The Lion's Princess (Closed for Asa)

[LoganDarkHolme]

Syrene lay there, panting hard, tears shinning in her eyes as she watched Rham and the others walk away from her, stifling her sobs as she cried and rolled over rising to her knees. Able to pull herself together after a few minutes she knelt there, watching everything, I forgive her she will leave with the others when they leave. Syrene’s face fell in surprise, she’d been expecting a harsh rebuke, or outright killed by the gods after she’d attacked, and getting her ass kicked. Syrene let her head fall forward, her hair obscuring her face as her tears began to flow anew and she shook her head words failing her. However if Nefer seeks any compensation for bloodshed that I will leave to him. Syrene visibly shook, her eyes shinning even through the fall of her hair she looked to Nefer, resigned that she would be killed, no lion, shifter or not would ever take what she’d done to him lightly,

Beloved?

Nefer had watched, passive, as words where exchanged, his stance and posture had remained neutral, no outward sign of anger showing but inside he was boiling, this sting of his wounds and the scent of blood in the air, but Tikara’s calm had kept him passive, he turned his gaze from Syrene to his Priestess, silent for a while as he thought, his eyes searching as they awaited his decision, “The priestess has spoken, She will leave with the others, She is their’s to deal with as they see fit for this attack” Nefer looked away as the servants appeared with bowls of water and cloth and he took one, tending to the wounds on his arms, only moderately aware of the Magi escorting the crying lioness from the chamber Let us all eat. Nefer turned, following as they made their way to the banquet hall, he’d lost his appetite, but knew that he would need to eat if he was going to heal, snarling lightly as he continued to tend his injuries declining the goddess offer to healing, they weren’t serious, just annoying. Helping Tikara to her seat he took his place beside her, watching as things calmed and again the room was abuzz with friendly chatter and laughter “are you ok?” nefer asked quietly

 

[Asa]

I am fine love I detest that they harmed you but to feed into their fear and hatred would only be served more that is why I left it to you as they said you are their kin.

She kissed his cheek.

We have to start somewhere showing them we are not all alike as they and the other shifters we have met have shown me and you have too that not all shifters are alike.

She glanced to see if they had stayed for dinner as was offered to them.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer too had noticed that Rham and the females hadn’t joined them, after a quick inquiry with one of the servants they were informed the lions had asked to not be disturbed for the time being and had sequestered themselves in their accommodations where it sounded like a quiet argument had begun.. Nefer looked about, he could smell the hesitation in the air and the worry of the people around them and gave them soft smiles of reassurance as they talked and chatted, turning he looked to Tikara, taking her hand and kissing it gently, his lips curling into a gentle smile I am fine love I detest that they harmed you but to feed into their fear and hatred would only be served more that is why I left it to you as they said you are their kin. he kissed the inside of her wrist and purred, “I am your shield” he smiled “I enjoy protecting you with my body” he teased, wanting to calm her and see her smile again “perhaps with some time they too will realize the truth, we can only hope” he kissed her wrist again then started eating,

 

[Asa]

She looked to those gathered.

I am sure our guests will join us when they are ready. Such news and events take time to process.

Returning her attention to her food and Nefer smiling softly to him.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Things had settled as the meal progressed, after about an hour the hall doors opened as Rham and only 2 of the lioness’s entered. “apologies for our delay” he said quietly bowing his head to the Priestess “we’ve been in……….discussions…….amongst ourselves……may we join you for meal?” he asked quietly

 

[Asa]

Of course. Please sit here with us.

Tiara gestured them to sit with any of them or there with Nefer and the cheetahs and her.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Of course. Please sit here with us. Rham’s where were measured, and slow, it was clear he was choosing them wisely as he spoke again after taking a few bites, the briefest of smiles as he savored the food “We………….have been in…….discussion, among us…….and……….we may have been………..fast…..in our judgements…….” He continued eating for a minute or two “Much to think on…….youve given us, and apologies we offer for our behavior.” He chewed for a bit, looking around, watching the people, eyes constantly moving as he thought on things before he looked back to Nefer and the Priestess “Outcast Syrene we decided, She attacked and harmed against my wishes, request, that she be allowed to stay, and learn, until such time you deem her attoned and properly taught in human ways, then return to us she can”

 

[Asa]

Tikara nodded to him.

