The Lion's Princess (Closed for Asa)

[Asa]

Sekmet... Yes we can talk to her later. I wish for sleep now here with you.

She snuggled closer with a smile her eyes closing sinking into blissful sleep.

Sekmet spoke again within his mind.

My son... You guard her well... Her past is no longer that far past. Be ready I will speak with you both soon enough.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

He snuggled close, his body relaxing as he took in his female’s scent, his body still tingling from what they’d both experienced, he yawned, as he drifted off with her safe in his arms he wasn’t sure if the whispered voice was just a dream, or if he’d actually heard it. But he was unable to make out the words as peace took him and he slept. It wasn’t until the knocking on the door the next morning before Nefer’s golden gaze blinked open and he glanced briefly out the window. The sun was already high in the sky, choosing to ignore the knock he buried his face back into Tikara’s hair feeling her stirring slightly in his arms. However, the knock came again, and he growled, pulling the blanket up over his Priestess naked form he rose from the bed. Opening the door, he glared at Kyrah and Kyrie who were just standing there grinning, and they giggled as they both sniffed and caught the mixed scents in the room, which caused him to growl even more. “Give us a bit, we were still sleeping” he spoke softly, a snort from Kyrie caused him to flash fang before he closed the door, stretching he turned around. His eyes taking in Tikara as she rose up, the blanket slipping down to pool at her waist. “we missed first meal my priestess, Kyrah and Kyrie and 2 magi are waiting for us” he spoke gently, walking back over to her, his appreciation of her body not lost on her as he grew hard, leaning over her to kiss her gently “I shall get dressed and make you a plate?”

 

[Asa]

She smiled innocently at his growing firmness and nodded.

Yes we should go eat...

Kissing him softly she pulled him close.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

He smiled, unsure if he’d ever not react to her gaze traveling over his body now after what they shared last night. A flush and a shiver trailed down his body as the memory returned. Smiling he offered his hand to his priestess and walked with her to their bathing chamber. They washed and dressed and Nefer walked with her to the priestess private dining area. The kitchen staff setting out a buffet style, Kyrie and Kyrah already waiting, munching on their respective plates, and obviously fighting hard to keep from grinning as Nefer got Tikara a plate then made his own then sat down. They ate quietly for a bit until the servants left them alone, Kyrie set her plate aside and wiped her mouth So we tracked the scents out of town then with the help of the Magi we broke the spell and tracked to a camp outside of town. she took a drink as they continued to glance around before Kyrah continued

there were several men at the camp, who seemed utterly surprised when we invaded their camp, we killed town and captured the last one, They are from a Cult to Apollo, one of the greek bastard gods, apparently he is up to his old tricks again, trying to make it seem like they are Followers of Set” she took another drink, Nefer just listened, head cocked, looking between tikara and the cheetahs for some kind of explanation “Set? Apollo? “

 

[Asa]

The Greeks have their own "God's and Goddesses". From time to time the different pantheon's get into contests and skirmishes for power and followers.

She smiled to Nefer.

Set is one of our darker God's. Not as evil as some want to believe. Just power hungry... Much like the Greeks God Aries. Set is too busy trying to find a way to get back in his father's and brothers good graces for now but never dismiss him lightly... Ever ladies.

She smirked to them knowing some of the stunts he has pulled.

He once sought a better foothold of control by trying to marry the daughter of Khonsu in order to "help her learn how to live outside of the underworld"

She laughed slightly.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer nodded as he listened, his head cocked to one side, looking between the three females as they talked and filled in different pieces of information. As Tikara stopped talking Kyrie smiled and piped up again well anyway, The Cultists are trying to incite those whose faith in the egyptian gods, isnt strong, or is wavering, for one reason or another, supposedly Zeus and Apollo got into an arguement and now Apollo is again looking to take over a pantheon of his own since he knows he cant beat daddy dearest, and has decided to come after us, not the first time he has tried in these last few decades, but this time he seems to have gotten a foothold she said, looking around, her face somber as Kyrah continued We havent found out who, but apparently Apollo has made a pact with one of the Egyptian goddess's, and is moving around the country unchallenged, inciting riots in most of the major cities, and its rumored that the attacks on you are apollo's doing

