The Lion's Princess (Closed for Asa)

[Asa]

She curled into his arms and smiled her head against his shoulder and arms draped over his neck and shoulders.

We are one... of soul heart and life my dear Nefer.

A soft sigh as she felt his head resting against her stomach. Her hands slithering through his hair and then to be carried into the heated water with a smile. It felt so wonderful to be in the warmth of his embrace and the water.

Forever...

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

They stayed like that, locked in each other’s arms as Nefer took his time, pampering her, washing her hair and her body, kissing and tasting her skin, her scent. He’d laid her out on a plush carpet beside the pool and took her, made love to her, their bodies moving against each other, fingers intertwined. He dried her off and kissed her as they dressed. Shifting to his fur he padded out of the room beside her, rubbing his mane against her as they walked, making their way to her audience chamber he laid at her feet, nuzzling his head against her leg he settled, golden eyes watching the hustle and bustle of the servants and the townsfolk as they were lead in for the Ceremony. His tail twitched idly, nose flaring as he took in the scents of the people, some smelled of trepidation, others scented of fear as they saw him, and it saddened him, he lifted his head as he looked up to his priestess, nuzzling into her thigh.

 

[Asa]

I understand there are those who have fear of my lion... my Sekmet gift guardian. That is why this has been arranged.

Isis and Bast move to collect the children and move them to the front row standing behind them. Isis the first to speak.

Children... do you fear Nefer Bai? A name given to him for doing the same thing at our priestess coronation that he did in the village market.

None of the children said no. A very tiny child struggled to get down from Isis arms pointing to him.

Kitty...

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer watched, tail twitching, his ears perked, occasionally dozing, as the Gods made their entrance into the chamber Nefer woke, sitting up, nuzzling his head against his Priestess thigh, head cocked to one side, curious, he still scented fear, but now that the gods had appeared to the people the fear eased some, curiosity now filling the air. As Isis began to speak and gather the children he felt an unspoken pull, a shiver tracing his body as Isis barely glanced at him but he understood and rose to his feet, padding over, sitting beside her, his eyes closing and his tail twitching as he is gently stroked, a shiver trailing over his body before his eyes open again and he looks to the children the child’s soft cry Kitty perks his ears he looks up to Isis then to Bast who nods almost imperceptibly and he moves to sit beside her, the child wriggling free, his ears twitch as he catches the soft gasps and muffled surprised cries from the parents. As the child drew near he watched, tail twitching lazily, dipping his head down as Bast moved beside him and the child. The child’s eyes were wide as she looked up at his massive form, Nefer’s nose flared as he scent the child then laid down, bringing himself eye level with the cute kid.

He purred softly as the child buried herself in the thickness of his mane, her soft giggles as his fur tickled her making his tail twitch, he shook out his mane as the child stepped back and he licked her nose causing her to giggle more, one by one other children slowly came closer, Soon Nefer was sprawled out on his back as the children climbed over and on him, his tail twitching happily as they played. After some time Isis and Bast ushed the children away and bayed Nefer to rise. you have seen this guardian beside your priestess since the attack at her coronation, as we choose to keep our honored guardians close, there are times when they are not able to travel as they are. And while our Magi are skilled, they are not able to stay by our priest or priestess’s all the time, So we have given them a gift, “ Bast stated, now the parents where growing curious as they studied him, “Guardian, if you please, “ she spoke

Nefer rose to all 4, bowing his head to bast he turned to face everyone, within seconds his form wavered and changed, the lion melting away to reveal the man, knealing before the goddess, gasps from everyone assembled as they watched him Rise, slipping into the robe he was given he turned to face the parents “Greetings my friends” he bowed, his golden eyes light, a smile on his face”

 

[Asa]

She sat back smiling watching as they handled the situation perhaps better than even she could have. Curious as to where Sekmet was as she was of the Lions but dismissing that thought after the second thought of how her rage did terrify mortals. Once he shifted and was robbed she moved to stand by his side and smiling as she moved to walk with him among the people.

Desert child...

An old man spoke up.

