Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2013 8:13:30 GMT -5
<Isoba>
Isoba looked back at the two other Simbas that now had fallen under his protection. These two souls now were his responsibility, his duty, his charges, his Pride. They needed no fire to keep them warm, for even now in the middle of the night it was still rather warm. Each of them lay in the thick green grasses now running wild over the Rayyan, the wheat colored vegetation quickly becoming a thing of the past. The air thick and charged with the electricity of a storm brewing in those low hanging clouds buzzed and raced across his flesh. Those metallic blue orbs lingered on the forms of those others, silent judgement perhaps, or it might have been him questioning their true worth. One, a self imposed rogue. Prideless. Sanity in question. Yet, Ko Dukara had proven to be an admirable fighter in his own right and a true Spirit Speaker. Marking the bodies of the slain, purging the ground, sanctifying the earth and setting to rights the order of life and death. The other, a Huntress of the firstorder in the making. A rare and stunning creature that had just begun to blossom. One that was just starting to learnt he ways of her true nature, to heed her true calling, to let herself reach her true potential. The side of his mouth curled into a fond smile as he watched her sleep. Watched as her eyes moved slowly beneath those closed lids, how her mouth parted ever so and quivered with unvoiced words, the steady rise and fall of her supple....he rose to his feet and quickly turned his back to her. Both aroused and ashamed of the feelings welling within him. Maalik, as a brother to him, had asked he protect Asha. How? Was claiming her the right way? Should he deny his want and instead act as a platonic mentor? A slight curl to his lips as he knew that regardless of what path he wish to prowl, he would need to guard them both. The Alpha's role was to take the point of the Pride's attack. To be the one unerring force that would keep them safe and trouble away. To do such, he would need his armor worked upon. That platinum ring, claimed from the dead, now worn upon his right ring finger, the lion's head silently roaring into the night air, was adjusted slightly. Isoba let his body begin to shift, his hair, his flesh, his muscles, his skeleton and now even his armor and shield absorbed and contorted until the figure of a massive lion stood where the man had moments before. With one final breath he turned and began to run across the Rayyan, long powerful strides sending him like a massive bronzed blur towards a cave he had been to many, many times. A silent prayer sent upwards, hoping to find her within.
<A'kana>
The shift from snow to desert had been quite a shock, being the reverse of say.. jumping in to a frozen lake after being toasty warm. Oddly enough, it yielded the same initial contact that gave a good jolt what with the staggered, silent scream of nerve endings. The adaptation took much more easily here, though—what with the climate being much more in tune with all the Islander knew. Hot. It was a wee bit dryer than she liked, than most would actually, but she'd make due. The remote and untouched caves yielded treasures that were of great value, so it this spot was important to her. When one meant to supply a Zorcan war, they needed the means to do so! Gemstones were quite lucrative, especially when taken back to the mainland, and the rarer sorts here proved great mediums for crafting purposes, as well. Having left the North in the first few hours of the day, she’d arrive in the Thanes just as the sun gave up for the day. She'd always come when the moon was in that particular position, full and high in the sky. Of course, the touch of darkness around meant nothing to one who could see perfectly in the dark— and one who had navigated these particular caves on more than one occasion. Having shifted her clothing to the leathered gear (breeches, boots and armor), black as her hair, the green-eyed woman existed there in the darkness, working a small blade into the cave walls to pop free gem after gem. Where stone did not give, her magic forced the action. She'd already a few dozen raw gems on the floor at her feet and was well on her way to procuring another. Kana had not been here in quite some time, given all that had transpired, Isoba may well have realized, if he came looking for her before.. and surely, now, the femme was not of the disposition Isoba may remember. Her guard had never been more in place. There was a coldness that worked its way into her system.
