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 Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 7:33 pm
Sion Astal:
He didn't know how far he had come, how fast he had run, or whether or not he had left the shadows of his past well enough behind him. Days and nights seemed to blend together, blurring past him in a flurry. He had restrained his own mind, pushing thought and reason aside. His body ached, his paws were swollen from his travels, his body gaunt from the stress and strain over the last few days, and his pelt had grown dusty and ragged from lack of grooming. There wasn't even much time to sleep. He had dropped once or twice, curling into a ditch in the ground or stretching out in a high branch. Even then, he only allowed himself to rest as long as his body strictly needed. The moment he was stirred, he was back on his paws and loping to the north.
He didn't know how many litters his sire had fathered, how many of them were after his blood, how determined they were, or how much influence they had. He did know that he had to put as much landscape between himself and them. He did know if they found him, they would try to kill him. He did know they would fail.
Their kind could not be left to stand. Tyrants that did as they wished without regard for those they were born to serve, princes who lived only to take their father's throne, regardless of the cost. Nobles that held their position only by tearing down all those around them. It wasn't supposed to be this way. He'd not let it stand.
Determination could only get him so far. Soon his lope became a walk, the walk soon became a limping shuffle, and eventually his legs became heavy as lead and his shoulders felt like every muscle had been tied into small, tight knots. The lion found himself a nook under a large boulder in which to rest. It was out of the sun, relatively out of sight, and cool to the touch. He took time to groom himself, taking careful account of the hurts and bruises he had accumulated. It was a soothing enough ritual with some semblance of normalcy. An everyday thing. Simple. Thoughtless, and after an hour he had groomed nearly every kink and snare from his fur.
Sighing, he laid his head down on his paws and stared outward. In the distance the relatively flat landscape was broken only by a tall rock. It was distant still, but among the stillness it broke the endless horizon line. An interesting landmark.
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 1:27 am
 Maa-nefer:
Elsewhere there was a much more relaxed pace as a group of friends traveled in the direction of that very same landmark. The weather was wonderfully mild in the rogue lands compared to where many of them were from. After spending the bulk of the day traveling, laughing, having a good time, and in general keeping one another in high spirits for the long trek it was time to rest.
Velveted paws picked their way across the land. They belonged to someone who hadn't seen much in the way of fighting aside from her lessons in self defense, and hunting of course. The lioness in question had led a very charmed life, growing up amongst a large litter, equally loved by both parents, trained and well fed, never left going wanting. The worst hardship she'd endured in her lifetime had been the sandstorms that struck the pride some years ago, and even that they'd come through relatively unscathed.
She also had a tendency to see the bright side in everything, though, and she made a good compliment for most of the group. Amavasi was her mother's daughter, a tomboy, loved to spar, loved to banter. Matifu- Maa-nefer's best friend -was little better but aside from being very into her career as a guardian and liking a good scrap she was rather relaxed. Kinyago was quiet and Jian Xue was a flirt. Gaddith, another close friend, was still her opposite in many ways. She was the chatter box, the artist, the princess- the one that didn't fit into the group at first glance but somehow rounded it out very nicely in the end.
Most of the others just mentioned had gone to hunt. Maa-nefer and one or two others were picking out a place to sleep for the night. Thanks to her lessons from Gaddith she was alright to be on her own, and the others were a mere shout away should she need it.
After wandering for a while and taking in the scenery (her eyes kept traveling back to Pride Rock, after hearing so many stories about it from Kinyago she could hardly believe she was seeing it for herself) she finally spottted a bolder in the distance. Without really thinking twice about it she changed course to head towards it. Of course it was a bit small for six lions, but the thought crossed her mind that maybe it was hiding a den on the other side. There was a strong scent of lion there, perhaps someone had used it recently-
Or maybe someone still WAS. An apology was already on her tongue upon spotting a pale body lying in the shadows, but the words died there before she could get them out. Instead she sort of choked on her surrprise, for it was obivous at first glance that he had seen better days.
"Oh- ah... please, excuse me for intruding, I-"
Her paws shifted with her weight uneasily. It would be rude to call attention to his state wouldn't it? She should at least introduce herself first, not put him on the spot-
"... Are you alright?"
Well so much for that plan.
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 2:16 am
Sion:
He wasn't oblivious to the sound of a group approaching. Sion's eyes narrowed and his breath fell short, silent, and sparse as he listened. In his present state, running would be foolish. His body was pushed to its limit and even if he had the strength to rise and run, he wouldn't be able to out-pace anyone. Fighting would be absolute suicide. His only means of self-preservation at this point was to keep silent, keep still, and hopefully go unnoticed. It wasn't the bravest approach but he never claimed to be the bravest of lions. Sometimes avoiding a conflict was the smartest thing anyone could do.
