Secrets tell a million lies To build the walls they hide behind But the truth is always brought to light

Adrien had swept into these lands under the cover of night, drawn in by the scent of civilization that carried across the waters, but far too wary to stick around in one place long enough to be found by another soul. It was so very tantalizing, to know that she was amongst her kind once more, after all these months spent alone. Onwards and onwards her paws had carried her, too fearful to halt her journey, and too paranoid to look back.

Her travels had worn on the maned lioness. She was thinner than she used to be, her curly coat not as lustrous as it once had been. For a time, she'd thought that she wouldn't make it far, that she would collapse out in the middle of the wilderness, unseen and unheard, an unfair, tragic end to her noble bloodline. Yet here she was. Perhaps there truly was hope for her, after all. No one here would know of her, she was certain. Maybe her chance to start anew lied somewhere within this land.

But she wasn't quite ready to seek it out just yet. As much as she longed to see another face after so long - she also dreaded it. When she stumbled upon the entrance to the tunnels, she decided to take the opportunity to rest within the shadowy shelter and plan her next move in the morning. It wouldn't make for the most comfortable of lodgings, considering the cold stone floors, but it would have to be good enough for now.

Now, after a fitful sleep, she sits not far from the entrance, settled amongst a collection of stalagmites. She was grooming herself, idly swiping her tongue through the red curls of her mane in an attempt to straighten them, while her thoughts ran in circles inside her head. The mindless action gave her an excuse to sit and think, but in truth, she was no closer to figuring out her next move than she had been last night.

@Cicada

code by corvus

MEDIC EXP
+5 Study the flora of a neutral territory
+5 Test herbs for their healing properties
+5 Collect herbs

The small lioness of rose lacquer had been absent the company of lions for the last couple of months. Her only companion in that time was a small dormouse, contented to sit observantly between her shoulder blades, drawing warm from her fluffy winter coat. The pair were all that remained of her modest little family after being set upon by a group of roving males, intentions unknown but likely ill-favored.

The girl had no time in which to grieve, for she knew in her heart that her parents had fought to ensure her escape until they could no longer. Winter was a cruel mistress, who would happily take her life if she did not focus all of her attention on finding a place to stay and food to get her through the hard months.

Following in her mother's footsteps as a healer, the girl was already familiar with various plants and their uses, but four months of preparation and learning could hardly be considered adequate, despite how bright and eager to learn was the pupil. She would have to continue learning, carefully observing the plants, many of which were withered by the cold season. She might even sample a few, always careful to avoid those likely to be poisonous. What few could be useful, she would gather into a small pouch of sorts, made from a large folded leaf. It was a pain to carry it with her everywhere, but she knew the importance of them and did so anyway.

Today she could be found searching the area around the labyrinth. She thought to go inside one of the caves to shelter, but she had a strange uneasiness around this place. Instead, she would continue sifting through snow, oblivious to the lioness nearby, hidden within the shadows of the cave mouth.

@Adrien

image by moogle/code by saph

Secrets tell a million lies To build the walls they hide behind But the truth is always brought to light

The speckled lioness had long been mired within her thoughts, the drag of her tongue through her curls a mostly mechanical motion, but the faint sound of rustling leaves that drifted inside her temporary hideaway had her instantly snapping to attention. The pace of her heartbeat kicked up a notch, a multitude of worst-case scenarios sweeping through her paranoia-tinged mind in a flash. Had she been followed, after all?

With her ears straining to hear anything else, Adrien edged closer to the threshold of the cave mouth, her side pressed tightly against the rough walls. Cautiously, she peeked out, violet and gold eyes narrowing against the onslaught of morning light as she sought out the source of the noise that had put her on such high alert. 'Maybe it was just the wind? A prey animal?'

Alas, those guesses were incorrect. There was indeed another lioness out there, a discovery that had her posture stiffening and her ears folding back into her red mane. But...it was not anyone she recognized. And the smaller girl certainly didn't have the appearance of a violent ruffian or anything of the sort. In fact, she was quite lovely, with her richly colored fur and the unique white mask upon her sweet-looking face. Quietly, Adrien watched @Cicada nose amongst the plants, tension bleeding from her muscles as she took in the peaceful scene.

