`` it won't be p r e t t y (cherry)

[Kijana]

Lounging about on the grassy area surrounding the waterfall, the prince slept peacefully on his back, legs sprawled about. The past few days had been quite exciting for him. Every moment he had to spare had been spent in the presence of Nyota, the black lioness that had so quickly gathered his attention. Now, he was resting, away from the rest of the pride. His mother had nearly run him ragged this morning, along with his supposed mate-to-be. As usual, he'd escaped from carrying out his responsibilities and slipped away to his hiding spot. The area was like a haven for him, a place where nobody really ever looked for him, with the exception of Nyota. He'd shown her all the places he loved to hide and sleep in case she ever couldn't find him or just needed to get away for a bit herself.

She'd been welcomed into the pride, finally, on a trial period. His mother was very reluctant about it, and to be honest, he knew she still wasn't happy with him. It was obvious that he had no interest whatsoever in the lioness that he was arranged to be a mate to, and that all his interest lay with the black lioness.

Finally pulling himself from the depths of sleep, the golden male rolled over onto his paws and lifted himself up, shaking the bits of grass from his fur before padding over to the small pool of water, getting a drink before returning to the spot he'd been lying in. Flopping back down, Kijana spread his massive jaws for a yawn, tongue lolling out of his mouth slightly. Once the yawn was over, he shook his head and scanned the area quickly, inhaling deeply to make sure no pride members were coming to find him before rolling about in the grass, wondering to himself where Nyota was at this time.

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[Nyota]

Giza Nyota


A black lioness stepped out of the nearby shadows of the jungle, every muscle in her brawny body taunt and ready for action. Evry second of being in this jungle was like walking on eggshells. Kijana's parents - she noticed - weren't too pleased that she had the young prince's attention instead of the lioness he was arranged to be mate to. Yet they surprisingly consented to her staying in the pride on a trial run. That had been farther than she had expected to get with the prince's parents. She had thought that they wouldn't even think of letting her stay in the lands because she was an Outlander! Shaking her head in amusement, the gaunt beauty sauntered up behind Kijana and pounced on his rolling form. Her black collided with his gold as she landed on him, playfully tugging his ear. You know, Kijana, you really should take care of your responsibilities before you go off playing. she purred sarcastically, mimicing the lioness that was Kijana's supposed mate-to-be. How can you stand that lioness! She isn't even pretty! And she doesn't smell to hot either! When was the last time she took a dunk in the river? She said, wrinkling her nose as if the lioness was right there. Now there's an idea! Next time she's near the river, let's surprise her and make sure she stays under the water a little too long.... If done right, your parents will think it was an accident! Then you don't have to worry about that lioness anymore! she said enthusastically, leaping of the prince as the idea dawned on her.

Word Count: 271
Key:
My thoughts
My words
Other's words

Nyota was trained as an assassin, so don't be surprised about THAT idea! xD

[Kijana]

As the weight of the female came over the prince, he let out a laugh and flung an arm around her neck, pulling her over him and tugging on her ear lightly with his teeth before releasing it. Sitting up and brushing off his fur, the male tilted his head and rolled his eyes, making a peculiar face. Raising his voice a few pitches, he joined in the mocking, Kijana where have you been all day? Your mother’s been worried sick, looking for you! I don’t understand how you can just shirk your duties like that! Snorting slightly, the golden hued brute nudged the lioness’ shoulder slightly before shrugging, I don’t. I tolerate her for my mother’s sake but that’s about as for as it goes. At the mention of the female’s rather unpleasant stench, he laughed again, shaking his head slightly. Despite her sometimes dark humor, and ideas, Kijana had to admit that he liked the black hued lioness more than any of the ones he’d met in his short life.

Well we can’t just off her. She’s obnoxious and smelly but I don’t think drowning her will provide a permanent solution. Besides, I’m not the assassin type. The idea didn’t surprise him, nor did it bother him. He trusted Nyota enough not to ‘accidentally’ kill the other lioness that he didn’t fret when the idea came out of her mouth. Looking over at her, he felt a small yet familiar flutter in his heart. He’d gotten used to that feeling by now. It was always there when he gazed at her, a mixture of joy and fear. Joy because he was grateful to have her, thankful he’d met her and fear that soon the Outlanders would come looking for her. He’d warned his mother of the dangers that were involved with allowing her to live here, but she’d consented anyways, knowing how happy it would make her son. Flopping back down onto the grass and rolling onto his back, he batted at the end of Nyota’s tail.

