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 Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 3:38 pm
Graen'Tae had no idea what the big deal was with everyone leaving the pride and coming back days later. He had to try this. The pride had just gotten over a sickness, and he figured it was best to scout out the lands and hope that something interesting happened. Who knew, maybe he'd bring someone home in the process. He wore a frown on his face, and he was as silent as he could possibly be. Though seeing only grass and rocks, he didn't think he could hide too well. His pride wasn't about hiding anyways.
He tried to strut around all proud and strong, but he rather keep to himself. He wanted to watch others, not talk to them. He wanted to see what they were like without actually being around. He didn't like speaking as much as his twin, and she tended to speak for him. Though, he knew that he had to step up his own voice, he couldn't rely on her. She was a girl after all. Females weren't good for anything, he was told. At least, when he was a cub. When he got older, he was told they were good for one thing. But he didn't quite fully get it. Now he did...
His olive eyes scanned the land before he stopped. So far, being out side of the pride wasn't anything special. He hadn't seen a soul out here, not that he cared too much. He flopped down on the ground. It was hot, and he needed a rest. There wasn't any water around, and he didn't want to over exert himself. It wouldn't be very nice if he ended up over heating, and not having cold water to drink. He sighed, the sun wasn't too far from setting, at least. He laid back and closed his eyes, waiting for things to happen, or the sun to go down. Which ever came first.
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Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 4:22 pm
Hot. Hot hot hot. It was way too hot, but she had to keep walking. There had to be water around here somewhere. Or at least some shade. Baridi wasn't familiar with this area of the rouge lands at all, and it was starting to prove to be her downfall. She could probably last another day without a drink, but her mouth was so dry she wished she could have just the smallest of sips right now. Alas, that wasn't the case. Each mile brought no shade and no water. Thankfully the sun was starting to set so the heat was starting to decrease, but she was still thirsty. Off in the distance she could see a few thunderheads, but there was no way of knowing if the rain would come her way. Maybe she should walk in that direction. Turning her paws towards the huge clouds miles away, she continued to walk. So tired was she that she nearly walked right over a leopard that was laying on the ground. She started and jerked away from the brown and green feline, her heart racing. Was he dead? "Hello?" she said quietly, unsure if he was sleeping or expired. "Are you okay?
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Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 6:12 pm
Just his luck. Maybe if he laid there just a bit longer she'd go away... No, that wasn't something he should do, what if this creature was a lion and thought him a tasty meal if he was already dead? He hadn't known that she was another leopard until he opened an eye and lived his head slightly. Half relieved it wasn't someone from his pride. They'd probably make fun of him for finding him here during the day out in the open. Then again, he supposed he wouldn't have cared either way.
"What?" he said rather rudely. He hadn't really met anyone nice before, so this was all he knew. Not that he cared to be nice to anyone. He was suppose to take advantage of anyone and everyone he could. He just didn't know how to do it. He'd never been given the opportunity before. He supposed this could be a sort of test to see how it was done, maybe he'd learn from his mistakes later on. He had watched Thona from a far once, but didn't understand anything that happened.
"Can't a leopard relax?" He finally sat up, both eyes completely open and now staring at her with a rather grumpy look upon his face. Almost as if someone had woken him up. Truth be told, he hadn't even been asleep yet.
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Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 6:24 pm
Baridi let out a relieved sigh as the other leopard lifted his head. Thank the gods he wasn't dead! She didn't know what she would have done if he was...possibly looked around for a pride, but then again, maybe he was a rouge... "I'm sorry," she said, bobbing her head in apology as she got a rather cranky answer. "I thought you had...well...you didn't appear to be very well. It's been rather hot out lately and there's no water around, no shade..." She didn't want to come out and say that she thought he was dead. That was just too morbid to even though about! "So you're okay?" she asked again, wanting to make sure. He had said he was relaxing, but you could never tell sometimes. Perhaps he was so dehydrated he was imagining that he was full of water and food and completely happy and fine. It was always good to double-check in situations like these. She hoped he really was okay, though, because she doubted she could help him. There was no food, water, or shade in the direction she had come from. If anything, they could walk together to find some sort of shelter and sustenance.
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Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 6:38 pm
He raised a brow. Was she not from around here, then? It seemed she wasn't. He gave a yawn, and decided perhaps he should try this taking advantage of others, thing. His pride seemed to be so good at it, that maybe it came naturally to everyone there. He just... still didn't know how to do it, and he wasn't about to ask her how. If only he had the guts to ask for lessons from one of the older pride members. He never asked about anything. If only his twin was here, she'd know what to do. He looked at the other with another yawn. "There is water, and shade." he said not saying exactly where. It just wasn't near them at the moment. He could easily show her, though it'd involve a sort of long walk. He had heard about it anyways, not actually been there.
