Summer Dance {OPEN}

[Nepa]

NEPA


Droplets of rain pounded a small white lioness, who stood crouched near the edge of the gorge. Her emerald eyes scanned the other rock face, looking for a way to reach the other side. The white lioness realized she could find an easier way, but she wanted the challenge. The sharp rocks and violent river below her did not scare her. The lioness'es eyes fell upon a ledge -- rather a series of ledges -- that started halfway down the face of the cliff and staggered upward towards the top. From where she sat, the ledge looked wide enough. Tensing herself for the jump, the lioness growled. I had better make this. she thought. With a push, the lioness lept for the first ledge. Her limbs outstreached, the lioness soared through the air, her soaked body leaving a trail of water behind her. As she neared the ledge, the lioness extended her claws. As she got closer, the lioness'es eyes widened in horror. The ledge was much to small and she had aimed wrong. Slamming into the side of the ledge, the young lioness cried out in terror. She dug her claws into the slippery surface, hoping they would stop her from falling to her death. Struggling to get onto the tiny ledge, the lioness cried out again. Help!


Word Count: 219
Key:
My thoughts
My words
Other's words

[Tamaske]

The dusky gray brute slipped through the shadows of the border separating the Pridelands and the Outlands, head held low as he slipped along the edge of the forbidden lands, blending in with the shadows that covered the area. The rainy season was here, and the drops of moisture soaked his pelt, yet he seemed to pay it no mind as he continued about his way. Tamaske scanned the area with every step he took, keeping watch for any other lions that may have been lurking about. He was not here to attack, or bring anyone any harm. The large male was here this time only to take into account what the Pridelanders were up to during the rains and report back to the leader of the Outlands. Satisfied that he could cross the lands without any troubles, he slipped out from the shadows and padded across the lands, heading in the direction of the gorge. Keeping on high alert throughout the trek, he finally reached the edge of the gorge, skirting around the edge until he located a way down.

Leaping onto the first ledge, he settled back on his haunches as he scanned his surroundings, looking for the next ledge that would lead him on downward into the gorge. As he looked about, a cry reached his ears and he turned his head towards the direction of the cry, immediately spotting a white lioness clinging to one of the smaller ledges of the area. Rising to his paws, excitement and adrenaline surged through his body. If she was a Pridelander, and he saved her, she would undoubtedly be in his debt. Smirking slightly to himself, Tamaske wound his way towards the bottom of the gorge and darted across the empty expanse, reaching the other side quickly before climbing his way back up. Stepping out onto another ledge, he gazed down at the white lioness for a brief moment before speaking, feigned concern tainting the tone of his voice, Don’t move. Just hold on, I’m coming to get you.

With that, he disappeared from her view, reemerging just moments later on the small ledge she had apparently been aiming for. Putting his paws close together and extending his claws, he crept closer to the edge of the ledge. Once he was as close to the edge he could get, he dug his claws into the surface of the eroding rock and leaned over, grabbing the scruff of the lioness’ neck in his teeth. Once he was certain he had her securely in his grip, the male moved backwards, heaving the lioness with him onto the ledge, releasing his hold once he was satisfied that they were on a part of the ledge that was broad enough to support both of them. Showing no sign of distress, the gray brute gazed at the white lioness, tilting his head slightly before speaking, What were you doing, trying to make that ledge? You could’ve been killed, you know. Settling back on his haunches, he waited patiently for her reply.

word count; 511. I got post happy :3 lol

[Nepa]

NEPA

As the small white lioness dangled precariously from the ledge, her legs flailing beneath her, the yearling heard a voice - deep like a male's - speak out over the rain. Don’t move. Just hold on, I’m coming to get you. I'm trying to hold on, you idiot. she growled to herself, her eyes following the large gray lion. As he disappeared from her view, the young lioness struggled even more to get onto the ledge, thinking he had left her. She was soon proven wrong when the brute suddenly appeared before her, making his way cautiously towards her. When he grabbed her by her scruff, the little lioness squealed in surprise and indignation. As her paws reached solid ledge and she felt her scruff be released, the lioness jerked back, claws extended. She somewhat relaxed when the shadowy brute slightly tilted his head and spoke. What were you doing, trying to make that ledge? You could’ve been killed, you know. Glaring up at the brute, the lioness realized just how small she was compared to him. A growl in her voice, the yearling replied. I like the challenge. Sniffing the air, but picking up no distinct scents, the lioness spoke again, the growl still tipping her voice. Who are you? You're not a Pridelander. Speaking of them, we should probably move before they discover us. Who knows what Simba would do to a couple of vagrants in his land. You are a vagrant, aren't you? I couldn't smell any pride on you. She knew she was asking a lot at once and that they were all pretty much random, but she could care less.


