*Prides Of The Savannah*

[Pulsar]

Pulsar junted backward when Kata appeared in front of him.
Blast she caught me off guard....
He quickly recomposed himself as so to not show weakness.

He let her finish before he went to speak, but, as she spoke something in him clicked.
When he had been dealing with her he felt odd, like something about Kata was out of place. At that instant he knew.

He sighed as he lowered his head and shook it ever so slightly.
"I'm sorry Katakasha....."
Slowly his head rose up till his eyes looked straight into hers. The expression in his was one of near blankness, if it wasn't for the faint sense of pain they showed.

At that point he had to turn his head away from her, and clenched his eyes shut. As if he couldn't bring himself to look at her.
"You're new found attitude over the years goes well with my brothers... maybe you will be his undoing..."
As he finished his sentence he started walking past her.

"Forgive me Kata, if I had know you'd turn into this lioness... i would have done more to help..... I've failed you..."
His voice whispered the words as he slowly walked past her.
The walk itself being as though he was carrying a burden on his shoulders.

He had nothing more to say to her, nothing more he could say... there was clearly things she had forgotten or never knew... But what difference would it make if she knew them now?...

"Do what you will with my brother... I leave his faith in your paws, a fitting price for what he did..."
With that Pulsar walked away from Kata, leaving her standing there. What she did was her choice now.

[Kirsui]

Katakasha's confidence vanished as soon as she heard Pulsar's words. Suddenly her expression had changed from that devilish look into one of great confusement. It was as if the killer lioness she was had suddenly dissappeared and a glimpse of that innocent adolescent she once had been had appeared.

She stood there, staring, surprised, shocked... Pulsar was already walking away, clearly not speaking more. Kata blinked her eyes rapidly, a fight withing her raged. Should she walk off or...?

"Wait...! WAIT!"

The black lioness turned around, trotting after Pulsar. Wihtout herself noticing it, she had retracted her claws, something she rarely did. And as she reached him, a questioning expression was on her face.
"You... What...?"
Suddenly, she didn't know what to say. She shut her mouth, re-arranging her thoughts. This was not like her, to be confused and not able to speak out what she had in her mind.
"Care to explain what you just said...?"

[Lorien]

Gargoroth listened as the two females spoke, mentally kicking himself for bringing Tefnut to such a difficult situation with his words. He should have thought about what he was saying before it had been said. Shaking his head only slightly, he closed his eyes. A smile came to his face, the relief and feeling of being the leader of a pride overwhellming any doubt he may have had. After a moment, his eyes opened again and he looked toward the Otana lands...Surely they would comply with talks of peace. Then...there would be no more war, no more suffering...no more bloodshed. A satisfied sigh escaped him as he took a few steps in that direction.

"I am going to go find those in charge and discuss peace terms." Gargoroth's head swung back, looking at the two females. "Tefnut, if you will join me?" He then nodded to Cova, the smile still on his face. "If you would, Cova...I would like for you to stay here and keep an eye out. Let the rest of the pride know that the war should be over soon...that Legacy's reign of terror has ended and my reign of peace has begun." With that, he turned his head back toward the Otana lands and began walking, knowing that Tefnut would follow soon after.
____________

Kiala listened intently as Fire told her of his plan. She nodded as he said that she should come with her. As they ran through the thick foliage, she kept an eye out for Tefnut...or worse, for Legacy.

As they searched to no avail, the dark grey female called out. "Fire! I dont think she's in the forrest." The last time she had seen the hybrid was when she had left from the tree to take a walk. This didn't mean that Tefnut wasn't here, but Kiala didn't like being in the forrest. She had a feeling that something else was here instead...something she really didn't want to run into anytime soon.

[Fire]

Fire had perked his ears when Kiala was yelling to him, slowing his running down and waiting for Kiala to catch up. It was a bad thing that Tef was missing. She always is gone at the time that she is needed. Nothing's changed since we were little... He thought with a small smirk in his mind and then looked over to Kiala. "Do you have any idea where she might have gone, then?"

He didn't ask her this question in a way that was insulting. It was sincere.. since most, if not all, of the lives of the prides depended on that one liopardess.. And now he was slowly starting to begin to understand what Tef was going through... He was the first target... He was the predator's goal..

[Lorien]

When Fire slowed down, Kiala did so as well. She panted little, having been used to running. Her endurance was something to wonder at, and it helped when she was on the hunt.

"I'm not sure...where she might be." The dark-grey lioness looked to the foliage covered ground. "I just don't like being in here...I don't feel safe." Looking back up, Kiala's eyes quickly found Fire's. Direct eye contact was something that she rarely accomplished, always too timid to look someone straight in the eyes. "I think we'd have a better chance in the savannah...It's a gut feeling I have."

