[Private] Kiarasmate and Kivuli

[Baya]

Ayari smiled as he watched Husudu walk off with the cub and Siri after Husudu knowing the cub still needed feeding. Ayari's ear twitched at Vitani's question and he frowned slightly. "I didn't recognize the smaller one, but I definitely recognized the other lion. It was Tume, Maju's son. Last time I saw him, he was just a cub...and being badly abused. His cubhood was full of only training, no fun, no companion ship, no love..." Ayari listed off sadly. "What's odd though...You'd expect him to be violent and full of hate after all that. He doesn't show any signs of it. He just does his father's bidding." Ayari said quietly. He then remembered the cubhood he shared with Vitani, and gave her an affectionate nuzzle.

//

"Fool! It's not in my head! The fire speaks to me. Had you the right ears, and a mind as expanded as mine you'd hear it too. The lady of fire does not deem you worthy, and thus all you will ever get to do is watch her dance." Guza growled quietly towards Xepher. He then looked down at the plans he was etching into the dirt with his claw. He grinned as he drew some stick lions, and fire surrounding them. "Those pridelanders won't get to see the sun's light through all this smog. The darkness of ash will run over them like a sea of terror." Guza muttered quietly.

Guza then slammed his paw over the poorly drawn pride rock. Guza's eyes wandered to Xepher once more. "So why are you here? Simply to annoy me you mindless tool?" Guza asked with a dark smirk.

//

Shwari purred during the affectionate kiss, and couldn't help but kiss back. When they broke the kiss Shwari met her gaze for a long time, and then she said what he wanted to hear from her the day he set eyes on her. He looked down and then back up at Zina, coming in for a nuzzle. "You think you love me, but I know I love you." Shwari purred as he nuzzled her. Shwari then put his paw over hers and laid beside her.

"I guess we should head back with what's left huh?" Shwari asked as he looked at their kill.

[KiarasMate]

So you think it was Maju then, who sent this Tume lion to deliver this cub to us? That doesn’t make any sense at all Ayari, especially from what you’ve told me about Maju. He sounds like the type that wouldn’t hesitate to end the life of anyone, let alone a poor, defenseless little cub.” Vitani stated in a bewildered tone.

Unable to make head nor tail of the current event that had just happened, Vitani found herself even more confused and left in the dark about Ayari’s past. It was clear to her that he knew a lot more about Maju and his horde then he might have lead her on to believe but Vitani insisted to herself that this was for her own good and that he was only trying to protect her by not telling her every little detail that he knew about their enemies. Feeling Ayari’s loving nuzzle seemed to bring her out of her thoughtful mood as Vitani found herself nuzzling right back, a warm smile apparent upon her face as she looked around and didn’t spot either Schwari or Zina anywhere, prompting the former Outlander to speak up once more.

”Wonder where Zina and Schwari have run off to. Maybe they decided to go off and start a pride of their own Ayari. Doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me. Would be nice to get away from all this confusing drama.”

Purring quietly and resting her head against Ayari’s powerful chest, Vitani listened to his heart beat as she closed her eyes for a brief moment, taking in his masculine scent which seemed to calm her down a bit as she reopened her eyes and spoke up softly to him.

”Promise me that once this whole mess with Maju is over and done with Ayari, that we’ll have some special time together, okay? A girl has to have something to look forward to, you know?”

Giggling lightheartedly, Vitani playfully nipped at Ayari’s chest before slowly rising to her paws as she made her way over to the promontory, where she took a seat once more, glancing back over to Ayari with a look upon her face that clearly displayed that she wanted him to join her.

==========

Finding what Guza was saying, quite amusing, Xepher snickered contently as he feigned interest in what the crazy male was telling him, speaking up quickly during the moment of silence between what his horde member was saying.

”Oh, it’s a lady now is it? Sounds like you’re just hard up for a mate there Guza. If it’s all the same to you, I’d much rather watch a sexy little lioness dance rather than some stupid flame. To me, that’s a billion times hotter than any fire ever could be.”

Perking his ears up from Guza’s next statement, Xepher pretended to look offended as he retorted in a coy voice.

”Well, that was on my agenda as well, but seems like Kiburi wishes for me to assist you, so as much as it pains me to say so, I guess I’m at your disposal for the time being.”

