The Last King

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Imani daydreamed while she waited for Umoja and Ayesha to return with the meal. She flashbacked to hunting with her adopted parents. It had been so simple and carefree when she was young. So easy it had been to just stamp her foot and whine until she got what she wanted. Now, she had an elder lion that disliked her, a dark lioness that possibly disliked her, and maybe someone of equal age that disliked her. She sighed and blew some hair out of her eyes. 'Just great...' she thought, 'I'm now in a pride where no one likes me. Perfect. Just perfect.'

""The night is young. We've rested a while. Do you feel you can continue, Judas? The faster we get there the greater the chance of success.""

"“But we’d have to wait, we’re missing Ayesha and Umoja…” "

"Yes, I agree with Judas," Imani said, "It's best that we all stay together, right?"

[Dakota]

Ayesha watched as Umoja gave her a negative shake of his head what, what was wrong with that croc, . Sighing she was about to look away when she saw him start to move on his belly, slowly towards a smaller beast lying further apart from the others again.

Carefully she moved after him, not disturbing anything in her path, she wanted no mishaps or hiccups, she was going to show him, she did indeed know what she was doing and not just some...'player' as he had declared.

Coming up right on his heels and then alongside the lion, she followed to where he was gazing, then as he turned his head they caught each others eyes. He was giving her the go ahead... the cros was hers to take. Blinking at him, she gave a small grin and slowly moved away from him.

There right in front was the beast all laid out for her. His shelled scaley back was pressed hard into the sand, that had been warmed by the sunrays of the day just finished, It was relaxed with it's soft skined belly, all plump and laid bare, ripe for the taking.
Not waiting another moment, she made no growl, just dug in her unsheathed claws to the sand and pulled herself forward in one fast motion.
No hesitation, she landed atop of the crocodile, her front claws digging in under its hard jaw, pushing down piercing the skin and tearing at the same time. Ayesha opened her muzzle wide, no sound forthcoming, just a gulp of air, as her sharp razor teeth moved fast and ripped into the throat area, pulling backwards at the same time as she pulled her claws, inflicting the most amount of damage in the fastest possible time.

She wasn't sure where Umoja was or even if he was going to help her. Her eyes opened and she watched as dark red blood ran freely over and down her paws, and she could smell the scent as it covered her muzzle. The croc was still trying to struggle and throw her off, but she clung on, she wasn't giving anyone any satisfaction of not bringing back dinner.

[Kirsui]

"-- I speak to my master -- Aren't they beautiful? -- They say our ancestors live up there -- What are we?"

Katataska's gaze remained at the sky when the panther walked away to Judas, suggesting they'd leave. She would have opened her mouth and went against the panther's suggestion had Judas and Imani not claimed they wanted to wait for Ayesha and Umoja.

"It's best that we all stay together, right?"

The black lioness didn't bother to reply. If they didn't stay together, those left behind would always have something to complain about if they caught up the group with the headstart. Her ears were twiching, a sign of the fact that she was still alert of what was going on around her even though she still stared up at the sky.

The panther's words, that their ancestors live up at the sky... It felt familiar, like someone had said something similar to her earlier. But she couldn't remember. It was as if in her memory there had been a blank spot right where the information of the one who had spoken that should have been.

With a snort and a frown, Kata lowered her gaze from the sky and turned to glare at the horizon.

[genie]

Ayele was being prodded and he looked up confused, what was going on... where were they going to take him, where was his sister... perhaps they didn't want him around - he didn't know where he was... he couldn't remember anything but trees and water now, he felt frightened...his ears flattened down "sister.." he whimpered. What if they had killed her while he slept and now were going to eat him... it wasn't very logical thinking but then he was only small and young and had not developed a reasoning mind yet, being fearful and panicking when not feeling safe.. which since going on this adventure was often.

[cheezeegriff]

Umoja scrambled into action once Ayesha had leapt atop the crocodile. He saw her dig in her fangs and bite at its neck, though her pantherish blood didn't seem to quite have the strength to kill it outright.
The crocodile hissed, still alive, and Umoja placed his jaw beside Ayesha and bit down hard, feeling the bones crack in the beast's neck. Then it was still, and he looked up at Ayesha with a gasp.
"Well done. Let's drag it back."
With that he sank his jaws into the crocodile's tail, looking around in satisfaction as the others all slithered back into the water, and began dragging it back to the others.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

"Sister..."

