|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 10:48 pm
The smell of other creatures was close and the lioness was following it, hoping to find a Pride or group to seek out any of her four sons. Something else filled her nose, besides the smell of other lions and creatures, but she wasn't sure what. She inhaled deeply, trying to recognize the scent, when another one hit her, a familiar one. The white lioness crouched and glanced around before spotting the small group of gazelle grazing near by.
The huntress felt her stomach turn and she realized just how hungry she really was. She grimaced slightly and padded forward attempting to sneak up and take out one of them. She had been wandering for a while now and couldn't remember when she ate last. To her luck the Gazelle seemed a little underfed, if not even a little sickly, perhaps it would be an easy hunt.
Quietly she waited for the chance to pounce, not wanting to leap in too early and miss her chance.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:23 pm
While the dual-colored eyed lion wasn't the last bit hungry, he was rather upset. Things had been a bit rough these past few days - on top of his younger 'adopted' brother passing away, there was the constant reminder of his lousy title, and of course, the reminder of his disease. While Ndale appreciated the fact that he had been rescued with his remaining siblings before they perished, there was still a sense of bitterness over his lot.
Abandonment seemed to be around every corner. Even his beloved sisters, perhaps the only ones who COULD tame his gruff exterior, were drifting. Haruma was focused on her duties and Faraa was off in her own little world. They were full grown adults now and that meant . . . they didn't need him anymore. Worse, deep down, the youngest of the litter had to wonder if they ever had needed him to begin with!
Haruma had always been the one to take charge; while Ndale was brash and reckless, she was full of wisdom and maturity beyond her years. She had been the one to reach out to Sliabh; she was there when Ndale had fallen ill. Maybe he wasn't the one that had kept the family together. . . maybe it had all been her. Despite his aggravation at this thought, there was an intense love for Haruma. Had it been anyone else, he would have loathed them for stealing his thunder. But not his sister. . . .
Glowering at the ground, the lion was trying to keep himself preoccupied. He was also trying to push himself - he felt miserable at the moment. His joints ached, his nose was plugged, and he was exhausted. But it didn't matter. With Ruko passing, he didn't want to sit back and do nothing. He wasn't going to rot away. . no, damnit, he was going to live. He didn't want their looks of pity anyway.
Ndale was making the rounds, and while he couldn't smell Duma, it wasn't difficult to spot a touch of white among the grasses. At first, the lion almost brushed it off as another lion in the pride. . . but white coats weren't exactly common. "If you're trying to hide, you're doing a poor job of it." He stated gruffly, allowing himself to puff out his chest a bit in an attempt to look larger. He was still a good twenty yards from her, but he was prepared. If whatever was in the grasses turned hostile, he'd get hostile right back! And if they ran, depending the direction, he'd be hot on their heels.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:14 pm
One pounce away. She had been one pounce away when the gazelle started to walk off. She wasn't giving up though, even though they were moving away, and she could smell another lion getting closer, she continued to try and stalk them. Her body felt weakened from her trek from the land of the Dawn Walkers and she needed to eat.
A voice carried to her and she stopped prowling. She sighed deeply and slowly stood from her crouch, turning to the other lion and eyeing him quietly. Her bright pin eyes seemed to be evaluating him, trying to determine if he meant her harm or not. After analyzing him and her chances of escape she decided to stand her ground for now. She was too weak to out run him for too long and would only ware herself out further.
"I mean no harm by being here. If there is a pride close by I apologize for my intrusion. I am simply seeking information and was trying to find dinner." She said softly, her voice barely carrying to where he stood. She swished her tail behind her in a sort of uncomfortable way, a flash of bright green every time her tail tuft reached over the grasses.
"Is there a pride near by?" She almost seemed hopeful. She'd been to a few so far and still no word of her boys, any of them. She couldn't imagine cheetons were terribly common, especially since they all sported lion esque builds and the markings of their father's cheetah heritage. One other thing on her mind was this lion though. She wandered if perhaps she had stumbled across a rather hostile pride, or at least lion. He seemed to be trying to intimidate her and his tone did not sound like he was horribly okay with finding her here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:17 am
Ndale studied the female as she rose, catching sight of the slightest touches of green upon her coat. Definitely an outsider, there was no doubt about that. No one in the pride was quite as pale, and certainly none that he was aware were touched in such a shade of green!
His ears focused on her, even as she stood her ground and spoke. It wasn't often that strangers traveled their way, and fewer still that decided to linger after he spoke of the pride. Not that he really blamed them. Part of Ndale understood that had he been given a choice as a cub, he likely would have rather struggled on in the roguelands than be picked up by the Kitwana'antara. But . . . . those thoughts were buried deep in him. He had always been one to dwell on the past, to hold tight to a grudge - forgiveness didn't come easy for the large lion, and his past frequently haunted him. Today was no different.