<Isoba>
The ground was a heaving, pitching blur beneath his padded feet. the green grasses of a grassland coming back into life rushed and whipped past him, streaked through his thick mane and pulled at the sides of his boxy face. The destination was a cave not here in the grasslands though, it was just on the outside of it. The cave was buried within the shifting sands of the Thanes, just on the other side of the border. As the grassland of the Rayyan faded into the still hot sands of the Thanes, the lion slowed his run down to an easy lope. There was no need to startle or storm the cave, he was here to seek the aid of somebody he had come to consider an ally. The mouth of the cave was filled soon by his shadow, the silhouette of the lion stretching out before him, consuming what little light there was within the cave beneath it's strong frame. His eyes, adjusted so easily to the night, picked up the figure of the woman even as his nose confirmed who it was. The figure would let the shift backwards--and in his mind--down the evolutionary track, back to man. One oddity A'kana might see this time, was the manner in which he shifted. Armor, shield, a blade, even his clothing and gear formed upon his figure as he strode forwards into the cave. All the times before he had come running in the form of man, or remained naked after shifting from that of the lion. This night, he came before her with a new aura about him. Not simply from the magical trinket that allowed his items to do as they had. No. This was a difference that rooted down to his very soul. An air of authority draped over his bare sun-kissed shoulders. His long thick mane of golden hair suddenly appearing as regal as a golden crown. here was no mistaking, for every bit of frozen emotion Kana had gained, Isoba had gained that in the form of fiery dominance.
<A'kana>
There was little to pick up of the one approaching, though she did manage to ‘feel’ his presence once Isoba reached the mouth of the cave. Having had her back to him, Kana’s eyes cut through the darkness upon turning over one shoulder, catching the faint silhouette with a backlight of the moon. The process of his effects, shifting from the lion’s form and out around that of homid form was not unknown to her—but on him? It proved a small surprise. Impressed in secret, the Islander then turned, setting her blade back into a sheath on one hip. “Isoba.” A single nod without approach, her tongue the warmest quality about her as it curled around his name in a rather light way. She kept watch of him, catching the extra height in his shoulders, the strength in his eyes and something of a resolve in every movement. The dominance couldn't be missed either. What he was doing here? Well, they'd only ever conversed over goods needed. Goods for gems. The pile of gems to her side left that open for discussion…
<Isoba>
One casual flick of his head towards the pile of precious stones on the ground. Even now, uncut and unpolished, one could see that the rough forms would become highly sought after jewels. Knowing in who's hands they would be worked and fitted into armor, weapons or other gear. A soft and low breath slipped past his lips, carrying upon it the low and rich voice of the Alpha. "A'kana." The fact that she had already begun to pluck her items fro the walls, to his mind, meant that the deal was to be made. Leaning to one side he gently set down the shield, propping it up against the wall as he looked to her. "I noticed what you did to it. Many thanks." The belt around his waist was pulled and coiled into a ball before being dropped. The straps and buckles of his armor began to be pulled at and undone. Systematically he began to undress and set his armor upon the ground in the space between them. "I need the same done for this."
<A'kana>
Even the tone of his voice seemed stronger, deeper and with intent behind it. Kana let deep green eyes connect across the distance, finding the metallic blue of his. Each iris surveyed in a moment of silence.. one that left off with her name and connected through to spoken appreciation. Regardless of her current plights, Isoba reminded her back to older times, when she'd helped him—or rather, helped that poor, pitiful shield—having worked on it without his knowing. He was the epitome of pride, now, but even in the past such an attribute was not to be trifled with. He'd have never let her aid him to that extent and Kana knew it, even without knowing much of the Lion beyond that. Their relationship was always business. Nevertheless, his thanks and the reminder of what she ‘got away with’ drew a faint curl at the corners of her lips. She nodded a welcome, but gave no words… not until he started to unbuckle, open, drop and shed all there was about him. Evidently, there was a deal to be struck. Before he could fully drop the attire and gear, her hand came up in a sign that he should cease. “I cannot help at this time, Isoba. I have little time.. there is none for immediate repairs like this.” The grin on her lips fell away. Kana turned a look over and down to the gems, drawing a slow breath. “I may know of another that can aid you, one that has no qualms in traveling. I could send him your way.” Or bring him there. The short-statured dwarf learned enough from A’kana to do her a small favor! “He is a very accomplished crafter, I have seen his work before and learned many a thing from him… His name is Lorin.” Would that be enough for Isoba? She'd never turned down the Lion before. There was a real possibility that he’d not let her take the gems, too. That'd prove bothersome.