"Ayesha's coming back soon,"
Kesho said to the little cub. He really didn't know what to do to cheer him up, and looked up to Judas for advice. From the corner of his eye he saw the black panther walk back away from the group, content - or not - to wait as Judas had said, for Ayesha and Umoja to catch up.

[Dakota]

Ayesha was still atop the croc panting hard, when she saw and felt Umoja beside her. Not looking at him, she kept applying pressure to the soft throat area, when she felt and heard the snapping of bones. Releasing her teeth and claws from the flesh, she stepped back taking a large breath of clean air.

"well done " Ayeshas head turned towards the lion, her eyes opened in astonishment...was that a compliment that actually came from his muzzle, giving a little smirk she sunk her teeth back into the stomach area and started to pull the croc with Umoja back up the bank to where the others were waiting.
hmmm we worked ok together, with me being a 'player' and all Ayesha lips twitched in amusement.

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Imani rolled her eyes. It seemed no one wanted to answer her. It didn't really bother her; just kind of annoyed her. She really hated being ignored, and now she either was, or they just figured she knew the answer to her own question.

She sat down on her haunches and sighed quietly. She was getting impatient for them. She shifted her paws back and forth and swished her tail side to side. She looked over to the bank, where Umoja and Ayesha had headed to hunt down some crocodiles for their dinner. She smiled when she saw they were coming back, with dinner even. Ima thought about clearing her throat or doing something else that would get their attention, but decided against it, not wanting to annoy anyone any further.

[genie]

Ayele heard the 'Ayesha be back soon' comment to him from Kesho but he could't help thinking the worse, she was all he had left and the last few hoiurs had been a knightmarish experience that one his age should not have to experience, then everyone seemed to get alert... so Ayesha really was ok and coming with food - he felt relieved.

[cheezeegriff]

Umoja heaved the dead croc over the lip of the bank with a grunt, dragging it towards the group, giving Imani a friendly wink along the way. Having food in his mouth had improved his mood dramatically, even if he hadn't quite eaten any. Once he was before Judas and Katakasha he put it down and licked off the blood that had dribbled down his chin.
"Everyone eat up,"
he said softly, in the quiet night air,
"But everyone take a fair portion. This won't be enough to sate all our hunger, but it'll be enough to give us energy for the journey, until morning at least."
He turned to Ayesha and said,
"The cubs eat first, then the hunters."
But then a shadow fell across his face.
"Well... I suppose you can all do as you please."
With that he stalked away, sitting away from the group where he could see them all easily.

[Judas]

Judas had never eaten crocodile before; well he had eaten an already dead one once, which had sub come when the pond it stayed in dried up. But that meat had already been transformed to jerky so it hadn’t been much of a fill decides it hadn’t really tasted anything, not good but not exactly horrid either.

Fresh crocodile meat however was something the scruffy male had never tried before, he knew better than to tackle one those beats all alone and with the lack one canine, performing suffocation was something he couldn’t do anymore and breaking the neck of a crocodile was practically impossible.

Now the food was presented to them, as ripe as it could get. He bit down into the replies abdomen, pulling out as much of the liver as he could get, that was where much of the iron and fat lay. Of course he was making it available to the cubs though he had feeling they wouldn’t really like it, biting off a slice for himself the male pulled it with him over to a couple of rocks, were the laid down to enjoy his meal in peace.

[Kirsui]

"Everyone eat up."

The black lioness' gaze turned from the horizon at the crocodile Ayesha and Umoja had brought to them. Her face remained blank, but she was fairly impressed they had brought down one of those sneaky reptiles.
"Good catch."
The compliment was the only thing she said or did before her gaze returned back to the horizon. She wasn't hungry as she had eaten that zebra earlier that very same day... And so she remained sitting where she was, gazing into the distance and clearly uninterested of eating. The croc was small, and since she wouldn't eat there'd be more left for the others.

[Dakota]

Ayesha reached the top of the bank with Umoja, still pulling and panting they finally had the croc laid out in front of the others. Stepping back she listened as Umoja stated how the kill should be used, looking at each and every one of them, it was good to see that they all agreed.

