[PRIVATE] A Loner's Pride

[XxRinaRoguexX]

Zera knew she would be there for a while so there was no need for her to crouch down to make herself uncomfortable and more prone to being sighted with her movements an even shifts to make herself feel a little more suitable in the position she was in. With that thought in her mind, she settled down soundlessly and crossed her right paw over the left, her tail lightly drifting upwards and then back down to the ground in leisure as she watched the scene. With only a few blinks to her being "gone", Syira had started to build herself up so others would see her in the same light as she saw herself in. She felt bad for the lioness, feeling as though she knew the lioness was acting as Zera did a few times before paw.

But Zera would never go as far as to prove something to someone she didn't even know or care about. This lioness seemed to be more self-concious than she first thought. Maybe Zera had her pegged down wrong, but there was more of a character in her than the other lions she had witnessed that she was easily able to comprehend. Mostly because she was more like Syira than she would like to have admitted even to herself but never would it be said to the others around her. Especially since she saw nothing coming out of them sticking all together for very long.

At least she wasn't going to kill anyone. Or at least she could hope but when she studied Sius and his body language she could tell he had something burning his tongue to let loose, but he kept his mouth shut. Probably for the better as this lion was as bashful to drama as she was, or she could at least assume. Once the commotion had died down as much as she thought it was going to, the multi-toned brown lioness quietly got to her feet and started to move away from the scene for good knowing if she left now there would be no chance to ever see them again. But her journey was short lived when she felt Syria's presence approaching quickly. With not even a look over her shoulder or a snarl escaping her lips as she was challenged for no reason, Zera crouched down to avoid any claws or blows of her own being dealt to signal a battle. She wasn't in the mood to fight; none the less, with an injured female. When the attack was done, she got back to her feet and looked down with a frown, "you don't know when to let the drama die, do you?" She used the remark lightly as she meant it, winking at Syira to show it was all for fun that she gave a witty comment.

[xLilacVixenx]

Fortunately, for Zera, Syira had tripped on a rock as she raged towards her ‘unknown enemy’ and tumbled on her back rather clumsily. She grinned sheepishly at Zera for her mistake and rose to her feet. “Er...Sorry about that,” she stammered. The moody lioness was beginning to trust Zera, she felt she could tell her her problems and she could be someone that actually cared about her. Feeling dreadfully embarrassed by her incredibly stupid mistake, she walked halfway back to where all the other lions were gathered. She glanced down at all of them, one by one. First, she looked at the unconscious lion; the poor guy, it looked as though he had been slashed terribly. And what had she done to help him? Nothing, nothing at all. Secondly, she glanced at Sius, his face clearly agitated and annoyed. Well, with that situation she actually did do something; but obviously not good. Syira looked at them all, her feelings hurt by not only them, but also herself. She had been the one who started all these trains of emotions; it was her fault. This had been brought up to her as a child so many times, that she was worthless and unneeded, that her mother was disappointed of her birth. All that pain and struggle “For a worthless runt!” her mother used to say.


In truth, Syira had led a tragic cub hood. As was said before, her parents were utterly disappointed of her very birth, all in hopes they would have a boy instead (To be the next heir to the throne). Being born by the Outlanders, they cared about nobody but themselves and their king, so she was treated poorly, and as soon as she was able to talk, they banished her from the Outlands. She could still remember those harsh words, the loneliness, and the all the feelings of being ashamed of her life. When she was once left out in a desert, a Pridelander happened upon her and took her back to the Pridelands. Ever since, she was acting rude towards her elders and everybody adult or adolescent; she believed that all grown ups were evil and didn’t have a heart. Her friends she loved and cherished, for they were the only ones that understood her. Even so, the Pridelanders thought of her as weird and they didn’t try to accept her since she was an Outlander. They often jeered and laughed at her curved nose and she never got any of the food she wanted; just the leftover scraps.


Now she was here; standing in front of all the lions who disapproved of her behavior, which even she thought as harsh and rude. The only reason she was bragging was that she wanted to fit in. However, her plans were not working at all. She could feel it welling up inside her, she could not stand it any longer and she ran off towards a nearby tree. The lioness sat behind the tree and poured her heart out in tears. Those hot tears dripped down her face quickly as she wondered what the purpose of her being alive was. She choked back the tears as she tried to stay ‘tough’, but she had held it in for too long; the pain that still blazed at her side added to these tears. The troubled lioness kept her voice down to a minimum; she didn’t want any unneeded attention. Nevertheless, she knew in her heart that all she needed was a little love…or is there such thing?

