The Living Drink

[Freja]

----------------- -In Character- The fae lioness prowled by the thick shoots of grass in front of her lay a herd of buffalo and yet hungry as she was she wasn't stuid enough to attack them, they knew she was there after all. Desperately thirsty though she paced, her mouth enflamed because of lack of water, and yet this little puddle of muddied water, possibly the only in the land was taken and could be gone by the time she got there. Tensing to watch the she flicked her auds around, a devilish grin spreading cross her maw, she had to get them out of here, she had an idea. Leaping out from behind the bushes and hissing, acting loco, walking sideways and spitting at the huge beasts she walked in circles, dumb as the might animals in front of her where they knew something to be terribly wrong with a cat when it acted like this. Rolling there eyes in fright the turned, casting there tails high upon there back in flight, they had drank there fill a long time ago and where really just moseying around there anyway. Smiling broadly that her plan had worked she leaped towards the water, her pink tongue flicking in and out fiercely to quench her thirst. There wasn't much water but she wasn't about to complain either, her throat and mouth where parched and this water could mean life or death to her. Shoving her maw farther down as the liquid seemed to disspaer she still gulped. Minutes later when finally done she backed away, she hadn't been on gaurd as she drank, inner sense told her a male claimed and prowled upon the lands but she wasn't afraid. She lifted her pink nose to the wind, trying to detect where he was, but couldn't. He must be far away... She thought gleefully, she had no intention of being in a pride and really came here for the drink, now she would hunt, possibly get a meal and leave, just as always. First though she wanted to see what would come to the water, backing up and hiding in the grass she waited, if a small prey animal came by she could pounce and attack, much easier than seeking it out on the plain. -End- -----------------

[Settah]

...In Character... The sun was scorching, that early spring morning. If one stared to long into the grasses of the savannah they would be able to see the heat waves. Settah stared intently at these now, amber orbs doing their best to seek out what lay beyond those cursed heat waves. At last he gave up and turned his large head away, his amber/tan mane falling over his shoulders with a natural elegance that was most uncommon in his species. Yawning Settah fell back onto his side, a low grunt emitting from his jaws. It had been peaceful so far, though he wasn't so sure what had happened to his fellow pride members. Perhaps they had decided to leave the lands where their parents and grandparents had come to in search of hope and where so many had been slain. Ah well, forget them. The large male wasn't in a huge fuss about it. Soon enough lions would come, male, female, it didn't matter. Okay, well it did matter. Female lions were always preferred over other brutes. Chuckling slightly Settah allowed his mighty crania to fall back onto his velvet paws. Breathing in he took in the scents of spring. The wildebeast and the zebra, grazing not far off. He would most likely hunt that evening. Oh how he longed for the day when lionesses would reside in his pride and he could have them hunt for him. He chuckled again at the thought. There was one scent, mixed in among the scents of the savannah. Settah raised his head, breathing in deeply. The scent toyed with his nose and he smiled hautily, flicking his tail in a gentle manner. A female upon his lands. With some effort the lion got himself off his rump and onto his paws. He yawned, the sun glinting on his numerous fangs. Amber lips once again covering his teeth he proceeded to head towards the Suma where the female was. No doubt she had ventured into his lands to get a drink. That irritated Settah somewhat. The Sumas' water level was not high. It was reserved for himself, his pride, and the creatures in his land, not some random female who thought herself so good as to venture upon claimed land to drink waters that didn't belong to her. A low growl escaped from between his jaws as he settled into a steady pace. It didn't take long for the male to reach the drinking place. He noted the herds that grazed near by and he surveyed them for a moment, picking out one that would serve as his dinner that evening. Smiling he turned to the more important matter, the intruding female. He crouched downwind from her, his amber body blending in well with the surrounding grasses. He surveyed her form, noting the sleek curves to it and the chocolate color of her peltage. He noted the muscles on her legs, a sign that the petite female was a runner. But he also saw the outlines of her ribs on her side. Could this female not feed herself? Most likely she survived on the small life of the savannah instead of the high mammals her carnavouress(sp?) nature desired. Should she join the pride, that would change, but this female didn't give the impression of one wanting to join. Maybe she would change her mind. Padding forward, he watched his footing, taking care to remain on the dirt and avoiding the tell tale twigs and rocks that could blow his cover. He paused a couple yards from her, his eyes naturally flicking down to her rump before rising once more to the graceful crania. "I don't suppose you ever learned the proper way to enter another's lands did you?" he questioned, his voice slightly cold towards her. ...End In Character...

...Lead Male of Meset...