"I'm fine." He said looking at her. Maybe she didn't think he was. He felt fine, the sun was a bit hot, but nothing he wasn't use to already. It was surprising how hot it got out here, and how close to the ocean it was. But that didn't matter, as they weren't exactly that close to the ocean, and he was about to take her a totally different direction. If she so wanted to go, anyways. He looked at her, waiting for another response.
Perhaps he was suppose to say he was going to take her there, but he wasn't that type of leopard. He just said what needed to be said, and nothing more. Down straight to the point, if needing to be. Though, perhaps that wasn't always the best... He decided he needed to say more. Irritating as it was. "I could show you where some water is." He finally said. This was a lot of work already, he didn't know if he could really live up to his prides expectations. At least he was alone, and he didn't have to tell anyone how this little experiment went. He could always ask for pointers after the fact. He wouldn't want to disappoint his mom after all.
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Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 6:56 pm
Baridi let out a little sigh of relief again as the other leopard confirmed that he was okay. That was good. They were about the same size so she doubted she'd have been able to carry him anywhere. "I'm glad you're all right," she said with a small smile, truth evident in her voice. She could never wish harm upon someone else, especially a fellow leopard. As the brown and green leopard continued to speak, her ears lifted in delight and surprise. There was water nearby? That was great! She flicked her tail a bit in happiness, as if the smile on her face and relief in her eyes wasn't clear enough. "Yes, that would be wonderful! It's been a few days since I've seen so much as a stream or puddle." Ah, what luck! It was a good thing he was okay. Perhaps he was from around here. Maybe there was a pride and he was a scout. "Are you from around this area?" she asked as she waited for her companion to rise. "I haven't a clue what's in the area as far as prides or watering holes go. I'm from quite a ways away. Oh, I'm Baridi," she added, bowing her head just a bit towards the other leopard. "It's a pleasure to meet you...." She trailed off as she lifted her head, green eyes focusing on the other leopard as she waited for his name.
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Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 7:10 pm
God, did she ever stop talking? She kinda reminded him of his sister in a sort of way. Maybe not in the sense that they acted like each other, but more along the lines that she just... didn't shut up. He made no facial movement of his thoughts. He gave a small sigh and nodded at her not really adding anything to it much. Though he supposed he had to talk more than he ever wished to. If this was all that being out here was cut out to be, he wish he never came out here. "I live around here"
He purposely left out the fact that he never actually been venturing around here. He knew the general direction of the nearest water area that wasn't back towards his pride. He knew that she'd be in one hell of a issue. He wasn't going to do that to her, that'd be something that one of his brother's would do, however. Or perhaps one of his cousins. He flicked his tail and looked back at her. "It's not exactly around here, but it's close enough that it won't take too long to reach it" He added. His voice was flat and emotionless to a sense.
"Graen'Tae" he said without saying it was his name. It was a strange name, but it fit him well enough. Not that it mattered about names, they were just titles of some sort of recognition between one creature to the next. "We'd make it before night fall, I think" He said with a shrug. He wasn't exactly sure how long it would take, but he knew pride members had gone there and come back in a few hours, so it couldn't be THAT far. He didn't wait for her before he stood up, shook off any dirt and dead grass that might have been stuck to his dark fur. He gave a quick stretch before starting his way lazily towards the direction he believed it to be. If he was wrong, well... he guessed he'd be stuck with her until they found some water. He didn't want to carry her, however....
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Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:34 am
Around here...there must be a pride nearby. Baridi wasn't terribly sure she wanted to encounter this pride, though. This leopard seemed very...dispassionate about everything. If he weren't talking and moving around, she probably would think him dead just from the look in his eyes. She had come across some interesting prides in her travels and the scouts were usually a pretty good taste of what the pride had to offer. If anything, this pride would probably be a bit creepy if they were all as to-the-point and quiet as this leopard. "It's lovely to meet you, Graen'Tae. And I'm very thankful for your generosity," she said with another bob of her head to indicate her thanks. She set off after him, glad that the walk wouldn't be far. The sun was sinking lower in the sky and setting off a lovely display that painted the whole savanna red, yellow, and purple. It was gorgeous, really. "Ah, it's a beautiful evening. And now that it's getting cooler, this walk certainly won't take long," she said with a cheerful tone to her voice. "Is there anything I can do to thank you for bringing me to the water? I'm not terribly skilled at any craft or in the arts, but I do have a knack for catching birds. If you'd like, of course,"
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Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:08 pm
Generosity. The word clung to his mind like a bad taste. It wasn't out of generosity, but he wasn't about to correct her. He couldn't just say that he was doing it to take advantage of her, now could he? His tail flicked once or twice as he took gentle steps. He felt he had to make some type of conversation, but it was really a struggle to come up with something to say. Before he had to, she did, however. "When you're out here long enough, it doesn't look as beautiful." He said with another shrug. "Sometimes you hope it'd look different, one night, but it never does."
