The Lion's Princess (Closed for Asa)

[Asa]

She snuggled.

I want to see them.

She lifted up to look at him.

Dinner with them?

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I want to see them. Dinner with them? Nefer stilled at the comment, his golden eyes watching her, his brows furrowed some in concern “are you sure?” he said concerned, he relayed the events of the fight and how quickly everything ended when they realized he wasn’t bound up or a slave and how the guards had listened to him, and the concerns he still had, but as he considered it he knew the guards they had as well as Kyrah and Kyrie by their side. With a sigh he nodded “I shall inform the Magi and the servants to repair dinner, and send a messenger to bring Rham and at least 2 of the females with him for a meeting, he rolled slightly, rising himself up and looked down at her, kissing her warmly he purred, letting the rumbling growl vibrate against her skin “I am your servant my priestess” he smiled warmly

 

[Asa]

No... You are my love.

They do not have to be brought here though bringing them here means we have Sekmet and Bast as well to keep the peace.

She could see... Almost feel his worry. She wanted to reassure him.

It will be all right let them come to the outside garden just past the markets.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer just lay there, listening to her talk, still apprehensive but he relaxed as her touch and gentle stroking of her hand over his body giving him a shudder but eventually he calmed, his body loosening, his hand idly caressing her back in return. Sighing he lifted his hand and cupped her cheek, lifting her head he leaned his own head down and kissed her warmly, his body vibrating as he purred softly under her It will be all right let them come to the outside garden just past the markets. He nodded, he trusted her, trusted in the protection they had here, guards, gods, and himself. “alright” he said quietly, concern still in his eyes “I will talk to the servants then the guards, as soon as I feel the desire to want to leave our bed” he said, and he smiled slowly, rolling them his body lifted above her, and he dipped his head down and laced slow kisses along her neck

 

[Asa]

My love...

She smiled up into his eyes as they rolled over. She honestly didn't want to get out of bed either truth be known.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

He bent down and kissed her gently at first, then deepening the kiss as he pressed against her, his body thrumming as he purred against her, nose flaring as he took in her scent, a light shiver passing through his body as it always did, he was addicted to her scent, wanted to roll around in it like catnip. His lips had fallen to his neck when his head lifted, sniffing and he glared at the door as a knock sounded, he scented Kyrie and Kyrah on the other side Priestess? Are you busy? Nefer paused, then roared at the door, but all that did was cause the two women to begin giggling hysterically and he muttered We’ve sent word to the Pharaoh, and the Magi have returned, they await you at your…..pleasure.. the pause before they said pleasure lifted Nefer’s lip in a soft snarl, “im going to kill you two” he half joked, their collective laughter as they walked down the hallway and he sighed, but couldn’t stop the smile that he fought to hide and lost, his golden eyes amused “I think they did that on purpose” he whined “we should make them wait now” he chuckled

 

[Asa]

The magic have returned with our guests and I am expected to meet with guests Nefer... Even if you don't like it. Let us prepare to go and meet with them. Don't worry I will have you there as well as the Magi and Sekmet as well as more than likely Bast and or Isis.

It was however reluctant that she finally slipped from the bed looking to him with a smile. The gold and almost sheer decor dress carefully allowed to Cascade along her body as she decided how to wear her hair up.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Don't worry I will have you there as well as the Magi and Sekmet, as well as more than likely Bast and or Isis. he sighed, nodding, he knew she was right, he did, but he just didn’t know how to cope with the fear he had, and he admitted, if to himself alone that she was his weakness, losing her scared him on a level he’d never known, she was the only good thing in his life, he watched her slip from the bed, his golden gaze taking in the sheer dress and he absently licked his lips, watching as she went to her drawers and fussed with her hair, and he purred, he couldn’t help it, slipping from the bed he stood behind her, running his hands through her hair, his lips falling to her neck as he briefly kissed then licked her skin. “I think you could leave it down, I like your hair down” he purred softly, hugging her back into his chest, as they got ready nefer shed his clothes, closing his eyes briefly he let the heat rush through his body as his form changed, and he shook out his mane, claws raking across the stone floor as he stretched, settling into his fur, he rubbed his head against her thigh, deciding that if something were to happen he would rather not waste precious seconds disrobing then shifting, that he’d be better off going already shifted. His ears perking as they opened the door, to find Kyrie and Kyrah had a similar mind, they lay at the base of the door in their cheetah forms, The priestess with her furred guards as they made their way to the main hall