[Freja]

----------------- -In Character- The fae, not sensing the male continued the on ward search for small life, her yellow orbs flickering over the yellow savannah, she herself noticing the heat waves. As something behind her spoke she spun, her fur on end and claw tracting out. Ivory fangs glistened as she preceded to flatten herself on the ground. Seeing it to be a brute, the one she decided that ruled the lands she settled a little. She wasn't afraid, she shouldn't be. Still on guard though she backed away a bit, tail slightly lashing in agrivation, now there would be certain no meal for the night. Remembering the male speak she sized him up, no way could she take him equally, it was a stupid thought anyway, besides he couldn't actually claim her right? Wrong, she knew it was and judging by her nose he was alone, that probably wasn't good on her behalf, especially if he decided he wanted a fae to do his dirty work. Even though the young lioness had yet to be in a pride she knew all too well how they worked. Finally, after the brief pause, the femme spoke, her voice equally as cold, Didn't think there was a special technique as to enter upon another's lands, specially one as vast as yours, I could have been here and left before you knew it. She was slightly intrigued with how he would respond, in the meantime though she resumed to study him. He had a certain grace, how he stood, the dark mane cascading down on his shoulders. His hide, golden colored, was thick with muscle but over all the femme wasn't the least bit impressed. Looks meant little to her, and so far as personality went he wasn't winning her over.Besides she thought, I don't even want to be in a pride, I have fared fine alone!/ Though deep down instinct told her being alone wasn't good either, to completely provide all her needs she needed a team effort. Freja wouldn't ever admit to it though, never... -End- -----------------

[Settah]

...In Character... Ears perked as the female before him spoke. Settah turned his amber gaze upon her, his tail lashing lazily behind him. Ruffling his mane he thought of her words. He smiled faintly, yes it was true. However, it was proper technique to let the lead male know your on his lands. In the long run it would save you trouble. Tao and Tano lions would proboably try and rip you to shreds if they found you, so best to get it cleared with the leader before going off into the lands on your own. Chuckling Settah spoke, his voice not so harsh but it still protrayed his firmness and alertness. "True you are fae, however, the price to pay for not alerting the leader of the lands to your presence could be death." He fell silent allowing the severity of his words to echo in the silence. Gaze moved from fae to the herd and Settah clearly heard the grumbling of his stomach. His tail flicked heavenwards again. Yes, they needed to eat, the both of them. Glancing at the femora he once again took notice of her lanky frame. With some food she would be heaven with the eyes but at the moment any male looking for a mate wouldn't spare her a second glance. But Settah had no intention to find a mate, at least at the moment. Growling softly under his breath he settled down on large haunches, gaze never once leaving the femora before him. She needed food, Settah needed a pride member. It was a simple trade, at least for him it was. She would not see it as such, rather a blackmailing of sorts. But his duty was to his pride, no matter the size, and he could not go off and give away the food of his lands without gaining something in return. The thought was there, in both their minds even if they did not want to admit it. Companionship was something that the felines needed, even if they felt they could survive without it. Jaws parted and a deep chuckle rose from the depths of his chest. "Stupid are those who believe the life of a lone lion is satisfying" he murmmured, well aware that she could most likely take this as an insult. It was, in a way, more his statement of opinion. He smirked awaiting the reply of this bold female. ...End In Character...

...Lead Male of Meset...

[Freja]

----------------- -In Character- Freja awaited his words, paitent but ready. If he advanced, or threatened her in any sort the price was for him to pay. She shifted her paws, oculars never leaving his form as he seemed to smile at her words she wanted to attack him, by no means was she trying to make him happy about her visit. As he spoke her eyes gleamed in a an anger, if he wanted to kill her he could have, she wasn't afraid. She lashed her tail against her back limbs agitatedly. Her own stomach complained its need for the flesh of prey. She finally spoke, her voice even though she would have liked to shout, to spit her utter hate for him in his face, but merely she was calm, or so appeared. If you, or another lion wanted to kill me shall you not confront me before sudden death? Besides you are alone, even the dumbest of creatures knows when a lion is around, and if there be more then they take notice of you quite quickly. Do you think not that I tested the winds before entering upon your lands? If I thought myself in danger would have tread here? She gave a small smirk, as if to say take that. Her form shifting again a but uncomfortable under the never ending stare, she hated to be spotlight but it seemed no choice in her circumstances. A As udder silence fell she took notice of his staring at the buffalo, he couldn't pull a healthy animal such as those alone. A bit of panic hit her, it was impossible to tell but if he thought that she came here to be claimed, to be his slave, he had another thing coming. Freja had pride in herself, a certain spirit that was quite hard to break. There had never been an inner loneliness to join another so she had stayed alone, excepting that she was in charge of herself and liked it. The echo a snort from a herd, coming most obviously to drink from what left of the liquid 'pon the land, made the fae turn her head sharply. She watched them only a split second before snapping her cranium back to watch the male, she had always to be on gaurd. More silence rested between the two, again the fae shifting, getting even more uncomfortable just standing here. Freja was possibly the rare few of lions who was gifted with an active side, she rarely lazed around, but perhaps that was because being a loner she was always on gaurd. Finally it was broken, the male seemed to be trying to anoy her, she only relished the challenge by looking bored, acting as if she never thought it as any insult, besides she rarely took them to heart. She was quick to speak back, only making her voice sound tired of the conversation, Oh but for those who are stupid enough they find a certain freedom that no pride could ever contain in them. His laugh didn't anger her. Instead the fae simply awaited his next response, perhaps he would find her agrivating enough and let her leave, she wouldn't mind that... -End- -----------------