Watching Guza intently, Xepher smirked as he took a seat, making sure to keep his distance from the questionable male as he himself wasn’t too sure of how unstable Guza could be. Waiting for a response and looking quite bored already, Xepher started to day dream, much like he often did when the situation he was in grew tiresome to his likings.

==========

Feeling her heart skip a beat from Schwari’s touch once more, Zina could barely contain herself as she seemed to pour emotions out left and right. Her new found love was definitely getting the better of her as she moved in close and lightly licked Schwari’s neck before hearing his question. As much as she wanted to remain where they were, Zina knew that the rest of the pride would probably benefit from their leftovers and there would always be more time later on, that she could spend with Schwari alone. Giving a nod of agreement, the white furred Shaman reluctantly pulled herself away from her new found love interest as she spoke up in a thoughtful tone.

”I guess you’re right Schwari. Might as well not let the rest of our kill go to waste. Wonder what Ayari and Siri will think when I tell them that this was my first successful hunt. If Kivuli was still around, I’d definitely have to rub it in his face.”

Keeping in high spirits, Zina took hold of one end of the zebra carcass, waiting for Schwari to take the other half so the two of them could be on their way back towards Pride Rock. Being unable to speak with her muzzle full of zebra hide, Zina could only flash her lover a sweet gaze as she flittered her eye lids towards him while they traveled along, her tail over actively swaying behind her, showing just how good of a mood she was truly in, thanks to Schwari’s love.

[Baya]

Ayari quickly joined Vitani, sitting next to her and gazing out into the land. "Of course we'll have special time. It'll give me more motivation when we actually fight." Ayari purred as he nuzzled Vitani gently. He then thought back to Zina and Shwari, wondering if they were actually starting their own pride or not. He figured their new found feelings for each other were fresh, and they wouldn't be doing anything for awhile.

Ayari sighed as he looked down at his paws. What would it actually be like, if he and Vitani started their own pride? He wasn't really planning or hoping for that, but it was a curious thought of Ayari's mind. Several rogues would probably be needed in the process, because Vitani couldn't pop out five cubs all at once. Ayari chuckled at the thought and shook his head. Ayari licked Vitani's cheek again and brought his muzzle close to her ear.

"What ever happens Tani, I love you." Ayari purred.

//

Guza ignored Xepher for a long while as he etched more plans into the dirt. He cursed several times and had alot of tantrums during the planning of his huge fire. "This one will scar the land...yes...my lady demands it!" Guza growled as he drew a big circle around the pridelands. Guza's eyes lit up and he chuckled. "Yes...That's how we'll do it...That's how we'll destroy them." Guza murmured as he gazed at his now odd looking plan. Guza's eyes looked to Xepher.

"Do you know where the fire pit is?" Guza asked with a frown, really hoping the other male did. It would save them alot of time and that was the most precious thing to this sort of plan.

//

Shwari smiled back at Zina, wondering why they were like this today. They weren't even nuzzling the day before, and now they were so close it was really enticing. Shwari loved the scent she gave off, then again it could be the herb pouch. The male began to help Zina with the carcass and walked towards pride rock. How would he explain him and Zina's love to Husudu? He wasn't expecting hospitality when he brought up that subject.

They were walking for quite sometime up to the point they reached pride rock. Shwari set the catch down gently, and looked to Zina affectionately. "There we go. We got it over here, and with no problems." Shwari said laying down not so far from the Zebra.

At the smell of food, Siri was the first to come outside. She quickly made her way towards the catch and looked to Zina, then Shwari.

"It's alright, we brought it for the pride." Shwari murmured with a small grin. Siri nodded as she began to viciously tear at the flesh. She was eating for two now, so when she got hungry, the pressure was on.

Meanwhile at the mouth of the den, Husudu was asleep, but oddly enough on his his head the cub was comfortably sleeping on his mane. She didn't make many movements, but she was drooling into Husudu's hairs.

[KiarasMate]

Waiting till Ayari had joined her atop the promontory of Pride Rock, Vitani adjusted her position so that she could rest her head against Ayari’s broad shoulder as the pair looked over the peaceful looking lands together. It was a picture perfect day out, and yet, inside her mind, it was as if a storm was just on the horizon. Hearing Ayari’s words, Vitani closed her eyes tightly as she replied in a soft voice.

”I know Ayari and I’ll love you too, no matter what happens. I just wish my love was enough to protect you.”

