"Sekai, Masika: Do you at all think its okay to be wandering away from the den!" It wasn't a question. Amara paced back and forth, her brown eyes flared with anger and worry. The russet colored fur along her shoulders rose and the lioness' long tail lashed. "And what's worse, playing by water!" The two cubs crouched in the wet grass, trying to hide. It was raining. In the storm they had been able to slip away and go to the watering hole. If Amara, their mother, hadn't been nearby to find them they would probably be alligator chow right now.
"Mama, we're really sorry..." Sekai mewled, her blue eyes glistening as she tried to look her cutest. Masika just stayed quiet, leaning away from her sister. She would be mad for awhile that they got in trouble because of her. Amara looked at her cubs, stopping her frantic pacing. She gritted her teeth, sighing heavily with furrowed brows.
"Let's go back to the den. We'll discuss your punishment later." Amara limped slightly as they headed back toward the brush where the nests were located. In saving her cubs, she had twisted her paw on the slick mud by the dark waters. The three had narrowly dodged the snapping jaws of a hungry alligator. As the mother walked along the paw trodden trails with her cubs the rain beat down heavily.
It was a problem Amara didn't want to have when she saw the figure of a lioness ahead of them, creeping through the tall grass. She didn't recognize the scent of fur color of the bright golden cat, who stood out easily against the gray scene. Thunder cracked and Amara joined in with a powerful, deep chested roar. She had cubs to defend. Whoever this intruder was, they weren't going to get far.
The golden cat turned her head as raindrops dropped from her long silver whiskers. She returned the deep roar with a grunt of no harm.
ReplyDeleteAmara was relieved. She wasn't a fighter. The sandy colored lioness trotted over, swishing her tail to tell her cubs to stay there hidden. She was thankful the rain would cover their scent. "You do realize you're trespassing on Evening Pride territory." She tried to sound not too hostile, fearful of a fight breaking out. Her limited skills and already twisted paw would be sure to make her lose.
ReplyDeleteXena's eyes burned with irritation, "Yes I did actually, I wouldn't be here if I didn't know.." her voice loosing the fight to hold back any anger or irritation, Her big amber eyes searched for the camp of the pride.
ReplyDeleteAmara's lip curled at her tone. "I am one of the pride, and you better have a good reason for being here." She spat, her ears flat and tail lashing.
ReplyDeleteSekai and Masika looked worried out at their mother. They both squeled with delight when they saw a large lion figure galloping towards the intruder.
Khari had heard Amara's roar and had come to check things out. He was hostile at seeing the yellow lioness and now approached with warning bellows.
Amara was relieved to see her brother. If a fight did break out, he could handle it.
Xena's ears drew back as she heard the male come towards them. "Oh believe me I do..."she said stepping forward, her warmth let off onto the other female. Xena turned toward the male her hostile attitude changed to a kindness. "Hello my name is Xena and I ask to join your pride, I hope you are the head of authority."her tone is sweet and flirtatious.
ReplyDeleteKhari's ears were back as he studied her. He glanced at Amara, who cocked her head just as unsure. "I am." He said in half a growl, pacing around her to take in the scent. She didn't seem threatening and they did needed members after the incident happened. "Xena, huh? I'll give you a chance." He said, Amara hissing in frustration at how quickly he accepted her.
ReplyDeleteHe stepped aside to talk with her for a moment, noticing her reaction. "What is it now?"
"Do you really think that's a good idea? We just met her?"
He looked back at the golden lioness. "We need members." He also thought she was pretty.
Amara sighed, "Yes but-"
"Why do you question me?!" He snapped suddenly, baring his teeth. Amara ducked her head, quieting. Khari walked back over to her. "Let me show you to our dens."
She nodded quietly looking back at the two then walked forward with the other lioness.
ReplyDelete