Sharing Secrets and Plotting Plans

[|~|Lapara|~|]

Taj watched as she paused then listened as she said, "Alia actually means 'exalted' in Swahili. I know it doesn't fit me at all, but my parents liked the sound of the name. The meaning is just completely irrelevant to me." He chuckled. "Nice." He said with a mischievous grin on his face. They walked in silence for another minute or so. Then Taj said, "So how did you meet Bhuvanna? I'm sure that's an interesting story." He smiled, remembering his exchanges with Lapara. He had been a little frightened of another species at first, but then she turned out to be a great friend.

[Bhu]

[glow=red,2,300]Bhuvana[/glow]

The sarcasm that my peer put out stung me for a second but I quickly brushed it off. Something was weighing Alec down heavily, and I was determined to get to the bottom of it, but this approach obviously wasn't working. My face scrunched in thought for a moment, trying to decide how to best go about this mission.

On instinct, I moved to walk closer to the male, my mother instinct saying phyiscal contact would comfort and reasure. It only took a second before I realized what I had done and quickly pulled away, skin hot under my fur. "S-s-sorry, Alec. Mother instinct says contact is a comfort. You seem far more stressed than you're speaking. It pains me." The admittance came quite suddenly, before I could stop it from escaping my maw. I blamed it on the fact that I was a peace leader, I had to feel the pain of others. But somehow I knew it was something more personal.

[Miki]

Alia

"So how did you meet Bhuvana? I'm sure that's an interesting story."

[/i]

I smiled, "Well, not really. Don't get me wrong, I love her dearly, but we only met by just running into each other and starting to talk. Nothing exciting. I'm glad I met her."

I glanced at the two ocelots ahead, wondering what on earth they were talking about. But at the same time I knew it was none of my business. If anything, I'd eventually find out anyways. That idea settled my curiousity, and I padded on in silence.

"Do you think we're almost there?" I asked Taj, wondering how much longer of a journey we had. It wasn't that I was lazy, but I was tired of just walking.[/color]

Alec

After venting a little I realized that Bhuvana made a small, almost stealthy move to walk closer to me. The few steps we took close to each other was short lived before she noticed. I hadn't realized that the ocelot had acted unintentionally.

"S-s-sorry, Alec. Mother instinct says contact is a comfort. You seem far more stressed than you're speaking. It pains me."[/i]

I swallowed guiltily, I didn't deserve her sympathetic feelings. Not when I was planning to leave her soon. I glanced over at the slightly smaller ocelot, and was tugged with an urge to stay with her forever. But my logic wanted me to get away and live a normal, natural life. My heart was telling me otherwise.

"It's fine." I reassured her, "I don't mind, really. I know you weren't trying to, um, make a move." I smiled a little, trying to lift the tense atmosphere. Hopefully if I just completely disregarded her last statements, they would be forgotten.[/color][/size][/blockquote]

[|~|Lapara|~|]

Taraji, taken surprised by the question, looked ahead. "I guess so. I've been near Akando before, but not really inside."

[Bhu]

Was I? The question moved forward cautiously in my mind. Had I been making a subcontious move on him? My cubbish instincts screamed a disgusted 'no', but my more mature side calmly believed it true. Realizing my face was scrunched in thought, I forced forward an amused grin. I couldn't afford to have Alec thinking I was crushing on him, whether it be true or not.

"Well, I still want to know the fullness of what is wrong, Alec. But perhaps you'll tell me in good time..." I trailed then, offering the gentlest of looks, before turning my gaze back at Alia. My face twisted into a frowning raisin. "What on earth is that foul smell, Alia? Please do not say that is the stench of the Akando pride! It is horrendous!" I knew why it displeased me. Mixing with the lion aroma, was the unwelcomed smell of blood.

[Miki]

Alia

"I guess so. I've been near Akando before, but not really inside."

[/i]

So that explained the revolting stench that made my nose wrinkle. My lips curled, and I decided to breath through my mouth instead. The smell wasn't as strong, but I could still taste the blood-stained air.

Bhuvana's voice interrupted my focus on my breathing, and I was glad to know I wasn't the only one disgusted by the smell. "I'm afraid it is, Bhu. You'll have to get used to it. If our meeting is at the northern border, we'll be smelling it the whole time."

