She trailed like a sifting shadow across the pale, drenched sands, the tired pace of her feet evident with each leaden step she took. It was as if the shorefront itself seemed intent on dragging her beneath it, the cool waters lapping at her dainty toes with come-hither tease, and how tempting it was to just let it. She could not remember a time she had felt more weary, being so close to the verge of collapse with her body aching in violent protest to go any further. How simple and easy it would be to just stop and let rest overcome her, to finally sleep so deeply it would be the closest thing to heaven imaginable. Yet, she could not stop now, not when she had already come this far; not until she could taste the freedom of sanctuary again. Delicate head curved back over a delicate shoulder as she pressed on with renewed, sudden vigor, anxious eyes searching the open expanse behind her as if she expected to see the looming silhouette of danger appear on the yawning horizon. Don't you dare look back. The words railed sharply against her mind, a cold shiver raking up and down her spine as she quietly obeyed their warning, facing what lay before her that crept ever closer to her reach. Soon, you won't have to fear those ghosts anymore, Ione.

She moved slowly, though her paws were used to the way the sand shifted and pulled at her feet. Cerulean optics spotted the dark pelted female standing out against the pale grains and shifted to head that direction. Jewel was unhurried, but she often was. Her children were safe within the pridelands, and she could take her time to attempt to recruit members from this stretch. A low chuff let the other female know she was there so she didn't startle her by approaching. "You look tired, friend.. Is there anything I can help you find? Shelter, food.. A safe place to rest for a few hours?" The ebony female's heart ached for the way she seemed so tired. It was not a feeling she herself was unfamiliar with. "My name is Jewel..I lead a pride to the north of here.." She wouldn't force the woman to come with her - but offer the safety to recover and rest.. now that she could do. @Ione""

irish

She froze the moment she heard the other female, heart in throat as she watched her slowly approach, slender body quivering with sudden trepidation. Not them, Ione, not them. Her mind repeated in quiet lull, soothing the timidity that had seized her for the breadth of a moment, and allowed the sharpness of her senses to take hold and return her composure. It was true, the ebony lioness was not one of them, that much she could see within the fading light of the evening, for though she seemed to carry many a scar, the one in particular that branded what Ione had come to fear most was thankfully absent. How had she come into the possession of so many marks? Was there intent to mean ill will? Caution marred her darkened features in fretted worry, yet the moment she heard the woman's gentle words, she could feel the tension ease from her tired body and a light smile lifted the corners of her pale lips. There was only benevolence from the stranger, and like a moth to the flame, Ione returned it in kind without the slightest hesitation. "It would all be a welcome blessing, m'lady. There hasn't been much of any in my journey." Dulcet tones rose softly in answer, rosette eyes illuminated with renewed vigor as they settled upon her new found company, and she remembered just how much she had missed having it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jewel. I am Ione." Even though she had relaxed a fair amount, she remained alert, her gaze shifting to the jut of land where the sands disappeared and from where she was certain the lady had come from. Just where had she truly ended up? "If it's not any trouble, could you please tell me where is here?"

@Jewel

The female seemed nervous, and Jewel stood back just far enough that she could still be heard, but not encroach on the other females location. Still new to this leadership thing- Jewel herself was not new to understanding the subtle scent of nerves that cross the air, or what fear and anger smelled like. It was something she had come to learn in her time. Short as it was on this earth. "This place is called...Amaryllis." Much like the way she knew that the cove had its name, she knew the name of this land - perhaps it was due to the other worldly voice that had spoken to her.. As if it had graced her with the whisper of some knowledge in certain things. Not that she knew much - but names were easy enough.. "You travel through the sandbar that leads into the realm.." Jewel shifted, nodding her head back behind her so that the lioness could see the peaks that rose above the fog. "There are still secrets we don't yet know, Lady Ione.. but just beyond the gates, to the east rests my pride.. You're welcome to find peace there for a time until you feel the need to move on." She wanted to see the female truly wish to join - but she knew that with many lands hidden beneath the fog... that there was likely to be other places that would suit the fancy of the ambitious. @Ione""

