Distant worlds {Private Astaria & Accalia}

[Accalia]

Kivuli lay basking in the sun, her eyes closed as she let the warmth soak into her cheeks as she rested from her long journey. She was just between two boarders of two different Prides and she needed to pass through one of them, which was never a good thing. She was simply enjoying safety and peace while she had it. The rock beneath her was warm and it made her feel just that little bit safer as she lay there, half way through her plan of escape.

She placed one of her paw on her cheek and winced slightly, the string of fresh blood still painful to touch. She put her paw back down by her side and yawned before stretching and getting to her feet. She gracefully leapt down from the rock she was positioned on and took a deep breath before walking inside possible enemy territory.

Kivuli managed to go several meters before she smelt lion strongly, from then she lowered herself onto her haunches and prowled around the edged of the territory.

[Mercy]

Songa slowly padded through the dense woods and listened half-heartedly as Kumai continued to talk about the young lioness he had met by the river a few days ago. Kumai seemed to fall in love with almost every lioness he met, and this one had been no different. Songa sighed and rolled his eyes as he kept one ear cocked slightly behind him at Kumai.

"...and did you see the way she looked at me? I must've really impressed her with my story about the wildebeest and the crocodile. Do you think I overuse that story? I think it's a great conversation starter, especially after introductions. She had the prettiest eyes I've ever seen. Don't you think they were nice? I think they were exceptionally.."

Songa closed his eyes and attempted to drown out Kumai's rambling. He took a deep breath and tried to focus on the setting around him. The air was hot and humid, and there was not a bird to be seen. Or heard for that matter. All was still and stuffy. These woods were starting to get on his nerves. The branches seemed to arch up and then squash him right into the dirt, with their looming leaves and shadows. He would be happy to get out into the light and feel the warmth of the sun on his back. They had been traveling for a long time now. They were always on the move actually. Which wasn't really a problem for either of them, since the two brothers were hoping to go on many adventures and then settle down. Songa wouldn't mind settling down now for a bit, starting a nice healthy pride with a considerate lioness and ruling with his twin, but he knew Kumai wanted to wander some more.   He doubted Kumai would ever find an appropriate Queen. He always seemed to fall in love with these lionesses but it hadn't been anything serious, and underneath all his talk Songa knew he was trying to gain an opinion from Songa on their characteristics and qualities. Sometimes Songa thought Kumai was trying to set him up with one.

Songa suddenly noticed a bright clearing filled with sunshine to the west a few yards ahead. Kumai had noticed it too. He trotted up to Songa and then paused beside his brother. His tail twitched happily at the sight of the clearing and Songa smiled. Kumai narrowed his eyes and grinned at Songa mischievously. "Race you." he challenged, and took off. Songa thundered after him gleefully. The two brothers were very large and strong, so they didn't really care if they were loud. It was a good thing they were quiet by nature though, otherwise they would be scarred from constant battles. Kumai reached the clearing first and flopped in the sand by a large stone. Songa reached him in a few seconds and panted happily. Then Kumai leaped up, his fur bristling and his ears back. "I smell a lioness Songa." he said distrustfully. "She was here just a short while ago. My guess is ten minutes." Kumai murmured with his mouth hanging open as he inhaled deeply.

Songa was always amazed by his younger brother's sense of smell. He was an excellent tracker. The dark-maned lion inhaled deeply with his brother and then watched as Kumai crouched and slowly padded toward the edge of the clearing. Wherever this lioness was, Kumai would find her.

[Accalia]

In the distance Kivuli heard the loud sound of adult lions and she panicked. She remained inside enemy territory, but slunk behind a tree, she had no idea where they were, if they were after her or even if they were friend or foe, all she knew was that she needed to get out of sight, and out of harms way.

After several moments of careful surveying Kivuli decided her best bet would be to lay low behind a tree and just hope they wouldn't come past her, she wasn't much good at dealing with people, it had been so long since she had seen another kind person.

She shrunk down onto her back legs slowly as her ears flicked backwards, there was something approaching. She almost gasped and gave away her position completely, until she saw it was nothing more then a small meerkat (Is that how you spell it??) She let out a sigh of relief and relaxed. She figured that was the only thing close to her and decided to rest for a bit, she hadn't had trouble from the pride yet and decided that it was probably because they couldn't smell her yet. She slumped down in the open and lay her head upon her paws, closing her eyes in the peace and quiet of her surroundings.

Kivuli lay there, the sun drifting through the leaves and bouncing off her fur lightly as she relaxed and prepared herself for the long journey north. Her father had known a kind pride and she planned on seeing them for salvation and safety, maybe even to settle down and start a family, though she rarely thought of that.

[Mercy]

Kumai sniffed the ground in front of him and hesitated as he realized the trail ended behind a large tree. It was definitely a young lioness, and Kumai could smell her anxiety. He turned to look at his brother and jerked his head at the tree. Songa nodded slightly, narrowed his eyes and then moved silently so that he was on the other side of the tree, opposite Kumai. Kumai lowered himself down so that even his mane brushed the dirt, and then slowly slunk out from the bush he had been using as cover. What he saw startled him greatly.

A beautiful lioness lay under the tree, her sun dappled pelt gleaming. He paused and slowly stood up a safe distance away and then watched as Songa slunk out and stood beside him. The lioness turned towards Songa in alarm and then stared at them both. Kumai took a deep breath, knowing that his brother was not good at conversing with strangers and would be of no help to him here. "Hello." he said in his deep voice. "I hope we didn't startle you. We mean you no harm. I am Kumai and this is my twin brother Songa." He swallowed shyly and then paused waiting to see her reaction. He then looked up at her eyes and his brow furrowed in shock as he spotted the fresh blood on her cheek. "You are wounded! What happened to you?" he asked.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Songa shoot him a clandestine glare. Kumai ignored it and proceeded to watch the lioness carefully. Songa did not always come across as friendly due to his reserved and cautious nature, but Kumai knew that underneath his caution around this lioness, he was just as concerned for her as Kumai was.