He really just wanted her to shut up, but he made no indication that that was what he wanted. He kept his mouth shut on his true feelings, it would be rude, and she'd probably run off the moment he said it. Which... wouldn't be very good, would it? He sighed and looked back at her. "Really, It's nothing..." He didn't really want her to help with anything. "You don't have to do anything." That meant talk too.. He gave her a sorta cheesy fake smile. Maybe that'd make her feel better? It always made his siblings smile. It, apparently, looked really funny when he did that. Even if he couldn't see it himself.
"I'm sure anyone would have done the same thing." Not from his pride, but he'd leave that part out. They'd have either led her somewhere else, or get her to do something that she probably didn't want to do. "Why are you out here anyways? There's nothing out here."
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Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:44 pm
Baridi bobbed along beside Graen'Tae with a renewed bounce in her step. The promise of water had raised her spirits considerably. "Oh, I see the sunset every evening and I enjoy them quite a bit. I've noticed they're different colors depending on the heat of the day. It's quite fascinating, really." She had the time to notice these things because she always tried to find somewhere to spend the night by the time the sunsets rolled around. She had begun to notice the richer hues after a particularly hot and hazy day as opposed to the duller, blander colors after a nice day. The wide grin was obviously forced, but it looked too comical to not pass up. She laughed softly and returned the grin with a more genuine one before answering the leopard's question. "I'm walking. Looking for a place to settle down, perhaps. Looking for new friends to make. Food and water are always welcome," she added with another soft laugh. "Recently it's been a bit harder to find any of those things, though. I've been walking a few days and there's not even been a field mouse. Coming across you has been such a relief. Company and water. Two very important things."
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Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 5:17 pm
He'd never known that, though... he'd always been here. It had always been hot as far as he had known. Though, he hadn't been alive long enough to see the winter storms. He had just become an adult. He was told of stories about how cold it was when he was a baby, but he personally didn't remember them. He just remembered all the cubs and things that were interesting at the time. He flicked his tail again. "Are you always this bouncy?" He asked.
When she answered his question on why she was out there, he instantly thought that this was definitely the wrong place for her to be. "You sure know how to pick an area to look for those things. " It was a bit sarcastic, but he wasn't sure if she'd pick up on it. If she didn't then perhaps she wasn't that smart, and probably deserved him trying to take advantage of her. His pride was full of those who hated stupid creatures, though in his mind, most of them were also stupid. "Most creatures don't come out this far. There's... a lot of bad things out here, poisonous snakes and all." Not just poisonous animals like snakes, and deadly birds that will try to peck your eyes out if you're not careful, though he couldn't say his pride was TOO dangerous.
They were almost there, he could smell it, yet it was still far enough that seeing was impossible. "Just a bit longer" He said. This who trip was probably the biggest conversation he had ever had which was kinda silly. He could feel his throat becoming sore from the talking, and he had become thirsty. It was crazy how much work talking was. If only he could just read other's minds, and they could hear his voice in their head. That'd be so much easier.
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Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 6:20 pm
Baridi tilted her head just a bit at the question. Bouncy? Oh...he must mean her walking. "No, not usually. Normally I walk rather like you. But I'm excited to finally have a nice drink, so I'm just..happy." She offered him another little smile. "If it's bothering you I can stop, though. I wouldn't want to annoy you.' Annoying her leader would be a decidedly bad thing to do. What if she annoyed him so much that he changed his mind? Quickly dropping the bounce, she mimicked Graen'Tae's stride and lowered her head so as not to be a bother. "Oh, I knew what I was getting myself in to when I came this way," Baridi said with a little nod. "I had explored the area I was in recently as much as I could, and I was told that after this stretch of barren land there's some plentiful lands, full of water and food and shade. That's where I'm heading...it's just taking a bit longer than I expected it to." She glanced over at her brown and green companion with a little smile again. "Great...I think I can smell it. So you're part of a pride? Which one?" She wanted to get to know who lived in the area in case she ever found herself lost.
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Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:31 pm
It was too late for that, the moment she had disturbed his peace he was annoyed. No matter, he'd handle this like a man and keep that stuff to himself. He gave a shrug. "Do whatever you wish to do." Whatever would keep her from being upset was what he wanted, and if that was going to keep her happy, whatever. He'd just have to deal with it which was pretty easy considering.