[zorayda]

Taro and his companion, Eeve, walked in companionable silence to the waterhole. It had been weeks since they'd last been to this particular one--the two of them were rogues from the same pride who had been wandering for a while now. Taro was sent away from the River pride last season, since his mane was now fully grown in and the fact that the River pride had a limit on how many males were allowed. Eeve had followed, only because the two of them had been friends ever since they were born.

Taro and Eeve had made plans to find others, to start a pride. If all else failed...then Taro and Eeve were to be mated and create their own pride. However, the two of them didn't really love each other that way...

The golden lion kept on forward, his muscles heavy under his pelt. His black mane was a bit tangled and was being teased by the wind, and when he looked over at Eeve, her mandarin-colored eyes were narrowed against the wind and the bright sunlight. A little bit longer and they'd be there...

"Taro!" Eeve exclaimed. Her voice was a bit cracked from lack of use and from being so thirsty. She pointed with her nose to the left of them.

"What is it?" Taro asked, his emerald eyes wide. He looked over to where the tawny lioness pointed and saw a group of lions and lionesses all gathered by the watering hole. He gasped in surprise.

"Eeve, this is it! A chance to start a pride! Let's go over there and meet them all!" He said, excited. They ran the rest of the way towards the group, not really caring if they startled them. They were far too excited to notice their reactions to them.

"Taro..." Eeve said, her voice trailing off as they slowed. Her voice said what Taro was thinking--this group was mostly made up of males, and a lot of these lions looked injured...

"Um..." Taro said dumbly as they stopped in front of the group. "Hello? Hi, I'm Taro...and this is Eeve," he said, glancing at his tawny-colored companion. She blinked her orange eyes.

Eeve stepped forward. "We're looking for lions to stay with..." she said tensely, trying to read the group's body language and hoping that they weren't hostile. "May we join you?"

[Harvs]

Sius lapped up his water slowly and lazily. He didn't think that the other lions would attack him since he had been quiet nearly the entire time. In light of this, he was able to quench his thirst in peace. His mind began to trail off into memories about his past. I wonder how Kasi is doing. He thought to himself. He hadn't seen Kasi in a few years. He would have to go and visit some time. Pleasant memories of his past continued to occupy his mind, until he wasn't even aware that he wasn't thirsty anymore. Yet he continued to drink. His eyes opened and stared at his reflection. Looking back onto the water, he noticed that Syira had attempted to pounce Zera. Ah, I see... so she didn't leave. His heart rose a bit. Maybe he still had a chance.

Sius quickly finished his drink and started to stroll slowly over to Zera. Slowly so he could reminisce about more of his good memories. Also, he still had to think about his words before he started talking. He continued to stride toward them without a worry or a care. But without warning, Syira ran off and started crying. Sius could tell that she was trying to hold it in, but that the dam behind her eyes was now bursting with tears. What had he done? He might not have said anything... but he might not have had to.

Being kind by nature, Sius changed his direction to Syira. She didn't seem to notice Sius, which was probably for the best at the moment. Without planning his words, Sius just started talking, and the words simply seemed to flow. "Hey Syira. Listen, you're among friends." Well... at least Sius was friendly. He didn't know about Naki or the other lion. Zera seemed friendly enough too. He looked Syira right into her tear-filled eyes. "You don't have to try to fit in. I'm heading back to my den." His voice trailed off. Sius looked at Zera for a moment. Then back at the other two lions. They didn't seem to be interested in the conversation that Sius was holding with Syira. And so he continued "Would you like to come with me?"

Two more lions arrived at the scene, making Sius quickly turn around to see what all the fuss was about. The two lions, one male one female, introduced themselves to the group. So... they're looking to join a pride? Sius was so amazed by all the drama that was going down in this one area alone. Why today anyways? It's not like anything special was supposed to happen today... or was it? Either way, Sius wanted to do whatever he could to make everyone happy. Well... I don't know about "pride", but it'll be getting dark very soon. They might need a place to stay. Sius thought for a while before he offered his den to all six lions in the vicinity. He had more than enough room and some left over scraps from his kill yesterday to share. He wasn't that hungry anyways. Eh, what could it hurt? He asked in the back of his mind, dreading an answer.

He didn't want to leave Syira's side just yet, so from a distance he called out to the now expanded group "The name's Sius. If you're looking for someone to stay with, I'd be more than happy to let you stay with me in my den. That goes for all of you."

[XxRinaRoguexX]

Where did all this angst come from? Out of no where first Syira tries to come after Zera in a preemptive strike and now she was off crying under a tree? ...mood swings much?

Something was telling her to go after the lioness, what was it called again? ...oh yeah, her heart. But her brain was more of the overlord of her body which kept her in place and merely watched as she attracted the male to go towards her instead. It almost made Zera think of the boy who cried wolf, except it was more of the lioness who just plain cried. Too much drama for her taste. And she was sure that Sius would take care of her on his own, so there was no need to think that she had to do anything to comfort the lioness. And with the two other males in the scene who were doing nothing (one not even moving up until this point), Zera was about to walk forward before she almost walked right into a pair of new lions.

