The King of Grass Walls [Private: ImaniFaith and Amadeus]

[ImaniFaith]

Tenga's head was resting atop her own, a gesture of affection she had recieved only from her father and mother in the past. Coming from Tenga, though, it took on a whole different meaning. Closing her eyes, she leaned against him, trying to savor the moment-- for she was certain nothing like it would ever come about again.

Why on earth, she wondered, did he believe she had the potential to be a queen? And why, after barely two days together, was he pledging his aid to her? Maybe friendship meant even more to him than she'd thought....

"Thank you, Tenga," She said softly, "but I'm not sure if I want to be a queen. I know you say I doubt myself too much, but I can't help it. I've never led anyone before, and I certainly don't feel qualified to solve anybody's problems...."

She wanted to glance up at him, to see what he was thinking-- but she also didn't want to break away from their embrace. Instead, she gently nudged his chin, "I'll just try to do my best to help them the way I am now. I don't need to be royalty to make a difference."

//

Bahari's ears twitched in amazement at the lionesses' words. Was she actually turning down the chance to rule her pride?

"What kind of fool is she... ?" He murmured. All he had ever wanted was to rule a pride of his own; and here was a strong, healthy lion offering her the opportunity-- only to have her say 'no'!

Of course, there was no doubt in Bahari's mind as to what this 'Tenga' was truly after. Even if he did care for his newfound 'friend', his affection was almost assuredly overshadowed by his instinctive desire to become a king. He would betray her in the end.

'Just as I will.' Bahari smirked, then whispered aloud, "Zuzu, be ready. As soon as she leaves the rogue, we make our move."

[Baya]

"You've never led anyone before, because the opportunity never came up. Though it's not like you'd be ruling alone. I'll help you until you find a good enough mate to be king. Unless you wouldn't need my help of course. Then i'd just...protect the pride or something." Tenga said quietly.

When she leaned back against him, his heart raced. Tenga didn't know what reason there was for this, but he didn't really pay any mind to it. He was glad that Imani was cheering up again. "You don't need to be royalty to be a leader Imani." Tenga assured as he finally broke the embrace, his heart still racing. He wondered if what he did was alright after only being friends with her for two days. Whenever Tenga felt unhappy as a cub a quick nuzzle from his mother would cheer him right up, but he never remembered feeling this way afterwards.

Tenga looked at Imani directly, and he smiled slightly. He opened his mouth to speak, but quickly closed it again.

//

Zuzu nodded as he watched them nuzzle. He smiled slightly at the sight, but then he looked to Bahari whom was pointing out how much of a fool she was. "Bahari...wh-what are the possibilities that having a pride isn't everything? I mean...she's happy even though she's not queen." Zuzu murmured

[ImaniFaith]

Imani nodded at Tenga's words, barely breathing. He had pulled back from her, looking straight into her eyes as though he meant to say something... but then he had simply closed his mouth and turned away.

"So... you will stay? In Grass Walls, I mean?" She asked, "If you do, you'll meet my family sooner or later-- especially if you're going to be protecting them."

Imani thought about that a moment, "I'll... I'll have to introduce you. Tell them how you've taught and protected me. Maybe they'll listen...."

Though she seriously doubted it. Suppressing a growl of frustration, she tried to concentrate on how she was going to let her pride know about Tenga without having them take it the wrong way. If they did, it could spell disaster for the young rogue... and for her newfound friendship.

//

"That's because she's an idiot, like you." Bahari responded quickly, but deep inside he felt a small pang of unease. He immediately suppressed it, "In fact, you two would make a good match. Perhaps, when I become king of Grass Walls, I'll wed you, and you can both prance off happily-- and pridelessly-- ever after."

Zuzu gaped at him with a look of horror, as he always did whenever Bahari mentioned the two of them parting ways. Though he had only been joking this time, it gave him a brief feeling of comfort to know that someone-- even a fool like Zuzu-- was so loyal to him.

'Though most likely because he knows he can't survive on his own.' He thought irritably. "Listen, Zuzu. I think she's getting ready to leave him soon. When she does, follow me. We must make sure she's far enough away so that we can meet without his interference."

[Baya]

Tenga smirked at her question. "Well it has water, food and most importantly you. How could I leave?" Tenga asked with a raised eyebrow. It would be pretty hard to severe another connection from someone else Tenga cared about.

Tenga listened to what else Imani had to say, and he took a bold expression once more. "I'd be happy to meet your family. If they don't attack me first. Or you could ease them into it or something. A rogue can't show up anywhere without be prejudged. Only you took the risk of getting to know me." Tenga said with a grin as he pressed his forehead against Imani's.

"That means that you are stuck with me around here now." Tenga said as he stared into her eyes.

