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 Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 8:01 am
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 She had tried her best to stay out of trouble; she really had. However, it seemed like Chausika attracted chaos like a siren calling out across the ocean. At least she could say she had remained silent since Katiti commanded it, not a word has escaped her maw; yet she had attacked Kufutwa, she had found a cub and hid it in her den, she had even let the Princess treat her injuries after Katiti had told her not to bother the royals. She, of course, had a reason to why each one of said events had come to being, but without a tongue, she could not explain or defend her actions.
It was the early morning that she raised from her isolated den and ventures across the Outlands to meet Katiti. She had left the small female cub with some food before she headed out; and hoped beyond hope she would still be resting in the den when she returned. She could not order her to stay put, but had closed off the entrance with barbs and branches as a deterrent.
Collecting her daily duties from the Seer had become second nature; she wondered what excitement waited for her today? As long as she did not need to devour any message to Kufutwa she would not complain, though by now Katiti probably knew what had conspired and she would not put it past her to send her on such a mission as a punishment.
In many ways, that was the best she could hope for. Chausika did not know how much trouble she could get into for trying to blind one of her mistresses followers.
Chausika peered into the entrance to a cave, silver eyes settling on the vibrant pelt of the Seer. The rogue did not announce her presence - knowing fully well by now that Katiti would have been expecting her.
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 5:03 pm
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Oh, how her 'ward' had gotten into mischief lately. It was never wise to underestimate Katiti'manina's abilities. If she did not see something, she would still find out one way or another. The Monarch's Soul had taken it upon herself to instruct Chau in the way of life for the Outlands, and the little imp still managed to get into so much trouble. Azzan had certainly picked out a reckless lioness to get along with, but perhaps that was just his taste? Kat did not begin to try and understand the once-heir, and now there was less reason to with Kethiwe and the rest of Ashiki's children home in the pride.
Normally Kat would have slept in and made Chausika wait for her to rise - there was nothing better to do for a Tarnished, after all. Today was different, because she had seen things she knew the black lioness wanted to keep hidden. When Chau made it to the den, Kat was sitting perfectly posed in the center of it. Again she was clad in her typical gold and ruby jewelry, and despite her age she looked fierce, imposing.
Kat had learned to carry herself well.
"My dear," Kat addressed Chau with a sickly sweet voice. "Come, sit with me. I do believe we have a few things to discuss." Her paw stretched outwards to Chausika, and even in the dark of the cave it would be impossible to not see her claws. Chau would have no choice but to comply, but Kat did not make it seem like complying was Chau's best option either.
"You have been very busy, haven't you? And not even trying to woo that Azzan, which I figured you'd have filled your spare time with instead of terrorizing one of my lions."
Oh, getting close to Kat probably was a very bad idea.
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Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 5:24 am
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Admittedly, Chausika did not expect to find her mistress awake.
Even asleep the Soul did not admit an air of vulnerability. Even unconscious the Tarnished felt her stifling power that was always in control of the environment, able to see even in the bliss of sleep. It might have made her sound God-like, and in a way, the black lioness knew that Katiti was the closest she would ever be to meeting a divine. When silver eyes found the older feline sat in the middle of the den, looking at her with a damning twinking to her eye; she felt the muscles in her stomach drop.
My Dear. Chau near flinched with the words, knowing the tone all too well. Though there Seer was not the embodiment of evil that she had once suspected, the black lioness knew she had very little warmth to share. None of which was spared for a lowly tarnished. The sweetness of her voice felt like poison; her outstretched paw, not an olive branch but a blade ready to pierce her. Still, she had no choice but to comply and accept whatever action Katiti had decided. Maybe it was easy to see someone as God-like when they had so much control over your fate.
So, as a testament to what she had learned. Chau rolled back her shoulders, held her head up high and approached the vibrant female with as much courage and poise as she could muster at that moment. Afraid yes, but fear had no place in the Outlands and cowering would often just make situations worse. The younger female listened to words that were being spoken; she knew about Kufutwa then? There was no surprise on her face by the revelation, she a had expected her to know.