I didn't like the idea of that, but Dio had chosen that as our meeting place for some reason. Akando was one of our biggest enemies, what would happen if they discovered Peace Leaders meeting at the edge of their territory? The thought scared me, but I prayed silently to Dio that he'd protect us and that I'd better understand his will. My feet moved on though, and my anticipation grew with each step closer.[/color]

Alec

"Well, I still want to know the fullness of what is wrong, Alec. But perhaps you'll tell me in good time..."[/i]

"Maybe..." I said softly, and I knew the doubt showed in my voice. But I planned on being gone by the night's end, and surely my disappearance would answer Bhuvana's question. Or leave her with more...

The guilt clenched my stomach, and I tried to be reasonable. Bhuvana had duties to fulfill, and I'd just be in the way. Plus, I was used to living on my own. I would be happier in my solitude. I glanced at the pretty ocelot next to me, but now she was complaining about the stench. I wondered idly if she even heard my reply, and I hoped that she hadn't. If she did ask me though, would I have the courage to answer her truthfully?[/color][/size][/blockquote]

[02moonpelt02]

I could feel myself on the edge, the night tense with my fear and anxiety, but the thought that I would be meeting up with the four other Peace Leaders made me feel more at ease. The Northern Boundary was less used, especially at night, because prey didn't usually come this way. I scented the air, putting my nose higher up, and found the slightly pleasant smell of several felines, tiger, leopard, and a stronger ocelot odor. I hated the evil stench of Akando, and went out of my way to make sure it did not cover me completely, rolling in flowers and things like that. I dearly hoped I wouldn't gag the others.

Upon getting close enough, I saw their silhouettes, and was quick to pick up my speed and jog over to them. I stopped short, and padded slowly about two tail-lengths away. "I am Anabi," I announced, my voice softly, making sure they knew I was not one of my other pride members.

OOC: Sorry for the fail-short post ):

[|~|Lapara|~|]

Taraji looked on towards the rolling lands ahead of him. His nose crinkled up in disgust from the stench of Akando pride. He tried to stand it though, knowing that most of the time smells only lasted about three minutes. The smell was vaguely familiar though, and he knew from where. Lapara's family had been covered in it when the came to him with Laela. He shook the memory from his head and moved forward. He could see a small lioness approaching the group. He could tell she had rolled in some flowers to keep the scent at bay, but it didn't help much. Hearing her paws coming forward he fastened his pace, eager to meet the fourth peace leader. Was she like the rest of them? She had to be. Dio had given her a heart of gold. Could gold be worn down to steel? She lived in a pride full of evil hearts and minds. Only time would tell.

[Bhu]

A sideways glance was given towards Alec as he said a fragile and uncertain 'maybe'. My jaws opened to demand further explanation, but first Alia's voice answered my question about the smell, and then a new voice rose up. With excitement, and the short attention span I was known for, my head spun to face directly at the newcomer. Low voice in a land of loud bellows. This had to be the light-heart amoungst the evil of blood scenting Akando.

Catching her name, I gave a purr and bounded forward without hesitation. Adoringly, I rubbed against her front paws in greeting. "Hello miss Anabi! I am Bhuvana, the ocelot Peace Leader, loyal and humble servant of tha Almighty Dio!" My voice came out in a pleased rush before I pulled away and flicked my tail towards Alec. "That is my bestest friend, Alec. He is a worthy servant of Dio, too, and plans on aiding us. He's one of the ones Dio talks about following us, I believe." My eyes never left the lioness' face, and the smile never left mine.

[Miki]

Alia

With each step the scents of Akando got stronger, and I could tell we were nearing the border. I saw movement, seconds later registering it as a lioness jogging towards us. Instinctively I tensed, but there was no aggression in the lioness' movements as she came closer. When she was a few tail-lengths away she stopped, and a breeze carried over her scent. Flowery, but I could still smell the stench of her pride.

"I am Anabi."

[/i] Her voice was kind, and melted any doubts about her that I had. I smiled, and it stretched even further as Bhuvana bounded up to the lioness, greeting her affectionately. I envied Bhu's openess, the way she treated this stranger like they had known each other years. But at the same time I knew it was a good trait for one of our Peace Leaders to have.

