Not Doing Their Job

To say Kula was surprised by the sudden appearance of an unfamiliar lioness was quite the understatement. Fur fluffed slightly down the span of her spine, but claws remained sheathed. A questioning stare followed the lioness of cooled marble, accentuated by a slightly hanging jaw and drawn brows. It wasn't until another voice was made known that the princess felt a trill of alarm - a leopard this time, a speckled beast. Kula's head turned between lioness and leopard, a wrinkle hardening across her muzzle in response to the new threat. Did these two think that they could possibly take on a hunting party alone?

It was then that the leopard called to yet another form in an order to fetch their scout - clearly they were not that foolish. The wrinkles across Kula's muzzle multiplied as she flicked her gaze this way and that. An ambush? Was this Scar's latest attempt at removing another rival to the throne as well as Simba's remaining pride? Sienna toes tensed, sliding ivory claws from their sheaths in preparation for a battle. If they wanted to kill any more of her lions, they'd have to go through her.

Kula stalked forward a single pace, removing herself from her mother's side and parting her jaws in preparation to speak even as the clean-coated cub of her own party piped up.

"You have a lot of nerve, daring to approach us on our own -" A cold shudder rippled across Kula's body as a hulking mass separated from the colorless fronds of grass. Dark stripes detached from the upright shadows and stretched, growing to the form of a most hated individual.

“Out doing a little hunting are we?”

Sparks of unadulterated hatred fired across the reflected light of Kula's crimson gaze, boring into the tiger's. Snarling muzzle was thrust forward by a stiff neck, though the leonine princess' throat remained still and silent. How dare he - how dare he - -!!

As irises ringed with yellow flicked towards Boga, Kula felt that hatred stir further; like a waking beast it crawled up her throat to singe her breath with its fire. A lingering stare moving over the young lioness found itself quickly broken as Kula stepped between the pair, head high and brows low as she stood like a shield before Boga. You'll not have her, the lioness wished to snarl, she's mine. They're all mine, and you'll not have them!

“Everyone likes to be given a choice. So, I'll give you two,” Kula's gaze narrowed to mere slits in answer to the gaze falling upon her. “Come along quietly or...”

A sudden movement was met with evasion - but without thinking Kula negated Rajah's movement by leaping away, towards his hind. A few feet now separated the pair; Kula's crown level with Rajah's haunch and his own head level with hers. The tiger now stood between Kula and the rest of her pride, and his own 'pride' were at Kula's back. Crimson eyes widened with comprehension, with apprehension. He'd cut her off.

“You die.”

"Zolita, Could you fetch the pale one? We wouldn't want her to lose her chance to join in the fun."

A pair of ebony lips pulled back in a silent part, giving way to a sadistic grin from the loyal feline at Sabor's side. She let out one word, uttered as loyalty and understanding. Zolita had once been a queen until Tsarr let that Idiota take over when he ran off. She knew the value of a subject who not only knew her place but was more than happy to do her job. "Si."

Sure, the darkness of her pelt would make for a horrid cover but the pale lioness was small and Zolita felt no fear as she crept on the grassland floor. Her silver claws dug into the earth making not a sound as she curled around the back of the angry pride, listening hollowly as Rajah gave them choices. She ran her delicate tongue over her mouth and pushed towards the two lionesses. If she could just throw a shock wave between the two she could surprise them both and pin the small animal to the floor.

Zolita's jaws dripped with the saliva of a sociopath. She was imagining her ivory canines pressing into the back of the lioness' neck, just tightly enough to hold her still but not tight enough that she was going to snap a vertebrae in two. She flexed her claws, lowering her ebony head, letting out no sound as she pushed her silken feline body towards the pair. Closer now, she mused to herself, just a tad farther and we'll have our ambush completed.

Finally she made her move. She growled, low, a rumble from her throat almost like a purr. Her aim? To snatch the girl up by the base of the head where it met the neck. She had more muscle on her, despite being smaller, but Zolita was sure that if she got a solid grip on her neck she'd collapse. Then the fun of being a hostage began for little Sabini.

Toxic malachite eyes remained ever so vibrant against their onyx backdrops. Upon advancing to the grasslands, the twins lagged behind, fanning out in their signature formation. Stealth was the key and the element of surprise was the door to be opened. Every step was precise; no uttering of sound left the bottom of their paws. They were delicate and almost mute, carefully the remained beneath the grass locating their comrades with their ears her nose. Grass washed over their abyssal spines and their own scent remaining hidden, even in the peeking of dawn they would be concealed, they mastered this art.