Thinking over her dream from the previous night and feeling herself getting lost within the warmth and scent of Ayari’s body as she leaned gently against it, Vitani found herself speaking up once more in a reflective tone.

”Do you remember the first day we sparred together Ayari? The day that Masa took us out into the desert to show us what rogue life was truly like? Do you remember just how ruthless that lioness was? The one that attacked the other lioness, just for taking a drink at the waterhole? The way her claws tore into the neck of the other and the way the sands were stained with blood. For the longest time, that was the scariest thought that ever flashed through my mind…up until recently that is.”

Lifting her head off of Ayari’s shoulder, Vitani looked into her lover’s eyes with a sad expression as she continued speaking.

Do you want to know what the scariest thought is now?” Lowering her gaze to the rocky surface below just for a moment, Vitani took a short breath before returning her gaze back to Ayari, a single tear starting to form in her eyes as she stated in a shaky voice. ”The scariest thought that crosses my mind now, is losing you forever. Not being able to wake up to see your handsome face…your attractive physique. Not being able to hear your voice, or to look into your alluring eyes. Not being able to feel your loving touch and not being able to know that whatever the future might hold, that you’d always be there for me, that you’d always be mine.”

Resting her head back down against Ayari’s chest, gently nuzzling him there as she did her best to keep from crying openly, Vitani sniffled quietly as she pulled back once more, forcing a sheepish looking smile upon her muzzle as she managed to exclaim.

”I’m sorry Ayari. I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately, but the future just really worries me a lot more than it ever has. Sometimes I wish I could just go back to being the mindless fool that my mother wanted me to be. At least then, I wouldn’t have to deal with all this…”

==========

Contently observing Guza’s activity with a lackluster look upon his face, Xepher waited while the crafty lion in front of him fooled around in the dirt. Growing rather impatient as he sat there, Xepher started to sharpen his claws upon a near by elephant skull until Guza’s voice rang through the gloomy atmosphere. Looking quite annoyed by what Guza had asked him, Xepher replied in a callus tone.

”Don’t patronize me Guza. Of course I know where it is. Just tell me what I need to do so I can get out of here and you can go back to playing in the dirt like the filthy lion you are.”

Sheathing his claws as he rose to all fours, Zepher waited for his orders, having an idea of what was going to be asked of him already, as this most certainly wasn’t the first time he had helped out with one of Guza’s plans, yet knowing how sensitive Guza could be about his orders being taken seriously, Xepher humored the maniacal male as he obediently stood, ready for whatever.

==========

As they finally arrived back at the base of Pride Rock, Zina lowered her half of the slain zebra, panting slightly as she smiled over at Schwari and nodded, replying in a proud voice.

”Indeed, we did and it looks like they’ve already picked up on the scent.”

Motioning towards Siri, who already was making her way towards the kill, Zina stepped aside to give her friend full access to any part of the remaining zebra carcass, looking quite amazed at just how ravenous an appetite that Siri had, prompting the white furred Shaman to speak up jokingly.

”Well, if we knew you were this hungry Siri, maybe we would have brought down another, just for you.” Turning to make her way up Pride Rock, Zina added in. ”Going to let everyone else know that there’s food, or at least there might be if they hurry up and get here before Siri picks the bones dry.”

Bounding up Pride Rock, Zina caught sight of both Ayari and Vitani, who seemed rather deep in conversation. Following her better instincts, Zina let the two enraptured felines be as she poked her head into the main den and called out in an inviting voice.

”There’s a bit of breakfast outside for anyone who wants it. Better hurry though or it’ll be gone before you know it.”

Zina’s voice started to trail off as she caught sight of the slumbering Husudu, but more importantly, what was dozing atop the grey furred male’s head. Blinking in disbelief and even going as far as to rub a fore paw over her eyes, just to make sure that she wasn’t hallucinating, Zina turned around and made her way back to Schwari’s side, where she casually plopped herself down and stated in a befuddled manner.

”um, either the thrill of the hunt has gotten the better of me, or Siri gave birth on top of your brother’s head Schwari, because I could have sworn I saw a cub there?”

Looking back over at Siri and noting her friend’s still bulging belly, Zina shook her head once again as she stated in a confident tone.