Have her join us... lesson one the kindness of humans. That not all hunt and kill

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Have her join us... lesson one, the kindness of humans. That not all hunt and kill. There was the briefest of smiles that flitted across rham's face at that statement, but he nodded, with a look one of Brie got up and left, returning some minutes later with a slightly more bruised and submissive look and gait to her posture, she sat, softly utterly apologies to the Priestess, then to Nefer, his nose twitching as he smelled the dried blood on her, his eyes flashing darker gold as he shot a look to Rham's unapologetic face, and the accompanying shrug as he returned to eating, he would have words in private later, knowing his Priestess would more then likely sense his darkened mood but spoke nothing allowed as he returned to his own meal.

 

[Asa]

Halima tend to her wounds and then please sit with us and enjoy your meal Syrene.

She smiled to her.

It is alright... You are safe here.

Tikara's expression to Rham was less than pleased at what she saw. Movement from the corner of her eye grabbing her attention as she saw Bast grabbing at a once more standing slightly fuming Sekmet.

It is meal time if you wish then you heal her Sekmet but please keep things calm.

Sekmet picked up Syrene cradling the human form to heal her while eyes burned through Rham.

The priestess said no bloodshed yet I see blood and smell it on your HANDS. Yet you have the nerve to say humans are the monsters!

Isis spoke...

Sisters please... Let us go... Ra wishes to speak with us he has word of those... We seek.... Now Sekmet!

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Halima tend to her wounds and then please sit with us and enjoy your meal Syrene. It is alright... You are safe here. there was no reaction from her at the comment, but a gentle nod of her head, and a softly muttered "thank you", Rham arched an eyebrow at the Priestess's dark glare, but wisely said nothing as well, but he stiffened as he too sensed movement and the surge of anger that washed through the room, his throat convulsing slightly as he swallowed, his bite of food, watching as the goddess stormed over, his mates arm on his own keeping him sitting, Syrene giving a startled whimper as she was picked up, terrified she curled into a tight ball, her body quivering even as the warmth spread over her,

The priestess said no bloodshed yet I see blood and smell it on your HANDS. Yet you have the nerve to say humans are the monsters! Rham's didn't even flinch as he met her gaze "She is of my pride, she disobeyed my orders and attacked, even though she was forgiven by those around us, she was not forgiven by me, as Pride male her discipline is of my concern alone," and then tacking on as almost an afterthought "goddess" his head dipping just slightly. His gaze dropping to the whimpering ball that was Syrene then back to the other 2 females who wore blank expressions, hiding what they thought and felt.

 

[Asa]

Tikara calmed as Isis set Syrene down from Sekmets healing grip and she and Bast dragged Sekmet from the room.

She can be most easily angered forgive Sekmet Syrene. She did not mean to frighten you only heal you before my nurse could do so.

Halima standing there at a loss for what to do now simply walked over and sat with Syrene.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Syrene remained curled up, but the warmth from the goddess holding her had lulled her into a semi sleep, relaxing her quiet a bit, as she relaxed into the touch her wounds healed unable to stop herself from purring softly. The briefest of smiles as she is set down, She can be most easily angered forgive Sekmet Syrene. She did not mean to frighten you only heal you before my nurse could do so. she merely nodded, looking to the women who sat beside her, she nodded to her then looked around, her eyes darting around taking in the room, the people, she then looked to the priestess, her eyes flicking to Nefer then back to her, curious

 

[Asa]

Halima smiled to her.

Normally I am the lead healer here at the temple if you ever require healing again. Two doors down from the East exit of this chamber.I believe you will like it here. The priestess is most kind.