Ripping off two small pieces, she then moved over to where Ayele lay beside Kesho. Dropping the meat on the ground, she went to Ele first, and stroked his cheek . " I'm here at last Ele, and now we need to make you all better, first you have to eat something, because we will be travelling again soon."
Pushing the meat closer to him " Eat now Ele..come"

Turning away she then pushed the other piece in front of the prince. "The same applies to you kesho, you have to eat to regain your strength, we are doing everything in our powers to help you, but you have to help us as well, we need to work together."
Looking down at his bright eyes, she smiled and leaned down and carefully nuzzled his head. "ok.. little one start nibbling."

Moving back she glanced around, Judas had already helped himself and had moved away she saw, her eyes narrowing and then looking past him she saw Umoja sitting in his solitary postion. Moving back to their kill, she reached in and pulled off a generous fleshy portion and walked slowly to where he lay. Placing it in front of him she met his gaze "Thankyou Umoja" then turned and walked back helping herself to some flesh and then went and laid by the cubs.

"Come on you two, thought I told you to start eating... I can't eat if you aren't..can I "

[genie]

Ayele looked suspicious at the meat that had just been put down at his feet, even though his sister had reassured him and said she couldn't eat until they did... he still looked at it like it was going to jump up and eat him. Slowly he edged forward and opening his mouth took the meat in and chewed it... the taste wasn't to his liking, chomping into it and chewing around he finally managed to get it down but he was pulling at face at it - it wasn't his idea of meat.

[cheezeegriff]

Kesho nearly died of hunger when Judas ripped the carcass over, but the niggling pain in his stomach worried him immensely - he knew what had happened the last time he had tried to eat meat.
Still, he pulled it forwards with his claws and bit down on it, feeling the juices strain from it and trickle down his throat. There wasn't any pain... yet.
"How's yours taste, Ayele?"
he asked, trying again to engage the only potential playmate around.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Thank you Umoja."

Umoja looked down at the piece of meat in surprise, and didn't look up in time to meet her eye before she had turned away. That was for the best - he still didn't know what to think of her. Praising him one moment in private, publically insulting his hunting skills the next. Maybe that's just how leopons behaved.
Nevertheless he ate the meat she provided, glancing over at their newest member, who was still looking a little dejected.
"Eat up, Imani,"
he said, smiling at her.
"I don't want to be carrying you when you faint tomorrow. You too, Usiku."
The panther glared at him at first, then looked to the croc with surprise. Obviously, she hadn't felt that she belonged enough to eat of their kill. Nevertheless she pulled off a chunk for herself and settled down, a low purr rumbling in her throat, yellow eyes closed in bliss.

[genie]

Ayele looked over at Kesho and considered his reply before saying "Well I'd personally prefer antelope... what do you think of it?" he posed the question back to see what kesho thought.

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Imani smiled back at Umoja and nodded. She walked over to the kill and took a small amount, which was what she thought she deserved. She was new, afterall, and everyone else was pulling their weight in the pride, while she still hadn't done much. She took her piece and walked over to where Umoja was sitting.

"So you aren't mad at me anymore, right? I know I was in the wrong and everything...." her voice trailed off and she gave him a bright smile.

[Dakota]

Ayesha chewed the meat silently while watching the cubs tackle their own small pieces. Opening her muzzle slightly, her pink tongue slipped out and slowly ran around her lips, cleaning off any blood or flesh that remained, sighing slightly at what she would give for a swim in the cool water.

Shaking her head with white fur tuft flying around her face,she pushed herself back up on her paws and stretched slightly. Glancing down at Kesho and Ayele, she couldn't help but smile, the looks on their faces with what they were eating was amusing.
"I'll be back soon, don't worry and don't move."

Walking around the others and out onto the flat plain before them, her green eyes got accustomed quickly to the darkness, there was still a half moon that was throwing filtered light around on all to see. If I can't have a swim I'll do the next best thing.
Moving, she stepped out from beside a dense bush and once more stretched her dark body while clenching and unclenching her claws. A grin spread over her face and pushing forward she broke into a run and kept on going as the night breeze tumbled through her fur lifting it from her head and raising her spirits.
Realising she had gone far enough, and was in her own space, she slowed down and just walked, getting ready to turn and head back. Stopping and with her head held high she stared up at the sky, she felt down for some reason, normally she would be exhilerated by now, and she wasn't sure why. no time for doubts or what if's, I have to stay Ayele needs me.

