Faith in the Fauna

[Tamber]

The days were much more welcoming presently. The long drought that spread over the entire area the couple had ever traveled was beaten down by a flood or two. It rained day after day and finally, with a few sunny weeks predominating, the water subsided once again to reveal a green Africa. The previously yellowed grasses of the savannas were invaded by fresh, young blades that greened the landscape. Flowers spread their petals to the sun, and in every pasture a herd or two grazed contentedly, granting the predators with a peaceful reassurance that food was never far away, and that life was flourishing all around them. Being surrounded by life makes one feel much more able to stay alive with ease.

The sun warmed the late morning on the backs of two unusual travelers. The grass was soft and new beneath their feet and barely gave a dead break or snap as their paws tread upon it. The air smelled thickly of grass, and birds called through the peaceful morning air. Only a few puffy clouds hung around in the blue sky, seeming to smile down protectively on the land.

"Do we really ha-have to do the thp-thpa-thpeech work today, Fe?" a skinny, caramel lion asked. He was in his mid adolescence, and it was now clear that a mane would not be growing from his head in his lifetime. "It'th th-thuch a nithe day. How about a chathe or thomething? I f-feel like I could get thomething tricky on a day like thith."

The large cheetah that walked beside him, sniffing the ground and the rocks she came upon, grinned at the lion's persistence. "Aw, come on, Tad. You know you're not getting anywhere with me until you improve on that lisp of yours," she replied, never lifting her head from the soft grass.

"Ah jeeth," the lion huffed as he rolled his eyes. "Come on...w-why can't we do thith later? It'th not that important," he complained. A snarling grin came upon his face. "What will my p-p-prey care if I can thay 'photothinthithith' or not?"

The teal cheetah beside him chuckled at her friend's attempt to say the word he dreaded most. The lion snuffed at her laugh. "Trust me, Tad; the world judges you based on your speech. You don't practice soon and you'll find that out the hard way. 'Hi, there! Thuppothe you could thay where the nearetht plathe for rethting would be?'" the cheetah teased, laughing at her mockery of her friend and his annoyed reaction. "Come on...just give me a 'space,'"

The lion sighed, hesitating. He decided to humor his friend and get it over with. "Thpathe," he said smartly.

The cheetah looked at him with a crooked eyebrow and a grin. "Come on now. Space."

"Th-th-thhpathhe."

"Take your tongue off your teeth. Just skirt the roof of your mouth. Ssssspace."

The lion struggled with the tongue placement, and at last he came closer than he had expected. "Ssss-sss....spathe."

The cheetah chuckled again and smiled broadly. "See? Just get that second S in there and you've got yourself a real word," she said, beginning to laugh again.

"Heh heh heh," the lion said sarcastically, shaking his head in mockery. "Now come on, Feja, I did it. Let'th eat thomething!"

Feja calmed her laughing and started into a trot. "Alright Tad. You get a B pluth for the day." With this last taunt she dashed off away from the lion as he leaped after her for revenge. They ran off through the green grasses and over the hills, the strong cheetah's speed and maneuverability overpowering the lion's slow running and constant tripping. The cheetah laughed out loud at her pathetic little friend, and he couldn't help but laugh at himself, as well.

[Kirsui]

Two dark eyes were the only visible parts when a light creamy lioness stalked her prey. The small herd of gazelles were not an easy prey as they were much faster than her... But Kianga didn't have any other option. And so stalk she did, until she was close enough to dash.

The gazelles scattered in front of her when they suddenly noticed the danger when the light creamy lioness pounced at them. Her gaze fixed upon one the closest of the unfortunate creatures, and with the surprise attack giving her the upper hand she reached it faster than she had thought she would. One reach with her paw, and the gazelle tripped down and found the lioness lying upon it with her jaws tightly clamped across the throat. She didn't bite to break the neck, her strength wasn't enough for that. What she did was suffocate, and while the animal under her kicked under the death grasp, she whimpered for having to kill a creature on such a slow way.

At last the gazelle stopped its struggle and grew still under her. She quickly stood up, her jaws still around the gazelle's throat as she begun to drag the creature with her. It was slow, but she had to do it for the food wasn't only for her.

When she caught a flash of white from her eyecorner she knew she had reached her target. She dropped the gazelle, panting slightly as she turned to gaze upon the lioness whom she had rescued not too long ago. The lioness was pure white, and her soft hair fell around her head as a cloud of silk as she laid there in the shade of the acacia tree, still as unconscious as when Kianga had left to hunt. The light creamy lioness knew not who she was or where she came from, but she could not leave the white lioness as long as she was still alive.

Kianga streched and bit down to her catch, filling up her belly. And after she had done so she chose to rest upon a stone that the sun had warmed up during the morning. From the stone she could watch over the unconscious lioness as well as keep an eye on the surroundings.

