[PRP] We Need to Talk [ Mlinzi & Mani ]

[Depawsit]

The poor male had been trudging through the rain for quite some time now, his mane was soaked, and his white fur was completely caked with mud. To make things worse, not only could he not see where he was going, but he couldn't see the mud to knock it from his fur. It was beginning to weigh him down, exhausting him to the point of no return. Mlnzi rarely had energy of his own to spare, and now what little he did have was going to be spent tracking down this female.

He knew in his heart, that she was worth it. If for nothing else, but to see that Mezlijin had made a good choice. He knew the horrors or falling into the paws of the wrong female, and he would not let that happen to his dear friend. If by chance there were something wrong with her, he would chase her away. Then he would have to deal with Mezlijin - though that was in the future, and he had no plans for such an event. He silently hoped that this female would be a good one. Mezlijin was so head over heels for her, he wanted nothing more than his happiness. But his good news fell flat when Mez revealed that she was not of the pride. He knew what that meant, a lost love. So many times had he seen it happen, that is was second nature to him now.

A crack of thunder hit the sky, followed by a streak of lightening. Roaring against the male's sensitive ears, he flattened them against his head. He had to do his best to find her, even if it was in the middle of a rainstorm. The quicker he could find her, the less time he would have to worry over her lost scent. Luckily the rain was still new, her scent had not yet been washed away, unluckily for him his energy was waning fast.

Pulling his paw from a particularly deep puddle of mud, the male growled in irritation at how own weakness. This was not the time to allow such weak traits to surface! He had to fight them, no matter what it took.

For Mezlijin's sake.

 

[Schicksalswende]

Despite the fact that it was starting the storm out, Mani was enjoying herself in the rain. She probably shouldn't have, considering she was a cheetah and had a shorter coat than other felines. Especially leopards. She'd noticed that they seemed to have the thickest coat. Or at the very least, it seemed like it, since it always looked like that water just rolled off of them. Regardless of her musings while romping out in the rain, Mani had taken at least one precaution. While she was out enjoying the rain, she'd made sure to do so near a tree. Or at least, what constitutes as a tree around here. The land was different around here, and had made much more sense as to why, when Mezlijin had explained his Prides story to her. Mani was still intrigued by that. It was always interesting to her that the Gods and Goddesses even decided to take any sort of time with mortals.

Her purple eyes fell on a lone figure out in the rain, and for a second, Mani had hoped it was Mezzy. But as she kept watching the other, she realized it wasn't. This other was bigger and more lion shaped. but hey, it was someone else who might be interesting, too!

" Hey~! " Mani shouted, trying to get the lions' attention. She could see the other was drenched and quite muddy. Maybe they'd like to be under her tree. " You look pretty wet. Maybe you might like to get under the tree I found, to get in out of the rain? "

Depawsit

 

[Depawsit]

For a moment, he hadn't heard her voice. It wasn't until the second portion of her invitation the he realized he had a guest in this grim weather. He was relieved, but only momentarily. what type of feline was actually sane enough to be out in this weather?! Obviously he was out of the question - but at least he'd come with good intentions.

"Sorry, I don't think I can. I think ..." Pausing his track of thought he tried to lift his legs from the mud encasing them, but there was no movement. "Yeah, i'm stuck." Mlinzi let out a heavy sigh, and took a deep breath it.

Wait a second - he knew that scent, it was the scent he'd been trying so hard to keep up with. The one Mezlijin seemed to always be covered in. It was her For a split second Mezlijin's eyes went wide with surprise, before slowly relaxing once more.

"You - You're her ... aren't you?" His voice was raised to be heard over the sound of the thunder, and his face was turned to the direction her scent wafted from. "I've been looking for you. I think we need to have a talk."

Schicksalswende

 

[Schicksalswende]

Once Mani saw that the lion had heard her but wasn't moving, she'd trotted over to the lion. Especially after she'd made out that he, as Mani could see, was stuck! Dirt sure could be treacherous once it rained a whole lot. Then again, the cheetah supposed that the type of dirt might influence the way it acted when soak. She didn't have time to dwell on that thought process, that would be something to think about later. Maybe while she was drying off later, or something. Mani hadn't quite paid much attention to what the male lion was saying, though she'd caught some of it. She was more trying to concentrate on digging the male's paw out of the muddy trap.

" Her who? "

Depawsit

 

[Depawsit]

Her sudden appearance near his his side, would have caused the male to jump, if there were actually anyway for that to happen. Instead a quick flinch took its place, but soon he composed himself to realize exactly what she was doing.