[Settah]

...In Character... The sun inched higher in the sky at a painfully slow rate. It didn't matter though. The powerful rays were already causing the inhabitants of the savannah to long for the coolness of night or the escape that a patch of shade provided. Settah to was beginning to grow weary of the constant sun upon his golden brown shoulders. His mane moved little in the wind but its weight lagged him down and by the base of his neck he could feel droplets of sweat begin to gather. Oh great, just what he needed. Gaze turned once more to the female, this time with an accusing glare. Why had she decided to hunt on his lands anyway? The Yenka river was home to so many different herds it was rediculous. But no, she had decided to distrub his nap and come here. Ah well, not much he could do about it now. Rising off his haunches he swept past her and down the creek bed to to the stream. Lowering his crania rose colored organ forced itself through parting jaws. He drank his fill quickly, not really caring about the different degrees of dirt that ladened the water. It didn't matter, it shouldn't matter. When water was so scarace you took what you could get without complaining. Lifting his great head he turned it to look at the fatale. He had taken in her words without speaking his own mind thinking about the various opportunities it provided, for them both. But she seemed set in her ways and it was difficult to change a loners mind to join a pride. But Settah would not plead, that he refused to do. If she insisted upon saying no that would be that. It would also be a signal to him to chase her off his lands. Large paws bounded him up the embankment back to the female. He walked towards her, his stride powerful and his gaze relaxed. "Freedom is nothing without somebody to share it with" he countered her as she finished her remaining words. "As for killing you, I have no reason, except that should you refuse to leave the lands when told to do so. I give you now a choice. Either you join my pride and we will bring down a worthy beast together or you continue on your lonely way and hunt what you can in the neutral lands. The choice I leave up to you" he explained, his voice completely mono-tone save for the hint of friendliness he allowed to slip into his tones. Yes, he wanted her in his pride. She was a tough lion, that was demenstrated by the way she had kept herself alive all those years without joining a pride. But as the years wore on her task as a loner would become more difficult. Her senses would dull and her limbs would grow stiff. No, without a pride to watch over her, her life would end in a couple of years. That was a shame really, considering that Kyotu needed as many lions as possible to keep it alive. He would not pressure her either way. She accepted, she got companionship and food. She declined, she was chased back into her world of lone lions and was deprived of the food she so desperately needed. It was the lioness's own choice whether or not to join. Settah had already given his word her life would be spared, provided she left the lands immediately upon her decision. If she didn't, then it was his duty as lead male to destroy those who imposed a threat upon his territory. Not that Settah really considered her a threat. Even if a fight would arise, he would come out the victor. Even a lioness's speed and agility was no match for brute strength. A slow smile spread over his lips and behind him his tassle flicked contently, his amber eyes not once leaving the female feline before him. ...End In Character...

...Lead Male of Meset...

[Freja]

