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 Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:03 pm
 Skirting the edges close to the Bonelands was a large, stocky male with a vibrant pelt so vivid against the dusty landscape that it was impossible to miss him. To those who did not know Heti, he could seem an imposing figure. He took after his dad when it came to size and build; thick through the shoulder and large in muscle. And yet to get to know him was to know the kindness that he held in his heart. Such deep, deep compassion that his huge size mattered little. Against his foes he could be a terrifying opponent but to his friends and family and pride he was a dedicated creature who only wished to help. He had chosen to become a guard to please his father at first but, in the end, it had been the most suitable role he could have taken. Heti was interested in protecting his people and to be a guard enabled him to do just that. He could not have been happier with his choice, though he would have perhaps have chosen a better role-model than his own father.
Except, now - for the timebeing at least - he had chosen to leave the sandy borders of his beloved homeland and aid in striking alliances with outsiders. It had not been an easy decision to make and his father had cursed him for it. But this was another way of protecting his people. If he was out here spreading the word, then maybe when the time for war came, they would be better prepared for it. And so now Heti the Guard had become Heti the Sentinel.
The lands outside of the desert were a strange thing of solid ground and tufts of grass. The sun was still hot but it lacked that intensity that made moving about during the daylight hours a lot easier to bear. And yet he missed home desperately, though it might have been ailing at that time with a lack of water and the growing threat from the north. He had the desert in his blood. The desert in his soul. And out here - no matter how beautiful it was - he felt as if a part of him were missing. But there was a job to be done and Heti was going to do it.
People were depending on him, both young and old, and he'd be damned if he allowed anyone else to die at the claws of the Nergui.
The large lion paused in his patrol, taking advantage of the dappled shade of a tree against his back and cast his red eyes outwards. Breathing in deeply he caught the scents of his brethren close by and the strange Bonelands lions whom he couldn't help but be wary around. Not wary because they were frightening but because they were so...odd. Cultures outside of the desert were a very bizarre thing indeed.
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Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 4:31 pm
 Unlike the Firekin male, Cahala had no one to live for but herself. She hadn't any family, nor friends that she held ties with, not even a pride to be apart of. It wasn't something that really bothered the independent lioness, but it was something that she pondered on every once in awhile. She'd heard of the various prides that had formed over the centuries by those whom she passed by in her travels, mulling over how she would do in such places, but never acted on it. She was a strong lioness, built, fast, and witty. Capable of handling her own from a young age, being alone, and fending on her own had become something she was accustomed to. Every now and then she'd gain company as she roamed the rogue lands for mere pleasure, to see if something new might come her way.
This time though... she ventured a little father than normal. Being a rogue, it gave her the freedom to do so. She'd heard through the grape vine of the Firekin's pride. Their ritual's and reputation piqued her interest, and sparked the idea to maybe getting close enough to observe their nature. She wasn't entirely sold, but... she was curious. She'd traveled for a few days now, not in any hurry, and now lay basking in unveiled sun. Sprawled out under a somewhat leafed tree, that had pockets of light peeking through, she rested contently. There wasn't much that scared the lioness, nor many things that made her worry for her safety. So laying out in the open like this wasn't too uncommon for her. Cahala held a gentle smile on her face, and a deep rumbling purr that rose and fell as she inhaled and exhaled.
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Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 11:15 am
His eyes drifted away from the horizon at the sound of the rumbling purr and started to see another lying so close. He'd spent so much of his time with his vision cast out to distant horizons that sometimes he would stumble over his own feet. And, lo and behold, here was another enjoying the day. She certainly looked content, lying in the gentle shade, smiling away to herself.
Not wanting to startle her he made his approaching footsteps purposely loud and gave a warm chuff in greeting. "Apologies for ruining your peace and quiet. I didn't realise you were here until I'd almost run into you." He stopped just short of her and slowly lowered himself into a seating position. "My name is Heti. I hail from the lands of the Motoujamii so these lands are unfamiliar territory to me here. Are you from the Ithambo'hlabathi lands, also?" There had been many females there, though most of them of dull browns and tans. Nothing compared to the vibrant, fiery reds of his own people. "I have just come from there myself. Fancied a bit of time away from the rabble to get some peace and quiet myself."
He chuckled at that, hoping that she wasn't going to unleash her claws at him. These outsider types could be very strange and if she was a lioness from that pride he doubted she'd be very happy to speak with him.
