it's always darkest before the dawn [smiff, zen]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/b4x7ur.jpg] ooc; cubs are also in this thread, but didn't have space in the title. And maybe Mud too? The sombre walk to the Tempest territory was silent and filled with unsaid whisperings. It had been three days since Florence and Panja had devised a plan to rescue their cubs. Neither of them were happy about what could be the outcome of this, but they had little other choice. Florence loved her cubs and she needed them back, if not for her and Panja, then for the whole Pride. Alexander would one day lead those felines and would make every decision in the Pride. She needed him to succeed her and Panja, and she couldn't die knowing that she hadn't tried to rescue them. It was a frightening prospect; facing death; but Florence had been to war, and she was more afraid of leaving Panja alone than ending her own life. Closing her eyes, Florence bowed her head, dragging her limbs against the dirt-covered ground. The weather wasn't helping their walk. Shortly after sunset the clouds had blackened and thunder rolled over the mountains. Rain spat down against their cheeks, soaking their tawny and ivory fur. The ground churned beneath them, muddying their pelts even more. Florence felt sick at the thought that this could be her death day. It seemed almost fitting, for the heavens to be crying, yet Florence knew few would weep her death. She had ruled the Iris Pride unfairly and unjust, and she was now paying the price. Many of the cats in her own Pride hated her, and it was almost certain that every dog in the world would hate her, if they knew what she had done to so many of their kind. Florence didn't hold regret for the torture that went on, but she did wonder how things would be different if she hadn't been such a harsh leader. Quickly glancing at Panja's icy eyes, she turned her head back to the journey before them. This was almost like a funeral march; the two of them silently, regretfully walking towards their fate. Florence just hoped that her cubs would be alright. She knew Brooke would most likely not return her children, but she hoped someone with compassion would. Florence would not die in vain. She must let her cubs flourish into adulthood - if not, then what was all this for? Florence opened her eyes and gazed unseeingly into the distance. She could begin to inhale the faint trace of Tempest, and Florence felt her stomach knot and churn at the thought of coming ever closing to her death. It was almost a cliche, looking back on her penances and seeing where she went wrong with life. Florence did not have a time machine, she could not fix her wrongdoings. Instead, she drove forward, hoping she would get one last look of her cubs before she gave herself to Brooke. She closed her eyes as she remembered fondly licking her last cub, Denim, back in her Pride. He would get his siblings back. He would. Florence came to a halt when the scent of the Tempest Pack became too unbearable. They had reached the outskirts of their territory, and this was time to say goodbye to her mate. She let out a shaky breath, surprised at just how much her emotions were swirling inside of her. Pausing for a few seconds, she finally reached Panja's gaze. This could be the last time she ever saw him, and she had to make their parting worth it. "It feels strange, leaving you," Florence began, tilting her head and drinking in every detail of his ivory face, "I think you know this is a death mission. We will be lucky to get the cubs out, and even luckier if I get out with them. However, I have to try. They are our children." Swallowing down the thickness in her throat, she marked every strand of fur, every scar, every shade of colour, "If I don't get out of there, it's up to you to bring them up. Make sure Alexander will become a fine leader. I know you can do it." Shifting from paw to paw, Florence leaned forward, brushing her forehead with Panja's. She kept her eyes open, unable to tear her eyes away from her mate, "Tell them all that I'm proud of them. Tell them I love them more than anything I thought I was capable of loving. Tell them to be magnificent." She finally let her eyes flutter shut, and her pink tongue left her mouth to soothingly lick Panja's cheek. "And you, Panja. Be magnificent. I know you can, and I know you will make me, and our children, proud." She pulled back suddenly, knowing that the sun would soon rise. She had to go soon, she had to go and rescue her children. "One last thing, love," She whispered softly, "Live for me. Live."

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[Zen]

