The Last King

[genie]

Ayele padded along silently uncertain of all this adult talk and after all, what was a half breed? why was his sister one? did that mean he was one? were't they normal? beweilderment buzzed around his head that it made it hurt... then his sister asked if he was ok and he simply looked up into her face and gave a small smile saying "yes".

[Kirsui]

"I think in future before you go eavesdropping in conversations, you had better get your information correct kata, and besides we know nothing about your past, for all we know you could be referring to yourself as murderer --"

The black lioness turned to gaze over her shoulder with a faint smirk and that mysterios shine still in her eyes when Ayesha stopped speaking.
"Interesting deduction, Ayesha.. Indeed you know nothing of my past, not that any of you has ever even asked. Or perhaps it is that you do not care what has happened to me before Umoja found me near death and covered in both my own and my enemies' blood?"

She paused, as if thinking something. The expression on her face remained the same - mysteriously amused.
"I need no one to stand up for me. And wether or not you like it, Ayesha, Judas admitted himself he committed a crime, or were his words not 'I killed the prince in his sleep, and later admitted to the crime'? That, my dear Ayesha, is what we call an assasination, wether or not it was out of an order or by his own decision..."

Her gaze turned from Ayesha to Judas. There was no disgust in her expression, no mockery nor pity... Just that mysterious smile that told she wasn't telling something, and possibly a faint hint of curiosity.
"If you challenge someone into an open battle and kill them, it's generally considered a fair game... If you kill someone in their sleep, it's considered a murder... Would you not agree, Judas...?"

Before the male had time to reply though, Kata turned her gaze back to the liard.
"Like it or not, Ayehsa", she continued, as if Judas wasn't even there, "but a murderer is what he is. His actions may have been driven by good will, but what guarantee is there to prove he will not do it again should a situation arise...?"

[cheezeegriff]

"Keshomaliki? Wow. Quite a name, but I rather like it."

Keshomaliki giggled, lowering his head selfconsciously, and said,
"You can call me Kesho."
To her next question he said,
"Well... it's rude not to talk to someone because they're a princess, isn't it?"

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

"Like it or not, Ayehsa, but a murderer is what he is. His actions may have been driven by good will, but what guarantee is there to prove he will not do it again should a situation arise...?"

Umoja listened intently. Yes indeed: what if, for whatever reason, Judas found Umoja's actions distasteful. Or what of Kesho's? Would he kill them for it? What would it take: perhaps, if they both desired the same lioness, or if he had children with Ayesha, and had ambitions that they would succeed Keshomaliki's leadership?

A murderer was a murderer, Umoja knew. Katakasha was right. Never again could he let Kesho be alone with Judas. Never.

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

"Interesting deduction, Ayesha.. Indeed you know nothing of my past, not that any of you has ever even asked. Or perhaps it is that you do not care what has happened to me before Umoja found me near death and covered in both my own and my enemies' blood?"

"I care to know,"
Usiku said, coming back and approaching the black lioness with her panther's silky smile.
"Tell us, Katakasha. What happened to you, that you joined the group in such a state? I am keenly interested."

"As am I,"
Umoja said, and offered Katakasha a warm smile.
"Perhaps I had assumed incorrectly that you would speak to me about it when you felt like it?"

[Judas]

The male knew by revealing that part of his past he would lost the trust of many of the group, especially Umoja. Though the tsavo was prepared for that event, deep down he felt this almost twisted pride in what he done; the person he had killed had been evil and deserved to feed the maggots.

Though some may argue that he could’ve solved the situation differently, but yet he didn’t; He killed the teenage prince, as revenge for the atrocities he had committed but at the time Judas committed an atrocity of equal evil: by robbing the royal line of an heir, the tsavo also robbed a family of their child.

The male listened to Kata’s words; his face didn’t display much emotion. He recalled the trial, and how the Queen approached him, the look on her face entailed that she was on the verge of cracking, unable to keep her emotions at bay. She didn’t say anything but instead raised her paw and smacked Judas hard in the face, it took three lionesses keeping her from tearing him apart in her sorrowed rage.

