[FIN] I'd Like a Drink (Kuhasa & Erle)

[mouselet]

The very air smelled different than it had where she'd spoken to the blue lion. Far dryer, with a gritty undertone that stung her nostrils. But Erle didn't find it unpleasant. Far from it, this was very like the smell of home. Not quite the same, but close enough for the lioness to know she was getting close.

However, she had a ways to go yet - the Firekin wouldn't allow any other prides to set up too close - and it would be best to hydrate before she ventured into the desert. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be much water lying around.

A slight shimmer in her vision was either heat haze or water. But would a mirage show her crocodiles? Curious and a bit thirsty, the yellow lioness moved to investigate.  

[mouselet]

There was, in fact, a crocodile. In the water. And a lion watching it. Odd, but who was she to judge how a person wanted to end their life? And yet, the lion did not have his head removed by the reptile's teeth in the end.

"I thought crocodiles usually ate lions," Erle commented as she came near. The lion in question was a ghostly white male. If not for the brown in his mane and tail, she would've been certain of his acceptance back home. Because of it, she'd be a bit leery, but who knew? After all, the female herself was a now-former Huria, so perhaps the Motoujamii might be more forgiving of this stranger.

If he actually went. Most of the prides Erle had seen on her journeys had been quite peaceful, especially in comparison to the Firekin. And those which had invited her to stay had seemed shocked when she asked whom she'd need to fight for that right.  

[mouselet]

"Desperate?" the lioness repeated, red eyes narrowing. That was not what she, as a traveller, wanted to hear. Yet if there was a pride around, she couldn't tell. The border wasn't well-protected and this was the only lion she'd encountered.

Unless, of course, he'd made some sort of deal with the crocs. That could be a problem.

"What kind of desperate times?" Erle asked.  

[mouselet]

Hmmm. He seemed to be turning suspicious. Possibly protective? She wasn't entirely certain. Regardless, she was confident of her ability to defend herself at need, but Erle saw no reason to advertise that fact.

"I was," she replied. "A long time ago. But I was born in the deep desert, not in these scrublands," the lioness elaborated. She supposed now was as good a time as any to state her intentions fully.

"I merely hoped for a drink before I continue on into the desert," she explained.  

[mouselet]

Erle's eyes narrowed again. Damnit, this was the reason why she was nervous about going home. Really, it was only her family that she knew would be happy to see her. As for the rest of the pride...this was what she expected to hear.

"Oh I don't, do I? Would you like me to demonstrate?" the lioness offered, an unmistakable threat in her voice. After all, Huria were trained alongside their proper-furred brothers and sisters. Especially because they were going to be cast out into the world, without the pride's support.

Good Firekin parents expected their Huria offspring to survive, damnit!  

[mouselet]

Well, Erle hoped she would sound like what she was born. Which didn't make a lot of sense, but whatever. The name Ithambo'hlabathi sounded vaguely familiar, but not enough to really help. The fact that the Motoujamii had an outpost here was surprising and useful though.

"Either would be fine," the yellow lioness replied. "I'm Erle."

Keeping an eye on Kuhasa, she knelt for a quick drink from the river. After all, that was the reason she'd come.

"All right Kuhasa, let's go talk to a Firekin." And then...to home.