The Lion's Princess (Closed for Asa)

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer nodded as he listened, his head cocked to one side as Tikara shifted slightly and thought she had turned to look at him, but as he glanced up at her face he saw she was looking past him and he turned to follow her line of sight Grumble all you want Khonsu. Have you anything to add to his... Nefer’s eyebrows lifted, he hadn’t even heard the god approach, but then again, he was a god…………

 

[Asa]

Simply appearing to stretch a little she whispered knowing the felines would hear her.

We have company. Attempting to watch us.

The warrior nodded but still did not move yet. He knew there were those who had dared enter his lands without wishing to be seen or heard and it would be entertaining to humor them till their arrogance got them slaughtered.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer’s ears perked at the softly whispered warning, his ear twitching he listened, rolling his head on his shoulders he felt a few muscles pop then he too stretched, inhaling deeply, he smelled nothing on the wind. Which meant whoever It was, was smart enough to stay downwind of them, he looked at Tikara and shook his head slightly, conveying to her he didn’t sense anything. “whoever it is, I cant smell them, and I don’t hear anything” he spoke quietly and he reached for a piece of meat still turning on the spit over their fire and popping it into his mouth, his eyes moving as he non-chalantly looked around, trying to see if he could see anything, his eyes narrowing

 

[Asa]

Tikara slowly moved to stand she was feeling an anger or something she could not put her finger on. It was there in the darkness. Just as quickly if not more so the warrior leaped up taking on an arrow.

They sought confirmation you were here and you gave it to them... why?

He stood there pulling the barbed stone from his shoulder.

They seek me let's find out why.

She smirked as she slowly moved to stalk towards the edge of the campfire light.

If they seek me let them join us before they die.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer snarled as he watched the arrow hit the warrior, and rose to his own feet shifting seamlessly into his fur he put himself infront of Tikara, using his body to mostly shield hers from harm his eyes searching from the direction the arrow had come from, his chest expanding he let go a bellowing roar that would carry for miles, warning any person, or creature he was pissed off, and perhaps would make whoever sought to harm them think twice. Feeling Tikara moving his first reaction was to push back against her, keep her behind him, but he knew better, instead keeping close beside her, close enough to let his fur tickle over her skin as he continued to search, spotting movement in the distance but even with his keen sight unable to make out the shapes or who or what was after them, watching his Priestess from his periphery, he would follow her lead

 

[Asa]

Hungry?

She called out to the darkness.

Join us your masters need not know.

The hiss was all she needed to hear.

I wonder if Set knows of your turn to treachery and corruption. Devious and deceitful he may be but even he does not dare attack temples nor those sacred to them the people and the Gods.

Another hiss rang out then silence.

Suit yourselves you will be dead by dawn if you continue this.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

His ear twitched and swiveled as he continued to listen for any sounds, feeling Tikara’s hand resting on his back as she too glanced about his lips twitching as he quietly growled,
Hungry? Join us your masters need not know. Nefer cocked his head slightly to one side in a questioning motion to her statement, but the hiss that slithered through the air in response raised his hackles and his lips peeled back slightly as his growl grew louder and deeper, catching movement in the distance, I wonder if Set knows of your turn to treachery and corruption. Devious and deceitful he may be but even he does not dare attack temples nor those sacred to them Nefer took a step towards the second hiss that answered his priestess, he wanted to track that hiss, find its owner and rip its throat out, he looked back to Tikara in question but he refused to leave her side, even as the warrior moved up to stand beside them, his gaze too trained in the distance. The hiss had sounded more reptile then feline, the Magi shifted restlessly, their weapons only half drawn, or held casually as they took sought the sound.

 

[Asa]

Brave words for a human... Ssset has done nothing to protect usss.

Movement twitched the shadows.

Why offer food to death... even legends and myths die. Even with the fire and night claws aid.

I can hear the rumble of your stomachs fills the desert young ones.

Tikara was calm.

