She had been watching him for what felt like ages. There was something striking about the pretty purple lion, something that she couldn't put her paw on but she found it transfixing nonetheless. He was so still that it almost looked as if he were dead, but Vena knew that wasn't the case. No, she'd seen him slump down onto the rock he currently dozed on, chest moving softly in the warmth of the midday sun. He looked comfortable and cozy. Vena was almost jealous of him and his ability to sleep so soundly. It didn't even occur to the brown lioness that she was impeding on the territory of a pride of lions and that in itself was the reason the lion before her slept so soundly. Then again, Vena wasn't the brightest star in the sky but she was a gentle soul and meant no harm to those around her.
Pankaj knew he was being watched. That much was obvious. He could smell the stranger on the air though he couldn't discern whether or not the stranger's intentions were peaceful or menacing. It was no matter, really, he would be able to hear the stranger move towards him should they decide to. It was slightly unnerving, really, how long the stranger had spent watching him. It was almost as if the stranger, whoever it was, found him amusing to look at. He knew he wasn't the manliest lion as far as apprearances went, but he took pride in his pretty coat and bright mane. He was a strong, staid lion with a heart of pure gold (or so he'd been told) and had merely sought solace in the sparse jungle that bordered his pride's lands. He had a lot of thinking to do, really, and found that the best way to think about the troubles in his life was to do it alone.
But he was tired of being watched.
With a grunt Kaj rose to his haunches, peering into the underbrush a few feet away. He wasn't even sure if the stranger was there, but it didn't matter.
"I know you're out there. Might as well make yourself seen. You are trespassing on the lands of the Ongozana'Ke and I would have you know that if you mean harm I will kill you where you stand."
Vena frowned. That didn't sound too pleasant, really. No, she would much rather step forward from beneath the mound of boulders she'd discovered and bow her head in respect. She was not much of a fighter and had always lost any spars and tussles she'd gotten herself in to.
With a rustle, Vena stepped hesitantly out into the sunlight that filtered through the foliage of the trees that bracketed the mound of boulders. She dipped her head quietly before raising her strange eyes to the stranger that had called her out from her hiding spot. Clearing her throat, she canted her head to the side and peered at him.
"I mean no harm," she said softly, ears drooping slightly as she made her submissiveness known. There was no evil intent in her gaze, no aggression. "I was just... watching you," she continued, continuing to watch him closely. "You're very pretty."
Pankaj's eyebrow rose as she called him pretty. He'd never been called pretty by any other, and it was a strange thing to say to someone you didn't know. He wasn't sure how to respond so he merely cleared his throat and blinked at her, watching her for a few long moments before he decided to speak.
"Thank you," the words came out gruffly as if he wasn't used to saying such things or receiving such odd compliments. "You do realize you're trespassing, correct? On the lands of the Ongozona'Ke? There are many females here that would not take kindly to having one such as yourself blindly stumble past the borders of their territory." It was more of a warning than anything. It wasn't like Kaj would do any harm to one that meant him no harm, but he felt that he should warn the female.
Vena chewed on the inside of her cheek for a moment before she offered him a soft smile. "I am Vena," she said, "just a lonely wanderer and I swear that I mean no harm to you and yours. I was just wandering as wanderers tend to do when I saw you approach the rock. The sun was rather lovely against the sheen of your coat and I couldn't help but admire it." She offered him a tentative smile and moved into a seated position, once more showing her submission. She really didn't have anything 'up her sleeves' so to speak, and her intent was simple. Her words were true.
Kaj blinked a few more times as he watched her and listened to her words. She was a strange one, that was for certain, but what else could be said of her? It was obvious her words were full of truth, she meant him no harm. It was obvious that she was underfed and not at her full potential as far as her strength went. Kaj almost felt sorry for her. She did not have a pride or a family to call her own.
"I am Pankaj," he said quietly, gesturing with a paw at the nearby stream that burbled cheerfully. "You are welcome to a taste of cool water, if you like," he offered. It was the least he could do, really, and if he was right she certainly needed a few gulps of water. "I would not tarry long here in this pride, though," he warned quietly. "As I've said, the females here are strong and likely quick to anger," especially Sebae, he thought to himself. That was one female he would never willingly tangle with.
Vena smiled gently and rose to her feet, moving towards the cool water that Kaj had indicated with a paw. She dipped her head, quickly lapping the crisp water. It tasted of snowmelt, pure and cold, sweet to the tongue despite it's chilling touch.
"I thank you for your kindness, Pankaj," she said sweetly, licking droplets of water from her nose. "I will take my leave now, and I hope we meet again in the future." It was unlikely they would, sadly enough.
Kaj dipped his head at the odd female as she slowly ambled away. "Travel safely," he mumbled, more to himself than to her, and watched her take her leave before shaking his head, his thoughts once more turning to his brother.
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