What surprised Ndale most about the lioness was her inquiry about a pride. She seemed to want to be close to lands not her own, and what was this about seeking information? The lion gave his tail a flick, half amused at the situation, and half disappointed. This stranger really wasn't going to stick around once the truth reared it's ugly head. But this was his job, wasn't it? To interrogate outsiders and inform them of the pride, and it's risks should they enter it blindly.
"You are indeed near pride lands, stranger. This area is home to the Kitwana'antara, and all outsiders are welcome." It was the truth. Though not many lingered long, strangers were the best way to learn of the outside world. "If you are hungry, we can provide nourishment; if it is information, we may be able to help." This also was true. There were enough cheetahs and non-lions in the pride who helped with the hunting. If she wished to share a kill, something could be found appropriately. Something that would be safe and not a threat.
Unfortunately for Dimu, Ndale wasn't exactly the most outgoing or friendly. He was rigid, his emotions kept obviously in check. Warmth and welcome didn't exactly roll off of him as it did others within the pride, especially with his stiff formality. Dipping his head curtly, in greeting, the lion kept his gaze on her. "I'm Ndale, guardian of this pride, and escort if you wish to enter the lands." He really wasn't trying to sound so robotic, but inflection and gentleness was something to be found in his sisters.
Ndale had always been defensive and it wasn't likely to change anytime soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 6:31 pm
His demeanor seemed to change and he seemed less hostile as he told her of the lands she was now in. Ears perked she listened quietly as he spoke, though the pride seemed welcoming enough, but the lion himself seemed stiff, as if he disliked interaction with others. Then the name of the pride clicked in her mind. They were the pride of lions infected with some odd disease. Tensing slightly the lioness watched him more carefully now. She knew very little about these lions, and even less of the infliction they suffered.
She relaxed slightly and decided she'd taken many chances in her past and perhaps if nothing else this pride could give her some information. A pride of sick lions was far less scary than being caught off guard by a Firekin anyways. "My name is M'Dimu Chanua. I would very much like to visit your pride for information, and perhaps a meal if it can be helped."
Perhaps she would be surprised and the others, if she met any, would be far more welcoming and kind than this lion, or perhaps he might even warm up to her once he realized she really meant no harm or disrespect to his lands or pride. Either way, she had to ask around and see if any cheetons had been by or if anyone had heard of any in any neighboring areas. And now that she really thought about it, having a pride that seemed hospitable might be nice to stay for a little while. She could use some rest and food.
"So Ndale is it? I would enjoy an escort through your lands if you would be so obligued." She began to move towards the other lion, taking slow even steps and keeping her head slightly lowered.
As she gazed across the landscape she wondered what the affliction these lions suffered from was like, and how it was transmitted. Would she be at risk if she stayed too long? Well, it was a risk Dimu would take. She needed to eat and rest, and perhaps these lions could tell her how close the next pride was, or if they had seen or knew of her little white and black sons. Dimu just wanted to find them again and try to be apart of their lives again. She missed having the four of them depend on her and come to her when they needed help or comfort.
She had no one now. Her boys had left and in an almost selfish foolishness she was trying to find them to rekindle that feeling of being needed. There was a doubt in the back of her mind, a voice telling her she needed to move on and find purpose in something else, but she had nothing else.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 9:39 pm
M'Dimu Chanua. What a mouthful. . . .
Ndale watched the other closely, having already written her off as a threat. While he might not have been the strongest of male lion out there, he was still quite a formidable foe. He had learned all he could to become a great warrior, but the disease deterred him from gaining such a title. No, he was stuck to live his days out on the borders of the pride. . . even so, he kept himself in as good as shape as possible. He might have a death sentence on his head, but he wasn't going to let it best him. No. Way. Life had been hard enough on Ndale without him letting his own body wage war and defeat him. He would live a long life by sheer force of will. . . and if anyone could do it, Ndale would be that lion.
"You're quite welcome to visit, provided you don't roam far without a guide. I'm unaware of your origins, or whether or not the name of the Kitwana rings clear, but I must warn you our pride is struck with plague." Brown and gold eyes narrowed ever so slightly, as if the admittance left a bitter taste in his throat; and perhaps it did. For unlike this stranger, who was free to roam, Ndale was stuck in a pride he had never chose to be in. Abandoned and taken in by the Kitwana. . . while deep down he knew he would have long since been killed alone in the roguelands with his sisters had they not intervened, he wasn't sure which would have been better.
Ah well. Now was not the time to think of such things. He needed to focus on this stranger. It wasn't often others came to their borders, and he was still expecting M'Dimu to flee. "The borders are relatively safe, as is much of the land. The closer to the heart of the pride you travel, the more at risk you put yourself. As far as we can tell, the disease is spread through saliva and blood. . . so unless you plan on starting a fight, or getting up close and personal with the worst of the invalids, you should be fine." Part of Ndale wondered if he should continue his speech, not wanting to waste his time or the time of this female.
