From Bad to Worse [ Open ]

[Narifia]

      "Lisani, come on now."

      "It's true though." The mottled dark brown female curved her neck down delicately and licked her black-tipped paw, running it furtively across her black-striped face. It made Byron shiver. 'She does that when she's nervous,' he thought, trying not to grin. This was no time for grinning. This was serious.

      "It's not true," he said, reaching up to brush her paw away from her face to get her to look at him. "Lissie, now we both know I've been around, but cubs? With Besa?"

      "That's what she says. They even look like you."

      "Ridiculous! You see these eyes, Lissie? These ocean green eyes of mine? Now tell me those cubs have eyes like mine, any of them! I'll take them out for their first hunt myself if you can."

      Lisani frowned. "They're two months old. Don't get ahead of yourself. And just because none of them have your eyes doesn't mean they're not yours. There are other ways to tell."

      "Oh? There are? Do enlighten me."

      Lisani paused. "Well Bali has your nose. And Ishara's fur color is exactly the same as yours." She smirked. "And Inaya poses and preens and struts around just like you do."

      Byron shot her a little glare, then turned away from her and waved his paw dismissively. "Pah! Zebra dung! None of that means a thing. And that's another thing--they're all girls! Now if I did have cubs, do you honestly believe I'd produce all girls? Me?" He shook his head. The very thought! "No, the truth is Besa's just--" Byron suddenly paused, his nostrils flaring as he caught whiff of an unfamiliar scent. Stranger. Male. Inside Busare territory. Byron motioned for Lisani to keep quiet, then stalked out of the copse and surveyed the area, his mouth open as he took the scent in deeper. There was another scent with it. Byron's eyes widened. Mahiri. 'What the hell is going on here...?'

~*~*~*~*~*~

      "We're coming up on the northwestern corner of Busare territory," Mahiri informed Thried as she marched ahead. "See that small copse of coconut trees? That's the marker."

      Mahiri could not yet see Byron and Lisani, who were still well concealed by the bushes in the copse. From Mahiri and Thried's downwind position, it was also difficult to catch a trace of their scents. But Mahiri had spotted pawprints and other small signs of their passing some time back, and knew that they had been this way. Secretly, she hoped that they weren't still around. There wasn't anything wrong with Lisani, but after all that had already happened today Mahiri just wasn't in the mood to deal with Byron.

[Aceiro]

Thried followed along to the right and slightly behind Mahiri, matching pace and gait as to stay is somewhat the same position as he was shown the lands. He was looking around and trying to memorize smaller less obvious "landmarks" to give him a general idea of where everything is. When his leader told him where he was and the marker that symbolized this he nodded now focusing most of his attention toward the marker.

"I see."

He looked around more but kept his head from rotating very much. Noticing the marks on the ground he broke his gaze away from the marker and quickly studied them. At first glance there were only two sets of paw prints but then Thried realized that they were not round trip prints but rather two sets going towards the copse. He took a breath as if to say something but stopped short. He realized that Mahiri had probably noticed these signs as well and would have done something to signify that something was amiss. So he continued following but put himself as a slightly higher guard then he normally uses.

[Narifia]

      "Once we reach the marker we'll continue on along the length of the northern border and make our way around the entire perimeter of the territory. Then we'll circle back and hit upon the major areas and landmarks within the territory, and once that's done we can take a quick drink at the cistern--which is where we'll end up--and finally head back out to identify a few notable spots outside of the border that are worth having an intimate knowledge of," Mahiri continued, drilling through the agenda she had mentally prepared for Thried to orient him to his new home.

      Indeed, it was a drill she had run through hundreds of times herself under Zengea's tutelage, and one which spanned several hours in length to boot. She, Byron, and Tunza had been made to walk it, stalk it, run it, crawl it, and even stealth through it with but one short water break about two thirds of the way through; and sometimes not even that. Since this was Thried's first time, they would merely walk it. Mahiri still had no idea under whose charge Thried would eventually fall, but whether it be her or Zengea she knew he would be expected to grow accustomed to the very same.

      As Mahiri ran through the familiar drill, Byron was met with astonishment. Just what had Byron missed in the few hours he had been here with Lisani that a strange lion was not only being shown the territory, but being trained in its knowledge? With a frown that was almost a sneer he stepped into view and faced Mahiri and the stranger. He eyed the lion, sizing him up, then looked Mahiri in the eyes.