Now join us for a meal or die.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer shifted from paw to paw, his claws flexing and raking at the dirt beneath him, his body coiling, he wanted badly to race across the sands and confront their mysterious intruders, the wind around them shifting that he barely caught a hint of something and it wrinkled his nose, his nose flared as he breathed in again but the scent was gone. Chuffing he pawed at his nose, pressing back against Tikara as she continued to speak, his ears swiveling atop his head, Ssset has done nothing to protect usss. he canted his head to one side, there was definitely a hiss to their voices, he hadn’t heard wrong the first time, and it sparked a memory, years ago when he first started studying with Kyrah and Kyrie, Serpent shifters, they had mentioned there were rumors , but they were a secretive and anti-social species. And violent……….could it be?, Twitching his tail irritated, he waited, hoping that his Priestess would let him chase down their interlopers,

 

[Asa]

Well then perhaps I can assist you in that little matter. If you know who I am you know I have the ears of the Gods and Goddesses as well as those that know about and revere and trust shifters. Your masters do not protect you either not being out here with you to face me... to face us.

The warrior stepped closer as if on que to reveal more of his presence as well.

If my desert is part of your lands then you know me as well now the priestess said to join us. Her request will be followed either as our guests or our dinner.

That got a sharp turn from Tikara as she growled. She was more priestess now hearing their lack of protection from the God they followed.

Enough

She snarled to him

They will join us as guests... when they are ready.

With that she turned her back and went back to sit down.

Wine please now.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer may have well been a statue for how stiff and unmoving he was, his body was tensed, and he had stopped growling, his ears perked forward, as several forms drifted in and out of the remaining shadows as the sun crested the peak, his ear twitching towards the Warrior as he stepped up beside Nefer then swiveled back towards their foe, Her request will be followed either as our guests or our dinner Nefer’s chest rumbled and he gave a soft Chuff as he laughed, whiched sounded like a mix of a growl and a hiss from his muzzle, he stayed still for a few moments after Tikara had turned to walk away. Not wanting to turn his back on threats, but as the Fire Warrior also turned his back to the intruders he huffed, letting his body relax little by little, he gave one more thunderous roar before he too forced himself to turn away, pressing his body against Tikara as she once more found her seat, he bumped his head against her hand, nuzzling against it, hesitant to want to shift back

 

[Asa]

She sat down and drank some wine and looked to a young Magiwho seemed puzzled at her turning her back and walking from a linger threat.

Young one it is very simple something Khonsu once told me the only times you never turn your back is on someone you respect for someone you fear. They have neither from me. For now they linger out there hiding there is no need to fear words on the air nor any reason to respect words on the air.

Looking to the raised brow of the warrior and smirked.

What I learned well being raised in a temple.

Several hours later movement again only it was a young boy who studied them warily and said nothing his eyes reptilian perhaps out of fear or nerves.

Hello child.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

As everyone somewhat settled and went about doing what they needed to, Nefer chose to stay in his fur, curling his body around Tikara, as they so often did he relaxed feeling her lean back, lounging against him, inwardly smiling as he listened to his priestess words as she counseled the young warriors, held prayers and continued idly chatting with the Fire warrior who too, looked casual and relaxed, and the idle chatter as chores were done and general upkeep by the servants. Nefer couldn’t fight the urge to doze, the sun was well into midday and he found himself slowly relaxing, his ears on a constant swivel, listening to everything. A deep purr rumbling his body every time he felt her hands on his fur as she idly stroked him from time to time. He lost track of time as he eventually fell asleep, his head pressed against Tikara’s thigh, it was a sudden quietness that settled around the camp that roused him Hello Child child?? They didn’t have any children with them on this trip………Rousing he lifted his head, blinking as his eyes focused he looked to his mate, then followed her line of sight to find a small child standing beside them, Startled his lips peeled back and he let loose a low growl as he rose to stand, fur bristling, nose flaring as he took in the childs scent and blinked.

Sniffing again he cautiously padded around Tikara, placing his body between her’s and the childs huffing, he watched the child’s slitted eyes and they watched him in return, a smile on the boys face kitty! the child exclaimed and Nefer jerked slightly at the unexpected statement and extended his head a little more, sniffing the child, his eyes never leaving the boys, Nefer had never scented anything like this child before, and while Kyrah and Kyrie had did their best to teach him, he was honestly still learning the scents of the different species, and he just didn’t know. Huffing again he shook his head slightly to clear his scent glands, the little boy giggled and reached out, again catching Nefer by surprised as he was Poked in the nose he stumbled back too quickly and ended up landing on his butt, startled, even as the boy giggled and he looked to Tikara unsure what to do

 

[Asa]

So are you the oldest of their ranks or the youngest child?

Tikara smiled almost motherly to the child even as she grabbed a hand to the fire warrior rto stay his hand far from his weapon.

There is no need for that.

The little boy finally registered that she had spoken looking away from Nefer.