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[atrb=background,http://i55.tinypic.com/2zojkf8.jpg] Each of Panja’s steps felt heavier than the last. His legs moved slowly against the biting wind and rain that assaulted his entire body, the muscles in his shoulders trembling from both the cold and the dread of what was to come. The cliffs that marked the beginning of the Tempest lands loomed beyond them, shrouded in a thick veil of darkness. The old lion’s breath hitched in his throat. Beside him he felt Florence come to a stop, and he turned to look into her wind-battered face. Their eyes met in silence. There was a mutual understanding in that moment, both of them aware of what was about to happen once she stepped into the canines’ stronghold, and accepting what needed to be done in order to preserve the lives of their children. Panja closed his eyes and let her voice wash over him like a gentle ocean wave. This last moment with her was the one he would hold most dearly in his heart, the one he would always connect with the memory of his mate. He tried not to think of this as their final goodbye; her spirit would always be alive in him, and her wisdom would stay in his memories in case he ever needed it. There was no use denying anymore that she was about to leave him. Over the course of their last few days together, he had come to quietly acknowledge it. The two of them had had a good, if short life together, and it would have had to end sometime. Though a part of Panja still wished he could have played the role of the sacrificial lamb instead of her, he would make sure Florence’s exchange of her life wouldn’t be in vain. He would get those cubs out no matter what. His forehead bumped gently against hers, their scents and wet fur rubbing together for the last time. “Florence,” Panja whispered, the single word filled with so much love and sadness. “You are the greatest thing that has happened in my life. Everything you’ve given me, everything you’ve shown and taught me…I will not forget any of it. No one could ever take the place you have in my heart.” He pulled back, meeting her gaze as confidently as he could. “You know I will. I will make sure our cubs know of their mother’s bravery, that they become what you and I have envisioned them to be. They will become the greatest leaders this city will ever see.” Panja leaned back in to lick her cheek before looking out into the distance. Time wasn’t going to stop for them while they said their farewells. The children needed them. Florence’s last request echoed in his ears, and he knew then that it was time for them to part ways. Live for me. His heart clenched as he answered, “I promise.” He took a step back, motioning with his muzzle towards the blackened cliffs behind them. “No matter what happens in there, remember that I love you. You won’t be alone. I will always be with you, Florence… forever.”

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[♥Picasso]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/b4x7ur.jpg] Taking in a shaky breath, Florence turned to look at the path she was about to take. The cliffs were the best way to find Brooke, especially with her thick scent invading her nostrils. Heart pounding against her ribcage, Florence gazed back at her lover, knowing that these could be the last time she'll ever see him. There was no more that needed to be said, and Florence wanted her last words to him be that command; live. She wanted Panja to continue living, even if she was gone. She needed him to bring up their cubs, to love and care for them, and teach Alexander to be the next amazing leader. Florence didn't want to think about what Panja could become after she's died, but she always knew that she would be the first one to go out of the two of them. It was obvious, with all the battles and bloodshed, that Florence would be the first to be killed. The thought of Panja dying before her made her blood run cold, as she knew she would just revert back to her old, manic ways. Florence wasn't that lion anymore. Turning away from her mate, Florence began to make the journey alone. The rain spattered against her fur, making her shiver from the cold, but she continued walking. She only turned back when she had reached a distance where she wouldn't be able to see his face. As she looked back, all she could see was a small figure in the distance, standing rigidly still. Florence couldn't look for much longer, and quickly turned back to her path. Her paws precariously grazed against the edge of the cliff face. Beside her was the harsh drop into the frothy waters below. One misstep and she would fall to her death against those jagged rocks. Florence knew her real fate would most likely be a gruesome one, and hoped her body would not be returned to the Pride. Brooke was insane, and would most likely have her body ripped to pieces. If Panja was to see that - well, Florence didn't dare to think about what would happen to him. Finally, Florence reached a grassy area a little way away from the cliff edge. She let her mouth fall open, and a desperate roar thundered from her lungs. It took two minutes before she saw two large dogs run towards her. One was a Maned Wolf, whilst the other was an Alsation. They both looked slightly frightened at the presence of the lion, but there was also determination sparkling in their eyes. Florence didn't snap at them, or lash out at them, and neither did they. "Bring me Brooke," Florence said calmly, meeting their conflicted gazes, "I have a bargain to offer her." The two dogs exchanged glances, before the Alsation broke off into a run back where he came from. The Maned Wolf stayed with her, perhaps making sure she wouldn't make a run for it. Florence watched as he stood guard, every so often glancing at her with rapid curiosity. Florence didn't let her face give anything away as she waited for the leader of the Tempest to come to her.

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[SMIFFAGRIFF]

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[atrb=background,http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g399/SmiffDemon/Brooke2.png] "Speech!" Thoughts Actions "A bargain?!"

[/color] Brooke repeated, her lip curled up into a angered snarl. Florence was here to propose a bargain? The mere idea of that was unlikely - though Brooke wasn't a fool. She probably wanted her cubs back... but in exchange for what? The Mistress could only imagine the bullshit that Florence would spit at her to get her little lackeys safely tucked behind the boarders of Iris Territory.

Well she was in for one damn fucking surprise if she thought Brooke would just let those lion cubs go. With several of her most trusted and powerful soldiers flanking her, she walked to Tooth Cliff, tail erect, head held high. Florence stood stoically, as if she already had accepted the consequences of what stepping onto Tempest Territory alone meant.

