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O-Whispered Voices At My Ear; [Open]
Topic Started: Aug 15 2011, 01:51 PM (543 Views)
Kat
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  • She moved with the shadows, lurking out from the depths of her own private cavern into the termite mound's main chamber -- essentially, the heart of the Outland pride. This was where her followers dwelled... and while the devil queen did not necessarily care to converse or mingle, she knew it was necessary to keep in contact with her underlings, keeping them aware of her presense among them. For the more aware of her they were... the less likely they were to start plotting against her.

    For this was her constant fear... an uprising against her; the ultimate betrayal. Her own family had cast her out once, so why should anyone else be different? She kept her eyes sharp and her ears alert, always, never trusting a soul. She did not need their friendship or companionship -- all she demanded was their respect. And so long as she had this, be it fake or not, she could honestly care less.

    Dark eyes roamed the area, searching for assailants and assassins that were not there. And once she felt certain of this and the voices in her mind were appeased, Shetani flopped onto a rocky ledge with her back against the wall, waiting to see into the lives of her pride and learn the gossip of the day. Her presense would surely be felt by any who passed through...

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The past few days had seemed long for Sanura, perhaps due to her very busy hunting schedule. The lioness had increased her patrols for prey, despite the Outlands offering very little in terms of a decent meal. Tired of eating rodents and small mammals constantly, she had often trespassed into the Pridelands in an attempt to take down larger prey; with or without help. Bound by her duty of responsibility to her younger sister, to protect her and keep her alive, she also had to make sure that her Queen ate well. A mixture of admiration and fear drove her to succeed in a large portion of her hunts, but some days were just slow. Especially when the most common of meals were probably no taller than her own paws. Not much to fill one's belly, but those rodents were quick and agile, requiring more effort.

Sanura was sprawled outside of the termite mound, green eyes staring blankly at the horizon. The lands were quiet compared to most she knew; relaxing yet haunting. The lioness had been thinking of the past, something she was always reminded of when her sister was present. But also, the future. What if there were Tau lions still alive? Would they come looking? Could the sisters be putting their new home in jeopardy? Sanura grunted at the thought; as if they were so important. The lioness was, despite this, content. She had proven herself and secured a worthly position within the pride, even if it meant acting as a scapegoat when times were especially hard. She was proud and enjoyed keeping busy and knowing that she was contributing to the pride that took her and her young sister in.

There was a slight breeze, but it was enough to raise the hairs on her neck. Sanura snapped out of her day dream and shifted her weight from her right shoulder to her elbows, turning her head towards the termite mound. That scent was instantly recognisable, enough to make the lioness shiver occassionally. There wasn't much Sanura had to report, but it was possible that the Queen had new orders or news, otherwise the scent would have remained contained in her private chambers. Rising to her paws, the lioness turned and entered the common area. She found her Queen seemingly relaxing on a ledge ahead of her. Sanura lowered her head in greeting.

"My Queen."
[align=center]"My life, is everything
That feeds my thirst, that causes sin
My wants, are all I care
No shame and guilt, there's nothing there"[/align]

Outlander | Sanura
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  • Movement caught the dark being's attention, and her coal-like eyes snapped towards the approaching figure, taking a moment to recognize the beast outlined in the lit entrance-way. It was Sanura, her second in command. Hm. If Shetani could 'trust' anyone, she supposed it would be this lioness. For after all, Sanura only wanted what was best for herself and her sibling. This was her weakness... and the Outland queen knew to use this to her advantage should the huntress ever one day turn on her.

    Looking down at her as the lioness approached her rocky perch, Shetani peered over her uninterestedly before resting her head upon her paws, ears perked and alert as always, though she allowed her eyes to fall shut, feeling fairly secure. "Anything of interest to report, Sanura?" Little occurred in their lands these days, but still, she liked to know all -- or as much as possible. Nothing should be kept secret from the devil queen... for there would certainly be hell to pay.

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  • The adolescent was also sprawled across the cave's floor, sneaking in a quick nap after a particularly intense border check. He'd sprinted it this time, running so lightly that his scent would not be so strong. Whenever he walked, his scent would always linger, and that was never a good thing. If the smell of a strong, young male were to hit the nose of the wrong pridelander, there was always the possibility of them believing Shetani was preparing for a war. And there could be no heads up. No advance warning. If the queen ever did wish to attack, it must be a complete surprise.