 

[Asa]

She smiled to him at his suggestion of her hair down and left it long save for one clip that she always wore during official visits and duties. Walking with him as they were joined by the cheetahs and one of the older heads of the houses of Magi.

We we're I formed of your desire to meet with our guests priestess. While before you say it yes it is your duty we will be accompanying you.

She simply nodded and made her way outside of the temple and through the lingering markets to the gardens.

I will meet with them and trust you and the others to take whatever actions you deem necessary but do not act without my orders.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

As they walked , Kyrah and Kyrie on either side of the priestess Nefer taking point they moved made their way into the garden’s, Servants, priests, and acolytes alike tending the plants and flowers that bloomed throughout. Rham and 4 of the female lioness’s walked casually as they took in the garden, escorted by a few magi their mood was relaxed. Rham turned as they all approached, taking in the sight of the contingent that surrounded the priestess he canted his head to the side, only the slightest crease between his eyebrows giving any sign of concern, giving the slightest bow of his shoulders and head Rham spoke Greetings to you, Priestess, Rham’s nose flared you are Alnhai’s female? he asked, blinking in surprise then looking to Nefer who grunted in annoyance at the name that was not, his tail swishing in irritation “He is the Priestess Guardian and personal attendant” one of the Magi spoke, a growl of anger in the males voice that had Rham’s golden eyes flicking to him in half amusement and half annoyance

 

[Asa]

Enough.

Her tone calm but holding the edge to cement her station in all of this.

Nefer-Bai is my aid and companion. And you are?

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Enough. Rham blinked again, the force in the women’s voice giving him pause and he focused on her, his golden gaze furrowing, considering, then falling to the black lion before him and he licked his bottom lip and straightened his stance Nefer-Bai is my aid and companion. And you are? again his brows furrowed, an eyebrow peaking “forgive me, im not used to….human words, as we live as a pride and rarely converse with each other in skin I am……out of practice? I think is the word..” he inhaled then let go a slow breath, licking his lips again, “I am Rham, Pride Male, “ he turned motioning to each female in turn “Syrene, Tarlynne, Annalysse, and my female brae” the women nodded, each tan skinned, blonde and a mix of gold/green eyes, we understand there has been hostilities, and by those who have gathered to your side, we’ve been deemed a threat? he stated, his eyes taking in every one around them, If harm we meant, assure you meeting like this we would not be,

 

[Asa]

I hold no fear of felines.

She gestured to Sekmet and Bast.

Goddesses I am more atuned to.

I understand as it took Nefer a little while to grow accustomed as well to speech. Why do you seek Nefer?

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I hold no fear of felines. Goddesses I am more attuned to. the females eyes widened as they fell to their knees, Rham bowing his head, and stepping back from the two Goddess Mother they spoke in reverent unison, so caught up with everyone they’d not realized who’d walked among them till they were pointed out and Rham swallowed before looking up then back to Tikara as she spoke I understand as it took Nefer a little while to grow accustomed as well to speech. Why do you seek Nefer? Rham blinked, “it is as I said outside the city, we believe he was taken from our pride some years ago and word of his black fur had reached us, we came to see for ourselves and find out if what we had heard about his captivity was true and free him again Rham glanced around, the four females remained kneeling still “in this term, I would be………uncle? Is it, “ Nefer sat there, watching, unmoving, heat emanating from him in waves as his apprehension and lingering distrust still warred within him, he pressed against Tikara, growling slightly, his tail twitching, both Kyrah and Kyrie having moved to stand beside Bast and Sekmet, rubbing their heads gently against the goddess’ purring as they were slowly petted. Nefer’s nose twitched continuously as he scented the air, there was nothing on the wind, no hint of malice, or anger, or any other emotion he could pick up, slowly his head lifted and canted at an angle as he looked up to his mate

 

[Asa]

Sekmet studied them for a moment.