"Let's hear this offer of yours, Florence. Please, a joke would certainly brighten my day,"[/color] she sneered at that before letting out a bitter laugh. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just kill you right now? You're quite foolish to think that I'll just hand over your cubs. Not after you killed my pups. Honor will not be spared for the likes of you."[/color]
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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/f1jfbo.jpg] Watch my moves! Read my mind! "Hear my voice!" Addia listened to the scene attentively from her spot along the Cliffside. She'd never had the pleasure of meeting Florence... and while she had no doubt that this creature her mother was threatening was nothing short of evil, the cubs she bore were not. At least, not yet. Over the coming months, she'd come to find that this war was a load of shit, put simply. Sightless eyes narrowing in the direction of where the two leaders were facing off, Addia's mind formed a plan. She'd take those cubs back to Iris. Kill them with kindness - that was her theory. She'd make her own little deal with the new leader and see to it that she and the rest of her family would be spared if a counterattack were to happen anytime soon - and Addia knew that this would sever any kind of truce held in place after the last battle. "Isac," she whispered. He would help her - she hoped. He was the only dog she knew around here that wasn't obsessed with the idea of killing felines. Getting to her four, the daughter of the Mistress made up her mind, and immediately set off to find her friend.

[♥Picasso]

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[atrb=background,http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr11/12sugars/CR%20graphics/Florriemiddle.png] Florence kept her head level as she gazed out towards the endless ocean. Once upon a time, she had been across there, in the land of heat and plains. It was a faint distant memory, hazed by time. She wondered whether she would survive a push from the edge of the cliff, whether the water would swallow her up and force her to drown. Or perhaps the rocks would get her first, breaking her body and staining the water with crimson blood. It would be a quicker, less painful death. For a brief moment, Florence closed her eyes and just breathed. It was surprising just how calm she felt about all this. She was essentially walking to her death sentence, and yet here she was looking out over the picturesque sea. She should feel something, anything, yet ever since she walked away from Panja she felt hollow, empty, nothing. A voice called out over the howling wind, and Florence quickly turned to face Brooke. She let her eyes rake over the black dog, wondering just how such an animal had defeated her. It was almost laughable, being beaten by a mongrel. She bit back a slightly hysterical laugh, before shrugging meaninglessly to her, "I'm an open book," She said calmly, slowly, "I want my cubs back. And in exchange for them, you can have me. You can kill me, you can torture me, whatever. Just give back my children." She almost knew what Brooke was going to say. It was an unfair deal; three lions for one? Obviously she would reject the offer, and probably kill Florence and her cubs tonight, but they would probably die of starvation if they weren't released soon. Looking over Brooke's shoulder, Florence gazed out at other dogs that were beginning to gather. They were all curious over the fact that there was Florence, leader of the Iris Pride in their territory. She just hoped that one of them would treat her with a bit of compassion, but it was unlikely, "Panja is waiting on the border for the cubs to be handed over to him. Don't bother trying to attack him, he'll smell you a mile off." Florence rolled her eyes at Brooke. Panja wouldn't be a fool, and if he saw dogs coming towards him with bloodlust in their eyes, he will run the other way, even if Florence isn't with him. She met Brooke's gaze again and shrugged, "Your choice, Brooke." She said, wondering whether Florence should attempt at apologising for the death of her puppies all those months ago. Florence was not sorry, however, and which is why it was extremely unlikely for Brooke to treat her with compassion. This plan was slowly getting worse, and Florence knew that there was no hope.

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[SMIFFAGRIFF]

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[atrb=background,http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g399/SmiffDemon/Brooke2.png] "Speech!" Thoughts Actions Brooke sneered, eyes alighting with a bloodlust she hadn't felt so strongly in a very, very long time, "It's too late to spare honor on the likes of you. You killed my family, Florence. You killed countless members of my pack too. Do you think that I'm so foolish as to just let this opportunity pass? You can see your cubs again in hell."