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[Nyota]

Giza Nyota


Nyota's eyes glistened with amusement at Kijana's reply. Kijana where have you been all day? Your mother’s been worried sick, looking for you! I don’t understand how you can just shirk your duties like that! At that, Nyota couldn't help but pretend to be Kijana. My dear, I simply walk away from them... she said, a mischevious grin on her face. His next reply made her just roll her eyes. I don’t. I tolerate her for my mother’s sake but that’s about as for as it goes. Nyota humphed like a little spoiled cub that wasn't getting her way. Well we can’t just off her. She’s obnoxious and smelly but I don’t think drowning her will provide a permanent solution. Besides, I’m not the assassin type. Looking again mischeviously at Kijana, the black lioness replied. You don't like my idea? If she's drowned she wouldn't ever come back. she said, a playful frown on her maw. She made herself look like she was about a cry. As Kijana layed down again and began batting at her tail, she asked him a question. Why do you have to marry her anway?


Word Count: 190
Key:
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[Kijana]

Pausing in the midst of batting at her tail, the prince rolled back over and looked over at Nyota, shrugging slightly, I’m not sure, really. I guess since I shirk all my other duties they figure this is the one thing I can’t run away from. But hey, you know when they day comes that we’re supposed to be whatever, neither of us will be there. With a smile and a wink, the golden brute nudged her shoulder. He’d always spoken of the two running off with a joking lilt to his voice, but there was a part of him that’d always been serious. He didn’t want to marry the lioness that his parents had chosen for him. There was nothing about her that he liked. She was loud, rude, obnoxious, bossy, and bratty. Everything that he wasn’t. She was wound tighter than a coiled snake, and that just wasn’t Kijana’s style. He took life as it came, and he worried about nothing. Perhaps it wasn’t the most responsible way to look at life, but it was just the way he did things. He liked it that way.

He also liked the thought of running off with the black lioness before him. He knew they would have to eventually, whether it was because the Outsiders had found her or they were just running off to be on their own, he figured it was somewhat inevitable unless his parents came around and called off the betrothal, which they wouldn’t. It frustrated him that this seemed to be something he could not get out of like he normally could. Refusing to dwell on it, he leapt to his paws and with a laugh, he darted past her and leapt right into the pool created by the waterfall, swimming around, still laughing merrily. That was one of the most peculiar things about him; he actually enjoyed to swim. Splashing slightly at Nyota, the golden male grinned widely at her, Don’t want to join me?

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[Nyota]

Giza Nyota


Nyota smiled as Kijana answered. I’m not sure, really. I guess since I shirk all my other duties they figure this is the one thing I can’t run away from. But hey, you know when they day comes that we’re supposed to be whatever, neither of us will be there. He often hinted about running away, and Nyota knew that they soon would have to. The Outlanders would have recieved the news that she had joined the Vinelands by now, and they wouldn't be happy. When Kijana suddenly up and ran into the water, laughing hysterically, Nyota jumped straight into the air. Each of her legs were out and her tail was stiff as she landed on the ground again. Her fur was all puffed up and she let out an annoyed yet amused growl. How dare Kijana scare her! Just as she turned around to face Kijana, she recieved a splash to the face. She jumped again, this time because of how cold the water was. Don’t want to join me? Dripping wet, the black lioness looked at the golden brute in the water. Kijana! I can stand right here and join you. she said, reffering to how she was soaked. But, if you insist... she said, laughing as she jumped into the water, causing a wave to cover Kijana momentarily. I want to go on an adventure, Kijana. Find out who my real parents are. What about you? Nyota said, paddling over to where Kijana was.


Word Count: 248
Key:
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My words
Other's words

[Kijana]

He pondered about her words for a moment. He was always up for a good adventure, but this was going farther than he’d ever gone before. She wanted to find who her real parents were, and there was no telling how long that would take. Weeks? Months? Possibly, maybe even years. He didn’t mind leaving, though, not really. The drought was starting, and it would only get worse before it got better, but could he really leave at this particular time? Paddling around her, he mulled over the idea for a bit longer, If you would like to attempt to find out, I would accompany you. Sometimes it’s important to know where we come from. He would gladly go with her if she desired him to. Whether it was now or later, they would eventually have to leave for a bit anyways.

