In Love and War [Private]

[zorayda]

Zor’s one eye that showed suddenly opened really wide, letting the light catch the ice-blue color and making it sparkle.

“Ewwwwww!” she leapt up with all her might and kicked Odongo in the forehead with a back paw, thoroughly grossed out. The great white lion must have been having some kind of perverted dream...

“Odongo, it’s Zorayda!” she shouted, now on her paws and several feet away. Her nose was crinkled on one side with disgust. She thought of Odongo as a big, lovable brother, and definitely NOT as a lover or anything of the sort. She let her body give an involuntary shiver. “Blecch!” she said, her tongue sticking out.

Then something caught her eye. Just as she turned to laugh with Bardu about the whole situation, she noticed that he’d turned and began to walk away. There was a stiffness in his shoulders that told Zor that he was angry about something...

“Bardu?” she called, her smile fading. She trotted over to him, having to almost run to keep up with his angry pace. “Hey, I’m sorry...I shouldn’t have...”

Zorayda blushed before continuing. “Did...did I weird you out when I snuggled you? I promise I won’t do it again...” The look on her face was earnest and apologetic. “I just...thought it was very nice of you to make me feel pretty about my...well, you know,” she said, glancing away for a moment. Her ears were laid back in worry as she continued to half-canter a little behind and beside the black lion.
---

Eeve laughed exuberantly as she raced ahead of the other two lions. Speed and running was one thing that made the wheat-colored lioness feel such great joy…when she ran, she felt like she could race the world and win. She could smell the moist air and she knew that there was a body of water not too far away. She could also smell the scent of other animals nearby, perhaps some gazelle or zebra for the small pride? Her feet padded the ground impossibly faster at the thought.

Taro knew that the jeers and comments Jata made in his direction were meant to be playful and sarcastic…a joke…but that did not stop his heart from leaping into his throat. He felt his heart hammering, and he knew that it had nothing to do with the fact that he was running and exercising. One second, he was looking at the pale lioness, and the next, he’d stumbled over his front paws, tumbled in two full somersaults, and flopped onto the ground, his chin meeting dirt and his back end up in the air. His tail flailed in the air like a comical gold and black flag before he skidded to a halt, thoroughly winded.

[Nakisisa]

(( Ohh what I could post ))

Realising what he had said, Odongo shivvered, just as the kick landed on his muzzle. OWWWWWWW! he exclaimed aloud, rolling onto his side, the pain buzzing about his skull.

Thinking back throught the events that had just happenned, he knew he had messed up, very badly. Zor? he said aloud. Still trying to understand what he had said, he asked a question, Zor i didnt just? Did I? hoping his memory to be messed up, he slowly stood to see his best friend, and there lioness, walk away, bardu was obviously ma at something, and it looked like Zor had a part to play in it.

***** A small walk away from the encounter with Odongo and Zor *****

Bardu walked on, moving up to a weak canter as he heard Zor approcahing. Hearing her words, he knew it was no good running, and he would have to face her.

Did...did I weird you out when I snuggled you? I promise I won’t do it again... The look on her face was earnest and apologetic. I just...thought it was very nice of you to make me feel pretty about my...well, you know

bardu knew how she would look, and knew there was no point in turning around. He just carried on walking, slower than before but still he kept going. determined not to look at her, as he knew his soft spot would kick in, and make him open up to her... and after what she had just done to Odongo, then suddenlyleft Bardu.... he didnt want to do that.

Soon the gilt began gnawing at his being and he knew he had to open upto her. Sighing he stopped abruptly and sat down. trying to keep the tears from his eyes, he looked straight ahead, and sisnt move. when he spoke, it was raspy and rough, not the normal caring tone he used with Zor and odongo. I guess i have to tell you dont I? he asked

****************************

Jata had ran off, leaving Taro for dust. she was having the time of her life, and could still see Eeve. I must be getting faster She tought laughing out loud, carrying far across the savahana. I'm gonna get you Eeve! Jata shouted, looking around to see where Taro was.

On the ground, Taro was laying embeded into the dirt. TARO! NOOOO! Jata screamed looking away from Eeve, quicckly loosing her. hoping her voice wouldnt travel that far, Jata didnt want Eeve cming back and worrying like she always did.