As Kata turned to him he snapped out his thoughts, she stated that if you challenge someone to open battle and kill them it would be considered fair, but killing someone while sleeping was murder no matter the motive. “Yes, you’re right.” The male said through a simple nod towards the black lioness. The tsavo’s gaze switched to Ayesha as Kata returned her attention to the liard, she posed if there was no proof that he’d wouldn’t do the same thing again, as one time a killer, always a killer.

[Dakota]

Ayesha grew weary as she heard the black lioness words to Judas, sighing she turned and looked at the soldier.He still walked along side her, his face void of all emotion, there was so much he could have replied to Kata, but instead he held his dignity and just told her she was right. Ayesha somehow needed to apologise, all this came from her outburst earlier.

"I'm sorry for the others finding out about things from your past you didn't want known, if I hadn't of carried on before none of this would have been aired, and you would have had your secrets intact still."

Ayesha leaned in and rubbed her cheek against his wiry furred one "I don't know if its any consolation, but I trust you Judas with Ayele and my own lives, I know you wouldn't deliberately hurt us, I hope that counters against some of the statements that kata decided to drag back up and air."

Giving the slim lion another caress, she looked back at her brother keeping pace with them, his little legs working fast to cover the distance. I guess I have some explaining to do to Ele with all that he has heard tonight, he's probably confused about all sorts

Turning her green eyes on the cub, Ayesha called his name softly waiting until she was sure he was listening.
"Ele.. you've heard alot of talking tonight, things about myself and now about Judas, I'm sure you must have things you would like to ask me, things you don't quite understand, I guess now is a good as time as any to put your mind at rest...so.. what would you like to know ?"

[voluptuous♥penguin]

"You can call me Kesho."

Imani grinned at the prince. "Kesho then. Just as well, so I don't embarass myself." she said, giggling. The prince was definitely brightening up her mood. He wasn't judgemental or biased by anything. He was just a child asking questions, and it was a relief to the lioness not to feel judged.

"Well... it's rude not to talk to someone because they're a princess, isn't it?"

"Hmm. Well I suppose that would be, wouldn't it? But I am a princes no longer. I'm just a counselor now." Imani said. She continued to walk for a time. She looked back at the prince and smiled. "So how are you doing up there, my dear?" she asked.

[cheezeegriff]

"Hmm. Well I suppose that would be, wouldn't it? But I am a princes no longer. I'm just a counselor now."

Imani's statement confused Kesho to no end, and he furrowed his little brow. Why was it alright to ignore counselors? And what was a counselor anyway?

"So how are you doing up there, my dear?"

He considered ignoring her himself just to test the theory, but decided against it.
"Alright, thank you,"
he said, though even as the words left his lips, his head felt heavy, and he rested his chin on Imani's soft back. He had felt alright when he wasn't thinking about the way he felt, but once attention was brought back on himself, it was as if he became sicker.

[genie]

Ayele looked up at his sister, a blank look on his face.. he did't know what he was suppose to ask... he had't been listening to that extent as he did't understand any off it and he looked down at his feet and mumbled "i don't know..."

[Dakota]

Ayesha watched Ele's face, poor thing seemed confused over all their talking and what had been bandied about by the black lioness and panther, looks like once they stop to find shade and nourishment and rest during the heat of the day, she would have to try and explain a few things in simple terms, she didn't want him confused anylonger.
"it's ok Ayele, we will talk a little when its rest time..ok ?" nuzzling his head she straightened up and looked back to the soldier.

"Judas, are you alright, you seem to have gone quiet, well quieter than normal, what are you thinking ?"
Ayesha kept her green eyes concentrated on his face, waiting for any response to her previous comments, maybe I should also say whats been on my mind after the sarcasm from katakasha. Again stepping closer so they gently touched, Ayesha leant down to his ear and lowered her voice, so that this time nothing could be overheard.

"Judas.. we don't have to carry on with this you know. It looks like Kesho has replaced me with Imani, I'm sure she could look after and tend to him. If for any reason you wish
to go somewhere else and leave these ingrates, I would come with you and Ayele of course. We...that is if you want could be together."

[Judas]

The tsavo wasn’t really thinking much of anything, he had spilled the beans and taken the consequences for it, what else could he do exactly? But there was one thing Kata was wrong about; that he would commit the same crime again;

No one in this group had earned the staple that brat-prince had in Judas’ book, not even Umoja who had grown understandably tense since the fact that they had murderer among their midst had been revealed. Not even the deceased king had known this about Judas’ past, had the old king known then well; the tsavo wouldn’t have been here now.

