[JRP] How about some disease? (Nawiri and Kubwa) -Complete-

[Wylde Roses]

The sun was just edging up over the horizon, but Kubwa'na'Kiburi was already awake. Today was the day! The day that she would meet with the queen of the Kitwana'Antara and be accepted into the pride. There was nary a doubt in the blue and pink lioness' mind that she would get in - of course she would; she'd found a home where she could bring sorely-needed joy to others, where she would never be kicked out or forced to leave, and the thought that she could be rejected and turned away honestly never crossed her thoughts. Kubwa was beginning to wear a figure-eight in the grass with her pacing as she planned out what she might say to the queen today; the queen that was doubtlessly going to be one of her best friends ever!

"Good morning your majestiness! It's a beautiful day, and I'm so glad to be here!" she chirped to herself. Hm, well, that was okay but not quite good enough. "Thank you for seeing me, your... queenliness? No, that won't work," she said, a mild frown crossing her features - the most serious expression she ever wore. To be fair though she really didn't know what to expect - she'd never met royalty before! But of course she was nice queen, for how could someone willing to give her a home - and she would, she just would - ever be mean? No, this was going to be her new home, and she was meeting a new friend today; nothing scary!

This thought made her pause for a moment. Where was her escort to the queen? She's been waiting since before dawn; surely she'd be brought to her soon! Kubwa just couldn't wait - had she been allowed she would have just hightailed it into the pride's lands and made herself at home, but even this slightly naive and overly-energetic lioness knew better than to do something like that. She would meet the queen, go through their ceremony, and then make herself at home and start making friends.

Oh, this would be wonderful!  

[Uta]

From over the hills of the savanna trotted a lithe, green, spotted cheetah. It wasn't hard to find Kubwa, considering the scarcity of guests amongst the pride lands, and the Kitwana'antara had been gossiping about it for days. Ever since the vibrantly pink and blue coated lioness had arrived she had been treated with hospitality and cordiality. Of course, every guest of the pride was treated as such but most moved on quickly. The Kitwana'antara were always honest about the plague that followed them - though it drove many faces away, a very small handful sometimes felt pity on the lions and lingered or offered help; even a smaller few actually chose to stay!

Kubwa was one of them. Her optimism was unique amongst the pride, and while she had met very few faces within the pride, almost everyone within knew of her. News tended to spread like wildfire amongst the pride, especially when it meant a possibly healthy lioness joining!

"Greetings and salutations, Kubwa," Ezequiel finally spoke up when he bridged enough distance beween himself and the lioness. He'd never met her before, but he had seen her during some of his patrols scouting the borders, and he'd certainly heard of her! She had requested a meeting with the Queen in hopes of acceptance in to the pride! A new female would certainly boost some of the prides morale, that was for certain!

"I'm Ezequiel'unai, and I'm here to escort you to meet the Queen." He doubted he had to explain himself, why else would he seek her out this day? Still, one could never assume. Lazy and good-natured smile planted firmly on his features, he added, "You've been the talk of the pride since your arrival and I know Queen Nawiri is looking forward to meeting you first hand." It hadn't been so very long ago that he himself had met the grey and black-masked female. . . He'd been but a wandering rogue, no direction in his life. And yet here he was now, a settled and very happy member. Truly this had been his life's calling.

"If you're ready, I can take you to her now."
 

[Wylde Roses]

"You're here, Kuba said cheerfully, unaware that she was stating the obvious. "Oh, this is wonderful! Let's get going, shall we?" The ever-cheerful lioness was barely keeping herself from skipping about as if she were an excited cub. She was finally getting to meet the Queen - and even though she still didn't know what to say or do, she couldn't wait to meet her new friend, so figuring out what to say didn't have as much importance as actually going.

"Pleased to meet you, Ezequiel'unai," Kubwa said, managing to remember to be polite to her escort despite her excitement. Just because she was filled to the brim with nervous and excited energy didn't give her the excuse to be rude, after all! And certainly not to such a nice cheetah; he was being so helpful. "How are you today?" the lioness asked, tail swishing back and forth in excitement.  

[Uta]

Ezequiel had heard that the bright coated lioness had a just as cheerful personality. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, not at all, but it was still surprising. The Kitwana'antara tried to keep depression at bay, but with so much suffering and pain revolving around the lions and their lives, it wasn't always easy to keep things happy. Kubwa would be a refreshing change. Smiling over at the lioness, Ezequiel did have to wonder what made her different from all the other guests that visited their lands; why had she chosen to put her life on the line and face the plague? It occurred to the cheetah that she could be dead in a month . . . .

Did Kubwa truly understand the risk she was taking? Past all her optimism, she had to know that this decision wasn't to be taken lightly. Oh well. Ezequiel knew why he had chosen to stay in the pride . . . but then again, the risk of infection wasn't a risk at all! The pride gave him a purpose in life, but what about Kubwa?

It wasn't his place to question. The fact that she wanted to join was her decision and her decision alone and he knew the pride would forever be grateful to her. "Let's be off then!" Trotting past the lioness, the thin legged feline kept a steady pace. He wasn't rushed, but he also didn't want to keep Nawiri'chiwa waiting. All of the land would be new for Kubwa after a certain point, the self-quarantine of the Kitwana lifted for this new member.

"I'm doing well, thank you. What of yourself?" A little idle conversation wouldn't hurt, and it might ease any nerves she felt. Not that she looked nervous, but he'd noticed her pacing. Was it excitement or concern, a taste of fear at the prospect of illness, suffering, disease?
 