Tikara smiled seeing the curiosity in the young lioness eyes.

You have questions child?

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Syrene looked around, the briefest of smile flitting across her lips as she nodded to Halima then her eyes return to staring at the table before her as she ate, all too acutely aware of the others around her, You have questions child? Syrene’s glance flicked up, then quickly to Rham then back to the table, shaking her head no, although the sudden tightening of her shoulder’s hadn’t gone unnoticed by Nefer and again his gaze went to Rham, still unapologetic as he finished his meal, Nefer’s hand clenched briefly, then uncurled as he reached out and gently stroked his hand over his Priestess “perhaps………now that the little drama is over, we could give Syrene a tour…….together…alone…” the implication of his words far from lost on Rham who scowled, eyes narrowed just slightly but said nothing already knowing he was on the short end of the stick. The servant came to take the empty dishes of those who were done and began cleaning up, Brie and the other Lioness leaving after a quiet conversation with Rham, who now stood, awkwardly, looking around, just observing as Nefer rose to stand behind his female

 

[Asa]

Nefer you and the Magi will show our other guests around I will show Syrene around as she has been left in our care.

She offered only a glance to Rham but one that spoke volumes of her dislike that they could cast out one of their own so easily. Turning to Syrene she smiled.

You need not worry about Rham no order he has given you upon his releasing you to live with us is of any concequence or or concern. Speak with us freely. Let is go I will show you Halima's little hospital here in the temple first and then the various Chambers of the Gods and Goddesses.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer you and the Magi will show our other guests around I will show Syrene around as she has been left in our care.. Nefer nodded and smiled gently "yes my Priestess" he said, turning as he glared at Rham's and the other two Lioness's, nodding with his head as four guards joined them, Rham's gaze was on Syrene, narrowing on her before Nefer stopped into his line of sight, while Nefer was far younger then this male the tension roiled off of him as Rham's finally looked at him, Nefer giving the male a hard stare of his own "Come, let me show you around since you are curious" Rham's tried to crane his neck to look past Nefer but he moved again to block the males view, the Magi shifting restlessly, with a huff Rham's nodded, "she is no longer your concern, your own words" Nefer muttered and Rham snarled, lashing out a clawed hand at Nefer, who only caught it, driving his knee into Rham's gut, as the male bent over he slammed his head into a table then grabbed him by the neck "I promise the tour will be fun" Nefer said as if he didn't have the male by the throat pulling him from the room without a backward glance.


You need not worry about Rham, no order he has given you upon his releasing you to live with us is of any consequence or or concern. Speak with us freely.. Syrene watched the interplay between the black furred male and Rham, turning away as Rham was dragged from the room Syrene just couldn't contain the smile that crept over her face nor the giggle of delight, quickly slapping her hand over her mouth "I...I...I'm sorry Priestess" she swallowed, glancing again back as the doors were shut and she was left alone with Tikara Let is go I will show you Halima's little hospital here in the temple first and then the various Chambers of the Gods and Goddesses.. She nodded, "your Lion is fierce for being so young, it is........" She seemed to struggle to find the word "strange, being around another Male, I've only ever known our Male" she said, finally seeming to relax if just a little bit, Our male is fierce in his own right, won many challenges, but to see him like that" nodding her head back towards the little display before being dragged out "I shouldn't giggle at watching him being on the receiving end.." She shifted suddenly uncomfortable at that statement "sorry...."

 

[Asa]

He needs to learn compassion and humility.

Tikara smirked.

Also Nefer is holding back since he is a guest. Hopefully Our guest will have the good sense to not press his luck.

