A nomadic lion receives the surprise of his life when he is offered an invitation to join a neighboring tribe. How will this play out? My end of a second trade between me and  thebestguy25

African Embrace

Jakob pants while wiping the sweat from his forehead, stopping to take a rest near a tree. The bright sun is the only object in the sky, shining down on the land below. Throughout the grassy terrain, the blades swish occasionally from a soft breeze blowing through the area, cooling down the atmosphere for some slight relief from the heat. But that isn't all though.

"Ugh, I'm gonna need some water. My lips are dry." The nomadic lion croaks out while seating himself on a boulder. Taking a break, Jakob takes a moment to catch his breath, rubbing his pawfeet in the process.

The lone lion runs his hands through his mane, shaking it out in the process. His fur and mane puff up in the process, leading him to shake himself again to revert back to his normal state. He later groans out, "Man, how long is this going to go on? I need water!"

After a bit of sitting, the nomadic lion sighs while standing up, rubbing his pawfeet again. "Well, no use in complaining," he reminded himself, beginning to walk off again, "I didn't travel this far for nothing."

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After some more traveling, Jakob comes across a stream located next to some farmland. When Jakob sees the water, the lion immediately moves to the shoreline and dips his head in, proceeding to drink from the river. Usually, nomads would be alert for anyone coming their way. Only thing Jakob was focused on was water.

After a few gulps of the water, Jakob withdraws for a moment to catch his breath, unaware of the shadow looming over him. Once the nomadic lion raises his head, he receives an unexpected fright, freezing in place! Standing over him is a muscular white lion, and while he isn't too happy with seeing a random lion in his territory, he is suspicious. Right now, his arms are folded while his cyan eyes have a suspicious expression to them.

"What is your business here?" The white lion asked just one simple question while staring at Jakob, wondering why he is in his territory. It is just one single question, though the sight of any beast will make anyone tremble.

Jakob gulped, "I was just getting some water, that's all. Er, am I intruding?"

"Technically, yes." The white lion responded, crossly. "If you're just getting some water, you should be leaving now if you're just passing through."

Jakob blinks at the white lion, standing up slowly to face him. He then reveals to the white lion, "I have no tribe, so I'm basically a loner."

Jakob fails to notice the tiny smile creasing the corners of the white lion's face, along with his cyan eyes slightly lighting up. The white lion assumes, "So you're a nomad, then. How long have you been a loner?"

"For 3 weeks, at least. I left my tribe for personal reasons." Jakob mentioned in return. He was now caught between asking to join and just remaining single. However, the white lion introduces himself in passing.

"My name is Juan Tivola, by the way. I am the chieftain of the River tribe, hence the territory you are standing on." The white lion reveals simply. He unfolds his arms, letting them hang by his sides. In passing, he offers Jakob, "Do you wish to be in a tribe? I'm quite surprised that you ran in here over some water. Usually, warriors or guards catch those intruding but since my warriors are occupied elsewhere, this is a first."

'Yeah, for you.' Jakob mentally retorted while looking slightly annoyed. He frowns a bit at Juan, eyeing the larger lion in return. After a bit of silence, Jakob ascertains, "If I do join, what will be done to me?"

Juan explains, "Oh nothing special, other than the evaluation and test of your skills and physical strength. It all comes down to hunting, fighting, weapons, and archery. The final part is a simple fight against the tribal chieftain that will depend on whether or not you stay or go."

"That sounds simple enough. I'm up for it." Little does Jakob realize how much of a situation he is getting himself into. He is basically requesting to join the River tribe, which Juan arches an eyebrow on upon perceiving this.

Implying Jakob's intentions, the white lion chieftain assumes, "So you're looking to join? We can start immediately. We can talk more while heading to my tent; you'll also have the chance to meet my wife too; we're co-rulers for our tribe."

Jakob just smiled quietly while shaking his mane again, clearing away the moisture from his fur and mane. While he and Juan start walking away, Jakob mentions, "I have a mate too, but you'll be pretty surprised to learn who my significant other is."

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Jakob belongs to  thebestguy25, Juan Tivola belongs to me!