[Accalia]

Kivuli was unaware of the lions just past the bush and remained clam until she saw the face of a large male and she stared up at him completely frozen, her eyes wide as she stared at him perplexed. When the other male showed his face she slowly raised herself from the ground and backed up slightly as they stared at her. When they finally spoke she was amazed by how smooth his voice was and she relaxed a little. His voice was almost soothing and she decided she would trust them.

"Um... Hello.... It's, It's nice to meet you." she said quietly in her almost harmonic voice as she lessened her startled stance. She saw his eyes rest on her cheek and she covered it with her paw "It's uhhh nothing.... I have been running from some unsavoury lions..." she said quietly looking to the floor, the filtered light dancing on her blue eyes. She took a few steps closer to the two of them, shooting them the occasional fleeting glance as she said quietly "Do you belong to the pride that lives here?" she asked cautiously. She knew that if they did, then she would have to go to their leader and explain why she was crossing their border, forcing her to have another couple days delay on her journey.

She looked at the two of them and saw that Songa was the more reserved of the two and she slowly sat down, deciding to show them that she was slightly more relaxed and would be ok if they came closer.

[Mercy]

Songa felt awkward and uncomfortable in this situation. He didn't like meeting new people and was glad Kumai was handling the introductions. He was concerned for the lioness. It wasn't good for her to be alone, especially at her age. He sat down but kept his distance from the lioness who was starting to look like she had relaxed a bit. Kumai had that effect on others. His brother was kind and playful and it was something others seemed to sense. He wished he could have the same effect but decided it was better that one of them play the mother hen.

He watched as Kumai walked a bit closer to the lioness and sat down. He wished his brother would stay close to him. Kumai could certainly handle himself in a fight, he was a very strong lion, but it would always be better if he stayed near Songa.

"Oh no, we don't belong here at all. We're just passing through. We didn't even know there were prides around here. The woods seem to muffle all the sound. We haven't seen, heard, or smelled hide nor hair of any other lions until we came across your trail and decided to follow it. Right Songa?" Kumai explained and then chuckled to himself looking at his brother. Songa nodded and then shook his mane. He really needed to give himself a bath soon, he could see twigs and dirt had started to tangle his mane. "You'll have to excuse Songa. He really is nice. He just lost his tongue in a fight with a mouse." Kumai grinned and then turned back to look at the lioness to gauge her reaction to his joke.

Songa glared at his brother and rolled his eyes again. Kumai always made jokes when he saw a pretty female. Almost any female actually. He then spoke quietly to the lioness. "What is your name?" His voice was soft and quiet but deep like his brother's.

[Accalia]

Kivuli watched the pair of them carefully, her still adolescent appearing body slim as she sat before them. She however was a young adult and had barely enough time of peace to worry of her appearance. She had never really had time for that kind of thing, grooming just hadn't been a priority to her of late.

Kivuli looked up at Kumai as he walked closer and she gave him a small smile, a very small slit of her teeth showing as she did so. Kivuli could see how the other male resented his brothers movement towards her, or perhaps away from him she wondered.

She listened as Kumai explained why they were there. Kumai's chuckle was contagious and she let out a small giggle before going bright red in the cheeks and looking to the floor. She watched as the male shook his mane and she smiled as she watched the movement of it, it was quite fascinating really. She had barely ever been this relaxed when around other lions for a long time now, let alone males. She listened to Kumai apologise and she shook her head slightly as she smiled "I can tell, and I doubt either of you would loose a fight to a mouse." she said with a small giggle.

She turned to Songa when he spoke to her and looked to the ground "I'm Kivuli." she said in reply. She noticed how soft Songa's voice was and smiled she saw the differences and similarities between the two of them and found how caring they were.

There was a loud crash from behind the three of them and Kivuli jumped up. When she noticed it was nothing she flushed brightly and sat back down and said quietly "I'm sorry, I am quite jumpy..." she looked up at them, her ears turned backwards and she gave them an embarrassed smile. She had always been shy, but in her current situation she ad found even more reason to be over cautious and shy, meaning she was extremely quiet and jumpy.

[Mercy]

Kumai stiffened and he saw Songa pin his ears back at the crash behind Kivuli. He smiled to reassure her and was pleased to know that she had liked his joke. It hadn't been the best, but it was kind of her to laugh. He stood up. "Don't worry. We've been pretty jumpy lately too. I'm assuming you are not from the pride that lives here either then? Are you traveling?" He finished speaking and then looked up through the trees at the late afternoon sunshine. There was less light than before and the heat had let up a little. He shivered slightly at the oncoming night. He turned intently to look at Kivuli. 'We've just been wandering looking for adventures. It sounds silly, but it's a great way to meet new lions.. and lovely lionesses." he added slyly.

He saw Songa look up at the sky and laughed inwardly knowing that his brother was groaning at his flirting but was too polite to say anything. Kumai then flinched as his stomach rumbled. Embarrassed he turned away from the lioness and padded over to his brother before turning back to look at her. "If you are passing through this territory you are welcome join us as we pass through. Hehe, we didn't even know we were IN territory. Anyways, I'm hungry, and I'm sure Songa is too. You're welcome to come with us. If you want to of course. Maybe we can get something to eat when we leave this mystery pride's territory."