Grey headed I was even when we found you. I am honored to live to see you so well protected even still. Good and strong guardian for our desert priestess.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer smiled as his female joined him, he fought his desire to wrap an arm around her waist, they walked amoung the people, the scent of fear had all but faded now, Bast and Isis remaining on the dais as they walked among the people, Nefer felt the hesitant hands as people touched him, soft prayers muttered, his nose flaring as he took in the scents of the people, offering gentle smiles, people commenting on his golden eyes and how they seemed to shine, causing him to grin more. As they moved Nefer’s ear twitched before an elder voice caught their attention Desert child... Nefer’s arm was around Tikara and he pulled her partially behind him, body tensing as a low growl began deep in his chest, his eyes searching till he saw the elderly man, Nefer’s hand clenching and unclenching as he felt the throb of his claws beneath his skin Grey headed as I was, even when we found you. I am honored to live to see you so well protected even still. A Good and strong guardian for our desert priestess. Nefer glanced over his shoulder at his priestess, giving her a questioning look, then looked back to the man as the people gathered, watched, curious now to see what, if anything would transpire, “who are you” he growled, his voice deeper with his beast so close to the surface

 

[Asa]

She smiled to him.

Magi... Yes... You were at the temple with us for a time till your house of Magi needed you to lead.

She nodded in a slight bow.

Honored elder.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer relaxed, but only slightly as he looked back and forth between his female and the old man, Nefer inhaled deeply as he drew in the scents, his head cocking to one side as he stared at the old man, catching the bow Nefer in turned bowed his head as well. He smelled of sand, and incense, temple. Slowly the tenseness left his body and he moved to stand beside his priestess no longer in front of her, Several of the children came running up to him giggling and grabbing wanting to play, Nefer kneeled down as he teased, played and let the children touch him, giving them playful growls, making them squeal and giggle, but he kept one ear tuned into the conversation

 

[Asa]

She and the old man spoke for a few moments before he turned with a smile to Nefer.

Be careful with this one Noble lion. I can tell you stories of a you g child talking to even Goddess Sekmet of the Lions as if she were scolding a naughty child.

With a chuckle he held his hand out to shake hands with him.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Be careful with this one Noble lion. I can tell you stories of this young child talking to even Goddess Sekmet of the Lions as if she were scolding a naughty child. He just smirked, giving Tikara a knowing grin, eyes narrowing playfully “Oh I know this Elder, we recently had an issue with an outside faction and I indeed witnessed her temper on full display, it was quiet fun to witness” his voice held a teasing note as his golden gaze gleamed in amusement as he took the offered hand and shook it, Nefer gave the old man a curious look as he felt a tingle up his arm when they touched, similar to how he felt when he’d been petted by the Goddess not to long ago, “are you staying long? My Priestess im sure would love to catch up with you, “ he inquired, curling his arm around her and pulling her close as he broke the handshake

 

[Asa]

I travel as the God's require Noble one. It does an old heart good to see the desert infant all grown up and tending to the people with such a sacred guard by her side and heart.

The old man smiled a knowing smile offering her a hug before hobbling over to one of the market tents to buy food.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer cocked his head to one side, blinking slowly as he watched the old man bid them farewell and move into the markets, Turning he looked at his priestess and smiled, leaning in, inhaling her scent before he spoke quietly in her ear “odd human” he pulled back after placing a light kiss to her cheek, and looked around, as things seemed to return to normal as the kids and parents wandered off, “well, at least for now things seemed to have calmed” his head continued to slowly turn as he looked around, refusing to let himself completely relax, especially after what just transpired days ago. As he looked out over the edge of town his eyes narrowed, even in this human form his eyesight was as keen as his beasts form, through the haze of heat from one second to Another Nefer stiffened, for a moment he thought he’d seen another lion on the edge of town, then when he blinked it was gone. Frowning some nefer lifted his head and inhaled, but he realized quickly that the light breeze was blowing the wrong direction to get a scent, he would have to talk to Kyrie and Kyrah and see if they could scout tonight. The Passed uneventful for them as they strolled the markets and streets, this time, things were calm, people seemed genuinely happy to see them and offered apologies and words of thanks for their protection.

 

[Asa]

She curled close walking along with him.

Many of the older Magi maintain more unique ways when more magical and less "religious soldier" ways were needed.

