She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so relaxed. She didn't really go around TENSE all the time, she just also typically didn't have someone else to rely on for hunting, to laugh with, TALK to. They were nearing the tail end of their time together, though, and she was starting to feel the desire to get out on her own again, or at least for some proper privacy. There was only so much one could get when constantly in the company of a male, and only so far that she was able to comfortably go given her current mindset. She was lounging on a rock simply watching for anyone interesting that might come passing by. Umande was... goodness knew where at the moment, probably napping nearby, she could smell him after all.
The rumors were growing more and more common. The Tenkai of their troupe had ordered both he and Viktor to set out to see if there was any further information regarding these so-called 'vampires'. The rouge lands were full of rumors, only a few complementing each other, but still no specifics. Viktor and he had parted ways just a day prior at the fork of a river, both agreeing to meet up within three days time at thesame location. Viktor said it was to cover more ground but afoul quietly suspected that the male had something else in mind. It was hard to tell with him. At times he could seem to be a barking idiot with far too much bulk for his own good, other times he was surprisingly insightful and clever. Whatever the case, Flik had traveled a full day at a strong loping pace to come this far.
Well, that was definitely interesting. One didn't see a lion running around in that kind of getup often. Isuzu felt her eyes lock onto hs figure as he came loping past and they continued to follow along behind him as he went. Curiosity finally got the best of her as she noticed that he seemed to have something on his mind, or some kind of goal-- if nothing else then surely his pace explained it. Not a full on run, but not a relaxed walk either.
"... Where are you off to in such a hurry, speedy?"
Her voice was what roused Umande from his spot, his head lifted up from the grass with a soft rustle, yawning tall and wide. Sounded as if Isuzu had found something. He could marvel at the fact she was already up again later (She might actually have more stamina than him! Well, females were made for hunting, after all... and she did have alot of practice.).
"Who are you talking to?" He sleepily inquired.
Flik came to an abrupt stop and whipped his head about. Sharp, alert eyes locked onto the female and then again onto the male nearby. His broad shoulders tensed under the dirty blue cloak "I have no stride with you if you have none with me." he answered, his smooth, clipped voice firm. "I am investigating rumors of a group of blood-sucking lions. Have you heard anything of the sort?"
"..."
Isuzu looked from Flik to Umande and back again. Neither of them had heard of such a thing and it showed, Umande's jaw hanging a little in shock that anyone, ANYONE could say that with a straight face.
"Blood-sucking what now?"
"Did you just say blood-sucking lions?"
Umande's head shook a bit, as if clearing it. Maybe that was just the way this particular lion saw... cannibalism? Just blood alone was hardly of any value to a lion, after all, so it was a difficult concept to wrap his head around. The fact that he could accept lions with wings but not these "blood suckers" seemed a sad statement, but that was his heritage for you.
"Yes. Blood sucking lions. they fancy themselves vampires." he glanced between the two lions, completely stone-faced. "My troupe has had dealings with their type in the past... But if you've not heard of them, it seems the trail is getting cold."
Umande was prone to agree with that assessment. They'd been on the move and, true, they'd been rather wrapped up in each other, but that didn't stop them from encountering the rare rogue. In any event, they'd certainly not heard any such things, not even so much as a warning.
"We may not be the best to ask. We've been a bit wrapped up in ourselves for the last week. We haven't really ventured far from here." His drift was obvious but unintentional. Umande wasn't one for airing such "laundry" (because lions of course don't really HAVE laundry or know what it is, at least) to straight faced strangers. One of the guys? His brothers? Sure, but not strangers. "I've been traveling, can't say I've heard anything till now either, but like I said before I pretty much keep to myself for the most part."
"I'd surely remember hearing something like that, at least I'd hope so. I haven't seen this whole land myself. Do you have any other leads? A certain appearance?"
Flik's whiskers flared and he looked away sharply. Wrapped up in themselves oh dear... He must have interrupted... Something. Fortunately the male wasn't throwing a hostile attitude his way for it. Looking back, he cleared his throat and let his posture relax. "Only rumors and superstition, nothing solid. They've covered their tracks well enough. If you hear such things- be on your guard. They tend to take victims specifically for bleeding. Often times for rituals to chaotic gods..."
Isuzu cast Umande an amused look to see if he'd intended that or not, but if he was embarrassed for suggesting such a thing he didn't look the part. While Flik's attention was elsewhere Umande himself looked amused as well with a brief flicker of a smirkish-grin. It was gone by the time Flik looked back, replaced by a casual smile.
The only thing he'd interrupted was Umande's nap, honestly. If he came back a second time in a little while, however, THEN Umande might have reason to be irritable.
"We sure will, you can count on that. You seem pretty knowledable about the subject, though. They cause problems for your pride...?"
Flik's expression tightened as the two exchanged amused looks. It must have sounded like madness, certainly if he'd not seen the beasts for himself or done battle with them, he might think that such claims were pure madness as well...
"Ahem, yes." He glanced westward. "I have fought tooth and claw with them in the past. They slaughtered the pride of a friend of mine... and had him watch as they bled his sister to her last breath."
Neither were seers, therefore neither was capable of telling what he'd misunderstood. They thought it better to let it go for now. Whether there was truth to the stranger's claims or not it only reinforced Umande's thought that a (hopefully) pregnant lioness shouldn't be wandering alone. Maybe she'd listen to a bit of reason now, though he doubted it.
"It sounds hard to believe, but I think we'll both be more cautious in our travels." Umande agreed, trailing off after.
"That sounds terrible, I just can't believe this is the first we've heard of them." She frowned, feeling uneasy for the first time in a long time. Truthfully she wasn't sure his claim was real, but just the idea of being killed in such a fashion gave her an itchy, unsettled feeling.
"Hm... it is hard to believe, yes, but it's best you air on the side of caution always. I've found that even the most skyward rumors tend to hold some truth to them." He took a step back and slouched slightly. Well it was best he turned back. Perhaps there were others he could speak to on his way... if he stood Viktor up again the brute would never let him live it down.
"The world can be a dangerous place. But if you've not heard of them, my paws have taken me too far. I think I should be getting on my way."
Isuzu watched as the stranger stood, no introductions swapped, but probably not needed, not in the rogue lands. Scent and sight was enough to identify familiar faces and if they were destined to meet again they could exchange names at that point in time instead.
"Mind yourself out there, then." She replied in farewell.
Umande had gotten to his paws in this time and come to stand beside Isuzu to see the stranger off. Interesting fellow, if not a bit serious.
"Can't hurt to check with the birds. They cover a lot more ground than either of us have. And good luck, I guess...? Not sure I'd want to run into that lot, but best of luck all the same."
"Right. Good luck to you both."
Turning, Flik broke into a brisk lope once more. He was tired and it had been nearly two days since his last meal. He'd gone longer without food, and he'd been in worse situations, but at least they could cross this territory off their list. Perhaps Viktor had more luck in his search...
(ooc: 1,540)