Soon realising she was still rooted to the spot, Jata sprang, and ran towards Taro. she ran the fastest shehad ever ran before, and hoped that he was OK. the wind ruffling hr fur as she ran,several thought buzzed around her skull, but she brushed them aside, sheknew the only lion thathad ever been friendly with her could be badly hurt.

Taro... *gasp* Are... *gasp* You... *gasp* Alright? *gasp* Jata said as soon as shearrived by Taros side, trying to see any external injuries, and hoping there were none. regaining her breath took time, ragged pants still interupted her breathing when she spoke though. taro... Please... Don't leave me...

[zorayda]

Zorayda remained silent, the concerned look still creasing her eyebrows at the middle. She noticed that, even though Bardu did not look in her direction, he had slowed down considerably and was now waiting for her to catch up. The sleek black lion finally stopped and sat down, and the fluffy brown lioness copied him, her fringe fluttering in the wind.

"I guess I have to tell you, don't I?" The rhetorical question came out of his mouth in a rough voice, and Zorayda saw the moisture in Bardu's eyes. Her jaw dropped in surprise. Bardu never cried...

She remained quiet for a moment, the concern in her face doubling. "Bardu...whatever you're gonna tell me, you don't have to if you don't feel comfortable..." she said compassionately. "I don't know why your feelings suddenly got hurt, but I'm sorry that they did...I didn't mean..."

Zorayda stuttered, tripping over her apology. Her face became frustrated and that tiny frown came back over her face. She'd completely forgotten about Odongo in all this mess with Bardu.

She put a splotchy tan paw on his shoulder. "I'm here for you...I'm one of your best friends, and I'll always be here when you need me. You can tell me what you want, but you can also keep it to yourself if you don't feel like talking about it..."

--------------

Eeve continued to speed forward, losing Jata and Taro far behind her. Her tongue dangled from the side of her mouth and her eyes were wide and bright, and her tail fluttered behind her like a rudder. Her feet pushed her forward faster...and faster....

Until she saw two figures that suddenly came into her view over the top of a hill.

Eeve let out a shriek of surprise, but she couldn't slow down fast enough to avoid meeting the two figures, which she could now identify as two felines sitting and talking to one another.

"Whoa!" she shouted, and she trotted to an ungainly stop, directly in front of the two lions...

[Meanwhile, back with Taro and Jata]

"Taro...please...don't leave me..."

Taro opened one eye to look up at Jata, his rump still high in the air. Other than a few scrapes and bruises that he'd definitely feel in the morning, he was all right.

"Ow..."

He saw that Jata was fawning and fretting over him, and the idea of that made him feel a bit better. However, his dignity was now seriously wounded. He got up painfully and shook the dirt out of his fur.

"Yeah, I'm all right," Taro muttered, embarrassed. "Thanks for the concern, though," he added, and smiled at Jata. "Let's catch up with Eeve, yeah? And will you please stay on pace with me?" he asked the final question while lowering his ears and batting his eyelashes comically at her.

[Nakisisa]

(( What happened to our chat? ))

Knowing how Bardu could act, Odongo decided to stay away from the meeting that seemed to be happening between Zorayada and Bardu. However, even as he turned, and after noticing the way Bardu was walking, Hunched shoulders and all, there was no need for him to intervene. For all they had been through, Bardu had never acted nastily towards Zor. When they had little food, and were forced to share, Bardu would always give up most of his portion to Zorayada, He always seemed protective of her, even when they weren’t in danger, and the way he looked at her...

Love... he said to himself. Knowing that Bardu would happily talk and probably confess his feelings to the lioness, the lioness in question was physically and metaphorically blind. She didn’t know that Bardu was in love with her, and if she did, she hid it well. However, He had known Zor for quite a while, knowing how she could act, she knew what would happen to Bardu, and for both there sakes, he hoped that he was ready.

*** With Zor and Bardu ***

For moments after Bardu spoke, Salience remained, encircling both his and Zor. It seemed like an eternity, but Zor finally broke the silence. "Bardu...whatever you're gonna tell me, you don't have to if you don't feel comfortable..." she said compassionately. "I don't know why your feelings suddenly got hurt, but I'm sorry that they did...I didn't mean...". It tool Bardu a long time to register that Zor was truly upset, knowing that she wouldn’t want to hurt him, yet that’s what it seemed like.

