Callholm & Martimoor
Along the way to the Basin, Callholm had done his best to explain how the pride was set up - mostly explaining that she needn't fear the larger cats, and that they served as protectors for the pride. As he was leading them up the steep, rocky slope, Call lowered his voice and continued speaking with the big cat, "Our leaders are Bandit and Velvet. The former is a canine, and the latter is a lion. As long as you respect them, you'll have nothing to worry about in this pride." Well, there was that, and there was a strict loyalty that the Nuova Alba expected of their members, but he didn't want to overwhelm her with information right away. The most important thing right now was that show knew who the leaders were.
"Who've you got there?" The deep rumbling voice came from a sizable lion standing in the entrance that lead into the basin. His mane was thick and two-toned; going from almost blond in the front, to dark sepia-black. He carried a wealth of scars on him as well, showing very clearly that he was use to fighting. Callholm dipped his ebony head down slightly as they approached the big cat, "This is Caliana, and her daughter Toxic. They were interested in seeing the pride." Martimoor studied the two females without much tact or reserve, as if deciding whether or not he should chase them off or allow them into the Basin where the heart of the pride was gathered. After a tense few moments of silence, the big cat questioned Caliana, "Where do you come from?" As it was his job to protect the pride, Martimoor wanted to be absolutely sure that they weren't leading a potential spy or enemy into the group.
Caliana
Caliana listened to everything that Callholm had to say as she walked gracefully beside him. She was a thing of beauty with her muscles rippling under her sleek black pelt, though she was not even trying to show off her beauty or anything, it was just something that came naturally to her. She tried her hardest to store every thing in her memory banks and hoped that Toxic would do the same thing. During the trip she looked back often to make sure that her daughter was close. Mom, are we almost there? The young cat spoke to her mother who replied. I'm sure it won't be much longer. And not long after that the lion made his presence known by approaching them and asking who they were. She stood silently to allow Callholm to answer him as she stood tensely. She had not been in many social situations lately and she knew that this could turn messy if she was not accepted. Then the lion spoke to her asking where she had come from and she replied. I have been in the valley for a little over a year and have spent most of my time at the domes. She did not reveal her history before coming here, she did not think it was something that was needed to tell. After speaking she waited for either acceptance or rejection.
Callholm & Martimoor
On the way to the Basin, Callholm had turned several side-glances at Caliana, silently observing her beauty as many interested males would do, but he was gentlemen enough not to say anything about it yet, since he'd only just met her and wasn't entirely sure if she was staying with them or not. Still, he couldn't help but to continue to admire her feline grace and charming looks. Whether or not Martimoor saw the same thing, it was hard to tell. He carried a hard look on his scarred face as he listened to her response. "Do you have any affiliation with other groups in the area?" That was another important question, considering that the Nuova Alba were instigating war with both the Shadow Haunters and the Shadow Lurkers. While the big male was speaking, a much smaller feline peeked her head over the top of a boulder behind him, peering down on the group. Soyala was growing quick, but the young lion still had a lot of growing to do, and she was thrilled when she spotted another young feline standing before her father.
Caliana
Caliana stood still rigidly as she waited for judgement to be passed on her and her cub. Though, it did not come yet when the lion spoke. Instead he just asked more questions about her possible affiliation with other groups and she replied with ease. No, I have not affiliated with any one here. Callholm has been the first to even approach us since right after I arrived. She spoke the truth and the scents on her frame would confirm that. The only ones evident were her own and her daughter's. Toxic was busy looking around from beside her mother rather than worrying about the situation and that was when she spotted the lion cub and her eyes grew with excitement, though as she started to speak Caliana hushed her before she got a word out, mommy was busy at the moment and Toxic knew to do as she was told and grew silent.
Callholm & Others
When she saw that she had an audience, Soyala's eyes really lit up. She didn't dare speak up, knowing that her father would not appreciate having such an important discussion interrupted, but that didn't stop her from grinning and clambering forward a little on the rock, just waiting to meet the new cub. Unaware that his daughter was above, perched high in a boulder, Martimoor continued with his discussion, "If you are to enter this Basin, you will become part of our Family. And as such, you are expected to be loyal to us, and to no one else." Callholm could see the rigidness in Caliana's stance, and regretted not warning her about Martimoor - he sure was a hardliner when it came to interrogating others. Just as the black panther was holding his breath however, Martimoor eased up, "You'll have to speak with Bandit and Velvet at some point, but so long as you can follow those terms, you're permitted in the Basin." And with that, the big cat stepped forward, unblocking the narrow crevice between the rocks that allowed access to the great basin beyond it.