His ears flickered at Ayesha’s words on how she was sorry the others had to find out things about his past, that she assumed he wished to keep hidden. She then added that even though she didn’t know if it’ll be of any consolation he still had her trust, and she would trust her life and that of her little brother to him, if such a situation would be unfortunate to rise.

“If I wanted it kept a secret, then I would’ve kept my mouth shut. I would simply not have told you, and thusly none of the others would’ve known.” A gentle smile crossed his features, “But I choose to reveal it; I thought it fair to travelling companions to let them know, what I was truly was.” His gazed fixed ahead of briefly before it darted back to the liardess, “And they rightfully deserve nothing less.” He uttered through an exhale.

“But, I’m glad I didn’t lose you.” He whispered, returning the cheek rub she had given him, his gaze shifted to the liard once more after a moment of silence. Apparently his quiet nature nerved the girl, and she asked what he was thinking. “Nothing really...” the male said, as his brows rose, he could then feel her steeping closer to him; he swore her fur was gently brushing his but only barely. The male shook his mane as he felt much of his body stiffen, almost like a goose bump sensation though the shake of his mane chased the feeling away as soon as it arrived.

The girl then said that they didn’t really have to follow the group; they could strike out on their own and catch up with it later. Judas smiled, “Well, You seem very eager to get some privacy. I guess going off for a bit won’t hurt, decides it seems like you got something you’ve wanted to tell me.” The male grinned playfully.

[Kirsui]

"I care to know."

Katakasha's gaze turned to the panther, her expression remaining the same it had during the whole time she had spoken a moment ago. A moment after that Umoja voiced out his curiosity as well, and she realized she would have to explain her condition to them.

She released a faint snort with the mysterious smile still on her lips.
"Ambush. That is what happened."
Her gaze sifted between Umoja and Usiku, even briefly lingering on Judas and Ayesha, who seemed to have fallen back to discussin with eachother, before she continued her explanation.
"I'm still young, younger than any of you others when the young prince and the liard boy aren't counted..."
And by the looks of it her explanation was going to be a slightly longer one.
"I've traveled a lot though, more than I should have had... My pride, my beautiful Amara pride..."

The black lioness sighed, gazing at the horizon. Slowly the mysterious smile disappeared as the cold emotionless expression took its place once again. Her torn ear twiched and unconsciously she lifted one paw to rub the wounds, opening them once again.
"The Amara is no more. It was whiped out of existance to some fool's personal amusement... I traveled, and on my travels I joined this pride..."
She chuckled unamusedly.
"I did not like how the pride was, made my opinion clear and took my leave. I assume they were not as eager to get rid of me as I thought..."

She paused, a thoughtful expression on her face. She knew she wasn't telling everything, and the others would just have to deal with it unless they spesifically questioned every part of what she had done.
"They caught me by surprise, truly I hadn't expected them to follow me so far. The ambush was clever, well organized..."
She snorted and when she spoke it was unclear if she was still speaking to Umoja and Usiku or just to herself.
"What did they take me for...? Some foolis girl who couldn't survive one moment without her pride sisters to aid her, or her mate to protect her?"

She had extented her claws without realizing it, her voice lowering into an angry growl at the end of her sentance. She blinked, realizing her calmness was slipping and in an instant her claws were retracted and her emotionless expression back on her face.
"I did win them... eventually... But, as Umoja saw, their blood wasn't the only thing that covered me that day."
She glanced at their temporary leader before her gaze was back at something ahead of them.
"It took me some time to recover, and it's surprising I did, with the illness hovering over the pride all the time..."

She turned her gaze at Usiku.
"Is there something else you wish to know, panther?"
She smirked faintly.
"Because if you do, I would suggest you ask now for I might not feel this ah... chatty, later on..."

[Dakota]

Ayesha wondered what decision Judas would make, once she spoke it out loud.She felt that he would want to see it through to the end, but she wanted him to know that whatever he did choose it would be alright and she would be there as well.