After a couple of hours and many blessings and gifts she laid her head against his arm as they walked.

Let's go home

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

He smiled as they made their rounds about the city, even after the events here just a few scant days ago they were in good spirits, he kept his arm around her waist as they walked, more then one speculative look from a passerby about how close they were, more then once Nefer had to stifle a smile or laugh as his hearing picked up the more scantilous comments and questions about him and their relationship but he kept most of it to himself, more then once dipping his head to hide the smile he had. Let's go home Nefer blinked, pulled from his musings “of course my Priestess” he quietly replied, turning they made their way back to the temple, Nefer’s nose flaring, a teasing scent had been eluding him for the past hour, something not of this area, the scent of grasslands and open air, but as soon as he scented it, it was gone. Entering the temple he inhaled the scent of food and his stomach growled, loudly, blinking he blushed “ummm, Hungry my Priestess?” he muttered, smiling to her shoulders quivering slightly with his laugh. Now that they were back inside the temple a visable tension left his body. Opening the door to their room “Shall I have the servants bring it to us? Or do you wish to spend time among the others?” he inquired

 

[Asa]

Let's dine with the others Nefer.

She smiled to him. The whispering from the market did not bother her. She knew her heart and soul and connection to the God's and Goddesses.

It will be nice to hear what they have learned or what the magi have discovered.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Let's dine with the others Nefer. he smiled as he nodded, tucking her hand around his arm as he turned, It will be nice to hear what they have learned or what the magi have discovered. He gave her an affirmative nod, “I hope so, I hate feeling on edge yet,” he spoke as they walked, the sun setting had cast the land in a dark hazel glow, and Nefer smiled as they past servants, priests and priestess’s, all giving them a cheerful hello, or bow, or nod of respect. Nefer stopped briefly to stare out one of the balcony’s over looking the city, his ear twitched as he walked out onto the balcony, his head cocking to one side as he listened. He’d thought he’d heard something, he was still learning to focus his senses yet, while he’d been forced to master the human senses and lessons. He was still learning to relax his body and focus his Lion’s senses without fully shifting into his beast, it had been faint, and he figured it might have just been something else when he heard it again, barely audible, catching just the subtle base of the grunt sound he’d heard, a Lions grunt, he knew there were no lions in this city or the surrounding lands. Its why the people had been so fascinated with him, they’d seen lions upclose before. It was distant, but he heard it all the same, a grunt designed to travel for miles, proclaiming a males territory. Blinking as he was roused from his thoughts “apologies, I must be hearing things, perhaps a trick of the winds, but I thought I heard another lions call” he said, looking to her “are there any in this area? I didn’t think there was..”

 

[Asa]

Ask Sekmet. She would know. We could also speak with the Magi perhaps they have petitioned assistance.

She stood on the balcony curling against his arm staring out over the city.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Ask Sekmet. She would know Nefer nodded “perhaps tomorrow, I don’t wish to disturb them, “ he spoke softly, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest as he rested his chin on her shoulder, and just looked out over the calm night, and the city below, his stomach rumbling he pulled away “come, let us eat” they walked hand in hand as they arrived into the dining hall, greeted warmly by all within they nod and take their seats. Exchanging small talk as the food was brought around, Nefer conversed with various priest’s and servants, answering a few questions here and there but mostly ate quietly. After a while a few magi came and joined them at the tables, the excitement wearing down as people finished their food. A priest’s relayed information that they’d found or heard, nothing surprising, a few abandoned camps had been located around the edge of town, some supplies left behind but clearly hadn’t been used. No signs of hyena’s currently in the area, but without Nefer’s senses or the two female body guards they couldn’t “scent” anything. There was still some murmurs of discontent from a very small handful of people but they too seemed to be more understanding after the Goddess’ presentation earlier.

Nefer asked if they knew of any other lions or big cats in the area, either from the markets or as pets from passing caravans, the Magi just shook their head and apologized. Nefer shrugged, noticing the curious look Kyrie and Kyrah had directed at him, he briefly shook his head no telling them to drop it. Looking to Tikara he smiled briefly and shrugged “well, its not like we were expecting different news, I will see if bast will talk with me on the morrow, I still have my own questions, “

 

[Asa]

Once the meal was over she assembled some of the magi clans warriors Nefer and the cheetahs.