[magiccat]

The beautiful day made Maybelle feel happy inside. She briefly checked her cub to see if she had the same reaction. The journey had been tiring and she didn't want to risk Zelda falling behind should they encounter hostility. She was walking at a slow pace and could feel the new grass under her paws. The sun was very bright so she made a mental note to find some shade soon. She finally spotted a tree and went to sit under it. She placed Zelda by the trunk and lay down on the grass. She stretched out and lounged there lazily.

"Where should we settle Zelda? Or, perhaps you'd prefer to travel?" Maybelle said to her cub. Mainly because she could tell if Zelda was sneaking off by how far off her voice sounded. The cub had a bit of everything in her. Suddenly she heard a gazelle herd scatter. Her eyes snapped open and she raced over to protect Zelda. When she saw they had calmed down Maybelle growled.

"It's just a hunt dear" She told Zelda and then went back to her place. She took Zelda with her and closed her eyes to nap lightly. Her paw was firmly placed on Zelda's back, so nobody could harm the little cub.

[Lorien]

As the sun's rays poured down upon the newly greened savanna, two figures made their way through the lush grasses. One, large, black maned, but with a deep, sensitive, understanding face; the other smaller, white, with an energy in her face that only the youthful and young at heart could emulate. The two were going at a slow pace, taking in the beauty that the day had brought.

"Praise Solet for this glorious day," the deep voice of the male lion mused, joyfully. His deep purple eyes scanned the vast, green savanna before resting on the white lioness next to him, her brown accents the only thing that could ever remotely hide her in the grass. She had grown into a beautiful lioness, he thought to himself. Having raised her from cub-hood, Bagymo knew that soon she would be ready to move on, taking the teachings he had taught her with her. He knew his time with her might be short, what with her having grown out of adolescence and into her adult life. It would only be a matter of time before it would be her time to carry out one of the teachings of Juai. As the older lion watched her, he knew she would have no trouble finding a mate to raise a family with.

"Bagymo...Bagymo?!" the lioness said, waving a paw in front of the other's face. A smile came to her face, knowing that the tan lion was deep in thought, much like he always was. "What are you thinking about this time?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Bagymo chuckled. "Oh, nothing to worry yourself with, Sarumba." A smile came to the lion's maw as his eyes strayed again to their surroundings. He breathed deeply, taking in the smells the new season had brought to the land.

Sarumba giggled slightly running a few paces ahead of the large lion, turning around to face him. "What is the agenda for today, Bagymo?" There was a playfulness in her step and a glint in her sapphire eyes. "Let's do something today instead of Teaching Studies. I think I need a break from it all to let my brain rest. All the stories are starting to run together lately."

Bagymo chuckled again. Although she had grown into a fine adult, her cub-hood youthfulness had stayed with her. "All right, we won't go over the teachings today. As Solet and Alune need their rest of night and day, so too do young brains need their rest." Pondering a moment on what the course of action for that day would be, Bagymo decided on a lesson of a different sort. "How about we take a dip today? It's very hot outside, and by the look in your eye, I can tell you are craving a bit of fun."

"Oh, Bagymo, that's a wonderful idea!" She smiled and trotted to him, a sly smile on her face. "How about a race to the watering hole?" She knew that, although he was older, he was much faster and stronger than she could ever hope to become. Despite his age, Bagymo was the strongest lion she had ever met. She knew it was a blessing of Vista and the gods. Bagymo knew all about the teachings of Tulon, and she herself prided herself in knowing such an elder in the faith, let alone being personally taught by him. She had met other Juails, some who were too vigorous in their teachings, damning anyone to Agon if they did not believe in their skewed ideas of the Juai religion. Bagymo was not like this at all. He knew all there was to know, and while he tried to spread the word of Tulon and of the gods to as many as he could, he knew that he could not force anyone and that it was the work of Bella in those who induced fear into their teachings.

Bagymo smiled at the playful lioness but shook his head. "Today shall be a day of taking in what Solet and the gods have given us. Today will be a day of appreciation, and we must not be hasty in doing so." Bagymo began his walk toward the watering hole, knowing there was a herd of gazelle between them and their destination. Having already eaten that day, he would teach her to appreciate all of Vista's creatures and their place upon this earth. A race would ruin this chance at a 'secret' lesson.

"It is a beautiful day. Good thinking, as always." Sarumba trotted next to the lion, always having to pace herself quicker to keep up with the long strides that he took. "But you owe me a race. I'm going to beat you one of these days..."

Bagymo chuckled as the two walked, the gazelle herd, freshly stirred as he could see, in the distance. He wondered if this meant there were others about and kept his eye peeled for fellow carnivores.

((I really like how all of us with two characters have them together...it's kind of neat and makes for really good, detailed posts. Good start everyone!))

[Deleted]

Zelda lay down under her mum, although she was restless she tried to fall asleep. Eventually after tossing and turning she eventually gave up. Slowly, disguising her wriggling as her tossing and turning, Zelda crept out from under her mothers protective paw. Giggling silently she ran off to the watering hole for a drink. As she ran past any animals she always shouted the same thing. "Lets all thank Solet for this beautiful day!"