    He'd dropped to the ground as soon as he'd entered the caves, not caring if someone stepped on him on their way in. Most had good enough eyesight from living in the dark; they moved around him. All but one lioness. As the lead huntress entered the termite mound, her back foot caught Jasiri's ear. He grunted slightly, rolling over and letting his ears fall backwards. He listened to whatever noises dared to interrupt his sleep, keeping his eyes closed tightly.

    At first he heard Sanura speak. My Queen. She said, and the adolescent's eyes snapped open. My Queen. My Queen?! The lion whipped himself over onto his stomach and pushed himself up hurriedly. He shook his blonde mane quickly, letting any dust or dirt fly out. His eyes scanned the area, searching for the familiar brown and red queen. A stray paw quickly brushed back his mane before he walked over there with as much restraint as possible. He didn't want to seem too eager to talk to her. That wouldn't fly.

    Once he realized that Shetani's eyes were closed, the lion bounced over next to Sanura--his energy renewed by his short nap. He opened his mouth, ready to speak to the queen, but stopped himself. He couldn't answer her question--it was directed at Sanura, obviously. He stared up at the queen, eager to hear Sanura's report, but mostly for Shetani's response.
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Kitara ; Jasiri ; Tembo ; Raziel ; Riza ; Mira ; Alyeska ;
Safia ;Tashee ; Kashee ;[/align]
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Sanura stopped as soon as the Queen acknowledged her presence, straightening her posture and slowly raising her head. Her black ears twitched at the sound of movement in the den, but the lioness hardly seemed to be surprised by the noise. The once sleeping adolescent briefly caught Sanura's attention, although as soon as he sprung to his paws she lost interest.

It was Jasiri, the rough looking male lion of the Outlands. Sanura was almost as quiet as the male, so the two were rarely engaged in intense conversation. This was partly because of how she felt regarding males; lazy, selfish and they enjoyed throwing their weight around - at least this was true of the majority of lions she knew in her lifetime. There rest didn't seem worth remembering. This wasn't to say that Sanura distrusted anyone in the Outlands. Despite their many differences, the one common similiarity they shared was that of the wellfare of Shetani. Or at least one would hope. The lioness could quite clearly imagine the anger of those who called the Outlands home - little food and little water, it was enough to make any predator on edge.

"Nothing My Queen, but I thought that perhaps the pride would benefit from a more substantial meal curtesy of the Pridelands?" Sanura kept one ear in the male's general direction while her gaze was on the Queen, awaiting her blessing or dismissal. The presence of others distracted her slightly, causing her to feel almost awkward. She was perhaps the newest member of this pride and, despite her honorable position, the lioness felt that perhaps she wasn't a full member yet. Maybe it would always be this? Surely no other pride could compare to the feeling of being with one's birth pride? Not that the lioness was disappointed, she had left of her own free will, dragging an innocent cub with her.

[align=center]"My life, is everything
That feeds my thirst, that causes sin
My wants, are all I care
No shame and guilt, there's nothing there"[/align]

Outlander | Sanura
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  • Awaiting her answer in the silence that followed, Shetani took note of the sound of another approaching, flexing her paws absently should the need arise that she might be required to protect herself. But she waited, stilling herself, remaining nonchalant and unbothered as she tended to do, for she wanted no one to know of her constant suspicions. Instead, she listened for Sanura to speak, and only then did she open her black orbs to take in the changed scene before her.

    It was Jasiri who had joined them, she noted, peering over the young male with minimal interest. One who, in her opinion, could not be trusted. But they kept him around just the same, and Shetani kept her eye on him... waiting for the moment he dared to slip up... She waited for that moment, and would savor it when it did.

    "I thought that perhaps the pride would benefit from a more substantial meal curtesy of the Pridelands?"

    Returning her focus to her huntress as she took in these words, Shetani considered the idea, running her claws across the rocky surface she sat upon absently. A substantial meal they would indeed find in their neighboring lands, but there was always the chance they would be noticed. While the dark queen did not fear the Pridelanders... she did not care to really alert them to their presense. Not now, anyway. Still, if her pride was fed, they would be stronger, and more apt to listen. The gift of a good meal might not be such a bad idea... Finally nodding, she looked down at Sanura, giving her consent. "Very well. But do not attract unnecessary attention. We wouldn't want a scuffle on our paws, now would we?"