A male and female. Though she cocked her head backwards and looked up at the male whom she had almost faceplanted into, she had a clear view of the two of them from where she stood and then started to back away from. Taro and Eeve were their names, huh? Interesting, but what was their relationship with one another? Mates, or just good friends? Perhaps even brother and sister...who knew. Better question: who cared? Not Zera.

And when Sius posed the question of everyone coming to his den for the night, there was a lift in the postures and facial expressions of some of the group. Zera though, stayed the same as she just stared at the generous male but shifted her head away from him and over to where she should have been walking at this point but got too caught up in the drama, and conversations. Not to mention she had to save a freaking lion who was twice her size, but that was beside the point. "Thanks for the offer, but I'll take a pass. I hope you all have a good time with each other though. Nice meeting you all" she smiled half-heartedly before setting out on her path once more, leaving them behind again with no intention of turning back to face them or even make sure they didn't break out into a feline war.

[zorayda]

Eeve let out an inaudible breath that she didn't know she'd been holding.

"Thank you so much...I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name..." she prompted, smiling gently. She let her eyes wander over the other members of the group, noting that one of the females had nearly run into them before scurrying back hastily. Eeve gave the skittish lioness a friendly nod.

Taro cleared his throat gently. "I'd like to thank you as well," he said. "It's not often you meet such friendly males around these parts." As he said this, his emerald eyes wandered to rest upon each male he saw in their makeshift pride. They made the golden lion nervous, especially given their territorial behavior and natural aggression. These many males were bound to start a fight at some point... Taro had a feeling that he and Eeve wouldn't be able to stay.

The large golden lion looked down slightly at his friend. "Eeve, you don't have to stay with me. There are other females here..." His black mane was blown gently as he waited for her answer.

"..." Eeve's brows furrowed over her bright eyes, which were glazed over in though. On the one paw, she could have the company of females once again, something she'd been missing ever since they'd left the pride. On the other, Taro was big, strong, safe, and familiar. But then, the other males would get the idea that he was her mate--and what if one of these males was the ideal lion for her? A small smile turned the corners of her lips up at the thought.

"I...I think I'll go ask to see if I can stay with the other lionesses," she said apologetically. Taro nodded in understanding.

"That's fine," he said gently. "Anything you want."

Eeve smiled and turned away from him, walking towards a female under a tree. Being slightly oblivious, Eeve hadn't noticed that the lioness was upset yet. She was a dark brown lioness with stripes on her back legs, and a tufted forehead.

"Umm, hi..." Eeve said shyly, suddenly feeling awkward. She'd forgotten that all her bravery went away when Taro was gone. "I...was wondering if I could stay the night with all the females? I haven't been in a pride for a long time now and I miss it," the pale lioness explained quickly. Eeve hoped that this lioness was kind.

As she spoke, however, Eeve finally figured out that the lioness had been crying. "Oh!" Eeve suddenly felt very foolish. "Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have bothered you..." She stood for a few excruciating seconds. "Um...are you okay?"

[Harvs]

Twas no big sacrifice. Sius liked making other people happy, though he usually didn't get the chance, being as shy as he was. He was, however, slightly disappointed that Zera had refused his offer. In truth, she was the main reason he had offered such a thing. Well... that didn't work. For a moment, Sius thought about running after Zera and asking if she was sure. But he already knew the answer to that question. And so, he decided to hold his tongue.

Sius moved a few steps towards the larger group, but didn't stray too far from Syira's side. "It's quite alright." Sius said to Taro. To be completely honest, Sius was rather lonely. Ever since his brother and sister left him, his den had seemed empty. And while Sius did like peace and quiet, he missed his sister's constant interruptions to his midday naps, and his brother's constant wining about being hungry. And at night, they would lay on their backs and look at the stars. It was their favorite pastime. But, that was in the past. Perhaps he could share some quality time with these new faces?

"My name is Sius." he said to Eeve who was now heading up to Syira. Perhaps Eeve can keep Syira company for now. Sius thought as he began to approach the group. "OK, so let me see if I've got this straight: Naki... Eeve... T-Taro?" The name barely slipped off the tip of his tongue. Though Sius wasn't entirely sure, thinking back a bit, he realized that he was correct, and continued. "Syira... and some other random lion who nearly drowned." Sius was feeling a bit more confident than he had when this scene began. Zera had made him feel a little more comfortable with and around other animals, and he never got the chance to thank her. Maybe they would see each other again some day... he could only hope.

