our story !

[Torin]

Torin padded softly through the brush taking care not to be seen. He had been following the scent of water for some time now and it lead him to what may be the only water source in these parts. The closer he got, the heavier the scent of other animals got. He was so thirsty, yet the thought of getting trampled by frightened... whatever might be ahead, also weighed heavily on his mind. What he wasn't thinking about was how his careful planning to get some water could be seen as predatory stalking.

"It's... it's just too hot. I have to get some water now..." He quickly made his way through the remainder of the brush. Just before breaking into the clearing, he burst into a full run straight for the pool. He might have startled any occupants lounging around; he didn't know. All he saw was crystal cool salvation ahead and he was heading straight into it. He tripped over his own paws and tumbled head first, skidding to a stop at the pool's edge. With a couple slow movements, he shifted just far enough to get his head in the water.

"Oh, sweet nectar..."

[Juffy]

The large male crossed his forepaws, looking silently out into the long grassy plains. His eyes darted continuously, looking for a shadow slithering along the grounds, or a suspicious figure on the prowl. Firo was off duty from patrol that evening. The sky was beginning to change into a light pink flowing into a deep purple. The golden male gave a soft sigh, getting up and choosing, instead to lie amongst concealing tall grass beside the waterhole, not wanting to be seen by his pride mates. Ever since Maymee, the little sandcat, was taken from him by Missteri, he had been alert and edgy. On some level, he was putting himself through this torture deliberately, punishing himself sourly for not watching her more closely. Or not being able to find her as they searched through the caves. But that was in the past.


The other reason for his restlessness was his fruitless hope that maybe if he stayed alert long enough, he would catch Missteri’s black form hunting through the grasslands. Then he would be able to tear her apart. But it was a false hope, for Firo knew the cunning pantheress wouldn’t hunt in the Pridelands after what she did.


So it was, Firo closed his eyes for a brief minute, letting peace and tranquillity flow through his body for once. Perhaps he was so used to being vigilant all the time now, he caught the slight sound coming from beyond the waterhole. Opening his eyes only to a narrow slit and not moving a muscle of his body, he focused his vision to the source of the sound. Could it be her? Could it be Maymee?


Heart thumping, he eased his stance into a low crouch. The scent reached him before he saw the figure. It was a smell unknown to him and definitely not Missteri nor Maymee. Firo stood up and crept in the tall grass around the waterhole, stalking his way murderously around to the side of the stranger. If the rogue had stumbled upon Firo any other day, he probably won’t react as he was about to. But as the other feline approached the openness of the waterhole, Firo uncoiled his hindlegs and leapt out into the clearing. He caught the sight of a stripped body as he slammed into the stranger and pinned him down, snarling. The rogue was not welcome and Firo made it known.


“Who are you and what do you want?” he roared, inwardly surprised at his own actions, not doubting the disappearance of his beloved Maymee had something to do with it.

[Torin]

Torin was caught completely off guard. His hope for peace and tranquility quickly turned into pain. The force that knocked him over was so incredibly strong and now that force stood on top of him. He was stuck and had no options open to him. All that went through his mind was 'I'm dead meat!' A thunderous voice snapped his attention. He quickly looked at his attacker and stuttered a response before anything worse happened.

"I... I... uhm..." His eyes darted between burning eyes and snarling teeth. What careful words were to be spoken that wouldn't get his neck snapped? He was too frail compared to this beast who currently had the upper paw. He had to answer quickly. "Water! I... I just... need some water."

That was all he could muster. He had questions to ask but the fear inside of him would not allow it. He had stumbled into someone's territory and now had to answer for his trespass. All he had to do now was escape with his life. Much easier said than done.

[Juffy]

Firo glared at the writhing figure at his paws. He uttered a low growl and moved backwards to let the stranger regain his feet. The rogue had only wanted water, and who was he to deny something all creatures own. Plus Firo hadn’t known what had gotten into him. Maymee’s absence must have hit him especially hard today.


‘I’m sorry,’ he muttered, though his voice lacked any real conviction. ‘Please help yourself, stranger. Where do you come from?’