Easily the heard voices emerge, the ego clad sound of Bella was easily picked out, of course the newer of the few would break formation. Dismissing the flaw they focused upon the mission in progress, soundlessly advancing near Rajah awaiting a certain message to be hinted. Their immaculate king, before they met him, they were sure only immature were in Scar’s army. He inspired them from his blistering words to the fluid swell of his muscles when he pounces upon an enemy, the fear welling within their eyes. The colossal tiger hadn’t revealed himself yet, slowing their breaths they became virtually invisible, glinting eyes concealing themselves to avoid detection. It wasn’t time yet, be patient and they will reveal themselves to the group of lioness. Once Rajah’s robust figure nudged the adjacent grass beside them that was him beginning to advance. Lifting their eyes they fastened upon the ignited gaze of Rajah, emerald depths met the molten irises. Softly they allowed their eyes to dilate and they answered with simply closing their eyes before they angled themselves in different directions.

They were to hesitate until Rajah stepped forth and then the initiate their duty. Sheeta faced right while Nuru chose left, the moment words slipped from the sinister lips of the king they stalked onward. Rounding in wide circles until they were almost to the rear of the party, suddenly they parted the embrace of the grass and without a single murmur they began to pace behind the group. With drawn steps they rhythmically rounded them, on occasions passing one another. Expression was subtle, hinting nothing and showing no weakness. Each time they passed a lioness they locked eyes, perhaps to instill fear or simply to detect something. Skimming every inch of the felines they could notice even the most insignificant tensing of a muscle. Almost not even noticeable they glanced at Rajah to secretly alert him of something before the continued the hypnotic steps, brilliant eyes reflecting and the fluid beat. It was to distract them, how it happens was up to the lioness, it could even place them all in a state of fear. Nuru and Sheeta are thorough, silent beasts they that acts out everything without fail, they aren’t mindless though, they choose who leads them.

Naanda lifted her head with the appearance of her daughter at her side. She was glad to be rid of Scar's daughter but now they too needed a plan. Standing here would do no good and they couldn't just give up on hunting for the day. They needed food. The pride needed food. The army of their fellow carnivores needed food.

No, they would have to press on and look for food. In the back of Naanda's mind, however, she knew that sooner or later the herds would vanish and they would be plunged back into the nightmare of Scar's reign. There were simply too many mouths to feed and not enough prey to sustain them all.

As much as she was loath to admit it, sending scouts out was a fair plan. However, she didn't get the chance to speak before the pale lioness made her appearance.  

Naanda's hackles immediately rose, she didn't recognise this lioness and the way she spoke to them made her gut twist. Where had she come from? With such a pale pelt it would be next to impossible to stay camouflaged for long. 

The older lipness didn't get to ponder for long as more cats melted out of the grasslands. One cat lithe and smaller than the rest with a beautiful looking spotted coat, a leopard and another massive cat with ebony stripes against dark orange, a tiger. Then two more from behind them, almost identical, black lithe and just as deadly as the others. 

Naanda held her ground, hackles rising even further. She would not be cowed despite the fearsome appearances of the other cats.

However, their mistake was to let the great tiger speak and approach Kula. 

Without the need to think, she stepped forward and placed herself between her daughter and the massive tiger. The older lioness glared at him, she may not be as young and resilient as her daughter but she would kill this tiger if he tried to touch her as he intended.

"And who are you to make such demands of us?" she asked him, red-brown eyes hard and defiant "We are not your's to order about like common cats."

The two black cats were getting too close for comfort and she gave out a low growl in warning. She would not let any harm come to her daughter. She would fight them all herself if that was what it took, Kula was too precious to her for her to simply stand aside as these cats threatened her.

Eyes like the gates of hell blistered longingly, searing the princess's own widened gaze.

His threatening snap sent drove a wedge between her and her group of subordinates. It couldn't have possibly worked better. A crack appeared on his statuesque features, broadening his sadistic appeal. Heat rippled through his scorching blood rimmed irises as his whiskers curled in apprehension. Kula didn't dare speak her concern, though her expression revealed everything. She'd responded in a way that did indeed satisfy him. Although not everyone followed her example. A single voice rose above everything else, causing a grim countenance to dance along the beast's canvas. “And who are you to make such demands of us?”