He raised a brow when he noticed she was walking like him now, he wondered what would happen if he'd slow down, or if he started walking strange, though curiosity didn't get the better of him. It was too much effort to make her do silly things, in the process of making himself do silly things. He flicked his tail instead.
"I think you went the wrong direction," He paused for a moment, but continued to move. "There isn't anything out here like that at all." He didn't want to be rude about it, but maybe she didn't know what she was looking at, but the land was dead out here. Well, not when you went closer to the beach, but it still wasn't like what she was explaining to him. "Or maybe the other had lied to you?" That was also a possibility. There were many around that would lie to anyone just to watch them suffer in one way or another.
He bit his lip when she asked about his pride, why did she have to ask? He could lie? No, he didn't know any prides around here. "Bhanu'Ecchumati." He simply said. perhaps they weren't well known, he didn't really care. They weren't that big, and if some lion prided wanted to come in and take them out, it wouldn't be very hard to do so. Apart from a few members, he supposed. The pride had got hit hard when the plague struck, and it wasn't to it's fullest yet. Though he'd never say that to her. "It's not a place for someone like you." He just said instead. "You shouldn't travel there."
It wasn't like he was trying to push others away from the pride, or even warn anyone that much. He just knew she would be subject to bad things that he didn't really care to think about. He'd end up trying to defend her, and he didn't even know her. He wanted to say he hated the way his pride was, but in truth, he was no better than anyone, and he grew up there. All he knew was that place. But he knew how outsiders were treated, and especially females. He didn't want to be the cause of her to be treated like that. She was actually nice. Maybe if she had been rude he would have encouraged her to go. Only if they deserve it did he plan to point them in the direction of his pride. She might have been annoying, but that was it. "Just stay clear of there" He said finally.
He could almost hear the water now, if he tried really hard. Maybe the conversation would change, and she'd get the point that it wasn't a good place to be. Or maybe she was just a fool and would go there anyways.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 8:31 am
The leopardess pricked her ears up in surprise as her rather dour companion spoke against what she had been told. Nothing at all like that out here? Perhaps she had taken a wrong turn...the cheetah that had spoken with her had seemed very sure of herself. Maybe she misheard and was told to go north instead of east? Surely it had to be an error on her part. Why would anyone send her out here, where there was nothing but hot sun and this lone leopard? As Graen'Tae moved on to talk about his pride, Baridi filed the name away for further use. She only knew a few of the prides by name, and now this would add to her growing list. The warning came as surprise, and she felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. Oh dear...it must not be a very nice pride, then. There were those around that enjoyed preying on weaker animals and, while she wasn't weak or small, she certainly had a less-than-satisfactory personality when it came to standing up for herself. "Oh dear...thank you for the warning. I'm lucky to have come across you, then." There were always one or two in a pride that didn't quite fit with the norm, and it was really a blessing that Graen'Tae had been out and about rather than one of his pridemates. Who knows? She might have been sucked into a pride that would have used her for nothing more than slave labor. The sound of running water greeted her ears as they continued to walk and her spirits lifted again. Soon, then. It couldn't be more than a few hundred meters away now. "Ah, I think I can hear it now. Are you certain there isn't anything I can do for you to repay your kindness? There's bound to be small prey around where there's water...I know it's not much but you have been very helpful and I feel badly just taking.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:44 pm
He didn't know if he should correct her. He wasn't trying to make her feel lucky, he was just giving some advice to follow. If she followed it, then that was her own luck, he suppose. He didn't care much to where the luck came from, honestly. He didn't believe in luck. He was taught to believe in skill, and that's what he did believe in. He had learned to fight, and learned to do it well. That was probably one of the only things he enjoyed doing, training.
He wanted to say more, but his mouth didn't want to work. He decided it was best to leave her with that warning and that was it. Perhaps if she found someone else out here, they'd have the same warning if they knew what was best. He flicked his tail some more, now able to hear the water better. She really wanted some of that water, he thought. She also really wanted to pay him back for nothing. He hadn't done anything that needed anything in return. To be honest, he would have ended up coming this way anyways.
"I don't need anyone to help me hunt." He said, it came off a little rude, perhaps... But honestly... What did he have to do to get through her head? Finally, the water came into site, and he felt a sort of relief wash over him. Not only had he listened well to what other's of his pride had said, but he had gone the right way. Not that it wasn't easy to follow directions for him. He made his way over to the water and started to drink a bit of it before turning back to her. "You don't have anything to offer that would be useful for me."
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