----------------- -In Character- The male seemed to grow impatient with her, either that or the heat was driving him crazy. As he walked to the river she watched him, every movement every muscle rippled, even the tongue flicking in the waters depths. She sat herself down, still cautiously on guard though a bit more relaxed with the new surroundings. She flicked her tail in a nervous manner, perhaps a habit more to call it. Her body urged her to hunt, yet she couldn't when the prey, juicy, meaty flesh and bones of the selected choice, stood before her. She shifted her wait, taking her eyes of the male for a moment, eyeing the prey with uncertainty and one deprived of that source of meal. As the brute spoke, she snapped her attention back on him, so transfixed in her own world she had not heard nor saw him move up before her again. She flickered the ovaled auds forward, her own golden chocolate mixture coat flicking with small specks of sweat.(*Cough* I am not even sure lions sweat so correct me if I am wrong ;D) The sun glistened down upon her, rays shimmered and seemed to hit her directly, it felt as if she where the spotlight of the whole vast area. Her own tongue coming between her own parted maw, a slow pant making her sides move in effort. As she half heartlessly listened to the male. As then suddenly relaizing the fierceness of her words she straightened, he was mocking her, or so it seemed. Though she would hate to admit that she quite enjoyed the companionship of another of her species. She was desperately hungry too, but she still hated to admit it. Instead of directly admitting the fact that she liked his company she muttered under her breath curses of what she was about to do. Her own ears didn't catch the words but she clearly knew what she was saying. After her chanting she finally spoke her voice surprisingly calm, despite the fact that she was furious with mixed emotions. I suppose the fact that even hunger drives the lone lions to sanity. She more quietly spoke the words, not shouting not angrily submitting but simply trying to admit to her own self she might, a strong might, be wrong. With that she stood, shifting herself again, large paws and limbs strong, but thin. Her eyes glanced to him before she looked away, possibly ashamed to look into the face of one who won the battle of wills. Her tail flickered up behind her, a certain grace and enchantment in her movements as she swiftly took a step or two forward, her orbs flickering over the small animals that munched contently on the sweet savannah grass that gave them flourishing life, only the few that where old and crippled where taken and with them began a new life from another, and with that the circle of life complete a fae lioness waited to let the new 'leader' of her take place in front... -End- -----------------

[Settah]

...In Character... The lead male watched as the femora thought about his options. He saw the indiscision on her features and a ghost of a smile swept over his own muzzle. He was not mocking her, merely telling her the options she had. Either she choose to join him and there for live or she continued to live the life she led and sooner or later be killed in the process of trying to find food to eat so she could continue to live. That was how life worked and that was the way Settah's mind functioned. The mascu waited patiently for an answer from the female. For a moment a trickle of guilt swept over him. It was kind of like blackmail wasn't it? Either join or die was basically what he was saying. He himself would not kill her, but his unwillingness to allow her to hunt from his herds could cause her death. Not that she alone would be able to hunt dwon the prey, no matter where she was. So it wasn't really his fault. At least he gave her the choice and her life was spared even if she choose not to take refuge in his pride of one. The thoughts collided about inside his brain, his own mind's voice so loud he almost missed her words. His gaze turned upon her and he shook his head about a fraction of an inch to each side sadly. "Very well then. But first, tell me your name. My dubbance is Settah" he murmmured his eyes flicking past her to the beasts beyond. Even from this distance he could see the sweat on their bodies. They would be so easy to hunt down now, their forms tired from grazing under the sweltering sun. He turned to face the newly accepted pride member. "Tano, for the moment" he added, glacning back towards her. He crouched slightly, his amber optics watching the movements of the zebra and the wilderbeast. His tassle flicked behind him in a steady motion. His ears however, were listening for the sounds of the lioness's voice for the answer to his question. When she answered him they could set about doing what they both desired, hunt. ...End In Character...

...Lead Male of Meset...

[Freja]

----------------- -In Character- She watched his smirk, a flash of fury racing through the crimson veins, to be quite frank the femme could have a short temper, now one of those fuses in side her seemed to edge forward, but she kept the anger running only through her oculars, till the smirk disappeared on the brutes maw. Her oculars danced with a bit of victory as he glanced past her, but then all was forgotten as the brute spoke. Her name, yes she hadn't ever told him that, she wasn't even sure she wanted too. What difference did it make? She wasn't sure but she spoke anyway. Her head giving a simple bob as she said it. Freja, not anything thing else. With that she set her own obrs on the prey, her stomach grumbling in recognition of food. Her nostrils taking the scent with pleasure and relishing it, imprinting it upon her brain and setting her mind in a food frenzy, a craving and lust for flesh, for the blood and meat of one of those beasts. Her maw parted in a small pant again. Her main concentration was on the food so much her auds only flickered back to catch the last words of the lion, she wasn't even sure what the position was but really didn't care at the moment. er back turned so that she no longer faced the male, a sign that she almost trusted him. Her eyes transfixed on the animals, one female seemed large with calf, it would be born soon. She couldn't travel as fast as the others, her stomach round as round could be. That meant twice the meal, and even an easier attack on the slower moving animal. Freja momentarily glanced back at the male, truly it was his decision but she could only have brains enough to pick out the slow moving beast. She flickered herself down a smidge, her tail wavering in a pleasuring way. She scanned for other possible candidates for a meal, but non could make her forget the pregnant wildebeest. Limbs straightened her, she couldn't make the decision... any more. That thought made her frown slightly, brow wrinkling in annoyance, she couldn't actually do as pleased, or could she? She gave a shake of her cranium and glanced back at the brute, expectantly... -End- -----------------

[Settah]

