Baatar had been wondering far and wide in search of those that needed his help. He was a little of a self-proclaimed hero, although modest. If there was a situation or any trouble you could count on Baatar to be there trying to make a difference in any way he could. He had been roaming for a while now, and was beginning to get a little lonely and a little, well, bored! His large grey legs pounded the dirt ground as he wandered the lands at a quickened pace. Suddenly he dropped back. Could he see something up ahead? Although he was brave he was not foolish, and he knew that the rogue lands could be a dangerous place and did not intend on literally running into anyone full force. Truth be told, he wasn't entirely sure of his surroundings and could even be approaching Pridelands or borders, or maybe just a passing group. He slowed a steady walk and kept his red eyes ahead. Baatar was certain he could see a pale form growing larger. As he walked closer, scenery began to jog his memory. He was sure he had passed through here before with no trouble. Maybe a little while ago, but still. Baatar tended to go in circles and retrack his steps.
Nguvu was feeling a lot better about himself lately. Clearly winning the duel against Jasiri had done wonders for his ego. The pale lion was still not entirely sure whether or not this meant everyone had warmed up to him, but he respected that Bonelands females were traditionally weary of females. He remembered the day he had to leave. It was a very upsetting day but it was a day that he had been prepared for, none the less. He quickened his pace a little as he bounded along the ground, eyes looking out to the sky. As they were a nomadic pride, Nguvu took to following “borders” as much as he could and made sure he was thorough and often expanded his patrols.
Yep, there was definitely something or someone coming closer. Baatar thought about turning back and going the other way. It didn't appear that the other creature had seen him yet. That could just look sneaky, perhaps. Baatar decided he would just state his good intentions and move away. It was what he usually did with other rogues. He had had many pleasant greetings, conversations and even adventures with other rogues. Although he had avoided a fight as of yet, he had met some creatures that were standoffish. He had narrowly avoided a fight with a hyena, once. He kept his head held high and approached what he believed to be another male, with a smile.
Who was this? Nguvu suddenly saw an ash-grey figure coming towards him. Another male. He had to take action. It was his job as one of the Inselele to make sure that the pride was well protected from other threats. A small wave of panic flashed in the pit of his stomach. He was sure he could take down another male, or at least do some damage. He had, after all, shown his strength and fighting skills on a number of occasions. He looked over his shoulder. It would be unwise for him to meet the male halfway, as there could be others waiting to intrude directly onto their lands. Staying a little closer would mean perhaps Jasiri would see him if he got into an unlikely spot of bother. Nguvu was prepared and bared his teeth as the stranger came towards him.
Baatar made sure that the smile remained pasted on his face, even if it wanted to change as he walked closer towards the male. He was big, very big. The sandy area must have blended in with the edge of his shape, from a distance, making his size appear less threatening. Judging by the way the other male was looking at him, he may not pass easily. He wondered if he was alone. Could he see other shapes on the distance? As he approached him he called out with a friendly yell. “Hello!”
The stranger did not appear to be hostile, but yet he wasn't able to let just anyone wonder into the lands. It could all be a cover, anyway, there were some devious creatures out there. Nguvu pulled himself up to show off his massive bulk and walked a few paces to meet the other lion. He had bright red eyes and an ash grey pelt, with one white paw. “You may not go any further.” He growled at Baatar.
Baatar was taken aback. He had expected a snide comment, or maybe some confrontation, but in all honesty he had not expected to be barred from entering the oncoming lands. Was the male protecting something? A mate, a new family? Of all the places he had been, he had been here many seasons ago and was sure that there wasn't a pride resting here. Perhaps he was wrong, and there was a newly established pride or colony of which this large male was in charge. “I'm sorry, I just need to pass here quickly.” He bowed his head.
Nguvu reiterated his first statement “You cannot pass through here.” The grey male wasn't small, but Nguvu was bigger than him and would not hesitate to take him on.
Nguvu faltered. It perhaps wasn't in his best interest to divulge the nature and whereabouts of the pride, but in doing so he felt perhaps he would deter the male from going further. If by chance he managed to get through the pale mass of Inselelo, he would be faced with more angry males and a whole load of angry females.
The male found himself letting out a protective snarl. “This it the Bonelands, this is my pride, step further and there will be consequences. In time we may pass this land, but for now you must travel further east.” He nodded to the end of the borders a way away. “It's for your own safety. There's more males in there.” He added weakly. Actions of force were much more effective than words, for him.
Baatar could see the male was hiding no ill, and could also see clearly his passion, perhaps he could even see sand-coloured figures of the pride in the distance. He bore the male a large smile and bobbed his head again. “It is nice to see protection, that I must admit.” Baatar had spent much of his time trying to aid and protect others, it was very refreshing to meet a lion who had a similar spirit, albeit much stronger.
“You are a strong male, and I hope you continue to guard your pride with honour.”
Nguvu had not expected such a different tone from the grey male, who had had him on edge in all honesty. Perhaps they were of the same kin. Maybe he had roaming family that had passed the lands before they had arrived. His face broke into a gentle smile. “As long as you are no threat.” He nodded in agreement to Baatars kind words. “Protection is key, to everything, especially a pride. I hope so too.”
Baatar wouldn't know. He was born a rogue and would probably die a rogue, although he had to admit there was a small part of him ticking away curiously, as if a compass needle pointing to a new home somewhere in the distance. It was something to be considered, if the future held it, or if someone needed him, he supposed. He flexed his legs and turned swiftly east. “Good day.”
The memory of that lion hung with him until nightfall, and he wondered what it was like to belong.
Nguvu smiled to himself and looked back on the pride.
Another job well done.