Stop being an Idiot, you Know Zor wouldn’t hurt you, its not her character, if she wanted to hurt you, she could do a lot worse! Bardu said to himself, finally mustering up the courage to speak, when Zor cut him off I'm here for you...I'm one of your best friends, and I'll always be here when you need me. You can tell me what you want, but you can also keep it to yourself if you don't feel like talking about it...". She cut him off even more so by placing a paw on his shoulder.

Bardu nearly turned and kissed her then, and tell her later, but he knew that, if he did, it would turn her away from him, forever. Holding his tongue, he relaxed his shoulders and sighed, he turned back to Zor, and looked her in the eye, tears forming in his own. Zor... It's just that I... I... Thankfully, someone was watching over him, and knew that it wasn’t time for him to confess his feelings, because he heard a shout, coming closer. "Whoa!"

Turning quickly, He saw the new lioness as a threat. All emotion left him then and there, as the young lioness stopped, his anger kicked in. Jumping in front of Zor to protect her, Bardu's claws unsheathed, and a growl emanated from his throat. Looking the lioness in the eye, He unleashed a powerful and angry roar, warning her to back off, unless she wanted a fight. ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

*** (( This was my second attempt, the other one I was going to post, crashed just before I posted it D: )) ***

Kings Above! Thank god you’re alright! Jata said relieved, and sighing knowing Taro would be alright. Quickly Jata helped Taro up, her paw in his, she hoped that he felt like she did, Safe and happy. Not looking into hi eyes, in fact she looked away, at the ground making sure she wasn’t blushing. Only when Taro spoke, did she look up. "Yeah, I'm all right," Taro muttered, embarrassed. "Thanks for the concern, though," he added, and smiled at Jata. "Let's catch up with Eeve, yeah? And will you please stay on pace with me?" he asked the final question while lowering his ears and batting his eyelashes comically at her.

Knowing it was wrong, Jata couldn’t help but laugh at the cub like expression on Taros face, Ohhh, Taro Jata said softly, hoping that Taro would feel happy. looking directly at him, her blue eyes meeting his, She smiled, and reached forwards. Dusting the rest of the dirt out of Taros mane, Jata spoke softly again. Ohhh Taro, Of course ill stay with you, we don’t have a chance at catching Eeve, but we can try if you want, But ill stay by your side. she sad, holding his paw in hers.

Noticing that there paws were still touching, a smile appeared on Jata’s face. Besides, I guess you get to sleep with me tonight... she said, making Taro look down at there touching paws. And that means you get to kiss me wherever you want she added with a flurtious wink. removing her paw from his, she placed it on the ground, and with her other paw, she placed it under his chin. Gently lifting his head up, Jata leant forwards, and gently kissed Taro, holding the contact for as long as she could, before she broke away, placed both paws on the ground and blushed deeply. gently she pawed the ground, and did the cubbish thing of laying one ear flat and the other stayed erect. Again she smiled at him, and waited to see what he had to say

[zorayda]

Zorayda let her paw slide down Bardu's chest as he shifted to look at her. There was something in his eyes that burned fiercely for a moment, and the look took the brown lioness's breath away. Then the black lion turned away.

Zor couldn't explain it, but in that sudden moment, when Bardu glanced at her so intently, something changed. She suddenly realized that her heart was pounding and that her lungs didn't seem to drag in enough air. She had an insane urge to leap at him and embrace him closely and to hold him there forever.

She shook herself out of her crazy thought and mentally scolded herself. What is the matter with me? she thought. Bardu had turned to her and he began to say something, but--

"Whoa!"

A light-furred stranger lioness suddenly ran up to them, screeching to a halt right in front of their faces. Zorayda's face went slack with surprise at the sight of the rogue lioness. She, Bardu, and Odongo hadn't seen other lions in months, so it was odd to see one now...

Bardu suddenly leapt in front of Zorayda, roaring loudly and hunching down protectively. Zor saw that his hackles were up and his teeth were bared, looking white and lethal in contrast to his pitch-black fur.

"Uhm...B, maybe she doesn't mean any harm...?" Zorayda suggested timidly from behind him.