As she ran she didn't pay attention to were she was going until she was right near to the watering hole. Hastily Zelda rammed her paws into the grass and slowly skidded to a halt. Zelda stood up shaking herself. Within seconds, although she tried not to, she dived into the call refreshing water.

"All hail Solet." Zelda called again as she playfully splashed about

[mahewarac]

Fira waited silently in a tree, trailing her slit tongue across her retractable fangs. Luckily for the playful animals out in the savanna, she had had her dinner last night and, as a snake, did not need to eat everyday. Unlike lions, of course, in which there seemed to hardly be a time they WEREN'T eating. All well, they were then fatter for her.

She would always hear shouts of "Thank the gods!" on days like this, which always made her laugh. There were no gods. Snakes were taught that it was a wolf-eat-wolf world; survival of the fittest. She did whatever she wanted, never fearing of going to "Agon" or whatever they called it. And that is exactly what the lions were always shouting at her when she angered them, "You will suffer in Agon!" Pish Posh.

She was brought from her gaze into the morning when a lioness and her cub stopped to rest underneath her tree. Glaring her unnaturally white fangs (She liked to chew leaves after meals to keep them white, they scared more that way) in their direction, she prepared to shoot a stream of venom at them when the cub bumbled of into the distance. Though the adult was still there, she would be harder to kill.

"Next time." She whispered, and slithered down the trunk into the grass.

[Tamber]

The strange pair of cats ran and laughed their way down a large hill. The hill acted as a barrier around a vast plain, one at the moment acting as a feeding ground for a large herd of gazelles. Feja led the way around the top of this barrier, then, on its eastern side, began the descent toward the valley and hushed her friend. Tad followed cautiously, but most certainly not closely. As Feja maneuvered her way down with skill and no problems, Tad stepped carefully over every stone and branch, trying desperately to keep his footing and not to fall helplessly down the steep slope. As Feja reached the bottom, she looked back to her friend, keeping a close eye on him in case he were to fall towards her. She hoped simply padding down a grassy hill wasn't too difficult for the lion. If he caused too much rucuss he would scare the herd away. Keeping this in mind, Feja took a quick glance toward the herd each time Tad made the slightest questionable motion.

At last Tad had nearly reached her, and allowing him to use her as a support, she helped him to make it down beside her. They crouched low beneath the tall grass that had caused the lion to be so clumsy. "Alright, I'll let you go first on this one. Do what I've told you and, if something goes wrong, I'll be right behind you. I can catch up to them if you need it."

Tad took a deep breath, focusing on all that Feja had taught him about hunting. It was all very difficult to remember sometimes.

"You're thinking too much," Feja recognized right away. "Just use your instinct. You'll be fine."

The caramel lion looked to his teacher nervously. Huffing out a puff of anxiety again, he squeezed his eyes shut and prepared himself for action. Alright, Thaddeus. Do it this time. Show her you can do something right.[/url]

Tad then began to make his approach as Feja watched proudly. Step by step, slowly and carefully through the thick grass, Tad moved along without hesitation or stumbling. His paws touched the ground softly and silently, just as Feja had always told him. Tad swallowed as his stomach wrenched with nervousness. He reached the edge of the taller grasses, proud of how well he had done so far. This is it. I've got a good feeling about this one. Tad took a last breath, and as he prepared to leap out, he braced his muscles and focused all his energy on his legs, baring his teeth to himself.

But at the moment Tad was about to leap from his concealed position, something else did so from the opposite side of the valley. A lioness, it appeared to be, tearing up the earth and taking down a gazelle with ease. Feja watched the hunt intently and was confused at the lioness's technique in killing the gazelle. She held her grip on the throat for quite a while, and the gazelle seemed to die with great pain and suffering before it finally passed on.

The lioness dragged her kill toward where she had come, and Tad watched as the thundering sound of hundreds of hooves clomped over the hard ground and into the distance. The young lion cursed himself and stomped his foot on the ground. "God dangit!" he pouted, speaking with Feja as he now knew she was right behind him. "I had it that time! Aw I oughta thteal that gathelle right outa that lioneth'th mouth! It wath mine!"

Feja felt bad for her friend, but was glad that he had felt so confident, and she grinned reassuringly as she turned away. "Be patient, Tad. Not even a hunter like that catches her prey every time. Let's find another herd. They're all out and about today."

Tad sighed angrily and watched longingly as his prey ran off from him, and he found it quite hard to look away. At last he turned and tripped up the slope after his tutor, who knew he would follow.

[Kirsui]

Kianga had fallen into a peaceful slumber, but something disturbed her rest. Her ears twiched and she lifted her head from where it had been resting on hew paws, sniffing the air as the wind brought two strange scents to her. Confused, the light creamy lioness stood up on her stone, scanning the area from upwind with her tail flickering behind her slightly.

A flash of teal was what she saw at first and her gaze focused on that. A cheetah, that she had figured out from the scent... What had confused her in the scent though was what she was seeing travel with the cheetah, and seeing the caramel lion with the other feline confused her even more. She had thought, that maybe there was a lion chasing a cheetah away from... but no...