”Nope, looks like Siri is still carrying Kivuli Junior, so just who may I ask, is that cub in there and which cruel pride member had the idea of leaving it in Husudu’s care?”

[Baya]

Ayari listened quietly to what Vitani had to say, and couldn't help but mentally agree on what she was saying. In all his cubhood, and all his adolescence he had remembered many fights, but not one so bloody as the one Masa had showed them. It was such a spectacle as it showed just how simplistic and barbaric rogues were. The point Masa was trying to make there wasn't that rogues were dangerous, it was to follow their instincts in battle and never let their thoughts get in the way of their goal. Ayari really missed that kind motherly lioness, but she was probably resting peacefully up in the heavens above.

Ayari nuzzled Vitani back and sighed in content. His heart pounded against his chest as he interacted with his mate to be. "Vitani, as long as I live I will not leave you. In death I will watch over you, and live on in your heart. I know one day you'll be up there with me if I die anyways so technically, we'll never be separated." Ayari pointed out with a playful grin. He could tell she was holding back tears, and he figured his humor wasn't exactly working. He quickly placed his paw over hers. "Vitani I promise you I would not leave you. I made that mistake once already, and I would not make it again. With this..." Ayari said placing his paw on her stomach. "You are going to be housing my cub after all this is over...and with this..." Ayari said moving his paw up to her chest, right above her heart. "We will raise it together." Ayari purred.

//

Guza growled. "Good. Get everyone rounded up, give them a thick stick each, and tell them to light one end of it...Then tell them to come here to hear the plan!" Guza ordered with a dark chuckle.

Tume meanwhile was laying on his back, and gazing at the clouding sky. Whatever was going to happen, was going to happen soon. Part of Tume knew that even though his pride had more numbers, viciousness, and strategy the pridelanders still had something that would wipe them clean off the battlefield. It was compassion and love. They didn't do anything out of greed, hate or isolation. They did what they did to protect one another. That is why Tume gave the cub to the pridelanders. It was because deep down, he knew it would get to grow up and be happier over there. Tume would not let what he believes is going to happen get in the way in what he wants to make happen. He would still fight to the death with all his foes. He would die like a warrior on the battle field, laughing.

//

Shwari cocked his head in confusion at what Zina had just said. He placed his paw on Zina's forehead to make sure she wasn't ill, or that she wasn't off the handle on one of her own herbs. Siri giggled as she rubbed her stomach gently after the meal. "You two are being silly. Some weird lions from the horde brought this cub here because they found it orphaned or something. It's pretty healthy and not too old so it isn't corrupted or anything. I wouldn't understand why Maju's son would be bringing-"

"Tume." Shwari said quietly as he looked down in slight sorrow. "He is a good lion deep down. It doesn't surprise me that he was the one that brought it. If it weren't for Maju's neglect, he wouldn't be a hate filled war machine." Shwari said quietly. He shook his had free of these thoughts. Tume was their enemy regardless of who he was deep down! Shwari knew he had something worth protecting now, and he wouldn't let weak thoughts stop him from doing that. Shwari turned to Zina and gave her a loving kiss on the cheek.

"That is adorable! I can't wait till you have a cub or two! They would look so amazing! I can imagine it now! White fur, teal eyes!" Siri said with awe.

Shwari raised an eyebrow. "Or look like my brother with gray fur and amber eyes." Shwari murmured, looking towards his brother with the cub. "By the way Siri, why was the cub placed in the care of Husudu?" Shwari inquired with a hint of confusion in his tone.

Siri smiled. "The cub saw Husudu first when she opened her eyes, and she believes Husudu is her caregiver. She followed after him, he neglected her, she almost cried, and he ran back! I have never seen Husudu so...kind." Siri said as she looked over to Husudu as well.

Husudu had woken up and placed the cub in between his paws. It still slept happily cuddling into the warmness of his chest. Husudu then wiped the drool from his mane with a look of disgust. "Ugh, next time you get fed AFTER your nap." Husudu said with a frown.

[KiarasMate]

Looking down as Ayari placed his paw upon her belly, listening to what he was saying as his gentle touch moved up towards her chest, Vitani couldn’t help but to smile from just how sweet Ayari was being. While his words did give her a bit of comfort, she still couldn’t quite let go of the angst she was feeling. Still, trying her best to cheer up, Vitani leaned in close to her love as she planted a soft kiss upon his muzzle before stating in a caring voice.