Rising slowly, she turned and headed back the way she had come, this time slower and no smile on her face.
Coming back upon the others, Ayesha turned to Umoja who was talking and laughing with Imani, gritting her teeth she turned to the lion and inquired pleasantly. "When you have finished flir..talking with her, could we have your decision on whether we will be staying here tonight or moving in the cool of darkness on our journey where the panther wants us to go?"

Carrying on she moved past Judas not saying a word and laid down by Ele and the prince.
"Kesho, is there anything I can get for you to make you more comfortable?"
Bringing her paw out she pulled her brother in close and started to lick his fur clean, at the same time needing his warmth next to her.

[Judas]

The scruffy male had eaten his piece quickly enough; right now he was only letting the food sink. His eyes trailed idly across the group. As thoughts swirled through his mind;

”Why did I save Kesho? Was it charity? Was because I cared for the cub’s life? Maybe, or was it because I wanted to win someone’s favor, by acting brave? Hmm, maybe that too. Or just because the cub is important to this mission and that has become all I care about? Sigh, I do not know. Honestly I can’t say I recognize myself anymore.

I confess, as I look back; before I was forced onto this botched adventure I cared very little for those around me, of course I respected the king but after his death, the allegiance I had given seemed void. And thusly my interest in the pride itself faltered, but why then did I give, a limb for a sick flea bag which I held neither love nor interest for? As I said I don’t recognize this Judas, I’ve become.”

The males gaze followed Ayesha as she passed him uttering not a word;

“Maybe she is to blame? Maybe this half-breed made me change somehow. Showed me what it meant to care about someone else other than yourself? I feel things, when I’m around her that I can’t explain, well I can explain it; but I’m not sure if I can accept the conclusion. But I shouldn’t have hopes; I’m a crippled shell of what I used to be. She can’t possibly be interested.

Listen to yourself Judas! You sound like an idiot, perhaps I’m actually getting old. The worst thing is; I don’t know what she wants of me, Ayesha is difficult to decipher; sometimes she shows interest and other times she treats me like I’m not there! I just don’t get it, but maybe that is the way of females. Heh, I’ll never understand women…”

[Dakota]

Lying there cleaning Ayele, under her lowered lashes she kept watching Judas discretely. He just lay there away from them all. Ever since she had embarrassed herself with telling him in around about way that she cared for him and wanted to help look after and be with him, he seemed to have avoided her.

First he didn't comment about what she had said, then he ignored her, and her pleas for help in finding Ele, were abandoned as though she wasn't of any consequence to him. Ayesha had never been in this predicament before, maybe she wasn't good enough being a Liard and not knowing who her father was. Her mother had finally given hints on her deathbed, but she wasn't believing of what had been said. Looking at Imani, she sighed. maybe as usual I'm just not good enough and she's want he wants.

Turning away she leant back down and gently stroked Kesho on his back " so little one, you feel upto continuing our journey, you wont have to walk, either myself or someone else will carry you, think you can be brave for a bit longer."
Leaning down closer to his ear she whispered " tell you what, you be brave for me and when we get to a clean waterhole, I'll take you on a special swim, that only Ayele has been on.. you see it's only for those that I care alot for, and you my prince fit right into that category, ... so how about it, one day soon you want to come for a magic ride with just Ayesha ?"

[cheezeegriff]

"So you aren't mad at me anymore, right? I know I was in the wrong and everything...."

"What you did was rather stupid,"
Umoja said, swallowing the remainder of his meat,
"But you seem to have learned your lesson. Next time, advised me subtlely, as I had asked you originally, rather than trying to sweep power out from under my feet. And if you don't know what that means then don't bother."
He offered her something that was more or less of a smile - no hard feelings, but this was reality.
He'd only just managed to swallow his meat when Ayesha approached.

"When you have finished flir..talking with her, could we have your decision on whether we will be staying here tonight or moving in the cool of darkness on our journey where the panther wants us to go?"

Umoja's claws dug into the ground, and he glared at Ayesha's back as she wandered back to the cubs. Still she played games with him, those little half-finished words... he couldn't trust her.