As they walked and talked she kept in her own ways reminding Syrene that she no longer had to do anything Rham had told her. Laughing and talking with the girl as they walked through the markets.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

He needs to learn compassion and humility.. Styrene ducked her head, trying to hide the sudden smile and giggle, she had not been prepared for such things or even for the politeness she was now being shown. Also Nefer is holding back since he is a guest. Hopefully Our guest will have the good sense to not press his luck.. That brought her head back up as she blinked, "holding? Back?" She questioned, memories replaying of everything she'd seen so far "he is powerful, even for being so young, I've never seen someone not back down once our Male got angry, or seen our Male so quickly and easily taken out" her smile returned, although the she tried to fight it "it is..............." She looked around briefly "fun.....to see him get bested, Your male is fearsome," she purred with a hint of admiration in Syrene's tone, before she even realized it, then the sudden flush crept up her cheeks "priestess forgive me I know he is your Male, I would never!! Ummmm..." her face heated more in embarrassment

 

[Asa]

The priestess laughed. I understand that for most feline females the male is shared. It is not that way with humans unless a sultan or kings harem or a queen may sometimes also have a harem of men I am told.

She was pleased to see the girl relaxing more.

Yes Nefer was holding back. He has the advantage of being taught how to fight as feline from Sekmet and the Cheetahs but he has also trained with the Magi guards as well. As far as human fighters go they are some of the best around save for a couple of lost tribes of humans.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I understand that for most feline females the male is shared. It is not that way with humans unless a sultan or kings harem or a queen may sometimes also have a harem of men I am told. Syrene considered, as they walked, the smile came more easily to her features, the she was a young lioness but the thought of having a selection of men for her amusement intrigued her, but she pushed the thought away. Yes Nefer was holding back. He has the advantage of being taught how to fight as feline from Sekmet and the Cheetahs, but he has also trained with the Magi guards as well. As far as human fighters go they are some of the best around save for a couple of lost tribes of humans.. She just hmmmmmd as she listened, taking in the sights of the temple, listening as she was told about the days prayers and duties, and the history of the area. She traded stories of growing up in the pride, how Rham was the 4th male to take over the pride since she'd been a cub, and how.......strict......he was with all the females. Her words showing she really didn't understand why Nefer had gotten angry or the fire that now light the Priestess eye's.


Nefer walked into the gardens, Rham's irritation and anger pulsed from him as Nefer released his neck and pushed him back, the guards flanking them remaining back, Rham snarled, and rubbed his neck, Nefers face was passive but hard, his golden gaze gleaming as he watched the male before him. "Alright, let's get this out of the way, you will NEVER strike another female in anger, or ever, it isn't done, there is no call for hurting women" Nefer growled, and Rham just merely arched a brow "what do you know boy, raised by humans he sneered as if the term "humans" was the worst insult he could think of "Well, unless you want Bast, or Sekmet to destroy you, or worse" he stated coldly, "Come, let us walk, there is much YOU..need to know old man" he shot back, Nefer motioning for him "come, let's head to the markets, I wish to show you something"

 

[Asa]

A sigh fell from her as Syrene seemed to think that what Rham did was the way of things for all beings. She also felt a gnawing pull deep down to knock the arrogant male lions teeth down his throat.

Well you are around all of us now and his petty rules no longer apply to you at least.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Well you are around all of us now and his petty rules no longer apply to you at least. Syrene’s head cocked as she looked to the Priestess “you don’t like our male, I can smell the distain from you when I speak of him, I know he comes off as harsh but……” she trailed off as they entered into Bast’s shrine within the temple, her eyes widening as she looked around, sensing the power within the wall as well as warmth, and affection and she shivered, “wha………what is this feeling, “ she asked,

 

[Asa]

The peace and calm of the love that Basted one of the feline Goddesses teaches. Your male yes I have issue with him he has no clue of the teachings of the Goddesses whongrant your kind the ability to dwell with love and be loved by teach and learn from humans. Really perhaps i pity him