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Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 11:46 pm
Black ears twitched as the very clear sound of padding paws made a consistent approach. Those veiled golden eyes cracked open to sharp slits, rolling to the corners to peer at the male that approached her. Feeling, and seeing, no signs of aggression in his advance, she didn't budge much asides from blinking curiously, and giving a lazy flick of her tail. His presence wasn't a bother in the slightest, as the lioness quite enjoyed company. Slowly, she rolled onto her tummy, giving a wide yawn as her body began to rouse from it's dormant state.
Turning her attention to him fully, a single eye peeking out from heavy bangs, a light grin was peeled along her lips, "No problem, stranger~ you're free to these lands just as much as me." she stated casually. Her ears gave a gentle flick again, eye blinking tiredly as she watched Heti continue. My he sure was formal... smirking more at this observation, Cahala canted her head just slightly, "Those are some mighty fancy words there, buddy." she teased lightly, before a paw lifted to cross over the other. Well then. First things first. "I'm Cahala. I have no pride, and wander the lands alone. Does that answer your question, Mr. Heti?" she mused playfully, before slowly easing back onto her side, stretching contently, "Feel free to enjoy the solitude then~ I know I am~" she purred, nuzzling the grasses with clear pleasure.
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Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 11:40 am
He seated himself carefully and turned his eyes towards her. She seemed relaxed and friendly enough and that did a lot to help him feel more comfortable and less out of place than he would have otherwise. "It does." He replied when she asked him whether her answer had been adequate enough. He was quiet for a time afterwards, thoughtful in his silence.
"You are a rogue, then. I...would it be foolish of me to ask you why?" He hastened to continue in case he would cause some sort of offence. "I have lived all of my life within a pride, you see. I come to rely on it just as it comes to rely on me and everyone who lives there. It gives me purpose. A reason for living. I am never lonely, never without someone to provide a kind word or guidance or to spar with. I would never give it up to go out wandering alone. To do so...it would be to walk away from what I am."
He looked back at her with curious eyes. "What does a rogue life offer that I do not understand?"
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Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 11:59 am
It was pleasing that he settled after awhile. After all, it proved less of a chance to be attacked, as well as a clear exhibit that he too was calm in her presence. Paws flexing to stretch out slightly, her legs curled against her stomach, tail patting the ground leisurely. Her ears pricked up as he continued on, head turning so she could watch him with curiosity.
A grin peeled along her lips, eyes narrowing but not in a cynical or threatening manner. Just... in an amused sort of fashion. He certainly was one for dramatic's it seemed, just in his tone. Everything so detailed, and 'proper', drawn out... It was hard to keep a chuckle at bay. "Well, my dear Heti, not everyone is born into a pride. If you weren't, I'm sure you'd adapt just fine." she casually replied. "I am one of those individuals. But a pride isn't for everyone, since we're not all the same, right?" her eyes blinked tiredly, before she rolled onto her back, to slowly flip onto her other side, "I've heard interesting things about some prides, I guess I just haven't found one that suits me. Mind you, I hardly know all that much about them." she chuckled, "Maybe if I found one I like, I'd give joining a thought~"
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Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 12:48 pm
That got a laugh out of him. "I guess you are right. What you never had you never miss." Even still...he was a sociable creature and the thought of travelling for days alone was something that did not sit well with him at all. "I imagine there must be all sorts of prides scattered about the lands, each with their own ideals and culture. I come from a warrior pride myself. In fact, at a distance, I almost mistook you for one of our own. You have the colours of our kin, you see."
He smiled across at her encouragingly. "My home is in a land exposed beneath the burning sun. A place of sand and drought and hardship. But for all that it is difficult the land is a part of us. There are bad things on the horizon, though. Water is scarcer than usual and there is talk of war."
Actually, it was more than talk nowadays. "It is very likely I will be putting tooth and claw up against foes very soon. Me and all the rest of the lions within the Firekin military, that is."
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Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 8:38 pm
A lax smile eased onto her face. She was pleased that he understood. And he wasn't all too bad to converse with, so far. It had been awhile since the lioness had someone to actually sit down and chit chat with. Most times it was just simple pleasantries when passing by, or asking about information of the next land over, weather, game, and the like.
"Mhmm~" she hummed in response. "I've heard of quite a few, but... they all usually just get muddled together, since there are so many." she chuckled softly. But with so many different personality's, it only made sense to have lots of different groupings!
