Welcome to Gaia! ::

Shukura wasn't sure why she continued to venture out into the rouge lands like this. Perhaps it was because she wasn't satisfied with how she had grown up. Abandoned as a cub and taken in by a friendly pride, she never really had one set father or mother figure to help her grow and learn. The felines and canines in her pride were very supportive and kind, but there had always been that parental figure missing from her life. She never had one adult she could curl up with whenever she wanted and whimper her fears to.

Now she was an adult. A shy, quiet one at that. She did well at her job - healing others - but beyond that she was a very elusive lioness, unsure of when others wanted her around or when they wanted to be left alone. Shukura figured if anyone did want her around, they'd simply come find her.

Of course, being lonely all day didn't really make her feel much better about herself. Perhaps they only wanted her to be there when someone was hurt or sick? Surely not...they were all so kind and welcoming...perhaps it was just her?

She was making trips to the rouge lands a pretty common thing now a days, hoping to find someone to talk to or make friends with. Someone that didn't know she was so painfully shy, so she could try to make a better impression on them and possibly win them over. So far she had struck out, either too nervous to approach a distant figure or finding no one at all near her pride's boarders.

Today seemed to be such a day. There wasn't even a bird hopping about. Shukura sighed softly and took up residence under a small tree, laying in the shade as she waited for someone to come by. Hopefully.

Shukura stretched her front legs out, letting her claws dig into the ground as her muscles tensed. She was used to being more active in the evenings, but she didn't want to risk meeting any new friends that were out during the day. She was a bit sleepy, but relaxing in the shade was definitely helping that.

Her stretch was interrupted by a voice, and she dug her claws into the ground out of surprise so much so that she grimaced as the dirt clung to her paws. She quickly looked to her left, where the voice had come from, and spotted a leopard not too far off. Her ears swiveled down and she ducked her head, not sure if the male was friendly or not. Perhaps this was his shade? Oh dear...she was so horrible at making new friends.

But as the pink male continued to speak, she began to gather that he wasn't angry at all. Rather, a bit lonely like herself. She remained in the very submissive posture even as she returned his words.

"No, not bothering at all," she said, her voice meek. "It's been a bit dull but...dull is safe." One of the female's ears slowly lifted in a curious sort of motion and she tilted her head just slightly to the side. "Do you come to this part of the rouge lands often? I venture from my pride every few days and have never seen you before."

Despite the leopard's submissive posture, Shukura's heart beat a bit faster as he moved forward. It wasn't until he mentioned her own posture that she realized how foolish she must look, cringing and speaking like a cornered fawn.

"Oh...I never assumed you were of high rank," she said quietly, but not as nervously. "Not that I'm saying you couldn't be," she added quickly, not wanting to offend. "I've just learned it's better to be submissive when meeting new animals. It makes them friendlier. Usually."

The offer to get a drink interested her. It was very hot out and she could tell it wasn't going to cool off any time soon. With a nod she stood and flexed her claws to get the dirt out from under them. She'd have to wash her paws in the pond when they arrived to get all of it out, though. It was really packed in.

"Heiko," she repeated with a hint of a smile. "I'm Shukura. It's nice to meet you." Once she was on her feet she waited for Heiko to lead her to the water. She was quite small for a lioness, only standing a few inches taller than the leopard, which made it much easier to not seem as imposing.

"I'd rather not cause any problems," Shukura explained softly, her voice just loud enough to carry to Heiko's ears. She'd much rather let whoever she met be in charge than end up fighting for dominance. It was so much easier when everyone got along.

The question made her flinch slightly, dragging her paws along the ground a bit more. "Yes," she answered, knowing that the truth was better than setting up false expectations. "I'm from the Jedi pride...we're very small and a bit reclusive, but I find myself in the rouge lands more often than not lately, looking to further my ranks by completing my tasks."

She glanced at the leopard, a wary look on her face. "We're very peaceful, but I'm probably the least likely to fight out of all of them. I prefer to help. Heal those that are injured. Sit quietly and listen to stories about the other brave members of my pride."

Shukura laughed weakly at that mental image. A nice mate she would make, she was sure. Were there really males out there that liked someone like her? It was hard to believe, really. She was so quiet that she couldn't possibly attract a strong, kind male. They all went for the funny, or the pretty, or the strong, or the smart, or the confident females, and she was positive she was none of those.

But Heiko's voice was so certain...perhaps she was wrong? She had been wrong in the past, many times, about many things. She really shouldn't get her hopes up but...hm.

"...you think so?" she asked, casting a wary glance at her pink friend as they continued to walk. There was a hesitant look on her face, but her ears were held a bit higher, as was her head.

Another weak laugh left Shukura's lips, but this time it wasn't as soft. He'd like to find someone like her? Wow...there really were males out there that weren't all about being tough and gruff! Not that anyone in her pride acted like that, of course...but to her, everyone she had grown up around was family. They were all so kind and loving, but she could never look at any of them as a suitor.

"Thank you," she said very quietly, a hint of a smile on her face. She paused to take a drink as well, glad they had reached the water that she discovered she needed. She lifted her head from the water and nodded as Heiko spoke once again, bobbing her head after in thanks.

"It was lovely meeting you as well," she said with another small smile one she lifted her head. "I hope you find someone to settle down with eventually. You're very kind." They parted ways soon after, Shukura heading back to her pride and Heiko off in the direction they had been walking in. This time, though, Shukura kept her head high and had a little bounce in her step. Someone she had never met before had seen the potential for greatness in her. That in itself was enough to pick up her spirits.