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  • At Sanura's welcome suggestion, Jasiri slightly nodded his head in agreement. His muscles ached slightly from his recent run, and a hearty mean would certainly make his day. Besides, the animals that wandered into their lands were hardly worth eating anyways. A thin antelope here, or a dazed, half-starved zebra there. It never seemed as if enough big game came through their lands.

    "That would be nice." He said in a soft voice. The cave they were in already seemed to amplify every tiny noise, so it was not necessary for the lion to speak loud. In fact, there was probably no reason for him to speak at all. Sanura already had her mind set on this hunt--his words wouldn't influence her. As for Shetani--she wouldn't even care if he spoke. It wasn't as if she'd take any of his advice, anyways. Well, her loss.

    The lion closed his mouth again, glancing back up at the queen. She appeared to be considering the idea, dragging her claws across the stone in the same way she'd drag her claws across an animal. His ears shrunk at this sound, pressing against his skull until Shetani stopped the audible torture.

    Very well. But do not attract unnecessary attention. We wouldn't want a scuffle on our paws, now would we? The queen said, a slight tone of warning seeping through her voice. The way she said it...was almost like a threat. Still, though, hunting was hunting. It had to be done.

    The adolescent gave Shetani a nod, leaning over towards Sanura. "I can go with you." He whispered his suggestion, still uncomfortable speaking too loudly. However, he didn't realize just how suspicious this might look in the queen's eyes..with him leaning over, and whispering something she couldn't hear. He was far too preoccupied with the promise of a meal.[/color]
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Kitara ; Jasiri ; Tembo ; Raziel ; Riza ; Mira ; Alyeska ;
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Sanura acknowledged the male's answer with a mere glance, eagerly waiting for her Queen's response. Despite her admiration for Shetani, the mahogany lioness was likely to execute her plan with or without approval. Sanura would certainly appreciate a worthy meal and it appeared that Jasiri would as well. She would make no secret of the hunt, however. Food was food and Sanura could not imagine any Outlander turning their noses up a decent sized herbivore.

As her Queen seemed to ponder the idea, giving no initial indication of her view, Sanura also flattened her ears to her head in response to the quiet, yet awful, sound of Shetani's claws raking at the rock. The lioness frowned, despite trying to shield her ears from the noise. Since making the Outlands her home, Sanura felt that her ears became much more sensitive to noise. Perhaps due to the lack of real activity in the area.

"Very well. But do not attract unnecessary attention. We wouldn't want a scuffle on our paws, now would we?"

Sanura's frown slowly turned into a devilish grin. Although she was more likely to start fights than finish them, Sanura couldn't help but show delight in the idea. Naturally, it would be nice to be able to over power any lion or animal that crossed her or her Queen's path, but Sanura was slightly on the smaller side - slightly more unequipped for tackling other predators. Herbivores rarely fought back. At least Sanura had speed on her side. Plus, due to being awarded with the role of lead huntress, it would certainly be wise to try and avoid any injuries. She could hardly imagine someone such as Jasiri volunteering to hunt. "No, my Queen. Not yet." The lioness grinned.

"I can go with you."

Her grin only widened at the lion's suggestion, especially since her thought of him hunting earlier. In her experience, male's were clumsy when it came to such events - large manes were not much help when stealth was mandatory. Jasiri definitely concealed much more strength than Sanura, but such qualities would be better used against other carnivores. Not that the lioness would dismiss the idea. To her, Jasiri either felt too uncomfortable to stay with Shetani by himself.. or perhaps he didn't trust Sanura. Considering his quiet voice and posture.

Sanura glanced back to her Queen. "An excellent point," she exclaimed. "Should anything.. unfortunate happen, then Jasiri could provide valuable back up. Especially since I suspect that one, mere wildebeast would not remain intact en route back here." Sanura teased. "I would ideally need more time to source at least another one."

[align=center]"My life, is everything
That feeds my thirst, that causes sin
My wants, are all I care
No shame and guilt, there's nothing there"[/align]

Outlander | Sanura
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  • Awaiting affirmation that her orders had been heard and would be carried out, Shetani focused her gaze on her followers, watching closely. She had trained herself to study those around her, to be mindful of their every movement. Every twitch of the muzzle, every flick of the ear... these could ultimately be signs of an attack; could be the only warnings to her downfall. So she was always watchful, and thus caught Jasiri's movement as he whispered to Sanura, tensing as she tried to hear the words exchanged between them.