      "Mahiri, what's going on here?" he demanded, almost accusatory in tone.

      Mahiri's tone was neutral, as was her cold gaze. "Byron. This is Thried." She motioned with a small jerk of her chin to the lion in her charge. "King Hadhi deems him fit to join our pride. He has considerable skill as a warrior. I have been given orders to show him the territory."

      Byron's head jerked back, and a mixture of surprise and disgust crossed his features as he looked quickly at Thried, sizing him up. He scowled and said, "By our King's orders. Is that so? Then I suppose I should welcome you to our pride." Saying it left a bitter taste in his mouth, but his respect for his king outweighed his own personal feelings, which were that Thried was an unnecessary extra mouth to feed and an insult to his integrity as a warrior. Like Busare needed more warriors when they already had him!

      Lisani padded out of the copse, drawn by the tension in the air and curious to see what kind of drama could pop up to entertain her. She trotted up behind Byron and meant to circle around him to her favorite sunning boulder just a few feet to his left, but stopped short when she saw Thried. Her eyes roved over his well-muscled physique, his roughed-up dark brown fur, his mud-colored mane, and finally the scar beneath his right eye. He had a wary, dangerous look to him, and looked as though he had just been in a fight. She felt her cheeks flush and she caught herself staring, but instead of looking shyly away she kept watching him with a little grin.

      Byron heard her behind him and turned to her, about to tell her to go back to the copse, until he saw how she was looking at Thried. He looked at her in disbelief and gritted his teeth trying--very unsuccessfully--to sound calm instead of angry as he growled out, "Lisani, I asked you to stay in the copse. Please go back in and wait for me while I deal with this... situation."

      "You asked no such thing," Lisani said dismissively, then trotted up a few paces. "Hey there Mahiri, good to see you! So who's the new fellow?"

      Mahiri greeted her with a short nod, then replied, "Hello Lisani. This is Thried. Thried, this is Lisani, one of the pride's young huntresses."

[Aceiro]

Thried grinned and slightly nodded as Mahiri went over the areas that they were going to cover. He knew that when he had some time on his own that he would do a quick run through of all the places they visited that day. However he did admit to himself that he was not going to do so in the same order. He was planning to put himself through a mental test before anyone had the chance to do so. He then refocused his attention to the tracks that were leading to the same marker that they were going to. Trying to form a larger picture of whom might have been hidden by the trees.

He knew that him being there would provoke a few if not many leering gazes and questions. He figured that many would not like that a stranger was being allowed access to the lands and not being attacked, and mentally prepared himself for the worst when the two that were hiding saw him. Thried ceased to move when one of the two came out from the trees. Upon first glance Thried know that the one he now faced was a warrior, yet that did not keep him from returning the brief stare as he was being looked over. When Mahiri told Byron whom he was, a very faint and brief grin crossed Threid’s his face. When Byron made his response both physical and verbal, Thried began to form theories in his head. He knew from the few moments that he had been with Byron that the lion carried with him a large ego and an unmatched sense of pride. In a neutral tone Thried responded to Byron’s less than welcoming response. “I thank you for your welcome, Byron”

Although he was determined to keep his eyes on the one whom he had just briefly met, his focus was lost when the other whom was at the copse walked out from behind Byron. Thried made a quick look over before seeing the flush and the grin, after which he made a slight nod toward her. Then his attention quickly shifted back to the less than welcoming Byron as he heard the obvious anger that came with his dismissed order. As Thried was being introduced to Lisani he looked toward her but left some of his attention to Byron. After being introduced he let a slight smile cross his muzzle as he said, “It is a pleasure to meet you Lisani,” then he looked toward Byron, “And there is no reason for you to be angered.” As Thried finished his sentence he thought to himself This isn't good. He is obviously some sort of trained warrior and its not in my best interest to fight, yet I will be prepared for it if it comes.

[Narifia]

      “It is a pleasure to meet you Lisani... And there is no reason for you to be angered.”

      "Angered?" Byron blinked. It was unnerving to think that Thried had not only caused him to lose his cool, but also that Thried knew he had made Byron lose his cool. His lip curled in disgust and he lowered his head, narrowing his eyes at the brown lion as he padded past Lisani, cutting her off from his sight. "Indeed," he said, his voice as calm as before a storm, glaring eyes locking on his as he added, "No reason. And see that it stays that way." The threat that underscored his statement hung in the air for a very brief yet very tense moment before Byron turned from Thried and circled back around to Lisani.

