Levigis had separated from her half-brother. He had found a pride to call home while she continued to wander the rogue lands in hope of finding her own home. She had yet to run into any luck. Her father had spent a good chunk of his life as a rogue. She couldn't; help but wonder if that was what life had in store for her. Always traveling, never finding a place to call home.
It was the kind of life she would have dreamed about when she was younger, but now, she wasn't so sure. Her family was spread out now. She had learned that she had many half-siblings in the lands. At least because of his bright markings, it was sometimes easy to identify those she was related to.
She slowed her pace as she walked up the path. The mountain area had caught her attention. She was raised near the ocean. It was beautiful, but she always more fond of higher altitude. At the very least, it would get her mind off of family and her future. The path up the mountain was narrow, but wasn't a real challenge. She heard that the trail was used by merchants and travelers.
As she got closer to the top, she spotted a cave entrance. The perfect spot to rest her paws, she thought. When she reached it she found a spot near the entrance and laid down. She was so tired that she hadn't noticed all the indications of someone recently being in the cave. Nor did she see the freshly made tracks out side in the dirt.
Sol was returning to his hide away. He was in the rogue lands, collecting debts owed to 'Nera. His comrades were finishing the job. Being the leader allowed him to return to the hideout early. The first thing he noticed was the tracks leading to the den. He frowned as he compared the size of the paw to his own. The print belonged most likely to a lion.
Luckily there was only one set. Mostly likely just one lion to deal with unless it was a clever group who hid their prints. As he walked closer to his cave, he looked for any other signs. When he didn't see any noticeable changes he looked inside the cave.
He saw a lioness sleeping in the cave.
She was fast asleep, did not even hear him approach. He wondered if she was naive or tricking him. Instead of waking her, he found a spot on the opposite end of the cave and laid down. He decided it would be best to monitor her for the time being. No use in starting a fight when it's easier to avoid one.
When Levigis opened her eyes and looked outside, she saw that it was dark. She could kick herself. The last thing she wanted to do was travel at night. 'Guess I'll spend the night here and wake up extra early.' She thought with annoyance. Her stomach let out a loud growl, making her even more annoyed. Here last meal was early in the morning. She planned on doing some hunting before she camped for the night. She realized now that she would have to wait even longer to eat.
“It looks like you need some dinner.” A sly voice said from inside the cave.
Levigis turned to see who was speaking. It was a cheetah. One that looked like he had been in a few fights. He had jewelry around his neck and tail, a mask covering the lower part of his face and a scarf wrapped around his head covering one of his eyes. There were scars on his face and body. He reminded her of the pirates in her father's pride a little bit.
“How long have you been there?” She asked, getting ready to defend herself.
“For a while. Though, I should be asking you. I believe I was here first. It was strange returning to my cave to find a sleeping lioness. One who was so sound asleep I could have killed her before she woke.” Sol replied. “But you are not a threat to me are you? Because if you aren't a threat I think I would be inclined to share some of my food with you.”
Levigis saw the pile of fresh meat beside him. Her stomach let out another load growl. She weighed her option. He was a fighter, but so was she. There was a chance she could beat him and take the food. But there was more than enough for the two of them.
“Yeah I'm not a threat to you.” She saw, lowering her guard. “I saw the cave. Didn't know it belonged to anyone. I only meant to rest for a little bit.”
Sol got up and dragged one of the pieces of meat toward her. “You are welcome to stay as long as you like. I will be leaving tomorrow morning. If you plan on staying longer I suggest to be careful. Plenty of bad terrible creatures in the area. Ones that will take pleasure in killing a lone lioness like yourself.”
“If it is dangerous, why are you traveling alone?” She asked, accepting the food. The smell alone made her mouth water. “Thank you for the food.”
“I am not alone. I have a group traveling with me. They are outside the cave, standing post. Don't worry though. They have orders not to disturb you.” He answered giving her a smug look. “You should know now that I am not giving you the food. I expect you to do me a little favor.”
She stopped eating and almost spit out her food.
“You shouldn't worry. The favor isn't anything terrible. I come from a pride that has entertainers. Beautiful cheetahs who will sing and dance for the amusement of the other pride members. Since there are no entertainers around, you will have to be my entertainment.” He explained.
Levigis let out a loud laugh. “Well I am not about to dance for you, but singing. I can sing. Not well mind you, but I will do my best.” She said. It was a strange offer, but she would do it. Her father use to sing songs to her and her siblings from time to time.
Before eating anymore she began singing her song.
Sol listened as he ate. He was a bit surprise by her reaction, thinking he would have to try and convince her more to entertain him. She was right when she said that she wasn't a great singer, but she still had charm. If she was part of 'Nera she would have been trained how to sing and he guessed she would be a good one. With her build, she would also be a great fighter. Beautiful and strong, he thought, he arrogant grin turning softer.
'She is a lioness,' He reminded himself. There was nothing worse in the world then lionesses. However, he couldn't help but be drawn to her. “Pretty good for someone who can't sing.” He said when she was done.
“I do what I can,” She replied before returning to her food. The cheetah was an odd one, but so far his company wasn't bad. She hoped that she would get to know him as the night went on.
WC: 1,232
.:. Shadows of Africa - New Guild! .:.