Kianga flattened her ears. She would have gladly gone closer and check upon the two strangers, as she gladly met new people that Solet would allow to cross paths with her... But alas, she couldn't leave the unconscious lioness alone again, could she?

She glanced over her shoulder. She was sure that the scent of fresh kill would attract other predators, and if they saw the white lioness unable to defend herself...

The creamy lioness flattened her ears more and sat down, whimpering slightly and submitting to the fate that she would have to stay and watch the two strangers walk away, no matter how much she would have wanted to speak with them of what was going on around in the world. Longingly she looked at their direction, but not a single step did she take in fear of what would happen to the lioness she was looking after.

[magiccat]

Maybelle drifted into a deeper slumber and felt Zelda stop her tossing and turning. She would normally open an eye to check on the cub but the day was so hot and she needed to rest. She wondered how Zelda was coping with her fathers death. She had started to talk about gods and...religion or whatever she called it. Maybelle couldn't make any sense of it and didn't quite understand what on earth the cub was talking about. Her father had told her that Zelda would react strangely but... it was starting to worry Maybelle. Maybe I can find someone who knows more about the whole thing and ask them about it. She thought to herself.

Suddenly her ears, which were used to listening for Zelda sneaking off, picked up and sound. Maybelle's face turned into one of confusion as she tried to place it. The sound stopped quickly though so Maybelle ignored it. Although she now felt the need to check on Zelda. When she opened her eyes only her paw was in sight. Maybelle lept to her feet and growled. A faint shout of 'let's all thank Solet for this beautiful day' reached her ears and her growling stopped.

"Zelda!" She called, angry but relieved that no harm had come to the cub. What did she say Solet was? The most important god I think. Isn't his mane supposed to be the sun? She gazed up at said sun.

"Thanks, now I have to chase my cub across hills and water" She called. Although inside she was starting to listen to Zelda and felt somewhat guilty for saying that. She needed to find out what had happened to the cub. As she checked her surroundings she spotted a Lion and a Cheetah walking together. Maybelle watched them curiously but decided Zelda wouldn't have run that way. So she began to chase after the cub. She heard another praise to Solet and sped up, heading toward the source.

She paused when she reached the waterhole and watched Zelda play. She was pleased that the cub could still be happy, after the tragedy, and decided to have a little fun. So she pounced and landed in the waterhole beside the cub. She made a huge splash that covered Zelda from head to tail. She smiled at the soaking wet cub and lay down in the water so it covered most of her.

"Surprise" She said cheerfully.

[Zorayda]

Taro woke up, yawning and stretching his body and making his toes and claws spread out. He shook his incoming black mane and groggily blinked his emerald eyes into focus.

The rays of the sun heated the small raised plateau he rested upon and made his body feel wonderful. A gift from Solet above.

He stood up and rolled his shoulders, bones popping comfortably. He sat on his haunches and looked out onto the savannah.

A giraffe chewed neatly on the green leaves of an acacia tree nearby, its calf prancing around happily. Birds flew peacefully through the sky, singing a sweet song. Ah, yes. Such a beautiful world the gods have given us, Taro thought.

Another figure nearby caught his attention. Two lions--friends, or something--talked with one another, one male and one young female.

His ears perked up. Young female? She was pretty. And very happy and energetic. Hmmm...

Taro had wanted to start his own pride for a few months now. He couldn't stay with his own pride--too many males--and they had long since migrated miles and miles away. Perhaps he should check out this female... he'd have to get over his shyness eventually, right? Shy lions didn't find females. Female-less lions didn't get prides.

She had gorgeous snowy fur and chocolate external markings--the same color as his muzzle, belly and paws. A glint of her blue eyes made him become even more intrigued...

However, the older male nearby posed a problem. Normally, males were territorial and didn't respond well to new lions...

It couldn't hurt to try, though. He leapt down off of the small plateau and landed with his four feet together under his body, then sprang into the other lions' direction.

Flattening his ears and looking down to avoid eye contact, he introduced himself.

"Hello," he said. "And may Solet's great golden rays shine upon you. I'm Taro--I've been wandering alone for months now and haven't seen another lion around for ages. I just wanted to see what strangers passed through this part of the land."

He glanced once at the female. She was even more pretty up close.

Sitting on his haunches, he humbly waited for the male to reply.


((OOC: Lorien, I hope this is an OK development for ya ^.^ He's talking to Bagyma and Sarumba, BTW))

[Deleted]

Zelda panted her fur dripping wet. "Muuum!" She grinned climbing out after her mother. She shook her soaking fur wetting her mother more. Zelda now sleepy from the run snuggled closer to her mother. Slowly she drifted off, next thing she knew everything was black.