He flinched as he saw Songa lash his tail unhappily at the invitation. He knew his brother was upset at having a stranger in their midst, but he certainly wouldn't object to Kivuli joining. This lioness looked young, she could get in trouble if she didn't watch her step, and the brothers would happily watch her back while she watched her footing. He looked over at Songa and saw his brother give a slight smile to Kivuli. Well! He'd never seen his brother smile at a stranger before! This lioness could do his brother a world of good if she joined them.

[Accalia]

Kivuli watched how he smiled and how his lips curled in a particular way and she smiled back. "I am from a pride far away, I ran away. I am heading up north in hope to be safe." she said quietly but quickly. Kivuli followed his gaze up and smiled at the swirling colours of the sky and let out a satisfied sigh. When she felt his gaze on her she looked into his eyes, her own sparkling a little, she giggled and said shyly, "And I am sure you make all the ladies swoon." she smiled and turned to Songa who then laughed. His laugh vibrated within her and she gave hints of a smile. She then heard Kumai's stomach and giggled "adventures make hungry lions." as Kumai's walked back to his brother she stood up and listened to his suggestion, then looked to the floor thoughtfully "If it wouldn't be to much trouble I would be very grateful if you allowed me to come with you, I will hopefully not annoy you." she said with a nervous grin and taking a few steps towards them.

She leapt over the large bush between them gracefully and walked just in front of them "Just one thing... If we get caught then what will we do?" she asked cautiously, her eyes moving from Songa to Kumai slowly. She wanted to know what to do if they were seen by the night guard and whether fighting would be necessary. She pawed the ground gently and saw a flower and reached to pick it up, her movements soft and slow. She picked it and lifted it towards her face in her palm and smiled, it was a dull midnight blue that seemed to glow very faintly. She smiled down at it before placing it back on the ground before her feet and looking up at the two brothers, "ok so which way to adventure?" she said with a wide smile and a small skip in her step. This was going to be fun, she knew that, but at what expense, she knew there were always draw backs that came with adventure.

She looked down the trail to her right and all she saw were trees and the hard packed earth, but the other trail was much the same. She smiled up at the two brothers and began to walk down the way that they had suggested, she wanted to learn more about Songa, he was so quiet and reserved, yet so caring. She looked up at him, into his eyes, her own wide. Then she asked him quietly "Does your brother flirt with every girl he meets?" she was smiling and just hoped Kumai didn't over hear her. She had guessed that he did and that was why he was so good at talking, there were a whole lot of lionesses in the world, and she was just an insignificant shy one. She matched her stride to theirs as they continued on their journey and wondered what lay before them

[Mercy]

Songa laughed at Kivuli's jest and then summoned up the courage to talk to her. He took a deep breath before rumbling quietly, "I am sure you will not be a bother to either of us." He watched as she leapt over the bush and then continued in his modulated voice saying, "If we get caught you need not worry. We will fight and protect you if they attack, and if they don't we will flee. Or attempt to find a more diplomatic solution." He looked over at Kumai who was watching him with interest. His twin winked craftily at him and then moved aside to allow Kivuli to walk next to Songa. Kumai slowed down then and walked a few paces behind the two and Songa looked back over his shoulder discreetly and shot Kumai a dirty look while Kivuli started down the path. Songa started walking and he even attempted dragging his paws a bit so he wouldn't accidentally brush the lioness or match her stride.. He still felt self-conscious about his body, and he could be a bit clumsy with his broad, muscular shoulders and oversized paws. Dragging his paws didn't help him much though and soon his long legs brought him up beside her and then he felt it would be rude to try and go ahead of her. He hoped to avoid conversation. Most lions and lionesses avoided talking with him since he wasn't exactly humorous and was so serious. It didn't help that he wasn't gifted with conversation.

He about jumped out of his skin when she spoke to him shyly saying, "Does your brother flirt with every girl he meets?" He met her bright-eyed, smiling face warily and his brow furrowed thoughtfully. He nodded slightly and then turned to look ahead of them into the path. he paused for a few seconds trying to think of something clever to say and then spoke sotto voce, "He likes making others feel good. He is also a bit of a romantic." He looked back over his shoulder at Kumai again who immediately turned his head to make it look like he hadn't been eavesdropping. Songa flicked his tail smugly. Kumai loved hearing others private discussions, it was a terrible habit of his. He was always a dead giveaway though since he always had one ear cocked in the direction of those speaking.

He turned back to Kivuli and then gently said "If you would like I can tell him to stop. We don't want to make you uncomfortable." Of course, it would be hard for Kumai to stop immediately, but his brother had impeccable manners. Plus, he would do anything for a lioness.

[Accalia]

She absorbed his reply but added quietly "I don't need protection, I just need to know the plan." she smiled and flicked her tail, she knew that most other lionesses wouldn't stand a chance against a fully grown male, but seeing as she had been taught to do so she had no problem with it. It was more the working together part she would have problems with, she hadn't ever fought side by side with any one properly and had no idea how to do it successfully, she had never been taught.

As the brothers adjusted their positions around her she watched their interactions and she gave a silent giggle at the looks they exchanged. his reply didn't surprise her and she turned to look at Kumai who was obviously listening in on them. She watched how he did almost everything unnatural and laughed quietly as she turned back to Songa who suggested to ask him to stop and she shook her head softly "Every girl likes a bit of attention, and any way I wouldn't want him to ignore what his personality tells him to do." she said decisively.

She looked up at the path ahead and gave a slightly mischievous grin before turning to look at both of them and saying "Race you." before swivelling back around at full speed and zipping down the path towards an oversized tree trunk. She ran as fast as she couls, and seeing as her legs were still quite long and her step full of spring she wisped past the trees almost silently as she headed for her destination at high speeds. She smiled as she did so and looked back at Songa and Kumai who she hopped had followed.