The laughter and light-hearted tones threw him off. Certainly these weren't any of his half siblings or their goons. He didn't recognize any of the voices- half of them presumably female. He relaxed but remained where he sat, hoping the group would just pass him by. He was pleased when he heard the group departing, their voices falling silent.
But one of them remained. He caught himself from sighing his relief and pressed back against the stone to listen. Small. Likely female. He could hear her steps not far from where he laid by the boulder. Even a lioness would be a threat in his current state, if she meant him harm. Gathering himself up, the male laid with all the confidence of a prince, forcing the aches back to make himself look a little less rugged and a little more confident than he felt.
A face peeked around, followed by slender shoulders and a strong pair of forelimbs. He offered a neutral smile that grew as she voiced her concerns. Unable to help himself, and torn between relief and humor at the situation presented, the male laughed lightly. He was letting his mind get the best of him.
"Oh you aren't intruding. I just found a nice patch of shade to take advantage of for a few hours. I'll be on my way soon enough." He smiled a bit more as she inquired after his state.
"Yes, thank you. I just need to lay down for a little while. Am I interrupting anything?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 2:27 am
Maa-nefer:
When Maa-nefer rounded the corner she certainly wasn't expecting who she'd found, that was true, but she was expecting the laughter even less. Had she said something funny in the first few moments of their meeting, or was he simply laughing at something else? She wasn't sure. It did seem to put her worries somewhat at ease, but he still looked as if he hadn't been eating enough, or resting enough- that was concerning. Hadn't Kinyago and Amavasi said something about that, though? How some rogues lived tougher lives without the protection of prides? At least he seemed in good spirits if nothing else.
She offered a smile back, uncertain at first, but then shook her head in answer, her jewelry clinking together softly.
"No, not at all. I was just looking for a place for my friends and I to rest for the night. We're just traveling through on our way to the Pridelands there." She turned her attention away from him long enough to look in the direction of Pride Rock and found her gaze lingering for a moment as she took it in in the setting sunlight. Curiosity kept her attention from straying for long, though. She looked the male over again and tried to be polite about it as usual. His mane reminded her of Jian Xue's, and some of Matifu's family. His coat was a color she hadn't seen before, and somehow the colors all complimented one another beautifully. Even looking as travel-worn as he did he was one of the most majestic looking creatures she'd ever met.
The next smile was much more relaxed, and reached her eyes. "I'm Maa-nefer."
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 2:34 am
Sion:
Seeing her relax eased the last of his tension away. There was a part of him that trusted too easily, the same part that believed that anyone could be trusted until they themselves proved themselves to be unworthy of said trust. The female didn't appear to have a mean bone in her body and her eyes had held nothing but concern for a perfect stranger. It was endearing and filled him with an unseen spike of energy. There were good lions out there. Kind ones with nothing to gain through kindness, but they offered it anyway.
His smile became easier, less contained. "Well this seems a good a place as any. I don't mind sharing if you don't mind a temporary companion. I'm afraid I've nothing to provide to benefit your group, however." He added after a moment, "And if I am imposing, I only ask an hour or two."
The introduction was met with a dip of his chin. It was an exotic name. He'd not heard anything like it but then again, the lioness was exotic in appearance. Jewelry decorated her form, her build was more slender than the lions of his homeland, and there was a kindness there unbridled by fear or anxiety. It was true, honest goodwill.
"I'm Sion Astal. Sion is just fine, though. The surname is a bit of a mouthful and an unnecessary formality." He cleared his throat. "....is Nefer your surname? I'm unfamiliar with the customs of this land-" He glanced to pride rock, "As well as the terrain."
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 2:46 am
Maa-nefer:
His tension relaxed, her surprise faded, and they both seemed to be opening up more as the seconds passed. She thought of near simultaneous ripples in the same pool of water, reaching out, touching, and then responding to one another. It was a lot like that, and she was glad for it since it meant he wasn't put off by her presence- maybe even coming to enjoy it in such a short time.
It seemed as good an invite as any to settle down, besides, she thought, it would be rude to remain standing when he wasn't. Towering over another while speaking didn't exactly present a friendly atmosphere.
Not that Maa-nefer really towered over anyone.
"Oh, don't worry about it. My friends enjoy meeting new faces almost as much as I do. You collect the best stories that way. It's nice to meet you, Sion."