Sitting down in front of the Soul, silver eyes fixed on her face she even managed to hold back the eye roll that Azzan’s name usually inspired. She was used to it; be it accusations of her being his bed mate or the more malicious suggestion that she was trying to flirt with him to help her social standing and possibly revoke her punishment. It had become such a common misconception within the Pride and there was no fighting it. She let the statement roll off her shoulders like water from a duck's back. Though she was beginning to wonder if the Pride members had already decided on what was true; what was holding her back from meeting her expectations.
Chau waited; ready to receive whatever punishment or scolding Katiti deemed appropriate.
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Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 8:10 am
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It was rather adorable how the young lioness attempted to carry herself in front of Kat. The seer imagined it was all just for show, but she would allow herself to be impressed by Chau's courage. There was little else the lioness could do but show her intent through her actions, since that filthy mouth had been sealed shut a little while ago. Kat reached out, caressing the dark lioness' cheek in a gesture that was a mockery of fondness. Claws scraped too close to Chau's eye, but barely managed to disturb the flow of her fur.
"You are fortunate that I do not care too much about those transgressions. Hanging out with the Princess, fighting with one of my lions. These are all minor in the grand scheme of things, do you not think? It does reflect how little you have learned in your time here, but perhaps that is the fault of the teacher rather than the student?" It was true - Kat did like to hear herself talk. But she danced around the words she wanted to say, as if leading up to some sort of grand finale.
She tilted her head, lifting coy blue eyes to meet Chau's pretty silver ones. How lovely they would be to adorn upon her ears. Well, at least until they grew dull from decay. "But there is something else that whispers from the members of the Outlands would not carry, Chausika. Tell me," which she really couldn't do, "what little red bundle of joy have you stored away from the world?" Kat asked, her voice dark with curiosity and perhaps ill-intent.
How silly of Chau to believe that anything could slip past the Monarch's Soul.
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Posted: Mon May 14, 2018 1:59 am
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Silver eyes never left Katiti’s bright blue orbs as the Seer rested her paw on the lionesses face; Chausika did not trust the action, not one bit. However, she made sure not to flinch despite her instincts telling her to pull away from the misleading touch. Alas, when the sharp claws dragged across the sensitive flesh near her eye, the Tarnished could not help but turn her head, holding the growl in her throat that was threatening to rumble. Getting far too accustomed to the treatment the younger female returned to her upright position, her gaze still on Katiti though this time more visibly annoyed.
Ancestors help her, she wanted nothing more than to give that damn Seer a taste of her own medicine. She had no idea where this combative impulse had come from; as a rogue, she sure never felt the need to fight but between Katiti and Kufutwa the Tarnished was damn annoyed she could not partake in duels.
Then, Katiti started to talk; and god’s above, she liked the sound of her own voice. Even when she was being scolded Chausika found it very hard to found the energy to frame concern for herself. The once Rogue had learned to view the Seer as a weaver of fate; her fate to be more precise. Whatever was going to become of the Tarnished was already decided, Katiti had her plan; so fearing her judgement was at this point ******** futile.
Whatever the Seer could do; it could only be done to her body, despite all her power Kat could not condemn her soul or break her spirit. Chausika had come to accept the pain and made peace with it. Accept the fact that her tongue, nor her ears, nor her eyes or claws were her own anymore.
Oh, but how she wanted to respond. Tell the Soul that she had learned more than the bright lioness gave her credit for. How her ambitions had taken wing under Kat’s watchful eye and relentless commands. Tell me. It almost made her snort, did Outlanders find it funny to ask her to speak? If Katiti thought she was green enough to fall into- oh.
The cub,
Her brows furrowed; Chausika was really hoping to keep that a secret for a little while longer. Long enough to find the cubs parents, long enough to help her escape the Outlands unnoticed. It was a shame; the black lioness really did want to spare her this life. But as Azzan often said, there is no escape from these lands. The younger female’s eyes sparked with an emotion akin to disappointment, standing up on all fours before she turned her back to the Seer in favour for the exit.
Fine, she would bring the damn cub. It was not like she ever intended to keep her, she was not that much a fool.
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2018 8:48 am
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She supposed it was cruel to pick on the weak, but Chau seemed to be an individual in need of constant reminding of her standing in this pride. The Tarnished needed to understand her own place in the world, and though it seemed like Chausika had accepted her position there were many incidents where the lioness seemed to forget. How amusing, it was, that Chau thought these little 'moments' were excusable when her behavior was perfectly acceptable most of the time. Kat could forgive some things, yes... but at a price.