[Mercy]

Kumai had been padding behind the two for what felt like ages now and had listened to a lot of their conversation, his hearing wasn't as good as Songa's, but he had heard the bits that mattered. Kivuli liked his attention! He perked up a little when she said that, not that he had been downcast before. He then paused midstep when she turned to look at both brothers, and then grinned mischievously saying, "Race you." before racing down the path towards a huge tree trunk that was some ways away. Songa turned back slowly to look at Kuma. He had his mouth hanging open and looked completely dumbfounded.

Kumai just shrugged. Then, suddenly he had an idea. He cocked an eye brow at Songa and swung his head from the left to the right. Songa smiled, and nodded with lively agreement. Kumai turned to the right of the path and Songa to the left. They vanished into the trees and then took off running alongside the path, hidden by tree trunks, bushes, and brush. They quickly caught up to Kivuli but remained running next to her. The brothers were absolutely silent, and Kumai was impressed that Kivuli was so silent as well. Kivuli eventually reached the tree trunk, and the brothers stopped at the edge of the clearing surrounding the tree trunk. Kivuli looked back down the path panting and smiling, then her smiling eyes quickly turned puzzled as she peered down the path looking for the brothers.

Kumai looked through the brush and spotted Songa's keen stare. He opened his mouth and stepped through the bushes hiding him, and seconds later Songa appeared on the other side. Laughing, the brothers watched as Kivuli's emotions went from shock to embarrassment to glee.

[Accalia]

When Kivuli reached the trees she turned around smiling, her long fur windblown, her eyes wide and awake. She smiled as she watched the path for a while. They weren't that far behind were they? she asked herself. She watched for a few more long moments before her face became furrowed with puzzlement. She turned her head and did a small circle, her eyes searching for the brothers.

She heard the shuffle of undergrowth and quickly turned her head to the place that it came from only to see Songa emerging from the bushes, she looked to the other edge of the clearing, the smiling face of Kumai looking back at her. Her face was shocked as she watched them come closer. How could she have been so silly. She gave an embarrassed giggle and looked to the ground, her cheeks lightly red as she felt stupid for her capability of not seeing them. She watched Kumai's smiling face and smiled back, she was beginning to feel more comfortable around the brothers and was becoming more outgoing around them. She laughed and gave a wide smile to them both.

When they were all together Kivuli giggled and said with a slight laugh "How did you go so fast?" she looked up at them both, her appearance slightly scrawny. Her eyes buzzed with an alive energy as she smiled and rocked back and forth on the balls of her paws. It had been a long time since she had relaxed enough to have fun.

[Mercy]

Songa let out a small laugh and grinned at Kivuli. Her fur was windblown and her eyes were bright. He swallowed and smiled softly. He reached out a long foreleg and dangled his oversized paw. "We are both large lions, but are legs and paws are even larger... and longer. It took a bit of time to get used to growing up." He stood up to his full height and swatted his tail back and forth in an attempt to show her what he meant. Kumai cocked an eyebrow at him and laughed. Songa wrinkled his nose at him. I am NOT showing off idiot. he thought to himself."It is true, we are both very big lions. Our parents were big as well." Kumai snickered and then stood up to his full height and paraded up beside Songa showing off his trim, muscular shoulder. THAT is showing off. Songa frowned. He sat down and then looked down the path. The forest was ending! The path clearly led out into the savannah! Were those....zebra? He stood back up and walked a short distance away from the two. Definitely zebra...and those small forms looked like gazelle! He licked his lips. They hadn't eaten in two days. It was about time for his brother...and Kivuli to get some food.

He padded back to the two and nudged Kumai. "Our next meal is that way. Would you prefer zebra or gazelle?" he said, the last part aimed at Kivuli. He watched as Kumai wandered down the path to look where his brother had directed him. "I don't see anything.." he called back. Songa smirked. His brother might have a good nose, but he could not compete with Songa in terms of hearing and sight. "Use your nose then! " he said to Kumai who inhaled deeply. His brother's eyes widened and he licked his lips as he turned to stare back at Kivuli and Songa. The fire of the hunt lit his eyes and matched the growing flame in Songa's. The dark-maned lion turned back to look at Kivuli and said, "Well? Gazelle or zebra?"

[Accalia]

She giggled at his big paws and long legs and as he stood up tall she was able to see just how large he really was. She looked up at him and then turned to his brother as he talked then watched as she walked along side Songa, his way of showing his muscular body very different from Songa's way. She sat down in front of the two of them just as Songa did. As he got up and walked down the path kivuli turned around and tried to see what Songa was so interested in, all she saw was the end of the forest and she rather liked the thick trees and green sunlight. However as he mentioned food she smiled and her mind and stomach begged for the chance to have a fresh meal.

She began to think, she had no idea whether she would like Gazelle or zebra, she watched as Songa attempted to show Kumai the food that he could see with ease, yet his brother could only smell. She saw the aliveness of the hunt beginning to brew in both of their eyes and gave a small, delicate smile, her own eyes flickering, but cool with the slyness of a fox. She gave the simple answer of "Zebra." as it had been quite a while since she had eaten zebra, and figured it had more meat on it. She gave a small sideways grin and sped down the path.

As the line of trees opened up into the hot savannah she smiled, the long grass brushing against her soft fur. The two herds of prey loomed closer and she shrank down into the grass. Her eyes hunted through the zebra herd for the old or lame, the young would not feed all three of them. She spotted a larger male with a slight limp, it wouldn't be easy, but with both Songa and Kumai she figured it wouldn't cause any fatalities.