A furious face propelled itself indecently into Rajah's line of sight, forcing a snort to billow sharply from his nostrils. The exhaled carbons rasped hotly across Naanda's features as an eyebrow was quirked questioningly. “We're not you's to order around like common cats.” This caused his gaze to taper, muscles rippling as he strained himself. “Time isn't something to waste. You, you are disposable. If your life is what is takes to get the rest of your group's attention, so be it.”

Eyes flashed upwards, capturing the gaze of the twins and noting their silent message. In response he allowed pupils to dilate for a fraction of a second before he pointedly locked gazes with Naanda. The two most troublesome lionesses here appeared to be Kula and Naanda. They needed to be subdued before the others gained courage to act out. That would be a setback to their plan. This needed to be completed before the sun reached it's destination. Whirling around he faced the sienna lioness, claws glinting as he delivered a powerful blow to the side of her head. It was meant to knock her to the ground as well as daze her. If it were to be successful, he'd place a single claws paw on her skull, keeping her head pinned indignantly to the earth.

Words would then rise powerfully, “Do I need to provide any further motivation?”

The obscure jaguars would complete their given task flawlessly of course, lowering the group capability of acting out. Zolita had the pale lioness and her sidekick under wraps. Bellatrix's charming features were fixated on the ivory beauty while Sabor and the other elite's stood at the ready. This mission was going by with perfection. He'd expect nothing more of his highly capable subordinates.

Having been standing right behind Rajah, awaiting for any kind of order to reach her ears, the young adult feline had been unnoticeable thus far. Zukkiza hadn't had much of a view either, she could merely smell the pridelander scent these lionesses carried in their pelts. It's not like she really wanted to be noticed anyways; the lioness was aware she was probably one of the youngest here, and there wasn't really a need to mention she also was the least experienced and useful. In fact, whole situation was rather uncomfortable; she didn't really know what to do or how to behave. Should she look threatening and cunning like the rest of the felines did? Or should she merely be stoic and non-emotional? Maybe she had to look calm and chill and evil. She, of course, wished Rajah had gone into a little more detail of what should she do once she was out there, helping him with the 'raid' he had talked about the night before. So, naturally looking rather insecure, she'd decided to stay behind the massive tiger the whole time, but, of course, nice things never last enough. She had to make her presence known, because there was strenght in numbers and the group had to look strong enough for the pridelanders to not want to stand against them. So she made up her mind.

She stepped so she was standing next to Rajah while still somewhat behind him, crimson orbs fixed in the pridelanders, her expression a hard frown that wasn't easy to see through. Her irises darted from lioness to lioness, and none of them seemed familiar to her. Not until one of them spoke, causing Zukki to abruptly stop analyzing another lioness instead.

"You have a lot of nerve, daring to approach us on our own -"

Her stoic expression immediately turned into one of shock, the muscles along her spine tensing as her fur bristled slightly. No. No no no no, not her of all lionesses. Zukkiza's gaze remained fixated on Kula, her features slowly twisting into a grimace of sorrow and anguish. This was not supposed to happen. It wasn't supposed to go like this. I mean sure, she'd been living here for a couple of days and odds were one of her acquaintances would be captured in the raid, but she never expected... she never expected Kula to be amongst them. Rajah never mentioned Kula was gonna be there. Had she known that, Zukki would've never agreed to this.

She couldn't do it.

This changed everything. Yes, she owed Rajah no less than her life and the life of her future cubs, but putting Kula at risk... it was too much. She couldn't, she wouldn't risk Kula's life for the sake of her own stupidity. Zukki restrained herself from taking a step back, her eyes suddenly covered by a thin curtain of liquid she wasn't willing to let out. If she wanted to help Kula, to save her friend, she had no choice but to carry on with the plan. If anybody knew she was doubting her own loyalty towards the Elite Felines, there was a possibility she'd end up captive as well, if she was lucky enough to not die. So instead of doing anything impulsive, she stayed put, though her eyes remained locked on Kula as she tried to hide her apologetic expression, her ears flicking to try and catch any order that might be addressed towards her.

Loping off the right hind of the other rouge, Sabini couldn't help but smile. She was helping - she was wanted! Nevermind that she was just scouting for herds that might not be out there, at least it was something.

"So uh -" The olive-eyed lioness had to raise her voice slightly to defeat the rustling of the grass and the pounding of paws. She'd waited a few moments to speak, letting the silence draw on. "Do you know where we need to... Uh..." Sabini's brows drew together at a slight tingling sensation - that uncanny feeling of being watched. The beat of her paws slowed for a hesitating moment as her ears flicked backwards, shortening to a few trotting steps for just the briefest of seconds. There was only time for Sabini to scan the grasses on one side of her body; before she could finish a 360 turn of her head her air supply was cut off. A powerful force slammed between her shoulder blades and drove her into the ground face first, burying her muzzle in the sunbaked soil of the Pridelands. Teeth met in her scruff, tightening in a choke hold that pulled the small girl's air supply from a gulp to a soft sucking.

