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Shangwe had just been on his way to find a good spot for some hunting. It was a job he was proud to have- he loved being able to bring food back for the pride to enjoy, especially the cubs. They certainly needed to have some food in them, now didn't they? Growing and all that. but it was being able to contribute in general that Shangwe loved the most. It was his home, after all, and he didn't want to feel like he was just living there for the heck of it. Being a burden to those around him. So being able to do something, however small, delighted him.

He had found a herd of zebra, and had been watching them from the security of the tall grass. Slowly, he had been making his way towards them, hoping to find a good position to get the jump on the group. However, that didn't pan out. Something startled the group and made them charge, heading right for him in a panic.

Yelping, Shangwe emerged from his hiding spot, leaping around from the stampede in an effort not to get trampled. Instead, he ended up accidentally leaping right into one of the charging zebra, he and the panic-ridden beast rolling over one another down a small incline before coming to a stop. Shaken, Shangwe barely had a moment to compose himself before instinctively leaping on top of the zebra and latching onto its throat with his large fangs.

He could check for injuries later- he might as well try and make something of his apparent blunder. He, of course, had no idea another hunter had been the one to trigger the whole thing, or that she was still nearby to help.

Shangwe let go of the zebra when he was sure it wasn't going to be getting up again, looking at the female with surprise on his expression. It didn't take long for it to click- he soon realized she had probably been the one to set off the stampede, since he was sure he hadn't caused the noise. If he had, they probably wouldn't have charged directly at him. So that explained that little mystery, though he couldn't find it in his heart to be angry about the whole thing. Since they had managed to get a kill, it ended up being a good thing, right? Life flashing before his eyes not included.

"Ha! I was wondering why they ran- I didn't know there was anyone else here! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb your hunting trip, but it looks like it did work out for us in the end, didn't it?" He chuckled. This female, while not someone he had been allowed the pleasure of speaking to before, was someone he recognized from his pride. No doubt they had been doing the exact same thing- getting food for their home.

"My name's Shangwe," he replied lightly, "It's a pleasure to meet you! I've seen you around." He winced slightly as he took a step away from the zebra, curling slightly to the right. It felt like that side of his chest was on fire- no doubt he would be in pain for a little while. That zebra had plowed right into him, without holding back in the slightest.

"Ouch," he chuckled, "I don't think being tripped over is going to stay my method of take-down: it kind of hurts."

Uh oh, now he'd upset her! That wasn't what he had wanted at all. "No no, it's okay!" he assured her quickly, "'I'm sure it's nothing serious. Just a bruise or two- there's no blood, see?" He looked over his brown fur, which only had dots of blood from the zebra he had killed and nothing visible from his own body. He imagined he had just jostled his insides around a bit. Nothing to worry about there, right?

Oh sure.

"You don't have to be sorry. After all, you didn't know I was there, so there's no way you could have known I would get in the way. I shouldn't have positioned myself where they were facing- it probably wasn't the brightest idea on my part even if they hadn't have charged." Of course, given more time he probably would have moved to a better position for the hunt. probably somewhere around where she had been, in fact.

"Maybe we can find a watering hole," he suggested, looking around the area, "I find water helps me feel better if I just soak for a bit." The place looked green enough that there was probably something nearby, even if it was just small. All he needed was to relax for a minute.

Shangwe was sure he had seen a watering hole nearby, too, so he supposed they must have come from similar areas. Made sense, considering their home was the same place. He couldn't really argue with her taking the zebra, as by the time he had a moment to reply she had already grabbed it in her mouth. It wasn't a massive beast, so he supposed she would be able to carry it on her own, even if he did feel guilty about it. She had been out to hunt, so she would have done the same thing anyway.

But he was the male there- wasn't he supposed to carry the heavy things?

Smiling, he motioned for her to follow him. "You're very kind, thank you," he told her lightly, moving towards the watering hole he was sure he had seen not that long ago. It took him over some familiar grasses, confirming he hadn't picked the wrong direction in his pain.

Soon enough, water was before them. "You should have a drink," he told her lightly, "dragging that thing around must be difficult."

Shangwe smiled, letting her drink before moving into the pool to let the cool, comforting water wash over him. It did help him feel a bit better, though it didn't get rid of the pain in his chest. It was better than what it had been, so he wasn't going to complain.

Sighing softly, he closed his eyes, taking a moment to compose himself before looking back at Yakujo.

"I think you should take the kill back to the pride," he told her lightly, "if you feel like you can, I mean. I don't want to force you into anything. But I'm going to stay here a little while and just... soak for a bit. There's no need to site around here on my behalf." He smiled happily, his swishing tail causing a ripple in the water.

"I was happy to meet you, Yakujo! I hope we get to have a proper hunt together sometime- I would love to see your skills."