[Deleted]

Kamaria looked around. She didn't really know where she was going, so she turned to the cub, hoping she might know.

"Kisima, darling. Would you happen to know your way around here? Like, which way you and Fire came from to get here in the first place?"

The panthioness raised her brow down at the gorgeous little black furred cub.

Kisima stared up at the panthioness, her eyes widened, as usual.

"Umm. I think we came from that way."

She replied motioning in the direction that they had come.

"Alright then. That way we go. You lead the way Kisima"

And with that the panthioness started to pad off after Kisima, the cub trotting along the path infront of them. All of a sudden Kisima came to a halt as she saw some lions infront of them. They were far away, but close enough to be seen by the pair.

"Kammy... who are they?"

(ooc: no idea who the lions are. So anyone can take up this.)

[Pulsar]

Pulsar's head turned slowly so that it could be seen from the side, his eyes however were aimed at the ground, and grief was set on his face.
"It was a long time ago..."
He turned his head a bit more and looked at her.
"But......."
What are you doing Pulsar... she doesn't remember...
"You don't remember...."
Turning his head back he slowly began walking again. That was, he walked for a foot or two before he stopped once more.
"Let's just say..."
As he looked back at her once more his mane swayed in the light breeze that blew past.
"You weren't always the lioness you are today... Lady Katakasha...."
He smiled faintly at her, as if remembering something nice.

[Kirsui]

Tefnut nodded as a reply to Gargoroth. Surely, she would go with him to discuss with the Otanas. As the liopardess followed him, she thought who exactly would they have to talk to. She wasn't so sure anymore of who exactly was the leader of Otana. The last time she had heard of him was that he was weak and dying.

Which would mean, they wouldn't have a chanse to talk directly tothat leader, if he still existed. It would leave the ones she knew from Otana. Fire, Kiala...
She sighed faintly.
It was then when a slight movement caught her attention. Tef lifted her head up, gazing at the direction of the movement. Her eyes narrowed, she could see a small cub and full grown... lioness? Tef wasn't sure of the bigger feline's species, it was as if there had been a bit of panther in her... And oddly enough, the cub looked familiar, even though Tef wasn't sure why.
"Gargoroth..." she said quietly, still gazing at the direction of the two other felines.

---

Katakasha remained still, having an expression of pure confusement. Pulsar knew her name, her full name. And yet, where did that "lady" come from? She had no idea, she didn't even remember seeing this lion before!
But had she just forgotten seeing him? Kata had always thought she had a good memory, but...

"I don't quite understand..." she muttered.
Surely, she knew she hadn't always been like she was now. But it had been a long time ago, before her pride had been killed.

She wanted to growl in frustration of not understanding. She wanted to run away, forget what she had heard.
But Pulsar had caught her curiosity, and it kept her where she was.

[Fire]

Fire nodded over to Kiala and realized that she was right. However, there was one more person that might want to know about this information. He was kind of shaky in doing this, but it would definitely change the events around for maybe the better of them.

He started heading in the direction of what he thought would be where Gargoroth was. The last he had heard from him was that he actually was trying to make peace with the lands. Thank god someone finally used that organ in their heads, which of course, was the brain. 'Come on, Kiala. We need to talk with someone..." He called out.

*******************************************************************

When he had been running and looking for him, he had caught Gargoroth just crossing the border between the Jahina and the Otana lands. Finally..., he thought to himself. He ran over to the lion and came up so that he was within the lion's eye of sight. "Gargoroth! We need to talk!..."

After he had ran up to the lion, he took a moment to regain his breath before saying what he had to say. "Gargoroth.. The war is not over.. Legacy.. He's alive." And soon, he realized just who was with him when he said this. Not far off, Tefnut was examining something in the forest. Hopefully, she didn't hear what he said..

[Deleted]

Kamaria watched the pair infront of her but quickly flung her head around as she heard a familiar voice shouting something about Gargaroth, A war and a Legacy. The panthioness frowned at the male, still angry that he had just run off and left Kisima. She stromed off in the direction of the small group he was now with, Kisima planted on her back. Once she reached the group she stood there silently, glaring at Fire.

"Decided to come back for Kisima, did you?"

She simply stood there glaring at him, waiting for a reply. Ignoring everyone else unless they spoke to her.

Kisima just sat there on Kamarias back, staring at Tefnut with a weak smile. She didn't even move, just sat there, not speaking, not moving. Simply smiling weakly at the familiar face infront of her.

[Fire]

Decided to come back for Kisima, did you?

His body fell through terror as he heard these words from the panthioness. He held his head down for a moment to show that he was sorry for what he had done and showing the shame that he wanted to show.

He walked over to Kamaria and then sat himself down. "It's a long story.. I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to get caught up in all this... But.. Since there's no point in keeping it away from you.. There's a war going on.. And we thought that it had calmed down.. But.. It looks like it's just beginning.."