Nefer's head cocked as he listened, thinking back to what he'd been told about her Past, and his past, he had been used as nothing but a pawn by another god? all just because he wanted territory? Every animal instinct in him bucked at that idea, if you werent strong enough to take a territory with your own strength you didnt deserve it period. involuntarily his lips curled and he snarled "weakling bastard" he muttered

"given what i know about her questionable past, i am safe to assume that her death will give this Apollo? the war he wants? which means he knows something about her we dont, maybe the reason we were forced to come out here in teh first place, and maybe a reason as to my role in this as well"

 

[Asa]

She sighed.

Well it has to be a lesser Goddess... Isis would not her husband or father in law or son. Bast detests Greeks more than anyone and Sekmet would rather kill anyone who uses one of hers than deal with them and as she is a part of Bast she world's her hatred of them as well. So who? Mut is too old and wise and care only for mortals not Gods.

She stood pacing thinking.

Karnak's energies would not easily be broken even by our own Dieties much less outsiders so the Pharaoh was wise in that as many of the God's hold most of their power here and are on our side... Even Anubis. Now what do we do?

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer just listened and learned, as Tikara spoke. Kyrie and Kyrah nodding as they listened. Shrugging they sat back as Tikara began to pace. “we haven’t gotten that far, the guy we caught died before he gave us much more, we suspect poison, something about his scent was wrong, like he was sick, that’s all we know, but after we pierced the veil of the spell we discovered more scents, we hadn’t picked up before.. Nefer let his hand fall to the table, having been propping up his head, he was growing irritated, “I say we just hunt them and kill them all, Gods, goddess, Lesser gods, kill them all, I hate sitting here knowing somewhere out there are people wanting to hurt my female, and I simply wont just sit here anymore” he practically snarled and stood “I want to go hunting, I’m restless being cooped up here” he too started pacing, Kyrah watched Nefer with a peaked brow We’ve sent a messenger to the pharaoh, and informed him of what we found, we should have a reply by morning…. Kyrah and Kyrie looked at each other having picked up on the frustration Our Priestess, we know this is frustrating, we apologize for taking such a delay, usually we deal with things better then this, if you have any suggestions we would be happy to listen, it has only been a night since your.. ah hem, animal escorts were returned to the capital, but we still have double the normal amount of guards

They sighed almost in unison, their expressions somber, and just starting to show their own frustrations, their eyes watching Nefer paced like a caged animal Perhaps Priestess, come evening prayers you could make a foray into town, the villagers have been growing restless with all the changes the temple has made, take only a select few bodyguards, us and your lion included, give whoever it is a chance to make a try for you, perhaps we should make the first move?”

 

[Asa]

Human form and yes I will speak with the people and wander among them. You all are not the only ones tired of being cooped up. I also plan on speaking with Isis and Osiris... See who might profit from aligning with Apollo.

A young woman walked over.

Mistress sensed you wished to talk to her. She has already heard the roars of Sekmet and will see what they can divine to aid in their priestess. She sends your felines her blessings in watching over you for the God's.

A quick bow and the girl hurried away quickly.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer nodded as a plan was formed. Agreeing too they should get out and get some air, he quickly Finished his meal in silenced then proceeded to get cleaned up as Kyrie, Kyrah and Tikara continued talking. Smiling gently to messenger girl he listened as she spoke and arched a brow She has already heard the roars of Sekmet and will see what they can divine to aid in their priestess. She sends your felines her blessings in watching over you for the God’s. For a second Nefer had been curious if the quiet female voice he’d thought he’d heard whispering to him the last few days was this “goddess” his Priestess often spoke of, half thinking to ask, but deciding to wait till later. As Kyrie and Kyrah finished their own meals Nefer offered his hand to his Tikara and helped her rise. “we shall retire, we shall clean up, change and I must find something appropriate to wear” Turning they returned to their room, talking quiet while they both bathed and dressed, one of the servants on Kyrah’s wishes bringing him a hooded priest’s robe to wear, allowing him to hide his face in the hood, or at least blend in with the other’s as they walked. Not Unusual for the Priestess to have at least one acolyte with her. the sun cresting past Mid Day a knock came softly on the door, “Priestess, we are ready when you are, an announcement was made that you would be among the people today and crowds have already begun to gather wishing to see you”

 

[Asa]

Slipping from their room she looked to one of the many cooks and had them quickly prepare a basket of little sweets for the children and loaves for the adults. Glad to be walking out of the temple sighing slightly unamused at the convenient changing of the Magi guards at the temple gate. As they walked with her briefly before vanishing into the crowds.