The smug smile never wavered from her features as realization seemed to dawn upon the Tarnished lioness. Nothing slipped past Kat, it was why she was the Monarch's Soul. Her usefulness seemed to have no limit, and where her seer abilities failed her she had a wonderful flock of crows at her disposal to fill in the gaps. Most of the pride knew of the birds, but those outside of the lands and those unfamiliar with their presence had no idea just how much they were being watched.
"Ah, you are quite a bit smarter than I have given you credit for," Kat cooed. Her blue eyes almost sparkled with mischief as Chau turned her back towards the seer. In time Chau would learn to be careful when turning her back to another. She was vulernable, impulsive and foolish... but also resigned to her fate. Kat knew what the lioness had set out to do the moment she had turned from her.
Now, now... what ever would Kat do with a cub?
The possibilities were endless. But, for now, she would sit and wait for Chau's profitable return - the dark lioness perhaps had more value than Kat could have anticipated.
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2018 9:21 am
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Chausika, unfortunately, could not warn the cub about Katiti. There were no gentle words of wisdom she could bestow upon her, nor could she even explain what was going on. When the black lioness returned to her Den, where she had left the cub along with some scraps of food; all she could do was approach and pick her up without hesitation. Once again the little lady hung from Chau's mouth, red fur in sharp contrast against her own. The little lady could probably sense the older females frustration with just how sharp her movements were.
The Tarnished was not going to lie, there was the temptation to just run for the border. Leave the cub at the edge of the lands and have her run as fast as she could; be damned with the consequences.
Katiti had seen her now though; if she had tried to help the cub escape; she would know. Kat always knew. The guilt made her feel sick to her stomach, but she tried to hold down the bile as she made her way back towards the Seer's den. Aera must have been somewhat used to her mute guardian by now, though she had only been hiding the cub for two days; Chau had never given her reason to fear, though she was sure the communication barrier was a little unsettling in itself. Maybe now though, she was given her reason to be nervous. The irritation radiating off of Chau must have been suffocating.
The black lioness had not been gone too long before her shadow darkened the entrance of the Seer's Den once more. If it would not have harmed Aera the rogue might have thrown her at the Seer to show her displeasure. Chau did not want to give the cub to Katiti; she knew all too well what it was like to serve her. One so young could be manipulated, broken easier than a bullheaded lioness like herself. The Tarnished knew what this was, this was sacrificing another for her own redemption; this was a cowardly thing.
The Tarnished placed the cub down on the ground, a large paw nudging her towards the Seer sharply, not hard enough to cause harm, but hard enough to encourage her to move - before Chau changed her mind and really did get herself in some hot water. |
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2018 9:30 am
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The adult lioness had not been gone that long, so when she returned to the den it surprised the bright female. "Oh you're back!" she purred, racing over to meet Chau. However, when the female bowed down to grab her scruff, Aera felt herself curling her feet under her body, a position she had grown use to from being carried by her father.
"Oh...we are going somewhere?" the cub asked quietly, knowing her silent friend would not be able to answer. This was really the first time her getting out of the den since arriving in the Outlands. "This is exciting!" she purred, swaying in the air as Chau carried her.
She could sense something emanating from Chau, but that particular feeling Aera hadn't really learned, being her age.
When they came across the entrance of Kat's den, Aera's bright red eyes tried to glance up at Chau, but her current position made that difficult. Only when they entered and she was placed on the ground did Aera gaze back at Chau, the push the adult gave her sending a questioning look from the cub. She turned her head, spotting the large, bright red and white female, similar pelt to her own. "You want me to go towards her?" she whispered, shaking her head slightly. But the nudge only half convinced her.
Aera almost crawled towards the seer. "H..Hi there." She murmured, her red eyes gazing at Katiti. |
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2018 4:10 pm
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Chau had brought back a fine offering, though she doubted the lioness truly understood what it was that Kat wanted. She imagined the female was acting out of self-preservation, which admirably appeared to be her strong suit. Putting one's own survival above all else was an admirable trait, and not one she witnessed all that often. All Outlanders were keen on their own survival, but plenty put the good of the pride before themselves.