”That’s what makes you so lovable Ayari. On the outside, you are this strong, brave lion who would never let anything happen to the ones he loves and on the inside, you’re this soft hearted, adorable lover who always knows what to say to make me feel safe and secure. I love you so much Ayari.”

Taking a moment to playfully nibble upon her mate’s chin, adopting a cute smile, Vitani gazed down at the small group that had gathered around the zebra carcass that Zina and Schwari had brought. Still hoping to spend a little more time with Ayari, Vitani made no mention that they should join the others for the time being, instead, addressing Ayari’s comment that he had made previously about having cubs. Moving herself in close to ayari so that her body was resting close to his, Vitani murmured quietly in his ear.

”Well, you know, in order to have cubs, certain things will have to be done. Do you think you’re up for those certain things Ayari?” Vitani stated, a playful note of sarcasm notable in her voice as she grinned mischievously towards her lover.

==========

Nodding nonchalantly towards Guza, Xepher left without a word as his orders had been exactly what he had been expecting the maniacal male to ask of him. Making his way out into the nearby lands, Xepher found a suitable dying tree, which wasn’t too difficult to find, given the territory to which Maju’s horde resided at. Letting out a defiant roar, Xepher’s paws flailed through the air as several thick branches from the decaying tree came crashing down. Looking pleased with his work, Xepher moved onto the next step of the plan as he moved each branch one by one, over to a near by watering hole, which wasn’t exactly suitable for drinking by the looks of the murky water contained within the small pool but drinking wasn’t what the crafty male had in mind to begin with. Taking one end of each branch in his muzzle, Xepher soaked half of the branch in the dirty water, thus preventing the branch from burning all the way through, giving the horde members a place to hold the branches without risking their own faces to catch on fire in the process.

Once the branches had been prepped, Xepher transported them back to The Elephant Graveyard where he assembled them in a neat pile before glancing around to see where everyone was. Spotting Tume and Kiburi, Xepher figured that the rest of the horde would be more motivated if the two felines in question took control of the situation. Moving over to his friend first, Xepher spoke calmly to Tume.

”Guza’s ready to put the plan into action Buddy. Grab a stick and get it lit, then gather the rest of the horde and have them do the same. They’re more bound to follow your orders than mine. Going to let Aunty Kiburi know that we’re almost ready.”

Moving back to the pile of branches, Xepher casually picked one up in his muzzle and made his way over to where his aunt was comfortably situated, dropping the branch at her paws before he addressed her in a suggestive manner.

”The Fire Freak is ready to move out Aunty Kiburi. Here, I brought you a branch, since I know how much you love to have things stuffed in your muzzle. If this one isn’t to your likings, I have a special one that you could use instead.”

==========

Listening to what Schwari and Siri were saying, blushing slightly when the topic of her and her grey furred lover having cubs came up, Zina chimed in as she placed a paw over Schwari’s.

”Well, we’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves but I’m sure that Schwari will be a wonderful father. I mean, if Husudu can do it, then there’s hope for anyone, right?”

Turning her gaze towards both Siri and Husudu, who had joined the group now, Zina couldn’t help but to smile as she caught sight of the little cub, who was sleeping soundly between Husudu’s fore paws. The sight was quite moving, regardless of the fact that her own personal opinions of Husudu lacked anything remotely to being a father figure of any sort, but as long as the cub was happy, that’s all that seemed to matter. Glancing over at Siri, the white furred Shaman grinned as she stated.

”So, would this make you and Husudu, Mommy and Daddy now Siri? I mean, you are the one feeding his cub now and from the way you two were laying up there together. Maybe love does work in strange ways.”

[Baya]

Ayari chuckled as he nipped her chin back playfully after she whispered her comment to him. He then brushed his cheek against hers until his muzzle was inches from her ear. "I'm more then up to it..." He purred as he nipped her ear playfully. He knew she was anticipating it considering the scent she was giving off recently. It took alot of self restraint thus far to keep himself off of her, and he wasn't about to give into instinct yet. They had to wait quite some time before officially mating considering the possible attack of Maju and his horde.