Her smile shifted into more of a grin for a moment, her tail giving a flick before settling down over her back paws.
"You can just call me Maa, or Nefer, whichever you want, honestly. Maa-nefer is my full name. My birth pride didn't practice surnames specifically, but a lot of our members have names with multiple parts."
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 2:52 am
Sion:
"The pleasure is all mine." He responded in kind. Shifting himself over, he offered some of the shade to Nefer and relaxed against the stone at his back once more. The cool surface eased stiff muscles he wasn't aware he had and the good company cooled what remained of his apprehension. Perhaps it was unwise to let his guard down, but even his nerves were shot at that point.
"Your friends sound charming. Where did they go off to?" He had heard a good number of lions. It was, perhaps, wise of them to travel in a group. However, they seemed to have their bearings and at least recognized the landmarks of the area. Perhaps they knew what sort of trouble one might expect or if there were any prides to avoid.
As she sat he settled on his forearms and listened. She certainly was right, meeting new characters meant learning a little more of the world. "Perhaps you can tell me where it is you came from? I've never seen a lioness with such riches on her. I take it you are from a royal line?"
It would certainly explain her finer features and the grace in her movements. Most lower-ranked lions had a stiffness in their gait and rougher features.
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:32 pm
Maa-nefer:
"Thank you." She replied, gratefully accepting the seat beside him and enjoying the shade, though it was some of the warmth of his proximity that put her more at ease. These lands were very mild, but coming from such a hot climate she wasn't quite equipped for it. Their fur grew in thinner after years of Muroki's line living in the desert, and the royal litter was no different. She tended to curl up in the middle of her group of friends along with Jian, Matifu, and Gaddith, finding that the latter offered the most warmth and that the prior also sought it, while Kinyago and Amavasi were both well accustomed to the "cold". Not to mention that some habits simply died hard for her, including sleeping in a large group.
"They went to hunt. There are about six of us, so I'm sure they'll bring back something large enough to share, if you'd care to join us, eating?"
That was a casual enough invitation that hopefully he wouldn't feel as if she were making a direct reference to his thin state, but it would make her worry less if he joined them not only for some socializing, but to eat as well. They'd only just met so of course she didn't know that he was on the run, let alone what from, but he seemed nice and like maybe he could use some friendly company for a while. Maa-nefer wanted to do what she could to oblige.
She smiled, modestly for a moment because of his observation, but mostly she just felt happy thinking about home. A surge of home sickness bubbled beneath the surface (her siblings, her parents... this was the longest she'd been away from them, ever) but it only manifested in a brief flicker in her smile before it was gone again.
"The pride I come from is called the Tuait-tekem. Most that knew about us called us Dawnwalkers, because of our beliefs. Jewelry like this is actually pretty common, even for those who aren't royalty. I..."
She shifted, unsure how to approach the topic. She'd never been uncomfortable about her title but since coming to the rogue lands she wasn't really sure how to go about introducing herself. All of her lessons had prepared her for encounters with royalty, nobility, and commoners alike- but once she was actually OUT here she immediately realized that those same rules didn't apply. Introductions became rather awkward things without the right lead up, then. She didn't want anyone thinking she thought herself better than them.
Not used to fumbling like so the lioness cleared her throat and tried again.
"Sorry, I've gotten used to introducing myself without my title, but yes, I'm one of the princesses. It's just that the jewelry doesn't really reflect my status." Her smile was hopeful, hopeful that that explanation wasn't too odd.
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:44 pm
Sion:
Company, at least the friendly sort, was something he had gone without for so long that he had forgotten how simple of a comfort it could be. To be close to another who had no ill intentions, no malice, no hidden agenda was something he had long forgotten. Not since the passing of his mother had he felt comfortable sitting even a foot away from. His heart constricted as he thought of her. Even in death she had been lovely. Pale with a silver streak down her forehead running long down his back. He got much of his appearance from her. Had it not been for the family mark on his shoulder, his father easily could have disassociated him from the family line. Fate, it seemed, had other plans.
He composed himself, pushing the painful memories aside. Time never healed wounds completely, but it did offer some distance from them. If he spent enough time within his memories, his mother's passing would become as raw and painful as it had been the moment he had watched the final breath leave her body and her rib cage go still. She had smiled in passing, if only to comfort him. So smile he did, if only to keep her soul at peace.