[Mercy]

Kumai crouched down and slunk down the path and closed his eyes as he felt the heat of the sun on his back as he entered the brilliantly lit savannah. The shade of the forest had dulled his senses and he felt much more alert in the open air. He blinked open his eyes and attempted to focus on the hunt. A breeze rustled through the tall grasses and he spotted Kivuli slightly ahead of him. He crept up along her left side and then turned to his right and saw Songa through the grass in the distance. He turned back to Kivuli and followed her gaze. Aha! She had already found a weak zebra! It was a large male with a small limp in his hind leg. The zebra seemed to be very pained by his leg as he held it off of the ground and only stepped hesitantly on it before yanking it back up in the air. Kumai narrowed his gleaming eyes and crouched even lower into the grass. He slowly padded away from Kivuli and watched as Songa moved a little closer to the herd, he was nearer the weak male and Kumai believed he had seen their target.

[Accalia]

She felt the presence of Kumai behind her, but was unable to spot Songa amongst the long grass, however she assumed he was close by.

She nodded and presumed Kumai understood which zebra she meant. She watched him as he slunk closer to the herd. She would await Kumai to begin the chase, once he herded the animal close enough or became weak or exhausted, which she highly doubted, then she would join the chase and if Songa was close enough he would to join at this point. With three lions, two of them being large males, the zebra didn't have much of a chance. He might not even be able to give a chase, he didn't seem comfortable with walking and he would need to run as fast as he ever has if he were to temporarily avoid Kumai's jaws. After thinking it over that was the most probable thing to happen, he was injured on his back leg, meaning he would only be able to kick with one leg and be unable to rear, his life had already been taken in theory, it was just time to carry out the plan.

[Mercy]

Songa paused as he shifted his footing, noticing how a small female zebra looked up and tilted her ears as she stared into the blazing grass which creaked and rustled in the hot breeze. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Kumai and Kivuli slowly inched towards the herd. He followed their intense stares and spotted what had caught their interest. An injured male zebra! He would be plenty for the three of them. The zebra had even started to move towards the edge of the herd where there was a slight patch of grass that looked a bit more green. Songa felt himself growing more tense as he felt the heat of the hunt rise in his veins. He pinned his ears back and was about to leap forward towards the zebra. He knew Kumai and Kivuli were on the other side, but he had to rein himself in to keep from starting the hunt too soon. He flicked his tail eagerly but kept the motion small and near the ground to keep from arousing any of the other animals attention. He glared at his brother. What was Kumai waiting for? He was the one closest to the zebra, therefore he should be the one to start the hunt. The zebra had reached the pat ch of grass and was contentedly munching away. A mother and calf joined him. Kumai had crept closer..and closer....

[Accalia]

Kivuli watched with narrowed eyes and took silent movements as she crept ever closer to the unsuspecting zebra that would soon fall prey to the tree of them. Her eyes burned with hunger, her veins alive with energy her mind buzzing with preemptive excitement. She nose twitched slightly as she felt the smell of the zebra flowing intensely through her body and fuelling her hunger. She watched, taking a slow step towards the edge of her cover, the zebra lowered his head, his eyes still focused on the world around him, he most likely knew he was in danger, a injury like that would most likely mean death. If lions had not spotted him when hunting then he may get left behind, simply just not fast enough to keep up with the rest of the herd and end up exhausted as well as injured, in which case he would more likely be killed then not, or he could just be the intended target from the start, like now.

Her ear flickered instinctively as a fly landed on it and she watched Dye out of the corner of her eye as he to crept closer. Kumai inched closer and closer until he had almost no cover left to travel. Her eyes quickly moved between Kumai and their prey, her tail swaying slightly. Why was he risking going when the prey wanted to instead of choosing himself? She thought to herself, but awaited his initial chase anyway. The zebra lifted his head to scan the area, his ears constantly swivelling, trying to hear potential predators, but he obviously was unable to hear them as he soon, reluctantly lowered his head to continue feeding. The mother and calf beside him seemed much less on edge, feeding without hesitation, there wouldn't be green grass like that for much longer, the dry season was coming.

[Mercy]

Kumai hesitantly placed his paw down on the dusty earth and then fully extended his needle sharp black claws. His mouth hung open tasting the air. The zebra was feeding slightly away from the herd, with a mother and calf beside him. His leg was held aloft in the air but he fed contentedly after scanning the area. The zebra took one small, limping step further away from the herd and the hunt was on. Kumai leapt out of the tall grass that had given him cover and raced across the plains. His leaps covered a wide range and he practically flew down the slight incline towards his prey. Thump...parum-parum-parum.......thump. His giant paws pounded on the ground as he made contact with each bound. The wounded male was instantly up and attempted to flee, bleating in panic. The mother and calf turned on their heels and galloped off with the herd that was thundering away from the hunters. The male zebra stumbled, but continued to try and keep up with the herd, though he quickly fell behind. Dust rose in heavy clouds that irritated Kumai's eye but he kept a close watch on his target. He was almost there. He leaped and opened his gaping jaws. He stretched out his front legs and watched as the zebra flung it's head up to avoid his assault. It screamed when Kumaitackled it. It was much bigger close up. His claws dug into the animal's flesh and Kumai grabbed the back of it's neck with his teeth. The zebra cried out but somehow managed to keep itself up under Kumai's huge form. It's young! That's why it can stay up. Kumai realized as he tasted the tender, lean muscles. The bloodlust was upon him and Kumai snarled as he clung to the bucking form. He looked up without releasing his grip when Songa leaped upon the zebra's other side. Kumai watched as his brother's massive form pushed the animal to the ground. Blood sprayed up as Songa pierced the skin with a growl of triumph.