“Well, You seem very eager to get some privacy. I guess going off for a bit won’t hurt, besides it seems like you've got something you want to tell me.” The male grinned playfully.
Ayesha turned her head sideways a little, she didn't really understand what he was saying, then it dawned on her that the soldier had taken what she said as an invitation for some time alone.. for..well...
Feeling herself grow hot and and her face flush, she thanked the fact they were in the dark and Judas couldn't see nor the others. Licking her lips, she pondered what to say.
"umm well actually Judas I was talking about whether you wanted us to leave this journey on taking the prince to be healed. You have already given so much, I was just saying that if you decided to let the others finish this journey by themselves, it's ok with me, and that you wouldn't be alone...thats all"

Pausing for a moment, she didn't want him to think she was rejecting him. Turning her head back, she let her lips brush against his fur "Judas.. I've never been in this situation before..umm.. you are the first one I've...cared for... so it's all new to me, but maybe a little bit down the track when we've got used to each other....I would like that."

Glancing up she saw that Umoja, Katakasha and the black panther were having a little conversation between themselves wonder what they are all upto, then turning back the other way she saw Imani was getting closer to herself, Ele and Judas. Ayeshas eyes narrowed slightly as she caught sight of kesho spreadeagled on her back, it looked like he was in pain again, judging by the expression on his face, they really needed water, and soon .

[Judas]

The soldier studied the girl, even if he couldn’t really see much of her expression when she had face lowered like that. He guessed she was pondering his offer, and he wondered if perhaps he had been too forward with her, the last thing he wanted was push her into doing something didn’t want to. But she clearly explained now what she had wanted, and she wondered if he wished to leave to let the others finish the journey on their own, and if that was what he wished Ayesha said she would come with him, so he’d not be alone.

Then he had gotten her question all wrong, oh dear, this was embarrassing, the male was fumbling through his mind for some sort of decent apology, though her following words and he felt her muzzle brushing against his fur that made him almost shiver had he not kept himself calmed.

Judas met her gaze, she said that this was all new to her; well it was new to him as well. Ayesha admitted she had never been in such a situation before, and now the male felt a pang of guilt for pushing it on her the way he had done, it hadn’t been proper at all. But she said that a little down the track, after they got used to each other, then she would like… well that.

The male was still searching for an appropriate apology for her, as she clearly deserved one; “I apologize for pushing it on you like that.” The male paused; his gaze turned to the ground, “I should’ve known what you had really meant, I-I am sorry for being so bold, it was not my place...” he said as he closed his eyes briefly but his gaze soon lifted and trailed out to the rest of the group.

“I have to stay, though. I feel obliged to it, decides it’s better to see this through to the end: Now that I’ve gotten this far.” The male said as his gaze fell onto Kesho, whom honestly didn’t look so good there he lay splayed out over Imani’s back.

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Imani nodded. "Well thats lovely-" she said, stopping when she felt his weight get a little heavier on her back. Mani saw that she was getting closer to Judas, Ayele, and Ayesha so she slowed her step a little, as not to bother them. She turned her attention back onto Kesho.
"Darling, you're looking a little green around the gills." she said softly. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need anything?"

She was honestly concerned for the cub, and she was extremely afraid she would do something to hurt the little prince. She made sure she wasn't moving her back up and down too much with her movement, and kept her strides steady and even.

[genie]

Ayele had nodded when Ayesha had said she'd explains things later on but that was later and in the mean time he'd just have to wait, maybe sooner or later he'd understand but at the moment there was nothing to do but walk along while his sister chatted to Judas.. something about walking together, he did't really get it, they were already walking together.

[Dakota]

Ayesha felt she had embarrased the soldier now and was making him feel uncomfortable. Once he had finished talking she gave him a slow lick over his cheek and whispered into his ear.
"it's ok Judas, you can be bold anytime with me, I think I'm beginning to like it, and ..well.. I can practise on you as well."
Giving him a bashful smile, she leaned in again and let her lips graze over his quickly, and then pulled back.

Looking back at Imani with Kesho still on her back, Ayesha was starting to get worried about him again, he had picked up for a little while, but now it was all catching up with him again. She needed everyone to stop for a small break and to help the cub get comfortable.