    Whispers... possible sabotage, backstabbing, secret plans... she didn't like them. And seeing as neither of the two felines standing before her were actually full-blooded outlanders... The dark lioness bristled, kneading her paws into the ground mindlessly. Her muscles were tensed, ready to spring if the need arose...

    But nothing happened. Instead, Sanura turned her head to meet her gaze, and Shetani forced herself to relax, listening as the other lioness spoke. So... he had only informed her that he would tag along. Not so secret-worthy, in her opinion... but so long as no scheming took place against her while they were off alone... she did not care. So long as they were successful, and did not stir up trouble... they could go. But she would remain weary... "Fine. Take him with you. But seeing as the two of you are going, I'll expect a feast upon your return." There would be no excuse for failure. Between the two of them, they ought to be able to pull down a good meal and bring it back...

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Jasiri could tell that the queen was not at ease. Every move they made caused a reaction on her part, whether it was claws scraping against the stone or the slightest twitch of an ear. He’d been staring up at her, attempting to decipher the slight changes in her body languge.

So far, no luck. Every time he thought he might have figured out her mood, it always turned out completely different. She’d seem like she was angry, and then say something nice. Or, she’d look in a pleasant mood but then turn to yell at them all. This queen was impossible to understand…

He also noticed that the lioness beside him seemed to think it was funny that he wanted to hunt. I can hunt, no problem. He thought. At one time, he’d been trained to stalk and sprint equally as well as a lioness. He never claimed to be as good as one, with his mane getting in his way all of the time. In the pridelands, though, the golden coloring occasionally helped him blend in with the yellow grasses. This was probably the only good use for the thing, really.

Should anything..unfortunate happen, then Jasiri could provide valuable back up. Especially since I suspect that one, mere wildebeast would not remain intact en route back here. I would ideally need more time to source at least another one.

What was she saying? That one wildebeast might get eaten before it made it back to the caves? Well, she seemed optimistic to say the least. Catching one big animal was hard enough, but catching two on the same trip would be even harder. No wonder she seemed so eager for backup! It sure was too bad that they were the only hunters around. Well…not necessarily.

Jasiri glanced back up at the queen, a question gleaming in his eyes. “Why don’t you accompany us, Queen Shetani?” He suggested. Maybe a little bit of hunting, of running, of biting would help put the queen a little bit more at ease. By the looks of her, she could use a few ours of sinking claws into flesh. Besides, once she saw what an excellent hunter he was, she might lay off on the suspicion a little bit.

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( Hope it's okay I just jumped in...) "Why don't you accompany us, Queen Shetani?"

A lioness the color of half-dried mud stalked into the chamber,her good eye glowing in the dark.Baya paused a moment,listening to the conversation before continuing in.
"Nonsense."She cut in."The Queen does not hunt aside from when she alone is hungry."

She pushed her way in next to Jasiri, fixing him with her blind eye's stare.After a moment, she snorted at him."Males, stupid and brainless."

Baya then looked up at her queen, bowing her head to show her respect."My Queen, when you have settled this matter, I'd like to speak with you in regards to the near future."
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Sanura acknowledged the Queen's warning with a nod, bowing her head deeply. It was rare that the lioness would be completely unsuccessful on a hunt. Hopefully with Jasiri it should be a bit easier seperating members of the herd. Hunts were always easier with a chaser while one waited in ambush. Sanura assumed it would be best if Jasiri took the role as chaser - he was hardly likely to be as well hidden as the lioness. At least that was her belief. Tau males were never patient enough to wait in ambush. Even when chasing seperated members into an ambush it never always worked out. They were far too arrogant.

At Jasiri's invitation to the Queen, Sanura glanced back up at Shetani while keeping her head at the level of her withers. The lioness doubted that the Queen would be in the mood for a hunt, although she could be wrong. Sanura found it as challenging as Jasiri trying to figure out the Queen's mood, and so rarely tried. Although certain that Shetani would decline, the lioness waited and even perked her ears in a display of mild enthusiasm.

"Nonsense. The Queen does not hunt aside from when she alone is hungry."

