The sound of an intruder was not a quiet one. Not one that sounded jusat barely larger than he was.

Afon had taken Mauji hunting with her, to catch up with the nat, and he was granted rare reprieve to hunt on his own, the masle leopard accepting it to think, but hearing abnormal sounds had drawn him to caution, and the male stalked the sound of moving paws silently, teeth baring in silence. Intruders were intruders, even if the pride was more open, and much as Mauji disliked most of the current leaders, he did like Afon and her safety Mattered, the male stalking through the jungle several minutes, before stopping at a 'tic' noise, and he looked to see a figure studying the area curiously.,

They looked... Abnormal. It had traits of a two legger and traits of a proper creature, and the leopard hesitated, until the figure moved, nearly crashing into him.

Kabi'Ten bumped into the male ungracefully with a thump and yelped, falling on her bottom in surprise as she blinked and dropped her things. The goddess of treasure had a rough map,but the mortal lands were ever so confusing. She knew so little, a fact Xavier hadn't helped when the god found her as a cub crying. The god had raised her, but this was her first time free in the world by herself, exploring and trying to understand her new role as Goddess of Treasures, and she was quite enraptured by the jungle when she'd run into the leopard now grumbling and rubbing his head, the goddess blinking before sitting, nosing him.

"Oh! I'm so sorry sir! I didn't hurt you did I?" She leaned, pawing gently, and ducked a swat.

"I'm fine." Mauji growled, retracting his paw to finally look, and froze, blinking.

The differences were there - this was true. Her headfur differed, her wings rose as true wings, and she was decked in treasures he knew not existed until then, but he knew this goddess The very... Very truly at-risk of capture goddess, and it shocked hiom top a panicked mindset of his youth. The Commander's daughter -- the kind, but timid and sweet lioness spirited away, enslaved, saved by her half brother...

...And after death she had ascended, and wandered into demon land. Most of her old family or not, they'd want to keep her, and he worried immediately.

"What brings one of the divine to this place?" He asked promptly, eyes locking with anxiety. "Do you not know how dangerous it is to roam alone?"

Kabi'ten blinked at the boldness of the male. Dangerous...? She tilted her head. Something was off - his scent tweaking just-so to one of alarm, and the female blinked.

"No?" She offered, and watched the male groan, before she motioned thoughtfully.

"But, uhm, well, I'm sure it can't be that bad. You seem safe." She offered, and flashed a big smile. Mauji stared, and groaned.

"I, poerhaps. You look like - a lioness Iused to know and was fond of." He groaned. It wasn't a lie - he just omit a glaringly obvious fact. If Hakuna'jina could return, why couldn't this lioness? At least she was a good sort... And could he even tell the other gods she was here? augh, morality!

"This pride takes those of pale coats for slaves." Mauji explained, slowly. He wasn't going to lie, and he didn't miss the sudden, breif spark of anxiety. She remembered something. The male sighed, then, and frowned, reaching toi touch her paw.

"Not all - some born to higher class lions are higher, and they are treated kindly, but there are many whom would keep you all to themselves. If you are anything like the lady I knew was, I don't wish that for you. She was... Very gentle. Were she a leopard or I in better state of mind, perhaps I'd have been at her side, but I will not allow one like you face such fate."

A fate? A fate that sounded horrible, but...

"But you would be here to protect me!" It was flawless logic, after all. The goddess beamed, Kabi then licking his ear quite happily as she beamed. "You'll protect me. So it should be safe to explore. I trust you."

He seemed nice,in a vaguely familiar way that felt sad but happy, and the lioness nosedb him warmly. The goddess was anxious yes, but she'd snuck off for adventure, to find herself, and an escort would certainly be helpful, regardless of the horrifierd face he was making. Something bothered the male, and she wasn't givingup on her plan. He didn't NEED to come--

"Ah, well, based on your expression I suppose I won't impose then... But thanks for the warning!" The lioness nodded, and the leopard flopped, groaning.

"No it's. I can guide youto a safe place, but you can't stay here." He tried urging. The lioness stared.

"I'm not too worried, though.I can just fly away!"

"There's gods in this place whom may chase. And seers may See you in visions..."

"I'm fast. I won't be long anyhow." And Kabi'ten waved her paw as if ending the topic. It was a gesture meant to finalize her word, but the leopard seemed to see it as more.

Truthfully, Mauji did worry. He's seen what slavery had done and forced himself to see a leopard, a sight that made him turn and flee to persue his goals, but he knew she'd perished. He knew she'd been gone, and it haunted so many, even him. Might he have kept her alive? Why not a leopard? The male couldn't repress his worry now, though, and took that lifted paw to rush her, pressing against the lioness as he'd done as a cub. She'd been a friend to his mother, and the leopard wanted the warm body he sometimes slept by a moment, one paw arching to cling desperately to a cubhood memory.

Kabi'ten blinked. Small bodies, she recalled small bodies rushing and hugging her, usually like her, but once... And she absently lowered her paw around this leopard's back, a deep rumble-like purr in her body beginning to comfort the obviously distressed male. He wasn't saying his trouble, and she would not force it, but she did press her face into him, nuzzling his side soothingly.

"It's going to be alright, new friend." She soothed. "I promise, I believe in us fighting together. We can do it and we'll be safe. And if you're one it's okay if you're like them, too." The lioness cooed, grooming him.

"It's all going to work out in the end."

Subtle words. But the motions seemed to calm the leopard, and he sniffled, nodding before motioning.

"Follow me. I might know a place." He whispered. If nothing else, before Afon got involved. He'd die if she did -- that was for sure. For now, all he could do was hide her, and Kabi'Ten followed, trusting him completely.

It was nice.