...In Character... Settah's gaze moved from the herd to the feline fatale for a brief moment as she spoke her name. He nodded, taking note of it so he would remember. Freja, it was a unique name, like his own. Unique lions were what he was looking for and Freja deffinately fell into that catergory. Not just her name, but her whole, personality and mind set. It was perfect for what the Meset Pride should be. The only problem would be to show her that. A wind brushed through the lion's mane and his thoughts cleared. There was time enough for that later, after the two had eaten. Settah personally did not like to hunt. He was born and raised as a heir and now that he was the lead male he saw no reason for having to hunt himself when there were lionesses to do it. But there was only one lioness on the terrain at the moment, that Settah knew of, so better to help her out now that way he could eat a decent meal. Amber optics fell over the herd, taking note of the elderly and the sick. But his gaze, like Freja's, quickly found the pregnant female and he licked his chops in anticipation. Wildebeast meat was good to, nice and tender. The very thought sent saliva running through Settah's mouth and he quickly swallowed it. He looked towards Freja and nodded his head. He motioned towards the pregnant animal before moving off into the grasses, his body low to the ground. Claws were extended and Settah rejoiced in the feel of the earth between his toes. He felt powerful, more than normal. Ever ripple of his skin and ever action of his muscle he felt like never before. It was enough to make him smile and smile he did. Stalking forward, he made sure he kept down wind of the herd, the last thing he needed was to scare the herd and alert the female. Pausing, Settah lifted his head slightly to check for Freja. He couldn't see her meaning that she had proboably dissappeared into the surrounding grasses to approached the female from the opposite side. Rose organ washed across the lion's lips as he turned his head back to the female and continued to stalk forward, his powerful body blending in well with the surroudning savannah grasses. He was almost 5 yards away when the pregnant female took notice of him. She tried to rear up and a bay was let loose from her maw. The rest of the herd left their grasses and took off in the opposite direction. The pregnant female tried to do the same but Settah lept forward, a poweful roar rising in his chest as he did so. He landed on all fours just ahead of the wildebeast. The poor thing reared up onto her haunches, hooves flailing. These Settah watched cautiously, one strike of those hooves and he could be out for the count. He lept once more towards the wildebeast. Another bay entered the air and she turned and fled, straight towards Freja. Settah ran along behind her, his body streamlined, each muscle threatening to burst from the tight hide that bound it. The wildebeast was doomed. ...End In Character...

...Lead Male of Meset...

[Freja]

----------------- -In Character- As he gave her a nod to go ahead she seemed to vanish, her peltage matched the grass almost perfectly, giving her the element of surprise. She worked her way through the savannah gras quickly. Zigzagging so she wouldn't make noise nor move the grass to make her mission visible. Her mouth watered as she closed in by the beast, standing so hopefully the pregnant beats would come her way once Settah moved her. Crouching low, tracting her claws and letting her optics lock on the target she laid low ready. Not even her tail moved as she waited, she was excelled in hunting quite well though she never had taken on such big game. She knew right where to land, it was just a matter if the beast would set her self up right, the mother-to-be of course had no idea where the fae lioness lie, at least not now... The snort and bay of the pregnant one alerted Freja of her soon to be move. She crouched lower, paws gripping the ground ready. Setteh leaped from shelter letting out a roar that echoed throughout his terra, the beast flailing her hooves wildly out before making a mad dash towards Freja, her dash not to fast because of the extra weight she carried, but non the less it was mad. As she neared close and closer to the hidden fae Freja readied herself more, all the animal needed to do now was take a step or two more. Not yet, not yet, wait paitence she reminded herself silently. Then, silent as leaves dropping the fae leaped, paws apart and powerful hind legs giving her the last push to stretch before the animal. As the sleek hide of the black animal was felt between her paws she clenched her needles into the skin, penetrating it so blood spattered. She hadn't hit directly where she wanted, more to the side and back end of the animal than towards her throat. The beats in fright circled, her horn trying to reach the lioness. Freja silently prayed that she was out of reach. But before the beast had time to reach her she leaped towards her neck, claws flailing around her chest area and gripping tightly to penetrate more of the animals flesh. Blood dripped edof her rear, large gashed where she had pushed of, claws sliding down the flesh before lifting off. Now, unable to reach the fae she fled again, another mad dash. The next instant Freja was re-flying in the air. Her orbs widening as she flipped and turned, only to land on her side, grunting in a rush of pain. Felines, known for landing on there feet, couldn't have endured the throw she did and land on all fours. The beast, relaizing life was coming to an end for her, stopped so short that she spun out, her limbs flinging out. Freja, not expecting this had grabbed for the nearest object, unluckily for her it happened to be the horns and face of the fleeing animal. Her claw smashing hardly into the horn had made her other paw grab for another object, the beats face before sliding down and leaving more nasty gashes. Then, the beast learning that she had the advantage had thrusted her head up, Freja only being flung harder. The lioness, regaining her breath, got up quickly, looking to her battered paw. It wasn't broken, or badly injured, just bloody for a minor scrape. She had fared well. Realizing it wasn't over though she sprang up, cutting through the savannah grass to take her to the animal quicker. Her tail gave her balance as she turned sharply, coming out ahead of the animal, ready for whatever should come... -End- -----------------