Thinking about it, he continued to paddle about the black lioness before stopping in front of her. When do you think they’ll be showing up? They’ve bound to have heard you’re here by now. It worried him, and frightened him a bit, that the outlanders would be coming into his home and doing only god knows what to get her back. Who knew what they would do upon discovering she was no longer in the Vinelands. Refusing to let the thoughts drag him down, though, he focused on how pleased he was that she was here with him.

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[Nyota]

Giza Nyota


She was elated at his answer. If you would like to attempt to find out, I would accompany you. Sometimes it’s important to know where we come from. Yes, yes, yes! She cried out like a cub who got exactly what she wanted. She splashed the golden brute in front of her as he spoke. When do you think they’ll be showing up? They’ve bound to have heard you’re here by now. Seeing his emotions change, Nyota realized he was worried. They're probably here now. We're a good distance away from your pride's current den, so we wouldn't be able to tell. Which is more the reason we should go. As if to confirm Nyota's question, the angry roar of Hasira rang through the jungle. Giza! the Badlander queen screamed.


uh-oh...

[Kijana]

The scream of Hasira reached his ears, and it was as if he immediately new what to do. Giving Nyota a push towards the bank of the pool of water, the prince was close behind her. Once all four paws were on solid grown, he quickly shook the water from his coat before turning towards the black lioness. He’d shown her every escape route from the place, but there was no telling which one would lead them straight to the Outlanders Queen. Wasting no time, the golden male leapt past Nyota and crouched, disappearing straight into the forest. He knew she would follow behind him, though he was relieved when he heard the rustling behind him. If he’d calculated right, this way would lead them straight out of the Vinelands and into the desert without being located by the Outsiders. As he made his way through the jungle, he could hear the angry cries of Nyota’s former queen and the search attempts by the members she had brought with her. As he led the way, adrenaline surged through his entire body and his fur stood on end. It was rare that the young male felt fear, but he felt it now, and he knew it was basically do or die right now.

If it came down to it, he would fight every Outsider that attempted to take her from him, even their Queen. He didn’t know if he would have to fight alone, or if any of the others of the Vinelands pride would join him, but he didn’t care either way. His only thought right now was getting the lioness out of the jungle. Moving aside, he allowed her to pass. He had a better view traveling at the rear, a better angle to spot if anyone was coming at them. Senses on high alert, he kept his eyes wide as he continuously scanned the area with the sense of sight, smell, and hearing for any sign that they were being followed or had been seen. So far, so good The brute thought, and shortly after the glow from the desert showed up just ahead of them. Body tense, he urged the lioness to move faster because they were almost to where they needed to be. He hoped with all his might that they would make it, for once they reached the open expanse of the desert, they would be able to run.

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[Nyota]

Giza let out a startled cry at kijana as he pushed her out of the water. She had never seen him move this fast! Nyota remebered all the routes that kijana had showed her and paused momentarily as Kijana instead dove into the jungle growth. Sprinting after him, Nyota stayed as quiet as she could, knowing that any noise could alarm the Badland queen or her subjects. Every muscle quivered and all her senses were on high alert, each one more acute than normal. Even the smallest snap of a twig caused her to press forward harder. Her fur stood on edge and her eyes were wide. Giza shook herself. What she felt she had never known before. Is it fear? It is. I know it. I am afraid of Hasira. Or am I afraid of the consequences of not obeying Hasira? It doesn't matter. What matters is that I get through this alive. me and Kijana... After a while, Kijana stepped to the side. Nyota knew exactly what he wanted and kept going. Behind her, she felt Kijana fall into place and watch out for her from behind. She was about to say something when she felt Kijana give her a push. Looking forward, she realized why. The desert was just ahead. Still staying low, Giza quickened her pace till she was on the sand. Looking at kijana, she gave a silent signal and prepared to break into a run.

[Kijana]

With senses on high alert, the golden prince blinked in the suddenly bright sunlight and paused momentarily to allow his eyes to adjust. As his paws sunk into the sandy grounds of the desert lands, he looked sideways at the dark hued lioness. There was no panic, and no fear, in his eyes; just readiness. He had been over this scenario many times in his head, and he knew what was necessary to keep this lioness, as well as his family in the Vinelands, safe. Spotting movement in the vines, a vicious snarl ripped its way from his throat and he tensed up, placing his body between Nyota and the spot they had just come from. Pacing backwards, he forced her farther away from the exit spot, blue eyes keeping watch for any that would come for them. When it seemed as though none were coming, he raised up to his full stance and turned towards the lioness, Run. It was the only word that needed to be said. Once she was in motion, the golden brute was at her side, keeping pace easily. As the jungle disappeared behind them and the desert replaced the view, Kijana slowed, certain they’d gone far enough at for the time being.