Word Count: 275
(I think I'm post-happy too! This is one of my bigger posts...)
Key:
My thoughts
My words
Other's words

[Tamaske]

Once she was safely on the ledge, Tamaske stood back, a look of indignation in his eyes as the questions flew from her lips. Settling back on his haunches, he continued to gaze at the light hued lioness before him before finally answering her questions, Who I am and where I am from are none of your concern. You’re awfully ungrateful for someone who was so close to falling to her death. With that, the large brute rose to his paws and turned his back to her, stepping away and leaping onto a close by ledge without casting another glance in her direction. Whether she would follow or not was of no concern to him, he still had a mission to carry out. Leaping from ledge to ledge until he was once again in the bottom of the gorge, the brute looked about for the white lioness. He had to admit, he half expected the young lioness to follow him.

Gazing up towards the sky, the rain falling on his face, Tamaske figured it would not be letting up any time soon. Settling into the shadows around the edge of the deep chasm, the brute once again settled on his haunches, his watch vigilant to see if the young lioness would reappear again. It was clear that she was no pridelander herself, from all of her questions and her scent. She did not reek of pridelander as most of the lions from these lands would. She had been correct though when she spoke of the consequences of the pair of them being caught. The consequences would be dire, there was no doubt about that. However, the gray brute did not fear the pridelanders. In his eyes, they were an incompetent bunch of lions.

word count; 295. Ha, it's okay :3 i like how we're always posting for each other, lol. i had no idea nepa was you when i first replied

[Nepa]

NEPA

The little lioness perked her ears as the gray brute responded.Who I am and where I am from are none of your concern. You’re awfully ungrateful for someone who was so close to falling to her death. Sorry. she mumbled. I just don't meet many lions. When the shadowy lion got up and began to jump from ledge to ledge, she squealed in surprise. He's just leaving me! she thought when the brute didn't even turn around. As he reached the top of the gorge and disappeared from sight, the little lioness growled and began to leap from ledge to ledge also, her feet often slipping on the edges. Her smaller size made it harder to clear the ledges, but she wasn't about to be left alone, not when she was in a pride's territory. Scrambling up the last ledge, the lioness looked around to spot the gray brute. She couldn't see him! Frantically whipping around, the white yearling searched fervently for the brute. He did leave me! she said, not meaning to say it out loud. Sighing, the cub (she's a year old, so i think that counts...) lay down, curling up and placing her paw over her nose so that the rain didn't get into it. Her eyes still looking around, she whimpered once quietly.

Word Count: 217
Key:
My thoughts
My words
Other's words

lol. Here's my other characters for you.
Valeska-Queen of the Drylands
Jiwa-Grumpy old elder of the Badlands
Giza Nyota-Trained assassin of the Outlands, though she is currently distracted by Kijana, Prince of the Vinelnds
And you already know Nepa, Kosa, and Nafasi..

[Tamaske]

Watching from the cover of the shadows, his eyes followed the little white lioness as she whipped about in panic, seemingly searching for him. Amusement flickered in his eyes as he rose to his paws and slipped out from the shadows and up to her side, Of course I left you. I have no time for lollygagging about with others. With that, he was off again, moving down the gorge, ears turned forward on high alert. Glancing over his shoulder at the young lioness, he nodded his head as a way of letting her know it was alright to follow if she so desired.

