Why was it that things had to be so complicated? Alais sighed as she made her way for the borders again. She'd gotten her cubs...and now she had to somehow gain two others (though one was not for her). She knew who the little ones would come from. But she had no idea how to convince them. The two girls were...stubborn, to say the least, from what her visions had showed her. She would be glad when all this was over. She HATED meddling...
But these visions had required her meddling. It annoyed her to no end. She sighed again as she reached the borders, shaking the water from her fur.
Pwani actually rather liked the new area she and Mzimu had entered. They'd split up for a little, to check things out. The area was muddy and pools of water collected. And she smelled more water further in. Of course...she also realized she'd wandered into pridal lands after a bit. Oh. Uh...crap. She looked around, to see if there was anyone there. Maybe she could sneak back to the borders without anyone noticing...Yeah. She'd try that.
Of course, that didn't work so well, since there was a brown and blue lioness standing at the border. Uh...crap, again.
Alais' ears perked as she scented someone. Well now! She looked towards the scent, and smiled. There was the first one! Good~
"Lost, dear?" She trotted over to close the distance between the two. "Is there something you're looking for? Or someone?"
Pwani was surprised. She...wasn't getting chewed out. Didn't prides generally take badly to trepassers? Even accidental ones like her? "I uh...'m not lost!" White ears went back as she pouted. "I was gonna wait at the borders for someone to come along, but I went a little too far!" She totally had NOT gotten lost!
Alais giggled and nodded. "Of course, dear. But why did you want to wait on the borders? Do you have family here? Or a friend?" She knew some of the members that had taken the Name Quest made friendships outside. And then those like her sometimes brought old friendships along.
The white and brown lioness shook her head. "Nu-uh. Wanted to ask someone for information~" She grinned. "If they're willing to share, anyways." It was never a good idea to force information out of ANYONE. It was Not Right.
Alais tilted her head, curious. "Information?" What a curious reason to wait on a border you didn't know about. Hmm...perhaps she could use this. Yes..."Why do you need information?"
Pwani sat, not minding the mud on her bum one bit. "Cause I'm on my First Seeking! See...my pride values information and knowledge. And when we're old enough, we go out into the rogue lands for the first time to collect information. When we've got enough, we go home, go through a little test, and bam! Adults." She chuckled. "Awesome, huh?"
Hmmm..."Why...that sounds a little familiar." She smiled. "How about this...I can offer you an exchange. My dreams show me things, and lately they've been showing me something rather...odd."
Pwani tilted her head, raising a brow. "Your...what?" Hmmm...this had the beachy lioness interested. "What sort of exchange are y'looking for, lady?" Perhaps the ol' information for information?
"A cub." Alais smiled, not a hint of malice or misgivings in her voice or face. "My dreams show me a cub that will start something great." She wasn't lying...though the cub itself wouldn't do the great-thing, the cub would produce one that would keep another sane. "I will tell you something valuable, but I wish you to bring me one of your cubs when you finally choose to become a mother. The cub will be well cared for, and you will be welcome to visit."
Say...what?! Pwani looked at her like she was nuts. Give up one of her cubs?! Not that she wanted to be a mother but...Why would she give up a cub? Hmm...perhaps she could outsmart the older lioness though. "Okay." She put on her best 'srsbizness' face. "I agree to your exchange."
Good. Alais nodded. "I shall hold you to your word, little Seeker." She looked in the direction she remembered an old acquaintance's mountain to be in. "In that direction, about a three-day, is a great mountain. Inside a cave, high on the mountain, resides the greatest of crafters, the Goddess of it Herself." She tapped the bracelet around her paw. "I got this from her. She has many things, from useful to pretty. And can even make items for you. But you must take proper tribute with you. Materials for her to craft with."
Pwani blinked. Well now! That had been extraordinarily useful! She nodded, smile on her maw. HAH! One-up on her brother! "Thank you, ma'am! That is very useful!" She knew a couple of people in the pride who would eat such information up! "OH! M'name is Pwani'wingu! And when I have cubs...I'll bring you one." Mind, she didn't intend to have cubs. Ever. She just...couldn't see herself as a mother.
Alais nodded. "My pleasure, dear." She made a small bow. "My name is Alais Kibou. It was a pleasure meeting you, Pwani'wingu." She nudged the younger lioness towards outside of the pride. "Now...your brother will be looking for you soon enough. You'd best go meet up with him"
Pwani blinked, surprised. How...Well...she wasn't going to argue. Alais...kinda creeped her out. "Thank you again! See ya later!" Not. And Pwani took off, seeking her brother. Wait till she held over his head what she'd gotten!