Without a sound the small lioness went down.

“Time isn't something to waste. You, you are disposable. If your life is what is takes to get the rest of your group's attention, so be it.”

Kula's choked cry was wordless as Rajah turned his gaze upon her mother. She'd already lost her family enough to crack the wards protecting her sanity - how could she afford another blow to her psyche? Nothing could distract Kula's attention from Naanda and the tiger. Not even the appearance of a so-called 'friendly' face among their attackers drew her attention away.

Sienna paws stepped forward in a lunge not of aggression, but of desperation. Kula wanted to be close to her mother, as though her presence could somehow protect the older female from harm. Perhaps they'd never been close as mother and cub, but Naanda had still been the one to suckle and raise Kula. She was still Mom.

The tips of needle-fine claws bit into the side of the lioness' face before her destination could be reached; without any dramatics a paw boxed her across the face and ear, throwing her to the side mid-step and forcing her head down into the dust. A loud buzzing ring filled Kula's skull like thick syrup, slowing her thoughts while she tried to shake it away. The red-brown fur of her muzzle barely cleared the dirt before it was pushed down again. A paw that easily covered the majority of Kula's skull pressed against her, sending down rivulets of thin red lines from the pricks of unsheathed claws. The female felt a shudder pass through her body as she felt Rajah's heat move to stand over her - the sensation was strange, familiar and unpleasant all at the same time. A single crimson eye remained squinted open beneath the tiger's toe, wavering with repressed fear and indignation as it searched for help.

Ears flicked up as the scene blurred for the young golden pelted girl. Her feet pressed into the dirt, eyes widened and her thick body shook with fear. This assasin's group of felines had snuck up on them and they had no idea. They were probably lurking in the tall grass, creatures slinking like snakes among the weeds. She braced herself. She didn't WANT to fight, especially since there were lions in the bunch. But she realized she might have to.

She swallowed a few times nervously. "Now...now let's not be so hostile. I think if everyone just takes a breath-" Her head swiped to the side as she saw the blur of noir and orange push past her and pin her leader. Her crimson orbs flashed, fur prickling and anger blazing through her. Anger was toxic but what they were doing was just plain rude.

"Quit it!" She whined, almost like a cub would, "Stop! Why are you doing this?" She shook her head, realizing how childish it sounded. Instead of beating herself up, however, the golden female lifted her paw to her chest, breathed in and swung her paw outwards, breathing out again.

"Look," she said, pacing herself slowly in front of the massive cat, "Look, can you at least get off of our queen? You're crushing her and that's not only bad for her chi but bad for yours as well. Your aura is dark. Maybe instead of fighting we can talk about that?" Her tail flicked back and forth as she grinned. "Please?"

Zolita couldn't help but chuckle from her nipped perch on Sabini. "Estúpido leona (Stupid Lioness," She cackled through gritted teeth.

(Rajah since Kivivu's being an idiot by discussing chi with a killer tiger, I'm giving you permission to godmod if you wanna retaliate. Don't kill her but go forth and do what you want ^^)

The wide circumference of the twin’s paws pressed into the soil, eyes glinting as they skimmed each lioness. Not a single word let their throats; they remained in the back to block their escape however Nuru stiffened beginning to creep closer to the front. One of the lioness’s mood turned reluctant and she began to approach the king, narrowing his eyes the male jaguar began to gracefully stalk behind her, listening to her words closely. "And who are you to make such demands of us?" Naanda’s voice gradually rose in volume, "We are not your's to order about like common cats,” her attempt to be the hero was pitiful, she didn’t even attack someone. Sheeta remained pacing to and fro her malachite gaze bitter as she glared at Naanda. “Do not speak to him like that,” in a harmonic way the twins finally spoke, their voices mingling in a haunting and eerie chime, their tone enough to chill the blood of any brave individual.

Directing their attention to Rajah their pulse quickened and pupils constricted into slits. The moment they had done that Rajah barreled into the sienna lioness and firmly held her skull in place watching as she snarled defiantly. Her ferocity was to be admired but it was futile. The twins locked their eyes together before the passed one another tails twining together before Nuru advanced toward his target. Bunching his muscled hinds he launched himself at the decrepit lioness known as Naanda, their mission was to capture them all alive however they had no use for old hags so if she continues trouble she’ll be ended. If his attack was to hit he would instantly flatten her to the ground with his mass and submerge his serrated claws into her shoulder before craning his neck to fasten his incisors around her ear.