Ayari smiled as he took in the scent of her fur, and he put his head over her's. Every time they were in an embrace, or talking of their affections towards each other, Ayari felt so at peace that he blocked out the world around them. His thoughts lingered to what their cub or cubs would look like and how they would react to Vitani and him nuzzling. The thought brought a chuckle rumbling through Ayari's throat. "Vitani, what do you want our cubs to look like?" Ayari asked, knowing that they had no choice in the matter but perhaps thinking about it would fulfill Vitani's wish of how the cubs would look.

//

Shwari chuckled nervously, really flattered by what Zina had just said. "That cub couldn't ask for a better mother." Shwari said quietly with a small smile. He then nuzzled Zina and Siri smiled in content. She loved seeing Zina so happy, and the fact that a male was the cause was even better. It just went to show that Zina shouldn't have judged them all by one glance.

"I'm going to go rest a bit. See you two later." Siri said quietly as she trotted up into the den, passed Husudu who had placed his head beside the cub in between his paws. Siri sighed as she looked at Husudu from where she lay. He was rough, and sinister on the outside but on the inside he was probably just as soft as his brother. If a lioness looked past his rough exterior perhaps one day Husudu would find a mate, Siri thought. Siri didn't really note the comments Zina's been dropping about her and Husudu considering Siri had already lost a love, and she'd feel like she was betraying him by going to another lion while she was impregnated with Kivuli's child.

Shwari sighed as he looked at the sun beginning to head down towards the horizon. It was already passed the afternoon, and going over to the evening. Shwari looked to Zina lovingly, and brought his muzzle to hers again, not being able to help it.

//

Tume looked to Xepher, and quickly got up. "Xepher. There's going to be a slight change of plans. First we set the fire decoy, but then we will turn and attack Maju. Once he's dead these stupid rogues won't know what to do, and disperse. Then we will leave and try to start a real pride with what lionesses we still have left over." Tume said quickly, not meeting his friend's eye. "We don't need these lands." Tume said as he began to leave his little den.

Kiburi growled silently. "Enough of this foolishness boy. Get your head into the game. It is time to take the pride lands, and destroy Maju." Kiburi growled, wondering where the villain was.

"I'm sorry. What was that my dear?"

Kiburi's eyes widened at the demonic echo, and chill that ran down her spine. She turned slowly to see that Maju was behind her with several rogues. Kiburi stepped back slightly.

"Yo-You didn't let me finish dear, I was going to say take the pride land's and destroy Maju's enemies!" Kiburi stammered. Maju snorted as he looked to Xepher.

"You boy. Leave. You won't like what you see..." Maju growled as he grinned. "Kill her." Maju ordered, and the rogues obliged as they began to approach Kiburi.

[KiarasMate]

Pondering over what Ayari had asked her, a dreamy look in her eyes as she continued to rest her head upon ayari’s chest, Vitani thought about the future and what she hoped her cubs would look like. Truth be told, she had thought about this matter on several different occasions, yet never had made mention of it to Ayari, seeing as their relationship hadn’t been solidified up until recently. Now that the question had been posed however, the former outlander had no qualms in responding as she spoke up in a loving voice.

”Well, if they are males, I’d hope that they’d have your gorgeous looking blue eyes Ayari.” Vitani stated as she lifted her head so that she could peer into her lover’s alluring orbs. ”I can get lost in your stare for hours Ayari. I wouldn’t mind them having a nice mane like yours either.”

Raising a fore paw, Vitani lightly ran her paw toes through Ayari’s thick brown mane, loving just how elegantly each strand flowed through her paw, subtly encouraged by the light passing breeze. Sighing happily, Vitani lowered her paw as she returned herself to resting against her mate as she resumed speaking.

”If they are females, well, let’s just hope they take after me, since I’d hate for them to be too girly.” Vitani stated, a note of jest apparent within her tone. ”Either way though Ayari, just as long as they are healthy and happy, that’s all that matters to me though.”

Rising to her paws now, as the attraction of the nearby zebra carcass was finally beginning to win her over, Vitani leaned in to softly kiss Ayari over his muzzle before she dawned a sweet smile and playfully stated.

”You know though, when it comes to smarts, they better take after their mother and may The Great Kings have mercy upon us both if they inherit both our stubborn sides Ayari.”

Giggling quietly and nuzzling her mate to show him that she was only kidding, Vitani started to make her way down towards where Schwari, Zina, Husudu and the little cub were situated, calling over her shoulder to Ayari in a caring voice as she departed.