When her colouration was noted, her eyes blinked curiously. Like his kin? Her golden gaze lowered briefly to her black pelt, an amused lift taking to the corners of her lips, "Is that so?" she asked slowly. What piqued her interest even more was that he was a warrior. That was something she could respect! After all, she found herself to be quite the warrioress! She was a large lioness, and strong at that; evident by her stocky build, and obvious musculature. This made her slowly ease onto her belly, paws crossing in front of her, attention fully directed on the male. "So you're a strong fella then, huh?" she teased lightly, eyeing his physique slightly. He was certainly bigger than most males she came across. But a lot better mannered as well.
The explanation of his homelands made her ears swivel forward. War? "With one another?" she asked a little softer, uncertain if it was her place to ask such personal things. A slight frown, not in anger but in moderate worry took to her brow, "Are you unable to leave your lands to find another source?" she asked. That really didn't sound good at all. "What about your young?" did they suffer from the drought..?
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Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:00 pm
"It is so." He replied. And she did. She had a good strong build to her and with that dark pelt dotted about with the orange-yellow marks, he was certain that if she were to walk into his homeland, she'd be granted a duel to join their ranks. He wondered if she had much experience with fighting or defending. Wondered how she would fare under the hot sun in a land parched and dry as bone.
At her observation on his strength he gave a sheepish sort of laugh. If it had been his father here, that would have been met with a puffed-up chest and a lot of ego. Thankfully, Heti had his mother's modesty and his eyes sparkled warmly with mirth. "I am strong but there are others within my pride far stronger than I. Where I come from, to be a strong warrior is to have much respect. My people are very military focused. It has always been this way. Back home I take the title of guard but whilst I travel outside of the desert I am granted the temporary title of sentinel." He missed home. Missed his old patrol routes. Missed the normality of it. His father had been angered when he had left the lands - calling him a deserter. He was thought to have been taking the easy way out but for Heti this was anything but easy. He sighed and was eternally grateful that the female continued to speak, clearly curious about his homeland. It was good to be distracted from those pangs of homesickness. He settled more comfortably and shook his head softly.
"Once we were at war with one another but that time has long passed. Now we have a new enemy. One more mysterious and fierce than we could have ever predicted. We call them the Nergui. They are a pride of lions who, if stories are to be believed, attack prides; slaughtering and enslaving. We've had an attack on our borders recently and one of our own was killed. Our ruling regents have declared a state of war since the attack and preparations are being made. But with the drought as hard as it is we have had to make the decision to seek water elsewhere so that we can retain what little resources we have in the heart of the pride. The young are doing as well as can be but the water has been restricted to as all."
His ears flicked back. "Some have suggested that we leave our homeland but we are a proud people. We will not be scared from our home so easily for it is ours and no one elses. We have lived there for generations. Fought and died there. Besides that, the land holds...a symbolic importance. They say it was gifted to us by a goddess long ago - though she has long since deserted us."
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 9:19 am
What a curious revelation... she looked part of a pride she'd never heard of. It was a bit strange that there was a certain 'look' to a pride, but... perhaps it was just by how large she was. Any matter...
A brow rose with intrigue. Others stronger... that sounded like quite a powerful force to reckon with! Interested, her tail gave a leisurely flick back and forth as he explained the pride a little more. Eyeing him once more, she gave a small nod of acknowledgement. By his build, he certainly seemed acceptable of his title. "Seems like quite the job." she replied casually, a pleased grin spread on her face.
Rounded ears perked as the male went on, eyes even widening just a touch from their somewhat lidded state. She couldn't believe what she was hearing... It sounded so... mindless, and heartless...She was glad not to be born of that pride. A soft sigh escaped her, and a disappointed headshake followed. "How awful.." she murmured. Even if she was a fighter, that sort of stuff was what she considered dirty play. It made her front paws grip the earth beneath them, claws pricking out to show her displeasure.
Her gaze flickered elsewhere for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts and fully absorbing the information given. "I don't blame you. They are your lands, after all. And if another pride is trying to take them over, you have every right to fight for them." she declared in a strong tone. She knew she wouldn't bend back for anyone trying to control her... that's for sure. Looking back to the male, some determination and seriousness now rested on her once easy-going features, "have you any allies that might assist you in this battle?"
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Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 10:29 am
He loved his job. More than he could ever begin to describe. It was who he was and though he definitely wasn't a workaholic like his father, it gave him great pleasure to be able to take a role in protecting his people. Firekin were hardly a helpless bunch and even the hunters and huntresses were given basic training in battle, but out there on the borders he could ensure that they never had to...well...not in normal circumstances anyway. Pretty soon he was sure that every Firekin, no matter their rank, would be called forth to face their new enemy.