Tenga was confused about why he kept on feeling the need on embracing her, or even to look at her. It was the strangest feeling he had ever experienced. He didn't feel it with his parents before when they acted so kindly towards him. It frustrated him to a certain end, but the feeling was something Tenga liked. His stomach churning and his heart racing was not a painful but a tingly feeling. Was it right for a rogue to be experiencing this?

//

Zuzu sighed as he listened to them speak. Even to a fool like him, it was obvious how Tenga felt about Imani, and vise versa. Though the question was, did they know it yet? Zuzu frowned now as he remembered that part of Bahari's plan was to have Imani betray Tenga and drive him off from the land. Couldn't he do it another way? Why did he have to break up something as pure as this? It just wasn't fair!

[ImaniFaith]

Imani was shocked, yet pleasantly so. Who could have possibly imagined that Tenga's forehead would be gently resting against her own, his deep, green-blue eyes reflecting her image? She surely couldn't.

On so many levels, the rogue confused her. One second, he was speaking of Imani finding a mate in a tone of voice that suggested he wasn't planning on applying for the job; the next he was tenderly speaking of his affection for her, and promising never to leave her alone. He was truly a mysterious creature, but she found it only endeared her to him more.

As he pulled away again, Imani blinked, noticing the sun beginning to set in the western sky. She felt her heart drop to her paws.

Reluctantly, she sighed, "It's time for me to go. Actually, past time. If I don't get home soon, my-- " She hated to say 'mother', "-- family will throw a fit."

Hopefully, she gazed up at him, "Will you wait at the water hole again? Tomorrow, I'll try to bring my mother along." She smirked bitterly, "If anyone will believe me about you, it's her."

//

Bahari allowed himself a brief grin of delight at the lioness' parting words (what a naive fool she was!)-- but it decended into a confused scowl when he caught sight of Zuzu's pained expression, "What on earth is the matter with you? It's almost time to move in!"

[Baya]

Tenga sighed as he watched her leave. It upset him to see her go, but it had to be. The only comfort he found was the fact that he'd get to see her again the next day, and that alone made him smile. He trotted down to the watering hole, and laid down on his side wondering what he should do until nightfall came. Should he go hunt, or just stick around the watering hole? No idea really came to him.

Tenga looked at his reflection, and frowned slightly. A question arose to him, that never had before. Did those scars affect his appearance? Did Imani like, or dislike them? Tenga's eyes widened slightly, as he wondered why in the name of the great kings above he was caring so much now! It had only been two days and already this lioness had found her way into his heart! What if she was just using him to defend her land and she would drive him out with her pride after there was no danger?

Tenga sighed as he calmed himself down a bit. Should that be the truth so be it, but his feelings for Imani were going to stay the same. He didn't care if it was a trick, because it was better to have felt a connection to someone else even for a short time, then not at all.

//

Zuzu whimpered and nodded, quickly going after Imani alongside Bahari. A question that ran through his mind was what they were actually going to say, or do to Imani to make her thing Tenga was not what he played out to be.

[ImaniFaith]

The air was sickeningly hot, and Imani sighed as she left the water hole-- and Tenga-- behind. How was she ever going to convince her mother to come with her tomorrow. She would have to keep quiet about Tenga until they actually met him, for if another lioness overheard, they might decide to 'tag along' and foul everything up.

Speaking of foul, she quickly glanced down at her fur. It was caked with dust and bits of grass. How had Tenga even wanted to get close to her when she looked like this? And his scent, she realized with a flash of panic, would also have to be washed away, or her mother-- and everyone else-- would know she had been near a stranger. She had been so careful to clean herself yesterday; she couldn't believe she'd almost forgotten today.

As she approached the edge of her pride's public water hole, she frowned down at her reflection. She was pretty, but only averagely so. Even her mother, when sworn to honesty, had gently confessed that her daughter was not beautiful. So what did Tenga see... ?

Or, she wondered with a pang, did he even see anything at all?

Plunging herself into the warm water, she destroyed the reflection and scrubbed away the grit-- and the scent of the rogue. This left her senses open to another... far less pleasant smell. Horrified, she froze. She knew what it was.

Jerking her head up, Imani saw the two lions who had been stalking her and Tenga off and on throughout the day. One was scrawny and unashamedly disheveled, an expression of nervous apprehension on his face. The other was larger, though still quite thin; and older-- perhaps the age of her own mother. His tawny fur, though thinning, was meticulously groomed, and his bright blue eyes gleamed. He appeared much more at ease than his smaller friend, but the hungry smile he gave her set her on edge.

"Don't be afraid." He said, and his voice scratched like claws against bone, "We're not here to hurt you."

//

Bahari was surprised when he was finally able to view this female up close. For such a handsome rogue, Tenga had chosen a surprisingly average-looking lioness to be attracted to. As king, Bahari planned on picking only the loveliest lioness in the pride to be his mate. Ah, well, to each his own.

Meanwhile, Imani was glaring at his with a misture of fear and anger, "Who are you?" she growled.