[Lorien]

Just as Gargoroth had turned his attention to the female and the cub, Fire burst out of the jungle, yelling at the blue male. He frowned slightly and stood where he was, letting the red maned lion come to him. He noticed also that Kiala was following behind. Sitting upon his large haunches, Gargoroth's frown grew worse at what Fire had to say to him. So the ruthless leader had made it through that fight with Mino. Gargoroth wished it had been the other who had faired the better.

With a deep sigh, Gargoroth closed his eyes, bringing his paw to his head. "This is grave news." Shaking his head, he looked at the group. He did not recognize the two who had just come up, but it seemed that Fire did, seeing how he went over to apologize for something. Gargoroth turned to Tefnut and then sighed again. "Looks like ending this war will be a lot harder than I thought."

_______
Kiala rushed behind Fire, not sure what she had gotten herself into. Sure, she had sort of 'bonded' with the large blue male before, but now her terror was coming back to her. What if he wasn't friendly anymore? Taking this in mind, she cowered slightly behiind Fire when they reached Gargoroth and Tefnut. Yet, when Fire went to talk to the other female, he left her in direct sight of the blue lion. She could feel herself shaking a bit, and with good reason. He had already hurt her badly before, what's to say he wouldn't do it again?

[Kirsui]

Tefnut smiled faintly as she finally recognized the cub as Kisima. Then suddenly, the panthioness, for that adult feline seemed to be a hybrid like Tef, rushed towards Gargoroth. Tef turned to look, and to her surprise, she saw Fire and Kiala, cchatting about something with Gargoroth.

Curiously, she lifted an eyebrow and joined the others, just in time to hear Gargoroth speak:

"Looks like ending this war will be a lot harder than I thought."

Tef's eyes narrowed slightly in surprise. What had she missed now...? She looked momentarily at Kisima, nodding a slight greeting to the cub. She was quite brave, really... to be surrounded by lions she didn't know.
"Sorry, I didn't hear the beginning of this conversation" Tef said with an apologising smile.
"What exactly has happned...?"

[Lorien]

Gargoroth's orange eyes softened, something that rarely happened. "Tefnut..." He sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head slightly. "Legacy....he's still alive somewhere." The blue lion knew this would be a hard blow on the female. Sighing again, he looked back to Fire. This was pressing business.

"Fire. Do you have any idea where Legacy is being held?" He figured the beast was weakened greatly by the battle, but wasn't for sure. "We need to know where he is." Taking a deep breath, Gargoroth exhaled sharply. "If we are to stop this war, it is going to take a great deal of cooperation from both sides. We need to devise a plan."

[Fire]

"The last information I got was from Kiala.. That's about it.* He says with a reassuring nod. It did make kind of sense. Kiala hadn't shown much signs of activity and when she did get seen, it was very scarcely. "So, I have no idea on the whereabouts. So.. I suggest that we have a plan in order to carry ourselves throughout this predicament".

[Pulsar]

After hearing that she still had no clue as to what he was talking about, the smile faded off his face.
"Tell me, do you remember much of that day?"
His tone of voice had changed significantly, from that of a somewhat pleasant one to a more serious and somewhat unhappy one.
"I do..."
The lion continued after the short pause. At this point he turned back toward Kata and began walking toward her till he stopped but a foot or two from her.
The whole time he did nothing but look her straight in the eyes, the yellow in his glinting in the moon light.
"I remember the screams.... the blood....."
He turned his head to the side and glared at the ground rather slightly.
"I remember seeing your father..... and...."
In mid sentence he stopped, as if chocking on the words he struggled to say next.
"I remember your mother, and you...."
Saying that, he closed his eyes and shook his head.
"And I remember that monster that killed her... and nearly you...."
His eyes shifted quickly back to Kata's, so quick they seemed to just flash white.
The pure hatred in his voice had came across all too clear when he spoke his last sentence.
"I thought he had killed you....."
Pulsar said sorrowfully, but then smiled weakly at her and lifted his head back up.
"I'm all to happy to see that i was wrong for once..."
A sort of laugh escaped him in a quick breath.
"I don't suppose you remember me now do you? Or that so well deserved nickname you gave me?... although I still despise it to this day, it did make you happy..."
He looked at her with an expression of hope, thinking she might recall, even something about him...

[Kirsui]

Tef's face went blank on that exact moment Gargoroth spoke out those words. The green in her eyes went dark, almost as dark as her pupils. Legacy... her father... alive?!

The liopardess said nothing, did nothing.. She just stared blankly at... nothing. She did hear what was spoken, though, letting every word sink in through the raging storm of thoughts inside her head. Kiala... Fire had said Kiala had told him about this. The liopardess turned her head at the grey lioness.