[Accalia]

Kivuli watched Kumai as he leaped across the dry grass, his massive body stretching and contracting as he ran. She gave a slight smile and sped off behind him, Songa was close to follow. She remained low to the ground, her body stretching out to make as large a step as possible. She was almost like a bullet as she flew over the slightly inclining terrain. She watched as the male hobbled his way to keep up with the herd, but as Kumai neared he was loosing stamina. She was expressionless as she sped up beside Kumai, she leapt up the huge zebra's side and gripped her long claws into his side, a light growl coming from her throat. This male was young, injured but young. His skin was thick and she was able to grip onto his side with only slight difficulty. She opened her mouth wide and sunk her gleaming teeth into its side, the smooth taste of blood flowing over her tongue. Her mind made the full conversion and she was fully submerged within the hunt. Her claws dug deep into his muscles and as he tumbled to the ground she went down with it. She got up gracefully and took a step back, her eyes slowly returning to normal, the fire within them gradually fading, her pupils returning to normal size. She turned to see Songa standing beside her, the victory of the kill spread across his face. She giggled and wiped the quickly drying blood from her mouth with her paw. She took another step backwards and sat down, she would let the brothers eat their fill first. She smiled at each of the brothers with her polite and reserved grin and curled her tail around her feet. "that was fun!" She exclaimed, her body still buzzing, even though the fire from her eyes had dimmed.
She took in a long whiff of the surrounding air and smelt something alive. She got up, her face puzzled. She continued to walk towards the smell and saw a small calf with a leg trapped within a small pit of tar. It had been to far away and secluded for them to see over the slope but there the calf was, his eyes wide with fear as it bleated for its mother or help. She felt her stomach rumble, but for some reason felt no need to kill the calf, they would continue walking and would not want to drag it along. She watched it carefully, if one of the brothers followed she would ask them what to do, but if not then she would most likely simply walk back without the calf dead. She didn't like to see the calf and think of it as a lion, they had just killed his father and he had lost his herd, he was stuck I front of a deadly predator who could easily kill him. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in, she had no idea what to do.

[Mercy]

Songa sunk his teeth deep into the zebra's flesh and clutched the quivering form with his massive paws. As the life slowly ebbed from the body he released the kill from his jaws and raised his head to look at his companions...he shook his head surprised at himself. Kivuli was a comrade now, she was their companion. He looked across the zebra's body to see Kumai staring at the female with glowing eyes. Songa narrowed his eyes at his brother's intense stare and flicked his tail thoughtfully. Kumai could become very taken with a lioness id he was impressed with her skills in battle. He warily turned to look at Kivuli only to find himself lost in her shy grin. Her head was lowered respectfully and Songa felt as though his heart had grown in size. He swallowed nervously and turned away from her back to the kill. "You need not wait for us to eat Kivuli." he said after a pause. "We all had an equal part in this hunt. We will all have an equal share. Take what you like.." he trailed off as he heard paw steps leading away from him. He flicked his ears back in her direction only to see Kumai get up and follow the young lioness. He turned to watch his twin and Kivuli climb a small slope and stand still upon reaching the peak. Songa listened, hoping to find out what had distracted them from such a succulent meal...was that sound...a baby zebra! Songa turned back to look at the kill. He couldn't just leave their meal alone, besides they had already caught their prey. He warily turn back to the slope and called up to the two. "What are you two so interested in? Our dinner is over here."

[Accalia]

Kivuli's ears flickered to face where she had come from, surprised to see Kumai there. She watched his eyes with a soft gaze before looking to the zebra cub. Their cubs looked so much like their parents, simply smaller, lion cubs were much more attractive. She looked between the two and heard Songa's call flow towards them, she had always been bad at shouting, but she tried, "I want to see what it is." Her mouth was spread as far as it would go, which want very far, her voice echoing towards Songa, she had no idea whether or not he heard her, but she would hurry back as soon as she had decided what to do with the cub.

Her eyes fell back on Kumai, her eyes momentarily amazed by the way his mane moved with the wind, she noticed she was staring and blushed before looking into his eyes and saying softly  "What should we do about it?" She gestured to the zebra cub with a slight movement of her paw. They had enough food to last as it was and there was no need to kill it meaninglessly. She slowly walked towards the small animal, its eyes flared with fear and it yelped out at her. Kivuli moved slowly and pressed up against it with her side, the zebra's leg slowly coming free from the tar. She would let it out, and if kumai decided to hunt it down then she would be to upset. She turned to look at Kumai as she pushed the zebra slowly from the tar, her eyes were calculating his decision, after all they were a group now and they all needed to mostly agree on the decisions they made as individuals.

[Mercy]

Kumai watched carefully as Kivuli slowly helped the young zebra out of the tar pit. The tiny creature whinnied fearfully and then cantered off after the herd. Kumai followed it with his head and then turned back to look at Kivuli who was staring at him intently. "What you did not actually think I was going to kill it did you? He asked, feigning offense. He placed a paw over his chest. "I'm shocked! I'm not that heartless!" he cried before pivoting to look down the slope at Songa who was contentedly munching on a leg of zebra. He laughed as Songa finished off the leg and then chose a choice selection of rib. His brother was a huge eater and Kumai felt a growl rise in his throat as he felt the hunger gnawing at his stomach. "Let's get back down there. We can't let him have that whole thing for himself!" Kumai urged Kivuli with a smile. He leapt down the small dusty hill and skidded to a stop in front of his brother who eyed him disdainfully with his mouth full. Kumai snickered to himself. Songa liked to appear intimidating while eating but he really just looked arrogant. Kumai slowly cocked one arching eyebrow at Kivuli and let his mouth droop a bit in imitation of Songa. He let his tail rise up high and then haughtily padded over towards the kill. He paraded in front of Songa with his head held so far off the ground that he failed to notice Songa reach out and lay his massive foreleg in front of his foot. Kumai stumbled a bit and the show was over. Embarrassed, he turned to shoot a look that could kill at his slightly older brother but Songa had turned away from him innocently.

