Journey to the trinity tree - Prompt two
Back at the pride land Xia was the first to step through the portal followed by Tasso and finally Pecora was the last in case the portal was dangerous or a trap. Subsequently, Xia was the first to enter the new World. Immediately she is drowned out by the chattering of other lions, all sorts of shapes and sizes, even some smaller cats seemed to blend into the mix. Most were clearly warriors however some like Pecora were clearly there to help their pride mates, evidently by the medical supplies. It was reassuring to the lioness to discover they were not alone like they had originally anticipated. With this many lions they surely had good odds against these still mysterious enemies.
Secondly Tasso emerged through the portal, although not as easily as Xia. He seemed to fall through and somehow landed on his back, paws in the air. With a huff he got to his paws and looked around in awe. “Wow, so many cats”. He said as he looked between each rival lion, eyeing them all suspiciously, not even noticing the tree.
Finally, Pecora emerged. Strangely enough when she stepped into the world it almost seemed like she was glowing, her hair was soft and glossy. Letting out a smile she looked around with a calm excitement. “Goodness, isn’t this a sight?” She said with a regal voice, never before seeing so many lions in one place. Her face lit up as she noticed there were other healers dotted around the clearing, she was worried it was going to be full of large buff warriors, which she was slightly scared of although she would never admit it. Keeping herself from running off to talk to the fellow healers she instead turned to the tree, noticing everyone else was looking in that direction.
It was then that the goddess revealed herself. Sprawled across one of the branches sprouting from the mythical tree her eyes skimmed the crowd, not focusing on one cat for more than a second. She was beautiful, exactly like a goddess described in any fictional book. Pale silky fur covered her well-groomed body, long beautiful blonde hair drifted in the calm wind like a flag atop a castle. While her face was not clearly visible, she emitted an aura that calmed and silenced the whole field in an instant. With a wispy feminine voice, she starts speaking. "Thank you... warriors... for heeding my call..". The three lions listen keenly each one having their own thoughts racing through their heads. "I need your help to maintain the balance...for the army of death comes for us all.... great soldiers of rot and pain, and we cannot fight alone." With that the lioness seems to disappear back into the intricate maze of the trees logs and branches, not longer visible. There is first silence before the area seems to burst into an uproar again, most agreeing with the goddess. Tasso himself cannot help but let out a loud growl, asserting his dominance among the other males while also stating his agreement with the near coming fight.
Suddenly there is a loud creaking, alike to when a tree breathes its last breath and falls to the ground. It is heard by everyone in the area. First there is confusion but then fascination as the mystical tree roots seem to open to a deeper area. Two lions stand at each side of the tree, most likely guardians based on their stances and appearance. Lions and cats alike begin to make their way into the depths below, talking to each other frantically.
Xia herself pulled her fellow pride members to the side. She had to make sure they stayed together and were able to communicate as it would be easy to get lost among the large crowd. “Tasso, Pecora please remain by my side at all times. Don’t trust anyone yet, we don’t know who these people are. Right now, everyone is an enemy to us. Do you understand?” Both lions nodded in reply agreeing with their queen. Xia nodded back then continued. “If you need to leave this group please speak to me first. Thank you both for joining me on this trip. We are in this fight together as a pride, if it gets too much for you please let me know, your safety is more important than anything to me.” She said looking between them both with a proud smile. The two lions replied in unison. “Yes my queen.” With that the group made their way through the tree and down a ramp of roots which lead to a large underground area, a whole other city was hidden, operating like any other. The roof of the area was weaved with strong plant roots which occasionally released purple, blue and pink particles. The ground was made of a soft fertile soil with green grass growing on top. The city itself was slightly different to Echolake Pride. It was more developed and showed signs of existing for hundreds of years unlike Echolake which was only recently founded. More lions were around the town doing normal work like the occasional shop keeper.
Looking around Tasso spotted a training ring while Pecora already had her eyes set on the medic’s den next to it. Many lions and cats had the same idea of training and preparing before the fight. Xia lead the group to the area looking between them. It was obvious they would have to split; it was lucky they were located close together. The two were practically buzzing like cubs, excited to try the new equipment. Xia spoke first. “I will be visiting the medic den first as I would like to make sure we are prepared. Tasso, I trust you will be fine on your own, we are simply next door if you need us.” Nodding the lions split up. Tasso immediately squaring up against a large rival male who was rather amused by the smaller male’s attempts. Xia and Pecora wondered into the medic’s den. It was much larger than the one at the pride lands. Split into many rooms, each one had lions and cats in discussing their experiences and herbs. Pecora immediately jumped into conversation with a couple of older females, a large smile on her face. Xia remained in the corner content observing the conversation.
They were ready, for whatever was out there, big or small they would fight as a group for their pride.