<Isoba>
Isoba heard her words, his hands just starting to undo the last bit of his armor. Keeping himself dressed, though not that he had a care for who saw him without clothing. Tilting his head to one side, several thicker strands of hair falling over his face, though she could see the gleam of light dancing within his gaze. Bending down so that he sat on the raised heels of his feet, he watched her. The long and quiet stare of a patient hunter, never so much as a quiver of muscle along his body, even his breathing so slow and deliberate that she could not detect it. It was as if he simply had turned into living stone, the only sign of life within his body, were his eyes. Even here, frozen and still, that raptorial and predatory gaze held her fast. "You are different, I am not blind to that. I see that this visit is only as long as you can spare. I will not pry, as it is not my right to. Though know that if you need aid, my Pride and I are here for you. Tell me of this.....Lorin." Another tilt of his head as he watched her. Feline mannerisms heavy on him, as if now he were simply more alive than ever before.
<A'kana>
Eyes remained with the Lion as he stilled and lowered, Kana’s own form having not moved since putting her blade away. The crafty cat observed Isoba’s changes much as he did hers, though from a continued spot on her feet. She stood, watching down at him now. All he said of aid was heard, weighed in some small way, and then shown gratitude with yet another nod. It was unlikely Kana would ask Isoba to fight in a war, but the offer to help when he had so little information proved a kind thing. Generous and somewhat protective, as if they were old friends. There came no comment to her goings on, though Kana did add in on Lorin. “His temper is as short as he is, sometimes.. but he is dependable and knowledgeable. Can make anything that I can, and can … get into it in an avid way.” She quieted a moment, silently using her magic to ‘feel’ for the dwarf, across the whole of Arith. Pleased in some small way, she then spoke again, “I can bring him to you, tomorrow night. Here. Will that suffice?”
<Isoba>
Isoba drew his belongings back to himself and began to methodically put them back on. His eyes watching her the entire time, never once did he need to look at what went where upon his body. With a curt nod once his gear was set again upon his body he turned from her. "Take more than you normally do, your shoulders bend wit the weight you try to hide." Words thrown back over his shoulder as he stalked out into the darkness and back towards the small Pride. Tomorrow he would return to once again seek the aid of those that had the gift to create.
Isoba looked back at the two other Simbas that now had fallen under his protection. These two souls now were his responsibility, his duty, his charges, his Pride. They needed no fire to keep them warm, for even now in the middle of the night it was still rather warm. Each of them lay in the thick green grasses now running wild over the Rayyan, the wheat colored vegetation quickly becoming a thing of the past. The air thick and charged with the electricity of a storm brewing in those low hanging clouds buzzed and raced across his flesh. Those metallic blue orbs lingered on the forms of those others, silent judgement perhaps, or it might have been him questioning their true worth. One, a self imposed rogue. Prideless. Sanity in question. Yet, Ko Dukara had proven to be an admirable fighter in his own right and a true Spirit Speaker. Marking the bodies of the slain, purging the ground, sanctifying the earth and setting to rights the order of life and death. The other, a Huntress of the firstorder in the making. A rare and stunning creature that had just begun to blossom. One that was just starting to learnt he ways of her true nature, to heed her true calling, to let herself reach her true potential. The side of his mouth curled into a fond smile as he watched her sleep. Watched as her eyes moved slowly beneath those closed lids, how her mouth parted ever so and quivered with unvoiced words, the steady rise and fall of her supple....he rose to his feet and quickly turned his back to her. Both aroused and ashamed of the feelings welling within him. Maalik, as a brother to him, had asked he protect Asha. How? Was claiming her the right way? Should he deny his want and instead act as a platonic mentor? A slight curl to his lips as he knew that regardless of what path he wish to prowl, he would need to guard them both. The Alpha's role was to take the point of the Pride's attack. To be the one unerring force that would keep them safe and trouble away. To do such, he would need his armor worked upon. That platinum ring, claimed from the dead, now worn upon his right ring finger, the lion's head silently roaring into the night air, was adjusted slightly. Isoba let his body begin to shift, his hair, his flesh, his muscles, his skeleton and now even his armor and shield absorbed and contorted until the figure of a massive lion stood where the man had moments before. With one final breath he turned and began to run across the Rayyan, long powerful strides sending him like a massive bronzed blur towards a cave he had been to many, many times. A silent prayer sent upwards, hoping to find her within.
