[PRP] Freckles among the rust [Chau x Nuw]

[Z o m b i k ii]

Alpaca Chobi

Chausika was all too aware with the challenges that came with being a night-stalker in a realm of sun and sand. She had been a part of the Ukuhlwa'Izwe for some time now - and despite her rocky start; had settled into their way of life. The termite mounds were now familiar and comforting, monuments to the first real home she had ever known. A Shield, her own career had been put on hold due to her swollen belly and looming motherhood.

In the same breath; a static lifestyle did not suit the charcoal pelted lioness. Azzan would have preferred her to remain relatively close to the den they shared - but what he did not know could not hurt him.The pads on her paws were mourning the absence of cracked earth and her nausea demanded she stand. Instinctively she walked the route she usually patrolled when on duty - so accustomed to the trail that she followed it without thinking.

When the smell of iron hit her nostrils - stomach it near turned. Pregnancy went in hand with a sensitive nose and a all too sensitive stomach. The thick aroma of blood had betrayed the females feasting spot - and faint silver eyes spotted the figure that a dark pelt would usually hide. Though one could not expect to know every face in the pride - Chausika was having a very hard time placing this particular female.

“Good morning.” The shadowy painted lioness churred. “I see it's been a prosperous one, at least.” There was hint of amusement carried in her voice, open and welcoming.

Hunting in the Outlands was not the easiest task - the Pride had already lost the herds once.  

[Z o m b i k ii]

Alpaca Chobi

Thank you, I am in love with her ; A ;

Chausika was taken back by the stranger's generosity. “That is very kind of you.” The dark lioness bowed her head in an open display of gratitude and respect. After all this time - the sense of comradery that came with pride life still warmed her once-lonely heart. She made no attempt to take the kill from the huntress as she once again stood straight and proud, her gaze softening as she stole a better look at the lioness she had found. They could have easily been mistaken for sisters; night walkers in a land of sand and sun.

“But I am well cared for and our guards need to be strong - especially now, given recent events.” Chausika did not want for anything; the cubs in her belly were to be born into one of the largest and oldest lines in the Outlands; she was spoiled by both her mate and his immediate family. Alas, her words were delivered with an underlying sadness, an anxiety had haunted her since the attack on the Queen - now more than ever their military had to be resilient and well-fed. Though she dare not speak the words out loud, she feared blood would soon stain their borders.

Her brow furrowed curiously - her thoughts should not linger on politics given her condition, but she could not help it. Mjrn and her often gossiped about the state of affairs within the lands and if there was to be battle, she would have to consider the safety of her young. ”“My name is Chau.” She introduced herself, realising that her manners had been lacking. The black female did not expect many within these lands to know her name, she was more private than most and scarcer still nowadays.

She certainly did not recognise the female before her.  

[Z o m b i k ii]

Alpaca Chobi

“Yes. I mean the attack on the Queen.”

The dark female furrowed her brow - the very thought making her uneasy. Chau hoped that it was a rogue incident - an isolated event that would not spiral into something more sinister. However, she knew it was a foolish hope - she would be naive to think an attack on the Queen would go unpunished. There was already talk of revenge and consequences; whisperings of war and accusations of guilt.

Ashiki had been absent since that day - and Chau found herself concerned with their monarchs condition. Though being so close to the royal family by blood and friendship - she would have hoped she would have been made aware if her health was a cause for concern. Silver eyes closed and the Shield took in a deep breath to steady herself - reminding her nerves that Ashiki was strong.

She shrugged her shoulders, the necklaces she wore danced as she moved, shimmering in the bright light of the sun and singing their metallic song. Gifts from her former mistress - a reminder of what she once was. The trinkets were humbling, despite their extravagance. ”There is a shadow looming - trying times ahead of us, but we will make it though. If I have learned anything from my time here - it’s that Outlanders endure, no matter what life throws at them.” She had never known a pride quite like this one/

”It is a pleasure to meet you Nuw.” She bowed her head slightly, a softer look spreading across her face now she had chased away the dark thoughts that threatened to ruin her mood. There was nothing any one of them could do - besides await orders.