Meanwhile, Eeve seemed ready to faint from fear. Her eyes were wide and her pupils were pinpoints, making it so that only the orange irises showed. However, after a short second of looking terrified, Eeve planted her paws into the ground and crouched so that her chest nearly touched the ground. She bared her teeth in defense towards the large black lion that roared menacingly at her.

"Who are you?" she snarled at him, ignoring the lioness who stood worriedly behind him.

Eeve would never give up without a fight.

--------------

Taro was blushing profusely at all of Jata's attentions and comments, and he laid his ears back shyly.

Then...one second, she was flirting and being silly, and the next, she had leaned forward and kissed him...he felt her muzzle make contact with his, and everything in the world was lost to him except for this. He pressed forward gently and his eyes closed as he allowed all of his senses to drink her in, to smell her scent and to taste her kiss, to feel her soft muzzle against his...

Then she broke away and placed her paws back on the ground. Taro opened his eyes slowly, his eyelids fluttering. The look on her face was adorable and he could see that she had a perfect flushed look on her face after kissing him.

Taro blinked a few more times to focus more clearly upon her. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out at first...he cleared his throat and tried again. "That was...that was new," he said, and he noticed that his voice suddenly sounded a little deeper and a bit hoarse and husky sounding. Taro also noted that his mouth was very dry.

He was about to ask her why she'd kissed him when suddenly he heard a loud roar a short distance away. The golden male lion perked up his ears and suddenly looked alert.

"That's where Eeve went...and that roar was a male lion's roar..." he said slowly, beginning to panic. "Oh no..."

Taro sprang to his feet and began running as fast as he could to her, ignoring his aching muscles. "We've got to help her!" he shouted to Jata.

[zorayda]

(Naki, you gonna post soon? D:)

[Nakisisa]

"Uhm...B, maybe she doesn't mean any harm...?" Zorayda suggested timidly from behind him. 
"Who are you?" she snarled at him, 
Do you have your answer Zor? She's a threat, and there's only one way to deal with threats... Bardu said, adding a large hiss to his voice, still trying to use the scare tactic to get this rouge lioness away, making sure he had the biggest part of his body between himself and Zor, he would kill himself if she was hurt and it was his fault.

Claws fully extended and teeth barred so that they hurt, Bardu growled louder, and took a tentative step towards the lioness, showing her that he was boss and that this was his tertiary. The growl becoming a more profound threat, he let go of his anger, and roared, possibly the loudest most anger filled roar he could, the loudest roar he had ever made.

This is my ground, I ask the questions, Understood? Bardu shouted loudly. Who are you? he said in a mocking tone, rising to his full height and stepping so he could look over the lioness. Why are you here and who are you with? he asked, taking a quick look around to see if there was anyone there.

*** With Odongo ***

 

Odongo was amazed he hadn't sussed Bardu out sooner, he had know the lion months and yet he didn't know about his love of Zorayada. he was walking the lands alone as he always did when he was thinking.

But today was different, today his mind was set on love, and he was just thinking about if there was someone out there for him, when a Roar hit his ears. He quickly snapped out of his mind set and listened for another sound, it was a Roar. his mind kicked into overdrive, knowing that to be Bardus roar. Bardu! he shouted as he ran towards the sound, hoping he wasn't to late

***** Taro and Jata *****

Feeling Taro respond to her kiss, Jata got even more flustered and cub like. It was like she wanted to hold Taro and never let him go... Like she wanted to pin him down and lay on top of him for ever and ever. Alas she knew she couldnt. She knew Taro would want to move so they could run and hunt, and that they could play like cubs.

Jata eventually mustered up the courage to speak. Taro... Are you alright? she asked, noticing he looked flustered like she did. If you want we can... she started before a loud roar cut her off. "That's where Eeve went...and that roar was a male lion's roar..." he said slowly, beginning to panic. "Oh no... ... We've got to help her!" Jata was shell shocked. She didn't know what to do, her mind still focused on Taro, but as he ran off his words hit home. 

Eeve? Jata asked, her muscles moving involuntary, slowly moving her towards the lioness she saw as her sister and mother. Eeve had been there for her during the toughest months of her life. Eeve! Jata shouted speeding up to a fast pace, trying to get to her side. EEVE I'M COMING! Jata literally roared, closing the gap between he and Taro. The. They would be closing the gap between themselves, Jata and Taro, and Eeve.