Kumai turned to look at Kivuli and laughed. "It's not my fault he doesn't have my share of humor. He lacks my perfect comedic timing." He smiled at her and then shook his head. The short locks at the front of his mane usually curled back, but now they fell a bit in front of his face. He moved closer to the kill and looked back at the lioness. "Come now, let's eat. Make your pick! Haunch, rib, there's plenty."

[Accalia]

Kivuli giggled as he over reacted and bashed her side into his playfully, a small smile on her maw. She followed Kumai's gaze and watched as Songa took th last mouthful of the carcasses leg. She smiled and then looked up at Kumai, she gave a wide smile. She stretched her long legs out in front of her as she raced over the incline with joy as she sped along side the huge male that was Kumai.

She skidded to a halt, very nearly colliding with Songa, luckily she didn't. She blushed slightly and took a few steps backwards, her eyes watching Kumai as he imitated Songa and in turn stumbled over his large outstretched paw. She laughed and saw the way Songa gave Kumai an innocent smile and continued to laugh. She giggled at Kumai's response and said with a shy smile "I'm sure he has his ways." She smiled back at Kumai and followed him to the carcass side and giggled "Hmm, maybe... No, surprise me!" She said with a smile. She awaited Kumai to pick what to give her and when he handed it to her she giggled and accepted it with a short smile. She began by taking small mouthfuls but she couldn't withhold from filling her stomach for long. She began to take larger mouthfuls, her stomach slowly filling as she consumed the succulent, fresh meat.

After several moments of silence from Kivuli she finally felt her stomach to be full enough to not fully focus on eating the meat. She looked to Kumai and smiled slightly, "Thank you for letting me join you. You could have easily killed me, and yet you didn't. Why?" She asked half to herself half to them. She felt as if she had known them for much more then a day, and yet she hadn't. Her question was one that happened to join the statement, she wanted to thank them but the fact to why they helped her also was a question on her mind. She had known few to be so kind as to do that, and they were amount the few. However, she hadn't known many other lions well, she had known plenty before she escaped, so many unsavoury characters and ones shed rather forget. Kivuli knew that her past would always haunt her though, it was filled with horror and spite. She had always been strong of will, and that was the single, only thing that pulled her through her adolescent years.

Kivuli resumed to munch on her share of the carcass as they sat there, healthy, full and safe.

[Mercy]

(OOC: Oh my goodness! So sorry I haven't posted! I've been super busy.)

Songa gave a small laugh as Kumai stumbled over his outstretched paw and then turned slightly away from his...companions. He gripped the sleek rib bone in-between his paws and gnawed it half-heartedly. He watched the horizon and was troubled by his feelings. He did not have experience with lionesses. He had been approached by them..and had formed many friendships and some..close friendships. But it had been many months since he had had feelings for one. He didn't know how he felt. Kivuli was intriguing. With her sparkling eyes, her smile, not to mention her manners. Manners were hard to come by these days. He couldn't sort out his feelings. He could handle battle, problem-solving, and other lions, leave it to his emotions to be his undoing. He swallowed the last bit of meat on the bone and continued to nibble at the succulent marrow.

Then there were Kumai's feelings to consider. His brother was obviously taken with the lioness, but he had yet to see if his brother's actions were the result of actual feelings and motivation, or rather simple flirtations. Kumai was almost always flirtatious with lionesses. The only time he had ever seen Kumai truly head over heels had been with.....her. The quiet lioness who could scarcely meet Kumai's gaze without blushing. The quiet lioness who had taken care of the elders of their pride. The quiet lioness who had given up her share of food for the cubs when they had lost track of the herds. The quiet lioness who, after they had gotten to know her, had revealed herself to be one of the most genuinely funny lionesses he had ever known. The quiet lioness who.. Songa sucked in a breath and looked to the sky.

"Why didn't we kill you? Well, you are beautiful for one." Songa flicked his ears back towards his brother and listened to Kivuli's tinkling laugh. "Truly, we did not kill you because you were all alone. You would be no threat to us, no offense. Besides, we do not prefer killing. Not unless there is strong motivation to do so." Songa needed air. He needed space. He needed to be with himself. He stood up quickly and and turned slightly to look down at his brother and the lioness. A warm breeze kicked up and ruffled his dark mane. It's thick curls whipped in his face and rippled and wove together in the air. He felt solemn and troubled and tense. "Kumai. I'm going walking for a bit. Call it scouting. I will be back sometime during the night." He risked looking at Kivuli and felt his stomach knot when he met her eyes. "Don't wait up for me." He rumbled and turned away. He padded slowly up the rocky slope and felt the late after noon sun on his face. The wind rushed past him again and Songa took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and inhaled the rush of air, filling his lungs up completely. It would be sunset soon. He turned and looked back down towards his brother and Kivuli, though he was nothing but a black silhouette to them, and then padded away, his shadow stretched out behind him as though a burden of the night had attached itself to his shoulders. His dark form slowly disappeared over the golden hill, which seemed to burn when the sun hit the dry, waves of grass.

