Separation

[Paxx]

It wasn't common for the oracle to tred farther than the castle grounds.
The castle had been the felines home for the past year, constantly walking the halls back and forth for hours simply for the exercise. The oracle was often confined to her work, deep in the castle working closely with her dear spirits. The spirits required constantly attention, and the needs and demands from the chief often kept her too busy to eat. The feline would go days without eating; with the fear of other felines, she often relied on scraps and meals brought to her by either royal guards; or on rare occasions, the chief.
The spirits, --she believed-- knew what was best for her, and one cold morning, the spirits had directed her toward the dead lands in search for food, by herself.
In the early hours of dawn, the feline awoke to a broken bottle of sand from the dead lands, laying very close to the window in her den deep in the castle. To the oracle, the signs were obvious, this was no accident, and the feline had no choice but to obey the ways of the spirits.
With a flicker of her ears, the cat headed out to the dead lands, they weren't far from the castle, but she did it in hurry; to avoid those who wished to spark a conversation.
the Cat whisked her way through crowds, --trying to avoid them-- and deep through the murky territory to the dead lands, filled with dry sands and dying trees.
It should be easy to catch something here, there was a reason it was called the 'dead lands'.
Paxx felt as if the spirits were giving her permission to tend to her own needs, she had dedicated the past few days to working closely with the spirits to set up the ideal of bringing an heir to the feline chief. That would take alot of time, as the spirits were not fond of asking for favors, such as heirs.
Paxx wandered the dead lands in search of easy and quick food, such as a rabbit, that would do her over, she could summon the courage to ask a guard for an elk or deer of some kind later.
she preferred the dead lands anyway, not as many felines ventured and hunted these parts, partly do to its dangerous attitude, however; Paxx had no fears here, the spirits would protect her. From danger yes, but from other felines; well, that was a different story.

[taran]

[bg=black][atrb=width,400,true] Click for Pic! Taran Bone crunched with the simplicity of twigs as his crushing jaws tore into the fresh carcass of gazelle. Though the massive, well muscled brute was not the swiftest of his kind, he was cunning and powerful, and had ambushed the old stag as he rounded a fallen tree. That first burst of blood that erupted into his maw as he sunk his teeth into it's throat had been a blast of flavor, and the feline had almost purred in satisfaction at the taste. After being on his own for the better part of a year the black maned lion had learned to hunt for himself long ago, and though his tactics usually took more time, he almost never went to sleep hungry. Of course none of it was truly worth it; Taran was by all means a cat of social breeding, and the desire to rank among others was overbearing on the brute. Thus he had sought the feline Kingdom. There was not a doubt in his mind that he was now within it's borders, but he had yet to find anyone that might be of help to him- he wanted to join, but how? Bloodstained maw raised from his kill with a chunk of meat grasped between his powerful jaws, golden yellow eyes scanning the land round him. True to it's name the land was consistently dead, and all was quiet. This annoyed Taran more than anything- the utter emptiness of this land. He hated the ongoing silence, the lack of life, and so when his keen eyes came to settle on a form moving in his direction, he perked up noticeably. Who was this now? From his position laying in the dust he camouflaged quite well, so he was fairly sure the smaller feline had not seen him- which was likely a good thing. Many were intimidated by his sheer size and muscle mass, and they should be- Taran was one of the most capable felines to walk, and one full powered swing of his razor equipped paw might tear your jaw clean off. Violence was not his intention today however.This feline, a snow leopard he could see now, had a strange air about her. She was a pretty, spotted little thing with a tail that fluffed out near the tip, and the lion found himself strangely drawn to her. 'Lo there friend!" he called out when the she-cat was within hearing distance, his voice as deep and powerful as he himself was. With a massive yawn and stretch the cat was on his feet, tufted tail swishing contentedly behind him."Would you be so inclined to help a fellow cat out?" Though there was something imposing in his tone, he seamed by all means in a good enough mood to approach. He was aware his kind had a name for being lazy and reedy, thus untrustworthy, but Taran would prove his worth soon enough. Any canine that dared to bare his teeth would meet his own jaws, and any ignorant equine who came strolling within distance would surely not be leaving. Above all it was the horses he despised. They had not one purpose on this earth but to feed the meat eaters, and the fact that they paraded around as if they were of any more importance was an insult. Yes, above all it was them who he wished to see overthrown into slavery. To raise and butcher them in controlled herds was the only way their existence should have been tolerated.

[Paxx]

(okey dokey~ thank you for replying =])

[taran]

Done!

And no problem. Your cats the orical right? I was hoping she could help Taran gain rank in the cat Kingdom, maybe even become friends? She seams really skittish of other cats, so maybe his presence in the future could be soothing since he's big enough to mess anything up that tries to screw with her lol?