Sheeta allowed a subtle glance to her brother, a grin ascending upon her velvety lips. As the sun began to hover across the sky it illuminated the spine of the immaculate lioness tucked to the ground in obvious fear. She seemed highly obedient however if she were to flee in terror… Jerking her gaze to Bellatrix abruptly she hesitated to see if she was going to deal with the beautiful female. This mission was supposed to be fast so dismissing Bella she became adjacent to Boga, a thin smile creeping along her face. Sheeta experimentally nudged her with a paw to hold her in place, “Remain passive and upon the ground and you will not be harmed, understood? That pretty pelt of yours shouldn’t be tainted with blood,” The female jaguar decided to be gentle with Boga unless she reacts, and then Sheeta will show no mercy. She had to suppress the urge to jab her claws into the velvety pelt of the female which will be rewarding, this ivory feline was gorgeous. A sincere and trustworthy smile flashed to the petite female, Sheeta had a way with words and deceit.

Everything was occuring much too quickly for the petrified lioness, her abyssal pupils devouring the striking sea-foam irises. During the traumatic events, Boga felt her muscles tightening, fur pulling taut and ears plastering to her skull. She wished to be smaller so that she could just sink into the inviting earth. Anything but here. Where the beast's prowled on their own kind.

It had taken mere heartbeats for the striped demon to take down the princess, shattering what little confidence she had. Gulping dryly, she watched helplessly as others rushed to her aid. Though all attempts were futile. This group of assassins weren't novices. It frightened her.

Though, as if to make things worse, a haunting shadow melted away from the rear and slowly spilled forward. Golden blades bowed to the superior obscurity. Rather than stop, the shadow reached forward, gleaming jewels among the murky darkness. It was enticing. Terrifying. Omnious. Beautiful in a way that made blood run cold. She'd fallen into a trance but it didn't last for long. Muscles jumped spastically as she felt the shadow strike. A mere prod, but it had her heartbeat pounding frantically on her ribcage. Words spilled like warm milk over her ears, quickening her rapid pulse. Remain passive on the ground. That's all she had to do in order to live.

“O-okay. I can...I can do that. Uh...” Lids fluttered as she collapsed to the terrain, claws gripping the earth as she breathed deeply, sqeaks occasionally rising from her muzzle. She couldn't just let these brutes take over their group, but what could she do? She couldn't fight! Only hunt.

Amused embers scorched viciously as the fiend stared down at Kula, a sinister smirk etched into his features.

She was terrified, and rightfully so.

Naturally, someone jumped to their Queen's defense, however the unpleasant voice belonged to one of the smaller lionesses. Snapping his hostile gaze to her, he pricked his ears, listening impatiently to her lecture. He'd expected her to attack. That wouldn't have been a wise decision, but it would sure beat talking. A snarl unfolded, causing waves to ripple along his muzzle, a hoarse sound dripping venomously from his unhinged jaws. Slamming his paw further into Kula's flesh, he forced her face deeper within the cracked soil before stepping off of her and closing the void between himself and that pesky lioness. "Look," she said, pacing herself slowly in front of the massive cat, "Look, can you at least get off of our queen? You're crushing her and that's not only bad for her chi but bad for yours as well. Your aura is dark. Maybe instead of fighting we can talk about that?

Eyes tapered, inducing a wildfire within his gleaming irises. "You want to talk, hm?" In a split second he'd lunged forward, his speed and power resembling a freight train. Rather than stop, he merely distributed his weight evenly among his massive paws before ramming directly into her. It was possible for the female to have partially sidestepped, however she'd have gone down one way or another. Immediately, the tiger placed a clawed paw over her throat. Looming over her in a dominant stance, he hissed bitterly into her face, his words rather foreboding. "Let's talk about your deat--" He paused, before settling back with a smile, the foreign muscles causing his whiskers to curl. "Yes, let's...fix this dark chi of mine." He waved his paw as he spoke the words. "In order to do so, you and your group should come along quietly.." He then cast a look at the rapidly ascending sun before speaking a bit more urgently, "Otherwise one of you will die."

They needed to go, now.