I sense no deception... Yet priestess.

Looking to Sekmet marveling at her calm Tikara nodded.

Who spoke this to you? As you can see he is far from captive.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Who spoke this to you? As you can see he is far from captive.

Seeing a lion on the plains, or a pride of lions where we are from is not an uncommon thing, and being what we are, is unheard of yet in most of the world, gives us the ability to listen, Hunters, trappers, those who kill us for trophies, never consider not to talk. we hear things, talk, banter between humans, i was barely into my majority when our pride was attacked and we learned to pay attention to the world around us" he stated "Hyena's, panthers, cheetahs leopards, , all of us brothers and sisters talk, nomads and clanless wanders talk. we followed those who attacked, spend time among humans searching and learning" One of the females stepped forward, "we over heard one of the hunter's talking, they'd been hired by nobles to find and trap certain animals to be kept as pets, then one human had said they'd heard there was a Black furred Lion the likes had never been seen before, being kept by some Egyptian priestess and a nobleman from greece wanted it for his collection was willing to pay large amount for it." Rham and the female exchanged a look, Nefer growled low hearing that someone else wanted to take him away

The female spoke again "Black fur, even amoung our kind stands out, the few who were taken had been killed by the time we found them, and we wanted to know for ourselves if the words were true, if he" and Rham made a motions with his hand towards Nefer "was who was taken"

Nefer snorted, his form wavering as he shifted, his big lion body condensing back into his human form "but why now? i can remember the passing of the time since i was taken and it has been long whys how up now?

Rham looked at him "we only heard of you a handful of months ago, we do not travel as humans do, we travel as a pride, and you are some distance away from your birth lands now.....as we left the ancestral lands behind, it became more difficult for us to travel without being noticed, "

 

[Asa]

Sekmet bristled a little with a snarl that quickly drew the Magi and Bast attention while Tikara remained neutral to it for now.

I give the ability to walk and learn as man to a scace few and you ignore and dismiss your gift even in the search of one you believe is of your own?

Her snarl turning venomous.

Who sent you to distract and lure before I tend all to blood.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I give the ability to walk and learn as man to a scarce few and you ignore and dismiss your gift even in the search of one you believe is of your own? the thundering voice of rage echo’d around the room, and the burst of power that accompanied it sent the female lioness’s to the floor heads bowed as they shook in fear, Nefer too felt that pull and fell to his knees before the goddess, swallowing hard as the air seemed to become hard to breath as the anger filled the air Who sent you to distract and lure before I rend all to blood. Rham remained standing, although his face remained stoic he fought to keep from trembling, but he bowed his head, forcing himself to breath, to control himself “Yes mother you did,” he spoke, “however long ago that was, but as ages passed, the histories and stories of us from the uncivilized faded from memory and we became hunted, or were forgotten, or traded, or abused, we became less guardians and more prizes to be used and bartered. “ Rhem looked up then, his face becoming a mask of irritation “WE were forced to run, to hide, as more and more became afraid of us and tried to kill us or enslave us, saw us as nothing more then demon’s who took human form, “ Rham’s anger slowly helped him straighten his shoulders, even though he knew in her fury he was nothing, but the neglect they’d all suffered over generations burned too deep “We’ve been here mere days, but we’ve talked to the people of this city, travels seeking information, we know how the people reacted to him” and Rham threw out a finger, pointing to Nefer “When he revealed himself, the fear, the anger people had about him before you had your little “town gathering” Rham’s lip twitched but he held back the snarl “WE were not so lucky to have the god’s we prayed too appear and help us, that same fear and anger the people here showed festered and grew WE became the hunted, and where were you Mother,”

“We came here on our own, we are not here to distract and lure, we came because HE IS FAMILY” Rham snarled,

 

[Asa]

Bast places a hand on Sekmet shoulder taking the lead talking.

