[PRP] Below the Cloudy Sky

[MangoMeow]

It was with a deep, satisfied breath that Maikoa found herself cresting over a tall hill, a small net filled with goods draped over her shoulder. These nets were normally used for fishing, but she'd found a use in them for carrying belongings too.

This had been a good outing; she'd managed to trade off a lot of Foxglove's works this time around, and had even managed to find some trinkets to give back to him. She was sure that he'd love the small wood carvings she'd gotten. Maybe it would even inspire him to make something based off of their designs! Most of her trades had included things for the pride to use, or things she could potentially sell off somewhere else, so it was nice when she brought back something that was actually for him.

Tail swishing behind her, Mai made her way down the slope in a cheerful manner, unconcerned with the growing clouds over her head. Probably just an approaching rainstorm. She wasn't too concerned over it.

Zingling

 

[Zingling]

A breeze tossled his golden mane about as he stood sturdy on a large branch overlooking the land around him. He had taken the job as scout for his viking troupe, having needed some time away from the rowdy bunch. Taking a deep breath in, he could make out the scent of impending rain, the clouds darkening in the distance. Rain would make great cover for the group he was travelling with, but it would also slow them down. Taking a moment to ponder what to do next, Midas' eyes were drawn to the movement in the distance.

The troupe could fend for themselves he decided, knowing full well that they could see the storm coming several miles away from where he stood. Hopping down from his perch, the golden mane lion made his way towards the lioness and her bag of goodies. What did she have to offer he wondered, considering his next actions

"Hello there!" His deep voice rumbled across the plains, drifting over to lioness. Midas wasn't the type to just sneak up on someone, especially when he was looking for a reprieve from his daily grind. "Are you currently trading wares?" He had slowed his approach, hoping to abstain from startling the lioness. 

MangoMeow

 

[MangoMeow]

Maikoa paused at the voice, head perking up and tilting in his direction. As he continued with his question, she smiled brightly and sat down. "For an interested party? Always!" She did love when someone approached her knowing who she was. Or well, not really knowing her, because that would be a bit creepy, but knowing what she was doing.

... She was drifting off topic now, she thought with a frown.

Shaking her head, the lioness dropped the bag down to the ground and opened it a bit to show the objects inside. There were a few clay bowls, some of the usual dyes from her pride, a couple leftover stone figurines that Fox had made, and some silky cloth that had been traded to her. She wasn't really sure what the use of that last one was, but oh well. It was pretty and soft.

Looking back up at him, she continued, "I'm Maikoa, by the way. Feel free to take a look at what I've got! Some of them are Kizi originals."

Zingling

 

[Zingling]

Black eyes scanned each item with honest interest, stopping and lingering on the dyes and the silky cloth. He could use both during his Viking adventure. The cloth to keep colder wind off his nose or sand and dust, the dyes could be used as markers, allowing him to know where he had been before. Moving his gaze upward towards the lioness’ face, black eyes suddenly met blue and a grin lit up his face.

“Maikoa, it is a pleasure. I am Midas from the Stormborn.” Puffing out his chest, the large white lion nearly beamed with bravado. “Have you heard of us?” Raising his head he peered down at Maikoa and flashed her a dreamy smile. “I am sure you have.”

Pointing a paw at the dye and cloth, he redirected his and hopefully Maikoa’s attention back on the items. “What would you like for those? I can easily feed you, keep you warm for the night or even offer my assistance in carrying these to your next destination.” Pausing, Midas looked the lioness over a couple times, then smirked. “Or if you need a fighter… I am your lion.” Winking he waited, hoping to have come off as more knight in shining amour than creepy rando.

MangoMeow

 

[MangoMeow]

She kept her reaction off of her face, though inwardly, she faltered at his mention of the Stormborn. This was the second encounter she'd had with one in the past month, and while she'd been warned to be careful around them, she liked to think that she was a decent judge of character.

He didn't... look like he'd be hostile or mean towards her, and her last encounter had actually been with someone on the kinder end too. It sort of made her wonder if the stories she'd heard of fierce bands that pillaged and kidnapped young lioness were mostly just that - stories. But then, she wasn't about to ask Midas about that. That would be rude.

So instead, the lioness just smiled softly, deciding that he seemed friendly enough, and nodded. "I've heard a tale or two."

As he redirected the conversation back to her wares, she turned her attention down. Luckily for him, she was oblivious to the wink. "Hm.... I normally work with the customer based on what they can offer, though... I must admit that some company while I travel would be nice." At the very least, having a guard when there were scary Stormborn around could be useful.

And as if to emphasize the point, her stomach decided to make itself known right then.

Her ears pulled back at the loud grumble that broke her thoughts. She'd been traveling for most of the day, and hadn't even thought about food in that time. With a sheepish look up, she cleared her throat. "How about this: help escort me to my next place, maybe help me hunt and gather some supplies to bring back home, and I'd be happy to trade a few things."

Zingling

 

[Zingling]

MangoMeow

Smirking, Midas was oblivious of Maikoa’s fears of the Stormborn and took her reply as being one of awe or at the very least, interest. He made a mental note to ask her later what she had heard of them. Perhaps he had been part of one of the Viking groups she heard about? Then again, not all Viking parties were kind to strangers. Frowning now, Midas pushed the thought away and listened to the lioness.