      "Byron..." Lisani said with an exasperated sigh. She shifted over slightly and padded towards Thried so she could see him past Byron's bulk. "Oh, don't mind him. It's a pleasure to meet you too, Thri--HEY!" Lisani grunted as Byron suddenly nudged her shoulder with his massive head, herding her away from Mahiri and Thried, ignoring her protests.

      "I could care less who Mahiri chooses to socialize with, but you're another matter. C'mon, let's go..." he growled.

      "Byron! Of all the--" Nudge. "--the hell do you think you're--" Nudge. "I can't BELIEVE you're being so stup--" Nudge. "When I tell your mother about this she's gonna--" Nudge nudge. "--You are SO--" Nudge. "--IMMATURE! I've got half a mind to--" Nudge. "--I'm not even your--" Nudge nudge. "--You have NO right...!" Nudge nudge nudge.

      Mahiri stood by Thried and watched with a raised brow as Byron and Lisani disappeared farther and farther down the trail that led back to the main clearing, though increased distance did nothing to lower the volume of Lisani's indignant protests. A second later a roar and a loud smack was heard followed by a surprised "OW!" from Byron. A small grin graced the corner of Mahiri's mouth as she turned in the opposite direction and continued ahead with their tour, but not before quipping, "That Byron's a brave one. It would have been safer to pick a fight with you and face King Hadhi's wrath. The poor, brave soul! We should pray for his safety, don't you think?" She looked at Thried, still grinning, and winked at him.

[Aceiro]

Thried watched as Byron tried to maintain his authority of the situation by ending it as swiftly as he could by pushing Lisani away. This almost sparked a small amount of hilarity to reveal itself in Thried’s calm demeanor, almost. He stood stock steady knowing that any intervening would only cause the situation to escalate quickly. He let out a quick chuckle when he heard the roar followed by the slap and Byron’s “OW!”

"That Byron's a brave one. It would have been safer to pick a fight with you and face King Hadhi's wrath. The poor, brave soul! We should pray for his safety, don't you think?"

When Thried heard this he looked at Mahiri. “Indeed it would have been, And as for praying for the brave poor soul’s safety… Yes I think we must.” He caught the quick wink as a grin crossed his face, and began a quiet chuckle as he turned and followed in similar fashion as he had been for the beginning of the trip. Yet before his attention was refocused and sighted in to the direction they had begun to travel, his gaze lingered in the direction of the other two lions. And quietly almost to himself as a thought he said “Indeed we shall because I don’t think the outcome of a similar meeting as this will end as... peaceful, whether for the better or worse.” Then his head turned back to the direction they were about to travel and he attempted to refocus on what he was learning. However something was blocking his mental concentration, a simple question, one that was probably easily answerable but with the answer came information. ‘Information is a tool, gather it and use it,’ a voice reminded Thried, who hesitated for a moment then voiced the question.

“Mahiri, whom else is important to know other than the few that I have met?”

[Narifia]

      “Indeed we shall because I don’t think the outcome of a similar meeting as this will end as... peaceful, whether for the better or worse.”[/b]

      Mahiri's expression turned grim. "Byron is a temperamental one," she said simply, knowing all too well the extent of Byron's fury. But that same fury was what would be his downfall as a warrior--the other day's brawl over a cub's game had been testament enough to that. With what Mahiri had seen of Thried's skill, she knew already that Thried had a certain polish and control that Byron definitely lacked. Without a doubt Byron was skilled and strong, but Mahiri knew that he presently lacked the cunning it would require to take someone like Thried down. Calmly and surely, Mahiri said at last, "There is little doubt that you can't avoid a confrontation with a lion like him for very long. Once he's made up his mind to dislike you, there's no shaking that. But that being said I look forward to the day that confrontation happens. Maybe it will cause him to grow up a little."