Zelda was running, running like her life depended on it she was in an unfamiliar place where everything was beautful. Looking around Zelda spotted a large male. He was extremely familiar. "Dad?" She whispered padding silently towards him. The large male did not glance at her. "Dad?" She asked again, this time she saw a smile flicker on the males face. Her smile. The loving smile her father always gave her. Zelda ran towards her father. As she got closer she slowed so she could nuzzle his familiar body. Zelda gasped as she ran straight through him. Zelda felt fresh tears build up in her eyes. "Father." She murmured sadly. "Zelda." An important voice said behind her. Turning Zelda saw Solet looking down at her. "Solet?" She asked shyly. The god nodded. "Solet...will I ever feel my fathers warmth against my fur again?" She asked a slight ray of hope overpowered her. Solet was silent. "I do not know." He said avoiding her gaze. "Oh." Zelda said. She was now aware of the warm moisture trickling down her cheeks. Slowly before she could question Solet anymore he began to dissolve. Turning she saw her father dissolving too. Next thing she was awake.

Zelda sat up panting her cheeks wet. She had really been crying. As she tried to control herself. Some fresh tears broke out again. "I miss you father." She whimpered, hanging her head

[Lorien]

Bagymo stopped, as well as Sarumba, when the young male jumped out and made his introduction. The older lion listened, bowing his head to the newcomer when he finished.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Taro." Bagymo smiled, able to tell that the young male before them was nervous. "I am Bagymo, and thi--"

"I'm Sarumba," the white lioness said, taking a step forward, with a slight bow of her head. "It's nice to meet you, Taro." A smile hung on her face, the playful glint still showing in her eye from before.

Bagymo smiled at the two young adults, yet only slightly as to not embarrass Sarumba. He then turned his attention fully to Taro. "A fellow Juail, I see. It is wonderful to see another follower." The large lion reclined to his haunches, knowing that their plans of taking a swim would either be paused or canceled altogether with the arrival of this young stranger.

Sarumba took Bagymo's lead and sat down as well, her tail wrapping around her slender haunches. "Yes, it is nice to see others of the faith. It seems they are few and far between these days." She smiled at the young male, his shyness and adverted gaze making him all the more cute. "We live around this land and don't see too many others pass through either. Though lately I've seen a few more lions around than normal. Must be because of the change of seasons."

Bagymo watched as Sarumba eyed the male and kept a cautious eye on him. He knew that some young males meant no harm to a young lioness, but there were others who would be up to no good. "Yes, this is true. Where are you from, young Taro?"

[mahewarac]

Fira saw the adult lioness run from under her tree to her cub. The cub would make decent prey, but the lioness would be much more filling. Both would go down with a good bite. Still, she must not overeat. Wouldn't want to bring down her speed with fat. In a day or two, a lion would make a fine meal.

More cats started to join the area, Fangs! She exclaimed in her mind. All the prey appears when it is not time for me to dine! What a waste! However, she had good fun playing with the Juails with her talent of ventriliquism. She started to go to a group of three lions by nearby, but if they find her they would have a better chance of killing her. No, they would be easier in a crowded forhest or something of the sort. Looking around once more, she saw her old mother and daughter, the cub asleep.

She slithered closer, being sure to keep a good distance.

My daughters! She cried in a deep, meaningful voice, throwing her sound to make it seem to be coming from the sky. With her not moving her mouth, she looked like an innocenct snake staring thoughtfuly accross the waterhole. Of course, snakes, especially cobras, were hardly ever innocent."I sense you have sinned against me, Solet! You must repent to escape a life in Agon!" She wanted to tell them to fast for three days, but they were on her possible prey list and she didn't want them to be to thin. Satisfied, she went back to sleep in her tree.

[Zorayda]

Taro smiled slightly, glad that he was greeted so warmly. "Good to meet you, too, Bagymo, Sarumba," he said, nodding his head politely towards each and letting his gaze linger on Sarumba. Such pretty, mischevious eyes she had.

He lifted his eyes to Bagymo. "I once lived in a migrating pride--we called ourselves, 'the river pride', because we stuck close to the river."

Taro sighed a little unhappily. "I couldn't stay because there were too many males in the pride and tensions arose. I left before I was cast out. I have been alone for several months now."

Taro tilted his head, causing a little of his jet-black mane to fall onto his face and contrast with his sun-colored fur. "You are a Juail, too? I have only recently come to believe, and I am still having some trouble with my faith... I believe a... shall I say... mentor would be helpful? If you don't mind having me around, that is..." Taro added quickly, his eyes averted once more.

He truly wanted to believe in the religion with all his heart, because he felt that he needed something to stand for. Also, the religion was righteous and just, and he felt that gods like these must have made this world the way it is today.

He started to shuffle his front paw in the dirt, but stopped before he could be seen as nervous in front of the beautiful lioness. Then, turning his gaze to her, he asked, "Have you always been Juail, Sarumba? Or did you learn of it from Bagymo?"

To learn from Bagymo would be excellent, since he seemed to be wise and kind, but to learn from the pretty lioness... maybe things would stick in his head better. He smiled to himself at the thought.

[Tamber]

"Maybe we could follow the herd," the caramel lion piped into thin air. "They couldn't have gone too far."

