[PRP] New Pride, New Faces (Tawa x Udaka)

[SilverLutz]

Tawa hadn't realized the territory that came with the title of Inselelo, and to be honest he really still didn't. He knew that he had to protect the lands and fend off intruders that were males, but beyond that he wasn't too sure what his duties consisted of. Guarding he could do, though. And he could do it well. He had been trained to fight by the Firekin, after all, and had survived in the rogue lands. He had the scars from battling Gabedi. He had proof of his strength.

It had been quite a shock to see just how much the females outnumbered the males of the pride. He knew the Bonelands were female dominated, but he had no idea but how much. There were two Abaholi, himself, and a few other males smattered around, but that was it. It was a bit daunting, to tell the truth.

He was currently seeking a watering hole for a drink. The sun was setting, cooling off the area, and he figured it was as good a time as any. He had been told that the water was drying up faster than it usually did thanks to the short rainy season but it didn't bother him much. He was used to going without water, or very little.  

[Seaki]

Udaka found herself wandering, lost in thought. More of a daydream, really. She wasn't quite sure of herself, especially around others, so the lioness learned to keep to herself, even with so much of her family about.

Even with keeping her heart close to her chest, the young lioness did long for company of others, even just a passing conversation. She was a little awkward and shy, though, her confidence wavering as she neared one of the few watering hole's in the pride.

It was a good place to start if she was seeking company, but now she wasn't quite so sure she was ready for it.  

[SilverLutz]

It wasn't long before Tawa realized he wasn't alone. He wasn't terribly surprised, considering the time of day and the location. He lifted his head from drinking, water dripping back into the pool from his chin, as he gave the approaching female a little smile.

"Good evening," he said by way of greeting. "Looks like it's going to cool off a bit for us tonight." Ah, small talk. It wasn't his forte but he had to admit he had improved quite a bit now that he had to speak to each lioness that he saw. He didn't want to come off as cold or rude, after all.  

[Seaki]

Udaka didn't expect to be addressed so suddenly, and she flinched at the sound of the male's voice. So far, she hadn't really spoken to anyone beyond her family and their social circle, and even then it was limited. It took her a moment longer to realize that she hadn't said anything in return, and had given the male a rather blank stare of surprise.

"Ah, hello!" She nearly squawked out, most undignified.

"I guess? I wasn't... paying attention, really," she admitted, flustered but her unfortunate flailing surprise. She tried to come to grips with it, tho she was quite embarrassed by her initial reaction.

Perhaps she could flee, and he wouldn't remember her face....  

[SilverLutz]

The rather shy reply was a bit of a surprise to Tawa. So far the lioness' he had met were very forward and bold. He had to admit it was a bit silly to think they'd all be like that, though. Even in the Firekin there were those that were soft spoken or awkward. Not everyone was built to be a warrior.

"Lost in thought...happens to me, too," he admitted with a chuckle. He himself was one of those that didn't quite fit the warrior mentality. The Firekin were known for the size, strength, and attitude. He had the size and the strength but was about as rough and bold as a mouse. He could stand up when he needed to and he'd fight for what he believed in, but the gruff attitude had never really stuck with him.

"Did you come for a drink?" he asked, hoping he wasn't intimidating her by remaining by the water.  

[Seaki]

Udaka gave the male a shy smile, shuffling a bit in her embarrassment. At least she wasn't alone in her wanderings of the mind. She hadn't ever seen him before either, though, so her first impression probably wasn't the best. Even so, he responded with kindness through her blundering.

"I'm not sure why I wandered this way, honestly," She nearly muttered - she figured she was lough enough for him to hear. At least she hoped - if she had to repeat herself she would be mortified.

She hadn't really been seeking water after all - company, maybe? But not really either. She didn't know! "You're one the new Inselelo, right?" She asked, hoping it wasn't too rude or out of place.  

[SilverLutz]

Tawa had to admit the lioness was rather adorable in her own little way. He had a soft spot for quiet, shy lions, though, no matter the gender. He wasn't quite as withdrawn as she was, and it was that difference that made him feel sort of like a protector or even a big brother to those around him that were like her.

"Ah, yes. Tawa," he said with a little bob of his head. "I'm sure you're used to seeing the new Inselelo a bit more beat up," he added with a wry tone of voice. His battle with Emrys - if one could call it that - had been a joke. He had pinned the small male to the ground and he had scuttled away without so much as trying to attack him. He felt like he had done the Bonelands a favor by chasing off such a coward. Now they'd have someone who could actually hold their own in a fight.  

[Seaki]

She tilted her head - yes, that was true. Some of the Inselelo challenges could be brutal and bloody. Udaka preferred to stay far away from them, even though they happened quite often.

She gave him a small nod of affirmation. "Usually, yes," She said. She didn't remember seeing the battle, and she normally kept to herself, so she wasn't sure what had happened, but the Inselele had changed out fairly quickly.

She gave a soft hum, lost in thought for a moment.  

[SilverLutz]

Leaning down again as Udaka hummed, Tawa took another drink. It was then that the wind changed and brought a very unwelcome scent on it. He lifted his head and peered out in the direction of the wind, narrowing his eyes. In the distance he could see a speck wandering far too close to the borders of the pride. Probably another lion looking for water or food.

"Terribly sorry, but duty calls," he said as he walked out of the little pond. "I hope you have a wonderful evening," he added, not wanting to simply leave it at that. He gave her another little smile before heading off in the direction of the rogue.  

[Seaki]

Udaka watched the demeanor of Tawa changed with a new scent on the air. It wasn't one she recognized and she recognized it as a new challenger, perhaps? Or just someone stumbling the wrong way and into the borders of their pride. She gave a gentle tilt of her head.

"Good Luck," She told him. Inselele left quickly - perhaps he would be gone already with this challenge. It'd be a shame, she quite liked him. He didn't judge her for her blunder and it made her feel a bit better about herself.

She watched him leave, settling down by the watering hole and taking a drink herself.