[Settah]

...In Character... The lion's hide stretched tightly across his body as he ran, long claws dinging into the soil and propelling him forward. Another roar emerged from in between his jaws he he continued towards the wildebeast. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the form of the lioness appear. He watched as she caught the beast, was thrown, and then caught again. By that time Settah had caught up with them and had darted in front of the beast, sending it back towards the lioness. Muscles contracted and his mane stood on end as he prepared to leap. As he lept forward his black claws extened to their fullest and his jaws parted. The wildebeast knew she was doomed. How could you not be? She was pregnant and due to give birth soon. Both the lions, though neither had eaten in some time were in better condition than her. Plus there was nobody there to help her whereas the two lions could rely on each other for help. But she would do her best to protect herself even though mentally she had already died. Rearing up once more she felt the weight of her stomach try and pull her back down. But she flailed her hooves, doing her best to ignore the wound on the side of her neck. Her head turned, just in time to see the male lion leaping at her. Her optics focused on his fangs and she instinctively lowered her head, the horn on the top of her head just nicking his ear as his jaws clamped shut over her neck. Settah's weight was more than enough to send the beast falling to the ground. Even though his sharp fangs had already cut through her neck she fought to injure the beast who had killed her. With seconds remaining to her she kicked her hooves heavenwards. Three of them missed their target but the fourth struck gold. Her rear leg leaned up, kicking Settah harshly in the side. The lion reliquinshed his grip and fell to his side. The hoof had not penetrated, not at the angle the blow had been delivered from but that area would be tender for a couple of days. Rising off his side the lion approached the wildebeast. Her eyes were loosing focus and her breathing came harder. Leaning his muzzle hellwards he wound his jaws around her throat. Getting a good grip he pulled upwards with a mighty lurch, tearing the throat out completely. The wildebeast's eyes rolled back into her head and her chest fell one last time. Turning his head Settah watched Freja come towards them. His tass flicked contentled and he bent his head to examine the hoof mark on his side. He licked it gently for a couple of seconds before turning to the food in front of him. Lowering his crania he began to feast upon the chest area of the beast, leaving an area open for Freja to cut out the unborn young who would not live to see the light of day. ...End In Character...

...Lead Male of Meset...

[Freja]

----------------- -In Character- She bolted forward, paw leaving prints of blood in the dust dry savannah. As she ran her optics watched as Setteh let another roar out. Leaping he landed at her throat, not without injury though, she winced as the wild thing gave one last fatale kick of life, landing sqaure on the ribs of the male. It probably wasn't very hard but she felt a small bit of worry wash over her. Seeing though that he didn't seem hurt she quickly shook the thought away, besides if he saw her... She slowed her run to a limp, stopping to lick at her own wound, the battered paws seemed not to know that it was only a minor cut. Now though that it had been washed in the dirt it stung more. Her back limbs giving way so she could sit she set to work cleaning it, her tounge stopping some of the bleeding. The dust however seemed to remain in the cut, her licking only making her paw swell a bit. Finally done, a not really satisfied with her job, she limped slowly towards the brute and kill. As he ate she flopped down in a small shade of a tree, awaiting him to finnish so she could feed. She closed her oculars for a moment, putting her swollen paw on another so it wouldn't get any dirtier or infected. Her ovaled auds laid flat against her cranium and she flickered her tail content, her stomach reminding her that she would eat soon only made it a bit more relaxing. Finally flopping her head in the dirt she opened her oculars, only one ocular visible to see the brute. She looked to the tree, the cloudless blue sky then back to the kill. She remained laying there, tail still flicking content. Her brown fur flickered with specks of sweat even though she laid under the shade. She let her maw open in a yawn, tounge staying out as she was done, panting. She gazed at the kill hungrily, it would only be moments before she could eat her fill. Her mouth dripped with salvia as she thought of the juicy meat, the unborn calf that would be the select choice for herself, unless the male got to that first but he appeared to stay at the chest, content there. -End- -----------------

[Settah]