”Let’s have some breakfast Ayari. All this talking has built up my appetite and it looks like Siri had her fill, so we get what’s left.”

A bit too preoccupied by having Schwari’s muzzle pressed up against her own, not as if she had any objections with this however, Zina didn’t pay any attention to either Ayari or Vitani as she remained lost within her lover’s presence. It was clear that love had struck her hard and the more the white furred Shaman gave in, the further she fell head over paws for Schwari. Managing to pull herself away from the handsome male, if only for a moment, Zina cooed softly to him as she murmured in his ear.

”Never thought I’d feel this way about anyone Schwari. You make me so happy.”

Seemingly taking notice of the new arrivals for the first time, Zina shot Ayari a sheepish grin as she tried to pull herself together a bit, a reflection of her old demeanor showing as she called over to her former leader in a thoughtful tone.

”Looks like things are finally starting to work out for all of us, aye Ayari? Who would have seen this coming, huh?”

Resting her head against Schwari’s side as she laid comfortably in the grass, Zina turned her focus upon Husudu, who seemed quite enthralled by the little bundle of joy tucked between his fore legs, prompting the white furred lioness to inquire as she spoke to him.

”Maybe there’s hope for you after all Husudu. Thought of a name for your daughter yet or were you just planning on abandoning her the first chance you get?”

==========

Xepher’s heart sank as he watched Maju and several rogues emerge from the darkness. He knew that Maju wasn’t buying into what his aunt was saying and he knew that if he didn’t act fast, the only lioness he even had the slightest bit of interest in, would surely meet a very unpleasant end at the paws of her own horde members. Almost without thinking, Zepher grabbed the branch that he had dropped by Kiburi’s side, quickly darting off as fast as his legs would carry him, on route to the fire pit. Trying desperately to calculate just how long it would take him to reach the pit and come back, Xepher hoped that his aunt would at least be able to hold her own for a few minutes but knowing just how fierce Maju and company could be, Xepher hauled tail as he reached the scorching hot pit and quickly set the far end of the branch in his muzzle a blaze as he darted back to Kiburi’s aid.

Keeping a firm grip upon the branch as the flame at the end of it grew with every stride he took, Xepher charged head long into the small group of rogues that had already cornered his aunt, immediately setting two of the rogue’s pelts on fire as he quickly took a defensive stance in front of Kiburi, brandishing his held weapon with great ferocity as if to warn anyone else to keep their distance. Unable to speak with his mouth holding the burning branch, Xepher narrowed his eyes, determined to defend Kiburi to the death if he had to. Amongst the sound of crackling wood and screaming cries from the two unfortunate rogues whose pelts danced with the flames, courtesy of Xepher himself, things had quickly gone to hell within the tight confines of The Elephant Graveyard.

[Baya]

Ayari smiled at her teasing, and affectionate actions. He really hoped at least one of them took after her. Ayari's eyes diverted to the Zebra carcass everyone was feeding on, and he walked towards it after Vitani. He brushed his side against Vitani's as he made his way towards the Zebra. Ayari began to feed, and watched as Shwari and Zina exchanged affectionate gestures. A smile widened on Ayari's face, happy to see that Zina had finally accepted at least one male into her life.

Ayari heard Zina's question and finished his current mouthful before taking a breath to answer. "Yeah, I really think destiny brought us here. Everything is better for everyone...and if we defeat Maju, we don't even have to be rogues anymore. We'll all have our own little families." Ayari murmured quietly with a smile.

"Keyword is IF we defeat him." Husudu muttered quietly as the young cub stirred slightly in his paws, and whimpered slightly. "Eh? What do you want?" Husudu growled. The cub opened it's eyes, that were shining with tears. Husudu rolled his eyes as the whines got louder and it began to grip onto his fore paws with its little claws. "Quit doing that ya little brat!" Husudu said darkly, glaring down at the cub.

"Why would you be so mean to the girl Husudu? Nuzzle her or something. She might have had a nightmare. She wants comfort." Ayari murmured annoyingly at Husudu. Husudu growled but saw that he had no choice. He brought his head low, and nuzzled the little cub. The whining had ceased as Ayari predicted, and the little cub began to purr comfortably. It was after that, that the cub turned to its other side and closed it's eyes again. It was at this point Husudu managed a small down at the sleeping bundle of joy. It was only seconds after that he heard Zina's question.