...How had she ended up like this? A pariah, cowering away at every little sound, fearing danger at every corner when there was none. Such behavior was unbecoming of a noblewoman such as herself. She was sick of it, and the sight of another only made that realization feel that much sharper.

She simply doesn't want to hide anymore, and so she pushes away from the supposed safety of the caves, revealing her tall, graceful form to the morning sun while she released a friendly chuff."Bonjour, Mademoiselle!" She'd used her native tongue out of habit, though she began to think better of it as she approached the other with a pleasant expression on her face. "It's quite early to be out and about, no? Are you seeking some early morning blooms?" The girl's activities had sparked Adrien's curiosity, yes, but these opening questions served a dual purpose. It was always easier to get people to open up when you expressed interest in their interests, she'd found.

code by corvus

There was another lion here, one she had somehow missed during her ventures through the cold drifts. This would seem to be a recurring theme and something she would need to work on in the future if she hoped to remain safe while out here alone.

At first, she felt confused, expecting a deeper voice out of the lion, having never seen a lioness with a mane before. Eyes would seek to find her small rodent friend, that she could jump to defend him if this stranger should see him and think him an easy meal. The Dormouse had wandered off, small tracks leading to a bush laden with withering berries of some kind. She supposed he would be safe for now.

I am familiarizing myself with the terrain and its plant life. I am looking to store as much as I can through the winter. She informed, not unkindly.

@Adrien

image by moogle/code by saph

Secrets tell a million lies To build the walls they hide behind But the truth is always brought to light

Ah, there was that bemused expression that Adrien was quite familiar with, though she hadn't seen it in quite some time. So often did she get mistaken for a male, simply because of the red curls that ringed her neck. It used to leave her feeling quite put out - she considered herself to look quite feminine and ladylike, after all, but no one else ever seemed to notice. Not at first, at least. But she supposes that she's gotten used to it, or that she certainly should be used to it by now, so she repressed the urge to pout.

The girl is forthcoming, answering her inquiry in a manner more utilitarian than Adrien is used to, but she couldn't really complain. Straightforwardness is good. Surprisingly rare where she came from, but good. "Oh? I would offer to help you, but I'm afraid that this is my first time passing through here, myself." Maybe @Cicada could share some information with her about this place, but Adrien was hesitant to press too hard too soon. She'd work her way there.

"Are you a healer, then? Or are you just hoping to have some things to brighten your den during the cold months?" The former assumption seemed most logical, as Adrien wasn't aware of many practical uses for plants besides medicine. Though she had once known someone who could make the loveliest smelling perfumes out of them. Truly a shame that she'd never had the opportunity to learn how that worked.

+5 Learn something about another trade and their skills
+5 Learn a character’s full name and rank

code by corvus

Everyone had their drawbacks, things that made them different from others. As far as maned lionesses went, this one was no less pretty than any other, simply made unique and memorable to those she interacted with. As for Cicada, her looks were quite ordinary, what had her different was her awkward mannerisms and odd habits. Lions that ate more plants than meat might be as unusual as a lioness with a full mane.

"I am new to this place as well.. I am looking to gather what I can and also find myself a place to wait out the winter." She explained, paw pulling away more snow off the tops of withered plants, examining any that caught her eye. "I.. am mostly looking for medicinal supplies, but I do enjoy flowers.. they make a den more of a home." She admitted. She had always brought home flowers to keep in the dens in which she and her parents stayed in. Thinking of them would cause her momentary grief, but it would only appear in a brief pull of her lips in a frown.

@Adrien

image by moogle/code by saph

Secrets tell a million lies To build the walls they hide behind But the truth is always brought to light

Perhaps the younger girl was a bit awkward, but Adrien would hardly be bothered by such a thing. Paired with her sweet appearance, it only served to make @Cicada seem more endearing. Not that the maned lioness had any clue as to the extent of her quirks. The girl’s mousey companion had disappeared long before Adrien had gotten close enough to spot his presence. She was simply pleased that the mahogany lioness seemed amiable enough.

“Sounds wise.” She was a bit disappointed to hear that the other likely couldn’t provide her with much information about this place, but the sense of camaraderie that came with being two strangers in a strange land was enough to block it out for the time being. “Though perhaps you should have waited a bit longer before setting out on your own.” She commented with an amused quirk of her lips. Insensitive words, though Adrien didn’t intend them to be.

