It fet like he'd been travelling for years, and indeed he had been. But his most recent journey, was really beginning to wear on his nerves. He'd gone out in search of something ... though he'd long since forgotten what it was he'd wanted. Now he was simply wondering for the hell of it. And it was a terribly boring experience. To be all alone, wondering the lands, it was not a pleasant experience. It was even worse when he realized that most females would not approach him to conversate. He had absolutely no idea what that was about, but he'd taken it in stride much as he did with everything else. Now as the day came to a close, he found himself finally wondering why that might be. Surely he didn't smell? And he was a far far cry from scary! Ni snorted at the mental image of himself, yes he was definitely a far cry from scary. A look up at the sky told him it would be dark soon, and that he should probably find shelter. Though he wasn't tired, he was smart enough to know you didn't travel the rogue lands at night unless you were open to danger and trouble. Ni wasn't really a coward, but he wasn't much of a fighter either. So a resting place was his best bet.
He walked for another half hour before he finally found something that might be suitable. It was a nice little area, just on the outskirts of some woods. There were many downed branches from the trees, and lovely fragrant flowers to use as bedding. A smile of contentment spread across his face as he stepped ever closer. This was definitely his resting place, but it would be some time before he was able to rest. He still had to build the nest and do a quick check of the surrounding area. "All in a days work/" He grumbled, before he began to pick up branches with his teeth. When he got a full mouth he'd simply place them in a pile, under the largest tree. The shade would be a pleasant surprise when the sun rose the next morning.
As the sun got lower in the sky, it seemed he had finally accumulated enough sticks. Now he just had to gather the flowers.
-----
She'd never been this far away from her pride before, and it scared her to no end! But she knew what she was out here for, and she wasn't going back until she accomplished it. Lately there had been a lull in the blooming of the pride's flowers. A lot of the had dried up, and never blossomed, it was simply unacceptable to her. To watch her friends wither away, and to watch those who survived simply live their lives alone. She was NOT going to allow it. Mtoto stomped her foot on the ground angrily as she continued her walk. A pained expression of worry and fear plastered across her face. She needed to find new flowers ... flowers would could befriend her friends back home. Flowers who could help pollunate those who needed it. Flowers in general would be the point of her journey. And she was going to accomplish it one way or another. As she walked, thw shadows seemed to come alive, and every step she took seemed to put her more in danger. The poor thing was shaking by the time she came across her first signs of life. Tracks. Leaning down, she took a whiff of the print at her feet. It was definitely a lion. Mtoto' eyes darted left and right, ensuring that she was alone. It seemed as though she was, until the noises began. The sounds of cracking branches, and a soft shuffling. Someone was here.
For a moment, she thought of slipping away, and saving herself before the other realized her presence. But then the faint, otherwise inaudble voice hit her ears. With a gasp, the lioness' ears perked to attention and she darted off, following the prints as quickly as her feet would take her. She stumbled a few times, and even fell on her face once. But it didn't stop her from getting right back up and getting where she needed to be!
Finally she reached the location, huffing and puffing to try and regain her breath. There was a male, bulky in stature but otherwise not threatening. He appeared to be making something ... a few close inspections told her it was probably a nest. But then, why had the flowers called out to her? He was merely using branches ... WHOA -
Mtoto darted as quickly as she could to the male, and smacked his paw angrily.
"JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" She growled angrily, her every word holding both confusion and worry.
----
It all happened so suddenly, Ni had no idea what had happened. Taking a step back he finally realized there was a lioness standing before him. So that was the sharp pain he'd felt on his paw! Grumbling to himself, he shook his now aching paw in front of him. "OW! What was that for?!" Ni groaned before licking his paw gently to ease the sting. "And who are you?!"
----
Mtoto watched as the male took a step back from her, and she smiled in smug satisfaction. She'd gotten there in time, he hadn't had time to harm the flowers! A gentle sigh escaped her lips as she giggled at his reaction. "You were going to pick the flowers! And don't you dare say you weren't! I saw you!" Her voice was getting more high pitched by the second, but she couldn't help it. These were her friends he was toying with. "And I am Mtoto'wa'Dunia of the Iknimaya. Just who do you think you are?" Allowing her lip to curl up at the corner, Mtoto let out a small non terrifying growl at the male.
Wordcount: 1023
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