She was digging his paws from the mud, the action was enough to warrant a small smile from the lion. But not a big one, he was secrelty embarrassed for having got stuck in the first place.

"Yes, her."

He nodded matter of factly, but tried to otherwise remain still while she tried to dig him out. "Her. The one who Mezlijin has running through his mind every day. The one..." He paused, debating whether or not he should say it, "The one who stole his heart."

Now a little more accusatory he bore his unseeing eyes into the female's position.

"You can deny it, if you so choose. But I know its you. Your scent has been drug home with him every evening for quite some time. Though if you don't want anyone to know of your connection ... I guess it is acceptable... he IS a hybrid after all." Test one was now on the field, would she be embarrassed to be seen or connected to a hybrid? Or was she really the greatest thing on Earth as Mezlijin claimed. Only her reactions would tell for sure, the ball was now in her court.

Schicksalswende

 

[Schicksalswende]

With some small talk being made, Mani could concentrate on doing both. She could multitask, somewhat, but it just took a little bit to get into. He mane task though, despite the chatting, was to dig out the lion's paws. The process of which, was taxing and of itself, considering her slim limbs and the continuing rainfall. However, none of this stopped her from keeping on with the process. Mani was making some progress and that was better than nothing. She didn't mind getting dirty while trying to help out this lion, who.. hadn't mentioned his name yet. But with the way he spoke he knew Mezzy! So, at least it was someone potentially friendly. Potentially, anyway. He seemed to be cautious, which was understandable.

As she kept digging, always being mindful of where the male's paws where in the mud, she replied stately, " I am no one to fuss over, but I am flattered that you say Mezlijin is ' taken ' with me. I don't know why you would make it sound like I wouldn't want to be connected with him. Mez's status as a hybrid means little to me, unlike it is to others. " Mani was grateful that it seemed like she was getting close to the lion's paw. Her efforts were being rewarded after all! " He is quite adorable, in looks and personality. I do like him. "

Depawsit

 

[Depawsit]

He could tell she was getting close to the end of her task. Though he was trying not to move, he could manage to wiggle his toes a little, something the mud had prevented a few minutes ago. Judging by her continued digging though, he knew it was not appropriate to try and wiggle free just yet.

"I don't quite think taken is the right word." He smiled against his resolve to stay neutral. He was so glad to see Mez so happy, but at the same time this relationship would be so difficult for him. And this female ... he had to say was quite a selfless one, shown by her desire to help him. But what other qualities were hiding just below the surface?

As he listened, his face softened and a weight seemed to lift off of his heavily burdened shoulders. "You have no idea how welcoming it is to hear you say that." His smile became warm, more inviting and for a split second he felt he wanted to hug her. But that would be highly inappropriate given the circumstances.

"Mezlijin has gone most of his life being separate from most other lions, simply because of what he is and not who he is. May I ask - is there a reason you have a fondness for leopons? Or may I say hybrids in general?"

As he waited for an answer he felt one final claw near his feet and he knew his paws were free once more. He let out a small chuckle of gratitude and removed his paws from the filthy mud. "Thank you my dear ... may I ask the name of the one who has become so taken with my friend?"

Schicksalswende

 

[Schicksalswende]

Mani was glad to see that the male's disposition seemed to have lightened. She couldn't quite tell if it was fully from what she had said, or for the fact that he could remove his paws from the muddy entrapment? Perhaps for all intents and purposes, it was both equally. It wasn't often that males paid any sort of attention to her, so the cheetah hadn't known what else to say about Mez's attitude towards her, than to put it as being ' taken '. Mani didn't really think much of her looks, as she was rather scruffy. She always figured males liked females that were prim and proper, and she wasn't quite that. Somewhat, but not entirely. Regardless of the musings, Mani was happy that her efforts weren't for not, and had been able to help free Mez's friend. ..Or interrogator, whichever it really was.

" ...I've never understood why hybrids are ostracized. It seems beyond my understanding how anyone could do such a thing. " Which was true, Mani could never understand it. She'd never cared if someone was a hybrid. They were still another creature, deserving all the love and rights as anyone else. There had been several times where she'd cheered up a few hybrids, just because they were feeling down about what they were. " I wouldn't say that I have a fondness just for Leopons, but.. I like hybrids, just like anybody else. Just like anyone else, they too, have proved to be just as unique as everyone else. " Another true statement, even from the observations that she's made between different hybrids. Some were right in the middle of whatever lovely cross they were. Others seemed to lean more to looking like one species than the other. It was always interesting. " Oh, forgive my rudeness. I am Mani. "

Depawsit

 

[Depawsit]

"From a personal standpoint, I believe it has a lot to do with their reproductive habits. From what I understand not all hybrids are born with the ability to breed. I suppose some take that as a sign of inferiority." Mlinzi nodded to himself, not really sure why he was going off on such a random tangent. "In other cases, as Mez himself as encountered, some just don't like him for what he is. He's a mixed blood, apparently there are those of us out there who don't approve of the mixing of bloods." Mlinzi allowed his head to fall as he shook his head in disappointment. "Its a cruel world we live in, Mezlijin is lucky to have such a thick skin."