...In Character... The large brute continued eating away at the chest, working his way through the tender muscle to the delicate flesh surrounding the heart. As his blood stained muzzle clamped tight over the major muscle he felt blood ooze down his throat and he grinned in delight. It had been some time since he had been able to eat. If it weren't for Freja or whatever he name was he would never of been able to bring down the beast on his own. Well, he proboably would of, but would of most likely had tremendous injuries because of it. Speaking of the tan femora, where had she got to. Lifting his head from the kill he ran his rose colored tongue over his maw cleaning the blood as he looked for her. At last he spotted her, relaxing under a tree not far off. His tail flisked in approval. She knew her place, that was good. Lowering his crania he continued to eat until he could eat no more. The entire chest and shoulders of the beast had been devored but the stomach and hind quarters had remained untouched. Any other time Settah would of taken it as every lion knew that it was the most juiciest part of the animal besides the heart. But Freja had helped him with the hunt and he could not of done it without her. So he allowed her to enjoy that tenderness while he himself took the tougher part of the meat. Five minutes past and he was finally finished with his meal. Turning his head he looked at Freja, his tongue slowly licking his lips. He nodded to her that she could eat and he himself moved away from the kill. Going a few yards away he yawned lazily, his crimsion stained fangs glistening in the sunlight. Stretching he thought longingly of an afternoon nap, or some activity of the sort. But first he had to clean himself. Settah, unlike most male's, managed to keep himself in shape by grooming himself almost daily and taking a 'bath' once a week or so. So that was what he proceeded to do. Moving away from the kill he wondered back towards the Sura pond. He approached it hesitantly at first, well aware that crocidles did live in the lake. But as he approached nothing stirred and so proceeded to lower his head to the water. It was then that a foot to the left of his head a slurching sound was heard and he pulled back as large jaws clamped themselves shut over where his head had been moments before. A snarl rose from Settah's chest and he pounced upon the preying waterbeast. It was a crocidile, as expected. It did not take long for Settah to do his work, a mere slash across the eyes and shove into deeper waters before the reptile was taken into the jaws of a hippo resting not far from it. Smirking slightly Settah watched as other crocidiles took flight well aware that there was no escape from the lion and the hippos. It was once this was done that the lion proceeded to enter the water, stopping at just below shoulder length. He waited a moment before he struck out with his forelegs, swimming around in a large circle for a minute before climbing back out. Shaking himself Settah got rid of most of the water. The rest would be sun dried. Turning his head he searched for Freja. He wanted to talk to her before he departed. ...End In Character...

...Lead Male of Meset...

[Freja]

----------------- -In Character- Her oculars still closed she seemed to sense the males departure, she hadn't seen his nod but she knew her long awaited meal had finally come. She leaped to her feet, paws burning and hurt forgotten. She 'trotted' toward the kill, couching low and sinking her jaws in the meat. Even though it would be somewhat uncommon for a lioness to purr Freja did, a soft hum, but only for a second. She savored the meat before swallowing it, the first bite was so good, but there was even more underneath. Her teeth sinking in a greedily eating, not particularly fast but one who hasn't eaten in quite a while. She ate quite a bit, her belly not swollen but somewhat round from food. Backing away she flicked her tail, the food seemed to be giving her more spunk already. She used her paw to playfully bat at a grasshopper. The insect desperately tried to fly away but she would only use her paw to collide with its upward journey, knocking it down, the process repeating as the game continued. Finally getting bored she let the big go, it wasn't in the best of shape anymore but she didn't care anyway. She flopped down again, flicking her pink tongue to lick the crimson blood that covered her maw, using her good paws to clean her face, she wasn't all that dirty beside where her jaws had clamped over the meat eaten moments ago. Her oculars half closing as she 'bathed' herself she settled, she had little fear of any one coming around her, besides the only thing she expected to be around where hyenas or vultures, and right now they had obviously not detected the dead carcass. A faint flicker of a smile crossed her vis, if they did come she could pleasure chasing them off, the cowardly animals really stood no chance against her. That made her feel big and powerful, and that gave a sense of happiness to her, and really any general lion. The big cat would truly have to be insane if they didn't dream or like having power over something, that was almost what a cat had made in there genes. Getting bored of her own day dreaming she headed down to the water, just in time to see Setteh fight of the crocodile. She watched a second before ducking out of sight, she didn't want him to think she was spying. She made a short and gleeful dash back to the shade, flopping down as if she had always been there. She then set to work cleaning at her paw again, something to occupy her before she would venture to the pond again. Her tail twitched friskily. The fae was quite young at only 2 and she still had the spurt of the moment energetic playfulness, it wasn't like a small cub though but more how she would pull her own 'pranks' on the other members of a pride, no one else in the pride besides Setteh though she took it out on anything that took a particular interest to her... -End- -----------------