"I would love to join you- provided there is enough and the hunters have had their fill." He knew better than to refuse an extension of hospitality. Even among the common folk, an offer of kindness was to be accepted with grace. People took pride in their skills and belongings. To offer it, especially to a complete stranger, was to give a part of themselves away. It was among the most sincere shows of good character there were. "After all." He added with a light chuckle. "I've done nothing in return for your group. Perhaps I can see you to the border? Certainly, they'll be tired. I can keep watch while they rest. An extra set of eyes is always valuable."
He quieted again and listened, his eyes soft but curious, as she spoke of her homeland and of her own lineage. A princess then- he was right to assume. She looked well groomed, well-bred, and walked with the confidence that only a noble was allowed to have in his homeland. Her modesty, however, was alien to the noble rings. He hadn't missed the small heartache, likely triggered in response to her homeland. Either she, like himself, was running from something or she had given something up.
"It sounds like a fascinating culture." He said gently, careful not to disrupt her own painful memories and emotions. "And the jewelry suits you very well. It accents your fine features- If I may be so bold."
He looked away and flicked his tail casually. "So that is your destination. Why have you traveled so far?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:50 pm
Maa-nefer:
"Great! It'll be fun to have you with us."
The grin that accompanied that statement was much more at ease, and completely open. The more they spoke the more she enjoyed his company. Granted Maa-nefer got along with nearly everyone that she met, and she genuinely enjoyed each meeting and interaction, but out in the rogue lands they'd encountered a few surly lions, canines, cheetahs, and leopards who had been less than receiptive to a friendly face. While the group was content to go on their way where they were clearly unwanted it just left her all the more grateful when she actually got to meet someone that could enjoy a good conversation.
"That all sounds perfectly fair. I'm sure that everyone can agree to that, though I'm happy just getting to enjoy your company and friendly conversation, too." But she also wouldn't turn down his offer to help the group out. They could all benefit from traveling together for a bit, after all, and there was no harm in taking safety in numbers. If they all gained something from it- heartfelt conversation and making a new friend -then it was a great exchange in her opinion.
Somehow the compliment left her feeling mildly flustered inside, though she wasn't the sort to show it so obviously on the outside, aside from there being a bit of modesty in the tone of her smile and voice.
"Thank you, very much. That's very kind of you to say..." Something somewhat unusual happened, then as he looked away. Maa-nefer found herself suddenly very self-aware. Not only did their proximity seem to become a little more noticeable, but so did her appearance. Was it because of his compliment? Focus, she could puzzle that out later.
Her own gaze returned to Pride Rock then, thoughts swaying between home and the past then back to the future and Pride Rock.
"Oh, we all had our reasons for wanting to go. My best friend recently lost her grandfather, our vizier... She has family in the pridelands that she needs to tell. Our other friend has a twin, her mother, and the rest of her family- along with her uncle. I came along because... well, honestly I wanted to see more of the world outside. I've spent my whole life in the desert, and I loved it of course, but nearly everyone else had seen the outside world at least once. I guess I just wanted to experience it for myself, and the others insisted on coming along, not that I mind."
The last part came out with a giggle, sort of as if she were thinking about it and had just found something funny about it. It was just like them, though. Where one went they all went. They were pretty inseperable.
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:58 pm
Sion:
"I'll try not to make myself too comfortable, just in case the others wish for your group to remain the same. I would completely understand if they were unwilling to trust their backs to a stranger one of their company has only just met." He added after a moment. "But I thank you for your trust."
A friendly conversation. A rare treat for him and it seemed even with a good company, the female was eager to gain more of a friendly word or two for herself. Being a noble, she must have had her fill of fluffy flattering and formalities in the past. An honest conversation among nobles was almost as unheard of as a noble b*****d living to see his mane grow full- and yet here they were. Of course, he was the only one aware that two nobles rather than one were engaging in an honest conversation. He quite liked that actually. He didn't have to put on airs. Unfortunately, he had put her in such a position and quietly hoped she didn't bother with formalities and courtly matters now that the knowledge was out there.
"I am sorry to hear about your friend's grandfather. I imagine that this trip has been a bittersweet one with that hanging over your company." There was a hint of understanding in his tone, and a flash of personal pain in his eyes that went quickly masked behind another practiced smile. "At least you know you go into good company. Family even."
He followed her eyes to the distant rock. He would like to see it a little closer but it sounded like a pride had claimed the territory. Soon enough he would have to pass on in peace, if the pride was the sort to allow such a thing. If not, he would have some running to do.
"I myself am eager to see more of the world. I can well understand when one's paws become unhappy being rooted in one place. Still- it's good to have a place to call home. I hope you find it soon."
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