The golden lion didn’t wipe the hostile look from his face, but he sat now, observing the tiger curiously.




ooc: haha soz Firo's a bit sulky at the moment

[Kazani]

Taya had been nearby and witnessed the scene. It was surprising to see Firo's reaction to the rogue after knowing his disposition beforehand. She was personally rather welcoming of rogues. The adolescent female nodded to the tiger with her voice calm and even, "Welcome to the Pridelands." Her emerald eyes darted over to Firo. So far their guest hadn't got much of a welcome.

[Vivu]

As soon as Taya finished her sentence, a lone buzzard landed on a nearby boulder. It was a White-backed Vulture, common in the area. Behind the buzzard was a strange breath, the tall ferns slowly parting ways. All of these signs meant one thing, Vivu had arrived. Vivu had fully recovered from his wounds, gaining a few new scars on his leg and stomach, not to mention a little extra length to his infamous gash. He had gotten a little taller, and the makings of mane were starting to show that he was in his final days of cubhood. Ever since Maymee had been kidnapped, Vivu had been in a very pensive state. Every waking moment, he pondered about the sister, or rather niece, he may have had. The buzzard lion gazed deep into his older brother, observing the turmoil and anguish that lurked within. Not too long ago, he was in that same position, and watching him was Claudius. After the death of his friend, Vivu tried to bury his pain by killing off others on their last limbs, imagining they were wildebeest. It didn't work at all. It wasn't until he was arrived here that the scars truly healed. For him, this begged the question, what would Firo do to cope with the pain?

Vivu's eyes turned towards the Bengal Tiger, a creature Vivu had only heard about through buzzard's tales. Very interesting. "Forgive the hostile welcome... we've all lost someone special..." informed the scavenger in lion's fur. Firo had lost Maymee, Taya had lost Shadow, and Vivu had lost... his mother, father, adopted sister, his friend Shadow, his niece Maymee, and even more recently, his old buzzard comrade Brabantio (the reason for the vulture's presence). Vivu thought back to his golden rule of the vulture, 'all creatures depend on death to live'. Buzzards never mourned death, not even their own. Vivu felt 'the tear' once more, the mental line in his brain that seperated the nature of the vulture, and the way of the lion.

On the outside, Vivu just averted his eyes to the ground in a dull stare, a subtle sign of his conflicting thoughts.

[Torin]

Torin was relieved that Firo stepped back and allowed him his freedom once again. But freedom to this lone tiger was a strange concept. Fear for his life was more of what he was used to and his cowering nature had kept his alive thus far. Being welcomed to someone's territory took him a bit to get used to. His expression was confused. Firo kept him on his toes where Taya made him feel welcome. And then there was Vivu.


'I just don't get it. Had they been watching me this whole time? What have I stumbled into this time?'


Torin's eyes darted from face to face as he tried to read their expressions. That's when Vivu told of the losses. "I'm sorry. I've been alone all of my life. I don't know what it means to lose someone close. But I must thank you all for sparing me and not driving me out of your lands."

[Kazani]

Her green gaze swept over Vivu and seemingly deepened. It was her family that was held responsible for his recent wounds. She was rather dazed by everything that was happening, but witheld this around others. Things were far more complicated with her than they realized.
The dark female walked over to sit near Vivu. Even though he was practically in adolescence now, she was still older and taller. But it seemed that it wouldn't be long before he overtook her in size. "Of course. We have enough to spare and no reason to chase off those who don't prove a threat." Taya took a moment to size him, realizing although a full-blooded tiger he seemed weaker than the Kilana's halfbreed queen. "I'm Taya, this is Vivu, and that's Firo...I don't believe I caught your name?"

[Torin]

"My name is Torin. I'm glad to have met you all." His voice was a bit softer in tone as he felt more at ease now that introductions were given. There might have been a bit of hope in this meeting. Speaking of hope, he had forgotten about why he was here in the first place.

"Excuse me for a second. I need to get a drink of water." He trotted quickly over to the pool and took a nice, long drink. It was some of the best water he'd ever had. Not only did he not have to sneak a drink, but he was welcomed into an already occupied territory.

After he felt sufficiently hydrated he returned to the group. "So, who's territory is this?" he asked as his look changed from face to face. Although he might have been welcomed, there was still the matter of being welcome to stay. It sure would be nice to finally relax for once in his life.

