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 Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 11:41 am
The black lion with vivid blue eyes paused in the shade of a great tree, panting from the heat of the midday sun. He had been caught out in it whilst travelling the great expanse of empty land and had almost passed out from heat stroke. Now he lay, overheating, waiting for the sun to dip and the shadows to lengthen so that he could go in search for water.
Lucky for him a waterhole was not too far away, sheltered beneath the canopy of a gathering of trees. Yet for now he had not the energy to go any further.
He stretched out and silently wished he hadn't been born with a black coat. The sun seemed drawn to it as he was drawn to antelope.
***
He was not sure how long he had been sleeping but when he woke again the sun had dipped far into the sky. The air was cooler and the male was rested.
He scratched his side against the bark of the tree and shook his mane, being careful not to lose Mrost's feather that hung behind his ear.
"Right, lets be off then." And with the shadows lengthening he made his way towards the waterhole that lay only a little further across the land.
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Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:29 pm
 In stark contrast, the white lioness relished the harsh sunlight and unforgiving terrain. Whether it was her past life, the barren Storm Valley, or her own disposition, there was something that drew Mahakali to the harshest terrains and weather of Africa. The desert and salt flats was where she was most at home, the jungle and grass plains to the south infernal places best avoided.
But like all mortals, the white lioness had her limits and she was not foolish enough to ignore them. Under the harshest midday sun she sought shelter, and in thirst she sought water. It was the later of these needs that had driven her to the water where she now stood silently, lapping at the cool water, ears flicking to catch the sounds of whatever creatures that lingered nearby, or those that foolishly dared approach.
In the wanning sun, her white hide glistened, reflecting the blazing hues as if her pelt itself had caught fire. The ram skull helm she wore cast her features in deep shadows, leaving only firey red eyes to shine from beneath the bleached sockets. She was an intimidating figure in any light, but perhaps now even more so a figure of the terrifying unknown.
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Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 12:01 am
As he pressed on between the trees, Hakan raised his head seek out water. By now he was panting again, his tongue so dry that it was sticking to the roof of his mouth. When was the last time he'd had a drink? He just couldn't remember.
He hefted himself through some undergrowth that crackled noisily under his bulk and finally found himself within good distance of the water hole. That wasn't all he saw though, for there at it's edge was a lionness, her pelt contrasting brilliantly with his own.
He raised his head and sniffed, catching her scent and wondered suddenly who she was. Even from here he could tell she was no fragile little thing. She looked as much a warrior as even he did.
Aware that the noise he had caused had probably alerted her he moved forwards again, cutting in an arch around her. He needed to drink but he was unsure how the other would react to his presence.
"Just here for a drink." He warned as he drew closer, his heavy paws thudding against the ground as he moved.
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Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 11:01 pm
Ears flicked, head instantly snapping from the water, her gaze narrowing on the approaching stranger. As red eyes fell on the dark lion, a low growl rumbled in her throat, tail flicking like a warning viper, eyes tracking each movement. Her posture was not a thread, but a warning. She was not foolish enough to challenge the male, nor did she have a reason to; it was a message that she was not to be trifled with, nor would it be wise to challenge her if that was his intention.
With a narrowed eye following every movement of the stranger, the lioness lowered her head to drink for the water again. But as the stranger drew closer, something about him, a flicker, caught her gaze. A feather, perhaps nothing to other lions meant a great deal to Mahakali. A feather from Mrost, surely the god of war would not have bestowed such a precious gift on an unworthy creature, and no mortal could have simply taken one from him.
Then this male must have a connection to the god, perhaps he served him as well. But then who was this creature, and why had they not crossed paths before?
"Who are you that you bear such a gift from the god of war?"
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 12:10 am
He kept his distance for now, because truly he did not want to end up in a fight where he might be caught by flailing claws. He'd had enough of getting into fights recently, which was odd because usually he revelled in the fight. He guessed it was the solitude. Lions shouldn't be alone.
He lowered his head to drink, keeping an eye on the lioness as he began to lap thirstily. Ah the water was so perfect! It revitalised him and slowly he felt the strength returning to his body.
He was just about to take his last gulp when the white female spoke and he almost choked on his mouthful, raising his head to stare at her.
"So you know my master?" He was not ashamed of being 'mastered' by Mrost because in his eyes the God was the most powerful creature to live. There could be no shame in following the strongest, or so Hakan liked to believe.
His eyes scanned the strong frame of the female again and he quickly decided that it made sense. She did indeed look like a fellow follower.
"I...am his High Priest, Hakan'mawasii." He introduced. He would never keep his name from one who did Mrost's work. "And you? Who are you? Perhaps you are one of the generals that Mrost spoke of?"
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:20 pm
One ear flicked, eyes peering from beneath the ram skull, searching the dark male as if she had not truly looked at him before, memorizing each detail of his appearance, judging his strength. This creature was worthy of her respect, and she bowed her head slightly in a rare gesture.