Feja rolled her eyes at the ambitious Tad. "Tad, I'm glad you're excited today but it's important to move on. The weather is fantastic; there's bound to be herds out and about all over the place, in every valley."

Tad hung his head. "But I felt tho good about that herd. I really though I'd get one that time. I betchu it wath a lucky herd."

"Stop with the superstition, Thaddeus," Feja scolded the young male. "You know I hate that."

Indeed superstition did bother the teal cheetah, and Tad had been told this all too many times. Still there was something inside of him that always made it persist, and that superstitious instinct would return. "Why do you hate superstition so much? How do you know it's not real?"

"I don't," Feja responded in fairness. "But I know it's highly unlikely that that herd had any special difference from any other. You have to think with reason, Tad. Think in terms of what you know is true, not by what you'd like to be true. Don't always settle for what's easiest to understand."

With this Tad became silent, knowing he would never have a good retort for his tutor. Her intelect was far more superior than his. He followed silently and with no more debate, and Feja was glad that she had put his arguments to rest for the moment. As the pair scaled the ridge surrounding the now empty valley, Feja looked around her at the beautiful day. At turning her head to the left, she caught a glimpse of something near the treeline across the valley. She looked to see the skilled lioness who had taken down her prey before Tad's chance to lunge. The cheetah was surprised to notice that the lioness was watching her, and not just at a cursory glance. The lioness's gaze stayed upon Feja and her friend as they continued to walk, and she soon became interested in who this strong creature was.

[kyto7878]

Moona was of course off lost again searching for a hint of where his pride might be when an idea burst into his head. "Of course I just gotta climb up into that tall tree and see if I can see my Pride!"Moona laughed as he walked towared the tall skinny tree.

On Moona's first try to get a grip of the branch he failed, but he kept on trying and soon enough he made it on that first branch, but he still had 5 branches to go. Moona jumped as high as he could and got on the second branch. Moona gloated "Ha this is easy." Moona made it up to last branch when he saw the sun was going down.

"I better just sleep here for the night." Moona fell fast asleep,but a few minutes later a cricket jumped on his nose and scared the life out of him. Moona screamed at the top of his lungs "AUGH!!!!" Moona began falling down the tree hitting each branch one by one. When Moona hit the ground he had cuts all over him and was badly scraped.

As Moona layed in the cold mud in the ground he prayed to Solet. After he prayed he fainted in the muddy ground around him.

[Kirsui]

Kianga's ears perked up slightly when she caught the teal cheetah looking at her direction. Her heart leaped with hope that maybe... maybe these two felines would change the direction they were walking to and come to her instead...

Of course, thinking this also brought up the possibility that they would simply keep walking to where ever they were going. After all, she was a stranger to them, how could she simply assume they would come to her and be all "hi, nice to meet you!"

But, the light creamy lioness still smiled faintly, and nodded her head as a greeting to the cheetah and her caramel companion. Briefly she glanced over her shoulder to check upon the white lioness, but as she still saw no change in her condition, she returned her gaze to the cheetah and the caramel lion, silently praying the gods that the two would come to greet her.

[Deleted]

Zelda padded away from her mother miserably not paying any attention to where she was going. "Alune why did you punish me like this? What did I ever do wrong?" Zelda yelled. Deep in thought she thought she had somehow heard a yell in the distance. It sounded like a cub in distress. Zelda perked up then ran to where the yell had been heard. In the gorge. Zelda slowed her run to a light trot as she looked around what appeared to be a deserted gorge. As she squinted she could make out a small muddy figure under a tree. It looked in pain. Zelda ran to the silohuette to find a small cub. "Hey, are you ok?" She asked, no answer. Zelda realising something was wrong crawled under the cub and tried to lift it on her back. Slowly she trotted back to her mum.

When she got back to her mum she nudged her softly. "Mum." Zelda whispered cautious not to scare the cub if it woke up. Zelda spared a quick glance. She vowed never to mention what had happened in her dream with her mother around. "Mum..." She bagan. "If you can hear me I found this injured cub in the gorge. I couldn't just leave it." She said to her sleeping mother hoping she would hear her. When her mother didn't reply she padded silently to the cub and sat by it slightly protective.

[magiccat]

Maybelle felt her daughter get up. She was probably going off to play, she just hoped it was nearby. She heard a voice and stirred from her dream. It sounded like it was coming from the sky. Maybelle snarled. Then heard the words. She was panicking a little now. Zelda had told her of Solet and Agon. So it worried her that a voice would suddenly speak to them.

"S...Solet? My daughter might believe in you but I'm not so sure...leave us alone whilst we try to get back on our feet. According to my daughter, you would understand our grief if you really were Solet. So, whoever you are. I, don't, believe" Maybelle said, not very loud because Zelda might hear her and grow angry.

She lay back down to rest and found herself being nudged by Zelda a few minutes later. She took a little while to get up but she could hear Zelda saying she'd found a cub who was injured. She gasped when she saw the cub.