Do not presume abandonment when you hid like cowards instead of taking hardship and finding your rightful place as Nefer-Bai has done. He was sent to the sacred Priestess to kill her before she could take her rightful place. He went against his captors orders and now has the respect and love of the people. Yes some humans had to hear from us to understand fear causes unfortunate events and moments but they can be overcome as he has even overcome death for her. Have you found your true place in this world? How many humans have you killed for ignorance or innocent enough wandering too close to you? We give gifts to a select few you are some of thinks few but you run and hide leaving a cub with his captors till he found his own way in this world that we all share were creatures God's and mortals alike. Now I suggest you temper your tone before the mother of your rage and transformation wipes you from this Earth for what she views as cowardice and excuses. I will not have my darker side enter a bloodlust frenzy over petty ego and pride. Is that clear. And she is beyond protective of the priestess who could see and speak to her before any other of us.

Sekmet growled low her eyes slowly seeming to want to turn blood red as she ignored all but the paw on her shoulder and the male before her and his ego.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

The room could see Rham’s jaw working and could hear his teeth grinding, the heat in the room was oppressive, Nefer, Kyrah, Kyrie and the lioness females were bowed low on the ground, shivering in fear of the wrath to come, heads bowed low. It was several minutes before Rham’s body began to untense, and he fought to keep from exhaling the breath he’d been holding, expecting to have been killed. He opened his mouth, about to speak again when a hand slapped over his mouth one of lioness’s growling dangerously in his ear “For the love of the gods…………..shut……….up………..Rham….” Rham glanced over his shoulder to his mate and they just looked at each other. Licking his lips he turned back to look at the assemblage before them, his voice carefully modulated and respectful “Then…………………..what would you have us do?........Mother…….” it was clear he had more to say, but was wisely holding his tongue

 

[Asa]

Learn form Nefer-Bai. Find your places in this world and help those weaker or in need.

Bast still spoke calmly Sekmet snarled far less polite about the matter. As she finally found voice past her calmer half holding her back.

Do not waste the gift I have given you whelp.

Tikara turned now facing Sekmet.

If they are my protectors family you will hold your tone. There will not be bloodshed in my presence.

Sekmet growled but nodded she would not cause any distrust distress or wrong to her favorite priestess.

Very... Well. Bast will speak for usss Priestess.

Bast looked to Tikara as an unspoken thank you passed between them. No one understood the sway she had with the more combative darker God's and Goddesses but Rather be praised she did.

As I was saying learn from him do not let your fear become your master and jailer.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Rham stood there, shoulder's squared as they goddess's railed at him, he knew they didnt or couldn't understand, they were god's what care did they have for mortals or the children they gifted, standing here, now, in this temple was proof enough, they had their Favorites, just like anyone else and didnt care to see the real facts, the rest of the world despised, hunted and killed them, and now here they were scorned like children for protecting themselves and choosing to hide, so what? they should rise up? over throw the humans? Rham was again about to speak when the priestess stepped up If they are my protectors family you will hold your tone. There will not be bloodshed in my presence. that gave him pause, his head cocked much like what a cat would do while staring at something interesting. he was half expected to see the Goddess turn and wheel on her much like she had to him, but watching the Goddess huff and back down had his eyebrows lifting to his hair line the pulse of power begining to receed Rham felt like he could breath again, again about to open his mouth when his mate slapped her hand over it, a low warning growl in his ear and the prick of her claws against his back gave him pause as he turned his head to look to her, something passing between them.


Nefer for the most part had stayed silent, nose constantly twitching as he took in the shifting scents, fear, rage, hatred, disgust, hesitation. His own maned head cocking as he studied and observed, the two cheetahs rubbing their heads against Bast's leg's, purring as she stroked them and scratched. One of the Lioness's stood, stepping up then past Rham "Mother.......we will...........think.................on what you said, but it is clear that you truely do not know what is happening in the world if you can sit here and scorn us for just wanting to live and protect ourselves " Rham grabbed the women's arm and she snarled at him, pulling her arm free "We have a life, we have happiness, so we choose to live a simple life, does not make it any less of a life then what he" and she pointed to Nefer "has made for himself, so he choose a servants life, fine, maybe that works for him, here, in this place" Rham again tired to grab her

 

[Asa]

Now Tikara turned sharp.