[Settah]

...In Character... Settah's ears flicked backwards as he moved forward, towards the place Freja was drinking from. Beneath his large paws he heard the rocks shift. More than once his claws extended to give him better balance. His tail was held out behind him, also to give him balance on the treacherous rocks. But he arrived beside Freja without hassle. Smiling he turned his head away from the femora, turning to face the muddy water before them. For a moment he was content standing beside the female, his gaze focused on the water in front of them. At long last though he opened his jaws allowing his voice to speak out over the ripples of the river. "You hunted excellently today Freja. I will remember this. When you become older and gain more experiance in hunting strategies there is a possibility I will make you my hunt mistress. But at the moment you are not ready to be given a title of such honor. So I will merely settle with you being my tano. But know that as the seasons turn your rank could very well be moved to something, let us say, satisfying?" A coy smirked passed over his mug and he turned to face her. Of course, his male mind had turned to matters he saw as quite important, the passing on of his seed. He was not like some males who mated with every female they saw but he was not one to go long without his pleasures. Hopefully soon another female would enter upon his domains and he could leave the stubborn Freja be. He had no need to breed her now. By the time breeding season came around there would be other faes and Freja could content herself annoying the hell out of whoever Settah decided to use. But he didn't count her out of it yet. Perhaps as the seasons passed on she would show him a state of mind that would intrigue him. Chuckling he turned his head towards the savannah that loomed out in all directions. "No matter dear Freja. No need to talk of such things now" he laughed, his tail flisking in a good naturedly manner. He sent a warm smile towards her, well aware it was doubtful it would help at all. Smile fading he turned his back on the female. Powerful limbs carried him up the bank and he turned and looked at her, his tail flisking at the touch of the grass beneath him. "You are a Meset lion now Freja" he uttered. "Hold yourself as such." Then with a parting nod of his head he turned and padded off into the grass. He moved slowly waiting. Would she come up and talk to him or would she go off on her own? ...End In Character...

...Lead Male of Meset...

[Freja]

----------------- -In Character- The femme laid lazily, well aware of the fact that the male was coming her way. She let a slow yawn emit from her maw then looked to him bordely. As if he will solve my problems? she thought keeping a chuckle to herself. Pools watched him and ovaled auds pricked forward to catch his words. She listened face twisting into a sarcastic furrow. As soon as he was done she was already speaking up, Well, I suppose, that ill be thankful for not being hunt mistress, that only makes me feel old, and as far as satisfying goes... She let it stop there, eyes transfixed in a sarcastic way. She gave a short laugh at his next words however. You would be right, because if you even dared. Limbs lifted her up as she stretched and ambled away from him, she only barely caught his last words and kept moving away from him, small smile forming on her lips, maw parting to call back at him, Of course your right, I am. then she simply whispered That stops nothing however. she gave a short laugh at this before padding away at a slightly faster movement, her paw inflamed enough to send her toward the water where she bent her cranium neatly to drink, tongue flicking quickly before stopping to gaze around. She made sure there was nothing of threat around before lifting the bad paw and placing it gently in the water. The water was partially cold, giving a nice numbing effect. Once done she moved back to the grass, traveling in the direction of the boarders, she wasn't leaving but merely exploring. She saw the male pause, as if awaiting her to follow but she was in no such mood. She was still a loner, and that feeling might eventually be broken, but for now she could only enjoy being herself and alone, it had really always been that way for her growing up and so it took affect that she enjoyed the lonesome days, however she did not regret her choice to stay and join this pride. Sometimes she had to admit that she held a place somewhere in her body that was empty, like a pit, wanting to be filled and normally she filled it. Now it was filled for the moment giving her the chance to mull over other thoughts and enjoy the solitary walk. -End- -----------------

[Settah]

...In Character... Settah watched as she padded away from him, her reply still ringing in his ears. He chuckled slightly and his tail flisked behind him. Yawning the brute turned his gaze towards the north, and he thought longingly of the cool shade and temperature of the hills. When they entered upon summer he would most likely move himself up there so they would not have to face the harsh sun. Their were mountain streams and ponds up there, they would survive. They only needed to venture back to the plains to hunt. Well, the lionesses would. Chuckling slightly Settah continued on his way, his head held somewhat high as he did so. The sun beat down furiously upon his back and he felt the sweat slide down his shoulders and neck. He grunted deeply as he passed under some shade cast by a small tree. He moved beneath the shade allowing himself to calm down and relax some before he left the fine comforts and moving further to the north, closer to the mountains. Settah has left. ...End In Character... Horrid post, terribly sorry.

...Lead Male of Meset...