Raising her voice so Umoja could hear
"we need to stop for a little bit, kesho needs a break from the relentless movement."
Not waiting to see if they were going to comply, she turned to her her brother
"stay with Judas for me Ele, don't wander, I just have to help the prince feel a bit better".

Moving back to where Imani was close behind them, Ayesha stopped beside her
"Thankyou for taking good care of the prince Imani, it would be best if we had a small rest, it seems Kesho is feeling a bit worse for wear again, I'm going to see if I can help him ease his pain."
Using her muzzle she gently lifted him off Imani's back and lowered herself to the ground, with Kesho now lying between her paws.
"Kesho, I'm going to softly massage your tummy and see if it will help take some pain away, or maybe it might make you sick, so you can rid yourself of some bile...I'm sorry if it hurts you, but its better then letting you carry on feeling worse....So just lie here and try and relax while I hold you.."

Turning her back on the others blocking them out in case the prince was indeed sick, she hoped it would save him embarrassment, even if he was still only a cub, he didn't need everyone staring at him.
Lifting him she let his head rest on her paw and arm, while slowly she massaged around his tummy in circles, nice gentle but firm movements, so he would bring up whatever was churning inside him.
As she worked Ayesha started to sing softly to him, hoping it would relax the prince, she was getting too attached to this little one, would she be able to walk away from him once he was cured, she had faith for some reason, that he would be there as the new king and form a new pride, she just wondered if herself, Ele and Judas would be included.

[cheezeegriff]

"Because if you do, I would suggest you ask now for I might not feel this ah... chatty, later on..."

"Katakasha... mind stepping aside with me for a moment?"
Umoja said, looking over his shoulder at the black lion and offering her a small smile.

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

"I can keep going... I can..."
Keshomaliki was saying, but when Ayesha started rubbing his tummy, the sickness came back again.
And it was bringing something up... something that felt terrible. He tried to hold it in, as if vomiting would make it even worse, but then the pain intensified as his stomach shrank to the size of a grape and red-black, sticky blood erupted from his mouth and nose.

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

Usiku had wandered far enough ahead to not notice, immediately, when the group had stopped, thinking about what Katakasha had revealed about herself. Eventually though, she checked behind herself to see the prince on the ground, Ayesha leaning over him, and something glistening in the moonlight.
"What are you doing?"
she said, jogging back, sniffing the prince's blood and looking at Ayesha in the eye.
"He's been sick again? Why are you stopping?"

[Dakota]

Ayesha lay there still massaging his tummy, she knew what the cub was going to bring up... exactly like last time, but her mother taught her that it was best to bring anything up instead of letting it fester away inside, doing more damage.
Turning his head to the side in time for her to watch as blood left his nose and mouth, she grimaced as she saw him shudder in pain.
"I'm sorry Kesho for hurting you, I'm honestly not doing this on purpose, I would give anything for you to be well again.. you do know I care for you..don't you"

Bringing her head up quickly when she heard someone come behind her, it was the black panther, she should have known. "Yes Usiku ?"
"He's been sick again? Why are you stopping?"
Ayesha calmed herself so she wasn't going to be snappy, taking a breath she looked up at the black panther.

"I removed Kesho off Imani, because I could see what was going to happen, I may be walking with Judas and Ele, but I have also been keeping a close eye on the prince, seeing as one..I care for him and two..I have been looking after him since it all happened. I am doing my best for him Usiku, with what we have. I know its urgent we don't dally, but also he needs small rests as well, even though hes being carried, its still taking a toll on him."

Ayesha looked wide eyed up at her still standing there looking down surveying what she was doing.
"Please Usiku, it hurts me as well seeing Kesho like this, isn't there anyway your master could come to us, just to spare him more pain.?

[Kirsui]

"Katakasha... mind stepping aside with me for a moment?"

The black lioness turned her gaze at Umoja, lifting an eyebrow at his question. She looked back over her shoulder, realizing the group had stopped because the young prince seemed to be feeling worse again. Turning back at their temporary leader, Kata shrugged slightly before nodding in agreement.
"What is it, Umoja?"
She asked this with her usual calm voice. She watched him closely, waiting for what ever he had in mind to come.

[cheezeegriff]

"Please Usiku, it hurts me as well seeing Kesho like this, isn't there anyway your master could come to us, just to spare him more pain?"