The rain’s intensity seemed to pick up ever so slightly as the moments went by, but Tamaske was not bothered by it. Finally reaching the other side of the gorge, he leapt up onto the closest ledge and waited for the little lioness to grow closer. This wasn’t part of the plan, Tamaske. Quit messing about and get back to your patrol. Shaking his head slightly, he disregarded the scolding voice that he knew only he could hear. Turning his gaze to the young lioness, he chuffed impatiently, Well hurry up. You want to be washed away when the rains hit gale force? He knew all too well that the gorge could easily flood with water when the rains came full force, and this little lioness wouldn’t stand a chance against the rushing waters, just as Zira hadn’t stood a chance all those years ago.

word count; 253

[Nepa]

NEPA


The little lioness squealed indignantly when the gray brute appeared by her side and spoke. Of course I left you. I have no time for lollygagging about with others. She sat up and stared defiantly at the lion as he began to walk away. When he turned around and nodded his head, the cub hesitantly rose to her paws. finally deciding she didn't want to be left behind, she rushed down the gorge after the shadowy brute. As he jumped onto a ledge on the other side, he called out to the cub. Well hurry up. You want to be washed away when the rains hit gale force? As she jumped up onto the ledge next to him she snapped her reply. I'm not as big as you, so I'm slower. I'm sure YOU were a cub at one point too! She was really beginning to dislike this lion, but she wasn't about to be left behind in a different pride's territory.


Word Count: 162
Key:
My thoughts
My words
Other's words

[Tamaske]

Her complaint that she was not as big as him so her speed was inhibited only caused the dusky brute to roll his eyes in annoyance. Once settled safely on one of the ledges, he glanced down at the small female, Your size should be a reason you are faster, not slower. Stop making excuses. Leaping onto another ledge, he waited for the female to catch up before continuing the trek up the ledges and out of the gorge. Once his paws were safely on the solid ground of the Pridelands, he inhaled deeply, shuffling through the scents in search for any that would give hint to any pridelanders being nearby while he scanned the area slowly. Satisfied that they were still in the clear, Tamaske headed along the border of the gorge, mouth agape slightly as he panted. Even the rains didn’t help to lower the scorching heat of the lands.

Checking to make sure the little white lioness was keeping up, he continued about his mission. He wasn’t really one for conversation, but what was she doing here? She obviously was not a pridelander, she’d made that point clear earlier, What are you doing here, anyways? You’re not pretty enough to be a pridelander, rugged enough to appear as an outsider. You’d be killed on spot, most likely. So why were you braving the gorge? There had to be a reason for a lioness like her to be risking her life to travel through the gorge. Even though it wasn’t technically Pridelander territory, they still would not take kindly to her having been down there. She was in just as much danger there as she now was actually walking across their lands with an Outsider.

word count; 293. lol tamaske's so rude.

[Nepa]

NEPA


The white cub twitched her ear in amusement at the brute's reply. Your size should be a reason you are faster, not slower. Stop making excuses. Good point. After following the gray brute a bit more, the lion started panting. It was then that she realized just how hot it was. Her white pelt, though, reflected heat, whereas the brute's gray pelt absorbed heat. Her light fur made it more bareable for her but she felt a twinge of compassion as the brute before her suffered in the heat. The rain itself didn't cool them down more because the humidity was too high to evaporate the water. Nepa noticed him scanning the area and inwardly wondered what he was doing here, but she actually was afraid to ask. The lion didn't seem the type to spill his plans. As she was pondering what the brute was doing here, she jumped from surprise. The shadowy lion had broken the silence and she hadn't been prepared. What are you doing here, anyways? You’re not pretty enough to be a pridelander, rugged enough to appear as an outsider. You’d be killed on spot, most likely. So why were you braving the gorge? The lioness squealed again in indignation at the brute's remarks. You really are charming with the ladies, aren't you? she growled sarcastically. I don't know what you're doing and I don't want to know. As for me? I came here looking for a pride. I realize I'm not too rugged, but what can you expect from a cub? As for being pretty -- I'm the prettiest were I come from. Killed on the spot? I'd like to see them try. I've had a few fights in my short life and my size and agility allowed me to win. I was braving the gorge because, i know that if i go down farther, there is an easier crossing. Easier crossings would be patroled more, whereas hard crossings would more than likely not be patrolled. I would have made it if it wasn't for this rain. I could tell you more about me, but I want to know who i'm talking to first. My name's Nepa. the white lioness said, looking at the brute before her. And maybe you want to tell me about yourself a bit.