Caliana
Caliana just stood still, only the tip of her tail flickering with her slight nervousness. This was not how she had expected her meeting with the pride that Callholm had spoken of in such a friendly manner to be... But then again, she could not blame the lion for being so protective, since if she were part of the pride, she would not want just anyone let in. Especially if they had enemies in the valley. As the lion spoke to her she listened to what he had to say then realized that this was a much bigger decision than she had originally thought... She had thought she was just checking the place out but now it seemed that if she entered she must join... So, a moment of thought was taken before she nodded, having decided that it would be best for her daughter to be part of a pride growing up. And with that nod the lion spoke again saying that she was permitted as long as she would be loyal and then he stepped out of the way to allow her, Toxic, and Callholm entrance. So with that she thanked the lion and then looked to Callholm for the first time since the lion had shown himself, waiting for him to lead the way in. Toxic, seeing that the conversation was over now spoke up. Mommy, look! It's another cub like me! Can I go play? She was overly excited about the possibility but Caliana spoke. Be patient, Toxic... You may play as soon as we make it inside the pride's lands and the other cub's parents approve. She did not want to start trouble here so she was still a bit on edge since she had not been in a situation like this one before.
Callholm & Martimoor
Callholm swallowed quietly, trying to hide the anxious feeling in his gut. He still felt a little badly for having led Caliana into this, and could only hope that she didn't hold it against him, but on the bright side, he was relieved to note that she was taking all of this in stride. And better yet, she agreed to Martimoor's terms and wished to check out the Basin still. When she looked at him for guidance into the heart of the Basin, he took the opportunity to shoot her an apologetic look for the mini interrogation she was put through, and as they padded away from the lion standing guard at the entrance, he slid up beside her and whispered, "Sorry about that.... I know I should have warned you in advance... but I didn't want to scare you off. And with cats like him around, you never have to worry about the safety of Toxic; this really is the safest place in the Valley to raise a cub." To try and appease her, he again brought up Toxic and assured her on that aspect, since the youngster seemed to be Caliana's greatest concern.
"Hiya!" Soyala scrambled down from the boulder with a squeaky, boisterous greeting, and bounded right over to Caliana and Toxic as soon as they set foot in the Basin. Clearly, this adolescent lion was not at all bashful, "It's okay, my mom and dad let me play with the other cubs, as long as we don't leave the Basin. Your name is Toxic? Mine is Soyala!"
Caliana
The more Caliana thought about her encounter with the lion the better it made her feel about the situation she was now in. She had not been sure about agreeing to stay here without even meeting anyone else or seeing how things were run but at least she knew that this place was well protected. That was something that was important to her since she had Toxic to worry about. So, she was now part of this pride whether it was what she had planned on or not. As she followed Callholm in to the lands she looked to him as she heard his apologetic whisper and she nodded in agreement.
Yes, it seems like it would be very difficult to get past the guards. She did not speak of him warning her, though he wished that he would have since she felt like she had handled the situation like a fool by acting so surprised. Surprises were just not something that she enjoyed, but all was forgiven. She would not hold it against this male, he had been kind to her thus far. And he seemed to not mind being around her daughter so that was another good thing.
As she followed her mother and the male cat into the lands, she saw the lion cub bounce down off the boulder she had been standing on and at this, Toxic was overjoyed. Though, she remembered her mother’s words so she did not move to play yet. When the young lion spoke, though, she looked up to her mother with pleading eyes and received just a nod to tell her she could go play. So, she closed the small gap between herself and the other in a single bound until she was right in front of her. She was not exactly sure how to play with another cub since she had been around none growing up, but she was willing to give it a shot. Hi! What do you want to play? Tones were slightly high and full of excitement as she spoke them.
