probably wasn't a good thing to talk about his weaknesses, but he had asked and it seemed rude not to be honest, at least slightly.
He waited patiently uncertain if he had overstepped in asking such a question. It would be nice to see the Ceasar with a family of his own though, the future of the pride. It would be nice if he could find someone...but no he cut the thought off. He reveled in his duties to the pride and it would be unfair to any female or cubs.
"I feel it too at times Maximus..." He nodded softly, the answer was honest and he appreciated it. "Perhaps...someday" He added and forced a smile. Slowly he moved to stand and gave his black mane a slight shake. "I had best go if I want to catch something suitable, it was a pleasure and an honor Ceasar."
"Yes... someday." He mused, again falling pensive for a moment, but then his smile was refreshed as the other citizen moved to leave. He stood as well, nodding to him, his thick mane shaking with the gesture. "You should find someone, you know..." He chuckled softly. "I'm sure you'd make a lucky woman happy, some day... Or perhaps you could take on an apprentice?" He shrugged, smiling at him warmly.
He didn't press the subject anymore, knowing it might not be that welcomed. "Of course. A pleasure as well, Executioner."