      After reaching the copse Mahiri turned eastward and led Thried along Busare's northern border. Thried's question came as a curious and simple one, one that Mahiri had been keenly expecting:

      “Mahiri, whom else is important to know other than the few that I have met?”[/b]

      Her answer was swift and sure. “There is Queen Safi, our matron ruler as well as the head cub-carer; and that is nothing to take lightly. She takes cub rearing very seriously and oversees all cub-sitters, how they care for cubs and how they educate them. As a warrior male you would do best to avoid cubs entirely except when you are called upon to protect them, which would be rare considering the cub-sitters are specially trained to be their protectors as well as their caretakers. It is also important to know that you should never cross Queen Safi or end up on her bad side. Hadhi may be king and due his rightful respect, but Safi is the blood heir descended from the line of our sun god Nyambi. Defying her is no different from defying our god. That being said, my elder brother Nyota is also descended from that line and is especially beloved and cherished by the pride. Rest assured that although you faced and beat him in combat today, you will be expected to show the young prince his proper respect. Just to put things in perspective for you: if a hair on his head falls out of place because you breathed on him wrong, you will suffer dearly for it.”

      For the sake of brevity Mahiri chose not to go into detail at this time as to why Nyota was so beloved and cherished by the pride; she figured Thried would learn of the details soon enough if he stayed in Busare for very long, especially if he continued to learn about the vile crimes of their Ghost Lion. Instead Mahiri went on, “It is also important to know of Bashiri, our pride's most revered Elder and King Hadhi's adviser. She interprets signs from Nyambi and has even been able to see into the future. She has predicted many things, including the wickedness of the Ghost Lion and his betrayal of the Busare pride. She is very old and very wise,” she said, her voice neutral but her eyes conflicted. It was as though she spoke of Bashiri's wisdom and greatness by rote repetition, not truly believing in what she was saying but somehow convinced that she should be saying it. 'Bashiri also says the same of Hamali,' she thought dismally, defiance flaring up in her eyes very briefly before she cut those thoughts off and continued. “Of the Pride Elders there is also Masikitiko, Busare's healer. She is blind, but adept in her art and wise beyond her years.” Mahiri spoke of Masi with a warmth that was almost uncharacteristic of her personality. “In some ways she is even more wise than Bashiri, but you would do well never to repeat that sentiment. It wouldn't be well received."

      The momentary warmth that Mahiri had had when speaking of Masi was gone and replaced again by her usual stoic bluntness. “Zengea is our lead hunter as well as mine, Byron, and Byron's brother Tunza's combat trainer. Knowing about her is especially useful to you since it is very likely that you will be working under her at some point. With her you will learn quickly that swift obedience will be your friend; Zengea's patience is not to be tried. In combat training she is your queen, your mother, and if necessary, your executioner. In other words, she is due as much respect as Hadhi himself."

      Mahiri paused for a moment. "Aside from the ones who I have just mentioned, it wouldn't hurt for you to know about Tunza. He is Byron's younger brother, although his personality couldn't be more different from Byron's. Because he is in training with Byron and myself you will likely be working with him as well. Byron and Tunza are also Zengea's sons, although in combat training she treats them as she would any other pupil. Nevertheless you should take care to get along with them as much as you can. With Tunza at least, that shouldn't be too hard."

[Aceiro]

Thried noted the slight expression change in Mahiri’s face, and made an assumption that this temperament was either seen or experienced first hand. “And if that is what it takes for him to become a better warrior than I patiently await the day that he decides to confront me." As Mahiri changed direction Thried maintained his near even position as to better hear Mahiri so the information wouldn’t be lost among the path. And with every detail Thried received he did his best to make sure he would not forget much, if any, of it. And as all of the information came to a close Thried nodded then replied.

“I shall remember to take time to properly introduce myself to your Queen Safi, if nothing else than to keep myself from getting on her bad side in the first place. As for your brother, Prince Nyota, he shall get the respect that is due for his position should he not learn from the battle today. If he does learn then he will earn more of my respect. Bashiri and Masikitiko are a different matter, if they are your elders then they shall receive the utmost respect that I can give... especially Masikitiko. To be a healer is one thing to have that position and be blind is quite another.”

Thried stopped for a quick moment to let the rest of what he was told process in his mind. “Zengea seems like another whom I should learn to know more then most, seeing her position as not only the head hunter but also as a combat instructor. And luckily the idea of a combat instructor like that is not foreign to me..." he pauses to think of his response to Tunza, "If what you say is true and Tunza is that much different then it will be a pleasure to meet him."