Sanura emitted a low growl, recognising the voice without the need to see the face. It was Baya. Her tongue, Sanura thought, was almost as sharp as her claws. Typical Outlander.

"Males, stupid and brainless."

Without further warning, the mahogany lioness released a ferocious roar as she turned to the other female, black claws raking against the harsh ground. How dare she! Sanura's ears were flattened against her head and her jaws were soon clenched tight, teeth very much on display. "And what have you done for our pride lately, Baya?" She spat. "At least the male is proving himself worthy to live under the Queen!"


((Hi, Spiritsrain. Fine by me. :D ))
[align=center]"My life, is everything
That feeds my thirst, that causes sin
My wants, are all I care
No shame and guilt, there's nothing there"[/align]

Outlander | Sanura
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  • Jasiri flinched a little bit as Baya pushed her way in, practially shoving him aside. All the wile, she kept giving him this evil glare. Strange thing was, it was with her blind eye. Part of the adolescent wondered just how she could do that...the other part was plain creeped out.

    He avoided making eye contact with the lioness, fairly sure that she wouldn't notice anyways. With one eye's sight no good, it wouldn't surprise the lion if she could even see at all in this dark cave.

    Nonsense. The Queen does not hunt aside from when she alone is hungry.
    Baya practically snarled, swatting down Jasiri's idea like a bothersome termite. Speaking of which, the adolescent was fairly certain that there were one or two of those crawling on Baya's face.

    He also joined Sanura, parting his jaws and emitting a silent snarl. He never had the guts to ever snap or growl at his pridemembers. Usually, the action itself sufficed. He never needed to add on the sound.

    "Did you ever consider that maybe the queen IS hungry?" He shot back at Baya. She may be one of Shetani's advisors, but she was also the majordomo. A position that, in Jasiri's eyes, belonged to a small, winged animal...not a fully grown lioness. Definitely not that.

    Males, stupid and brainless.

    At this, a low snarl managed to escape his throat. It was one thing to insult his ideas, but this was another thing altogether. He turned to face Baya, his mouth still open and nose crunched up in a deep growl.

    And what have you done for our pride lately, Baya? At least the male is proving himself worthy to live under the Queen!

    The male couldn't agree more. Recently, he'd been running the borders almost nonstop, with only the occasional rest here and there. He wanted to prove himself to the queen, moreso than everything else. Sore muscles here and there were nothing when it came to securing his future in the outlands.

    "Yes." He snapped back, joining in with Sanura. "What have you done lately, Bay-ah?" He said lowly, dragging out the last syllable.

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Baya sneered at the other two lions, her own lips curling into a snarl and her claws extending."Regardless of if she herself is hungry, it is the hunting party's job to do the hunting."She shot at Jasiri. "Unless of course our lead huntress tires of her duties,and thinks she is too good to perform them."She hissed to Sanura.

Baya's temper rose as the other two continued to goad her about her own value to the pride, and she silenced them with an angry growl. "Pehaps niether of you have noticed, but I am the eyes and ears of this pride.Who was it who warned of the dust storm four nights ago, and of the Gazelle herd daring to try to cross our river?! I gather and deliver the information that allows you all to live!"

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Sanura continued to grumble as Jasiri snapped back at the new arrival. She was rather surprised that the male did speak up. From what the lioness knew, Jasiri was quiet and reserved. Perhaps Sanura was wrong to believe that he was a timid creature, although she didn't exactly know Jasiri personally. In fact, her younger sister and her Queen were the only two members of the pride Sanura bothered to keep up with; she felt the need to protect one and had the requirement of serving the other.

"Unless of course our lead huntress tires of her duties, and thinks she is too good to perform them."

The mahogany lioness snarled at the comment, resisting one of her own. Too good to perform for Baya, she thought. Fortunately, Sanura enjoyed hunting most days. It was most likely the only activity that kept her sane in these lands. The exercise kept her active and almost content.

"Pehaps niether of you have noticed, but I am the eyes and ears of this pride."

The comment almost brought a smile to Sanura's face; her glare softened into a playful leer. "Don't you mean eye of the pride?" She chuckled. "And I didn't realise you were also the mouth!"

[align=center]"My life, is everything
That feeds my thirst, that causes sin
My wants, are all I care
No shame and guilt, there's nothing there"[/align]

Outlander | Sanura
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