"I am Mahakali, one of the five generals of Mrost."
A high priest? Why had one who held such an important rank not returned to Storm Valley with them? Had he been given a mission he had not yet completed? Was he gathering followers? Or had Mrost simply not decided it was time for him to return yet?
"You have not yet returned to Storm Valley."
It was more a question than a statement. She wondered why he had not returned and if he would do so. Curiosity rarely manifested itself in the bloody general, but this male intrigued her, perhaps it was inspired by the god they both served.
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Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 12:04 am
He started at her show of respect and dipped his head slightly in return. It was that trade of acknowledgement that made Hakan feel comfortable in her presence. She was the type that he'd been craving to be with for a long time. Finally, he was beside one of his own. He felt suddenly like he belonged.
"It is nice to finally meet one of you." He replied. "I have heard from you about Mrost and have been eager to meet you." He wanted to express just how thankful he was for meeting her but decided it inappropriate. His feelings of loneliness would just be kept to himself.
He smiled at her next words and shook his head. "No I have not yet been to Storm Valley. I've had a matter that I needed to deal with first." He gave a wry smile as he thought back to what that had been but decided not to dwell on it anymore. He'd also been trying to put off the move until his daughter had grown to adolescence. He thought to Kimondo and hoped she was okay but was glad that she was not with her mother, his ex-mate. He frownaed at the though of the lioness back at the graveyard with his other three sons. The day little Kimondo had chosen to come with him had been such a joyous one. For he was a lion that adored family and it was them that he had chosen the path of the High Priest for. To become strong enough to protect them from anything.
"But that is where I am headed now and I must say I am eager to get there."
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Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:08 pm
Dark tufted tail flicked with interest, black and white fur floating over the earth in a haunting dance. Red gauntleted paws shifted as she settled on her haunches, relaxing in the priest's presence. But though she seemed calm, her senses remained alert, for a warrior never let down her guard.
"I see, then we will surely see more of each other, for the valley is my home, as it is the home of those who revel in battle and bloodshed. The land itself lusts for blood, and I intend to quench it's thirst."
She spoke with pride, anticipation in her voice at the visions of great battles that raged in her dreams of the past and the future. A magnificent time was coming, one of war and death, of blood and carnage that would ravage the land to the north, a land that would drink it in hungrily as it devoured the weak and the fallen.
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Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:43 pm
It was strange, strange to look upon a lioness that so revelled in the things that he too desired. He thought to his dreams, of lions being crushed beneath his great, dark paws, cutting their throats with ebony claws.
A shudder ran down the length of his spine and for a moment he seemed lost in his thoughts. He imagined now a great mass of lions and lionesses, gathered together under the banner of War. They would move as one, crushing anything in their way, protecting the things they loved.
For though he had to keep up this tough, unemotional disposition, Hakan was actually very kind-hearted. He had become a servant of Mrost to protect his dearest mother and his siblings. He loved them so fiercely that he had given up his childhood to training. He had developed his muscles, pushed himself beyond the limits of normal individuals and had emerged a true warrior. It was something he was exceptionally proud of and yet there would always be that regret.
Sometimes he would stop and watch families or look on into other Prides. He would see the cubs the happiness on their faces and wonder what it must be like. To live life normally without a thought to battle but instead to love and children.
His heart clung desperately to his own daughter, gifted to him. She was the only good that had come from his mating and somehow he couldn't help but feel guilt. He had unknowingly dragged her into his own chaotic life and he only wanted peace for her.
War, he kept telling himself, would result in peace...right?
He turned to the white female, admiring her words for a moment. "You truly are a follower of Mrost. You have that look in your eyes, that gleam of cunning and strength that lacks in the faces of everyone else." He smiled. "May I ask, Mahakali - if you are not too busy - that you accompany me home." He hoped she would accept. "I have walked alone for far too long and I would love to learn more about my fellow comrades. We shall be fighting alongside one another soon enough." He paused to take another drink and sighed deeply.
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Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:46 pm
It was perhaps fortunate that she could not hear is thoughts, for if she had they may have thought differently of each other. Mahakali cared little for family, her own family condemned to her hellish hatred. She could not have cared less for her mother or her brothers, they could have been slaughtered in horrific glory or fallen off the face of the earth for all she cared, though perhaps she would have relished in dishing out that fate herself. For her father she bore a special hatred, one that surely lead to torrents of bloodshed in the future.
But though their motives were different, they both served the same god, possessed the same blood lust. Perhaps they were not so different after all, and thus their opinions would have remained the same as well. And perhaps over time, they would have come to understand each other as well. Regardless, one who followed Mrost as she did would always be worthy of the general's respect, whether she ever heard or understood his thoughts.