[Accalia]

((OOC: OMFG I DIDNT POST MY REPLY!!!! OMG DX I feel so bad ))

Kivuli blushed at his reply and gave a light giggle. She smiled at Kumai, but as Songa stood her attention turned to him and she watched as his mane swirled in the wind and framed his face. As he announced he was leaving Kivuli was very tempted to insist that she follow him, she wanted to know what had made him have this sudden urge for space. However she figured that if he needed space then it would most likely be best if no one trailed after him. She could resist smiling at him though when he looked upon her. She watched him as he walked away and once he was little more than a swirling black speck against the trees she turned to Kumai.

"Why does Songa act so distant?" She asked quietly, it was confusing to her that such a strong and intelligent male would feel a need to have distance like her at times. She showed her confusion across her face as she looked into Kumais face, his strong features silhouetted against the slowly setting sun. Then slowly she added "I think you should go after him, even if you don't talk, go give him company." She didn't want him to be alone and she figured that he would be more willing to have his brother sitting with him than he would a near stranger.

She rubbed her eyes and gave a long stretch as the days ordeals finally hit her and she had a need for rest. She grabbed the bone she had eaten clean and began to nibble at the marrow gently, awaiting Kumai's response to her question. She let out a small exhale of air and then looked up to the orange sky, her eyes reflecting the light, causing them to become a peculiar blend of blue and yellow. She allowed her thoughts to wonder and she had almost forgotten about her past as her current feelings had overwhelmed them.

[Mercy]

(OOC: No worries!! We've all been busy! Sorry this post is so short. )

Kumai watched as Songa slowly padded up the golden hill and then disappeared. He sighed and turned back to Kivuli. Well, we are quiet by nature. Songa just turned out to be the slightly more serious one. He likes getting time to himself." He swallowed another mouthful of meat and then continued slowly. "Songa isn't very good at conversation, and he is...vulnerable...to lionesses." He watched her curiously to see how she reacted to that statement. His eyes softened as he watched her face, her beautiful eyes swirling with hues of gold and blue. He knew Songa liked Kivuli..but what about his own feelings? Didn't they matter?

He turned back to look at the hill where Songa had been standing and then spoke again saying, "I would go after him but I've learned not to. He will be back soon. You need not fear for his safety."

[Accalia]

Kivuli gave a small nod and smile at his explanation of Songa. As he further explained at how he wasn't so good at conversation and how he was vulnerable to lionesses. She gave a short giggle and blushed slightly. She had noticed how he was quiet and preferred to keep his distance from her, but had never really questioned why. He gave him a soft smile and closed her eyes as the evening light splayed across her body, warming her and filling her with life. She nodded mad giggled ever so slightly at his statement 'I do not feel as if I need to worry for either of your safety. You seem perfectly capable to care for yourself! I just feel as if being alone can be rather lonely from time to time, even if you do have your own company. That's all." she smiled and placed the bone back onto the ground, a large yawn causing her to stretch her mouth open and squint her eyes shut. She giggled and apologised, she had never seen herself yawn, but it didn't feel like much of an attractive face when she did yawn. However she had always apologised after yawning, it just felt like the right thing to do.

All of a sudden a question formulated in her mind and she looked to Kumai before asking, "Have the pair of you ever fallen in love? It's probably not my place to ask, I'm sure two lions as handsome as you probably have.. I'm just curious.." as soon as she had asked she regretted doing so, her face had lit up and her cheeks were a mesh of red and grey as she stared at the green and orange grass beneath her paws. She had never actually fallen in love before she had never really thought about it very much. Once she had escaped she had just focused on staying alive, there wasn't really much capability of her finding love back then, she had never really wanted it after her family died.

[Mercy]

Kumai smiled at the young lioness as she spoke of her confidence in he and Songa's capabilities. What she said was true. It could get rather lonely. But he and his brother were a coalition. A team. They planned to find loves, and then rule their prides together jointly. It was not all that uncommon. They both enjoyed solitude however, and that made their wandering lifestyle enjoyable and yet also, more difficult. For they didn't like leaving each others company, although it was necessary at times.

He stiffened slightly at her question on love. He pushed away the bone he had been gnawing and stood up. He padded over to a slight cleft in the hill Songa had climbed over, his muscular form graceful in the evening shade. The earth was cool under his feet and would make a comfortable den for the night. Soft grass caressed his form as he settled into the makeshift den. There was more than enough room for all three lions. He lifted his noble head and looked at Kivuli, a distant look in his eyes. "I have been in love. I knew a lioness once from our birth pride. We were never close friends growing up, I thought she was below me in terms of blood rank." He sighed and looked up into the evening stars. "My eyes were opened when I became an official prince of my birth pride with my brother. I found her kind and clever and beautiful. So much so that i stumbled over my words when I was with her. I was like a lovestruck cub." He chuckled wistfully. "Her name was Lorna. She was the daughter of a rogue who had recently joined our pride, which was one of the lowest ranks our pride carried. But I adored her so. And then I learned she felt the same." His thick golden mane rippled slightly in the cool night air. "I was desperately protective of her. She was so brave and young. For you see, she was crippled at birth. She sickened and died before I could even claim her as my Queen." He allowed the silence to stretch or a bit after he had finished. "But enough about me. I'm not sure why I shared such a sad story with you. have you ever known love?" he said thoughtfully as he swallowed the lump in his throat.

---

Songa walked slowly through the evening. His heavy paws thudded on the ground and he relaxed as he felt his muscles ease their tension. Walking soothed his nerves and his mind as well. He slowed after walking for many minutes. The moon was high in the night sky when he finally turned back to his brother and Kivuli. Kivuli. Such a lovely lioness. He had only known her for one day though. He must get to know her better. But how? He could barely speak to her without feeling his limbs tremble and his voice choke. He sighed. And then there was Kumai to consider. Kumai was his brother and he should respect his brother's feelings.