The Lion's Princess (Closed for Asa)

[Asa]

They ended their tour in the markets Tikara smiled as the elderly and the children also offered their little wildflowers and fruit offerings to Syrene as well. She took pride in pointing out young mortal males who were admiring Syrene.

As you can see there are many males who clearly find you most attractive young one. And with you free of Rham you are free to meet them and decide your own path and life.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

As you can see there are many males who clearly find you most attractive young one. . Syrene blushed hard as their tour continued, and she knew by the grin on the priestess face she was teasing her about the human males, but none the less, having only ever had pride males in her life, the idea that other men, human or not wanted her both excited and scared her. But she had finally been able to relax, as they'd toured the grounds, the people, servants and priest's she'd met had been unfailing kind, and she'd sensed no deceit or hatred in their scents, they'd honestly been glad to meet her. Her smile now more genuine and less forced as they'd talked and joked, making their way out to the markets she looked around, her eyes wide in surprise at the size and how busy it was. Syrene looked at the various tables and wares, her smile growing as she found odds and ends she liked, and different fabrics. Even spotting several children running around and playing, they till heard a sharp snarl, a cry of pain then a child crying.



++++++

Nefer conversed with Rham, answering his questions about the orphanage, it's duty and what it was there for. As well as various other charities and homes for the down trodden and the sick. They had began to make their way back into the markets when a young boy had come running up, smiling Nefer had picked him up and hugged him. Aurelio, a young Jackel shifter pup who lived in the orphanage smiled greetings Nefer then looking to Rham his eyes wide at the size of him as Nefer set him back down. Rham's nose flaring his lip curled as he scented the child. Nefer-Bai, is he like you? He smells the same? Is he a guardian too? . Nefer smiled and nodded, "he is, ". Rham's gruff voice cutting in "No, I am not like him, I am Pride, " the child blinking, not understanding "oooooooooo, the child blinked, what is that? Pride??. Rham's lip curled again as he regarded the child "go away boy" he snarled, Then the boy grabbed Rham's hand you should come play with us, Nefer-Bai plays with us all the time, please play with us!!. As soon as the Jackel cub grabbed Rham's hand he snarled, "Do not Touch me!!" Rham barked before he swiped out a hand, slapping the child away, 4 deep red marks blossoming across the child's cheek from Rham's Claws, the boys eyes wide, terrified as he began to cry, Nefer snarling as he grabbed the boy and pulled him away, his eyes blazing fury" GUARDS!!!!" Nefer Bellowed

 

[Asa]

There was a pause.... Was it just her... Was it the world... She had seen Rham even before they had a clear line of sight. She felt a thundering inside of mind body and soul. She felt the bloodlust of Sekmet... She felt the strength of Khonsu... She felt burning desert and the waters of the Nile... She felt it all. For a split second she was the land the water the air and the fire that was Egypt. She had leaped from her spot by Syrene and did not notice till she felt her target collapsing in surprise under her feet and hands. Standing she saw no one but Rham... The scent of innocent blood and a child's fearful scream echoing in her soul.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Rham saw a flash of movement, before he could even raise his claws to attack he felt like he’d gotten hit by battering ram, hissing as he hit the ground, stunned, struggling to breath his lips peeled back as he growled, his vision focusing finally he stared up at…………………….the priestess??!?!?!? He blinked several times, thinking he’d been seeing things, Nefer just stood there, his mouth hanging open, his face stuck in utter astonishment “t…t…….Tikara?!?!............................” was all he was able to get out, the people had stopped walking, stopped talking, and stared, several people had seen what had just happened and they too just stood there, watching, waiting, the Magi rushing in, their weapons pointed at Rham, but they all looked to the Priestess “My priestess?” Nefer said hesitantly,

 

[Asa]

I warned you... No bloodshed and now you shed the blood of an innocent? Give me one good reason why your life should not end right here... right now!

There was a hush... an old man stepped forward looking to her.

The legends were true... They will never be struck from this world... They... they will return... always.

The old man bowed muttering something as he did so.

Our priestess... has returned to Egypt the lost fire warriors...