"Oh you poor thing! Zelda thank you for bringing it to me" She told her cub, proud that she had raised her to do such things. The cub in front of her was muddy and had cuts all over him. She nudged him but he was unconsious.

"He's fainted" She said, slightly worried about the cub now. She started cleaning him. Making sure to be careful when she cleaned the cuts. He was soon a lot cleaner and the cuts were probably a lot less dirty and infected now. Maybelle picked up the cub and went to lie down beside the water hole. She checked on Zelda to make sure she followed. She seemed protective of the poor cub. She dipped her paw into the water, disturbing the surface, and brought it out so little droplets of water sprinkled on the new cubs face.

"I hope this wakes him up" She said, just loud enough for Zelda to hear.

[kyto7878]

Moona felt a splash of cold water on his face and began to open his eyes. He tried to get up but when he got up he could feel the pain in his body. Moona saw a lioness and another cub "ugh where am I? Wheres my pride?" Moona looked at the lioness. l

Moona tried to walk towards the lioness but he limped instead. Moona's legs began to shake as he looked towards the sun.

[Tamber]

On occasion, as the strange pair continued to walk along, Feja would look away from the creamy lioness, feeling uncomfortable at staring someone down and having them continuously watch her in return. Still, it was hard to keep her gaze off of the lioness, simply for the fact that rather than eating her fresh kill before the buzzards or another lion came for it, she was sitting stagnant, watching Feja and Tad walk away. Feja wasn't sure whether she was interested or uncomfortable.

"Looks like the huntress has lost interest in her meal," Feja said over her shoulder to Tad, still watching the intrigued lioness.

Tad looked in the lioness's direction and understood. He rolled his eyes in disgust. "Ungrateful, she ith. Thteal my prey and chathe off my herd, and she won't even nibble at her cheap gathelle."

Feja barely heard her friend's words, wondering what she should do. "I don't know, Tad. She looks...lonely, don't you think?"

"How would I know? Can't even thee her cheating fathe."
"You're not even looking, Tad."
"I'm looking, and all I can thee ith a thitting duck," Tad retorted arrogantly.
"You're looking without seeing, Thaddeus," Feja snapped.
"Then tho be it. I'm in a blind humor."

Feja snorted at her friend silently, then watched the stranger again, this time stopping to stare at her.

"Darnit, I helped you when you were alone. Why not help her?"
"You think she needth help? You thaw her hunt. She'd probably kill uth and leave uth for the buthards, too."
"Why don't you use your blind humor and choose not to see the fact that she leaped before you? I'm going to see her. You can stay if you're feeling so headstrong."

Tad doubted that his mentor would walk away without him, but indeed she did. He could barely walk down a hill by himself, and being far from Feja was overwhelmingly unsettling to him. Reluctantly, he let his grudge fall for the sake of company.

[Lorien]

Sarumba smiled widely at the thought of another companion. Sure, she adored Bagymo and was thankful for all he had done for her over the years, but she never really got the chance to make friends. "I've known about the religion for the good part of my life." She then smirked slightly and nudged Bagymo lightly, though no nudge of hers could ever make him budge. "Bagymo here raised me, teaching me all he knows....which is pretty much everything to know about the Juai religion. I still have a lot to learn myself," she said, the playful, almost flirtatious, smile returning to her face, "but I bet having another pupil beside me would make it more interesting."

Bagymo cleared his throat, looking at Taro. "Yes, you are quite welcome to join us. It's a hard life to live alone as it is." He smiled his warm, gentle smile, his kind, violet eyes looking down at the two young adults. "And I am always eager to share my knowledge of Juai." At this, he stood up, turning once again toward the direction of the water hole. "But, at Sarumba's request, there will not be any lessons today. We were about to go to the water hole when you arrived..."

"Oh yes, please join us, Taro," Sarumba said excitedly. "We'll get to know each other, and then tomorrow you will get to see how wise Bagymo really is." Sarumba sprung to her feet, eager to have a little fun, especially with a new companion in tow. As she trotted off after Bagymo, who had started to make his way slowly away from the two, she turned her head, smiling. "Coming?"

[Deleted]

Zelda ran to the cubs side to escort him whilst he limped, she then smiled at the cub. "Thank goodness your safe. Thanks mum." Zelda sighed in relief curiously she turned to the cub. "I'm Zelda, what's your name?" She asked stretching now. She turned back to her mother. "When I find out the cubs name, can we play a game together if he wants?" She asked her mum curiously.

[Kirsui]

Kianga's eyes widened slightly when, after stopping, the teal cheetah turned to walk towards her. The caramel lion didn't seem as keen to come to her, but the creamy lioness didn't care if she for once would get the chance to speak with.. well, anyone. Sure, she had saved the white lioness, but said feline hadn't moved from the spot where she rested and had it not been for the breathing rhythm, Kianga would sure have thought she was dead.

So, the light creamy lioness thanked Solet, and anyone else she could think of, for letting these two felines turn towards her. Her tail flicked from side to side behind her, and about all the misery of being alone disappeared from her dark eyes.

