Devius

“Why do you still wander, weary one.” The deep voice surprised the young male - they had spoken just as he had settled down to clean his wounds. They were not deep, he had certainly done more damage to the food-stealing scoundrel than he took. He would survive today at least.

If this male didn’t kill him first.

Though his chances were probably good - the stranger had spoken instead of pouncing while his guard was down. He turned to face them, his eyes widening as he saw a colorful mane and pelt. The grace and otherworldly appearance of the stranger compelled him to speak.

“It is the only way I know.” His voice came out steady despite the quivering of his very soul. Who was this male that had come upon him in the no-man’s land? No lion in their right mind would speak to another male there, unless they sought conflict.

Yet here he was, standing before Devius without a trace of hostility in his eyes.

“Would you like to learn another?” The stranger spoke, his voice a kind rumble from deep within his chest. Though he did not know a single thing about this stranger, Devius felt no ill will from him. Not like the cruel lions he had seen before, those who would invite others to join them only to rip open their throats at the edges of their territories. And the way of a loner was difficult - always hunting, scavenging, fighting. Never knowing true rest.

He wondered what it would be like to get a full day’s sleep.

Before he could even speak again, as though the stranger knew his mind, the lion smiled. “My name is Janguru - welcome to my pride, son.”