[zorayda]

Eeve knew that she had no chance up against a large male lion. His roar burned in her ears until she thought that she'd be deaf forever. She could feel her tan fur stand up to its fullest height, and she was crouched so low to the ground that her legs were burning. Adrenaline rushed through her veins and she could hear her own blood pounding in her ears, like a dull roar.

"It's none of your business," Eeve hissed angrily at the black lion, in answer to his question. She was determined not to let this tyrant cow her...

"Stop it! Stop it, both of you," Zorayda finally shouted. She shouldered Bardu on the way by, giving him a stern look. "She was obviously surprised to run into us. Now, for starters...I'm Zorayda. This silly oaf is Bardu," she said, her eyes flicking towards the black lion. "Now, assuming that you aren't here to attack us...what's your name? Where'd you come from?"

Eeve's stiff posture loosened fractionally at the warm brown lioness's words. Her orange eyes never left Bardu's snarling face as Zorayda spoke. Then, muscle by muscle, inch by inch, her body began to relax. She came to a standing position, still tense and ready to defend.

"I'm Eeve," she said shortly. "And yes, there are others with me. They shouldn't be too far behind me, actually..."

As if on cue, Taro and Jata came to a halt next to Eeve, flanking her on either side. Taro took one glance at Bardu and shoved Eeve back with all of his might. He turned to Jata.

"Jata, if worse comes to worst, I want you to run away. Promise me!" His eyes were full of fear for the two lionesses he loved most in the world. He thought of his kiss that he shared with Jata and his heart clenched. What would he do if something happened to her?

Zorayda immediately came forward, though, ducking and looking submissive. "No, no! You've got it all wrong! I won't attack you, and Bardu won't if you don't attack us," she said hastily. "Please, don't make this a fight!"

Eeve's ears perked foward as her eyes caught something behind the two lions in front of them. A white male was approaching, and he looked like he was frightened and aggressive.

"There's another one coming," she said in a warning to Taro. Taro immediately sought out the threat and stood dominantly in front of the two lionesses, his ears flattened and his teeth bared.

"Stay away from us!" Taro shouted.

[Nakisisa]

(( Well, let’s get back into RPing XD Sorry Zor! *huggies* ))

Bardu watched the lioness in front of him. Her fur was raised and she was crouched low to the ground; Bardu had been in this situation before. he had been a rouge to long, he had been so used to being alone fighting, now he had a lioness to care for... even if she hadn't said she loved him back... he still loved her, and would do anything for her.

This Bardu hissed at the lioness crouched before him Is my land. What are you doing here and Why wont you tell me? the hiss turning into a growl as he asserted his dominance by taking another step forwards, his claws glinting in contrast to his jet black body.

What happened next took him by surprise, Zorayada had shoved him out of the way. Normally he would have thought nothing of it, but today there was a lioness still crouched and ready to pounce between them. As Zorayada walked past him, He growled and started to speak "Zorayada... What are you doi...." he quickly became silent at the glare from Zorayada... the look made him know he couldn't win and that he should back off... It scared him, and he hoped never to see it again.

Bardu remained silent as Zorayada spoke, yet he didn't loose his posture as the two lionesses become friends, he knew from experience that this was the worst part of the proceedings. He knew that if things turned nasty, Zorayada wouldn't be prepared; trying to show this, a low growl emanated from his throat, his warning only answered by the arrival of two new lions. His anger flared again and he tried to step in front of Zorayada, Knowing she would stop him

*** On the other side of the fight ***

Jata didn't even look at the situation as she approached, all she knew is the lioness that was like a sister to her was in trouble and needed help. Arriving at Eeve's side Jata panted and finally looked up. Seeing what Chaos had already un-folded and that there was a large jet black lion ready to pounce, she crouched down and unsheathed her claws.

Without a seconds notice, Taro had pushed Eeve behind them and had turned to Jata, quickly he began telling her to run if something happened to him if worse comes to worst the words reverberated around her head, buzzing angrily. Noticing the look of fear and anguish in his eyes, Jata slowly shook her head, getting faster as Taro spoke, he own words becoming a chant Taro... No... NO... As she spoke, she became more determined.

