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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:16 pm 
 
 
                        
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			             Malek was leaning against a large rock formation that rested under a short tree. It was one of his favorite places in the Bhanu pride borders. For one, it was a place where his dark coat and mane could go unnoticed to the careless eye – though the tall foliage surrounding him certainly did help to conceal his form. Second, it was relatively close to a river that peeked into the Bhanu territory and it was a rather soothing sight that of the glimmering waters in the distance. 
 During the most uneventful days, the pride leader often isolates himself in this private little haven where he can feel his worries taking flight with the usually calm breeze and think without being interrupted. This time it was more of a rough wind than a caressing breeze actually, but the blue lion was still perfectly content with his choice. At the very least, he was alone.
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 5:28 pm 
 
 
                        
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			             A lone male was wondering through the underbrush next to the river. Sighing to himself knowing that his latest encounter with another lion went terribly wrong and the lion wasn't going to come back. Carmon looks down at the river seeing his out of place mane and coloration against the golden grasses and blue sky the only thing that matched the settings were his eyes. 
 He sighs then sits down not far from the river. His markings stand out against the golden grass of the savanna. His tall frame was not helping to hide him in the strong sunlight as it was. The strong wind was making his black and green mane wave in the breeze.
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 6:17 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Malek’s gaze slowly narrows into two lilac slits as it locks abruptly on the green male when he comes into sight. The blue lion follows the other’s steps, barely aware that he stopped any sort of movement - including breathing. The lion is a different shade from Hali, Malek quickly realizes and he recognizes him for what he is, a stranger. A stranger strolling dangerously close to the Bhanu territory – or is in it? Can he possibly have been neglecting the border markings? No he doesn’t think he has… but perhaps the strong gusts of wind are making it harder for the other to scent the pride scents. 
 For a moment his eyes move in the opposite direction that he’d been looking, searching for any more unannounced lions that might be following the green male. They seem to be alone for now and Malek is quite certain that he is within earshot of Russo and some of the other males which is definitely reassuring… in case more company arrives. But , at least for now, the Bhanu leader is confident he’ll be able to sort the situation out on his own. He finally inhales again. A tiny roar leaves his mouth, so low that it barely registers in the windy setting and, crouching low, he slowly moves closer to the black and green lion.
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 6:38 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Carmon, still looking at his reflection barely registers the movement in the grass. He says out loud "For all that its worth I wish I had some navigational skill and had never gotten lost...." He sighs, his intimidation factor diminishes by the second making him look like the newly maned juvenile he is.
 
 He hears a rustling behind him and his adrenaline starts to climb, his mane spikes up just a notch as the hairs on his neck start to rise, and his heartbeat starts to speed up due to fear. He stays stock still just like he was taught back when he was a cub. He starts to think of the ways he could escape and which one would be the easiest to make a dead run from where he was sitting.
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 6:54 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Malek hears the stranger sigh and say something he doesn't quite understand - though he's almost certain the word "lost" was there - and slowly begins to realize the lion is rather… young. And indeed much less intimidating that mysterious trespasser he’d taken him for before. Still, no need to be careless. 
 Suddenly, the blue lion stops when his instincts tell him he’s been heard and he hesitates for a moment. Then, slowly, he rises from the foliage that had previously concealed him and takes one step forward without trying to keep quiet. He waits for the young male to make the next move.
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:08 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Carmon hears a heavy paw hit the ground directly behind him, "No use in staying here longer."He mutters under his breath. His escape route is straight across the river with a hidden surprise underneath its surface.
 
 He waits a second before forcing his leg muscles to move. He takes off at a dead run straight into the river over to the Da'lin side. He was running blind since this is the first time being in this area. When he hits the deeper water his foot is cut by a sharp thorn on a fallen tree that was hidden at the bottom of the river. He makes it to the other side and starts to limp away while shivering from the cold water that soaked his mane and fur.
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:26 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Malek was expecting a fight… not a bolt. So when the green male makes a run for – in the worst possible direction mind you – Malek is stunned for a few seconds until the instinct common to all predators kicks in. If it runs… you chase it. 
 “Oi, wait!” yeah, like that would work. It’s not easy to run and shout at the same time but Malek is more interested in the running part right now and his paws barely touch the ground as they’re propelling him forward at top speed. He stops abruptly at the river’s edge.
 
 Oh, that little runt. Is that darn green thing really force me to get wet in this weather?
 