Mlinzi listened with true interest as Mani explained her affection in more detail. Though he wouldn't say it just yet, he was quite thankful she was being so open with him. Not only did it give him a large bit of insight into her life, but it helped him to be more comfortable with Mez's affections.

"Thank you for your support of the hybrids, from a lion who has lived his whole life trying to raise one. They don't always have the best lives, its nice to see someone who appreciates them, other than myself." With a continued smile, he continued to tap his paws along the ground to keep them from sinking once more. "What a lovely name you have, Mez has yet to share it with me. I am Pumbaa'Mlinzi though you may call me as you wish. I pride myself on the many nicknames I have received!" He laughed, remembering his most recent one, given to him by the god of Laughter himself. "Now, if you don't mind Mani, can you escort me to your shelter now that I am free? I'd hate to see you get stuck as I was."

Schicksalswende

 

[Schicksalswende]

Mani wasn't sure if it was just raining too much that it obscured Mlinzi's vision, or .. if there was another reason that he had yet to mention to her. She shrugged it off though, as she'd lead him to her tree regardless. The black and purple cheetah thanked the lion for the compliment on her name as she positioned herself infront of Mlinzi, with her tail resting against his chest. It wasn't the first time Mani had gotten complimented on her name, and she was sure it wouldn't be the last. She liked her name, just as others did. " Regardless, even cheetahs, lions and leopards have their troubles with bearing offspring. So, I think that fertility is a weak excuse to hate someone. Just the same as hating ones blood. Oh, and as I walk forward, I'll keep my tail against your chest, so that you know where I'm going. " She knew that was an awkward shift between two different statements, but Mani hoped that'd be alright. The cheetah waited a few moments for all of it to sink in before starting off towards the tree, which thankfully wasn't too far away.

" Supporting hybrids is also something that is close to me, since I have hybrid children of my own. All grown up now and on their own now, of course.. Is Mezlijin a son of yours? Or did you adopt him? " Mani hoped that wasn't too nosey of a question to ask. Everything had been going alright, so she didn't want to put things on a sour note.

Depawsit

 

[Depawsit]

Having not told Mani of his condition had been pretty silly, but then again, it wasn't on purpose. The poor guy would gladly have told her, had he not gotten stuck and had to worry with that. Now he would just have to wait for an appropriate time to bring it up. If there was one, that is.

Though he knew she hadn't done it with any ill intent, Mlinzi's heart fell deep into his chest at her next comment. He knew all too well the pain of not being able to reproduce. He himself had tried for quite some time, only to be unsuccessful. He blamed his illness of course, the plague had obviously caused sterility in him. Just another reason that he could not faithfully follow the preachings of the goddess of pestilence. Regardless of how many priests tried to convert his views.

"Ah yes thank you for that. I apologize for not telling you sooner, but I am blind. So your assistance is appreciated far more than you can understand. You are quite the selfless female to be out here in a rainstorm, endlessly helping a broken lion." He laugh half heartedly at his own joke, partly because it was true and well it was still painful.

As the two walked, Mlinzi kept pace, listening as she spoke of her children. Something that took him a bit by surprise, though he didn't really know why it did. Then came the next question - while a bit hard to describe, he would do his best.

"Ah so there is a bit more to your hybrid respect that just common sense. You have a close bond with them, I can admire that." He knew in his heart he shouldn't put off this question, but he really wanted to, mostly because a lot of people just didn't get it. "Well he's adopted - sort of... In our pride, Mez's Father holds a high rank, a rank that requires him to be gone a large portion of the time. His rank also requires having many, many children.. so many that, some tend to get lost in the mix. Mez is one of those cubs." He smiled remembering back to when the two first got together.

"It isn't that his Father doesn't care for him, its just that he fell through the cracks. When he found me, he was intrigued by my illness and took to being my 'pair of eyes' as he calls it. In return, i've always taken care of him. We don't really consider ourselves Father and Son, I think its more an understand bond of friendship. We're sort of stuck with each other, whether we like it or not."