Callholm & Others
Soyala's tail was twitching behind her in a playful manner. Her eyes were as mischievous as they were delighted to have a new playmate, "How about... wrestling?" She didn't give poor Toxic much of a choice in the matter, or much time to react as she pounced forward to try and tackle the other cub over. It was all in play of course, and it was being carefully monitored by Little Tuft, the pride's designated cub-sitter. Although he was only three years old, the male lion had been crippled in a fight when he lived with the Shadow Haunters, and could no longer participate in hunting or fighting, and since he had a placid nature and a level of tolerance that his brothers lacked, he made a fairly decent cub watcher.
Caliana
Caliana looked to all of the big cats as they walked past them, just to make sure that they would not move to attack her or her adolescent cub. When they did not move, she just followed Callholm. Her ability to trust all of these new big cats would come in time, but right now she was cautious as many would be in this situation. Once they had made it to the spot where Callholm stopped, she too stopped and lowered her rear end to sit down on the dusty ground. The other leopard then spoke of the lack of food here and of the hunting parties and she just nodded. Her eyes strayed back to where Toxic was playing and then back to Callholm as he spoke again. He told her not to drink from one pool of water, but only to drink from the other spring and she nodded again. She did not say anything about that again just waited. Then a few moments later she spoke. This area seems nice enough. She spoke calmly, she was still not entirely sure if she had been ready to pledge her loyalty to this pack before she got to know anyone here but what was done was done. And she did not mind getting to spend more time with Callholm, and Toxic seemed to be enjoying herself.
Toxic's own tail twitched in excitement and playfullness as well as she waited for the other cub's reply. When the other did reply, though, she had no time to agree nor disagree as the other pounced and toppled her over. Though, she did not mind it was just good to have a new friend. So, Toxic quickly jumped back up after having rolled a time or two. She then pounced at the other in attempts to roll her. Joy was held in her eyes as she played with this other cub.
Callholm & Others
A few looked in Caliana's direction when she passed by, and in particular, a larger lioness named Dulsca studied her more intently than the others. Yet this African lion didn't move to stand up, and when Caliana and Callholm moved further up towards the brambles, Dulsca lowered her head and rolled lazily onto her back. The way she saw it, if Martimoor and Callholm were comfortable and trusting in this new female, than she would tolerate her as well. "Do you like it?" Meanwhile, Callholm was slowly down, moving more softly through the sparse vegetation, careful not to step on any thorns. Part of him still felt a little uneasy for leading Caliana here, and he could only hope that she chose to stay, and didn't bolt and run at the first opportunity. "I'd like you to meet one of our leaders, Velvet." The leopard stopped and looked to Caliana, this time letting her chose whether or not she was ready to meet the other feline; he'd sort of surprised her by running into Martimoor already, and didn't want to repeat that.
Soyala was now being bowled backwards, and growled happily when the other cub took to playing so readily. She grappled with her front legs, trying to wrap her paws around Toxic's back, and maneuver to pin the other youngster down. "You look kinda like Callholm!" In between making play bites at the other, Soyala couldn't help but comment on Toxic's light black fur. "...your fur is dark like the shadows!"
Caliana
Caliana stayed near to Callholm. She was not completely comfortable around so many new felines and such at one time but she felt some comfort with the other black panther by her side. She was not uncomfortable for any reason other than the fact she was used to being on her own with no one and this was a little overwhelming to her, but she tried her best to take it all in stride. And it did work for the most part. The fact that she looked down to see her daughter enjoying herself made everything seem better as well. So, when Callholm asked if she liked it here she nodded.
Yes, it seems nice.
She spoke genuinely to the other big cat, she did like it here so far it was just the fact that it was all happening so fast that threw her off. Then Call went on to say that he would like her to meet one of their leaders and she nodded.
I would like that.
After all, she wanted to get to know those who were above her in ranks, the sooner the better. Knowing the leaders was one way to know exactly how strong the pride really was.
Toxic felt herself be pinned down by the lion cub and her tail flicked with playfulness as she attempted to wiggle her way out from the other’s grip. She also bit playfully at the other as she heard the words she spoke, saying that she looked kind of like the make who had brought them here. She nodded. Maybe he is related to my dad or something? I never met him... It was just a childish statement as she continued to try to wiggle her way free.
