[PRP] A Proper Introduction (Azisa and Chausika)

[Z o m b i k ii]

Chausika was certainly in a good mood. The black lioness had every reason to be elated; she was free from Katiti’s servitude and she had earned her brand as a Shield. Though it was not only her career that had brought her happiness. Despite the hardships that came with being Tarnished was still a fresh wound, things were turning around and the ex-rogue was simply enjoying the freedom she had earned. The simple joy of having a home and a duty to fulfil.

Making friends within the Pride was still something that was very alien to her. The black lioness had a preexisting relationship with Azzan that made interacting with him easier. However, everyone else had met her after her punishment was bestowed - many still had not heard her voice. Her rank change, it came with its own challenges; and reinventing her reputation amongst the proud lion of the Outlands was not an easy task.

She supposed she had to start somewhere though.

As her silver eyes caught sight of a certain lioness, the Shield soon came to the conclusion that the Princess might not be the best place to start. Alas, as in their first meeting, they were walking opposite directions in one of the many tunnels that made up the Outlands; and there was no avoiding her.

This time though, Chau bowed her head without hesitation.

“Good morning. Azisa.”
 

[Anderleit]

...Wasn't this deja vu?

Azisa recognized the black-and-red pelt heading her way. It had been a while, come to think of it, since she had seen Katiti's pet Tarnished. With all the new arrivals, new patrols and other sundry business to attend to, the princess had fallen woefully out of touch with what the Outlands' most interesting member had been up to. That was something she might certainly like to rectify. After all, it wouldn't do for her not to keep abreast of events.

As before, Chau's silent acknowledgement of the princess' higher station spoke well of her, and her bow was acknowledged with an nod. Only moments later, Azisa would be glad that the other lioness' head was lowered. The fewer who saw the pinned back ears and widened eyes that telegraphed her sudden surprise, the better.

She recovered quickly. "By Taka's bloody teeth - she speaks!" A smile replaced her shock, quirking gently at the corners of her muzzle. "Have we earned our freedom, then? Or are you being particularly naughty today?" Ears that pricked forward, twitching minutely in Chau's direction, betrayed that the formerly-Tarnished had her full attention despite her flippant tone. At least, Azisa hoped it was 'formerly'. It would be a shame to find out that their rebellious rogue was an idiot after all.

Z o m b i k ii

 

[Z o m b i k ii]

Anderleit

The black lioness rolled her shoulders in a nonchalant shrug at the Princess’s question - the confident smirk painted across her face unfaltering, even for a moment. Obviously, she would have been a fool to utter a single syllable whilst still serving her sentence, especially with the clairvoyant and infallible Katiti as her mistress. Nothing happened in these lands without the Seer either bring witness to, or prophesying; her persistent buzzards made sure of that.

Chau knew better than to laugh, but it amused her greatly that Azisa’s reaction had not been all that different to her cousins; he two near jumped out of his skin when she uttered her first word to him. Long strands of red fur covered most of Chau’s face, through between strands two pale eyes could be seen - alight with mischief. The girl would be lying if she said the surprise in the Princesses voice did not please her, but she had too much sense not to draw any attention to the royals reaction.

Instead she remained silent in that small victory. “Naughty? Never.” It was impossible for her to keep a straight face as she spoke; knowing all too well that she was far from the most courteous or well behaved. Not that she had plans to cause ‘serious’ trouble again anytime soon. Chau was enjoying her freedom too much; enjoying a life free of servitude, free of torment and humiliation.

Then there was Azzan, she was very much enjoying that too. Her tongue ran over white teeth, a ‘tell’ that showed that the lioness was thinking; mulling over the best way to start a conversation that was best had sooner rather than later. “Do you have a moment to spare, Princess? The question was as cautious as it was blunt, she knew that Azisa thought her time very valuable; which it was.

“I feel like there is much to discuss.”  

[Anderleit]

Her half-smile twitched again, hovering tenuously between bemusement and curiosity. Which one was winning out, Azisa couldn't rightly say. "I'm not sure I believe that," she quipped back, almost coy. Practically speaking, her old Tarnished status was proof of a history of trouble-making. Besides that, there was an air of mischief to the black lioness' voice suggested much more in store. Perhaps it had always been there, considering that her words had been her downfall in the first place - but to Azisa's ear, it sounded more refined than the sort of thing she might expect from a brazen rogue ruffian. It suited her, far as the princess could tell.

Though it was foolish - she hardly knew Chau, after all, especially this new, speaking version! - the idea of a wild streak rampant in the Outlands, particularly one scarred by Kat's...wisdom...was growing on her. The Ukuhlwa'Izwe was not the pride her mother remembered, and the growth of a bit of new fire was tantalizing. Admittedly, the idea of making sure dear, dear Kethiwe was appropriately challenged someday was even more so.

However, that burgeoning fondness guttered a bit at her question. A brow raised: all the effort Azisa would put into offering the illusion of making a decision, although she was of course too curious to refuse. But on the other hand, she remembered treating the then-silent lioness' wounds. She couldn't be one-hundred-percent sure of how they parted ways that day, and her inability to read the situation had frustrated her for long hours afterwards. If that was to come back and bite her today... Well. "Of course, Chau. What's on your mind?" Better to get it over with early on.

Z o m b i k ii

 

[Z o m b i k ii]

Anderleit

The dark lioness nodded and turned her body to face the direction that the monarch had been heading before she was stopped. As before, Chau let her superior take the first step, before walking closely by her side. After all, even though she was a wildling; she did have some semblance of manners - despite what the gossip circling the pride might suggest.

For a moment her tongue felt too big for her mouth as she tried to cherry pick her words. Though Azisa was not an adversary, she did not want to tell her more than she needed to know, especially in regards to her cousin. She did not speak for her mate and had no intention to be his voice - he had his own. “I want to invite you to your cousin's wedding, my wedding.” Was that too direct? She was not sure if Asiza was even aware the two were cohabiting. Not every female in the pride was as informed as Katiti.

Though the Shield had made no attempt to hide the fact they were sharing a den and was certainly not one to shy away from public affection, there was something to be said about the rogue and the pride’s gargoyle; they went unnoticed and overlooked the majority of the time. They kept no secrets, but in the same breath were very poor at sharing information unless they were directly confronted. It suited them.

“Azzan; he values your family as much as he does the sandstone beneath his paws. I think he would appreciate it if you were there.” Chau would not pretend to know the dynamic of their relationship or the political thread that wrapped around their necks like a noose, but her mate was decisive and loyal beyond words. She knew that he held no anger or disdain towards his blood but was unsure if Azisa was aware of just how forgiving he was.

Azzan did not feel that they had taken anything from him - he had already told her that he did not want the crown of the title of ‘King’. The rusty male wanted nothing for himself, he asked for nothing; other than to see the land he loved prosper. His family returning home, it was all he had ever wished for. He cared about family, his parents, his siblings - and Chau was sure he would care for Asiza too, if she would let him.

Chau looked towards the royal then, to try and read her expression.