Nor, he could see, could he trust her with the cubs. Looking at the way the little bundles of fur watched her, it was clear they saw her more of a mother than a guardian, or an older sister. She could so easily betray their trust...
... like how he had found the prince left alone on the bank of the river.
A chill like a southerly wind raised his hackles, as he realised that she had left Kesho alone.
He would have to do something. This couldn't - wouldn't - go on.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

The meat Kesho had eaten had given him strength, though at the same time the pain had returned, sapping the bulk of his energy. Nevertheless he managed to say,
"I think it's delicious,"
in reply to Ayele's question, though then he let his head down to rest.


so little one, you feel upto continuing our journey, you wont have to walk, either myself or someone else will carry you, think you can be brave for a bit longer."
"tell you what, you be brave for me and when we get to a clean waterhole, I'll take you on a special swim, that only Ayele has been on.. you see it's only for those that I care alot for, and you my prince fit right into that category, ... so how about it, one day soon you want to come for a magic ride with just Ayesha ?"

Pain forgotten, he looked up at the strange dark lioness - the one who had cared for him most of all - and nodded. A magic ride...
"Maybe mother and father will be there,"
he said, and smiled softly.

"Let's go,"
Umoja said from Kesho's left, and the large old male walked over, voice deep and smooth, as usual.
"The night is young: we should move before the sun comes up then find somewhere to hide from the heat at dawn. If everyone's ready and able? Judas?"
he walked over and nudged the male. Kesho leaned back - there was a subtle gleam of hostility in Umoja's eyes, one that intensified when he passed Ayesha, though his actions towards Judas were sympathetic.
"How are you feeling?"

[Judas]

The male wasn’t oblivious to the intrigue going on around him, especially the ice front that was thickening between Umoja and Ayesha. She cared for the young ones and that was all that mattered here, the tsavo had troubles understanding the larger male’s dislike for the liard.

Sure it couldn’t be the fact that she and him had betrayed the entire pride by taking the prince without his saying so? That seemed too far in the past, but he had noticed how Ayesha behaved around the older male her words seemed more half mockery, than anything short of respect. Almost like how himself usually behaved around people with power, under normal circumstances.

As Umoja approached him, the intense though subtle hostility in the older ones eyes was noted, however he seemed more or less sympathetic towards him. “I’m alright.” Judas replied simply as he pushed himself to his feet, no reason to drag out the explanation, but in reality he didn’t feel that good however he could also be worse.

Judas limped past Umoja towards the two cubs and Ayesha coming up by her side he gently leaned towards her ear; “What’s the deal with Umoja?” he whispered, he thought it in due to ask, she must’ve done something to incur the wrath of the older male.

[Dakota]

Ayesha met Keshos eyes as he mentioned about his parents, she couldn't give him an answer while everyone was listening, when she talked to him she wanted it to be just the two of them.,
" You don't have to wait till we have a magic ride Kesho, all you have to do is look up at the stars and think of all the beautiful things you can remember that your parents said and did with you..Just open your heart and it will all be there."
Rubbing her paw up over his back she let it rest on his head, then down caressing his cheek before she pulled back.

Sensing Umoja nearing, Ayesha lowered her lashes shielding her emotions from him and stepped back, standing there waiting. He walked past and spoke to Judas.. it looked like it was time to move. Moving back to Ayele, she nudged him with her nose "come on Ele it's time to move, you think you can walk with me, and then if you get tired I'll give you a ride ?"

Waiting for her brother to rise, and also to see who was going to carry Kesho, she stiffened when she felt someone stand beside her their fur brushing hers. Releasing her breath, she smelt the scent of the soldier, relaxing her stance at the same time.
When his whisper reached her ear, all she wanted to do was lean into him for warmth, she felt protected when he was near her.

Sighing with where her thoughts were heading how stupid can I be, I can't rely on anyone, but myself now. she turned to look at him. Not realising how close they were standing to each other her nose nearly touched his brown one, her glance moved down to his mouth and then onto his black wiry beard. Blushing slightly Ayesha moved her glance back up to meet the piercing hazel eyes returning her stare ,afraid to even blink, she kept staring and absorbing his scent.

Hearing a noise behind her, she snapped back to reality suddenly remembering Judas words
“What’s the deal with Umoja?” . Ayesha didn't really know what to say, she wasn't entirely sure why they were circling each other now.
"His words to me was that he considers me a brash player and that I must have had every young male wrapped about my little finger back in the court and that they would all be fooled by my good looks and a leopard's wiles and he thinks that is what I am all about".