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer guided Rham from the temple, becoming aware of Rham's growing irritation and hesitation as they approached the markets, a near constant growl rumbling from Rham's chest as they moved onto the streets, and Nefer just smirked, greeting several people as they passed shops and tents, the air growing thick with tension as Rham twitched and looked around, clearly agitated by the growing crowds, a lot of whom smiled, and bowed with whispered "guardian" their tone reverent, and Nefer kept a sidelong glance on Rham, who became more confused as he watched the people approach to them, whisper thanks, or a prayer to Nefer, or touch his arm or hand. But for the most part people ignored them and just smiled. They know you.... Rham asked, half a statement, half question as Nefer smirked "they do, and they know what I am" he taunted back, stopping Rham in his tracks as he looked at Nefer "You Lie, they would be scared if they knew". He stated angrily. Nefer motioned with the tilt of his head, several children playing near a building, he moved to them, the kids faces lighting up as they saw Nefer, scurrying over then all talked excitedly at once, crowding around and making Nefer laugh as Rham growled.

Several kids eyes widening as they heard the sound, then squeezed "Is he like you? He makes noises like you, is he is he?" They asked and Nefer smirked, the kids then began begging to play, asking Nefer to for his lion and Rham stilled, eyes narrowing, "what trick is this" he hissed, a tall, thing women walking out, holding a young blonde haired girl, her legs in braces, holding makeshift crutches "what trick are you referring to sir?" The women asked quietly, Nefer smiling and greeting the young girl she held, her emerald eyes gleaming with happy tears as she reached for Nefer who happily took her in his arms and hugged her. Rham's nose flaring his eyes shot to the young girl "I smell Cheetah" and he looked the girl over frowning "that's right" the women said "she was attacked when she was young, and had her legs severally broken, she can no longer shift forms because of the pain, and so her feline is trapped". The women said, Rham's eyes darkening as he frowned more you know of us? and the women nodded, the little girl burying her head into Nefer's neck and hair, and he stroked her back gently. Rham taking note of the people gathering around, they'd seen Nefer here before, and loved watching him play with the children. "Do you want to go for a run Ana?" Nefer asked quietly and the girl looked to the women, who nodded and smiled, Rham frowned more, if that was even possible at this point as Nefer handed the girl back and take a step or two away, the children squeezed in delight as they to gathered around, Nefer, staring directly at Rham, a cocky smirk on his face shifted.

Right there in front of everyone, shaking out his fur and rearing his head back he roared, the children screaming and laughing as they gathered around, Rham watching, his face a mask of disbelief as he stared around, waiting for the shouts of alarm, the fear, the panic, and watched as Nefer rolled over the children climbing on him, over him, while he licked, and batted, and played with the kids for a few minutes before righting himself and padding over to the women and the girl, who smiled, her emerald eyes tearing up and Nefer nuzzled her and licked her belly causing her to giggle. Then Rham's jaw hit the ground as the women set the girl on Nefer's back, and watched as she snuggled into the fur of his mane, and Nefer grunted, the girl whispering somethings before Nefer turned, the people chuckling, happy, as Rham scented the air, there was no fear here, and it pissed him off even more as he watched Nefer and the girl dart off, the sound of her giggles as he ran and romped around the markets, the people laughing and watching as they two played for a few minutes before he padded back, the girl hugging tightly into his Mane.

'thank you" she whispered as the women picked the girl up, and Nefer shifted back, gathering his dropped clothes and dressing in front of everyone as if it was normal. Turning he grinned at Rham "Do you see my point now?" He asked and Rham said nothing. He bid the children good bye as they left, the contingent of Magi giving them space as they walked You have been here for? Nearly four seasons now? Rham asked? And Nefer nodded "I came to my priestess at the spring solstice, " he said, and Rham's scowl deepened "less then four seasons time and the people here show no fear? What trick is this?. Nefer snorted and shook his head "No trick Rham, the people know and accept what I am, what the pharaoh guardians are, the two cheetah females, they worship and accept us as they do their gods and goddess's presence amount them, we've no need of hiding." He replied, Rham just remained quiet as they continued walking,