She could not hear them. All her mind saw was the target before her. Her kind pale eyes like the shadowy fires of the underworld as she watched him. Yin and yang priestess and death.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Rham layed there, eyes wide as he watched the fire in her eyes felt the power wash from her in waves and he trembled as she screamed at him I warned you... No bloodshed and now you shed the blood of an innocent? Give me one good reason why your life should not end right here... right now! Rham could say nothing, and Nefer had watched the old man approach, a heavy frown marring his face as he listened to what the old man said, then looked back from Rham to his Priestess, seeing that hard cold look sent a shiver down his spine that almost caused him to cower. Everyone was frozen, the Magi had Rham at weapon point but he didn’t seem to be in any kind of ability to fight back Our priestess... has returned to Egypt the lost fire warriors... Nefer looked to the old man, then back to Tikara, moving slowly, unsure at this sudden change in his female, “My priestess….” He said slowly, “look at me, its ok, he’s under control” his golden eyes watching her, could see she was so focused on Rham “My love…” he said quietly, stepping between her and Rham, breaking her line of sight “Look at me love…..”

 

[Asa]

Only the older Magi understood what the old man said. It would explain a lot about how she was found. She looked to Nefer then to the child huddlingnnear him.

Decide your attackers fate and it will be done innocent one.

Her eyes moving back to Nefer as there was a wobble to her footingnand she collapsed out cold

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Decide your attackers fate and it will be done innocent one.. The child had stopped crying, as Nefer tended the claw marks on the kids cheek, sadly, damaged caused by another shifter would heal, but the young one would carry those scars the rest of his life, they had been deep, and anger was riding Nefer hard as the magi kept Rham pinned to the ground with their weapons, kneeling he'd set the boy down as he'd approached Tikara, the shine of power from her making his hair stand on end, She'd spoken to the child, that cold, chilling gaze of hers, had even scared him into silence, but Nefer had faith she wouldn't hurt him, but he quickly realized that wasn't going to be the case as she wavered, and their eyes met, he saw the rage give way to confusion just briefly before she collapsed. And he'd caught her, wrapping her in his arms as he hit the ground, using his body to shield her from hitting dirt, two Magi quickly walked over, and helped him to his feet, Adjusting his hold he thanked them then looked to Rham "Lock him up" he snarled "We will convene a council to address this attack" he ordered, and Rham snarled at him, but a spear point to his throat silenced him as he was Hauled to his feet, inside Nefer's head he felt the beast part of his mind roaring, his lion wanted blood, wanted death, and Nefer badly wanted to give in to that desire, if not for his unconscious female in his arms he just might have done so, barking orders Rham was escorted at weapon point back to the temple, and the child was brought with to be card for by one of the servants.

Retreating to their room Nefer laid Tikara out on their bed, calling for food, wine, and bathing implements to be brought to him and to not be disturbed unless by Magi, or Gods, he'd cleaned himself up, Syrene had stopped by and apologized and informed him that the lioness's were talking, they'd been informed about the attack by Syrene and apparently had had enough, they too wanted a piece of Rham for hurting a cub. Nefer shifted, his lion demanding release as he hopped up on the bed, curling his massive body around Tikara, nestling her into the warmth of his Mane, he waited for her to awaken

 

[Asa]

The elders of the Magi met concerning the old man's words. The lost warriors were a well hidden people even when they roamed the lands freely. Her eyes had always been strange to the rest of those around her. Could the old man be right? It would explain so much about their Priestess. Wise beyond her years a temper usually cradled in compassion but the fire revealed today was incredible. But why did it not reveal itself till now?

Tikara slept deeply for nearly two days waking finally unsure of how she had gotten there.

I had been talking with Syrene then I spoke to a child and then... nothing

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer had been dozing lightly still in his lions form. Servants had come and gone bringing fresh food and drinks as he kept vigil. It was well past the moons peak in the night sky as he was awoken when he felt her stir and he shifted back, cupping her cheek as he ran his thumb over her lips and felt her forehead for any signs of a fever . her confusion evident on her face as she looked around, I had been talking with Syrene then I spoke to a child and then... nothing Nefer blinked, licking his lips as he hesitated, “you…………..dont remember?..........anything????..........” he watched, studied her face and the blank expression, he could see it in her eyes “ummm, I know the Elder’s wish to speak with us when you are better, I think they may be able to explain things better then me, but love……when youre mad………” he half chuckled “youre scary.” He chuckled again, nervous, but smiled “you’ve been asleep for two moons, I was beginning to worry.” As he got her a cup of water and helped her to sit he prepared a plate for her, smiling as he did what he could to fill her in about what happened and Rham injuring the child,

 

[Asa]

She curled against him listening to waht he had to say and was not sure what to make of it.