<A'kana>
The shift from snow to desert had been quite a shock, being the reverse of say.. jumping in to a frozen lake after being toasty warm. Oddly enough, it yielded the same initial contact that gave a good jolt what with the staggered, silent scream of nerve endings. The adaptation took much more easily here, though—what with the climate being much more in tune with all the Islander knew. Hot. It was a wee bit dryer than she liked, than most would actually, but she'd make due. The remote and untouched caves yielded treasures that were of great value, so it this spot was important to her. When one meant to supply a Zorcan war, they needed the means to do so! Gemstones were quite lucrative, especially when taken back to the mainland, and the rarer sorts here proved great mediums for crafting purposes, as well. Having left the North in the first few hours of the day, she’d arrive in the Thanes just as the sun gave up for the day. She'd always come when the moon was in that particular position, full and high in the sky. Of course, the touch of darkness around meant nothing to one who could see perfectly in the dark— and one who had navigated these particular caves on more than one occasion. Having shifted her clothing to the leathered gear (breeches, boots and armor), black as her hair, the green-eyed woman existed there in the darkness, working a small blade into the cave walls to pop free gem after gem. Where stone did not give, her magic forced the action. She'd already a few dozen raw gems on the floor at her feet and was well on her way to procuring another. Kana had not been here in quite some time, given all that had transpired, Isoba may well have realized, if he came looking for her before.. and surely, now, the femme was not of the disposition Isoba may remember. Her guard had never been more in place. There was a coldness that worked its way into her system.
<Isoba>
The ground was a heaving, pitching blur beneath his padded feet. the green grasses of a grassland coming back into life rushed and whipped past him, streaked through his thick mane and pulled at the sides of his boxy face. The destination was a cave not here in the grasslands though, it was just on the outside of it. The cave was buried within the shifting sands of the Thanes, just on the other side of the border. As the grassland of the Rayyan faded into the still hot sands of the Thanes, the lion slowed his run down to an easy lope. There was no need to startle or storm the cave, he was here to seek the aid of somebody he had come to consider an ally. The mouth of the cave was filled soon by his shadow, the silhouette of the lion stretching out before him, consuming what little light there was within the cave beneath it's strong frame. His eyes, adjusted so easily to the night, picked up the figure of the woman even as his nose confirmed who it was. The figure would let the shift backwards--and in his mind--down the evolutionary track, back to man. One oddity A'kana might see this time, was the manner in which he shifted. Armor, shield, a blade, even his clothing and gear formed upon his figure as he strode forwards into the cave. All the times before he had come running in the form of man, or remained naked after shifting from that of the lion. This night, he came before her with a new aura about him. Not simply from the magical trinket that allowed his items to do as they had. No. This was a difference that rooted down to his very soul. An air of authority draped over his bare sun-kissed shoulders. His long thick mane of golden hair suddenly appearing as regal as a golden crown. here was no mistaking, for every bit of frozen emotion Kana had gained, Isoba had gained that in the form of fiery dominance.
<A'kana>
There was little to pick up of the one approaching, though she did manage to ‘feel’ his presence once Isoba reached the mouth of the cave. Having had her back to him, Kana’s eyes cut through the darkness upon turning over one shoulder, catching the faint silhouette with a backlight of the moon. The process of his effects, shifting from the lion’s form and out around that of homid form was not unknown to her—but on him? It proved a small surprise. Impressed in secret, the Islander then turned, setting her blade back into a sheath on one hip. “Isoba.” A single nod without approach, her tongue the warmest quality about her as it curled around his name in a rather light way. She kept watch of him, catching the extra height in his shoulders, the strength in his eyes and something of a resolve in every movement. The dominance couldn't be missed either. What he was doing here? Well, they'd only ever conversed over goods needed. Goods for gems. The pile of gems to her side left that open for discussion…
<Isoba>
One casual flick of his head towards the pile of precious stones on the ground. Even now, uncut and unpolished, one could see that the rough forms would become highly sought after jewels. Knowing in who's hands they would be worked and fitted into armor, weapons or other gear. A soft and low breath slipped past his lips, carrying upon it the low and rich voice of the Alpha. "A'kana." The fact that she had already begun to pluck her items fro the walls, to his mind, meant that the deal was to be made. Leaning to one side he gently set down the shield, propping it up against the wall as he looked to her. "I noticed what you did to it. Many thanks." The belt around his waist was pulled and coiled into a ball before being dropped. The straps and buckles of his armor began to be pulled at and undone. Systematically he began to undress and set his armor upon the ground in the space between them. "I need the same done for this."