Pausing for a moment Ayesha lowered her head, then snapped it back uo again watching Judas . " I am not going to apologise for something I am not, he can think what he pleases, but I will not give in to his snide remarks. I keep waiting to see the lion I was told that he is, so far all I am is disapointed and it looks like, having to watch my back."
Looking at Judas, Ayesha made an attempt at humour "So, you better watch out, seeing I'm a player and all".

[Judas]

The soldier noticed how tense she had seemed as he came up beside her, but she soon enough relaxed when she realized it was him. It took the liard some time to answerer, she seemed occupied staring at him, Ayesha soon enough blushed, or rather it looked like it but it was quite hard to see it beneath the dark fur.

Their gaze soon enough met and the girl seemed afraid to even blink. Her answerer came then, and apparently Umoja considered her a brash player, assuming that she must’ve had every young male back in court wrapped around her little finger, that they all would be fooled by her wiles and good looks, Umoja thought that was all she was about.

Her head then lowered though she quickly snapped it back up, she countered that she was not going to apologize for something she was not, and she would let Umoja think what he please, but she would not give into snide remarks.

The liard then admitted she was disappointed with Umoja so far, that he had yet to show the one he said he is, she added that it looked like she had watch her back. Her last words made the scruffy male smile, she said he had to watch out; she was a player after all.

“I was never much present in court, I’m afraid. So I can’t answerer that.” Judas hardly spent the nights at the tree, he was always away on sentry duty somewhere out on the fringes of the kingdom’s former borders. It was not the sheltered job of palace guard he had been given but one the toughest jobs next to hunting; though the king had this absurd idea that males shouldn’t hunt. Even if he had thought the whole thing strange he couldn’t speak out against his king.

“You did the right thing in not apologizing. Don’t let such words get to you.” He glanced over at Umoja, “It’s odd that he berates you, when I am the one that deliberately disobeyed him and is the whole reason why we’re out here in the first place. But then again; I guess it was inevitable, I’ve never had much respect for authority anyways.” His gaze then trailed from Umoja and back to Ayesha meeting her green eyed gaze,

“However I have to agree with Umoja on one thing; you are beautiful.” A smile crossed his face, well Umoja had said ‘good looks’ but beautiful meant the same thing didn’t it? “I can carry Kesho, if it becomes a need.” He added as he was just now waiting for signal to move out.

[Dakota]

Ayesha stood there watching Judas to see if her words affected him, would he believe what Umoja seemed to think was her sole purpose in life, or did he have more wisdom to find out things for himself.

When he grinned at her 'player' comment, she smiled straight back.. it looked like things were going to be alright afterall, then he added on “I was never much present in court, I’m afraid. So I can’t answer that.", Ayesha smile slipped and she had to force herself not to snap at him as she replied.
"So, you are saying, that you don't believe what I say, because you weren't there to witness it for yourself...is that right.. so you are taking a 50/50 bet on it..what is it with you males.."
Ayesha moved back in close to the soldier " well for your information, I was hardly every at court, I was too busy wandering off enjoying myself instead of prancing around like those other females that Umoja seems to remember so well, and then I was off away roamimg over the countryside for quite a few months by myself, so there you have it from the 'players' own mouth."
Blinking rapidly she kept staring at him waiting to see if he was going to say anything else. Seeing his mouth open “However I have to agree with Umoja on one thing; you are beautiful.”
Ayeshas mouth snapped shut almost hurting her jaw, she opened and closed it a few more times. " Do you really think so ?" , Realising what she had said she jumped back from him, but it didnt appear that he had heard her silly words as he carried on talking“I can carry Kesho, if it becomes a need.” .

"I think you really need to rest your wounded paw a while longer Judas, there more than enough here to have turns, if need be I can carry both cubs., we'd better wait and see what he who thinks he's in charge has to say."
Giving a small grin she turned to see what kata, Imani and the black panther were doing.

[Judas]

This girl surely took things to heart quickly, the male sighed as his shoulders sank. “Please, I have to be careful Ayesha. The last thing I need is Umoja’s hostility.” He paused as he closed his eyes, “It’s not that I don’t believe you. Quite the contrary, but if it wasn’t for my injuries I am pretty sure Umoja would have me trialed for treason. If you can’t recall I stole the prince from under his nose. I disobeyed my commanding officer in the worst possible way." he paused.