We are all together... but I believe some have seen maybe a season or two more than I have. They knew what he was .

Pointing to Nefer and not the fire warrior.

Why did they say the barrier was one of the desert death?

She looked to the fire warrior.

Yes I am of his people. Is that what makes me barrier?

The boy shook his head no.

Barrier to war... too beloved... too sacred... too protected... now maybe too warrior.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer shifted from Paw to Paw as he and the kid continued to stare at each other, both of them in a mutual stareoff, but the kid who was motionless as a statue, won that contest and nefer canted his head to one side in curiosity. Feeling Tikara move he tried to shift his body to stay between her and the boy only for her to effortlessly slip around him, he flicked a glance to the Fire Warrior then back as she took the kids hand. They knew what he was Nefer grunted, well if that was just peachy, he wished he knew what “they” were, grumbling to himself and his inner monologue he turned to watch as Tikara brought the weird little boy over by their fire, again he glanced to the Fire Warrior who too looked back at him then to Tikara and shrugged. With a put out sigh Nefer moved and sat beside Tikara, nuzzling his muzzle against her hair Nefer’s voice whispered through her mind I don’t like this, this kids……….weird…..

 

[Asa]

She had the servants give the boy some food and she sat watching him eat as if starved. That seemed to bother her about one so young being so hungry. Her mind answered back to Nefer. When you were a young in captivity I am sure your actions could have been seen as weird to others. Look at his waist when he moves. How else would you chain up a snake.

I will have them prepare food for the others if you can call them here. And please understand that I am only a barrier to the war they want to create not to you and your fellow serpents. I am curious if you and the others would be interested in my becoming a barrier to protect all of you from those who clearly harm you?

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer had continued to shift from paw to paw anxiously as they all just stood there, deciding what to do, and the stress was causing the hair along his back and in his mane to frizz and stand on end. After what seemed like hours, Tikara proclaimed she’d come to a decision and they moved back towards the fire, Nefer still one edge padded back to the fire beside her, after some prodding from her and the fact he was growing hungry himself he relented and shifted back to his human form, nodding thankfully as the servants brought his clothes. But his gaze kept straying to the little boy as food was brought forth When you were a young in captivity I am sure your actions could have been seen as weird to others. Look at his waist when he moves. How else would you chain up a snake.

Nefer visibility flinched as if she’d struck him, she was, of course, right. And it shamed him that he would be so quick to judge. He knew better, he remembered where he’d come from and what people had tried to turn him into. Had he really changed that much in the last few years? Attended her prayers, her classes, shared her bed and her affection, to reach this point and sit in judgement of someone else who is no better off then he was? He slumped, his shoulders sagged and he let his head fall forward, allowing his hair to cover his face “I am sorry Priestess, you are right, and I am ashamed of myself for losing sight of myself and allowing fear to color my eyes, “ he lifted his gaze to the little boy and offered him a genuine smile this time, his gaze haunted as those memories she’d conjured swirled unbidden through his mind “please, eat, our cooks are quiet good “ his lips twitching with the hint of a hesitant smile

 

[Asa]

She nodded to the servants who filled a basket for the boy to take to the others until one pointed to the edge of the campfire light. 4 more children standing there and 2 serpents flanking them.

Can they join us... they are scared of guarded one.

They have no need to fear me or anyone here with me. Please tell them join us and eat. They're safe with us.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Busy munching on a large steak a servant had cooked for him he didn’t react this time as more young kids appeared at the edge of camp, his gaze swept over them, but his priestess remaining calm helped him to keep his own emotions under control, even, albeit forced, smiled at the new comers and nodded to the two older ones with them, nose flaring he scented the wind, also reptile, but there was a slight variation in each of the scents, Kyrah had told him if they smelled the same, but different, they were usually the same species just a different what was it…….sub set?...........or class? Or something……..he’d have to ask when they returned to the palace, too many new scents, he really could have used their help to figure out what they were. Blinking he focused his eyes on the new comers as they are stared back and forth among each other, but eventually they slowly made their way into camp, Nefer watched their eyes dance back and forth, from guard to guard, to him, Tikara, the fire warrior, then starting again “Its ok, we are all friends here……………I hope………”that last piece barely a mutter but he continued to smile as they reluctantly found a place to sit, the servants looking around hesitantly as well

 

[Asa]

They are all children we will care for them just as any orphan that enters the temple. They are our wards now and if any seek to take them away back into their former clearly neglected lives they will answer to me.