"Greetings", she said, bowing with her head politely to the two felines as they came close enough to hear her. "And Solet's blessings to you..."
She lifted her gaze to the two with a small smile on her face.
"I'm Kianga, a wanderer who is returning home after long travels. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Oh it was more than a pleasure to her. For the first time in ages she felt truly happy, that she wasn't alone now, no matter how short or long the meeting with the teal cheetah and the caramel lion would be.

[magiccat]

(OOC: I just noticed 100th post! Woohoo! Now a regular member. )

Maybelle stepped closer to the new cub as Zelda went to help him. She smiled as Zelda helped him. Take that death, my daughter's strong enough to keep loving others she thought to herself with a smile.

"And my name is Maybelle. I'm Zelda's mum." She said, the cub started asking about where he was.

"Well, I don't know where we are exactly. See we've travelled a bit and I don't know these lands. I can tell you that we're by a waterhole though. I don't know where your pride is but don't worry. I'm sure we'll be able to find them" She told the cub, slightly worried. She would have to watch him whilst they searched, taking care of Zelda when her mischevious side shone through was hard enough. She heard Zelda speak and smiled at her cub. She glanced at the cub she was helping to stand and sighed.

"Well, wait till he can walk properly and feels a bit better Zelda. Once he feels a bit better then you can play." She said with a smile. She walked the rest of the distance and sat down beside the two cubs. She curled her tail round Zelda and carefully used her paw to turn the cub round so he was facing her daughter. She started to clean the wounds on his back. Then he would probably need a rest.

[Zorayda]

Swimming?

Taro hated water, really. But he wasn't about to tell the two new companions he'd found that little fact about himself. They'd been gracious enough to let him travel with them.

"Uh... sure!" he said, smiling and showing white teeth. He could swim--he just really didn't like getting wet. But, if it was for the girl... he'd do it just to impress her. Then, with a playful glint in his eye, he got up and pranced around Sarumba.

"Race ya there!" And he took off, leaving the two of them behind.

[kyto7878]

Moona politly said "My name is m m m moona." Moona felt the warmth of maybelle's tounge on his cuts; Moona tried to make it seem like he wasn't in a lot of pain. Moona layed down beside the water hole and fell asleep.

In moona's sleep he slept talked "mom,dad?"In moona's dream he heared a gun shot and his parents turned a bloody red.

[Deleted]

Zelda lay silently watching Moona sleep. "Mom, dad?" Zelda looked at her mother. "I hope he's ok." Zelda said softly. Struggling Zelda manage to escape her mothers firm grasp. Eventually Zelda escaped, silently she went to Moona and nudged him softly. When Moona didn't wake up she lay beside him. Still quite protective.

[Lorien]

Sarumba looked up at Bagymo as Taro jolted out in front of them, a questioning look in her sapphire eyes. The large male smiled approvingly, nodding, and off she went, sprinting ahead of him to catch up with Taro.

Bagymo stayed behind, slowly walking and making his way toward their destination. The smile he wore had not gone away, and he chuckled slightly. He knew a time such as this would come, when Sarumba would be old enough to be interested in the males of the species. He just hoped that this new infatuation would not interfere with her faith, as he had seen in many other young lioness of her age. A sigh escaped the large lion, but he put those thoughts behind him. Sarumba was a good student and knew much about Juai. She would not falter just because of some boy.

Sarumba ran as fast as she could to catch up with Taro, seeing as he had gotten a pretty good lead. She was considerably fast; it was something she strove for. She practiced so that she could someday beat Bagymo before he got too old to race. She could see she was gaining on the black-maned newcomer, and a smirk came to her face as she pushed her legs even harder. Quickly, she was right on his tail, but she could also see the waterhole making it's way toward them at a quick pace. She had a feeling she wasn't going to win this race. Drat! Ah, but he got a head start... she though as the two closed in on the pool of clear, crisp water that was so welcoming on a hot day such as today.

[mahewarac]

OOC; I apologize for any spelling errors. I'm stuck on my sisters laptop for a while and it doesn't have any spell check, even in word. I happen to have an extreme non-ability to spell, too.

Fira watched the savanna closely, waiting for any important activity. She was behind scedual! Ususally by this time she had multiple lions wishing her death and/or a life in Agon.

Her attention was brought to a little lion cub climbing up her tree onto a branch. What was he doing there? That was her tree, and she didn't care if she had her meal yesterday, he needs to learn to stay off her territory!

She slid dow the trunk and started to slither on the branch he was standing on when it broke under their weight. She gripped the truck with her tail to stop from falling, watching the cub hit the ground but unfortunatly live. Well, she would need to fix that.

As she went down the rest of the way she saw her cub and mother approaching her prey and tend to his wounds.

"Don't worry about the cub, honey." She said as she curled around the body in front of the pair. "I'll take goood care of him" She was about to smile, but thought the sight of her fangs might throw them off. "Just run along now."