"Even if I don’t think too highly of him; Umoja does the job that Kesho should have done had he been of age. And I’m pretty sure the king would have my head for putting his son in such dangers, even with the king dead his rules still apply.” He looked up meeting Ayesha in eyes, “I am trying to stay alive here, making enemies is never in ones best interest.”

Had things not been complicated enough already the male would’ve snapped back at the liard as she was no better than Umoja in the ways she assumed things about people before really thinking about what they had been saying. Ayesha seemed taken aback by his comment on how she was beautiful, and the girl asked if he really thought so.

“Of course,” He felt like he wanted to say more, but with all the others around to hear it felt just weird, as this was to be for her ears only, yet he smiled keeping eye contact with her. “And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise…” he whispered deeply as he leaned his muzzle near her ear he was almost breathing her in the ear, and then he did something which many would consider brash and even quite hasty; he gave her a gentle but soft lick on the cheek. Judas then stepped away from her with a playful grin plastered on his face.

[Kirsui]

"Let's go."

Katakasha released a soft sigh as she moved her gaze away from the horizon she had been staring at and stood up. She shook herself, getting rid of the dust that had gotten stuck to her fur, causing her mae to sway wildly from side to side like blazing fire before it settled back to its normal position.

And then she turned her half closed eyes to the rest of their group. She see the bitternes that was growing between Umoja and Ayesha at every passing moment. She could almost taste it, just like she could almost taste the developing sweetness between Ayesha and Judas.

The black lioness cringed with a disgusted expression, but said emotions were on her face so briefly they were easy to miss had one not been looking at her at that very moment.
"If you two love birds are done with all the sweet talk..."
Her emotionless voice cut through the night like a sharp knife, lashing out with such hidden cruelty that for a moment it seemed she had no heart at all.
"... we have to move on. You two can continue what ever you are doing later, unless of course you wish to cause more pain or even death to the prince."

She turned away from Ayesha and Judas, completely ignored Umoja for now, and concentrated on Usiku instead. Her glare was so hard that for a moment it was unclear if she wanted to simply speak or attack the panther. However, when she did speak her voice was smoother than before when she had spoken to Judas and Ayesha.
"Lead the way."
She briefly glanced at the prince, but chose against of going to him. The liard female could keep looking after him, and Kata wasn't too fond of carrying cubs around anyway.

[Dakota]

Ayesha stood there feeling ashamed , yes it was one of her bad habits, speaking straight away and not waiting and absorbing all the information,and now she had done it again to the soldier.
"I'm sorry Judas, it seems I'm a bit touchy about how others perceive who and what I am, especially those I care for. And as for Umoja, I doubt he would have you up for treason, even though you are injured he knows we need you with us, and you weren't by yourself in taking the prince, I think you are forgetting I was with you every step of the way."

Looking away Ayesha saw Kata watching them closely, her face as usual devoid of any emotion if I didn't know better I would say she has no heart that lioness, she seems to have her own agenda, not one that equals Umojas either .
Turning her head back to Judas she was surprised when he moved in close to her and again told her she was beautiful. A shy smile came across her muzzle as she stared at his thin face, then her eyes opened wide when she felt him give her a soft lick on her cheek. Not knowing what to do she just kept on staring at him until she heard the black lioness sarcastic words reach her ears.

Jumping back guiltily, she stared first at kata, then towards the black panther, she didn't want them to interfere, this was something special between her and Judas....but she had to control her feelings towards Umoja, just in case he took it out on the soldier.
Sighing she knew what had to be done, she could swallow her pride this once. Looking at Judas she asked him to stay by the cubs for a moment and Ayesha moved over to Umoja.

Swallowing quickly, she faced the older lion. "Umoja.. I feel I need to apologise for the way I have treated you the last few days, it seems I have based my judgement of you, from what others have told me. As Judas has pointed out to me the King trusted you, you are doing the job that Kesho can't do yet and you have his best interests at heart. "
Licking her lips slightly Ayesha then carried on " But also it seems you have misjudged me as well, I am not what you have called me.. I thought seeing you spent time with my mother, you would see I am her daughter in many ways... I think everyone is ready to move, so I will leave you so you can speak with the others."

Backing away Ayesha paced back over to where those she cared about were standing there waiting. Bending down she picked up the prince in her muzzle and placed him on her back, while nudging Ayele to stand on his paws ready to move.