Schicksalswende

 

[Schicksalswende]

Despite the incoming information as Mani lead Mlinzi to the dilapidated tree, she hadn't been confused by it. As some might have. Then again, some might not have taken the time she had. It was kind of sad how inconsiderate others could be to those that needed, no matter what it was that they needed. " ..We're almost there. And I wouldn't say that you're broken, Mlinzi. You're only broken once you give up. " And to the cheetah, it didn't seem that would give up. To Mani, he seemed like the sort that would just keep trying, no matter what sort of instance popped up. Perhaps he was also a little blessed, considering the happenstance with Mlinzi and Mezlijin. But that was just her humble little opinion. " ..Interesting. " Mani didn't know much about the workings of Prides, but she knew that they worked on a simple basis of things. They all, of course, were different, which was always intriguing.

Depawsit

 

[Depawsit]

Schicksalswende

Mlinzi smiled warmly as Mani led him to the tree. He could tell once he had reached it, merely by the change in the soil. The soil here was cooler, and soft, though not damp or soaking as the ground was a few steps back.

"I've actually heard those words once before, but its always good to hear them again. I don't plan to give up anytime soon, there are far too many others I need to be here for." Of course he was referring to Mez and his other friends. But not only them, his whole pride depending on his herbs to survive from day to day. If something were to happen to him - something serious, he didn't know what would happen to them. But he didn't want to find out either.

Resting himself easily against the trunk of the tree, Mlinzi let out a sigh. It would seem his partner in crime, had found a suitable female. She was selfless and caring, though the distance between them would prove a problem in the future. He would be happy to place his blessing upon the two of them for as long as they chose to carry on.

"Thank you Mani." Pausing for a moment he tried to decide exactly what he was thanking her for.

"For helping me twice without expecting reward for your actions. For caring for those who have few others to count on, but most importantly for giving my friend a reason to wake up in the morning." He smiled, and looked towards the location he had last felt her presence.

"I don't think I could repay you for any of those things, but I suppose I can try.

If you - or your children are ever in need of medical attention of any kind. You may come find either myself or Mez. I will take care of you to the best of my abilities." Winking at her, he leaned towards her suposed location and smiled, "Between you and I, I have quite a few abilities up my sleeve."

"With that in mind, I understand that you two may not build a lasting relationship due to the boundaries between you, but I do appreciate you for what time you choose to spend with him. Its been ages since he's had such a happy tone in his voice and its all thanks to you."

 

[Schicksalswende]

That was perhaps the hard part of this whole situation, or any that she usually came across. She made friends easily enough and crushes and loves came and went. Mani did like Mezlijin, he was a very spirited individual and that was just one of many characteristics that the cheetah had liked about the large leopon. She wasn't looking forward to when her feet would have her move along, because she knew it would hurt him. Especially with how Mlinzi was describing things. There was little that Mani could do about her wandering feet. At the very least though, she always made rounds back to places she'd been before. Sometimes, though, it was just nice trying to stay in one area for a given amount of time. The only reason she could find for her gypsy feet, was that she'd inherited it from her parents, who'd once been a part of a nomadic group. Sometimes she liked the ambling, other times, like this.. not so much.

" It was no trouble at all, Mlinzi. I never expect any sort of reward, I just help because.. well, that's just who I am. But I will always keep your gracious offer in mind. " It would indeed be nice to have a individual whom was well versed in healing. Especially since Mani was a Rogue, and she'd had a few close calls. She was sure that her children probably had, as well. It made sense that such a rank would exist in a Pride. " ' Lasting ' depends on your interpretation, and I am glad to hear that I have brought any sort of joy into his life. "

Depawsit

 

[Depawsit]

Mlinzi chose not to combat her stubbornness with some of his own, and instead merely nodded at her comment. He was relieved to here she would keep his services in mind, especially being a rogue like she was. Even if there relationship wasn't built to last, it did the older lion's heart good to know he could still keep her safe. Mezlijin wasn't a very sour sport, so he knew the poor leopon would be more than happy that he had even offered.

With a smile that could brighten the night Mlinzi glanced once more in Mani's direction before stretching his paws slightly and listening to the rain.

"Well I don't know about you, but I went through heck to find you, and my body isn't what its meant to be." He let out a small chuckle as the words slipped from his lips. Of course she wasn't weak and fragile! "But if you don't mind, i'd like to rest for a bit. If you'd like, once my strength is regained I can go fetch Mezlijin for you. He's bound to be somewhere nearby or back at the dens."

Schicksalswende

Sorry for the late and terrible reply D: We can end this with a post from you if you'd like!