Callholm & Others
'She's tolerant.' Callholm thought to himself, admiring her level head around so many strangers, and her ability to keep cool and calm when others might have been more panicky or agitated. It reminded him of himself in some ways, and he liked that about her. As he'd already come to find about her, Toxic was another important factor, and he wasn't surprised to see her look back down at the cubs playing. Keeping with that theme, Call piped up without thinking, "There's going to be plenty more cubs soon." Only seconds after making this remark did Callholm realize that Caliana might take it the wrong why. Feeling a jab of embarrassment, Call hastily changed the subject and picked up his pace, "Uh, so anyway, Velvet is right over this way..."
True enough, he lead her only a short distance further until they came across a light tan lioness, resting on a flattened boulder near the top of the Basin. Callholm bowed his head deeply upon approaching her and side-glanced at Caliana in a way to tell her to do the same, "Oracle Velvet, I've brought Caliana and her daughter Toxic to meet you and the pride." Velvet stood up at length, stretching as she did so and flexing his sharp claws out in a leisurely manner. "We are always welcoming of new Sisters to our pride." She greeted, using the term 'Sister', something that Caliana would hear frequently if she stuck around. "Have you ever lived in a pride before, Caliana?"
Down further below, Soyala was taking delight in the tussle with Toxic. The nipping bites from the other cub soon got the better of Soy and she scrambled away from the other with a series of giggles. "Maybe! There's so many different colors and patterns of cats here, you'll have to meet them all!" The lion cub started to bound away even as she spoke, enticing Toxic to chase her.
Caliana
Of course, the main thing on this beautiful lady's was her daughter Toxic, though she still kept her attention on Call who was beside her now. It would be obvious that she was not ignoring him in any way, but that she was just being a watchful mother. As Call spoke of there being new cubs soon she just nodded, assuming that he meant some in the pride were due to give birth soon. Then he spoke of the leader and she followed him to her. As Call lowered his head to her then looked over to her, she lowered her own ebony head in a showing of respect.
Then as the lioness stood up and spoke to her she nodded to the first statement, saying that they were always welcoming new sisters to the pride. Then Velvet went on to ask if she had been in a pride before and she shook her head.
No, I have lived alone until Toxic came along and then it was just the two of us.
Toxic giggled as the other cub scrambled away from her. She took delight in the thought that there would be so many other felines for her to meet in time. I can't wait! She spoke in her most excited voice as she bounced after the other cub.
Callholm & Others
From atop the rocks that marked the one of the highest points in the Basin's floor, Velvet could see most of her and Bandit's pack below, from Toxic and Soyala playing, to the various females talking and lounging in the cold winter day. Velvet felt content and prideful with the group, though not enough to throw caution to the wind and accept Caliana without some caution. "Who is Toxic's father?" The lioness was pleasant in voice, having an almost lilting quality to how she spoke her words. Callholm stayed quiet during these questions, feeling confident himself that Caliana was not one who would suddenly betray the pride, or turn out to be some spy from one of their enemies. Of course, he'd only just met her today, so a lot of that trust had to do with the fact that he wanted to believe she was an honest cat.
Soyala bounced across the ground, and leaped across small gaps between larger rocks, showing off her skills and generally having a fun time as she led Toxic along. "You have to meet Tuft first!" Soyala exclaimed. Her lively running and bouncing slowed down as she reached one sleeping lion in particular, a pale-coated male who's mane was sparse and lacking, despite him being a mature adult. "He's the nicest Brother. He doesn't mind if we play with him." The cub spoke more quietly as she slowed down, approaching Little Tuft in a stalking manner. "He has a bad leg though, so he can't hunt very well and he doesn't fight, but he's still really nice." A grin crossed her tawny muzzle, and she looked back at Toxic, "Wanna pounce on him?"
Caliana
Caliana was an honest cat, she had not lied to Callholm or any in his pride yet and she did not intend to start doing so. As the lioness asked her who the father of her daughter was she had to think for a moment once again. It was so hard to remember the name of the male that she had only met that one time and then never set eyes upon again. She hoped that this thinking time would not make her seem like she was trying to hake up a story. So, when she remembered the name she spoke. Realgar was his name, I believe. I only met him that one time and have not seen him since. Toxic has never met him at all... She figured that she would reveal this information since that would reveal why it had taken so long for her to remember the name.