She thought about his request for a moment, tail flicking lazily. She had wandered away from the valley, seeking to quench her thirst for blood and hone her senses until the land again raged with war; it was simply not satisfying enough to kick around Vitashiki when she was the only one there. But it was time she returned, her home called to her, spoke to the general she once had been and would be again. There was no reason to refuse the male's request, perhaps they could even share in some bloodshed on their trek home.
A nod, her posture heightened with pride at his words, "I would be honored to accompany a warrior such as yourself to the glorious land that awaits our return." A slight smirk crossed her maw before she added, "If you can keep up that is."
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Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 11:53 pm
He smiled as she agreed and bowed his head again. Finally, some good company for a change. "I am glad of it." Then he turned hisgaze out across the water and pondered on the land that lay before him.
He'd never had a home before, not a true one. A rogue never did and even when he had followed Mrost he had remained one. Adamant against banding together with lions, until now that was. But then again...this wasn't exactly your typical pride. It was hardly a pride at all. It was an army.
The wind howled in the sparse trees around them and he raised his head, sucking in a deep breath. "Do you hear that?" He whispered. "Voices calling us home." He could definately be odd sometimes, but that was understandable considering his life. He was not exactly the typical lion.
"And I accept your...challenge." He smiled, "and keep up."
Now to try out his swimming techniques. He remembered his lessons throughout his childhood and hoped that his recent lack of practise hadn't made him sloppy.
With a small smirk he pulled back from the edge for a run up, leaping into the throes of the water that swamped up around him and lapped at his shoulders. Then with great, strong swipes of his paws he began his way across the pool.
Swimming was a wonderful experience and a great advantage seeing that most lions were terrified of the stuff.
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Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 9:22 pm
A wicked grin spread across her maw, licking one bared fang vampirically.
"Or perhaps the voices of the fallen, calling out for revenge."
Hakan may have thought himself odd, but Kali did not, nor would she have cared. The bloody general was not exactly normal herself, born the reincarnation of a fallen general filled with a demonic lust for war and bloodshed. In the blood red eyes of Mahakali, she was above mortals, their worthless lives only fit to be crushed beneath her taloned paws.
Smirking, she watched the dark male swim through the water, stepping back from the bank as he neared least she be caught in the spray once he reached the shore. He seemed to enjoy the water, or at least more than most cats. Let him encounter the dark abysmal waters that lurked in the caves of storm valley, waters rumored to flow from the river styx itself, then see how much he liked swimming. Mahakali herself did not fear the waters, but she wouldn't go swimming in them either.
"Well, we'll see."
A challenge from a worthy warrior at last, how exhilarating.
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Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:06 am
He emerged from the water again, his coat thick and heavy with water. It dripped all around him, soaking the ground to a glossy sheen. His mane which was normally thick and full hung limp around his face and across his shoulders.
His grey-dipped muzzle turned upwards in a smirk as he side-stepped from the lady and shook himself vigorously. A great cascade of droplets swarmed the air around him, thrumming against the hard earth around his paws.
"There, much better." His eyes glistened. "Well, are you ready to go?" It wasn't impatience in his tone. Just an eagerness. "From here, how long do you think it will take to reach Mrost's lands?" He waited for her to begin the trek before beginning.
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Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 5:37 pm
Standing clear of the spray, though just barely, her tail flicked in contemplation at his question. How long had it been since she trekked from the valley on her hunt for blood? It did not seem much time had passed, though she had grown since then, adolescence at last left behind, leaving the sleek and powerful form of the adult she now was. She had spent the time training herself, muscles growing stronger with each day, senses growing sharper, bringing herself ever closer to the great general had been before, the glory she saw in her dreams.
"Several days, perhaps more. The path is harsh and unforgiving with little shade or water, many perish along the way. Only a true warrior can make the journey."
She smirked at him over her shoulder, paws turning toward the north and the valley beyond. There was no spite or insult in her tone, but rather a sense of pride, pride that she traveled that road before, and pride that she would again take that path with a strong soul, a warrior worthy of Mrost. Yes, a glorious path it would be, a path leading to a greater future that awaited them.
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Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 12:01 am
"Ah! So a challenge at long last!" Hakan exclaimed ashe moved to trot alongside her. "Let's just hope I'm up to the task then." But even as he moved off he could feel a tickle in his throat.
He shook his head, forcing it back. It was strange how the mind worked sometimes.
"Atleast it means it will be a protected domain for Mrost and his army whilst they prepare for the tasks ahead. It can be vulnerable out there sometimes." By 'there' he meant in the freelands, roaming amongst the rogues. "You'd be surprised how many rogues challenge you because you look strong and because they feel like taking a bit of that glory for themselves."
It bothered him that his loneliness was due to his prfessions, that because he was so large that he either struck fear or nervous respect or encouraged a fight just because of his appearance. Atleast his daughter never seemed to mind. In fact she seemed to have the same aspirations as himself.
Kimondo...would she be okay? He turned briefly back and hoped that she would be fine...she was strong.
"Do you have family...Mahakali?"
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