She smiled handing the children the candies and the villagers the breads as she walked along with them talking and blessing. She was lost in the moment knowing her Nefer would keep her safe as well as however many guards are hidden around her in the crowd.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer, Kyrie and Kyrah watched the crowd, everyone was openly pleased at once again being able to see their priestess, many Inquiring about her absence, if she’d been sick, secluded for some ritual as happens sometimes throughout the year. Kyrie and Kyrah chatted quietly to themselves, eyeing the crowd as Nefer stood close by, his head bowed, the hood or his priest’s robe covering his face, sparring only the briefest look around, his eyes more than likely to draw attention he continued to scent the air, standing only a few feet away. A Shout rang out from the back of the crowd as they entered into the market place, people’s heads looking around THE GODS OF EGYPT ARE LIARS, FALSE DEITIES! Nefer Tensed, his eyes skirting the crowd, looking for the owner or that voice, Kyrie and Kyrah stepping closer as they too searched YOUR GODS DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOU! THEY ONLY SEEK YOUR SUBJEGATION AND OBEDIENCE!! Confusion began to mount as the people looked around, some parting, trying to see what was going on, the two cheetahs vanishing into the crowd Nefer growled low, wrapping a hand around Tikara’s upper arm, ready to pull her to safety THE EGYPTIANS GODS SEND THESE WHORES AND DEVIL SPAWN TO YOU, AND WE THE APOLLITES ARE HERE TO CLEANSE THE EVIL

Finally the crowd begins to scramble, as screams and shouts of alarm, the Guards already moving, as a jabbering cackle rose up like sick laughter, a Hyena’s cry, Nefer realized quickly as screams began, Nefer’s body tensed unsure if to go or stay by his females side

 

[Asa]

She tensed feeling as if the God's were dwelling within or around her.

So shouts the false followers of Greece and their Gods. Just the wind blowing spineless... Even as the wind blows Zeus and Ra speak on how to wipe out your trechery

Magi moved carefully closing in. Villagers of the builders profession aided them with hammers and hooks ready to fight.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

“So says a Greek Priestess hiding amongst the Egyptians!” the voice shot back, as snarling and cackling laughter was heard, screams and shouts rang out as the people scrambled 6 men in gold robes were revealed, each with a Hyena on a collar and leash “A Greek Priestess, trying to act like she talks for the Egyptian gods, “ they shot back “WE Come to Save this land from your lies and false Gods, and with your pets now gone, We will cleanse this city and show these people the true gods” the collars of the hyena’s fell away as the people cleared out, some watching from hiding places, or behind booths, They stalked the priestess, snarling and gibbering as they advanced, Kyrah and Kyrie still in human form hard charging from behind the men unseen, as the Hyena’s leapt for Tikara the women began fighting the men. An arm slung around Tikara pulled her back as a body enveloped her and turned her away, a snarled grunt heard as at least one of the hyena’s impacted them and sent them to the ground. Then the body was gone as it rolled away, a hyena’s yelp heard as it was sent flying, Nefer stood over her, Fangs bared as he snarled at the 6 creatures, blood trickling down his right arm from a few claw marks on his shoulder. All 6 Hyena’s jumped Nefer as they scented the lion in him, a cry of rage as he hit the ground, wrestling with the beasts who clawed and bit into his arm and thigh.