"Did you see him, Kiala...? Did you see my father?"
Tef spoke on an emotionless tone, not aware of the fact that her tone mixed up with her darkened eyes were a slightly scary combination. Despite how she had reacted to similar situations in the past, she seemed quite calm this time... a bit too calm, actually.

---

It begun with a lifted eyebrow at how Pulsar begun. Kata didn't know what he meant, not at first. Then her expression changed from realization into a shock, even fear. This lion.. Pulsar.. He had been there... He remembered...

Then why couldn't she REMEMBER?!

Kata struggled with it, refusing to believe what Pulsar said. He couldn't have been there, it was impossible! Kata had never seen this lion... She surely would have remembered him from that sorrowful day when she lost everything she had valued. No, she had not seen Pulsar before...

Or had she? Had she seen him on the day her pride was cleverly lured into that trap? They had been proud of what they had done for those in need of help, so proud that they had not noticed what happened under their noses!

"And I remember that monster that killed her... and nearly you...."

Memories of that day flashed through her mind. It had been night, the moon had been full, creating an illusion of large amount of light. The hunt with her mother, the scent of blood in the air, the race back home... The sudden horror of finding everyone dead, then seeing the death of her mother. And on top of all that, this laugh... Cruel, very cruel laugh... Kata thought she had forgotten it, but now it seemed to come back to her mind, sounding stronger than she had remembered.

But.. when the memory of that laugh returned, it brought other memories. Flashes of faces she thought she had never seen before. And with them...
"Starlin...?"
A faint something that seemed to be a mixture of sobbing and laughing escaped her muzzle. Her eyes were still wide, but atleast the fear was gone now. She actually smiled, and not on a cruel way as she so often did.

It was friendly. And it was gone almost instantly as confusement took its place.
"I remember seeing you.. some time... but..."
Suddenly she let her head drop, just to escape those yellow eyes. She did remember Pulsar... But not properly. She still had no idea where she had met him, or how... Only that she indeed had met him, and apparently had come up with a very odd nickname.

Suddenly she realized something. If Pulsar had been there on that day... Then...
"Was Legacy the one who... killed them all...?"
Her voice faded in the end as a bigger realization came. She had done a great mistake... she had begun hunting, wanting the revenge. And when she had got that revenge... She actually hadn't.

Suddenly, Katakasha, the lioness who had thought she had far above things like this... she trembled, flattening her ears in horror.
"What have I done...?"
Her voice was whispering, and yet loud enough to be heard.
"What have I done to those all... innocent..."

[Pulsar]

Pulsar flinched when she mentioned the name "Starlin"
"Even to this day that name makes me cringe..."
He chuckled slightly. But the fait smile on his face quickly faded as Kata began trembling.
Walking over to her, he stopped momentarily in front of her, as if unsure. But after a moment he continued. Sitting down facing her, he put one paw around her pulling her close to him to hug her.
"It's ok Kata...."
He wasn't sure what else to do really, in the past if she had been upset he would do the same, to comfort and reassure her. Heh, he was taking a big risk doing this, the new Kata might not appreciate a gesture such as a hug.

[Lorien]

Kiala's ears flattened as Fire spoke her name. Sure, she wanted to help...but she didn't want to be a frontrunner in the deal. Her expression saddened when Tefnut asked about her father. Looking to the ground, Kiala shook her head. "I didn't see him...personally." Then, her curiosity peaked in her mind. With that, she looked up at the hybrid female, her cool emerald eyes planted on the others. "But...I did speak to his brother." She wondered if Tefnut knew about this brother of Legacy's. Surely she did, seeing as it was her own uncle. Kiala herself, only sort of new to the Otana pride, didn't know much about the Jahina or their past.
______________________________________

Gargoroth closed his eyes as the two females spoke, trying to devise something in his mind. This was really bad news for him. This news might be the end of his life if Legacy found out that he had taken control of the pride in his stead. The large male opened his piercing orange eyes and looked at the rest of the group. They would have to work in secret, and they would have to work together carefully. He didn't say anything yet, waited to hear what Tefnut would say about Legacy's brother. But in his head, the gears were in motion, and he was thinking of a way to end the war...and perhaps end Legacy's tyranical reign forever.

[Kirsui]

Tefnut's eyes widened in surprise at what Kiala spoke. The surprise turned into a shock as she slowly realized the words completely.
'His... brother...?' she thought.
Legacy had never mentioned anything about a brother to her. Actually, Tef had always assumed that Legacy had lived on these lands his whole life, and no one on the pride had known about a brother - not as far as Tef knew, anyway.

The liopardess sat down, her shock now replaced with a look of deep thought. Why had Legacy kept his brother as a secret? Even from Tef...?
She frowned.
Tef knew the answer to that one. She hadn't really been all that close with him after her mother's death...
Had her mother known?