Word Count: 384 (BIG POST! Beat all your ones in this thread...)
Key:
My thoughts
My words
Other's words

[Tamaske]

As he listened to her ramble, his vigilance did not fall. One phrase in particular caught his attention. So, the Pridelanders were patrolling the easy entrance out of the gorge? How foolish of them to leave the rest of it unpatrolled. Glancing around, he noticed they’d gone a good ways and the easy entrance shouldn’t be much farther. Spotting a familiar tree in the distance, Tamaske quietly made that the marker where he would settle and watch the entrance the lioness had spoken of. As he lumbered on, her words swirled about in his mind until they nearly drove him crazy, I don’t need to be charming. I’m not here to be charming and to sweep you or any other lioness off their paws. If those were my intentions, I would have stayed in my lands. You’re awfully mouthy for a cub. Didn’t anyone teach you to respect your elders? As the tree grew closer with every step, the dusky brute slowed his pace. Any fast moving lion would be noticed at this point if the pridelands patrols were out. It was a risk either way, though, and the brute knew that. The things I do for my Queen. he muttered to himself, just low enough so the cub would not be able to hear him.

As she asked who he was, a low growl rumbled deep in his chest. She was getting too personal for his tastes, My name is Tamaske, and that is all the information you’re getting. Anything other information is information you are not privy to. Once he fell under the shade of the solitary tree, the brute stopped and leaned back on his haunches, gazing around the trunk of the tree. It was certain to look ridiculous to the lioness with him, but with any luck, she wouldn’t find it too humorous and laugh or speak too loudly to see what he was doing. Gazing forward, the large brute noticed several lions milling about the easier gorge entrance. She had been right, after all, though he had to say he wasn’t all that surprised. Now, he just had to spot the King, and see if he was coming or going at this hour. After that, he was to report back to Eupe and let her know his findings. The thought of the queen made Tamaske’s stomach churn. He wasn’t fond of her, or the way she handled things. She seemed a bit reckless, a bit careless, in his eyes but who was he to question her? It wasn’t his place. He wasn’t the King there and he was certainly glad he wasn’t. A soldier’s title and life suited him just fine.

word count; 461 , close! my first was 511 o.o

[Nepa]

NEPA


Nepa listened to the gray brute's answer quietly. I don’t need to be charming. I’m not here to be charming and to sweep you or any other lioness off their paws. If those were my intentions, I would have stayed in my lands. You’re awfully mouthy for a cub. Didn’t anyone teach you to respect your elders? My name is Tamaske, and that is all the information you’re getting. Anything other information is information you are not privy to. Nepa lowered her white head and sighed. My father is king of a pride over the mountains. He exiled me and my mother when she protected me from a certain lion -- the son of the High King. My mother was later killed by rouges and I've lived for over half a year without her. I taught myself everything I know, Tamaske. When the brute before her stopped, Nepa looked up again. She saw Tamaske peeking out from behind the tree and couldn't help but giggle. He looked like a cub playing hide-and-seek, but didn't quite get the hiding part. Following the brute's gaze, the lioness noticed the other lions. She realized that he was hiding from them and felt that she should do the same. She slowly slunk behind Tamaske, knowing his gray fur would hide her white pelt. Tamaske, she whispered, What are you doing?


Word Count: 226
Key:
My thoughts
My words
Other's words

[Tamaske]

Her story did not move him, or stir even the slightest bit of emotion in his black heart. He simply chose not to respond to the tale of her parents. He’d witnessed the death of his mother, also at the hands of vagrants, and since that moment the brute had never been the same. The only thing that fueled him now was hatred. It was expected, though, seeing as he was one of the last few cubs sired by Scar before his death. The scar over his eye gave him the appearance of being some type of reincarnation of the evil brute. As the white lioness inquired into his business, he flicked one hear and growled a low, nearly inaudible response, Mind your business. That was all he felt he needed to say. She had no need-to-know of his business. As he continued to watch the few lions positioned around the entrance to the gorge, he noticed a familiar shape coming up from the gorge. Kovu. Immediately, the large brute’s body tensed as he watched every move the king made. He watched how he moved, interacted with the other lions, made a mental note at which spot he would be the most vulnerable, what position an attack should be made, how many lions would be needed to overpower the patrols and the king.