Usiku snorted.
"Phah! The journey is more important than you think,"
she said, then turned and looked towards their destination.
"My master could come here I'm sure - and he's here in spirit, through me - but it would take him much longer than it would take for you to go to him. Anyway, we're nearly there. Can you feel that moisture on the wind?? That's the tail end of the Cloud that Thunders. Beautiful, isn't it?"
She stuck her nose out, greeting the familiar scents of home with a smile and closed eyes.
"Odd that it's blowing so far West, for nothing grows here, so it must not reach here very often. The waters plummeting into the fissure must be greater than I have ever seen them."

"Ayesha?"
said a small voice, and Usiku turned to the blood-drenched prince, eyeing him with sympathy. He looked at Ayesha with fearful eyes, then said,
"You won't ever leave me... will you?"

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

"What is it Umoja?"

Umoja walked until he was looking down over the bank of the river they were following. Water and desert made an interesting contrast in the moonlight, though he thought dawn would be upon them soon. He said,
"So, if I understood what you said correctly, your pride was killed for sport, and so you joined the pride that killed your own, and killed them in turn."
He looked her in the eye... looking carefully, examining this... lioness... who had slaughtered so many of her own kind.
"I wondered, you see, how you came to be as you were. Not just what I found of your body either, but what remains of your soul."
He tapped his chest, smiling at her softly.
"What were you like, before it happened? Do you think it's changed you much? Perhaps I am being presumptuous, but I am assuming that the cold exterior you show to people is the result of the trauma you went through before you arrived at us. I pray that you forgive me if I'm insulting you, and if you wish, you can ignore my probing... though feel free to speak to me about it, any time you wish.
So, to reiterate: when you took your revenge, what part of yourself did you leave behind?"

[Dakota]

Ayesha listened to the black panthers words and smothered back a retort, now was not the time to question her, especially in front of the prince, he'd been through enough already.
"Ok.. I understand Usiku, we keep travelling..., could you tell Umoji just a few more minutes please, I need to clean up kesho and make him comfortable."

Turning away from her, Ayesha leaned down to hear what the cub was saying
"You won't ever leave me... will you?"
Feeling her heart wrench, her paw stroked his forehead back and forth
"Kesho I'm here for you, for as long as you need me and want me to ..ok, if you can't see me, just call my name and I'll be right there.. always remember that. And you know Judas and Ayele are here for you too, we are all on this journey together, you will get well again and then I hope to see you and Ele playing together and having fun and I still owe you that magic water ride as well... but for now, let me get you cleaned up, then how about we give Imani a little rest, and I'll carry you so I can see how you feel ?"

Giving him one more caress, she reached over and pulled some fresh aromatic leaves off a bush and started to gently clean his muzzle.
" You know kesho you mean alot to me, almost as if you were my own.. I know you are royalty and I'm not, but to me .. well ..lets just say I'm always here for you."

[Kirsui]

"-- when you took your revenge, what part of yourself did you leave behind?"

"My revenge?"
Katakasha snorted, staring at the river.
"I never got it, Umoja. Even after all the trouble..."
She shook her head, locking her gaze with Umoja's.
"To answer your question... Did I have any option not to change? I saw my pride slaughtered in front of my eyes, was left there near death with the laughter of that murderer being the last thing I heard. Options I had were to either be struck down by sorrow and break into an empty shell who would fearfully spread the word of my prides fate around so that he would be feared even more..."
She paused.
"That, or I could seek revenge for my pride and not become the broken pawn he intented me to become..."

Her ears twiched and she turned to look away from Umoja.
"The Amara... We were warriors, defenders of the weak... Ironic how that was exactly what lead to our destruction. So you see, Umoja... As a warrior, I was not allowed to break down. The being I am - was - couldn't do that. I had to find him and have my revenge."
She scratched the opened wounds in her ear again with a thoughtful expression.
"So when I realized my mistake with the pride I had joined, I left. And as you already know, they sent their assasins after me."

She turned back at Umoja and when she spoke again her voice had turned lower than before.
"In a way, I am worse than Judas. So would you judge me like you judge him?"
She offered him a faint smile. Umoja had done rather well to hide his reaction when that Judas revealed the crime he had made.
"Not that it matters. I'm not afraid to die, Umoja... I would welcome it with open arms. I've been close to death so many times I'm surprised I'm still alive."
Her smile was gone now.
"I suppose... It's the need to revenge that has kept me alive. If I'm gone, there's no one to pay back to him what he did to our dear Amara..."