Perhaps a little hunting is in order?

She listened to any of their suggestions and nodded.

The felines stay hidden and the magi merely look like they are doing night training one feline peer group in case of problems.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

The felines stay hidden, and the magi merely look like they are doing night training, one feline peer group in case of problems.

Nefer considered her plan and her suggestions. they'd found abandoned camps, but they were only empty at least two days, the scents still slightly clinging to what was left behind. But he'd brought up the fact he'd thought he'd heard another lion's bellow in the area, to the surprise of all, even the cheetahs who apparently hadn't heard it. Running a hand through his shaggy hair he cocked his head to one side as he thought outloud "I was the only one who shifted forms in front of the town, Kyrie and Kyrah stayed in human form so i dont think they are suspected of being like me." Nefer inhaled, looking to his priestess as he continued "We could all go in our human forms, train and hunt with the Magi, and see if anything else makes its presence known, if there is another lion and im not just hearing things then i might be able to force it out of hiding" He looked around the table, watching the mixed reactions and thoughts cross the Magi and priest's faces.

"everyone here knows that Kyrah and Kyrie are the Pharaohs personal guards, they are as well trained if not better then even the elite guard we have here, one of us with each training group is a good idea, our calls can carry farther then any shout, if there is trouble one of us roars and the others will know where the danger is" He turned to look back at Tikara "I dont like the idea of leaving you alone, but i will agree with your decision"

 

[Asa]

I will be safe. We need to know that all of the problem is gone and if there is another lion. Another plan like my coronation.

She smiled to him.

There are no better than our warrior magi and you and the cheetahs Nefer... Please I will be fine.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer sighed, he was far from happy, but he would obey his Priestess wishes, giving her a tight hug he searched her eyes with his own, unable to hide his worry he kissed her then turned and walked off with Kyrie and Kyrah. Gathering with those that would join them they talked and made plans, Kyrie would go east, Kyrah with the group to the south and Nefer and his group would take North and west. The Magi explained their plan to him, letting him stay in human form, if they were being watched they would see two groups had animals with them, the third group would have just soldiers, making them the choice for attack as anyone who might be watching would think they’d kept him in the temple close to the priestess. Doing a sweep of the northern border they started their drills, weapons drawn they began. Taking turns as they each fought, defensive drills, offense and counter attacks as well as hand to hand and grappling. Even having been training with Kyrie and kyrah those magi were better, and they had more then once caught Nefer by surprise with their movements and tactics, landing him on his ass more then once, which earned them all more respect even with his enhanced strength and speed they’d managed to outwit and defeat him. As they moved into the western borders Nefer had become aware of a few new strange scents.

The wind had shifted over the course of the night and Nefer had lost the scent’s. but that didn’t mean anything, and he knew it. As they began lessons in tracking and navigating by moonlight and the stars more then once Nefer thought he’d heard a growl, or a rustle as they neared the wooded edge of the western border then proceeded into the forest. They moved cautiously, his eyes never stopped moving. Then they all froze as they heard it. That first low growl, it was definitely feline, Nefer froze, as did the others “whose there” one of the men called “Show yourself beast” another spoke, Nefer rolled his eyes then caught movement. A Lioness stepped from the brush, slowly, then another, then a third. The Men murmured, their anxiety peppering the air as they held their weapons, they hadn’t considered this time their might be more then one. The men circled, back to back as Nefer slipped off his robe, he stepped forward as the men gathered behind him. The three lioness’s sniffed the air then growled at him, he too sniffed, but then rolled his eyes, realizing how dumb he’d been, they’d moved downwind, of course they had. Nefer let go a low rumbling growl of his own that had the Lion’s perking their ears and stopping in their advance, one’s head tilted sniffing again, and Nefer saw the confusion in the beasts eyes and he knew instantly they weren’t normal lions.