"We all felt the loss." Heti replied sadly. "Though he was no relative of mine we are all connected through kinship."
He smiled a little, lifting his head with pride. "And fight for them we will. To the death if we have to." Though he sorely hoped it would never come to that. He could not imagine the Motoujamii without the Firekin. They were part of one another, two parts of a whole. To lose them was unthinkable. Utterly.
"Allies? Not many, I'm afraid. We have a rather dark past and many prides still remember it, I think. We have recently struck a somewhat shaky partnership with the pride close by but I think we will seek more over time. It will be difficult though, to stretch our numbers so thin. We wouldn't want to leave our homeland so empty that the Nergui can simply walk in and claim it as their own."
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 1:32 pm
The words were rather powerful to the lioness, causing the edge of her lips to twirk up into a grin, "That's very amiable." she replied smoothly. Always having been on her own, she didn't really know the feeling of unity nor of 'kinship'. What was it like to have so many forces backing you up? There for you... An interesting thought to flirt with.
Cahala was more than pleased with the gusto this male held, as well as his pride. "That's the spirit." she encouraged, giving a nod of approval. "Are all of you as... strong willed as you?" she mused, that usual grin of hers returning. If they were a pride of strength, and had such a personality, surely they'd be able to best those that were coming in on their turf.
"Mmm... I see~" she hummed, lips pursing a little in thought. That was unfortunate. But this did make a brow rise curiously, "Shouldn't you stay closer to home then? In case you're needed?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 2:17 pm
He smiled at her question. "Most are. We pride ourselves on it."
And then: "Only a small number of us departed. The main bulk remains within the desert. It does pose a problem, though. If trouble did come, it would take us at least five days travel to get back from here, what with the difficult terrain." Oh, he missed home. Even if it was hard living he missed it terribly.
"You seem curious about us, Cahala. I don't suppose you could be persuaded to join us? From looking at you, you certainly look capable enough to handle yourself. The Firekin would welcome you if you were to prove yourself in battle against one of us." He tilted an ear back. "Although perhaps I should be warning you far, far away from here."
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Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 9:57 am
She couldn't help but shake her head slightly in dismay. What a life. To live like that... she wasn't sure how much she could take. There was no way she'd allow such disrespect. Never. Though it was definitely pleasing to her that something was at least being done about it. Even if done in such an arduous manner...
Sighing softly, her tail flicked gently behind her, mulling the information that'd been given. Ears perked with the question posed, eyes widening a little. Join? A curious brow rose with the invitation, a wry grin to follow, "Can't say I'm not a little wary of the state, but I'm not scared of it." she cooly replied. "But I'm not going to commit to what I don't fully know~" she followed. "My interest is piqued, but I would like to see this place you speak of... maybe know who I'm supporting, and all of that. I've been on my own as a rogue all my life, Heti, it's not easy to stray from for me, so easily." she explained calmly.
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Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 11:01 am
"Someone once told me a little wariness is a healthy thing. Far wiser than charging in without a thought of what you might be getting yourself into." He smiled at her, deciding he rather liked this one. If she did decide to join the Firekin he was sure she would do well for herself.
"You certainly may go and see it for yourself. Unfortunately, I'm not yet able to go back - else I would accompany you. However, there are more Firekin at the outpost where I am stationed if speaking with them would help. If not I can point you in the right direction. Sooner or later you'll come across one of the guards. There are more of them nowadays, what with the threat of battle and all." He continued on at a leisurely pace, enjoying their conversation immensely. She was a lot easier to talk to than most Firekin he knew, that was for sure. "To be welcomed in as one of the kin, you must also prove yourself in battle. When you arrive at the borders of our lands you must offer your challenge to them. You will then need to hold your own against one of our warriors, to prove you have the strength to be known as one of us."
He glanced at her, curious for her reaction to that. "A win or a tie will grant you admittance into the lands. They may be wary of rogues at this time but if you drop my name, that should speed things along a little."
He shifted his weight a little. "I have no knowledge to be able to compare the Firekin to other prides, unfortunately. It is all I have ever known. All I can say is that I would never give it up and I would say that all Firekin would feel the same - old blood and new. There is something about the land that binds us and has us protecting it so fiercely. It's not something I can easily describe. Some of us are more volatile than others. Some retain old views that are being left behind. We have a group of northerners, too, who fled from the Nergui to seek refuge. So we are a varied bunch nowadays."
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