Her eyes faintly flashed as she spoke.

The magi nodded and the servants moved to feed and prepare to help them with clothes and bedding.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

They are all children we will care for them just as any orphan that enters the temple. Nefer dipped his head, again wincing at the slight disapproval of her tone, They are our wards now and if any seek to take them away back into their former clearly neglected lives they will answer to me. that however made him smile, “our Priestess is Fierce” he said, smiling, approval and awe in his voice as he flashed her a bright smile. He was coming to love this side of her, not that his mate had ever been quiet, or weak, no, but as her own………well, this new side of her continued to bloom, he was finding the strength she displayed and aggressiveness a turn on. Kyrah and Kyrie had once told him that all shifters, male and female enjoyed the challenge and what was it they called it? Power…….fight? power? dominance…….power struggle?..........Yes that was it, they enjoyed the powerstruggle during mating…………..and he had to admit, seeing her this fired up was not an unpleasant thought………….however realizing the direction his thoughts were going he shook his head as if to clear it and sneezed. Now was not the time to be thinking of his priestess Naked……….blinking a few times he looked to the children “where………do you all come from? Do you have a nest?” he remembered that at least from his learning, One of the children looked out towards the sands and pointed, then returned to eating, he cocked his head to one side “out…………there?..........near by?...........” they just looked at him

 

[Asa]

One spoke finally.

They find us after follow others... like you... they did not like what barrier became... too dangerous now. We are safer here with barrier... priestess than there. Nest now here?

It tilted his head to Nefer.

She seem claim as tem-ple home now for us? What is tem-ple?

The fire warrior watched them.studying each child seeking out any deception and holding no care for her glaring at his actions.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

They find us after, follow others,... like you... they did not like what barrier became... too dangerous now Nefer canted his head to one side, well, that confirmed that something else was watching, and most likely whoever it was that, was after Tikara from the day he had been brought to her. He looked out over the sands, contemplating that there cold be more, that there was more going on then even they knew. Turning to face the children he watched them, they were all tense, he scented the slightest tinge of trepidation from them, but no fear, he truly admired that. And he smiled as one of the kids looked to him We are safer here with barrier... priestess than there. Nest now here? She claim as tem-ple home now for us? What is tem-ple? that brought a smile to his face, it was obvious they were still learning the language, the youngest of them couldn’t be more then 3 or 4 seasons, “The Temple is where we live, it is a big place, lots of people, nice, caring people who wont hurt you, 4 days travel from here” he said gently, absentmindedly reaching to take Tikara’s hand in his, interlacing his fingers with hers. She’d made her decision about these children, and If, or when they turned on them, or showed they were a threat. He would fight for them like he would any of the children in the city. Perhaps Kyrie or Kyrah would have more information, or could help them more.

Turning he stared at Tikara, resolve settling in he gave the barest nod to her and smiled “so, I guess we did, and didn’t, find what we were hoping to find…….” He said, turning to face the Fire warrior who still had a mighty scowl on his face “what of you warrior, will you return to the temple with us? “

 

[Asa]

I have no use for cities but I will be watching over those that are ours.

The warrior nodded to Nefer before turning his attention to a tiny child who had moved closer to him studying his tattoos and scars with timid curiosity. He started to snarl at the child as Tikara had planted a dagger in the dirt in front of him her eyes giving clear warning that she would even protect these children from him as well if she had to.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I have no use for cities but I will be watching over those that are ours. Nefer figured that would be his answer, calling over one of the servants he relayed instructions they would be leaving come the dawn. The sun already well passed the half way point it would be Dark in a couple of hours, so there was no point in traveling now as they wouldn’t make it far before the sun set. He’d only looked away for an instant when he felt Tikara shift and move beside him, so quickly he didn’t even notice the dagger at first that she’d buried in the sand between the Warriors legs, and he flinched as any male would seeing a blade that close, the Fire warriors face was set in stone as he and Tikara stared at each other, the Magi with hands on weapons just watched, but none of them drew steel. Slowly Nefer curled his arms around her, pulling her back into his chest he whispered soothing words into her ear, his eyes never leaving the Fire Warrior, his hand curling around hers and the hilt of the dagger. His voice was a whisper in her ear “heyyy, heyy, its ok…….shhhhhh, its ok…….” The thought wasn’t lost on him that she’d once did the same thing to him when he’d first lost his shit as a young cub and he had to hide the smile in her hair