[XxRinaRoguexX]

When the talking between all the new lions ceased to exist in her hearing range, she knew she was gone from their lives for good. There was no point staying there anyways; she was always going to have to disappoint others by the fact that she was always on the move and looking for some place a little better. Though she wished she could just leave all together from the Pridelands and adventure on her own four feet, there was always that one thing holding her back. But she didn't know what, and it angered her too much to keep focusing on it so she found herself avoiding the subject with copious amounts of patience and sarcasm.

As the lioness walked, she wondered if everyone would be okay. Would Syira be nice to everyone? Would Sius feel accepted? Would the one male ever wake up even after her efforts of doing it herself? Would that one lion (Naki, was it?) be approved by the group? And will those two wanderers Eeve and Taro find themselves a permenant home with these lions? Assuming they were going to be staying together for a while, she could only wish them the best and move on. But thanks to the feeling of something not being right, she sniffed out the air to scent something...or someone in the opposite direction of her, making their way to the group. It rose her awareness more than she wanted to admit, but she wasn't feeling too comfortable with leaving everyone alone and without her.

Wait, what was she doing? Caring? Feeling things for lions she had just met? Hard to believe with her nonchalant, come-and-go-as-she-pleases feeling toward everything and mostly everyone. Whatever was wrong with her now, she knew it wouldn't go away until she was to make sure that they were safe and no one was joining them. With that thought placed firmly in her mind, she high-tailed it back the way the wind was pushing her. But then she stopped...they were more than capable of taking care of themselves! There were males in the pride, and those females looked like they could hold their own. Except Syira was injured (and a little over the top with the dramatics), one male was out cold (how long was he going to stay that way anyways?), Sius seemed timid to jump the gun of a threat did impose them all, and those two new lions seemed too nice to have some kind of fighting spirit in them. Heck, the only ones who could really pose a threat would look to be Naki if he wasn't too beat up, and Zera who was in perfect shape with no scratch on her.

And so, she made her way back but pulling the same spy act as before to see if the was correct about there being someone making their way over to the lions and lionesses she had just encountered. She had to at least make sure that if she were going back there would be a reason worth her while.

[[Perfect enterance for VM's debut 8D ...or WF, whoever comes first. :3]]

[VitanisMate]

Mufalfa soon emerged and saw the new group of weaklings. He knew the males would be no match for him. He laughed and continued but stayed back knowing that those mlaes could still be dangerous. He looked around making sure no one was watching him but saw no one. But there still seemed to be a scent in the air that was strange. He let it go and heeded it no mind. He looked toward the group and saw he males. "Hello!" He laughed as it seemed to startle them. "Hello would anyone like to be my friend?" When he saw no one answer he laughed. "Good becuase I would have killed anyone who wanted to be my friend." He went towards them and pushed them out of the way. "Get out of the way kids the real man is coming through now." He saw the females and smiled. He looked at the males and grinned at how pathetic they were. "Sorry boys but the cub corner is over there." He started to laugh.

He then looked at the females and started to do a wolf whistle. "Oh my. Ladies now I shall pick and see who will come away with me." He started to laugh but then told the males, "You stay over there!" He looked at the females and started to 'examine' them. He started to do those whistles again. "Now no need to fight me lionesses. You couldn't beat me even if you wanted to." He looked toward the males and siad, "You know it must be hard to be pathetic right?' He started laughing.

He then looked at the males. "Alright boys. I am willing to let you get me. Come on you must find me annoying and want to get rid of me?" He laughed and said, "I knew none of you wimpy idiots could challenge me. Now go back to the cubby corner cubs." He laughed again.

(Ah I hate openings. Fail! DX)

[zorayda]

Taro grinned at Sius, his chocolate muzzle wrinkling. "You are so gracious. Yes, I'm Taro," he laughed, his white teeth flashing. "It seems that not all other males are quick to be aggressive..." His eyes suddenly flicked to a movement to his left, noticing a new, bigger male. The smile on Taro's face immediately faltered. I may have spoken too soon...

Eeve hadn't yet gotten a reply from the crying lioness when suddenly there was a large male invading her space. She frowned at his whistle and pinned her ears in hostility at his words. What an ass...thinking he could stomp in here and say what he wanted. Eeve growled softly in her throat, her orange eyes narrowed. Her gaze flicked once to Taro and then settled again on the male.

"You really think you can just waltz on in here and take a lioness? I don't think so," she growled.

Taro was immediately at Eeve's side, his somewhat impressive size blocking the lion from seeing much of Eeve anymore. "Look, I don't know who you are, but you sure have a lot of nerve, challenging an entire group of lions," he said, his expression annoyed. "You won't win with all these lions against you, so either shut up and play nice, or leave."