[Narifia]

      “And if that is what it takes for him to become a better warrior then I patiently await the day that he decides to confront me."

      A single nod was Mahiri's sole response. Byron becoming a better warrior was the least of her concerns, as it would make little difference to her and her brothers' mission. In fact, it would benefit the trio for Byron to progress as little as possible; Tunza as well for that matter. Yet Mahiri couldn't help feeling somewhat relieved by Thried's statement, almost as though it were a promise. While she could care less about Byron becoming a better warrior, somewhere inside she did at least hold out hope for the brute to become a better person, to grow up and leave his arrogance and pettiness behind. Why she felt this way she couldn't exactly say, maybe it was because she felt pity for him or maybe it was because she genuinely wanted to see Busare gain a competent warrior whose heart was in the right place. Not for fame nor glory, nor status nor even simply his pick of the females, but for Busare and Busare alone should Byron want to fight.

      None of these thoughts or feelings showed on Mahiri's stone-faced expression as she walked with Thried and nodded, listening intently to every word he said. She was starting to like this rogue more and more for his respectfulness and discipline; it was a breath of fresh air compared with the warrior trainees she dealt with every day. Each statement he made about the lions she had informed him about satisfied her, and when he got to Masikitiko the warmth returned to her otherwise cold and expressionless eyes. "Yes, she is quite the remarkable lioness," she replied simply.

      Her reply was then followed by a brisk nod. "As a warrior Zengea's knowledge and insight will be an asset to you. Gaining her approval will be as a precious gift. It is something that, should you have worked with her for a long time and understand her ways, you will come to treasure if you receive it." She glanced back at him and added, "That may sound like a sentimental statement, except that I am not a sentimental lioness and do not make such statements. You will understand me in time if you are truly the warrior you say you are, both inside and out. It is not something you will take for granted."

      Mahiri focused her gaze ahead again and continued, her tone neutral as she spoke about Tunza, "As for Tunza, he is all right. Though his worth as a warrior is questionable. Physically speaking Tunza is everything Byron is not; well-muscled, strong, the physique of a warrior. A calm demeanor, level-headed, rational. Patient. But Tunza lacks the drive necessary to become a warrior, whereas his brother is far more ambitious. For Zengea, her sons are her lifeline, and her only means of obtaining her own revenge against the Ghost Lion. But Tunza's heart is not in it, while Byron's is in it for the wrong reasons." Mahiri made it a point to glance back at Thried again when she said, "He does not appreciate what it means to receive Zengea's rare praise." Her eyes flicked ahead again as she continued, "Although Tunza is properly appreciative of Zengea's praise, he himself isn't interested in becoming a warrior. He would rather play with the cubs."

      As they rounded a large, jutting precipice in the sandy walls of the embankment, Mahiri paused to call his attention to the spot to store away in his memory. The precipice was often used as a sentry point for those on border patrol or guard duty. After imparting this knowledge to Thried, Mahiri continued on in silence for a few moments, reflecting. When she spoke again she said, "In a way Tunza is a lot like my brother Hamali. He is taken only at face value, his worth determined by what he was born as rather than who he is or what he wants to be. I'm afraid he is gendered quite wrong, but he is not a bad lion, only a strange one. I think he would make a far better healer than a warrior--at least then he would be able to spend some time with cubs while still remaining useful to the pride, but Zengea will have none of it. Her sons are warriors, and you can tell her no different, no matter how wrongly assigned they are."

[Aceiro]

“Yes, she is quite the remarkable lioness”

Thried noticed that a particular warmth crossed Mahiri’s eyes with the mention of the blind healer. Thried figured that this lioness had some connection that meant more than just being a healer to his guide. He noted the further explanation of Zengea’s knowledge and the self-examination of Mahiri not being a sentimental lioness as well as the selective differences of Byron and the brother, Tunza. As the precipice was brought to his attention he made a slight nod after Mahiri was finished explaining its use as a sentry point.

"In a way Tunza is a lot like my brother Hamali. He is taken only at face value, his worth determined by what he was born as rather than who he is or what he wants to be. I'm afraid he is gendered quite wrong, but he is not a bad lion, only a strange one. I think he would make a far better healer than a warrior--at least then he would be able to spend some time with cubs while still remaining useful to the pride, but Zengea will have none of it. Her sons are warriors, and you can tell her no different, no matter how wrongly assigned they are."