“That’s right, “ he smirked “im not entirely human, and neither are you…..are you?” he spoke, and the lion growled at him, he saw the flex of claws digging into the dirt, then another rustle had nefer looking to the left as a fourth lion stepped from the brush, the huge mane shaking as it stopped at looked at him, then it roared. “MAGI, DEFEND” he cried as the female leapt at him and took him down, Nefer snarled in rage and grabbed the things paws as the 2 other females attacked the magi, the male stood there just watching, obviously waiting as nefer rolled and brought his knees up, kicking the female off him and rolled to his feet, he felt a trickle of blood from where a claw had caught in his hair. Flexing his hands his claws shot out and he snarled again, looking to the male briefly before again the female lunged at him, a flurry or swats, and swipes before he struck back, clawing the female across the neck and shoulder. His left arm getting clamped on by the bitches teeth he cried out, more in shock, then pain, his skin tougher even in this form as it gnawed on him. He punched the lioness several times until she released his arm. And he backed away, he turned to see the Magi, bleeding and some injured but they held their own. Shaking his head he tore off his shirt, taking in a deep breath he let go a roar and stopped all four lions in their tracks, every one of them looking to him with surprise obvious on their faces, in the distance he heard the cheetah’s scream then nefer released his lion, the fire of his transformation racing down his body as he shifted, shaking out his mane he let go another roar, a deeper, booming cry that forced the four lions to scramble back. The male lion before him roaring in return.

 

[Asa]

The old magi from the market almost seemed to appear beside Nefer.

They are like you... Correct?

He seemed to look more feeble than before but the other magi around them knew it was an act. The old man had lived well past any mortal years should have allowed. His sword in hand he motioned a moment as he tossed aside as best he could the desert wrappings leaving him in pants and a chest plate that held the markings of Ra Osiris Anubis and one that Nefer would have seen around Tikara... Khonsu. One of the God's she has been able to speak with since she was a child even before becoming a priestess.

Perhaps a lesson then a questioning my friend. I always thought Lions to have more honor than to be someone else's "lap dogs"

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer shook out his mane, raising his head proudly as a few Magi came to stand at his back as he squared off with the male before him. Out of the corner of his eye he’d watched the old man he’d met earlier in the day appeared and he felt that shimmer along his fur of power, like he’d felt when he’d shook the mans hand. They are like you... Correct? Nefer grunted briefly, his eyes never leaving the male before him, who with each passing moment appeared more and more confused traded looks between the lioness’s who’d backed off the attack and stood with their male. But as the old man’s appearance changed and the godly power drifted over them the Lions backed off, shocked, the Lion male gave a soft grunt and their heads bowed to Khonsu, the females backing off as the Lion male stepped forward, the lions image shimmering then shifted as he took on human form, Panting as he kneeled there, he was a lean male, about 6ft 2, shaggy brown hair and gold eyes, confused the male looked up “you are not a slave?” he said, looking at Nefer, Nefer blinked at the question, his head cocking to onside, then looked back to Khonsu, who also looked confused now. Sighing Nefer shifted back to human form, eyes narrowed “No, I am no slave, I am guardian to the priestess” Guardian? You mean Pet! the male shot back making Nefer growl, When we received word that a Black furred Lion was being kept at a temple we had to come see for ourselves….

Cautiously the Male approached Nefer Do you not recognize me? Or us? he motioned to the 4 lioness’s that watched them all, Nefer felt the Magi shift restlessly, “No” Nefer spoke simply “should i?” Nefer sniffed the air, sifting through the scents of everyone around them, scratching his head “I tire of games, my Priestess is awaiting our return, I had heard your calls but thought it might be a trick, you have me here, talk invader” Nefer growled. The male looked back at the females with him, then back to Nefer “What is your earliest memory? Do you remember where you were born?” The question had Nefer tilting his head in confusion, his first conscious memories had been of the cages, but nothing before that. Shaking his head, he looked as one of the females Shifted forms and Nefer tensed Remember Rham, he was barely a cub when he was takin Nefer tensed, frowning as a slow realization finally came to him

 

[Asa]

The old man raised a brow. They knew the God's who he bore the symbols of. Interesting... His armor garnered honor with the animals as well.

Who are they to you sacred guardian?

His voice calm but no longer as feeble his act appeared no longer needed.