All it had taken to learn what this stupid land had to offer was that the green plant-y things really hurt. Touching them hurt like hell and she did not want to experience that again. Something she might wish to induct an enemy into if she could come up with a way for them to fall into them. Not that she was one to hide or cower away from those who might try and track her down and drag her home, Ember did like chaos. Chaos was what she initially was led by and in her thought process, ripped a large willowy-leaf of a ZZ plant (image for reference) and began to walk backwards, covering up any and all tracks that she had left behind her as she chose to trick anyone as to where she might have gone. Not that she had anything to actually fear other than being found.

+5 - Leave a trail of confusing tracks

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Amara was looking for anything that would allow her mind to stop worrying over things and to move her forward in her time here. She left the Bluffs behind and headed slowly into the Cactus Farm. She hadn't spent much time in it before so seeing something new would be nice for her. Her golden gaze looked around as she picked her path carefully, unwilling to test the sharpness of the plants around her. Her body was already torn and battered from her fights. She thought she was alone until she caught sight of a cub who was walking backwards. Confusion crossed her features as she watched the cub, she couldn't tell what she was doing but her backing was getting her closer to Amara and she seemed unaware that anyone could be there. The starcovered lioness stood silent as she waited to see what might happen. the lost art of murder

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Distinctly did she make every alteration that she could of the pathing and covering up the tracks she left behind. Ember did not have a single clue where she was headed but knew that this was good practice. The leaf was truly making it hard to decipher the main path but it also was making its own path which forced the girl to stop and consider that perhaps she wasn't doing it correctly. At least, this wasn't the vision she had had in her mind as to her end goal but nevertheless, it would be confusing to anyone to see a plant leaf's trail and not a lions. That brief moment of pause was enough to force the wind forwards as she caught scent of someone. Ya'd best come out. I don't like surprises. She roared into the silence of the farm, turning her body around slightly to see where @Amara might be located.

+5 - Leave a trail of confusing tracks

_{art by yumpy}

The yearling didn't seem to fully understand how things work, if Amara had come across the strange path she was making while trying to cover her paws it would have caught her attention even more. That and the mix of her scent would be a give away. The winds shifted and brought the yearling her scent but she didn't turn around. Turn around. Amara said in response to her calling out. What is surprising is your lack of understanding of how things work. Had no one taught her anything before sending her out into the island? Who are you hiding from? Amara was always interested in who might be causing trouble and maybe she could figure out another bit of truth to add to her bucket. She did her best to not look to scary but there was only so much she could do about her scars and resting bitch face. the lost art of murder

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Ember's mouth opened in surprise as she turned to see the dark lioness that had found her but the action was more for the words in which she said. Frustration clear on her face at being told she didn't understand. It wasn't as though she had a whole lot of adults to teach her how to do certain things. Everyone was always busy and lots of losses in the family, blah blah. Ember didn't understand any of that on any level other than her own. It was why she had been forced to be as independent as possible from the get-go. Teach, and tell me how it works. Because nothing was more frustrating than an adult saying she did something wrong but not saying what it was so that she could learn from him. Idiots. Not hiding. Just avoiding. She didn't want any of her few-left-over siblings or any of the adults from the Crew coming to find her. @Amara

+5 - Leave a trail of confusing tracks

_{art by yumpy}

Amara's gaze leveled on the youth as she made her own demands. Slowly Amara looked her over and studied her. It seemed that she was on her own here and if she was trying to avoid someone there was likely a reason. Could someone so young have enemies already? Seemed unlikely. A passing adult would find the mess you left behind far more interesting than another set of paw prints among the many. Unless you have covered or changed your scent, it won't matter either. Amara sat down as she looked at the youth. You can change your scent by rolling in other scent marks or cover your scent with mud. Once you get wet you would need to do it again. Amara wondered how the female would handle actually being given useful information if that was what she was actually looking for. That remained to be seen. the lost art of murder

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It had become quite true that a majority of the things that she had learned she had learned by teaching herself. Trial and error, mostly, and occasionally an adult who wandered along to teach her the correct way. So @Amara giving her information wasn't all that surprising or new and even if she didn't like to be told what to do, she handled it with a straight face. Not overly excited but not bummed either, just complacent to hear what was said.

In a way, Ember could see that what the dark woman said was right. That if she were hunting something fun to torment she would likely be all the more excited by a wild chase. Yes, what she had done was stupid and she wouldn't deny it, but she also wasn't going to say it out loud. I see, she gave instead of referencing that she understood but she supposed that the lady had a point. Guess I should find me some decent mud then, because she had a lot to cover if she didn't want Roarke or any of the crew to come and find her and drag her home. Not that they would but she just enjoyed being by herself than surrounded by tons of others.

Amara watched the youth carefully to see how she would take what was given to her. If she was teachable that was useful. Her golden gaze didn't lift from @Ember as she waited for the final reaction which would be to gather some mud to cover herself in. Good plan. You won't find much of that around here. These lands are void of much water. She looked towards the Grove There is a bog not fair from here that would do the trick but the ground is filled with spots that will suck you in. I have seen a number prey animals left for dead within these spots. Her gaze lowered back to the youth. I am Amara, who are you? A simple question that might give her some insight as to who this girl was and why she was trying to avoid being found. the lost art of murder

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A deep hum was all she would give in response to the white-spotted lioness' words. A shame, really, that there was not a whole lot of mud out this way but she supposed that that was quite obvious. Rain didn't seem like it happened very often out here which was likely why there were not a whole lot of foot traffic out this far. Ember, she offers her name casually if not a few seconds more delayed than usual. Sometimes, that voice in the back of her head told her to lie about her name. Not for secrecy, but for fun. Are you available to take me to this bog? Perhaps @Amara could lend a walk and some spare time to take her there and show her more about covering herself up in the mud so that no one could track her.

Amara was quickly figuring that the youth wasn't one for words. That was a blessing, far too often she came across cubs that just didn't know how to shut up and it took everything in her not to want to eat them. She gave a small nod as she was given a name. @Ember. Amara's gaze swept toward the bog and thought of those in the area. Yes. Those in the area wouldn't think twice about trying to claim you. While she was as friendly enough with the Mire's pride she also was aware that claiming was something that they took part in. She was sure that Ember would fair better within a pride but it seemed that the girl was looking for space and it was something that Amara could remember feeling many years ago. If anyone came, Amara would send them on their way so that Ember could get herself beyond dirty. A member of mine enjoys the mud and muck. She is always successful in covering her scent there. She turned with nothing else to be said and started walking that way. Little reason for them to linger here. exit? the lost art of murder

code // art // do not use without permission