Beauregard's path led him from the woods into a forested area. Cedar trees lined the area, the sound of water catching his attention. He would find some falls, not quite as grand as those back in Ethne, and stare up at them. They were a reminder of his mission, of his resolve and desire. He would help Tanelan. He would improve their lives. And he would help Ethne. The yearling drew in a breath, having told his companions they would rest here. Blind was hunting and Trill was in the trees. For the most part the area was quiet. Serene almost. He was surprised a pack had not settled here. He would turn when the scent of a big cat hit his nose… and it was close. His posture became guarded as he looked around. Typically kitties didn't like to play.

Beauregard was correct. Typically, kitties didn't like to play, and this one wasn't. A large male lion had felt ballsy and had attacked Rannoch. This was a big no no in Taiga's book. She had scared the lion off, but it had come back and tried its luck a second time. Smaller and faster, the cat had escaped Taiga, but she was intent on ending its life. She wouldn't risk the bastard attacking her elk for a third time.

Taiga followed the lion all the way down to Auster, catches snatches of scent and strands of dark mane and tawny coat left behind here and there. Upon entering a thickly wooded area, not only was the scent of lion stronger, but the scent of bear was thick here as well. The black and white feline wrinkled her nose for a moment, lips peeling back from wickedly long canines. She hated both scents equally, but only one was her target today.

The hulking lioness parted from the trees into a clearing just in time to see the lion rush towards the much smaller form of a wolf. "Look out!" she called before wide paws had her rushing forward. Taiga collided with the lions side, slamming the maned bastard into the ground. Teeth found its shoulder, but claws found her own flesh as well. Both would bleed, but one would die.

"Taiga"

Beauregard’s gaze was sweeping the air, searching for the threat. Blind and Trill had not yet picked up on the danger, but the man knew it was only a matter of time before both companions were on alert. Then he heard a call of warning. Head snapped up to see a male lion rushing towards him, and an even grander feline charging after it. Beauregard bristled - the female at least seemed to be on his side for the moment. The man jumped off to the side as both lions came forward, the female slamming into the male and bringing him to the ground. They were scrapping, and though it would be dangerous to get involved, Beauregard moved forward as he heard Trill call from the air. Fangs clamped down upon mane and neck, doing his best to hold the thrashing and clawing male in place while the female landed her own attacks. He could hear Blind growling and snapping her tiny fangs in the background, though likely too intimidated by the larger lioness to dare approach. Beau snarled as he kept his hold. The male feline wasn’t going down without a fight. "Speech" 'Thought.'

Thankfully the little wolf heard her warning and moved accordingly. Taiga barreled into the rex and the pair went flying. The lion sank his claws into her foreleg and neck in the mad scramble, but the spotted lioness had her teeth firmly lodged in its shoulder. The felines kicked and spat, fur flying in all directions. They tore up chunks of sod as they grappled.

The bite of the wolf to the lions neck distracted it somewhat so that Taiga could collect herself for another attack. Massive paws pushed against the lion and she vaulted away, sneezing to get the fur from her nostrils before moving back in. The lion was less prepared this time, being attacked in both directions, so Taiga slid her curved killing claws through the flesh of its side and chest, almost embracing the other cat as her teeth bit into the side of its throat.

"Taiga"

The male thrashed, as Beauregard held onto him, the lioness that had come to his aid pushing away to seemingly recollect herself for another attack. Beauregard wasn’t going to let the other predator have control back. Even as the lion tried to shake him the wolf held on, legs scrambling and adjusting his weight as he went so that he would not lose his balance. Balance in fights was such a key thing, the difference between winning and losing, and the difference between getting injury. That said, his jaws were getting quite the workout and were likely going to be sore for a few days after this. His blue gaze flicked back to the lioness, watching as she lunged back for the male.

Claws slid into the male lion’s body and Beau heard him grunt with pain before the woman’s teeth found purchase in the sorry predator’s neck. Blood was spilled, and as seconds ticked by, Beauregard could feel the lion’s strength waning as his life slipped away from him. It was only once the ashen cream wolf was sure he was dead that he released him and stepped back, gaze turning back to the lioness. “Thank you for your aid, miss.” She certainly hadn’t needed to help him, but it was greatly appreciated that she had made the choice to do so. Good thing too, considering how much larger she was than he was. He had always considered himself pretty tall, but this lioness towered over him.

“My name is Beauregard Ravenwood. Might I have yours?”

"Speech," 'Thought.'

With her jaws locked around the lion's neck it would only be a short while before it died. Gradually the threading and fighting waned. Only when Taiga felt the wolf release and back away did she do the same. Teeth slid free from bloodied flesh and the massive lioness sat back in the snow.

The wolf thanked her and gave his name. It was a fancy name which was what wolves tended to have. He asked after her own name and the cat replied in kind. "Taiga." It was a simple name but it was hers. The big feline proceeded to begin giving herself a bath, scratchy tongue pulling the red blood from her white fur.

"Seniorita Murder Mittens"

Her name given, Beauregard would give a small nod. Taiga, a name that he would do well to remember. The lioness had gone to clean her fur, as the man cast a look at the lion. Ironic that it was both a cat that had attacked him… and saved him. “Do you live around here? Or did I just get lucky in not being cat food today?” He asked, curious. As far as he could tell she didn’t have the scents of any other cats on her, nor any that would make him think she was part of some big group. Was she lonely…? Beau had personally not cared much for wandering alone. He was also curious if he might end up seeing her again. "Speech," 'Thought.'

Rounded ears shifted as the wolf spoke. He wanted to know if she lived around here. His cat food comment resulted in a low chuckle from the feline. "I live everywhere." Meaning that she lived nowhere. Taiga was a traveler. Being the only one of her kind on this continent, she didn't have the normal pride habits that she otherwise may have had. Her little herd had been scattered to the winds. Rannoch had felt the need to go do deer things with the changing of the seasons. Having a big cat on his tail would have cramped his style, so to speak. Can't interact with other deer with a lioness peeking over your shoulder. And so she wandered, doing this and that. It was working for her so far.

"Seniorita Murder Mittens"