He was excited to learn that she would be interested in trading wares for his companionship and chuckled when her stomach started to growl. Looked like this was going to be a done deal and what better way to learn more about the area then to travel with someone from somewhere else.

“Maikoa, that sounds like a lovely idea. I would be interested in hearing what you know of the Stormborn and perhaps you can tell me about yourself and where you are from.” Grinning, he flicked his tail excitedly. He was fulfilling his duty, gaining some potentially useful wares and even making a friend. What more could he want out of this sort of situation.

Checking the clouds, Midas silently cursed them. He would have to find them both shelter for now, the rain was on its way. “Might I suggest us finding shelter…” Nodding up to the now violent looking clouds he frowned at her. “A little wetness doesn’t bother me, but a storm will be of no use to either of us.”  

[MangoMeow]

She wasn't entirely certain he'd enjoy hearing the tales the Kizi passed to her of the Stormborn, but then, maybe he would. Or maybe she could color it up a bit. She was a Story Seeker, after all.

Come to think of it, it had been a while since she'd sat down at spun one of her stories. She was so focused on making her sales lately that the idea had slipped her mind, something her pride would be disappointed in, she bet. Perhaps having someone around to get her to relax a bit would be beneficial to her.

Shaking her head to pull herself back to the conversation, she tuned in just in time to hear him mention the rain and finding shelter. She gave a chuckle at that, "I don't mind the rain much either -- it was, ah... rather a staple of my pride." She frowned, "Though a few of my belongings would appreciate not getting wet."

The lioness looked around them, "There must be something nearby." Problem was, they were on a plain. Where did one find shelter out here?

Zingling

 

[Zingling]

It was almost like the gods liked playing tricks on Midas, because upon a single blink, both he, and Maikoa were no longer in the plains, but some 10 miles forward. A shrub, some rocks and even a bird that passed by had all been transplanted in a jungle while ghostly lights danced in the sky. Black eyes just stared at lights that shimmered through the leaves of the jungle.

Taking a deep breath, Midas’ brows knit together as his face morphed into a huge frown. This paranormal activity was getting rather tiresome and it seemed to be following him like a plague. “…This is exactly the reason why I have been avoiding storms.” Turning to Maikoa, Midas palmed his face, physically wiping the annoyance from it.

“Has this ever happened to you?” Raising a brow, Midas looked genuinely interested in her response. Was he being followed by some crazy paranormal events or was this happening to other creatures fairly often too?

MangoMeow

 

[MangoMeow]

The sudden, unexpected change of scenery had Maikoa gasping aloud, and though they hadn't actually moved while being transported, she still felt... almost winded. Was it from shock? Probably.

Either way, she looked around uncertainly before shuffling a bit closer to Midas, "I- what?" She had to do a double take as he spoke, "I, um- No. No, I've never seen this before." Which is funny, because unbeknownst to her, this has been happening for a while. As it stood, Mai had simply gotten lucky when it came to avoiding it. Of course, that also meant that she was thrown off guard, and she pulled her net closer to her as a gut reaction as she stared back at the lights. "Is... this normal?"

She paused then, debating the situation a bit more, "Although, at least we've got shelter now." And it was true; the trees would provide much better coverage then anything on those plains would. "Maybe..." The lioness cleared her throat, "I guess, let's take advantage of this to find some food. We're probably not the only ones who got unsettled." Perhaps some prey did too.

Zingling

 

[Zingling]

Closing the space between them, Midas shook his head offering a gentle shoulder to shoulder bump. The lioness was clearly shocked by what happened, he had been there, but after it continued to happen he almost felt accustomed to it. s**t was going down in heaven and whatever it was, it and completely out of his control. Someone had almost died in his party from the event, so he knew to watch out and try his best to avoid these random event.

"From my understanding there is a war in heaven right now." Midas' eyes were tracing the lights in the sky for a moment before meeting Maikoa's.  "Definitely not normal, but I have been running into strange events for awhile now."  Pausing for several moments he wondered just what would happen if the good was overpowered by evil. What would become of their world?

Her voice knocked him out of his thoughts, her words ringing true for their situation. It was his first time being in a jungle, he had no idea what to expect here. "Perhaps not..." Midas took a step forward, just choosing a direction at random. "I am not sure how to tell where we are exactly, but if the clouds move perhaps the sky can help us." Taking another step forward, Midas offered an encouraging, if a touch uneasy grin. "Shall we?"  

[MangoMeow]

A war in the heavens? Well, that certainly didn’t sound good, she thought with a grimace. Hopefully that didn’t mean that the world was going to end anytime soon. She had so many things she still wanted to see and do!

There as no point in worrying about it now though. All they could do was handle the current situation, and that meant finding some food and a good spot to wait out the storm. Midas was right; once the clouds cleared, they would hopefully have an easier time figuring out where they were. Hopefully not too far from where they had been. She would like to continue on the path she’d been going on. It made it easier to make it back home that way.

Nodding back at him as he took a step forward, Maikoa gave a shaky smile before moving forward to trot beside him.

Zingling

Fin~