Nefer shook it off, grabbing the beast on top of him by the muzzle, struggling to keep the thing from tearing his throat out, he snapped its jaw and threw it off him. Roaring in pain as another bit into his ankle, and he kicked the beast. His blood boiled, and he felt his claws unsheathe and he lashed out, catching one across the throat and tearing it out he struggled to his feet, panting, the briefest glimpse he heard shouting, saw the magi surround the Priestess and Kyrah and Kyrie subdue the men, Nefer’s chest rising and falling, he felt the sting of claws and teeth marks, and looked at the 4 remaining hyena’s they circled him, the men watched him, their eyes glittering, Nefer could see they thought the Hyena’s would kill him. As one the 4 beasts jumped him again and again nefer found himself on his back, but he’d had enough, as teeth sank into his shoulder he gave a bellowing roar, not caring who saw him now he shifted, his hulking black furred form tossing the hyena’s off him like rag dolls, he shook out his mane and roared again, in minutes the hyena’s lay dead, torn apart from throat to tail as the beasts rage was unleashed. Panting hard Nefer’s head swung around and the pale faces of the 4 men openly gawked at him. The Lion limped over to the men and growled low, he wanted blood, he wanted death, It took a few minutes before Kyrie’s soft words got passed the haze he was in and he looked up.

Kyrie was talking to him softly, trying to calm him and it seemed to be working, Nefer let himself shift back, all the claw marks, bites, and tears in his skin still bleeding, “Get them out of here, now, we will deal with this later…..” Nefer looked around, unable to scent the air past his own blood he Saw Tikara, being held back by the magi he smiled to her “My Priestess…..” he said gently, before his eyes rolled back into his head and he passed out, Kyrah barely catching him in time “Get him inside now, GO” she said “he’s lost a lot of blood, and the rapid shifting of forms takes a lot come on”

 

[Asa]

The Magi we're firing arrows and some seeking to shield if not hold the priestess back. They knew she was not Greek. More tricks of the Greeks. If she were Greek the God's would have known it. More lies by their enemies as was confirmed when they entered the temple only to find nearly a war council seated in the main chambers speaking. The Magi bowed low to them as the other priests and priestesses stood back if fear and awe.

Tikara... Priestess found in the desert sands of MY lands of lower Egypt. I vow you this... They speak not for Set or any of mine. Apollo will pay. Your blood like the blood of the Gods and Goddesses before is Egypt!

Set spoke seated by his brother seeming in union and agreement. Osiris nodded his agreement to his brother as Thoth spoke.

The probability of you being Greek is even smaller than the probability of my ever being wrong.

Sekmet moved to the felines nodding to the Magi who laid Nefer at her feet. A claw touch his body as the golden color of it sparked and danced over him.

Now Magi your healers will have a far easier time saving him... Now!

Her roar bringing about a Stern look from Isis before she spoke.

Ra has spoken to Zeus... Apollo will be dealt with as will the Demi goddess of ours who he sought to give Egypt to.

She gestured to the side as a slightly shorter than the God's woman was led in in chains by Anubis warriors. Set and Osiris hands going to weapons if the girls dated try anything. Tikara approached with no fear... No anger and no hate.

You... Have done all this... From a place of pain... Rejection... Abandonment. I forgive you fellow daughter of Egypt.

Tikara then in blessing kissed the girls forehead as she would a frightened child before turning to the assembled Dieties.

Do as you feel best with one of yours but you will not defile this temple with bloodshed.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer was restless in his unconsciousness, breaking into a light sweat his dreams were black, unfocused, all he would remember was his screaming at himself to wake up, to fight, to protect. It felt like he was trapped within his own body. Then he felt a calming light streak through his veins, like and his dreams vanished. It was some hours later when nefer awoke, groggy, his body felt heavy, he felt the scratches, bites and claw marks left all over his body his memory returning quickly as he looked around, he was in his Priestess room, his eyes falling to Kyrie sitting in a chair, staring at a scroll in her lap. His groan brought her head up and a gentle smile to her lips as she rose and moved to his bedside, cupping his cheek Kyrie seemed to examine him, his eyes following her as she looked him over then nodded well, at least you didn’t wake up swinging, that’s good, you remember everything ok? Seem foggy? Nefer merely nodded or shook his head to her questions. Kyrie informed him that the Priestess was still in a council meeting with the gods, the low ranked demi-goddess having been caught by the others trying to escape the palace in the ensuing market fight then she fell silent for a time. Nefer still too tired to even want to attempt speech Kyrie looked up There could be another issue, you shifted forms, in front of the people, they saw you, and now there are rumors flying all over the place about animals who walk as men, Some are praising the gods, but apollo’s attack did what it wanted, some, are unhappy at the discovery, adding fire to the claims the gods are deceiving the people, using it to fuel their lies….