Toxic followed along behind the little lion cub. When she was told that she had to meet Tuft first she bounced with a little more excitement, she could not wait to meet the other big cats here! Then, as Soy slowed down and her steps quieted, Toxic did the same. She listened to the explanation of the male lion and stalked closely beside Soy. Once they were pretty close, Soy asked if she wanted to pounce on him. And, since Soy asked if she wanted to do so, she figured that he would not get mad if they did so she nodded quickly before getting ready to pounce. Before doing so, she looked over to see if the lion cub was doing the same. If she was then Toxic would pounce.
Callholm & Others
Like Callholm, Velvet recognized the name of Caliana's one-time partner. He use to be one of the Ancient Guardians, and thus, was one of the many members of the group to have disappeared during at some point last year. Most likely from the sickness, the lioness figured, but either way she didn't put much consideration into it. The Guardians were not a great concern to her anymore. "So you've had to raise your daughter all on your own?" Velvet turned the topic to Caliana's daughter. She knew that most cats raised their kittens by themselves, but being a lion herself where cub-rearing was done by the whole group, the idea of a single mother sounded far too labor intensive and dangerous to her. "Living here, you will have all of your Sisters to help care for your young one."
Soyala chose to pounce on the male's hindquarters, where she wasn't afraid to give him a good nip and to use her claws to hang onto him. Little Tuft's head came up at once and he swung his face around to see what had just assaulted him, and gave a small sigh when he saw it was only Soyala and... wait, who was this other cub? Patient as the rocks around him, the young adult didn't snap or scold the youngsters or show any annoyance that other males might have, but he did give his tail a flick in the hopes that they'd go after that, instead of his ticklish haunch. "Hello little one. I've never seen you around here before."
Caliana
Caliana liked what this lioness had to say. Sure, most of her species were solitary creatures but Caliana really was not like that, she enjoyed having company and would have liked to have someone to help her raise her young cub. Though, help had not been offered when Toxic was young, she was glad that it was now. It was not that Toxic had been a bad cub, just that she found herself worrying constantly about her daughter’s safety and this had changed her in a way. She was no longer the open friendly feline she used to be. I mean, she is not really unfriendly she is just more wary now. Maybe with all of these others around she would be able to relax some again? I will appreciate the help. She had been lucky to have such a small litter, really. Though, she would like to have more cubs it was good to start out small while she had been on her own. And I’m sure Toxic will enjoy having the other cubs around, since she grew up without any siblings.
Toxic saw the lion cub moving to pounce on the big lion’s hind quarters and she pounced as well, her attack was more to his side, she was careful not to allow her claws to dig in to him though as she just landed on him. Then, as he lifted his head she saw the movement of his tail and she jumped over Soy to attack his tail. As she heard his voice she looked up to him momentarily long enough to reply. I just got here... I’m Toxic. She was young, so her explanation was probably not the best, but she went back to attacking his tail while she waited for a reply any way.
Callholm & Others
So far so good, this feline mother was looking forward to the help of the pride, which was all that Velvet could hope for. And to have Toxic grow up in an environment with so many felines, it was Velvet's hope that the cub would adjust smoothly to the sociable life and be as happy and content with it as the average lion was. "I'm sure she will too." Raising her head a little, the lioness could just make out the young cubs playing below, and was pleased to see that she'd already made a new friend with Soyala - and was pestering their resident cub-sitter at that. A grin tugged at the edge of her tawny muzzle to see her brother being romped on by some cubs, though she knew it didn't bother him one bit. "With that issue covered, I'd like to know your feelings on hunting. The Sisters do most of the hunting in this pride, though the Brothers do their fair share as well. As I imagine you've only hunting by yourself until now, would like you like to continue hunting on your own, or would you be interested in learning to hunt in a group?" Hunting wasn't always an organized affair with the Nuova Alba, as individuals or groups would head out and hunt at random to bring food back.
Soyala was busy mauling her uncle's leg when Toxic leaped over her and pounced for Tuft's tail. The lion cub leaped sideways, trying to catch Toxic, but slipped and ended up tumbling backwards off of Tuft's leg. The big male chuckled in a low, chest-rumbling sound at both of the cub's playfulness. "Welcome to the Nuova Alba, Toxic. I'm sure Soyala has already introduced me, but if she hasn't, I'm Tuft." Soyala was giggling as she scrambled up and hopped onto Tuft's back. "Little Tuft. Don't forget the 'Little' part." She reminded him teasingly, even if Tuft was not a small lion by any means.