With the rough idea of the attack plan he would present to his Queen, the gray brute rose to his paws and turned away from the tree. Gazing at the white lioness, he simply walked past her. At this point, the choice to follow would be left in her paws. He had not revealed to her where he was from for a reason. If she followed him, she would find herself in the outlands and immediately faced with the choice to make her home there or to leave, though with the way the Queen was, leaving would hardly be on option. She was well versed with the power of persuasion, and most young lions were starstruck with the false promises of a great life the Queen offered them. Anyone with half a mind could figure out that the things that were offered, such as protection and food, and an easy life, were things Outsiders where not known to have. They were hated and malnourished, looked down upon by every other lion, with the exceptions of the vagrants. However, though the life of the outsiders was not glamorous, they were, arguably, some of the most passionate lions in the lands. Though their passion was hatred and revenge, it was a reminder that they were sill alive.

word count; 440. man i'm really feeling this thread, lol.

[Nepa]

Nepa whimpered at Tamaske's reply. Mind your business. Following the brute's gaze, the white cub saw a lion that bore a resemblance to Tamaske. They must be brothers.[/color] By how the other lions interacted with the new lion, she understood that he was the king. She had heard stories of this land and knew of the trouble they had gone through. The Grasslands and the Badlands, the Highlands and the Lowlands -- each threatening to go to war with each other. As the brute walked past her, she realized what was going on. Why he had saved her then hadn't been pleased and why he was just ingnoring her now. Rushing to Tamaske's side, the cub spoke. You're a Badlander, aren't you? she growled. And that lion is their king. You're going back to report to your queen, aren't you? she growled again.


OOC: She's smart, so she just put the peices of the puzzle together...

[Tamaske]

The brutes eyes rolled at the tone of her voice. Halting and turning to face the cub, the brute snarled. They were a safe enough distance away from the patrols now where the sound would not carry far enough to be heard by them. In this midst of the snarl, the gray male spoke, Does it matter to you? Perhaps it was Kovu, perhaps it wasn’t. It is still none of your business what I do here, and what I do when I leave here. If you wish to follow, so be it. But whatever you think you may have figured out, do not go run about and tell because you will only look like a fool. Nobody believes Vagrants in these lands. The fact that she had indeed figured out what Tamaske was doing in the lands irritated him greatly, but he refused to show it. Nodding emphatically once after his brief monologue, the large brut continued on about his path, once again leaving any decision to follow in her paws.

Whether she did or not, he did not care. If she came to the Outlands, he would not be responsible for her. He would not watch over her, or befriend her in any way. She would fit in easily with the cubs her age, but he was too old to be gallivanting about with a cub, for the most part. He could not deny that she would be a valuable asset to the Outlanders. She was intelligent, and young enough to have the ambition that most of the older lions were beginning to lack. Though, she seemed to be disgusted by the idea of him being from the Badlands. He doubted the young female would follow him far past the point they were now. As he pressed onwards, the landscape began to change. At first, it was subtle, but the closer he grew to the border of the Outlands, the harsher the change was. There was no denying that the brute was relieved to once again be back in his own lands, and as the final paw crossed the invisible border, the gray brute cast a glance over his shoulder to see if the white lioness was still following him.

word count; 373

[Nepa]

NEPA


Laying her ears flat, Nepa listened to Tamaske's answer. Does it matter to you? Perhaps it was Kovu, perhaps it wasn’t. It is still none of your business what I do here, and what I do when I leave here. If you wish to follow, so be it. But whatever you think you may have figured out, do not go run about and tell because you will only look like a fool. Nobody believes Vagrants in these lands. A growl rose in her throat but she forced it down. As the brute suddenly walked off, Nepa got to her feet and followed. Tamaske, I'm going with you wherever you go now. I owe you for saving me so now I'm staying with you untill I repay the favor. Whether you like it or not. She glared defiantly at the gray brute, her eyes daring him to defy her.


A little out of the blue, yes, but she's stil a cub and changes the subject rapidly. She also keeps her word.... Which is trouble for Tamaske... ;D

Word Count: 149
Key:
My thoughts
My words
Other's words