She shook her head, letting her gaze stop at everyone present. She sighed faintly.
"I didn't know about a brother" she said. "And I certainly don't know if this is a good or bad thing... that I have an..."
She hesitated.
"... An uncle."
Her eyes flashed slightly as she turned to gaze at the jungle. Was her father hiding there...?
"But I would certainly want to meet him..."
Her tone was calm, but yet if one knew her well enough one had a good chanse to notice the slightly dangerous sound in her voice.

---

Momentarily Kata's eyes widened as Pulsar hugged her. One part of her was already pulling away from him, when suddenly the other part in her told to stay where she was. She hesitated, remained completely still for a while.

But then the part telling her to stay won and she relaxed, allowing herself to bury her face into Pulsar's yellow mane. She didn't understand what she was doing, but for some reason it just felt right...
'What's happening to me...?'
She kept asking this from herself, and yet she didn't know if she really wanted to find the answer.

"Why are you doing this...?"
Kata had no idea why she asked that, or what she even meant by it. She pulled her head back slightly, so that she could see Pulsar's face. She felt comfortable, and yet she couldn't understand why. Or more so, she couldn't remember why.

[Pulsar]

(Ok so this is the starting post that i've been taking ages to post. I kept it short and only mentioned a key detail or two. So basically, you guys can all start posting now, the RP is officially back open and going! Good luck to both prides! ^_^ )


Some time later. . .

“Some time had passed since Legacy had vanished from his pride…. And now, a new leader had stepped up to the challenge, to fulfill the position that the tyrant had once held….”
A lone figure spoke as it stood on a small cliff, overlooking the land unto the horizon where the new day sun began to slowly break into the sky, lighting up the earth with orange and yellow hues as it’s warmth began rushing across everything it touched.

“Now… Both prides face a time of uneasy peace as their leaders decide what the faith of their prides will be… “
The creature continued to speak to the horizon as the sun continued it’s unstoppable rise to the heavens above.
“Will these peace talks finally bring about an end to the all the war and death the prides had suffered through all this time…”
The figure spoke in a slightly more questioning tone.
“Is this to be the end of the brutal and unforgiving tale that is, their lives?...”

“Still regaling stories of events witnessed I see brother… you haven’t changed…”
A second figure spoke in a more deep voice as it joined him on the cliff, having emerged from the nearby forest area.
“I’ve collected many a tale in my travels, perhaps this isn’t the most interesting of stories, but….. a story’s a story, and they all should be told…”
The first figure replied as it looked at the second one, slightly taller than he was.

“But I do wonder dear brother… is this where their story ends?. . .”
The first figure questioned in a curious yet somehow rather emotionless tone.
The second figure let out a light and brief chuckle to himself as he tiled his head to look at the first.
“If there’s one thing that is certain dear brother. . . “
It started before a brief pause.
“It is that with each sun rise a new day of hopes and dreams dawns. . . But just as surely as the sun rises, the darkness will follow. . .”
The light of the sun flashing and catching a feature of the second ominous character, a glint of the red of his eyes and the deep purple of his mane.

“… and so, they shall not walk free of their faith till the end is done, and all is gone….”
The first figure spoke as if in reply to what the second had said.
“…. Is that your answer?...”
He finished as he looked out onto the rising sun once more. . .

[Kirsui]

The morning dew sparkled in the sunlight as the shining disk rose above the horizon. The tiny water droplets were like small diamonds, and the fresh green grass was an emerald field. Soon the sky would be clear blue, like a large sapphire that covered everything...

The lone figure that walked through the grass lands towards a large forest area did not pay attention to these things. She left a large, un-sparkling trail behind her, knowing her tracks could not be seen after a moment when the heat from the sun would dry off the shining diamonds. Not that she cared if anyone saw her... Not any more now that the Jahina and Otana prides were at peace.

She snorted as she stopped by to a small stream to take a drink, and to rest her tired muscles. The peace was very fragile... Negotiations were going well, but... She sighed as she lifted her head, looking at her reflection from the water. Two deep green eyes stared back at her, darker and more grey than she remembered them from the time before the fragile peace...

She frowned then, and pushed herself up from the water, causing small stones to roll into the stream and break her reflection. She had seen those eyes before, but not on herself. No, it was another feline who had had those eyes, another creature with a complicated spot pattern that resembled clouds.

Momentarily the young feline closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before she continued walking towards the forest. She was tired, having been out all night. Just like her mother had when she had been helping with the peace negotiations back before... before she had died... And left her only child for the father to look after.

<Father...>
The young liopardess sighed, hanging her head low as she walked along. She knew her father was still alive... somewhere... hiding... But she dared not go looking for him, nor did she dare think what would happen if he would decide to return now. The peace would certainly be broken...