[Juffy]

Firo looked darkly as Taya entered the scene. Then turned his head to look at Vivu’s appearance. He was still in a foul mood, and more so the fact that Taya was so nice to this rogue. We really are getting complacent with rogues, he thought, these peaceful times have started to get into our heads. This was, of course, true for Firo when he should have protected Maymee.


‘Torin…,’ Firo said quietly, testing the name on his tongue. He watched as the tiger drank from the waterhole. The golden male sat down, observing him. ‘Before we answer you question, answer ours.’ Firo referred to the unanswered question that he had asked before Taya and Vivu had arrived. ‘Where do you come from?’




Ooc: btw if you double space your lines when you’re typing your replies, when you post, the thread will appear to have one space

[Torin]

Torin looked over to Firo, "Oh, uhm. Well I don't really know. I've been wandering around ever since I can remember. I haven't really known anyone or stayed in one place too long. I just couldn't compete with anyone." What he said was true to him. His expression seemed sincere because as far as he knew, he just existed. No memory of his past or of what happened to him and more importantly to his mother. It was as if his mind had blocked all that tragedy.


"I actually heard from some elephants about a place they go to that floods with water and turns into a sanctuary of plants and animals who look out for each other. I thought I might try finding this place but I never did. I don't suppose any of you know what I'm talking about?"


ooc - It's a good thing you pointed out the spacing. I found that it depends on if you use explorer or firefox. Explorer seems to not read one of the paragraph spacing whereas Firefox does. At least that's what it seems to be.

[Vivu]

A rare nostalgic look swept across Vivu's face. Torin's story, was very similar to his. A wanderer, seeking only to exist, no 'true' friends. The lanky cub took several steps forward, until he stood an inch away from the tiger. Vivu's empty eyes reflected Torin's, gazing into them in a way known only to the buzzards. Vivu could see it all, the pain that he had numbed himself too. Vivu envied that, he didn't have that luxury. "There is a land like that." Vivu answered, life residing in his raspy whisper of voice. Vivu was intrigued by the tiger in many ways, and he was eager to hear more of his story. The lanky lion twisted his body towards Firo's direction, "Brother, I want him to stay here..." Vivu declared with a firm tone, "I know you may be distrustful of him... but I know a liar's eyes... a liar's scent... a liar's voice. And..." Vivu tilted his head towards Torin, "this is no liar."

[Kazani]

She nearly flinched at what Vivu said about liars, and instead cast her eyes down. Most if not all of her life was made up of lies. But she hadn't directly lied to Vivu, just to most of the Pridelanders and Outlanders. Torin had technically answered Firo's question to the best of his ability. "Well, Torin, this territory is that of the Pridelanders, ruled by King Chion and Queen Amina." For some reason she half expected Firo to be displeased with them both for being kind to the tiger.

[Juffy]

Firo's face was drawn in a frown as he listened to Torin's story, but remained silent. He didn't know what to think of this stranger. The tiger appeared friendly and sincere, but you can never judge someone by what you see. It's all fun and games until something tragic happens. Missteri, for example, was sweet to start with.


At Vivu's request for Torin to stay, Firo turned his gaze to the cub.


'It's not my decision Vivu, I'm not the king,' he replied, glancing briefly at Priderock before back at the golden cub. 'Amina has to decide.'


As Taya said Chion's name, Firo's mind wandered momentarily where their king was. They were so vulnerable without him, without his guidance. However, their problem, if you can call it a problem, was the tiger in front of him.


'It might be best if we bring him to Amina,' Firo said, getting up and starting to walk away. He was cold to Torin, he knows, but he wasn't in the mood to be warm and happy at the moment.

[Vivu]

Vivu dropped his head and closed his eyes, the sun behind him casting a defined shadow. The buzzard lion could tell that today was going to be excruciating. His vulture company, no longer seeing a reason to stay, took to the sky with a surreal grace. Vivu's posture suddenly shifted, and his eyes suddenly dimmed. "I must go now." rasped the adolescent as he turned to leave. Vivu was beginning to feel hunger pang at his stomach, which meant he would have to kill a young wildebeest. Reverting to his old state of mind, the buzzard lion wondered, 'now that I am older, must I hide my deeds any longer?'

(Vivu departs)