 “Stop, you idiot! You’re heading for Da’lin lands!”
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:37 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Carmon stops after a while and turns to look at the blue lion expecting the menace of a lion that tried to rip his tail off. He was completely surprised to see a blue lion standing where he was sitting.
 
 "And Why should I?" He yells to the blue male in response to the first shout.
 
 "Da'lin?" He pants out, trying to catch his breath. "Who the hell are they?" He is completely stumped at who or what they are.
 
 ((Woah Color Malfunction))
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:55 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            “Who… are they?” Malek repeats in disbelief. He looks around to see if he’s being surrounded, because the idea that the green male is trying to distract him while Malek blissfully enters trap is far more plausible that believing the young male knows nothing of the Da’lin followers. And yet, it sems they're still alone. 
 “What do you mean Who are they?” he shouts again, making sure each word is heard over the distance that separated them “Are you trying to be funny or something?” Don’t run. I’m not going to fight you. These last thoughts however never do manage to make its way into outspoken words. He notices the green male’s limp and a part of him (Malek would say the stupid part) felt partially responsible for the injury.
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:07 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Carmon watches the male closely as he looks about. What is his problem When the blue male repeats his question Carmon limps toward the shore of the river.
 
 "I mean," He takes a deep breath "Who or what are they and why should I be concerned aboutwhotheyareandwhattheyareandwho'slandiswho's..... His words start to run together when his question tappers off. He sits down waiting for the males reply.
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:31 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Malek tilts his head to the side. Could he be serious?
 “You better not be making fun of me,” runt… Malek holds back on the little insult and tries to consider the male’s approach as a small win. He sits more comfortably than before and relaxes considerably but this conversation still feels too surreal to him.
 
 “First of all, you don’t go into anyone’s territory without announcing yourself and even then you should always expect to be kicked out or killed for doing something that stupid without good reason.” This is a little too obvious so Malek is expecting some sort of impatient response from the young male.“ Second… well, don’t you know about Da’lin lions? I mean, you have to. It’s just… impossible… not knowing.” He waits for the male’s reply before elaborating. Of course he knows what Da’lin lions are. How could he not?! The kid’s mind probably just went blank with the sprint… right?
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:53 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Carmon's ears fall back at the tone the the blue male uses.  Who doesn't know that one. He remains quiet none the less after experiencing this kind of talk more often than not. The only reply was to roll his eyes.
 
 Carmon gives the male a look that says I have no clue what you are talking about.  "If I knew who or what they are do you think I'd be asking. Then again considering everything it does seem a bit unnatural that I haven't truly been around too many lions to ask anything......."  as his answer drops off he starts remembering all the lions that had hurt him in the past. His ears droop a bit at the thought.
 
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                     Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 9:10 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            “Well , you are brushing the Bhanu pride’s territory.” Malek says despite himself when he sees the younger lions roll his eyes.  
 “That’s just…” the sentence goes unfinished as Malek shakes his head and lets out a resigned sigh. “Alright, kid. It’s like this. Most lions are Zahina lions like you and me. Created by the Goddess Zahina. Technically she wants us all to be good and all that and sometimes she gives blessings to some she considers special. A lot of females still go to her temples to give birth. Okay? But… and really anyone knows this… Zahina is not the only God around. Da’lin is said to be the most vicious and conniving thing that exists. So lions who follow Da’lin are usually the most manipulative bastards you’ll ever meet. And they’re strong, too. Their choice even comes with physical differences. They have really big claws and their ears are different, too… sort of pointy… any of this familiar…?“
 
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                     Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:55 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Carmon sat listening to the male as he spoke of the Da'lins and their god.I'm sorry to say this up till now I have never heard of them....Or of the Bahnu...I guess when your lower than dirt to people they tend to avoid talking to you about things you need to learn...... He says this while looking at his paws nervous for some odd reason. Wow, I can't believe he's wasting his time trying to teach me. Thats more than I can say about the others..... He starts to shake due to pent up energy but it looks like he is cold or frightened.
 
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                     Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 6:51 pm 
 
 
                        
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			            Malek is left speechless for the moments that follow the little revelation and sits perfectly still during the uncomfortable silence. He examines the cold running waters with an even colder narrowed gaze before they rise to fully appreciate the green male.  Interesting colors.  And he does look rather young, doesn’t he?   
 “You understand now why I’m telling not to go that way…? You’re not going to bolt again are you?” Malek finally speaks seeking the other's eyes. “You can come back to this side. I’m not going to attack you, as you might have figured out already. Are you part of a wandering pride?”
 
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