[Paxx]

[yes, Pax is the oracle, and she is very skittish that's true, I think with some given time that their relationship could evolve and help out Taran, :)]

Paxx's feet were not used to such dry conditions. The swamp had been her home her entire life, such dry conditions were strange to her, not natural. The dry landscape of the deadlands made her feel out of her element, a wolf in sheeps clothing almost.
The quiet atmosphere was something she loved, no big cats to run into, no one to get in her way.
There was nothing in sight, no deer, no rabbit, nothing of the sorts. Cat felt as if she was all alone; however, it didn't feel that way.
The spirits were always with her; she felt. They would not leave her.
Her paws made little tracks in the ground, her light weight not leaving behind many tracks; just the way she liked it.
As she walked, she could swear she felt the presence of another. Her ears twitched and stood up on the very top of her head, to make sure she could be aware of where she was, and what else was out there.
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed in the dead lands, and it could only be directed to one person, herself. She knew that the feline would be talking to her, after all no one else was around.
The snow leopard froze in her tracks, a deer in the headlights sort of look. the cat's fur suddenly stood on end, and her eyes and ears directed some selves towards the speaker.
The large lion, a male lion. A combination of brute strength, muscle, and aggression. She had been told of these lions, the ones that made the females do all the work. Her racist attitude toward the cat made her fur fluff to make herself look bigger. She was instantly terrified by the cat. She had no intent on wanting to respond to the large beast, she wanted to merely slip off back to the castle where she belonged. However, this lion seemed different, he was by himself, and had hunted down a decently sized meal. No female lion was in sight, he had done all the work himself. Maybe not all male lions were lazy; she thought.
"...What kind of help.
She kept close to the ground, looking at the lion, not sure what to say, or do.
Her ears constantly twitching, and her deep blue eyes were fixed upon the lion, watching his every move.

[taran]

[bg=black][atrb=width,400,true] Click for Pic! Taran She seamed wary, a wise yet unecissary action. Taran had no interest in harming her, expecually with his reputation on the line as it was. To atack another cat no, a Leopard,would have him on death row before dusk, and that wasn't a price he was willing to pay. To his pleasent surprise the bristled feline answered, her voice soft and as suspicius as she. With a sake of his thick, dark mane the lion shook a few leaves and some dust free from his body, his posture relaxed."I'm looking for the Feline King, Loki. I wish to join his ranks, but I've no idea where his stronghold is- I'm not from these parts you see." And it was true. Taran had been born in the heart of horse country, his pride small but tough. When he reached an age that forced him from his Pride by his father, he left the lush lands of the horses and sought the felines. Slowly, but purposefully the male took a few steps toward the snow leopard, broad shoulders relaxed as his tail swished nonchalantly behind him."Do you think you could help me?" he asked hopefully, bright yellow eyes fixed on her. They were brilliant to look at really, the contrast of oranges, yellows and browns flecking together in a storm of golden fire. "I'd be forever indebted to you." he said with a soft grin, as if trying to coax her into helping him.

[Paxx]

Paxx watched the male, and as he spoke her ears twitched. Her ears being filled with words, and not all of them from him. Wise words from on looking spirits as to be careful, watch herself with this large feline. She looked at him, her paws digging into the ears to keep her grip and stand her ground. She wanted to run, but that would be unwise, and cause her troubles later on if this male made his way toward the tribe and spread rumors of her fears. The young feline looked at the male, watching him, keeping ready if he would make some kind of attack on her.
He did seem kind however, her body could relax. The tension in her neck muscles seemed to relax slightly, and her posture went to an upright and proper stature.
"Loki." She spoke quietly. The name of her master, her chief. The male she served with all her purpose. She looked at the dirt, and watched the wind blow leaves up and across her paws. She knew the signs, her spirits were speaking to her, be careful with this male, they spoke to her.
Paxx looked at the lion, reading him, studying him. Her tensions gone, as she lowered her bottom to the dusty grounds. Her ears twitched, and she looked the male up and down, keeping her guard at its highest. Her tail moved across the ground, flicking leaves and dust into the air gently.
"You, lion, wish to speak with your chief, your master, the all powerful? My master does not find company often, and many times ends in bloodshed. If you wish to see my master, so be it. I may assist you, however, you must do in constant though, that you must watch your tongue. " Her voice was soft, but sharp. She knew what she was talking about, and would not back down when it came to her master.
Paxx kept her head up, looking at the male, he seemed submission despite his size, this could be used to her advantage.
Her ears twitched. And she spoke for the powerful spirits.
"What gives you the right to ask to see the great chief. And speak to the oracle with such leisure."Paxx lowered her head slightly, looking at the male with sharp eyes, deep blue in color, with dark pitch black pupils.
Dust kicked its way up and seemed to circle the feline. The dust quickly spread itself around the snow leopard, and fell to the ground when her words were finished, slipping back to their original positions laying neatly on the ground below her.
She looked at him, ears making their constant twitch ever so sharply.