Offering a glance towards the other lionesses, he took note of how many were restrained. Zolita had quickly and efficiently taken care of the pale lioness, while Sheeta handled the ivory female. Nuru had taken a more violent route, but all was well. The threat of killing Kula's mother would gain their attention. And if it didn't, she's die. Considering she was an older lioness, she may not even be of use to them. He needed the others alive, but her? Not necessarily. Shoulders rolled back as he pressed his claws into his prisoner's throat, causing blood to well up. "So," He rumbled, "What will your choice be?"

It was like a blur, a liquid orange and black mass running towards her. The gold pelted girl had no time to react. Down she went like a weak baby gazelle who'd just learned to run from predators. Except this gazelle wouldn't be following the herd. She choked, she whimpered, she lifted her neck to escape but that just made it worse. She hadn't realized how massive Rajah really was until his body was pressing into her's. She'd tried peace and that had failed. But due to the pounds of weigh crushing her windpipe she couldn't jump on the offense either, despite her claws not listening and scraping at air.

"Yes, let's...fix this dark chi of mine. In order to do so, you and your group should come along quietly..Otherwise one of you will die."

Damnit, she thought, was it peaceful until I opened my big mouth? Did I cross this tiger so much he's gonna kill us? Was it my fault? Her ears folded back. She shook her head and let out a hoarse whisper.

"Okay...okay!" It wasn't really her choice was it? But she still would give the tiger what he wanted. Soul and sun were creeping up on the group. The circle of life was rising.

And frowning down upon them all.

"Right this way ladies.." Bellatrix purred, almost to herself. Sharp eyes shifted to Rajah, as he worked his way into them with a harsh demand to each. None of them would be pleased with what they were being forced to do. Who liked being kidnapped by someone as brutish as Rajah? The way he threw himself at them. He'd done it to herself as well but for the sake of sliding in and becoming something remarked with as pleasing, she'd swallowed the urge to bite back.

Bellatrix didn't bother to reply to any of the questioning looks or demands these females gave her upon her initial arrival. Any doubts they had or concerns about her would quickly be forgotten or dashed out upon the arrival of the rest of the crew.

It was likely Rajah would be displeased with her for breaking the line of coverage and bounding out first. But she hadn't just jumped forward without intent, or a desire for attention. Bellatrix didn't make a show of things simply because she knew she was always seen. But the pristine feline hadn't wanted the ranks to separate with too much distance.

Bellatrix spared small cool glances to each of the lionesses being taken in. They each displayed different things, fear, confusion, fierceness. Quite the bundle, Bellatrix assumed their king would be pleased. How did this benefit her though? It was unknowingly decided that benefits would somehow reveal themselves later. For now it would prove as something of a trust exercise as far as she was concerned.

Perfect. Sabor's gaze swept across the lionesses as they were subdued, one-by-one. Just perfect. Nuru now sat atop the aged Naanda, Sheeta was cowing the brilliant white lioness further, Zolita had gone to capture their runaway, and Rajah had the outspeaking cub's throat firmly beneath his paw. The only one left was...

Gleaming green eyes fixed upon Kula as she tried to rise from the dirt, her expression a terrified snarl as she took in the sight of her mother and young friend pinned. Their very lives were being threatened - even if it meant capture, she couldn't let them die. "No - stop! Don't hurt them!!" Sabor allowed a tiny hum to emanate from her throat before glancing to the lone lioness of their team.

"Mm, Bellatrix? Go see if Zolita requires assistance... convincing our runaway to return to her friends. We don't want her marking the poor child's pelt before we deliver her to her new home." Sabor trusted the blue-eyed beauty to refrain from using her claws - she'd already proved she was good with honey-drenched words - and Scar would likely take offense to them bringing broken merchandise to his door. Besides, the situation here seemed to be quite controlled.

Sabor padded to Kula's side, taking the opportunity to place a heavy back paw upon the lioness' lower spine to pin her back half. A front paw went forward to rest at the crown of her head. Claws sunk in and muscles turned to cords along the leopard's limb as she wrenched Kula's head back, exposing a tawny throat and drawing a strained noise from between clenched teeth. "Shh, calm..." Sabor leaned forward to purr the words into her captive's ear, close enough for the puffing breaths of her inaudible chuckle to be felt stirring the hairs within Kula's ear.

"Look to your queen, lionesses," Sabor lifted her gaze and voice to the rest. "She is prepared to pay for whatever resistance you present to us with her pain." Perhaps this would be simple enough motivation for the group to simply rise and allow themselves to be herded away. "You don't want to see us hurt your poor queen, do you?"