Suddenly the wind changed direction, bringing the scent of a pride towards her. She lifted her head up and blinked her eyes, surprised to see she had already reached her destination. In front of her was the Jahina den, as close to the trees as ever. She smiled faintly, looking back at the green savannah where she had come from. Her trail was already disappearing...

She shook her fur, sending the water droplets that had clung to her spotted fur flying to all directions before she continued towards the Den. She hid her tiredness under a faint smile, though if one looked closely the fact she had not slept as much as she used to could be clearly seen from her darkened eyes.

For now she didn't care though... She, Tefnut, was home.

[Fire]

"'Ha ha ha.. Come on Kito.. Come play!' There was a lioness calling in the distance of grassland around in a hazy view, picking up that this was more than likely his dream world. However, he tried to run after the lioness that was in this grassland, but felt as if he was floating on air, already ontop of this said lioness and gazing down to her. His eyes couldn't make out the face, nor the colour, but he could feel the slight stroking of a paw along his cheek. The simple touch of those fingers made his body actually shiver slightly as the nerves on his skin picked it up hyper-sensitively well. He was still trying to figure out who the face was that his eyes were peering down at, the head obviously shaping out a lioness, but with the way that her head was positioned, it was shadowed quite a bit.. and that voice again.. 'I knew eventually this day would come... this day would come.. this day would come...'"

"Mmgh.. Uugh.. Gawd, morning already?.." There was this red-maned lion that was laying himself in the cave that had the almost unfortunate fate of facing exactly where the sun would rise and sun its light right into the cave. Now, this was probably no problem for the rest of the pride that was within the cave, their slumber slowly starting to break and yawns could be heard within the cave. Unfortunately, the red-maned lion was far from a happy camper when he was forced awake. And to top it, it was a dream that he didn't want to stop. The lion smacked his lips and rolled over as if he had just finished an entire gazelle, huffing when he got to the other side and away from the sun with a sigh of deeeeep relief, curling himself into a little ball once more and slowly tried to drift off into his little dreamworld again, though... Trying to. It had made him smile in the fact that in all of the years that he had gone through living on this world and supposedly freshly-grown into a full adult male lion, he still had habits from even back when he was a wee-little cubby. The happy demeanor, lazy manner about him when he awoke, and just the whole relaxed way about himself... More than likely though, he was just sleeping... Waiting for the others to get up before him so that he could sleep the longest...

[Tamber]

Two eyes slowly crept open to the gentle morning, reluctantly letting their guard down and surrendering to the dread of waking. These glowing, golden orbs twinkled in the soft light of the dawn, and dark grey feathers ruffled all around them, stretching their roots as a reflex to newly found consciousness. Though neither these feathers nor these eyes had rested well, for the great bird beholding them had a heavy mind, a mind outweighing the temptation of sleep. Her active thoughts created the illusion of being rested and wide awake, but she knew this feeling would soon fade and she'd feel the urge to drift off once more. For now all she could do was wait, to remain perched and stand vigil to her surroundings and her needs.

On and off the eagle had slept all night. As one does when sleep can't find them, she sought out sleep herself. She had moved about throughout the night, starting as always in her nest and shifting position and location over the many hours of darkness. She had taken sips of water, even attempted to sleep in the cave, but it all felt unnatural, and she found herself weakly drifting off in her usual place of duty, her regular vigil branch. It was strong and high, at the peak of the tallest tree for miles, the eagle presumed. With such height and great vision, she could see for miles around, and this was a comfort in relation to being below the canopy, where her eyes could not scan and her wings could not stretch. Up here she felt she was but a part of the ever-watching atmosphere, and it was just enough of a comfort that it allowed her to nod off (albeit, on an off) for the night.

Being atop the world in such a way was always a reassurance to her during times of fighting. Up here she could see anyone approaching; any rustle of a branch, any shift of grass, her razor sharp vision would catch it, and her panorama sight combined with this infinite view made her feel like an iron wall protecting her family. It was up here where she had caught sight of invaders on very important and urgent occasions, so with these memories deep in her memory, she always found a sense of purpose up here, a sense that those she loved needed her. But with recent times of supposed "peace," she found mixed feelings in this personally hallowed spot. What true purpose did it serve now? It only brought her memories and glimpses of things unimportant. This "peace" had troubled her in other ways, too. It never sat right in her hollow bones, never felt authentic, and it made her feel more on guard than ever, constantly peering around her and attending this place even more than in times of fighting. It was this uncertainty that kept her fussing all night, and for many nights before.

But now Degjammi was tired of trying to bring on sleep, and she allowed herself to awaken and watch the sun rise and start a new day. There was almost a distinct moment when the smaller birds of the forest began to sing, echoing their symphony all around her. The sky was as kind and soft as a mother's touch, and it's cool air and gentle light made Degjammi feel more comfortable with awaking so early. She was unaware of whether the others were awake or not, but she wished to avoid them for now, to bask in the serenity of the morning alone, the only true "peace" she could clearly see, and only hope that it would never come to an end.