Are you sure the old man said fire warriors?

She seemed to sink deep into thought.

Let us go and speak with the elders.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

He stroke her back gently, kissing her tenderly as he watched her the confusion on her face as she sank into her own thoughts her voice seemed small, choked, in a way and he held her close, as she spoke against his chest Are you sure the old man said fire warriors? He nodded gently “yes, that’s what I heard him say, im just as confused as you to be honest love” he chuckled “always knew you had a temper under that calm exterior of yours, “ he kissed her again and chuckled, his eyes twinkling Let us go and speak with the elders. “you sure?” Nefer asked quietly, yovue been asleep for two days, how are you feeling?” he rubbed his cheek against her forehead but felt no fever from her

 

[Asa]

Yes I am sure. I have heard rumors of the fire warriors. Their true people's name has been lost long ago the name most call them stems from the fact that they would walk through the fires of their enemies camps when they attacked. They were tied solely to the land harboring no need for cities or villages. It was believed that that had a unique connection to the God's and Goddesses.

She shook her head

They have been gone for a long time or so it was presumed.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer listened, interested, as she explained a little of the history as she knew it, and he stroked her back gently, soothing himself with the feel of her safe against him, the soothing caress of her voice. She'd been unmoving for nearly two full days and he'd grown increasingly agitated and worried, to a point even the servants stopped coming to his door because he roared at anyone, only Kyrah and Kyrie had dared approached their room and bring them food and drink. And even they had been on edge, he smelled their concern, and unease at how aggressive he'd gotten. "Ahhh" he said, nuzzling his nose into her neck and kissing her skin "I'm glad you're awake, I've been worried, do you want something to eat before we leave? I've had Rham locked in a room until you awoke, the other lioness's have been quiet, but have heard they've been discussing things without him, I think him attacking the child triggered something with them, " his lips twitched "I think him locked up is a good thing, he might be dead already if I'd let him go back to his room, the anger drifting from the corridor of their rooms has been strong"

 

[Asa]

I am divided on that. Part of me wants answers as to why part of me says let their pack handle it. Do you think they could take him down?

She sat deep in thought curled against him drinking her water.

We should get ready and go talk to the elders soon either way. I am curious about what you have told me. Much less why or how the old man would think I am of the ancient peoples like that. Most curious.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I am divided on that. Part of me wants answers as to why part of me says let the pride handle it. Do you think they could take him down? Nefer thought about it for a bit, a small smile twitching his lips upwards “oh yes, having seen what you did when a child was harmed, I can only imagine what a Lioness would do” he grinned, watching her still lost in thought as he stroked her back, his body spooning against hers as he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her against him, We should get ready and go talk to the elders soon either way. I am curious about what you have told me. Nefer inhaled her scent and smiled “I want you to eat first my priestess, you have asleep a few days” he rose , slipping naked from the bed as he moved to the serving tray and pulled the cover, the food was still relatively hot but he made her a light plate with fruit’s and meats then slid back into bed laying the tray between them

 

[Asa]

She nodded and curled up to eat a little.

I will defer to the Magi about his situation.

She leaned close and kissed him softly before eating some.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I will defer to the Magi about his situation. he nodded gently, stretching out beside her, laying his head on her thigh, nuzzling his head against her as he would in his lion form, happy to see her at least eating, although he knew she was buried in her thoughts by the far away look on her face. He picked and choose bits and pieces to eat as well and the silence between them was companionable, he let his hand wander, idly stroking and caress her lower back, trailing his fingers gently up her spine then back. Sitting up as he moved the tray away he pressed his chest against her back, wrapping his arms around her he pulled her back against him, his lips going to her neck as he placed slow gentle kisses along the column of her throat “it’ll be ok, perhaps they will be able to piece together more about your past as well, either way, im here with you my Priestess, command me and it shall be done” he said with more then a little teasing in his tone as he gently nipped at the curve of her neck, his fingers slipping to her waist as he tickled her

 

[Asa]

I gather your mind is no where near tending to Rham nor my past is it love.