<A'kana>
Even the tone of his voice seemed stronger, deeper and with intent behind it. Kana let deep green eyes connect across the distance, finding the metallic blue of his. Each iris surveyed in a moment of silence.. one that left off with her name and connected through to spoken appreciation. Regardless of her current plights, Isoba reminded her back to older times, when she'd helped him—or rather, helped that poor, pitiful shield—having worked on it without his knowing. He was the epitome of pride, now, but even in the past such an attribute was not to be trifled with. He'd have never let her aid him to that extent and Kana knew it, even without knowing much of the Lion beyond that. Their relationship was always business. Nevertheless, his thanks and the reminder of what she ‘got away with’ drew a faint curl at the corners of her lips. She nodded a welcome, but gave no words… not until he started to unbuckle, open, drop and shed all there was about him. Evidently, there was a deal to be struck. Before he could fully drop the attire and gear, her hand came up in a sign that he should cease. “I cannot help at this time, Isoba. I have little time.. there is none for immediate repairs like this.” The grin on her lips fell away. Kana turned a look over and down to the gems, drawing a slow breath. “I may know of another that can aid you, one that has no qualms in traveling. I could send him your way.” Or bring him there. The short-statured dwarf learned enough from A’kana to do her a small favor! “He is a very accomplished crafter, I have seen his work before and learned many a thing from him… His name is Lorin.” Would that be enough for Isoba? She'd never turned down the Lion before. There was a real possibility that he’d not let her take the gems, too. That'd prove bothersome.
<Isoba>
Isoba heard her words, his hands just starting to undo the last bit of his armor. Keeping himself dressed, though not that he had a care for who saw him without clothing. Tilting his head to one side, several thicker strands of hair falling over his face, though she could see the gleam of light dancing within his gaze. Bending down so that he sat on the raised heels of his feet, he watched her. The long and quiet stare of a patient hunter, never so much as a quiver of muscle along his body, even his breathing so slow and deliberate that she could not detect it. It was as if he simply had turned into living stone, the only sign of life within his body, were his eyes. Even here, frozen and still, that raptorial and predatory gaze held her fast. "You are different, I am not blind to that. I see that this visit is only as long as you can spare. I will not pry, as it is not my right to. Though know that if you need aid, my Pride and I are here for you. Tell me of this.....Lorin." Another tilt of his head as he watched her. Feline mannerisms heavy on him, as if now he were simply more alive than ever before.
<A'kana>
Eyes remained with the Lion as he stilled and lowered, Kana’s own form having not moved since putting her blade away. The crafty cat observed Isoba’s changes much as he did hers, though from a continued spot on her feet. She stood, watching down at him now. All he said of aid was heard, weighed in some small way, and then shown gratitude with yet another nod. It was unlikely Kana would ask Isoba to fight in a war, but the offer to help when he had so little information proved a kind thing. Generous and somewhat protective, as if they were old friends. There came no comment to her goings on, though Kana did add in on Lorin. “His temper is as short as he is, sometimes.. but he is dependable and knowledgeable. Can make anything that I can, and can … get into it in an avid way.” She quieted a moment, silently using her magic to ‘feel’ for the dwarf, across the whole of Arith. Pleased in some small way, she then spoke again, “I can bring him to you, tomorrow night. Here. Will that suffice?”
<Isoba>
Isoba drew his belongings back to himself and began to methodically put them back on. His eyes watching her the entire time, never once did he need to look at what went where upon his body. With a curt nod once his gear was set again upon his body he turned from her. "Take more than you normally do, your shoulders bend wit the weight you try to hide." Words thrown back over his shoulder as he stalked out into the darkness and back towards the small Pride. Tomorrow he would return to once again seek the aid of those that had the gift to create.