[cheezeegriff]

Umoja listened to Ayesha's little speech, wondering if it was for his ears or the ears of the others that remained in earshot. Nevertheless he bowed his head - he would take it in good grace - for now. If he was wrong, it would only be a matter of time before she insulted him again.
If he was right, he could lull her into a false sense of security, and make her think she was on his side.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

As Ayesha moved away to speak to Umoja, Usiku rubbed up to Judas and gave him a purring giggle.
"In love are we, tattered one?"
she said, meeting him with her bright yellow eyes, and said sentimentally,
"That is very beautiful. You're a lucky male, you know, and I wouldn't let this one slip away if I were you, for not many others will look through your tattered remains and into your heart."

"Lead the way,"
Katakasha said, and Usiku pulled away from Umoja.

"You hardly need me just yet,"
she said, then pointed her nose to the horizon. Even in the dim moonlight there was a low cloud which seemed to hug the ground, more whispty than most, like a ghost of something stirring beneath the earth.
"Just walk towards where you see the smoke, and soon enough you will its thunder."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

"Here we go again,"
Keshomaliki said to Ayele, then looked up at Judas and Ayesha. Judas licked Ayesha's face, just like father used to, and a part of him sighed in relief at the sight of such familiarity.
"Judas?"
he said.
"Will you carry me, Judas? Maybe Ayesha can carry Ayele and we can talk as you walk side by side. 'Cause he's heavier."
It was more of an exuse, really, he knew, but he wanted to ride the old male for now. Maybe a part of him still felt guilty over the skinny lion's foot. Hopefully, this would suffice as a thank-you.

[Judas]

The scruffy male didn’t answerer Ayesha's words; there was really nothing to answerer with it. However he only nodded at least to prove that he agreed with her words, it was good she realized her own flaws rather having other pointing them out for her.

Judas knew what his flaws were both physical and mentally, though it seemed his otherwise stoic appearance had been melted down thanks to liard. As Ayesha moved off, his ears twitched and his gaze turned the moment he heard the panther Usiku’s voice, she was giggling through a purr, but her voice held no mockery what so ever.

Her question almost made the male blush and his gaze lowered therefore, he felt like a teenager again. The black felines words made the male realize what he truly felt for Ayesha. A conclusion he had been trying avoid. Because he was never sure if it was truly deep or just a fleeting thing; though he lifted his gaze back up at the panther, as she said that it was very beautiful.

Possibly she meant the blossoming the relationship he had with Ayesha, she told him he was lucky and gave him the advice not to let Ayesha go, because not many others would look beyond his tattered remains and see him for what he truly was.

It must’ve taken Ayesha quite some gut to cope with the ice front he usually held. Yet she had managed to break through that, and brought out who he really were. The liard soon enough returned, and thusly picked up the prince placing him on her back, she nudged her little brother onto his feet. The tsavo’s gaze was locked on the horizon until the prince spoke up, asking if he could carrying him, Ayesha could then carry her brother and thusly they could talk by walking side by side.

A soft smile crossed the soldier’s face, “I don’t think Ayesha would like me doing that.” He glanced at the liard saying this made Ayesha sound like she was his mother; maybe it was true that they said about mates; males would find a mate that resembled their own mother, and females would usually look for males that resembled their father.

[voluptuous♥penguin]

"But you seem to have learned your lesson. Next time, advised me subtlely, as I had asked you originally, rather than trying to sweep power out from under my feet. And if you don't know what that means then don't bother."

Imani nodded. "Yes I understand exactly what you're saying Umoja.." she said, which as all she could get out before he moved away from her. He seemed extremely harsh, and she knew that she probably deserved any harshness directed her way, but still, he could've been a little kinder to her. She had only joined the pride only hours before. It seemed rather silly to expect her to automatically know exactly what he wanted and needed, as well as what the entire pride wanted and needed.

She looked over and smiled as she saw what was developing between Judas and Ayesha. She thought it was rather cute.
"If you two love birds are done with all the sweet talk..."
Though it seemd Katakasha did not.

Imani looked over to where everyone was getting ready to move on and she walked over to Umoja, positioning herself along his right flank; in her place. She decided she would be obedient for now; she wasn't really in the mood to be in more arguments with the large male lion.