She snuggled back against him somewhat reluctant to want to go either but at the same Tim me most curious.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I gather your mind is no where near tending to Rham nor my past is it love. Nefer looked down, a small smile curling the edges of his lips as his face flushed into a blush. “im sorry, “ he said quietly, “im…….im restless, worried, “ he looked to her then looked back down at his hands sighing “I just………I don’t know……..part of me knows they need to learn, and understand, but the other half of me wants them gone from our lands, they pose a threat to you, the urge I had to shift and tear out Rham’s throat and gut him was nearly over whelming…….” He looked away, staring at the wall “I nearly gave in to the desire, the beast demanded blood, in the year since you saved me………….my beast has been content,” he trailed off, his brows furrowing, he was rambling and he knew it, his emotions were plain on his face, he’d feared losing control “I wanted to hurt him,”

 

[Asa]

She listened to him snuggling close.

But you didn't love. You have only had to appease that side with sparring with the Magi and the occasional attack. And none of that has been against another lion.

Look at today. I have never done anything like that not even in self defense sparring with you or the Magi or the cheetahs. But out of nowhere...

She shook her head.

I wonder if answers and decisions would not help both of us right noe beloved.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I wonder if answers and decisions would not help both of us right noe beloved he smiled gently as she spoke and yea, he had to admit he wasn’t the only one currently in that awkward position, “true” he stated as he thought about it “not since before……………………” his voice trailed off, “since before, I haven’t really felt………….” He searched for the word “Tested? No that’s not right whats that word……..To hunt, to stalk, as I learned to shift and the human half of me became stronger, they said the beast half would fight, it was natural, we are hunters at heart” Nefer nodded more to himself but smiled “come, let us see what answers we may find, it may also answer your control over Mother Sekmet” he chuckled, remembering the stunned looks of the people when she’d snapped and the goddess had backed off, rising to stand he kissed her, soundly, a promise for later as he sought new robes and clothes, running his hand through the mussed mop of hair that was his human version of a Mane “I think I need a trim” he quipped, the strands of his hair falling just below his shoulders now, it had been months since he’d last had one of the servants care for it and it grew so quickly he’d been putting it off. Turning he smiled and offered his hand “My Priestess, It would be my honor to escort you” he half seriously, half playfully said

 

[Asa]

She smiled and stood to walk along with him.

Yes love let's go.

Outside the door the elder Magi who had held the felines attention with the energy of the deities surrounding his armor stood by the door.

Give but one word priestess and we will carry him far from here to pay whatever blood price is preferred by them.

He pointed to the female lionsesses pacing but not daring get too close to him.

Unless you wish to finish what you began. He seems most disbelieving of his eyes that you were the one that landed on him.

The old man chuckled

And ancient one Macmood seems highly determined that you are the return of the fire warriors. Many of my brethren think that explains you being found as you were as an infant.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Yes love let's go. Nefer smiled as he opened the door and stepped out. Smiling as he bowed his head slightly to the elder who waited for them. Give but one word priestess, and we will carry him far from here, to pay whatever blood price is preferred by them Nefer tilted his head, turning as he spotted the 4 females pacing, his nose flaring as he inhaled, fury, agitation, worry, sorrow, he canted his head to the side in contemplation “They are genuinely angered, and, “ he inhaled again “sorrowed by what has happened, they are no threat I believe” he stated quietly, head still tilted curiously as the females sniffed the air then turned to look at him, finally realizing he was in the area, they each met his eyes then looked away with pained expressions, fear, that was curious……righting his posture he looked to his priestess “as always I defer to you, but I feel they at least, are as curious, and as worried, about what we will do, or wont do, “ Syrene walked over, bowing her head then just continued to stare at the floor Nefer’s statement proving true as she asked “We have talked, and accept whatever decision you make, we are……………….sorry………….” Syrene hesitated, more searching for the right word and fear. They’d been hearing the servants chatter, claiming the priestess was furious and would demand they pay for the harm their male had caused, how they were a threat and shouldn’t be allowed to stay. Ancient one Macmood seems highly determined that you are the return of the fire warriors. Many of my brethren think that explains you being found as you were as an infant Nefer didn’t miss the fact the elder Magi was trying to distract from the moment but Nefer gave Syrene a gentle smile, trying to ease her fear as he looked to Tikara “Shall we?” he motioned with his hand

 

[Asa]

She began to walk her steps not leading to the meeting chambers but the chamber that held Rham. Brushing past the guards as if they were not there. Her eyes landing on Rham as she stood there.

Why did you attack a young one?

Isis held her hand up to stop any from going with her.

A test for the priestess

Isis spoke low and soft.