Luckily for Chau, her actions were also for the better of the pride.
The young were always easier to mold to Kat's own liking. Despite her obvious failure with her first litter (she'd blame it on their negligent father before she'd ever blame herself for the loss of them all), she still believed that the most willing assistant was one who was raised to be that way. Kat had a lot more duties now, which meant her hobbies sadly had to be pushed to the sideline.
Perhaps the cub could help with that.
As Chau returned to her den with the litttle red bundle of joy, Kat kept a smile plastered on her face that was not unkind... but not quite warm. It was difficult to feign affection when she could only see the usefulness of a lion instead of who they were entirely. "Hello, little one," she greeted the cub with an outstretched paw. The young cub was meant to take it, but Kat was far more interested in her reaction to the gesture on its own.
"Such a pity to find a cub parentless." Kat's gaze lifted to Chau, daring the dark lioness to dispute her claim. There were none within hearing distance who would dare doubt the truth of Kat's words. "We'll have to take her in and make sure she thrives, now won't we?"
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2018 4:58 pm
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Posted: Sun May 20, 2018 5:50 am
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Aera wanted to take a chance and glance back towards Chau, to make sure everything was okay. But she didn't. Her eyes were fixated on the lioness before her. The one thing the cub thought was how...similar...the other looked like her. The same bright red, white and black markings. Sure, her father had the same base coat as well, but other than him and her brother, she had not seen the color before. Even Chau, who had some red on her, wasn't the same bright as her own pelt.
Her ears flickered at the comment about being parentless. She wasn't. She had just wandered away from her father and brothers in a game. But, she didn't express this to the larger lioness before her. Just the smallest of frowns tugged at her maw.
"I'm...Aera." she said, looking at the outstretched paw, and taking it. |
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Posted: Sun May 20, 2018 11:09 am
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Kat looked down at that little outstretched paw. Their coats were so strikingly similar that the cub could have passed as her own, and she couldn't help but wonder if they were somehow connected. The visions hadn't told her much about the cub, only that she had been hidden away in Chau's den. Surely the Tarnished had thought of 'saving' the poor cub, but as Kat saw it fate had brought little Aera here.
The Ancestors clearly had guided the cub to exactly where she needed to be. Her paw raised, the gold bracelets clinging together at her wrists, and was brought to her mouth. She pulled one pure gold bracelet off from around her wrist. It was a simplistic piece, but shone ever so divinely underneath the sun's harsh rays. With a smile, she offered the piece to the cub in front of her before turning her attention back over to the muted lioness in the corner.
"Chau, do not be rude. Say your goodbyes to the cub and then carry on with your day." Whether Chau understood that she was being released from her punishment or not, Kat hardly cared. If she missed the opportunity that was being presented to her, then that was her own pitiful fault.
The Monarch's Soul did hope that Chau understood exactly what transpired here. The Tarnished had just traded a cub for her own freedom.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 6:25 am
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KasaiLoki Feel free to carry on this magical moment. Chau is just here sulking like a child.
Even if she had ownership of her voice; Chausika would have been lost for words. Silver eyes fell on the Seer suspiciously and for a long moment, she did not react at all. Instead, she just waited; wondering if this was some sort of trick, a cruel trap to capture her tongue. Katiti was surely not letting her go? Dark brows furrowed and tentatively she stood; approaching the small cub who had called to her by name. Guilt pooled in the pit of her stomach as she looked down at the innocent that she had brought to a viper.
This did not seem like Katiti’s usual mischief. Not this time.
Her head lowered, her words soft, meant just for Aera. ”Be better than me.” Chausika was never one for goodbyes, and an apology would have just scared the poor girl. Instead, she would leave her with advise - to get stronger and be braver. The Outlands, as she had learned, had no mercy for weakness.
Standing up straight once more, Chau’s eyes glanced at the Seer. Instead of talking, she just bowed her head, before turning to make her leave. Just because she had her voice back; did not mean she had to use it and as she had learned with Azzan - sometimes silence was the most powerful note.
Tarnished no more. |
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 7:40 am
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