If she had been raised in a less warlike pride, Ormarr would have been fairly sure she was in love. As it was, she had never been taught much about romance. Oh, there were songs and stories, but they mostly focused on virile males and their exploits. Ormarr’s relationship with Catfish didn’t fit in to those songs. She smiled to herself, thinking of Ormarr as she strolled along. Maybe no one would ever sing about her and Catfish, but she was quite happy with her relationship. The black lioness noticed another lioness approaching and nodded to her politely.
Bilijo, as usual, was feeling self-absorbed. She wouldn’t have noticed the other lioness at all if the black female didn’t look so much like the Warlord. Bilijo always noticed the Warlord. She bit back a dreamy sigh at the mere thought of him. He had a wife and some other females, she knew, but a girl could dream. And Bilijo had always loved dark colored males … shaking her head slightly to snap out of it, Bilijo focused on the other lioness. “Hello. You’re the Warlord’s daughter, aren’t you?” Bilijo didn’t really give a s**t about the other lioness, not at all, but she sure would love an in with Aesir’s hot a**.
Ormarr was already moving on when the pink lioness spoke to her. She didn’t really want to chat with the stranger, but she didn’t mind. Ormarr wasn’t a dainty female, but she did try to be polite. “Yes. I’m Ormarr.” She smiled at the pink lioness, not offended that the other female didn’t know her name. “I know it’s hard to tell me and my sisters apart. You’re Bilijo, aren’t you?” She knew most of the pride members’ names, even the lions she didn’t know personally.
Bilijo preened slightly. Of course this Ormarr knew her name. Everyone knew Bilijo. This Ormarr was probably jealous of Bilijo for being so big and strong. Bilijo was toweringly tall for a female, her midsection well padded with lots of squishy muscle. Lots of females were jealous of Bilijo’s size. When she produced cubs, they would be the biggest, roundest cubs in the pride! “Yes, Bilijo.” She peered down at the other lioness. “It must be very interesting, being the Warlord’s daughter.”
Ormarr blinked, unsure of how to respond. Interesting? Of course Aesir was protective of his cubs, but she didn’t think it was particularly interesting being related to him. “I guess so,” she said uncertainly. Well, maybe this Bilijo was just trying to make conversation. “I’m not a reaver, though. I’ve never been on one of his vikings.” That must be what Bilijo was getting at. Ormarr wondered if the pink lioness was a reaver. She was certainly large enough.
Bilijo was already bored of the black lioness’s yapping. Blah, blah, blah. Bilijo fought down a yawn. It was no wonder people couldn’t tell whatsername apart from her sisters, not if they were all so dull and self-centered. Honestly, Bilijo had never heard a female that liked to talk about herself as much as this one. Didn’t she have any consideration for others? “Well, enough about you,” Bilijo said briskly. “Where do you think I might meet Aesir? I was thinking of bringing him some catnip. As a token of esteem.”
The black lioness was growing ever more baffled with every word Bilijo spoke. She was too confused to be offended at Bilijo’s manner. “I don’t know where he is,” she said. “I don’t usually keep track of him. Maybe you should ask the High Priestess.” That ought to shut Bilijo up. Ormarr didn’t know why the pink lioness was so interested in Aesir, and she didn’t care. She just wanted to end this conversation gracefully.
“Maybe I will,” Bilijo said. That wasn’t the answer she wanted though. In fact, it sounded kind of sassy. Bilijo narrowed her eyes. She didn’t like being sassed, especially not by little strumpets like whatsername. “Maybe I’ll see him. Maybe I won’t. I see lots of lions, you know. I can’t spend all of my time with just one.” Of course, Bilijo had never spent any time with Aesir, but the dark lioness didn’t have to know that.
This was perhaps the most annoying conversation Ormarr had ever suffered through. She couldn’t imagine what kind of lions would want to spend time with Bilijo. Even young reavers hopped up on catnip couldn’t be that stupid. “That sounds great, Bilijo.” Ormarr was tempted to turn and stomp away outright, but that would be needlessly rude to an obviously emotionally troubled female. She did sidle back, trying to edge away from Bilijo. Maybe the pink lioness would get the hint and leave.
The dark lioness seemed to be drifting away. Bilijo took a step forward, closing the gap. “It is great.” She took a few seconds to preen again, pleased that the dark female was praising her. She was still a bit suspicious of the dark lioness’s sassy tongue – she hated how catty lionesses could get – but Bilijo wouldn’t mind making a new friend. She didn’t like females a whole lot, but it was always fun to have a good ol’ fashioned b***h session with a friend. Just as long as the dark lioness kept her sassy mouth to herself and remained properly respectful of Bilijo. “I can give you some advice if you want. I’ve never seen you with a boyfriend.” And wouldn’t anytime soon. Aesir’s markings were handsome on a male, but not on a female. The dark lioness’s coat looked bold and ugly to Bilijo.
Oh good lord. Ormarr started to grimace at the pink lioness, but managed to turn it into a smile. Barely. “That’s a very nice offer, Bilijo.” Ormarr edged away a bit more. “Maybe another time. I’m very busy right now.” Maybe never, big pink b***h. Ormarr made a mental note to herself to warn Aesir about the weird pink lioness the next time she saw him. “It was nice meeting you.” Sidling all the time, several steps away from Bilijo now. Before Bilijo could reply, Ormarr turned and trotted off at high speed.