"I am Bahari." He replied simply, "And I am a friend. The only one you've got."

"And this, " He tacked on as an afterthought, gesturing toward his companion, "is my associate, Zuzu. We're here to help."

[Baya]

Zuzu looked from Imani to Bahari, and grinned. "Yes, we are friends. The best you'll ever have." Zuzu said with a slight cackle, though he quieted down after receiving a glare from Bahari. He didn't know what was going to happen next, but he knew for sure that this time their plans would not be foiled by Tenga.

Zuzu wondered what Bahari was going to say to Imani, to make her see Bahari in a great light. She obviously cared much for Tenga, and it would take some horrible lie to change her mind about him.

[OOC: I have no clue what to post here o.o. I feel silly, but its between you and Bahari right? xD]

[ImaniFaith]

Bahari smiled sweetly at the young lioness. "You really are much too careless, you know."

She continued to glower at him, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"The people you carouse with, of course." Slowly, he moved closer to her, just enough for her to truly feel his presence, "Like that ill-tempered friend of yours... Tenga is his name, yes?"

"Leave Tenga out of this!" Her voice was shaking, but she stood firm, "What do you want?"

"Your safety, naturally." With a casual shrug, he lay himself down on the dirt, "You may not know this, but I've been in this land for years, watching over you. Or, more accurately, your pride."

This surprised her, he could tell. Her eyes dropped a moment, flicking from side-to-side as she doubtlessly wondered whether he was telling the truth.

"Need proof? Your king's name is Ajani, and he is old and sick. His son, and sole heir, is dead-- and his mate has died as well. I believe she was injured by a rhino." He saw her eyes widen, "And how else could I know these things, unless I had been here?"

She said nothing. Perfect. Next to him, Zuzu twitched restlessly.

"Now, consider this: I have been here for years, a rogue-- prideless, but I have not attacked your ailing king or tried to harm any of you, have I?" When still no reply came forth from the lioness' lips, he took it as an exceedingly good sign. "I didn't even endeavor to strike up a conversation with you-- I merely left you to live in peace."

"So... " It was clear she was not comfortable in confrontations, "why now?"

He ignored her, "But this new rogue... Tenga. He has only known you for two days, and already he speaks to you of taking over your pride."

//

"He doesn't mean it like that!" Imani protested, wishing more than anything to run, but not daring to make a move. "He's only trying to help me!"

"Oh, yes!" The old lion chuckled sourly, "Help you? Is that what he's doing?"

Without warning, he stood up and walked straight into the water with her. Frightened, she drew back, but he blocked her escape.

The rogue's bright blue eyes reflected her image, just as Tenga's eyes had only minutes before, "Or is he just trying to help himself?"

Then he turned away, walking back to shore. Signaling his friend, he made as though he were going to leave-- but at the last moment, he looked back at her, "After all, what else, besides your pride, do you have to offer him?" Grinning, he smiled his goodbye, "Just think about it."

Taking the opportunity, Imani fled.

//

Listening to the splash and departing paw-steps of her flight, Bahari smirked. Oh, Imani may not trust him now, but neither did she trust her precious little Tenga fully anymore. And that was all it would take....

The seeds of doubt had been planted.

[Baya]

Zuzu watched as Imani walked away, then looked to Bahari. "B-Boss! W-Why'd you do that? If she tells Tenga what you said to her about him, he'll hunt you down! He'll kill you, and me for lying about him!" Zuzu whimpered. He very much feared for his life now, but still some questions came to mind.

Zuzu walked alongside Bahari, remaining silent for the longest while before looking to him to ask questions. "Boss, why is separating them a good idea? You even said she isn't so important, so if she doubts Tenga, it doesn't really matter. She's not any royalty anyways!" Zuzu said with a confused look on his face. "Also, why'd you have to be so mean to her? She ain't beautiful but you didn't have to rub her nose in it!" Zuzu murmured with a frown. Zuzu then growled slightly as his stomach churned.

"Booooossssss I'm hungrrrryyyyyy." Zuzu groaned as he fell over, with his forepaw over his face. "The agony! The sheer agony! I haven't eaten in days! I'm all skin and bones now!" Zuzu wailed, once again playing the drama queen of the two. It was actually out of boredom, not hunger he was doing this. His attention had been completely driven away from his questions from earlier.

//

Tenga meanwhile looked into his reflection, frustrated slightly with his face still. There were probably a thousand better looking males Imani would go for. Of course, rogues didn't find him repulsive considering they found the scar's attractive. They were trophies for his survival and battle skills. Though Imani probably just saw them as ugly markings on his flesh.

The rogue placed his head on his paws, once again worrying about Imani. Those rogues had come back when he told them not to once before, so what was stopping them now? Tenga stood and lifted his nose to the sky, for any sign of the rogue's scents. Nothing. He laid on his side again, slightly relieved, but not entirely.