[PRP] Searching

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It had been a long time since Mors had headed out to fulfill his father's commandment and seek out the pink lioness known as Mittere. He'd grown taller and stronger, and his mane had filled out. The young lion was proud, but still worried. This was taking quite a long time, though the search Facio had been performing had taken far longer. Still, with he and his sisters to help, it shouldn't be too much longer.

The boy was nosing around, looking for someone to talk to and gather information from. Rumor had it there was a pride somewhere around here, from what he'd picked up. He hadn't heard too much about them, suggesting that they tended to not go beyond their borders too much. Insular. Maybe the perfect place to hide.

Movement caught his eye and blue eyes narrowed. He'd almost missed the form of another not too far off, for the fur blended in rather well. At least until he drew closer and the less natural markings became apparent. A lioness. Perfect.

"Hello there!" the pink male called out, coming nearer. "I'm a bit lost, do you think you can help?" Facio had taught his children that the best defense was to appear totally innocent. To not give others a chance to question their motives by seeming open and friendly, with a plausible story on their lips.  

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"I was heading for a place called the Pridelands," Mors explained, still smiling, though now his expression was openly hopeful. He'd heard about the pride and because it seemed so well known, it was a reasonable excuse, regardless of where he was and where he was actually going. Who knew, maybe he'd go there himself at some point in the future.

"It sounded like a lovely place to see, but I'm afraid my directions were rather vague," the lion continued, waving a paw through the air as if to mimic the instructions he'd supposedly received.  

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"My thanks," the lion replied as he got a gesture that was slightly more specific than what he'd received, though still vague enough that he couldn't be completely certain where the pride lay.

It was gratifying to learn that there was, in fact, a pride here and that he'd judged his location fairly well. Though if the pride produced lionesses like this one, who seemed competent at more peaceful arts, he didn't undrestand how it could possibly be dangerous. And he did need to know more...

"Dangerous? What do you mean?" the pink lion asked, allowing his genuine confusion to show, even emphasizing it. This lioness was no fighter, he'd bet his claws on it. Other than combat, he couldn't imagine what danger this Kitwana'antara could possibly pose.  

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Mors didn't have to work at all for his eyes to widen in shock at the news dropped by the lioness. A plague? It seemed to have no known cure, else she wouldn't have called it "unending", but it was rather surprising the pride was still in existence despite the affliction. Still, the proffered explanation made a great deal of sense.

"That's awful," the pink male replied, the smiling gone from his face. "I'm glad I found you before I got deeper into your lands." He was somewhat glad, but also somewhat annoyed. From the information he and his siblings had received, Mors calculated that his "area" to search was not the closest to where Mittere had last been seen, but not the furthest from a long shot. To be thorough, he'd have to check even this plagued pride.

But he sure as hell didn't want to get sick. Ugh.  

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Mors was nodding his agreement about how the longer one remained exposed to an illness of any kind, the more likely it was that one would become sick when the lioness changed the subject entirely, asking his name. He'd been prepared for the question, but not for the statement that followed quickly on its heels.

"Mahre," the lion answered automatically, having chosen the name for its similarity to his own back when he first ventured out. Then he managed to gather himself together enough to truly respond.

"But I've never been anywhere near the Kitwana'antara before - that I know of - so how could I look familiar?" the male asked with a winning smile. He didn't want to destroy the fragile web of lies about his being lost, so he allowed that such a directionless lion might have stumbled around in this region previously.  

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"And it's been lovely to meet you, Eione," Mors replied with a friendly nod. Then his expression turned cajoling as he stood his ground, not moving to leave yet. He could not, would not, let this potential lead escape!

"But please, I'm quite curious about this still. I've never had a complete stranger say I looked familiar before!" the pink male said, offering a self-deprecating laugh. "I promise I won't hold you up too long!"  

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"Well-known to you, perhaps," Mors replied, his tone just the other side of chiding. "I'm not saying you don't have good reasons - what with your plague! - but what is known within your pride is a mystery beyond your borders." He had to know. Absolutely had to. This seemed like it could be the end to his search...but he had to be certain. If Facio came all this way for a false alarm, it would be Mors who paid the price.

"I mean, it could be some distant relative of mine - though gods only could know how - or it could be some strange work of chance. But you can see my dilemma, right?" the pink lion continued, exerting his charm.