The young ocelot introduced Alec as her best friend, and I smiled again at that. The male dipped his head politely, murmuring a 'Pleasure.' I nearly rolled my eyes at Alec's sudden shyness, but reminded myself he was used to being alone.

"I'm Alia," I said warmly, stepping forward. "It's so nice to finally meet you." And it was true, us other three Peace Leaders had found each other coincidentally, so meeting the final one was a real treat.[/color][/size][/blockquote]

[02moonpelt02]

I instantly purred at Bhuvana's warm welcome, calling me "Miss." which wasn't needed but certainly appreciated. This young ocelot seemed energetic and willing to follow Dio's every command. Alec, on the other hand, seemed a little shy at the moment. Hopefully that would subside before long. Alia seemed like a mother, like myself, and that made me feel comfortable with her in an instant. I noticed the tiger didn't introduce himself, but he probably didn't trust me just yet. After all, Akando was greatly hated and feared because of Ezhno.

I looked away from the others and back to Bhuvana, a warm smile gracing my features now. "It is a great pleasure to meet you, Bhuvana. It's wonderful to meet all of you," I replied, looking at the others on my last sentence. I smiled at them, still, relief washing over me that nothing had happened.

[|~|Lapara|~|]

Taraji shook his thoughts from his head. "I'm so glad to finally meet you, Anabi. I'm Taraji. Taj for short."

[Bhu]

It thrilled me to hear everyone introduce in such a friendly manner. The only one who held back with kindness was Alec, and I shot him a sideways glance. "Don't be a butt, silly." My tone was warm and friendly as I abandoned my affections to Anabi and turned to face Alec before cautiously moving forward and rubbing my face against his. "Do we need to talk?" I whispered it as my lips passed his ear, so as to have him be the only one to hear.

[Miki]

Alec

Names were exchanged as the leaders introduced themselves. With each passing second I felt more and more out of the loop. I wasn't supposed to be here. This meeting was exclusively for them.

Bhuvana's affection and airy voice was directed at me, teasingly rebuking me for being quiet. She rubbed her face against mine, the closest we had ever been, I realized with an excited thrill tickling my spine. "Do we need to talk?"

[/i] She whispered, her breath warm in my ear. My heart pounded, but my head was rational.

I shook my head quickly, answering without a word. I took a step closer to the other leaders, smiling warmly at them. "I'll leave you guys to your business then, I'll come back a little before dawn."

I glanced at Bhuvana, inhaling slightly with a pained heart. Would this be the last time I ever saw her? I kept my smile intact, hoping to look reassuring, though my heart was torn. With a final nod, I turned and trotted north, heading only Dio knew where.[/color][/size][/blockquote]

[Bhu]

He said no, but my heart leaned toward yes. Something was wrong, and I was about to give a cubbish stomp of frustration, demanding he say what was on his mind, but I never got the chance. He stepped away, said a farewell, and started north. The frustration in my gaze turned to panic. Something told me to stop him.

Alec was my serenity, what kept me bubbly and carefree, I now realized. It was not the mother I saw in Alia, or the fact I was now surronded by Peace Leaders. It was Alec. Simply Alec. It had always been Alec. Before him, I had been spiraling down to self damnation. He was the single light strand I still held onto in my soul.

With a few quick bounds, I sped to stand in front of him, facing him with a friendly grin, doing my best to hide the panic that had my heart fluttering. If Alec left, I would be of no use to these Peace Leaders. Surely Dio knew that and would welcome his humble servant into the meeting. Who cared if Alec was dubbed a Peace Leader. He was my friend, and as loyal and worthy as any of us of the presence of Dio's grace. No, he wouldn't miss out on this meeting.

"Where, may I ask, do you think you're going, punk? You stay with us. I know you and I survived as cubs on our own in the past, but neither of us have any reason to live such dangerous lives anymore. You stay in the protection of a tiger, lioness, and leopard. Just as I am. We go about this, together. Ya got that?" My tone was playful as I blocked his way, but I knew my eyes held the seriousness of my words. Alec wasn't leaving unless I went with him. End of story. Period.