[/color]

At that she signaled to her fellow packmates to secure Florence to the ground, not wanting her to turn tail and run now that the plan was freely put out on the table. Scores of canines, too many for her to simply bat away, came at her, biting into her sensitive flesh and twisting their maws, tearing through muscle, exposing Florence for the mortal weakling she really was. Brooke was beyond thrilled when the crimson started to leak down the lionness's body and drip to the floor. "Beautiful."[/color]

Padding up to the now injured Iris leader, Brooke looked her over once, as if deciding just what she wanted to do, only for her brows to furrow and her lip to curl upwards in a disgusted snarl, "Where'd all your spirit go Florence? This bores me. Scream."[/color]

At that she threw a paw forward faster than the blink of an eye, raking her claws cleanly across the Iris Pride leader's eyes. Blood splashed. It was not a light hit, "Perhaps I should make you eat one of your young sons or daughters. That should be amusing. Oh Florence, you've given me the entertainment of a lifetime. I suppose I should thank you for that."[/color]
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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/b4x7ur.jpg] Florence knew this was the end. There wasn't a chance in hell that she'd be able to escape now that Brooke's cronies were pinning her down. Hissing in pain as her back connected with the unforgiving ground, Florence met Brooke's savage gaze and held it for several seconds before she began to get mauled. The pain was bad, but she'd suffered worse in battles. Her skin was thick, it was hard to actually penetrate the flesh, but Florence knew this was only the beginning. It wouldn't be long before Brooke started getting pure evil. Florence watched with hard eyes as the dark dog approached, venom dripping from her voice. Florence couldn't remember the last time she had screamed, and she most definitely wouldn't willingly let that sound hit Brooke's ears. Brooke's cold eyes were the last thing Florence saw. Her paws collided with Florence's eyes, slashing through the balls and cutting off all sight the Iris leader had with the world. She couldn't help a rumbling snarl leave her lips as she squeezed her maimed eyes shut, turning to look away from her attacker. Crimson blood oozed from the sockets as she tried blinking in hope she could regain her sight. Darkness. Florence's ears twitched as she tried to get her bearings of what was happening around her. She felt a paw against her stomach, a couple of laughs to her left, and Brooke's overbearing presence towering above her. "You have to try harder than that before I start screaming, love." Florence growled up at her. There was no response for several seconds, before she felt jaws locking around her tail. Florence tried lashing her tail in hope to bat the dog away, but they kept a firm grip on it. The canine, perhaps Brooke, began putting pressure on her tail, slowly crushing into the bone and snapping her tail in half. Florence's face contorted with agony as she arched her back, trying to writhe away from the grip, however firm paws on her abdomen kept her down. She snapped her teeth and roared with pain as she felt her tail bend and contort in an excruciating way. The jaws left, and Florence gasped for a breath she hadn't realised she'd been keeping. Chest rising and falling, Florence shook from pain and shock. This is only the beginning... Florence reminded herself. The thought made her blood run cold. "Is that the best you can give me?" The lioness continued to taunt. It was foolish, but perhaps it would give her a quicker death if Brooke got angry at her. Florence wasn't sure who said it, but she heard a dog shout for her tongue to be ripped out. Before Florence could clamp her mouth shut, there were powerful paws keeping her jaws prised open. The foul breath of a dog invaded Florence's mouth as she felt teeth sink down onto her soft tongue and bite. The gurgled, bloody sound Florence made as her tongue was ripped from her mouth was horrific. She thrashed under the weight of the dogs as blood choked into her throat. Swallowing convulsively, Florence spat out as much blood as she could, before the next round of torture began. The paws against her chest and stomach started adding more and more pressure. Her ribs creaked and whined under the weight of several large dogs. It took long enough before she felt them crack, and Florence didn't even have time to gasp in pain before her ears started ringing. She wasn't even aware of the illegible noise coming deep from her throat, but she vaguely knew that Brooke would be pleased. Brooke was probably cackling at the famous Iris Pride leader being turned into this pathetic mess. Her heart was being crushed by the collapsed ribs. Her lungs were unable to expand to the full size, making her breaths come short and fast. She couldn't get enough air and was slowly suffocating through shock and pain. If that wasn't enough, dogs were now savaging at her stomach, biting through her legs and shredding her ears. When one excruciating pain stopped, another began elsewhere. Florence was too tired to even fight against the dogs pushing her down, and she could feel the energy seeping slowly away. Her blood was slowly being drained from her body as her breaths began to slow. Florence could feel her thoughts beginning to cloud. She couldn't think properly, she couldn't speak or hear or see. She wasn't even sure who was attacking her anymore. A wash of tiredness swept over the mangled lioness as she lay in the mud. By the time the dogs would be done with her, she would be an indistinguishable corpse, barely recognisable by her own mate. Letting out a sigh, Florence started to let go. She felt her body go limp as she gave up trying to live. One last breath and Florence was gone. Gone. ooc; wow, the death of Florence was finally RPed out! I know this post is probably full of errors and mistakes, but it was way past midnight and I'm tired and ill. Thank you to Smiff for allowing me to use Brooke's character in Florence's torture. Goodbye my first character of CR, I hope you enjoy it in kitty hell <3

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