[taran]

[bg=black][atrb=width,400,true] Click for Pic! Taran He could see her beginning to relax, and this pleased him. He knew felines had a reason to be wary of him, but caution without cause seamed foolish to the male. When the she-cat sat, Taran remained standing. To openly sit in the presence of another was to imply they were equals. She was a leopard, so they were certainly not equals."You, lion, wish to speak with your chief, your master, the all powerful? My master does not find company often, and many times ends in bloodshed. If you wish to see my master, so be it. I may assist you, however, you must do in constant though, that you must watch your tongue. " The words brought a great sense of eagerness to the brute. For so long he had searched, and now he had finally come to his journeys end. This she-cat was willing to help him, and he would not forget his debt to her. Before he could speak however, her words found their way to him once more."What gives you the right to ask to see the great chief. And speak to the oracle with such leisure." Golden eyes widened, and the massive feline took a rather abrupt step back. His gaze fell from her own, and he dared not meet her gaze again. What a fool! Here he was, conversing with the Oracle as if she were another civilian like himself."Your Pax." he whispered in shock. This was why he'd felt so strange around her- no doubt the spirits walked with her, and it was their imposing presence that had unnerved him."I beg forgiveness. I knew not whom I spoke to." His head dropped and inch, gaze still lingering on her paws."I seek the presence of our Lord in hopes of gaining rank. I was born in the Equines Kingdom to a shameful pride that refused to side with their proper Kingdom. As soon as I was old enough to leave I did, and I plan on giving my life to the Kingdom in hopes of proving that I am not like them." One could here the disgust in his voice when he spoke of his family. If it wasn't enough that he was stuck growing up around hoofheads it was certainly too much to have his family be traitors. His father had only succeeded in making the lions name worse, and Taran was determined not to be one of the lazy, greedy brutes he was normally accused of. "Respect is all I have for my King, even if doubt is all he has for me." He could imagine the looks and words he would earn from Loki. As a leopard he was already stationed high above any rank Taran could hope to achieve, but as King there was no doubt that he would mock Taran for his lineage. This, however, was a humiliation he was willing to accept.

[Paxx]

This lion was like nothing that Paxx had seen before, he was kind, gentle, and somewhat soft. This feline had not known who he was talking to, Paxx was suprised to see she wasnt as know through the feline territory as she thought she was. yes she was new to her rank, but she assumed as the oracle, everyone would know who she was, or some what, atleast.
Paxx watched the lion, his body expressions showing all, his pride soon melted to apology. paxx did enjoy to milk the cow every now and then when it came to those giving her repsect, but she did not often like to be in the presence of others. Paxx realized that this lion was nothing to be afraid of, and moved herself off her bottom and up back to all fours. Paxx strolled closer to the big cat and sniffed the air. His scent was picked up by her nose, and she examined it inside and out. Picking apart the lion as if it was no ones buisness but her own.
"Do not apologize, Lion. You have not made a fool of yourself just yet. Paxx hissed through her teeth. She kept a straight face. Paxx did not want to show her fears towards the other, she hated other cats, but when the time came to show her teeth, she knew when to.
"If you wish to speak to my master I suggest giving something in return, it is a large job just to get the chief to speak to royal guards." Paxx was looking the lion up and down. Her ears twitched.

[taran]

[bg=black][atrb=width,400,true] Click for Pic! Taran When Paxx rose and approached, Taran stood like stone - still an unwavering. Slowly he straightened for her inspection, eyes staring straight ahead to avoid meeting her own unless she intended it."Do not apologize, Lion. You have not made a fool of yourself just yet. Ears twitched upon hearing this, and he found himself relived to be in her good graces- he hadn't offended her. Still, he had to take responsibility for his actions."Perhaps not a total fool Oracle, but my ignorance must surely count for something." his deep growl of a voice came forth softly. He would not take a praise he was not entirely worthy- it just asn't his style. "If you wish to speak to my master I suggest giving something in return, it is a large job just to get the chief to speak to royal guards." A thick brow raised in interest at this, for wat could he possible give a King something he didn't already have? Well, who better for him to ask then the one guided by Spirits? "Well Divine One, what would you have your servent Taran find? All I have with me is myself, and I'm already giving him that." Determination was clear in his features. It was obvious he was willing to do whatever he told him, even if it meant shedding a little blood. With a swish of his tail a dark smile took his features, slick, sharp teeth visible. "Whatever it takes." he promised. OC - SO sorry it's short but I have to go make dinner and I wanted to get something up.