"If you thirst, I can take you to the watering hole where our non-lion members often drink, or those who are outsiders and not yet exposed. You'll be safe there. As for food, I can guide you to where some of our scouts returned with a zebra. It's fresh, and no lion has touched it. . . which makes it safe." Ndale was uncomfortable speaking for such lengths, and his tail flicked irritably (and a bit anxiously).
Honestly, outside of running off a few rogues and petrifying a few others, M'Dimu was the first one he'd really met who'd offered to stay. If history repeated itself, she'd be gone in a flash. No lion, short of the desperate, often chose to partake in the prides offerings. It was part of the reason Ndale didn't fess up that he himself was part of the damned. . . Despite his age and maturity, there were some issues that struck a chord with Ndale, and rejection was one of them. He'd been dismissed his entire life for as long as he could remember, and now lived in a pride full of outcasts. He wouldn't fess up to his own illnses unless he absolutely had to. . .
Glancing over at M'Dimu, he studied her closely. "So tell me, then, stranger, do you still desire to linger in our lands? Or should I wish you a farewell? I promise, we don't take insult to those who prefer to roam in lands far from our own. . ." His words were quiet, stiff, but not cruel. It was purely as statement of fact. It was something almost all of the Kitwana had come to expect after a time. No one often truly chose to stay.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2011 9:25 am
In truth Dimu was not a threat. Unless provoked or attacked she usually liked to remain peaceful and passive. Never in her past had she attacked anyone unprovoked, even the few times others had tried to provoke her Dimu typically turned tail and left. Looking at this situation, Dimu felt relatively relaxed. This lion, Ndale, obviously didn't see her as a threat and he seemed to not be trying to run her off or threaten her. The white lioness was grateful for this prides hospitality, she had no ability to be prejudical or picky, she hadn't eaten in days and needed a place to rest.
"I will stay and accept your invitation to the watering hole and to your scouts zebra kill." She replied in a gentle tone. Dimu wasn't one to judge others, and if what this lion said was true, so long as she did not start any fights or get too friendly with any of the pride members, she would be fine. It was a good thing Dimu was a fairly down to earth almost reserved sort of Lioness. She wanted to be able to take this pride up on its hospitality and maybe see if any of the scouts had heard of any of her hybrid sons wandering by in the past few months.
"So, would it be alright if I ask you a few questions abut the pride, and the plague?" She did not want to upset him by asking anything he might not want to answer, but she was curious. Being who she was, she believed that everything happened for a reason and she wondered what would cause a pride to become so unlucky. And her star had led her in this direction, so there must have been a reason she ran into this pride.
Fate guided this lion, it has led her to Uri who had given her her four sons, and then she had been led to the Dawnwalkers who had helped her protect and raise her boys. Now she was here. Granted she was trying to find them again, but maybe this pride was set in her path because they could help her. Or maybe there was another reason she was here. Maybe she could help these lions in some way. Only time would tell.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 6:46 pm
Ndale was a bit surprised at how the pale lionesse readily accepted his invitation. Needless to say, it wasn't often many lingered long in a pride that could essentially bring death to their very paws, but . . . their borders were always open. Provided others knew their place and would abide by the rules. There were some places only members could walk, and the guards and warriors made sure those more sacred areas were preserved. Ndale was one of those sorts, though tonight he was on border duty.
"As you wish." The dual-toned lion gave a grunt and a nod, turning to lead her in to the lands. Honestly, the lands they had chose for their home were plentiful and rather pretty. There were rolling hills and soft grasses, and the scent of the massive lake on the far opposite edge of pride tickled ones nose.
Really, there was a peace to be found in the pride, and unless one knew of it's horrible secret and curse, one could walk through its borders nonethewiser.
The stream and kill weren't far, but Ndale was in no rush. While he expected a small amount of conversation, he gave the stranger credit for being so polite. She wished to know more information of the pride, and the disease. Well, if she wished to know more, he would do his best to answer. The large lion glanced over at Dimu and gave a curt nod. "You are the guest, you may ask whatever you wish. I will do my best to answer." He added with a shrug, giving a flick of his tail. He wasn't agitated at Dimu, in fact, he was slowly relaxing. He wouldn't put down his guard, as the lioness was very much so a stranger, but . . . she certainly seemed curious, and polite.
It was unlikely she would pick a fight while heading away from the borders.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 9:14 pm
][ If you are still game for finishing this rp just let me know. I'm sorry I dissapeared for so long. The baby came and stuff got hectic, but hes finally on a schedule now so my time for SoA / gaia is increased. ][
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