Nefer is NO servant. He is what you easily could be even in your simple life as felines. There are many outlying camps of more nomadic people's who could use protection from those who seek to destroy the weak. You could find a place to protect them and in turn they would protect you?

She was not angry but direct.

Temples of peace like the one he was brought to to kill only to protect. Are you not capable of the same thing? Not all humans hunt and kill just as not all of you hunt and kill. But enough of this. You believe Bast and Sekmet abandoned you and I believe that even you abandoned him taking so long to find him. Then again I was found as an infant in the desert too with no signs of life nor death around me.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer stepped up as the younger lioness snarled, placing himself between Tikara and the others, even as the guards began to shift restlessly, it was obvious they didn’t want to listen, while Rham had a considering look on his face the young female continued to shake her head, Rham making a grab for her and pulling her back There are many outlying camps of more nomadic people's who could use protection from those who seek to destroy the weak. You could find a place to protect them and in turn they would protect you? Syrene snarled again “So you would ask us to serve? So you prove me correct, “ Syrene snapped and Rham snarled at her as she broke free of his hold again, “we will not serve!” then she shifted, launching herself at Tikara, just as Nefer launched himself at Syrene with a roar that shook the walls, Feline bodies colliding they snarled and snapped, two other lioness’s. Brae and Annalysse stepped up beside Rham, looking to him, quiet words exchanged Nefer landing a hand paw sent Syrene flying, teeth bared he inhaled and roared again, the lioness landing and skidding into Rham’s legs he looked down, anger on his face, as Syrene began to shake herself off and get to her feet Rham Shifted, grabbing her by the throat he slung her down, and pinned her, his vicious snarl as he placed his claws to her exposed stomach, a threat, and she froze eyes wide as she looked up to the male, Rham’s lips curled back, his gaze flicking up to the two goddess’s, Nefer, and finally the Priestess, his claws kneading across Syrene’s stomach, slowly, she shifted back, her head turned and eyes glancing away in submission beneath Rham, he snarled again then he too shifted back, chest heaving, he looked down at her “You………………You have broken the peace and attacked without orders…………………By the priestess order’s no blood was to be shed here in this temple……..” his voice had taken on a sad note before he viciously kicked her, sending her rolling across the floor then he looked up “She is yours to do with as you see fit, as per your law, we understand rules” Bae and the others two looked away from Syrene, tears in their eyes “we………………….will need time…………to think…………..” he said hesitantly,

Nefer panted, shifting to his human form, examining the deep cuts on his arms then ignoring them as he watched Rham and the 3 other females turn and leave, his gaze returning to Syrene, who lay on the floor, tears in her eyes as she watched Rham turn and walk away, then her gaze returned to the others standing before her,

 

[Asa]

Tikara never flinched never moved never showed anger.

How is it serving to protect those weaker than you in exchange for protection for your protection. In exchange for children who will learn not to frar or hunt you but to know that you are friend. To help teach the next generation compassion and care. Ask Nefer... The children here as well as the parents adore him and his presence. You choose to color it with you hate and and anger. It is easier to blame the Goddesses and humans rather than realize that just like shifters not all humans are the same. However if Nefer seeks any compensation for bloodshed that I will leave to him.

Beloved?

Sekmet almost seemed to abandon her desire to rip the lioness to reach bbons for nearly attacking the priestess at Tikara's words. The human wise beyond her years and time.

Bast bowed to Tikara at her calm words.

Your ruling has been requested of what should be done with the lioness Priestess... What say you?

Tikara watched her for a moment.

I forgive her she will leave with the others when they leave.

Turning she watched as her students and villagers to bring dinner for everyone.

Let us all eat.