[Lorien]

As the morning's rays finally made their way deeper into the Otana den, the rest of the pride began to stir. A pair of green oculars opened momentarily, blinking a few times before closing once again. It was too early to be awake, the owner of the green eyes pondered, but the sun told her it was time to start the day.

Kiala had slept much better lately. The peace negotiations had put her mind at rest. However, she was still haunted at the sight she had witnessed, the battle scene which would scar her mind forever. Knowing that Legacy was alive also plagued her memory. If he had done that to Mino, what other horrors was this lion capable of? She only hoped that the former leader of Jahina had died of his wounds, as horrible as that made her feel to think that of anyone. She had been in his presence before, had been his prisoner. She knew fear, and although she was a timid creature by nature, she knew the purple-maned lion put fear into almost everyone that he came across.

The charcoal colored lioness rose from her spot, stretching her forelegs and letting a great yawn escape her maw. She looked around at the others. She was the first to get up, as usual. She was all right with this, however; Kiala wasn't one much for conversation. She crept past her sleeping pridemates, making her way to the den's opening. She passed Fire, the new leader of the pride. She wondered how he enjoyed the responsibility. She knew that she wouldn't have wanted it.

As Kiala walked out of the den, she closed her eyes, smiling a bit as the sunlight warmed her body. She breathed in the fresh morning air, opening her eyes once again to her surroundings. It was a good day, and Kiala hoped that it would stay that way. The young lioness thought about maybe hunting, but decided against it. She thought a nice walk through the Otana territory would be a good way to wake up. And so, with a slight smile on her face, Kiala trecked on out into the Savanna.

((I'll post about Gargoroth soon. I've got to go to bed and I want to get something posted at least.))

[Zorayda]

The young adult lioness stood, her indigo fur shining merrily in the sun. Zorayda stood upon the Otana's lands, greedily breathing in the smells of the air. Fresh grass, and something that smelled like giraffe, met her black nose. She shook the fringe out of her eyes and looked back at her best friend who sat not that far behind her.

His sparkling emerald eyes once held a certain happiness, but as of recent years, they had become distinctly more sad. His full black mane framed his golden face--Taro was definitely one of the handsomer lions of the Otana--but none of this had ever really processed in Zorayda's mind. They'd been best friends since cubs, when Taro was one of the only ones who treated her normally and didn't make fun of the color of her fur or her blind right eye.

She really missed his cute nickname for her--"Z"--and the way he'd tease her constantly. Taro was normally so shy around others, but with Zorayda, he was a totally different lion. His smile was infectious, and Zorayda believed that if she hadn't known him for so long, she wouldn't be so optimistic now. She missed that smile, the way he'd wrestle with her, making her far stronger than a normal lioness, the way he'd snuggle with her when they took afternoon naps.

They used to be so very close...

Zorayda wandered over to him and gave him a quick, friendly nuzzle.

"Hey T, maybe we should head back to the others," she said. They'd gone out away from everyone else, the way they always did--Taro always insisted upon protecting her. It was just how he was.

The black maned lion blinked once and nodded, remaining quiet. He stood and began walking back to the pride, the gesture signifying Zorayda to follow.

Just as she always had.

[Kirsui]

As Tefnut came closer and closer to the Jahina Den she begun to notice more and more movement. A few lions went inside as others came out. The ones going inside were the night guards. Though the prides were technically in peace, it was still wise to keep the guard up... one never knew...

The liopardess pushed her thoughts aside for now, knowing well that if she kept thinking like this her mind would automatically return to the questions that had kept troubling her mind every since she had rejoined Jahina in order to help Gargoroth.

"Morning Tefnut!"
"Hi Tefnut!"
"Want to come hunting, Tefnut?"

She was startled when a group of lionesses passing her spoke to her. She was still not used to it, and she thought she probably never would be. To think this very same pride would rather have seen her starve to death than share their meals with her.. Well, Legacy had been there so she had always gotten something to eat... But still.
"No thanks", she replied to the lionesses with a faint smile.
"I need to report to Gargoroth."

The hunting party shrugged and walked off towards the savannah, leaving the liopardess alone without a second look at her. She chuckled unamused. So much so for completely accepting her...

Tef sighed, looking at the Jahina Den and wondering if Gargoroth was still asleep or not. She had not lied to the hunting party. She had been out all night, and she had to report to Gargoroth what she had seen on her night patrol, even if there wasn't much to report about. So now it was just a matter of whether or not she should go inside the Den to look out Gargoroth and possibly wake him up, or wait outside until he came there..

With another, very tired sigh, Tef walked over to a flat stone not too far from the Den entrance and laid down on it. She remembered this stone well, Bleak had used to sit on it before... Katakasha had murdered him.