Wrapped up in her own troubles as she was, she simply didn’t have the space to consider that Cicada may not have been seeking a home for herself entirely out of her own volition.

“Would you be kind enough to share some of your medicinal knowledge with me? I can help you collect and carry some stuff, in return.” She’d gotten scraped up too many times in these past few months to not at least try to offer such a deal, if it could be called that. “Besides. Safety in numbers, hmm?” She added, idly poking at a clump of a dried-out vegation, clumps of snow dripping onto her pale paw just to be flicked away. “My name’s Adrien Thibault, by the way.”

code by corvus

The lioness would suggest she should have waited before venturing off alone, and her returned smile was warm, but there was something pained in it. She was not upset that the lioness had brought it up, it seemed a rational thing to suggest in most cases. "I would have preferred to wait another year or so, do more training. Me and my parents were, regrettably attacked by a band of lions. My parents were.. not quick enough. I ventured alone for a month or so before arriving here with my friend Shu. I will simply have to do the best I can with what I have." She explained, looking over the vast expanse of snow, which induced a shiver as she thought about the cold nights ahead.

The request for knowledge was not one Cicada could deny anyone, even if she was hoping to find herself a place to rest before nightfall. "I can name things when I see them, as well as their purpose. More than herbs, I am hoping to find shelter for the evening." Perhaps this lioness could help her find someplace, though before she got settled she would have to find food, as much for her small dormouse as for herself.

@Adrien

image by moogle/code by saph

Secrets tell a million lies To build the walls they hide behind But the truth is always brought to light

Adrien would like to think that she’s gotten good at reading others’ expression over the course of her life. Although @Cicada has a sweet smile, there is something lurking beneath the surface that makes the noblewoman suspect that she might have said the wrong thing. She does not have to guess at it for long, however, as the girl soon offered up a explanation without any further prodding. The mahogany lioness speaks calmly, but her story is terrible and Adrien’s heart sinks as she begins to understand the cruel reality of the situation. That this girl is alone, not because she wanted to be, but because her family was violently ripped away from her.

“Oh. I…I’m terribly sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed.” She spoke softly, her eyes downcast, finding it difficult to meet the other’s gaze after having unintentionally brought up what was surely a painful memory. The pause that follows is a bit awkward, at least on Adrien’s side of things, but eventually she draws in a deep breath and tentatively flicks her eyes back to the girl’s face. “You and your friend can stick around with me, if you like? I know it feels lonely, to be forced away from home.” In this, there is a similarity between them that heightens Adrien’s feelings of sympathy. Neither of them can ever return to the lives they’d had before.

Besides, the girl seemed like pleasant enough company. She seemed receptive to the idea of teaching the French lady a bit about the plants she gathered, and that fact drew a small, pleased smile onto Adrien’s face. “The tunnels back there seem like a reliable shelter. A bit hard and cold as far as sleeping arrangements go, but they keep the wind out.” She used her chin to gesture over her shoulder towards the cave entrance she’d emerged from. While not the most comfortable shelter ever, the cave had served her well enough last night. “I expect it’d be hard for anyone to sneak up on us, too.” That may or may not have been her main reason as to why she’d picked it for the night.

code by corvus

@Adrien would apologize to the girl, who would remain silent and understanding. She could interrupt her, assure her that it was perfectly alright, but sometimes it was best just to let others say their piece. "I understand why you might make such a presumption, I do not hold it against you." She offered in a soothing tone, her expression lightened. Sometimes it was good to speak of one's pains to others, even if they did not know what she had been through, some had endured similar heartaches.

At the lioness's invitation, Cicada would give a small chuff, placing her paw towards the brush full of small berries. A contented dormouse would react, carrying a sweet and swollen berry with him as he scurried up her leg to settle on her back. "This is my friend Shu. We would be pleased to take shelter with you for the night. Perhaps we can go now? I can show you the herbs I have collected and explain their use when we are inside?" Perhaps they could have stayed on collecting more, but it was already getting dark soon and the girl was quite exhausted from her long travels.

Provided she was willing to lead them, Cicada would follow the female indoors, bringing with her the small rodent and her pouch full of medicinal herbs.

-exit Cicada with Adrien-

image by moogle/code by saph