[cheezeegriff]

"I'll make you royalty when I'm king,"

Keshomaliki said, and Usiku snorted.
"'Nobility.' You'll make them 'nobility,' little king,"
she said, then licked him on the head, cleaning up some of the blood as she held Ayesha's gaze, but continued talking to the prince.
"Though slightly crazy, I think Ayesha would make rather good nobility... don't you, too?"

From Keshomaliki's reaction it was clear that he was a little confused, but he didn't bother to say anything. Likely, he felt as weak as he looked.

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Umoja waited whilst Katakasha spoke. The relief he felt at the way she finally opened up to him - as he had been hoping she would do - was enough to wash away all the bad memories of the past few days and the anger he'd felt towards everyone. Now, finally, he might be able to help.
He smiled, and stepped a little closer to Katakasha, perhaps a little too close. For a moment he thought she might strike him, but rather than being afraid, the thought just made his heart race.
"There are other things in life to live for. It's simply up to you to find them. And you know, I'm not entirely sure that you've changed quite as much as you think. Your pride were defenders of the weak? Well... look who you're defending now."
Umoja nodded towards Keshomaliki, the helpless little prince, lying on his back and surrounded by his own blood.
"Seems like you're fitting into your old role. Is that a sign of weakness? Or of the old Katakasha's strength, that despite everything, she's still alive in there, somewhere?
"A wise lioness once gave me the 'list of anyways.' One of them was, 'What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.' Because if everyone built, regardless of the fact that it might be torn down the next morning, then the world would be a much better place. You see, what's the greatest victory for this lion that killed your pride: that you became weak and defeated, or that you became just like him?"
He waited a moment to gauge her reaction, still smiling softly.
"When you want to find yourself again, let me know, and I'll do what I can to help."
Then he walked back towards the others, back along Katakasha's flank, slowly, so that if the black lioness had something to say, she could say it before he left.

[Kirsui]

The black lioness held her ground when Umoja came closer to her. Her eyes did flash out a warning ot to step any more closer than he did, but Umoja seemed to be pushing aside the fact she might strike him down for coming so close. And so, lazily blinking her eyes, she listened what he told her.

"There are other things in life to live for. It's simply up to you to find them. -- Your pride were defenders of the weak? Well... look who you're defending now. -- You see, what's the greatest victory for this lion that killed your pride: that you became weak and defeated, or that you became just like him? -- When you want to find yourself again, let me know, and I'll do what I can to help."

That smile... Something in that smile Umoja had when he talked to her... She couldn't figure out what it was that disturbed her so much in the way he was smiling. Was he pitying her? Or was it something else... That was what she was pondering when Umoja begun walking away.
"I do not need your pity, Umoja."
She told him, watching the river with a blank face.
"I do not need it, nor do I want it. I may have survived this far with the need to revenge, and each time that need has made me do... something, I may have lost more of what I was."

She turned around to look at Umoja.
"But I don't regret it, I live with what I've become... or what I'm still turning into. I live as long as I'm allowed, and I work for that one goal alone."
She paused.
"Why I help the prince though..."
A faint smirk came to her lips.
"Maybe I simply find all this very interesting and refreshing from the endless search...?"

[Dakota]

Ayesha kept cleaning down the prince, but gave a small laugh when Kesho suggested he make her 'nobility'.
" Oh kesho, thats a lovely gesture, but I don't need that..whats it going to make me.. nothing that I aren't already , I am who I am, take it or leave it ."

Using her paw she rubbed his nose in a playful way, then gently picked him up and placed him on her back.
"ok.. it's time we got moving I guess.. I'll keep you with me kesho for a little while..if thats ok with you of course, then if you want later you can go back with the princ..umm Imani"

Pushing her self up on her paws she stood beside Usiku,
" do you think you can lead us near a clean waterhole, we all need the water for various reasons ?"
Not waiting for the Black leopard, Ayesha moved back to where Judas and Ayele were still walking slowly. Coming back along ,Ayesha smiled to her self and rubbed her side along his "miss me ?"