[Paxx]

"The king, perhaps will be wiling to see you, if you prove yourself to I. I am not won over easily, dear feline. However, if you please me, I can work my magic...I am in need of a favor." Paxx looked at the lion with big eyes, watching like a hawk would a mouse. She looked about and was quick to leap up to a tree branch which laid up against a dying tree. She used this branch to climb up to the larger branch which was hung on the tree. There were no leaves on the tree and its bark was dark and crispy from the wind. She dug her claws into and laid herself down upon it. She moved her tail from side to side, eyeing the lion from above.
From the tree she could feel a better sense of power, and did not feel as vulnerable. She did not like the situation she was in that was true, but giving her an edge made her somewhat more relaxed. The tree groaned with her weight, but did not give out; was a weak old tree, but was not ready to die just yet.
"As you can see, Lion, I am a small cat, and hunting is not my strong point. If you are willing to assist a fellow cat, It could be possible to get you to see my master." Paxx looked at her paw, she lifted it to her muzzle as she spoke, making a point with her paws. She spoke with her paws, to add emphasize, as she found enjoyment in looking and speaking to her paw, instead of directly at the male. She licked her paw, removing from it dead foliage.
She turned her attention suddenly to the male, and this time it was not as soft as she was before. Her ears slipped back behind her head in a signal of aggression. Her fur bristled around her neck and down her spine.
"However...." Her teeth were out when she spoke this time, showing bright teeth, that dripped venomous words of caution."I am not one to fool, feline. I am not one to be taken lightly. If your intentions are not what they appear to be, then the consequences will not be light..."
Suddenly, the felines eyes seemed to go a rich purple, as her fur began to bristle even more. The wind suddenly began to pick up, and foliage began to erupt from the ground.
The lion would feel a strange sensation around his body, as if he was under the presence of thousands of eyes. The dark magic which was hidden in the cat began to show; in a subtle way. The cat was mysterious, and with a sway of her tail, she seemed to be engulfed into the wind. The cat disappeared into the atmosphere it seemed, as if she was merely just spoke in the breeze. The tree branch gave way as she disappeared and collapsed to the ground generating a loud crash and snap. Dusk gathered quickly and exploded into the air, creating a foggy landscape between the two cats. The dusk cloaked the air, and as it slowly began to rest on the deadly sandy floor, standing in the mist of the dusk was Paxx.
Her front paws were extending slightly out, holding her position stronger on the ground. She looked at the big cat, with dark eyes, blue with hints of purple that began to fade into the misty blue. She took a step to wards the cat and stopped once more, the dusk, as if almost on command came to settle on the ground, creating a feeling of peace, for now.
"Now. If you speak the truth you have nothing to fear. But mark my words cat, do not test me."

[taran]

[bg=black][atrb=width,400,true] Click for Pic! Taran "The king, perhaps will be wiling to see you, if you prove yourself to I. I am not won over easily, dear feline. However, if you please me, I can work my magic...I am in need of a favor." His eyes went to her face then, not daring to look into her two toned eyes but fueled by curiosity. What could he ever elp the Oracle with? Unless it was a feet of brute strength, wich he clearly possesed more of then her, he dind't see how he could help. Raising herself she padded over to an old tree, one Taran wouldn't have been so bold to tr and climb even if he could. No, his sheer weight would shatter the old thing. Yet as nimbly as if the spirits themselves carried her, Paxx leapt onto a low hanging branch, claws gripping the old bark to keep her balanced."As you can see, Lion, I am a small cat, and hunting is not my strong point. If you are willing to assist a fellow cat, It could be possible to get you to see my master." she spoke once more, now from her perch above him. "However....I am not one to fool, feline. I am not one to be taken lightly. If your intentions are not what they appear to be, then the consequences will not be light..." A blast of wind with enough strength to push him back a step erupted before him, stinging his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words were forced back down his throat by the winds. Instead, it was all he could do to nod his understanding. No doubt this was the work of the spirits that walked with her, and Taran suddenly realized that what this small feline lacked in physical power was redeemed tenfold by the spirits. Dirt, leaves, twigs, and feathers began to swirl around her as the very shrubs at his feet were torn free by their roots, and in an explosion the branch shattered and she was gone. Eyes widened in sudden panic- Taran was a cunning male, a strong male, but how could he trust something he could not see? The dust from the broken tree limb began to subside, and in the swirling chaos was Paxx. "Now. If you speak the truth you have nothing to fear. But mark my words cat, do not test me." Taran, who had not yet spoken, was now able to find the words that had failed him earlier. "I would not dare cross a cat who walks with the spirits." his rumbling voice said as his eyes fell to her paws once more. "And I shall bring you a meal worthy of the King himself- mark my words." he promised with a soft growl of determination.

[bliss]

((May I join in?))

[Paxx]

yes you may~

[taran]

Replied :D