Nefer cleared his throat and winced at the pain the action caused “i…………..had ……….to………..hyena’s……………..just wanted blood…….couldnt……..let it……..[/I] he tried to clear his throat again, the bandage across the front of his neck bringing the flashback of hyena that had almost torn out his throat just as Nefer shifted and snapped its jaw

 

[Asa]

Sekmet stormed from the meeting to check on Nefer snarling about being prevented again from letting her wrath teach a needed lesson.

He is awake... Good. His human has the backing off the others. Even Set... No killing the betrayer here in the temple. Stubborn human!

Shaking her head.

I know the priestess is right and Noble in her decision but still... We have other matters to attend to. Unavoidable shifting in plain sight of mortals.

She was slowly passing between her own human lioness and purely human forms. For the Gods and Goddesses to do so was normal to the people. For their minions to do it normal but what was not normal was their minions being given to anyone as a guard. But him being a lion she could figure out a reason and this attack gave her one.

One of the Magi seers saw the future... Saw the sacred daughter and reason for the God's to protect her... Now to get the Magi to agree...

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer woke, at least he think he did, he heard an ethereal voice that had roused from him unconsciousness, with a groan he shifted slightly, again he heard a voice calling him to wakefulness and he cracked an eye open, a women was standing beside him that made his hair stand on end, one of the goddess’s he’d realized quickly, but something more primal, his lion was content in his mind’s eye, not afraid of this women and that alone help Nefer calm as he slowly regained full consciousness. He is awake... Good. His human has the backing off the others. Even Set... No killing the betrayer here in the temple. Stubborn human! Nefere chuckled then stifled it smiling “My Priestess is kind, far kinder then any I have met Goddess” he spoke softly, his look grew wistful as he continued to listen, implicit he felt something, a need to sooth, to just listen to the angry women rant, felt himself calm, like so many of the house cats he’d seen, wanting to nuzzle and caress his body against her till she soothed, I know the priestess is right and Noble in her decision but still... We have other matters to attend to. Unavoidable shifting in plain sight of mortals.

Nefere watched her, swallowing, half wanting to speak, half thinking he should remain quiet under that stern gaze, slowly he forced himself to sit up “it could not be stopped, I humbly ask apologies, but we were under attack and I find my………….other half………was more suited for the task then this form, even with the training I have received, Hyena’s are……………….difficult…..” he sighed, quieting again as the goddess seemed to ramble of sorts, her words at least to him at the moment confusing One of the Magi seers saw the future... Saw the sacred daughter and reason for the God's to protect her... Now to get the Magi to agree... “i………..shall protect her until I draw my last breath [/I] he spoke aloud, with more passion in his voice then he probably should have let slip, swallowing he looked as that ghostly maned head turned his way

 

[Asa]

Normally shifters like you when found are brought to their respective Good or Goddess and becomes one of their sacred warriors designed for such battles but hyenas and lions shifters running free scares mortals so we have to do something about that before they fear and distrust the priestess and yes I agree she is far too kind at times but she is also still learning.

Sekmet paced till a Magi elder was brought before her.

Tell me what you have enough seen of the priestess past or future that would become enough to convince the people that it was required that one of mine be placed within her life?

Her tone had calmed some but not enough not to not strike a little fear into the mortal before her.