irish

Amaryllis. This place finally had a name, one she was very unfamiliar with, but it was not for her own lack of knowledge. From the way Jewel spoke of it, it seemed very undiscovered, yet to truly be settled and this calmed the grey woman a fraction. Possible it was, that none of those who had pillaged her homeland knew of this place, and even more so, that it could be a safe haven for her to regain some semblance of a life. There could finally be such a thing if she desired it enough, and after having been on the run for weeks now, it made her realize just how much she missed having what she once had. Yet, there would still be one thing missing, and Ione knew that it could never replaced; perhaps replicated, but it could not bring them back. It was the hardest lesson one could learn in life, loss. Time can lessen the pain of all wounds, though it certainly wasn't moving fast enough for her to heal. She could feel the familiarity of weight pressing harshly against her chest, feel the known sting of warmth within the corners of her ears, but she fought it down with forcible strength. She had already cried so much as it was, and she refused to let someone see her start now. "Then it should make it a lot of fun to explore and plenty places to find good hunting." She smiled lightly, hesitating for but a moment before tilting her delicate head forward in an accepting nod of Jewel's kind offer. There was no force to comply, allowing her the full choice of either staying or leaving, and Jewel would never know how much Ione appreciated it. Perhaps, it would even be what would seal a permanent stay. "I would like that very much, m'lady...you have my gratitude. I will do whatever I can for your pride as long as I stay."

@Jewel

"I should hope that it would keep us all entertained for some time trying to breach the secrets beyond the fog." Jewel smiled, hoping honestly that they could find what was beyond the fogs sooner rather than later. The lioness shifted when the other female spoke of hunting. The smile that graced her features turning almost feral. "I've found some interesting prey so far.. but I would very much love to find some Zebra.." Drooling? Her? Naw. "I would be grateful for whatever help you can or wish to provide, Lady Ione. I just ask that when you are ready to move on, you let me or the other queen, Jyzara know so that we can adjust food storages as needed." It wasn't worth letting food go to waste if they had too much. Rotting stores were hot spots for scavengers and other degenerates that would think to sneak into the pridelands. "I can fill you in on our laws once you find a place to rest and have gotten some food and sleep?" Jewel wasn't going to push the female - nor would she try to shove a list down her throat. The valley was not so war torn that she had to stress about someone coming in and causing a ruckus right now. Everyone was just looking for a safe home.. Be it for a few days, a few hours, or a permanent home. @Ione""

irish

Hunger roared across the stretch of her thin abdomen at the mention of zebra, much louder than she would have expected, a sheepish smile gracing her lips in apology. It really couldn't be helped, it had been such a long time since she had a considerable meal, and those striped equines would be a lot of food for many days. "It would be fortunate indeed if we could find zebra. They would provide a great deal of meat for a pride." Ione had truly never hunted them, mostly sticking to the likes of wildebeest and antelope that were more plentiful within her old homeland, but she would be more than up to the challenge of going for bigger prey. She was after all going to be providing for more than just herself now, and she wanted to prove herself worthy to Jewel for as long as she remained with her. She was always at her best when she was being of use, and she would not let such kindness be wasted without being returned in some form or another. "I will let you both know once it does happen, m'lady. I don't like letting food waste, especially when you never know when you might fall upon hard times." She gone through some of them herself when droughts or food scarcity had plagued her old lands for months at a time, and it had taught her well how precious of a resource it was. Even on her own, it was a rough lesson to be taught yet again, but she had survived fairly well enough; even if her stomach constantly disagreed. Once more it rumbled viciously, and she gave Jewel an apologetic look. "Yes, I would like that very much. That way there will be no interruptions, for I want to learn all I can about your pride." And perhaps in due time, my own.

@Jewel

The lioness smiled, pleased that the other female seemed agreeable and nodded. The ebony lioness would shift as if to turn, but paused, a smile parting her lips to show off ivory fangs. "If a rank is your goal - you're welcome to ask. For the time being while we fill the pride.. If the rank is open - you will likely be granted the title.. Although you may have to defend it." There was an amused smile before she shifted to take a few steps - to lead the other female towards the pridelands. Jewel would see her to the heart of the pride so she could get settled, introduce her to the cache so she could find food.. and then leave her to rest until she felt strong enough to deal with the blather that was the rules of the pride. //Exxit? Then we can do another thread in CC set a bit after?//""

irish

Ione lifted her delicate head in sudden bemusement of Jewel's words, of earning a rank within the pride if she decided it was something she wanted to pursue. Truly, she had never thought of going for a position before as she had been content with what she had at the time. Now, it seemed more of something that she should possess if she was ambitious enough, but even so, it was too early to decide. She hadn't even come to the conclusion whether or not she wanted to stay within the protective borders of the pride yet. Yet, it was definitely a consideration that was weighing heavily on her mind as she merely smiled and nodded before she fell into line behind the ebony lioness as they began the journey towards her home. Oh yes, the wheels had begun to turn and the mind had started to change it's opinion on what exactly it was she wanted.

-exit with Jewel-