Tefnut yawned widely and rested her head on her crossed paws. She could maybe close her eyes for a moment, only a tiny moment...

---

"NOT AGAIN!!"

Deep inside the jungle a flock of birds suddenly took flight from the high trees, scared by the loud and very angry roar that came from a certain black lioness with red mane sticking up from her back. She was currently snarling with her claws and fangs bared, her flashing purple eyes focused on the fleeing birds.

And then she let out a flurry of curses as she swirled around and hit the closest object she could with her sharp claws. The unfortunate tree that was on the way of her claws lost quite a bit of its bark as the black lioness' claws sunk into the plant and tore four clean cuts on it. Then she attacked it again, this time sinking her fangs into the tree too. For a moment her huffs and puffs and growls were the only things that could be heard, until with a loud crack a long piece of bark came off.

Kata lost her balance when the bark gave in to her pulling, but before she could fall to the ground on her back she had already twirled around, dropped the bark and attacked the tree again. When her fangs were not occupied pulling off bark, her tongue let out so venomous curses that it was a miracle the tree did not melt right there and then by the viciousness of her words.

This went on for several minutes, and a ring of torn-off bark circled the tree and Katakasha. In fact, the tree was bare from as wide as the black lioness could reach, and she was now attacking the barkless area, slashing and clawing with all her might, fuelled with her rage.

Then without any warning the tree cracked as Katakasha had thrown herself on the weak spot she had made on it. The black lioness had just barely enough time to pounce out of harm's way as the tree fell with a loud crash, breaking the branches of the other nearby trees as it did so. Kata stood silent, glaring daggers at the fallen tree while she panted heavily. She did not snarl any more, nor did her tongue flare out venomous words.

After having been silent and regaining her breath for several minutes she finally lifted her glaring eyes to the sky.
"THERE!" she yelled.
"ARE YOU STUPID BIRDS HAPPY NOW?!"
Then she hissed and closed her eyes, rubbing the area between her nose and forehead frantically to get rid of the white spot one of the birds had managed to.. well... you know.

When she was sure she was completely black again she let out an annoyed sigh and continued her way between the trees, muttering something about stupid birds under her breath.

[Fire]

That lazy lion was still lounging and enjoying his sleep when Kiala had passed by him, smacking his lips once more and turning over slightly. Unfortunately, there was something sharp on the ground for his back to lay riiight down on. This evidently cause his eyes to almost burst out of his head as he rolled away from the sharp object that was more than likely a rock and yowl as he was barely standing up from being quite tired. He stumbled to the entrance of the cave with a small grumble and squinted his eyes when the light was shining down into his face, the sun definitely bringing out the colour into his mane and making it almost glow in the sun's rays. "Fricken.. Mmgh.. Great.. Wanna go back to bed, but can't.. Stupid Mmrg.."

[Tamber]

For a while Degjammi sat perched in her usual place, watching her surroundings with dreary eyes. A few things caught her attention from time to time: a small herd of elephants rising for the day; the reflective waves of the grasses as they flowed in the light morning breeze; a large flocked of birds suddenly emerging from below the tree tops of the forest several miles away. Jammi sharpened her already razor sharp vision and look in the direction the cloud of birds had come from. She could see slight movement, the top of a single tree in a mass of them shaking rather unnaturally. Finally, it was hard to tell from such a distance, but Jammi could have sworn that the tree fell over.

The tree looked to be in the heart of Jahina territory, and Jammi could only assume that one of the pride's savage members had had some sort of fit. They were prone to anger, all of them, the eagle assumed. To Degjammi in particular, being a great bird, it broke her heart to see a tree fall before its time. What heartless animal would kill a perfectly healthy, helpful tree?

With this frustration beginning to bother her, Degjammi decided to leave her post and head down to ground level. She could see the others of her family rising for the morning, and one never knows when assistance might be needed. She thrust herself into the air and glided down to the den. With a few flaps she landed on the small cave's stone roof, right above Fire, who was mumbling sleepily as he looked out over his land.

"An early riser this morning, are we sir?" she asked her new leader.

[Fire]

"Mmmgh.. Only cause I feel forced to be right here in the line of the sun, Degjammi.." The lion chuckled deeply and then cocked his head up so that he could see the other that was talking to him. Once he set his eyes on her body, he turned in that direction and bowed respectfully. Even though he was the leader of the pride, he did like to show respect to his members. Especially those that are in high places... His smile never faded as he took a couple steps closer to the bird and then gave a little wink to her as well. "So... Any news or things to report today?... Seeing as how you seemed to have come from a far away place, sneaking up on your leader like that..."

The lion just shook his head to get rid of some mane strands that were in his face, chuckling some to himself before sitting down and staring at the bird intently.