The African savanna was quiet on this deliriously warm afternoon. The large lion was glad for his coat as he picked his way through the tall grasses. It was pale, it kept off the worst of the heat, but even so he was miserable. He walked slowly, panting as he pushed his way onward, his destination unknown. What he wouldn't kill to find a watering hole . . . .
These lands were unknown to the great male, but that was nothing new. He hadn't always roamed, he remembered the pride he had originated from, though it had long since been demolished. There had been some political issues that stirred up those of lower rank to rise up against those in power. He had been young, very young, but he remembered some of his siblings had gotten involved. . .
Unfortunately, this caused a civil war which was bloody. Jawara had left near the end, after the death of the royal line and the slaughter of those in charge of the coup. Many of his siblings had been persecuted or killed and by the end of, there was no more government, no more pride. Just a bunch of lions battling over nothing . . . Many had just shaken their heads and walked away, hoping to find a new and better life.
Jawara was one of those. Unfortunately, all he'd found was emptiness. . . There were no prides yet that called his attention for long, and he wasn't entirely sure he was ready to settle. He had no reason at this point, only a desire to see where his paws might take him, to learn from each new experience, to soak up the culture and beliefs of the world. There was much to learn and much to embrace, but today, right now, all he wanted was some shade!
Yejide was also feeling the brunt of the sunshine. Unlike the large lion, she was of darker lineage, with many in her family harboring ebony coats. The heat was almost unbearable and the lioness had her tongue lolling out of mouth as she picked her way through the lands. Her orange eyes surveyed the land, desperately looking for any sign of shade or water. Instead, all she saw was emptiness. . .
And why should the savanna be crowded? Creatures were likely sleeping off the day or down at the watering hole. The only creatures currently out and about were a few meerkats, the tall grasses, one massive lion and - - -
Wait.
Her eyes focused on the creature, narrowing slightly in sudden worry and distrust. She instinctively crouched down, hoping the grasses might hide her.
It was strange behavior for the lioness, but she had never been the most outgoing of sorts. She had lived on her own for a very long time, and had only recently been left by her sister. She was independent, but part of the female felt as if something was missing . . . . Some might call her lonely, but Yejide had learned to ignore such feelings. She had never learned how to be social, and it took awhile for her to warm up to others. She much rather preferred to hide and keep to her own council . . . .
But what of this stranger? She kept her eyes on his form from the grasses, hoping upon hope hadn't seen her.
Unfortunately for Yejide, she was hoping in vain. Though Jawara wasn't necessarily the most perspective of males, it was incredibly difficult to miss the black lioness whom had crouched. Black against gold and brown was very hard to miss . . .especially in the height of day! Still, she seemed defensive, and the lion slowed as he drew near.
"Excuse me, miss . . . ." He cleared his throat, his voice deep. He knew he was big, very big, but he was harmless. Jawara was the most peaceful lion he knew, and even tried to scavenge when he could so he might not necessarily have to hunt. Still, he knew she wouldn't know this, and all he could do was offer a lackadaisical smile and sit down on his haunches. "I was wondering if you might know where a local watering hole might be?"
Yejide relaxed a little when the male paused before her, her tail thrashing once in confusion before she sat up. There was no use cowering and looking more a fool . . . . this pale lion didn't seem to be particularly threatening. ". . . watering hole?" She repeated dumbly, before it occurred to her that he was a stranger to these lands! "Oh . . . I know the area vaguely. . . " She didn't want to divulge her secrets quite yet, but at the same rate what was the harm in letting him know? It wasn't as if he was going to drink the entire lake on his own. Ears flattening some she gave a small shrug and glanced away. "There's one not far from the ridges to the east."
Jawara blinked. ". . . ridges? I didn't realize there was anything else other than flat land here." The lion had to do a double take, though he did hope the stranger hadn't noticed. She had the most unusual appearance. While her coat was primarily made of shadow, there were striking orange eyes. Vibrant and lovely but . . . they sat upon an unusual facial markng. She had exposed bones upon her face, as if someone had forgot to fill in her jaw with muscle and fur. It was unusual and a little disconcerting, but Jawara knew it wasn't kind to judge.
Yejide heaved an inward sigh as she watched the pale lion. She wasn't dumb, she knew what he gazed at when he looked upon her. Her face. Her face that had caused her to be picked upon, to be teased, to be laughed at and ridiculed as a cub. She was ugly. This wasn't news to Yejide. . . she knew that she was far from beautiful or epic. But at least this stranger feigned innocence.
Hmph.
Heaving a sigh, the ebony lioness thought about her options. She could just give a nod towards the hills and be done with it. But that wasn't exactly nice, and the male did seem somewhat confused and lost. While Yejide wasn't exactly the most trusting, it occurred to her that she could hold her own against him. She had been brought up kind enough by her sister. She knew how to have manners. Heaving a sigh, she added, "If you'd like, I can guide you there. It'll likely be crowded, and the walk boring, but I do know where it is. And I was heading there myself anyway," she slowly admitted with a shrug.
Jawara couldn't help but smile at the female, relief allowing his shoulders to relax. "Truly you're a blessing. I'm not that great with directions, especially in such strange lands. . . I'd be vulture feed before I found it, I'm sure!" He teased, hoping to elicit some sort of smile from the stranger.
Instead, all he caught was a blank stare. She seemed so stiff, so stoic. It was quite a shame really, for she was lovely. Even if her jaw marking was slightly surprising at first. Still . . . not everyone was happy, or optimistic, or outgoing. He had been the most laid back individual in his pride, he understood that it wasn't everyones way of life. "I'm Jawara, and I truly am grateful. My tongue is absolutely parched!" He bowed before rising to his full height, waiting for the lady to lead.
Yejide's ears flattened for a moment in confusion, her head tilting ever so slightly at his behavior. A bow? For her? . . . . strange, really. She wasn't used to such amicable and gentlemanly behavior. Maybe it wasn't going to be such a bad idea. Her sister had been course but affectionate with her. They had both been stoic individuals together, but they understood each other well. To be treated so kindly by a stranger was . . odd. But she'd take it. "Yejide." She stated curtly, before turning to lead him. There wasn't anything else to say, idle conversation wasn't her strong point though . . . deep down a small part of her was glad for the company.
She was rusty with conversation, but perhaps she could find a few words to say on their way to the watering hole. Only time would tell.
