[minifun990]

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Many prides aren’t open to outsiders. It makes sense though, you never know what strangers can be like. Unaware of weaknesses or strengths, no knowledge of their past or plans for the future. Uncertainty breeds fear.

They say being a lone lion is dangerous, forever drifting, fighting. This lion doesn't look like he fights, doesn't look like he needs to. His emerald eyes hold deep knowledge of places of people, of things you could never even dream of. He doesn't look like he fights, because by the time you've prepared to fight, you've already been disarmed.

His eyes survey the land. It is dry, such is the season, the savannah stretches onwards but he stops. He rests on the centre point where 2 prides intersect. Already the loner can see a scout party approach. He lifts his head higher, and as the lions run up he sweeps his paw in the dust.

The lions stop, almost imagining his eyes to glow brighter as suddenly a sly smile overtakes his muzzle. There's a patrol from another pride in the distance, but that’s alright. Repetition of his dramatic speel is all part of the fun.

“How dare you trespass on our territory.” A lion askes, he looks as if he is known for his intimidation. Muscles ripple underneath his fur, his head is held high in haughtiness. But the lion just laughs. It is a deep, friendly laugh, scary in its familiarity. The lions from the scouting party freeze and look at one another. The other prides patrollers approach too. They snarl at the first lions but it is half-hearted. Done out of obligation, they are too focussed on the centre of attention.

Neto loves being the center of attention.

“Well,” Neto replied smoothly, voice as soft as silk.“I'm not on your territory.” He draws a line in the soil with a paw. “Your prides territory is about here, its not your territory, you're not the leader.” The lion growls, his ego revealed.

“I am the kings first son-” He growls but is quickly interrupted

“You wish.” The loner has a sly smile. His eyes are full of mischief. “But I know that isn't true.” The previously proud lion takes a step back, shaking his head, but the rumour has been planted. The whispering starts up on both sides of the territory line. A grey lioness steps out, her head hanging low. She steps over the territory line.

Even in a state of denial and rumour squashing the prince growls at the overstepping female. His growls die quickly, as he stares into eyes and a face that bears far too much resemblance. She admits the truth to her son, tears running down her muzzle.

“Is this all you came for?” The prince sneers. His face is stained with tears. He didn't appreciate the truth. Ignorance is bliss.

“Depends, will you send your cubs with me?” The lion's mouth opens, it isn't what he was expecting. The other pride turns to leave, but Neto turns his eyes on them, the overwhelming feeling of something terrible befalling the pride if they disrespect the stranger overwhelms them.
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