[Judas]

The tsavo stayed in the background, only observing Ayesha tending to the worsening prince. He didn’t hear their words but he knew very well they couldn’t go on like this. Maybe an hour rest would do them all some good, the gesture Ayesha had done was almost burned into him he hadn’t expected such a bold move from her, especially have that little misunderstanding earlier.

A deep exhale escaped the soldier as his gaze trailed to Umoja and Katakasha, who looked like they were conversing, he wouldn’t learn much by reading facial expressions, yet he did notice that the black lioness’ otherwise stoic appearance stiffened even more.

However his musings were cut short as Ayesha rubbed up beside him, this caused him to almost purr but he drowned it in his throat before it could escape his muzzle. A soft grin crossed his face hearing her words, "Yes.." he replied simply, as he followed the liard walking as close to her as he could without stepping on her toes.

[Dakota]

After Ayesha had rubbed herself against the soldier, she waited for him to say something, A sigh escaped from him then she heard the word 'yes', smiling to herself, she moved slightly away so that there was now a gap between them,
Ayesha followed Judas's gaze to where he was watching kata and Umoja, it looked like they had been in deep conversation and now the black lioness was looking like she was ...smiling. and to top it off, she could of sworn Umoja was ..grinning back at her. Her eyes widened as she watched the lion, his face changed dramatically when the frowns and seriousness left his face.. he was almost handsome and he looked so much younger. Ayesha couldn't help herself she just kept on staring at him.

Finally turning away she looked over the top of the soldiers back and glanced over at Imani, ayesha was wondering what was going through her mind as she watched the proceedings as well, seeing as she was meant to be Umojas 'companion'.
Letting her eyelashes fall slightly she turned away and now rested her eyes upon her brother. "Ele, are you alright walking, or would you like to be carried along with Kesho?"

Darting little glances at the soldier beside her, Ayesha didn't know what to do, feeling bold again this new freedom she had to use was fascinating. Leaning back over she licked his cheek slowly " and how are you holding up Judas, is your paw giving you pain still, ? when we finally stop if near water, it should be bathed and cleaned, I intend to look after you well."

[Judas]

The lick on his cheek threw the tsavo out of the thoughts that swirled through his mind and he promptly turned to the liard taking in her words as he shot a glance to back legs, specifically the wounded one. “It’s painful, but the pain is an illusion, because I have pains in the foot. And as you can see, I have no foot anymore.” He remarked almost through a chuckle. He had heard of those who had lost a limb, reported feeling pain in the limb which was not there; phantom pains they called it, a weird phenomenon. “I’ll keep it cleaned...” the male said, prodding his nose against hers, a half purr escaping him.

“You should use your energy on the prince, and your little brother. They are more important than me. I can care of myself.” The male added, of course he was appreciative of Ayesha’s help, but he felt like the prince was what she should concern herself about, rather than him, “But, your concern is still very much appreciative. As would’ve done exactly the same for you.” He whispered, as his gaze turned the ever brighter horizon, it seemed like dawn would be on them soon.

[Dakota]

“It’s painful, but the pain is an illusion, because I have pains in the foot. And as you can see, I have no foot anymore.I’ll keep it cleaned"

Ayesha looked back down to the missing foot he was referring to and her gaze softened as she met his eyes.
"I'm sorry Judas for all you have endured, but you know whether you had your paw or not, you are still the same to me, and I will keep checking on your wound, till I am satisfied it will be fine, I hope you wont object to me caring for you.. and as for the prince and Ele, yes they are important to me, but never forget you are just as important to me now as well.

Smiling at her soldier " and you know I'm enjoying this as well", Ayesha quickly leant down and licked him closer towards his lips, smiling to herself at the same time.
Straightening up she looked forward as well, indeed nightfall was nearly at an end, hopefully Umoja would find them a good shaded area where they could rest and perhaps sleep, but more importantly water.

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Imani watched the prince cough up the blood and she grimaced. The poor dear.... she thought, staring at the little cub. He was so small, so fragile and it made her melancholy to see him in such pain as he seemed to be in.

Ayesha turned to look at her and she stared back. She smiled a friendly smile at the leopardess as to show her earlier hostility was just a defense mechanism.