He took a moment to think about what was said before making an immediate response. “Not much in life can be taken for face value, yet unfortunately for most things they are. There are many strange lions out there in many different ways. There are those like Tunza and Hamali, seen as what people expect from them, but there are many different others. Sadly most warriors are seen this way no matter what they may have wanted to be or could have been. Many instructors fall prey to this, they want their children to live up to their standard as a warrior. That is not to say that this makes them a worse parent or instructor or even lion in general, just different.”

He hoped that this would not insult Mahiri. That was the last thing he wanted to do especially at this point. Everywhere he had gone before or even seen before would not give him the time of day; of course he realized that was a while ago even before he had even heard about Busare. He sighed slightly; it had been a long journey sense then to find this pride. Yet now that he was here is seemed shorter than it really was. Thried looked behind them then back at Mahiri. “You also say that Zengea’s sons are her life-line for getting revenge on the ghost lion. And I realize that this lion in particular is a touchy subject,” Thried left it at that not trying to bring up any unnecessary reactions,” but what exactly is the story behind The ghost lion? I know he is hostile and I believe you when you say he has unnatural powers but there is too much hatred and disgust for it to go unnoticed. And of course if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.“

Thried made that last statement because he figured that there would be some questions. Yes he had answered some at the border but he knew that many times not all curiosities were satisfied. Most times it was whether the individual was trustworthy enough to be allowed in.

[Narifia]

      Mahiri took in Thried's words with an understanding nod, for there was much truth that she saw in them. Her reply came almost immediately, “It is important for our own survival to take things at face value, to quickly assess one's environment, peers, enemies, allies, food, resources, and dangers. It isn't that unreasonable for anyone to wish for quick, easy answers about life. It's hard enough work surviving, and having to think too far outside of what can be determined at face value can be a terrible burden. Make no mistake that although I disagree with Zengea--and the rest of Busare, for that matter--about the occupation of her sons, I nevertheless find her to be perhaps the most intelligent lioness I know. A heavy burden already rests on her shoulders, so there is little room left for her to concern herself with that which is not apparent at face value. That burden can be her blindness, but it is also her greatest strength.”

      “You also say that Zengea’s sons are her life-line for getting revenge on the ghost lion. And I realize that this lion in particular is a touchy subject, but what exactly is the story behind The ghost lion? I know he is hostile and I believe you when you say he has unnatural powers but there is too much hatred and disgust for it to go unnoticed. And of course if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.“

      Mahiri's expression hardened into a grim frown. "The Ghost Lion was born in Busare many years ago. He was born with an unnaturally pale pelt and pale blue eyes. The seer Bashiri interpreted this as a sign that he would bring great misfortune to the pride and insisted that he be destroyed at once, but King Hadhi was soft and could not allow the murder of a cub, so he was allowed to live. As he grew his strange powers became apparent; he could appear and disappear without so much as a sound, much like a living specter. He also had an uncanny ability to read into the feelings of others; some said he could even read minds. Most of Busare was afraid of him, and only a very few cubs who he grew up with called themselves his friends without fear--although there are many who would say that he manipulated their hearts and minds to meet his own selfish ends."

      They rounded the final corner of the Busare border and Mahiri set the story aside to call Thried's attention to the landmark. "This is the final stretch of our border. As you can see it runs parallel to the coast, however it is forbidden to go beyond the shrubs that separate Busare territory from the sands of the beach. It is considered too dangerous to wander too close to the ocean." Mahiri's tone was neutral as she relayed this information. Inwardly, she knew that the danger of the ocean was one that could be conquered, but admitting that out loud would be a mistake. Without so much as another blink in the direction of the vast and sandy beach, she continued along the border with her head high and her eyes flaming. Simply recalling the story of the Ghost Lion made her blood boil.

      "Zengea's firstborn cubs, Ukali and Nuru, were friends of the Ghost Lion," she stated bluntly, as though retelling a history from a textbook. "They were loyal Busaran lions, a credit to their mother and pride, yet they were sympathetic to the beast they called their friend. He even had the sympathies of King Hadhi's own heirs, Princess Jua and Prince Kujivu. They all thought he was no more than a misunderstood outcast. They couldn't have known how wrong they were. The Ghost Lion seduced Princess Jua, whether by playing on her sympathies and friendship or by casting some unearthly spell, no one can really say. He managed to impregnate her, and when the pride found out they chased him down."