Her past a mystery... Her lineage lost long before she was discovered as an infant appearing to be only days old alone in the desert lands. Her surviving perhaps was not expected by those that seek to end her now. Why we do not know Ra who sees all will not speak on the matter and Thoth studies it as we speak. Perhaps their paths we're to meet as two rate souls find ding their missing pieces in the other. Just as you and Bast are two sides of the same mighty form like him feline.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

hyenas and lions shifters running free scares mortals so we have to do something about that before they fear and distrust the priestess Nefer bowed his head feeling guilty about having to expose his secret and risking his Priestess safety before the people but he’d felt like he’d had no choice, He merely nodded and watched as the goddess spoke, he wish he knew more about himself, and why he was here now, what twist of fate had brought all this to happen, and just listened as the goddess spoke, his head canted to one side, absorbing what he was listening to as the magi spoke, “lost, “ he snorted “kinda like me” too lost in his own thoughts he didn’t know he’d spoken aloud. Sighing he rubbed his face, demurely, “Goddess……I must ask, why me? Why was I born? I was a cub in the pride lands and now im what? Human? Animal? This has been too much and I feel lost…….” Everything from the last months, the last few years came crashing down, his self doubt, his inability to cope with the constant changes and the unsteady foundation of his life “What am i?” he practically begged, his gaze tormented, a shimmer of tears he refused to let fall.

 

[Asa]

You are a wild born warrior of mine. You are as you need to be... The priestesses guardian and it would appear mate.

Inform the people I will speak with them directly.

Sekmet instructed which brought a gasp from some present but they nodded quickly and the Magi hurried off to make her instructions known. Then she turned to Nefer.

You may have been born one of mine but you are hers. A rare gift to match your rare color.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

You are a wild born warrior of mine. You are as you need to be... The priestesses guardian and it would appear mate. Nefer blinked, cocking his head to one side, blinking still “Mate? What is this word?” he said “I have heard it spoken, but know not its meaning” but his words were cut off as the Goddess spoke to a temple priest and the Magi who bowed and ducked their heads leaving to tend their duties. He watched them go with a cats curiosity, while he felt the power this female before him held, he didn’t understand the sense of urgency or the need to jump at her every word, he felt calm, practically wanted to shift and roll around in her scent like a kitten until she spoke again You may have been born one of mine but you are hers. A rare gift to match your rare color. Nefer held out his arms and looked at himself, patting his body before he looked back to the Goddess “i………..dont remember anything of where I came from, just remember the time spent in the cage, never understood why or how I could understand what I do then seeing the Priestess, and something told me to guard her, to fight back” although he looked at the Goddess his eyes were unfocused, memories again replaying in his mind’s eye like It was only yesterday that everything had happened and not months ago.

“The pharaohs cats told me they too have never seen a black furred lion like me, nor have they ever heard of it happening” he canted his head, his inquisitive nature again taking hold “are there others like me? My family? Maybe? Can you tell me about where I come from? Ummmm, please?” he blinked, a low purr rumbling from his chest

 

[Asa]

She explained what she could revealing the image of a standard lion as an old guard walked up next to her shifting into a standard colored lion and sitting beside her. Sekmet sighed.

A black lion is rare but not completely unheard of. As for the word mate. You two belong together like the young couples she has done the bonding ceremonies for.

Sekmet paused looking off into a distance only she saw and shook her head.

I believe your color might have been a surprise to your pride as well.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefere listened with intent, as things were explained to him, his head canting to one side as he watched the old guard approach and shift, nose flaring as he scented the new arrival then his attention returned to His goddess, A black lion is rare, but not completely unheard of. As for the word mate. You two belong together like the young couples she has done the bonding ceremonies for. His face suddenly seemed to be on fire and he swallowed and cleared his throat a time or two, looking away from the Goddess, his gaze returning to her to find her staring off into the distance, before she looked at him again I believe your color might have been a surprise to your pride as well surprisingly that he didn’t find hard to believe, bowing his head he quietd for a bit “I uhhh, I think I should….return to my uhh….Priestess…….umm..thank you……for your lesson..” he bowed his head, more to hide the embarrassment he still felt over such a blatent statement made by the goddess, although not unappealing by any stretch, he had never thought about what they did, glancing up he saw a small smirk on the goddess face. Getting up he shifted into his Lion’s form, padding down the hall he nudged the door open to the Priestess room, sniffing around he hopped on the bed and waited*

 

[Asa]

Sekmet nodded to him and returned herself to see how the others had dealt with things.

Rest well Nefer.

She returned from teaching to her chambers and smiled to see him there.

It is good to see you are well Nefer. How was your talk with Sekmet and the cheetahs?

She moved over to the bed and curled up by him.