It felt as though they had run for ages, and he was aware they had gone far. The jungle was gone from view, not even a small hint of it on the far horizon. A small twinge of sadness pulled at his heart, but it had to be done to protect the ones he loved. Panting heavily, the prince paced back and forth slowly, ears alert on his head, eyes ever on the search for any signs that they were still being followed. He was certain they were, but at the pace they had been running, it would be quite some time before Hasira and the others would catch up to them. Pausing in his pacing, he turned and faced Nyota, blue eyes focusing on the face of the dark hued lioness. Letting out a quite chuff to the lioness, he crossed the small distance between them and rubbed the side of his face against hers gently, closing his eyes. For now, they were safe. For how long, though, was uncertain.

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[nharo]

He padded noisily along the border, insides smoldering. His confrontation with an elder about his status in the pride would have been disheartening to most. To him, it just made him stronger. And angrier. Muscles from the hard life of an Outlander thrummed underneath his charred brown coat. His blue eyes-like-ice were too busy staring at the ground, deep in thought, to notice anything on the border.

What does he know? What does anyone know? I was abandoned here, do I not deserve some ounce of respect? But no, I am lowly. A humble peasant. No, never humble. The thought of escaping to somewhere else grew more and more tempting by the day. Though his muscles were more vibrant than ever, his spindly legs and thin torso waved a flag at the world saying, Looks like someone needs a meal. He did, desperately, but the bottom of the Pride chain determined that anything left after the high class was done was yours for the fight-to-the-death. It was hard for him to admit that he hadn't won a meal in over a week. His state was desperate. His only option at the moment was to go hunting, as if he had the energy to do so. Or the time. He was stuck patrolling borders.

He cursed under his breath and kicked a stone into the bushes.

[Nyota]

Giza Nyota

Nyota whirled around when the noise in the jungle behind her sounded. Kijana matched her movement before turning to her and saying one word. "Run."

[/i] The black beauty paused momentarily before darting deeper into the desert. She peered behind her to see if Kijana was following, and was relieved that he was. If he hadn't been, Nyota would have turned and returned to Kijana. She would never leave him. Never. As she focused on the terrain before her, she felt Kijana's presence beside her. We're free. Free of the jungle. Free of rule. We can do as we please. We can be together forever. If Hasira doesn't find me. If she finds me what should I do? Fight? Or run? Or neither? SHould I just give myself up? What Am I thinking! I was NOT trained for that. I am an assassin, a deadly weapon. A deadly weapon.... I'm putting Kijana in danger.... His family, too... Maybe I should give myself up! Who knows what Hasira would do to his parents to figure out where we would have gone.... If, if, if... I really should stop questioning myself... Follow my heart.... Follow my inner star....my inner star... Kufuata nyota yako wa ndani... I've heard that before.... My mother... I remember it... That's how she named me... She called me star.... nyota... nyota ndani... inner star...[/color] Nyota snapped out of her thoughts as Kijana slowed to a stop next to her. She turned to look at him, her eyes filled with concern an untamed love for him. She couldn't pull her eyes from his brawny golden pelt or his strong, rippling muscles. He paced back and forth along some imaginary line, looking so wearily at the horizon in the direction of which they came. Nyota sat down and her eyes followed his tired bulk as he moved back and forth in that rythematic beat. Her concerned eyes met his as he turned and looked at her and she sighed inwardly. As Kijana moved towards her, she straightened up. His head met hers and for a moment they rubbed their heads together tenderly. Nyota closed her eyes and embraced his welcome scent and warmth. Even under the scorching heat of the desert, she welcomed it. As Kijana drew back, Nyota looked up at him in dismay. He was so tense. "Kijana... What - what now?" Her voice faltered as she realized that things may never be the same. He had to leave his home, his family, and his pride to protect her. He had left everything he loved to protect her... Does he love me? Like I love him? Or does he just think of me as another lioness... A confused lioness... nothing more? What am I thinking! He wouldn't have left his home if he didn't love me. Right?[/i] She shook herself and looked at Kijana. Of course he loved her.




Word Count: 480 (biggest yet!)
All bold italics in purple are said in Swahili. Ex: Nyota Ndani
Translations:
Nyota = star
Nyota Ndani = inner star
Kufuata nyota yako wa ndani = Follow your inner star
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