[PRP] These are OUR lands [Nyota & Hakuna]

[Das Tor]

The sun had set. There was not a cloud in the sky to mar the pale skin of the moon. The wind flowed through the grasses, the bits of nature that it brought with making it something tangible that seemed to caress the lioness of shadow, gold, and blood. The large creature just sat there in the grasses, eyes closed and an almost peaceful look on her face.

Their lands. At long last...their lands. A place the demons could call their own, a place where other creatures would learn to tread with fear. The lioness' eyes opened, revealing orbs that could only be called demonic.

She would guard these lands with her life. She would teach any who dared defy them that demons were not to be taken lightly.

She looked back to the dark cub behind her.

"This is now our home. This is the land our gods chose for us, the land we shall make others fear. This land shall be our legacy, and one day...I expect you to keep it safe, just as I shall. Maybe in a different way, but keep it safe, nonetheless."  

[Das Tor]

"Good." She bent down to nuzzle her son, then stood and took off at a trot. "Tonight, you're going to learn what it means to keep a border. It can be useful for making sure other cubs realize a certain spot is yours alone, as well." She gave Nyota an almost gentle smile.

"One lesson you've already learned is that intruders are not to be tolerated. They will be killed or enslaved. Though...there will be some who may be like us." Hakuna crouched in the grasses. "Picture this...The night is quiet, like tonight. Suddenly, a rustle in the grass catches your eyes and ears. It's too large to be a prey beast. It can only be an intruder." She stalked forward, making sure her cub was following.

"Suddenly, you're faced with eyes like yours. Eyes filled with the hunger that consumes all demons. A pelt of blood and shadow, scars littering their body." She sat, muscles tense. "This intruder is a demon, like yourself...but are they one that can be brought into the pride...or are they a pathetic greedy beast who seeks only the thrones of the Aran'shale?"  

[Das Tor]

"Yes. Only the strongest of the Aran'shale's cubs shall take become their true heir. Be they male or female. So you must be sure you are stronger than your sisters as well." She turned her gaze back to the lion she envisioned so vividly. "This lion must meet your gaze. A demon always looks others in the eye, unless a situation calls for otherwise. They are kept to the outskirts of our lands until they have proven themselves loyal. And then they are tested by the Aran'shale."

She growled and leapt at the mind-lion. When her front paws hit the earth, she spun her weight so she would land facing her son. "If they are strong of body, they must prove themselves in battle. If they are strong of mind, they must have new information we can use. If they are wise...well, the Gods decide that one." She smiled cruelly. "And do not dismiss an older lion. The older they are, the sharper their mind becomes, until it is as sharp as your cub-teeth and as vast as the great waters to the east."  

[Das Tor]

"Correct. That is why you must possess both, Nyota. Your father is a good example to follow...But improve on him. Become greater than him. Each generation is destined to surpass the previous. For too long this has been ignored and made fun of. Show the world that you are the strongest." She stood and shook herself. "Now...let's see what you know, my dearest son. What is the difference between a slave and one fated to die by our claws."  

[Das Tor]

"Very good." Hakuna couldn't help but be proud. Not only had she been raising her favored son right, he had inherited a sharp mind. She chuckled. "Our alliances may lie with Sparda, but know this...Any who stand in our way shall perish. And any who prove useful shall stand beside us, of their own free will, or by force." She looked about, then smirked.

"And despite what the gods say, demons can lurk in even the smallest of creatures. Take Matata for instance. Demonic little bird...I look forward to watching him gouge eyes. But few would acknowledge that in the pride."  

[Das Tor]

"A most admirable position, my little demon." She purred and looked about. "And speaking of the bird, here he is."

The little magpie landed on Hakuna's back, something rather shiny in his small beak. He fluttered down, then hopped over to Nyota and dropped it in front of him. "I found a little trinket, and thought it would fit you, little conquerer." It looked like a claw, but was too shiny and made of a translucent red crystal. "Two-leggers make the strangest things, don't they?"

Hakuna blinked at the item her companion had found. Matata had told her tales of the two-leggers he had grown up with. They were indeed strange creatures. And creatures to be kept away from their lands. She gave Nyota a rather serious look.

"And these two-leggers are to be kept away from our lands."  

[Das Tor]

Matata smiled and gave a bow. "I am glad you like it, little conquerer." With that, the bird flew up, choosing to circle around for a bit. Hakuna chuckled.

"Useful little bird. Has better eyesight than us, and because he can fly, he can get information back quickly." She shook herself a bit, then continued on. "Allies are just as important as your own strength. Gather to you creatures who can make up for your own weaknesses. Make your weaknesses your strengths. Now, let us put your new treasure in the den, and continue your lessons."