      Mahiri's face was dark and she appeared to shake slightly with a carefully tempered rage. It was as though in the retelling of the story she was revealing a very integral part of herself, the very reason for her own existence. "In the heat of the chase he turned on Jua and killed her. His mate and lover, the mother of his unborn cubs who he swore to love and protect, he murdered in cold blood. Masikitiko, Busare's best healer, was unable to save her. But she managed to salvage Jua's three unborn cubs by removing them from her womb, and through her tender care they survived." She stopped here, taking a deep breath and expelling it again as though breathing in all of her emotions just to release them. “But the tragedy had already happened, and no miracle of life could undo it. Princess Jua, the heir to the Busare Pride, was dead. Prince Kujivu, Jua's brother, lost his mind to grief and rage and ran off after the Ghost Lion, never to be seen again. Both of Busare's heirs, lost to the monster in a single day. Ukali and Nuru, who had aided in the monster's escape, were sent into exile for their treason. Their lives were spared only because of Zengea's high status within the pride, but even so Zengea herself did not go without punishment. For her children's treacherous actions she was punished, and charged with the responsibility of training the young assassins who would hunt down the Ghost Lion and avenge Jua's death. Those assassins are Byron, Tunza, and myself.”

      Mahiri stopped and turned to Thried, holding his gaze with her piercing, fiery eyes. “Prince Nyota is so beloved because of all of us, he looks nearly identical to Jua and is believed to have inherited only her pure blood. Hamali on the other hand looks too similar to his father, and is believed to have inherited the Ghost Lion's bad blood. He lives only by the grace of Hadhi's mercy. Bashiri insists that Hamali, like his father, will bring misfortune to Busare again, but she is wrong. Hamali has none of the Ghost Lion's demonic abilities, and only in the color of his fur does he resemble the beast at all. As for myself, I suppose I look normal enough to be accepted by Busare's discriminating tastes, but my existence is marked by my mission; I was born with a single tooth in my mouth, a sign interpreted by Bashiri as meaning that I was meant to be an assassin. Whether I have much faith in Bashiri's opinions or not, that is a truth that I will never deny. I will destroy the monster who murdered our mother in cold blood and denied us a natural birth. It is my birthright, and my destiny.”

      The fire left Mahiri's eyes and she turned from him, nonchalantly resuming the last leg of their tour. “So you see, Thried, that Busare has more than one reason to hate this particular creature.” It was a simple statement, a factual statement made with no trace of anger or resentment towards Thried for having inquired. Mahiri seemed indifferent towards Thried's curiosity over the Ghost Lion, if not slightly relieved. It showed his eagerness to understand the situation, and that in and of itself was an inherently positive thing. “As for yourself,” she said, a small smile forming on her maw, “I believe in some cases it is good to take others at face value. You seem very wise, Thried, as though you have had personal experience with much of what you speak. Though one day I may wish to inquire more, for now I would rather get to know you for who you are in the present rather than who you were in the past. I believe that is best. Would you agree?” She chuckled a genuine, amiable chuckle. “Unless you are the type who is an open book. That is quite fine as well.”



( And finally done! xD Sorry it took so long, I had a super long bout of writers' block that I couldn't seem to shake, probably because I was stressing over some things including my dentist appointments/root canal that I had Thursday. All is well now--and the root canal really wasn't all that bad, though it did take me out for most of that day--and I can finally concentrate again Anyway thanks for being so patient ^^ I might edit this some tomorrow, but right now I'm gonna go sleep xD' )

[Aceiro]

Thried's expression changed little during the story of the infamous ghost lion. That's not to say one couldn't tell he was intent on in taking the story appearing to almost hunger for the details. During the brief interruption where Thried learned of the edge of the Busare territories just before the sand the thought to himself, 'Shame, the beach and ocean can sometimes be the best places to train especially when alone. Possibly if I get the chance to go beyond the boarders of the pride I can train on my own and use the beach.'

When Mahiri's eyes became fiery and seemed to pierce through the listeners mind, Thried nodded, now understanding the extent of the betrayal of the "ghost" and the anger that he assumed was shared between those whom he had met sense he arrived at Busare. When the final statement was said, and the story came to a close Thried nodded and took a deep breath before responding, taking the time to find something meaningful to say.