"If I abandoned this thing I'd be no better then what we are fighting." Husudu said quietly. "I don't know what to name her though." Husudu said quietly.

//

Maju sighed as he casually made his way passed the burning rogues, towards Shwari. "Are you going to try and burn me boy? I'll tell you now that even if you success in lighting me ablaze, you'll be dead before I am." Maju said with a grim smirk. He loved watching the terror on the faces of those he was about to execute.

Kiburi on the other hand had already received heavy hits from the rogues prior to Xepher's arrival. "Th-This can't be. I-I helped you with everything you ungrateful fool! I built this army! I made your son a warrior!" Kiburi snarled. Maju snorted as he prepared to pounce, but another lion quickly jumped at him. Maju roared as he rolled around, and was eventually pinned down by Guza.

"Y-You as well? Even the lunatic defies me..." Maju hissed. Guza chuckled sinisterly.

"Rest-Sweet-King!" Guza cackled deviously as he raised his paw and slashed at Maju's throat. It only took a few seconds for the rogues to realize what Guza had done. Many of them were amazed at how strong Guza actually was. He was the new leader for the time being, the dominant male.

[KiarasMate]

Feeling in quite high spirits by this point, vitani giggled playfully as she felt Ayari’s body caressing against her own as the pair made their way down to the zebra carcass. Taking up a spot next to her love, Vitani began to take her share of the nourishing meat, keeping her ears perked as she listened to the exchange of words between Zina, Ayari and Husudu. Although her muzzle was buried within the flesh of the slain zebra, Vitani found herself smiling happily from the way Ayari was handling the situation between Husudu and the young lioness cub. It brought a sense of pride to rush through her, as she knew that her mate would be such a wonderful father to their cubs when the time would come and this fact just seemed to prove it.

Hearing Ayari’s response to her statement, Zina nodded as she kept herself close to Schwari, replying in a thoughtful voice as her head snuggled against his.

”We’ve come a long way since the day we showed up in The Outlands Ayari and unlike back then, I truly feel as though things will work out for us all. Hell, If I can find a mate, anything is possible right?”

Smiling fondly at Schwari, Zina turned her attention back to her love interest as she licked him softly upon his cheek before she rose to her paws and murmured quietly to him.

”I’m going to take a rest in the den. Feel free to join me if you want to Schwari.”

With that stated, Zina moved off, quickly disappearing within the main den as she found a suitable spot a few paws length away from where Siri was resting. Laying herself down and making sure to leave enough room for her grey furred lover if he would choose to take her up on her offer, Zina looked over at her friend before she called over to her in a quiet tone.”[/b]

"You awake Siri? I know we haven’t really spent much time together these last few suns but I still want you to know that I’m here for you if you need anything. You’ve already done so much for me, that I feel as though, I owe you something.”

Watching as Zina departed from the small group, Vitani turned her attention over to the grey furred brothers as she addressed them both indirectly.

”So, what exactly are you two going to do once we deal with Maju and his horde? Will you both be staying with us?” Vitani asked, putting an emphasis upon the word us as she nuzzled Ayari to indicate just who she was hinting at.

==========

As the social structure of Maju’s horde seemed to unravel before his very eyes, Xepher looked on as the once powerful leader of the horde was quickly subdued by none other than Guza. Truly not expecting this to happen as Xepher himself was almost certain that if anyone was going to dispose of Maju, it would have been Tume, but regardless of this fact, Xepher felt as though the chaotic situation had come to an end. Dropping the burning branch from within his muzzle, Xepher turned to make his way over to where Kiburi was laying, the branch he had dropped still smoldering and crackling upon the ground of The Elephant Graveyard.

Approaching his aunt with a concerned look upon his face, Xepher showed signs of distress, which was quite out of character from his normal demeanor. The fact that Kiburi looked so helpless by this point and just how severe her injuries appeared to be, Xepher found himself struggling to keep his own composure as he spoke urgently to her.

”Aunty Kiburi. Are you okay? Those wounds…I’m…I’m so sorry. I couldn’t help you fast enough.”

Lowering his eyes to the floor, his back turned upon Guza and the remaining rogues, Xepher’s sole focus was set upon his aunt, her well being the only thing on his mind as he gently leaned down to nuzzle her, not in his usual suggestive manner, but in a truly loving display that would be expected between two family members.