Turning from Taro, and oblivious to what the brown lioness was saying, Jata Looked Bardu in the eye and shouted YOU! You big oaf, you think you can threaten him? Jata took the bravest move of her life, she growled and moved angrily in front of Taro. Well you'll have to go through ME! she yelled, practically at a roar, tears forming in her eyes I LOVE HIM.... AND BY KINGS ABOVE IF YOU DARE TRY TO TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME... SO HELP ME ILL KILL YOU!

Bardu didn't know what scared him more, Zorayada's Glare or Jata's shout, He was a lion, and could beat both of them, all three of them if he needed. He tried to look strong, but for the first time in his life, felt weak.

Neither Jata or Bardu heard what Eeve said, or what Taro shouted.

*** Odongo ***

"Stay away from us!" Taro shouted, causing Odongo to stop suddenly, panting as he did so. He looked up and saw the stand off developing between a Lioness and Bardu... He knew this would end badly for either Bardu, which he thought unlikely; or the Lioness. he had to stop them, Before it was to late.

Ignoring the lions warning, he charged, not roaring but trying to get to his full speed as quickly as he could. Hoping that the Lion would be either so confused he didn't know what to do, or that he had also turned to watch the stand off, he closed the gap quickly and pounced, now unleashing an incredibly loud roar, trying to pin the lion and make the fight more fair, and theoretically, easier to win.

[zorayda]

“YOU! You big oaf, you think you can threaten him? Well, you’ll have to go through ME! I LOVE HIM, AND BY KINGS ABOVE, IF YOU DARE TRY TO TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME...SO HELP ME, I’LL KILL YOU!”

Zorayda’s eyes widened at the small lioness’s loud proclamations. Though she looked young, she was certainly not one to underestimate...especially when there was a lion she loved on the line. Zorayda glanced at Bardu, who still tried to stand protectively before her. Yes, there wasn’t anything that Zorayda wouldn’t do for this lion...

She let Bardu push her aside and she became quiet. Did she love him? Would she stand up for him, as the small lioness before her had just done for the one she loved? Zorayda thought about it for a split second, the wind ruffling her fringe over her eyes. Yes. Yes, she most certainly would. With that thought, she levelled next to Bardu and stood strong.

“You, young lioness, are not the only one who has someone to protect,” Zorayda said, her voice strong but quiet. “So do not think that I would let you lay a single claw upon Bardu,” she finished, her voice dangerously soft.

*************************

Taro’s tail lashed angrily from side to side as he faced off against the stronger, larger lion in front of him. He knew that, if he had to fight, he would lose. But...he could still stand strong enough to protect the two lionesses that depended upon him.

But then, he glanced back and saw Jata, who was shaking her head slowly from side to side. His brow furrowed in momentary confusion until he saw her step forward. He growled a warning at her, but then she started screaming and shouting, and the words she was throwing at Bardu left him stunned.

She...she loved him? No, maybe she didn’t mean it like that...but then, why did she kiss him earlier? What was she saying? She would kill another lion for his sake? His jaw dropped and his body was slack with shock. “J-Jata...what are you saying...?”

Then there was a strange moment of silence…then, a feminine gasp, and suddenly Taro felt himself turn sideways and slam into the dirt. Taro didn’t even notice the lion barrelling towards him until the golden lion was on the ground, under the white lion’s enormous paws.

No...two of them...it couldn’t be...

“Run...run...” he said to the lionesses above him, and he waited for the inevitable strike that would probably lead to his death.

*******************************

Eeve watched Bardu with a critical eye as these events happened. He seemed to weaken, to become more frightened with each passing moment. The lioness named Zorayda had started it with her attempts at peace, and then Jata’s roars...it seemed that the great black lion would cave under the pressure soon.

She snarled at Zorayda’s sudden change in attitude, though Eeve felt that she did have a good reason for her answer. A moment later, she saw that the white lion was charging straight for Taro. Taro, her protector and ally. Taro, her friend and the one she saw as a brother.

“NO!” she roared, and she leapt in front of him. The white lion slammed into her as if she was nothing more that a feather, and she was knocked to the ground, unconscious. Through her fading vision and hearing, she saw that the white lion had gotten to his target despite her best attempts, and she heard Taro telling her and Jata to run away.

Too late now, she thought, before everything turned black.