"When I was little I never truly understood the concept of betrayal, I was sometimes confused when our pride sent a small party to kill those who had betrayed us. Yet as I grew older I understood more and now I know the true meaning of betrayal. From what you've told me, and from what I have gathered, I have no doubts that this ghost must be killed . You say you are destined to become an assassin and kill this specter. It is an honorable goal, in a way, to be one of the few who bring down this traitor. I can tell by the fire in your eyes that you have the determination to carry this task out. Your team however needs to have the same kind of spirit and determination, and from what I've witnessed and from what you've told me, your group needs to achieve that determination. I believe Zengea is trying to push them to the same level you are and farther, weather it be blindly pushing or knowledgeably doing so."

"As for yourself, I believe in some cases it is good to take others at face value. You seem very wise, Thried, as though you have had personal experience with much of what you speak. Though one day I may wish to inquire more, for now I would rather get to know you for who you are in the present rather than who you were in the past. I believe that is best. Would you agree? Unless you are the type who is an open book. That is quite fine as well"

Thried grinned at the last few statements. "I have found that being an open book can lead to disaster. It is better to know who you are looking at then to know my past. Sure where I came from may be important but the lion that now walks beside you is different." Before he continued he thought back to the fight that had occurred not to long ago, "Taking things for mere face value can end badly, as the Prince found out earlier, but I assume that your definition of face value differs a bit from his," Thried's grin changed to be slightly larger, some may have called it a smile, but it was just a bit under that, as this happened he let out a chuckle and a sigh, "So please, what is it you want to know about me, or would you rather simply observe it through my actions?"


((Sorry if it seems abrupt in places..... work and school stuff ..... ya))

[Narifia]

      "I can tell by the fire in your eyes that you have the determination to carry this task out. Your team however needs to have the same kind of spirit and determination, and from what I've witnessed and from what you've told me, your group needs to achieve that determination. I believe Zengea is trying to push them to the same level you are and farther, weather it be blindly pushing or knowledgeably doing so."

      “Mm. In Zengea's case, I believe it may just be a little of both,” Mahiri speculated bluntly, then allowed the matter to drop. They were now heading in towards the center of Busare, where Mahiri would show him the most well-known and populous spots and landmarks within the territory. Her allowing the matter to drop was a silent signal to Thried to do the same; the last thing either of them needed was for anyone to overhear them talking about Zengea in this way, despite Mahiri meaning no harm towards her respected teacher.

      "I have found that being an open book can lead to disaster. It is better to know who you are looking at then to know my past. Sure where I came from may be important but the lion that now walks beside you is different. Taking things for mere face value can end badly, as the Prince found out earlier, but I assume that your definition of face value differs a bit from his. So please, what is it you want to know about me, or would you rather simply observe it through my actions?"

      Mahiri kept her eyes on the path ahead as she listened, all the while aware that Thried must be very eager to prove himself. 'Well, there will be much time for that yet,' she thought. Without looking back, she nodded briskly and said, “For now, I will simply observe. However, if there is anything that I decide is worth knowing, I will ask.”

(Sorry for the shortness xD Finally got it posted, though!)

[Aceiro]

“Mm. In Zengea's case, I believe it may just be a little of both.”

Thried noted the bluntness of the response and the silent suggestion to drop the topic as the two were entering the more common area of the territory. He was content with the information that he was told regardless and knew that if he had more questions they would probably soon be answered by the meeting of the lioness herself. He knew now what the standards were and what he should expect out of the meeting as well. So with a brisk nod he continued to follow Mahiri.

“For now, I will simply observe. However, if there is anything that I decide is worth knowing, I will ask.”

Thried nodded once more satisfied with the response. He knew it was one thing to hear one's past but doing so sets a new lens over their personality. "Alright then, I hope that you are not disappointed by what you observe, but do not hesitate to question what I do." Thried had a feeling that some of the traditions that he kept even through his exile, and some that he had found on his own could be questioned. 'I should at least try to keep some of them to myself, unlikely though it may be.' he thought. His mind then quickly turned back to what was currently happening and set it to achieve the goal of making a mental map of Busare's territory.

(sorry its short, finals took more out of me then I thought)