The morning had started off quite peaceful as Siraana woke. It was early, and many of the other pride members were still resting, though she had no plans to contiue doing so. The dark lioness stood and moved carefully out of the den, so as not to wake any of the other's sleeping around her. The silent lioness paused at the entrance, gaze shofting over the sleeping forms until they fell upon her sister, who still slept soundly, before she turned and left.
Kimya had been walking for some hours through the night. The day previous had been quite hot, and thus the blue lioness had decided to wait out the sun before she continued. So far her journey had been a simple one as she made her way towards the pride her brother had departed her. Their paths had, for a time, split as Kimya continued to look for their father, but as she had failed to hear any word she was now on her way to what she had been told was called the Mvauiko.
The early morning was quiet, with only the only sounds other than herself being the wind and a few early rising birds. It was pleasantly peaceful, but that did not stop Siraana from patrolling the lands. They had had little problems since coming here, but she was a wary lioness, and did not feel up to risking the lives of those she loved on the off chance that some troublesome stranger made their way here. However despite her wariness she still did not expect to find anything, or anyone, out there. So it was a bit surprising when she came to the tree's edge that she saw someone heading towards their forest. Siraana stepped out from the tree's edge. There was no reason to hide herself. If this person was here searching for her pride then it would not do to let them wander around lost.
The sun was starting to rise, the sky streaked with wonderful colors. Kimya smiled at the site, though it faltered somewhat as she spotted ahead a forest, one which was backed to a cliff in the distance by the looks of it. Was this is? Her brother had said it was within this crater, and she had followed the directions, however she couldn't recall mention of what exactly she was looking for. The lioness sighed lightly at the possibility of a few days wasted journey had she actually gone the wrong way. She was just about to take a break when she spotted something in the trees. No, not something, someone! A dark lioness stood just beyond the forest ahead, looking directly towards Kimya. "Hello there!" She called out, pace quickening in her excitement at having found someone. "Hello there." She spoke again, more quietly as she neared the lioness. "I am searching for the Mvauiko. My brother said the pride was within this crater, and I am worried my directions were off." She let out a chuckle, trying to hide her embarrassment at possibly having gone the wrong way. If nothing else then at least this lioness might be able to point her towards the place she was searching for.
Siraana's posture softened as the lioness came closer, shouting a greeting before finally explaining the situation which brought her there. "You are in luck then." She said with a smile. "You are just outside the Mvaiko's lands, and talking to one of their members. Come, let me show you to the dens. Most of the pride is still asleep, but if nothing else perhaps there is some meat left over from the last hunt."The patrol would have to wait for now, it seemed.
"So you say your brother told you of this place. Is he a member of the pride, or did he simply hear of it?" Siraana asked curiously as the pair walked.
A sigh of relief escaped the blue lioness at hearing this. "Oh thank goodness. I was afraid I might have to backtrack. It already took a few days to get here, so the idea of retracing my steps was not an appealing one." Kimya said. A smile fell across her face. She had made it then. At least that meant her brother would be spared her wrath since his directions has proved correct.
Kimya nodded, even though the dark lioness was not likely to see it walking ahead of her. "He is, actually. My brother likely came here quite a few days ahead of me, though I don't recall how long ago it was be parted. I stayed back in search of our father, however I could not find any word of his whereabouts. So I promised I would make my way here if I hard nothing within seven says, and so here I am."
"I see. Well I am sorry to hear you found nothing of your father." Siraana spoke back towards the lioness. "Then your brother is likely still in the den. It is quite early now, though I'm sure some will soon wake to start the day." The dark lioness looked up as she spoke, staring through the foliage at the sky beyond. It was lightening quite quickly now, and soon the pride would likely be abuzz with activity as those waking went about their duties. She herself would have to attend to her own in the first hunting party once the rest of her group awoke.
"Looks like we are in luck. There is still a bit of meat left, though you had best take your fill before the others get to it." Siraana pawed at what was left of gazelle. Likely the last haul brought in, considering how much of it was left. However once those sleeping got to it it would be gone quickly. "Help yourself."
"This is quite a lucky day then." Kimya spoke as she settled herself beside the gazelle. Not only had she finalyl found the Mvauiko, but the growing rumble in her stomach would be quieted as well. She felt slightly guilty about it. She had just arrived here and was now eating their hard earned food, however her hunger pushed aside the feelings of guilt. She would just have to try and help catch something later to make up for it.
"Eat as much as you want. The dens are just over there should you need any rest, or wish to go looking for your brother." Siraana spoke, nodding towards the dens as she did. "Now unfortunately I have a hunt to see to. If you need anything feel free to ask." With that Siraana turned from the newcomer and headed towards the den to see if those of her hunting party had risen yet.
"Thank you." Kimya replied. She planned to just that as well. A good meal and a bit of rest sounded quite nice, especially after a night of walking.
[Word Count: 1153 ]
