I blame god; and so all his children [aw]

[Bhu]

My posture became relaxed, one paw slumped off the edge of my fortress. A lazy look took over my gaze, squinted eyes unfocused. A gentle flickering of my tail spoke words of pleasure, gently lulling me to slumber. Head lowered to rest on the single foreleg that stuck to the branch firmly, I gave the impression of a comfortable feline about to take part in a nap.

But I was not. Even in this state of mock security, I was lethally aware of what went on around me. Even without looking, I calculated that Symphony Bava' was marking this watering hole as his, and Anberlin was taking pleasure in the thumping of her pleased kits within her womb. The birds still spoke, so they were unaware of further danger, besides the three felines, who were too distracted by water to actually hunt. The wind held the disturbing aroma of Zonta, blowing from the north, but none closure that a mile. Even in what seemed a vulnerable state, someone who dared to attack would be dead in no more than a second.

The breeze changed and carried more Zonta, this time closer. Damn fool. It was a male tiger, juvanile. I couldn't hear his breathing, so I assumed he was a trained fighter. But since he had made it possible to catch his scent, I knew he was self trained. Zonta was known for their anti-voilence, so curiosity peaked at the idea that perhaps one was not so kind. And a tiger no less. Perhaps he'd consider Ende; we could use another big male around, as long as he did not threaten Symphony's position as Fuhrer.

"Ende Generalleutnant Annora." I was shocked to hear so much information about myself come grumbling from the brush just below my post. Had he gotten so close because I was distracted with my calculations, or because he was simply stealth? I leaned more towards the latter, for I never got distracted by my calculations.

"You've done your homework." I made the comment with a hint of kindness in my tone. A twisted kindness that sprung forth an even more disturbing smile. With grace beyond my breed, I came to the white blanketed floor. The tiger male gave a bow of respect, his eyes cold and ruthless. "What is your name, dear boy?" Again the voice was sickly sweet. I couldn't help but feel attraction for this tom. He was not an unsual color or anything of that sort, but he held such power in his stance and his gaze.

I'd earned her respect, I could see it in her gaze. My posture was firm, demanding yet somehow submissive. Having this girl admire me would be of assistance in what I had the ambitions to do. Symphony Bava' was known for having an almost caring relationship for his two female pridemates, and I needed to use that to my own devious advantage.

I'd done my homework alright. Ezhno wasn't such a bad fellow, when you took him by surprise. He had taken into account my shere size and unusal silence, as I'd threatened his beloved daughter. That was all it took to get the information I needed to impress the lioness, Annora. She was a former warfighter, so she longed for fame and power, though accostomed to be second in command. Currently, that was what she was in Ende, so I had to force admirement and adoration in my rock solid gaze, though not so strong I'd seem pathetic.

"Ahote. I request acceptance into Ende. I will take on whatever must be proven in order to do so." I spoke no further, and she asked no further questions. It was obvious she'd leave it to Symphony to uncover my reasoning of wanting to join, and reasoning of going against Zonta. In silence she lead me to the watering hole, instructed me to lay unthreateningly at the edge, and wait to be noticed by Symphony Bava'. I obeyed, watching the tiger and lioness take in Onida's life fluids, a smile playing my feaures. It didn't leave, even as Annora turned and dashed to take her place back on guard, up in her long dead tree.

Don't you know we plan on slaughtering Zonta pride? They may ask. I'd show it obviously in my gaze that I knew, and I wanted in.

[Ilyich]

He watched in blissful silence as the tiger was brought forth. He showed no surprise, his bleached face seemed oddly blank despite the warm welcome for Annora. Electric blue eyes followed the pair until the tiger was dropped at the rim- body pressed to the ground.Symphony found it all relatively amusing. The thought that cat's outside of his pride truly saw him as a respectable man, or at least a powerful one. Sharp angled stripes winding across his face, the man couldn't help but look slightly mad. Deep curves of gray encircled his eyes, and he wondered if he looked half as crazed as he really was. Really? Sym-sym! The genderless voices swirled, prickling in the fur in his ears.

The cougar beside him, lifted her dripping muzzle. Curling her lip in utter distrust. Who was this unknown poison spreader stealing into her family! This family knit together with it's bloody stitches... their wasn't any trust left over in her own darkened minds for trusting that tiger. But then she had no say in the matter, and the olive eyes of Anberlin turned to graze her fuhrer. What would Symphony have to say about this? The hackles on her golden neck rippled, suspicion prickling from every hair on her pelt. Sitting back on her haunches her instinct pulled the cougar's thick tail around to shield her heavy stomach.

The smile on his orange cousin's face made Sym's own mouth curve. Hard and crystal like in its quality his smile made the shadow rings pull taunt about his blue orbs. "My boy!" he chuffed in rough child like tones. A mask a mask! Insanity loves to hide behind things that make it look more devilish. Licking his chops with a thick salmon pink tongue, the man stepped towards the tiger. The Zonta male. Or perhapse the no longer Zonta rouge. "What would bring you to my stolen doorstep?" The white tiger asked not with force but with earnest wonderment. Why leave his home to join a bad of gypsy like masqueraders? Tail whipping he waited, though impatiently for his answers.

[Bhu]

The alpha spoke, the fuhrer, with a tone I had expected. His insanity was well known amoungst the soft hearted prides, and Ezhno had not failed to mention it either. Symphony Bava' was lead by forces beyond himself and beyond the kitten's Dio. Voices only he heard, words with no face. I envied the power this tiger had, but never would I show such desire.

He questioned with an approach and I decided to remain low, though not quite stomach rubbing low. Lifting my eyes, I paired in the general direction of Symphony Bava', not making eye contact, knowing such to be a threat. Voice quiet, yet bold and strong, I answered. "You plan to end the existance of Zonta Pride and their allie, do you not? Being a former royalty of their's, son to the Head Huntress, I know much that will help. Allow my acceptance as a humble servant in your pride, Fuhrer Symphony Bava', and you too may know the secrets." I gazed around cautiously, calculating that my research had been correct, before glancing back to the alpha. "Not to mention, I assist you and it'll be one less for Zonta, one more for you."