[Wylde Roses]

If the cheetah thought Kubwa didn't know what she was getting into, well, he was both right and wrong. The lioness did know that she was joining a pride that would likely keep her from living to an old age, and possibly cause her to die in a horrible manner - but she was unaffected by the possibility. Why? Because in her eternal optimism, she knew that there was always a chance that she would be immune to it, or just get sick for a little while; and she was going to keep believing in that possibility until it would be proven completely otherwise.

Even if she did get sick, Kubwa figured that she might get lucky enough to be around when the disease finally went away (because it would go away someday, she just knew it!). However, she didn't completely understand the scope of the misery that she herself might suffer, and likey never would. Her covering cloud of naivety preserved her innocence even into adulthood, and would continue to do so for however long she lived. In the meantime, these lions sure could use some smiles; and she was more than willing to provide them!

"I'm all right; I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to say, though - I've never met a Queen before or anything. I just hope that I can help out here! I wasn't able to make many friends back out in the rogue lands, you see - they said I was too annoying and too - what's the word? Perky, that's it! - for them to be able to be near me. But I'm not, that bad, surely - they were all just silly!" After her last declaration, Kubwa nodded as if confirming her statement to herself - it was the most obvious answer, after all.

"Do you like it here? I think I will; I know that this is a sad pride, and it seems kind of lonely too, all cut off from the world, but if they're willing to accept me then I'm sure they're really nice under all of the sadness! I'll just have to bring it out!"  

[Uta]

Ezequiel trotted past the hills, keeping his pace light but brisk. He wasn't trying to get rid of Kubwa, but he knew she was quite excited to meet Nawiri! The sooner he brought her to the den, the better, and the sooner the prie would grow one member stronger.

The land near the dens and the heart of the pride wasn't entirely different from the scene Kubwa had experienced during her current stay. There was a thick scent of water upon the air, and while the land remained slightly hilly, there were a few areas that were flatter . . especially near the lake that made up the entire prides eastern border. Various lions were scattered, lounging in the shade of a tree or being nursed and treated by various others. It looked . . . peaceful . . . but despite the beauty of the land there was a wretched curse hanging over them.

"A spot of optimism and perkiness could do this pride some good," Ezequiel agreed happily, his red eyes bright with amusement and understanding. He had never been super optimistc, but he had been hyper active and they had tolerated him~! Even at his worst! Kubwa would be a nice addition . . . Still, he humored her. While he knew she'd meet some more sullen and sulking creatures, those less inclined to her bright nature, that couldn't be avoided. Some glowed under positive light, others rejected it. But the pride would never turn away someone who wanted to join.

"As for what to say, I wouldn't worry. Just be yourself and I'm sure you'll do fine. She isn't the expectorate sort, after all," he added with a grin. Ezequiel nodded to a few members who had paused to study the incredibly bright coated lion. Their stares were blank, but not unfriendly, just . . .curious.

It didn't take long to reach the dens where most royalty resided. They were larger, more open, and unfortunately as of recently very empty. It wasn't hard to figure out where they were going, for outside the mouth of the den sat the smoke grey lioness. She was sitting alone, with her tail wrapped comfortably about her paws, and her eyes half-lidded as she soaked up the heat of the day.

Ezequiel slowed his walk as he approached with Kubwa, stopping completely as he neared and offering a bow. "My Queen, if it pleases you, might I present Kubwa'na'Kiburi before you." It was formal, but the cheetah just couldn't shake a need to speak in such a way. Especially since this was one of his first errands she had personally asked of him!


Nawiri's eyes opened fully, and the red and blue dual toned orbs rested first on Kubwa, and then turned fondly towards the green cheetah. Her smile was warm and welcoming, though she did laugh as soon as the green male finished. "Ezequiel'unai, I didn't realize our relationship had become so formal. You'd think you were speaking to royalty!" She teased him softly before rising to her paws. "Thank you for assisting Miss Kubwa'na'Kiburi down to me. " Bowing her head back to the cheetah, silently dismissing him, she finally turned her full attention to the lioness before her.

She was indeed very bright, very vibrant. Rumor had it she had a very shining personality as well! It brought joy to her heart to see that there was compassion enough left in some hearts of outsiders that they might consider joining. Still . . . Nawiri worried that come the end of the day, perhaps Kubwa would rethink her initial plan to join. "It is so good to finally meet you," she greeted, words sincere and full of joy. "Please, might you join me within the shade of my den? We can speak in private of your wishes and of your hopeful joining."
 

[Wylde Roses]

At this point in time, Kubwa really couldn't care if some of the pride didn't like her or not - they'd eventually warm up to her, she just knew it, as she knew everything would work out in the long run... even if no-one else could see it right now. The lioness was mostly quiet while she listened to Ezequiel's explanation about what to do, and also simply enjoying looking around at the pride's center - she had never been near a pride before, after all, and it was all quite fascinating for the excitable feline!

Almost too soon, they had reached the royal den - it had to be, because they'd stopped and the gray-furred lioness that was the queen was right there in front of her, and oh dear, oh dear she was addressing her, talking to her! This was just too amazing! The fully-grown lioness almost let out a squeak like an excited cub as she attempted to rein in her actions so that she could at least seem presentable to the royalty in front of her.

"Um, it's a pleasure to meet you too, your royalness!" she chirped, then swished her tail because that must have been the wrong thing to say, it certainly didn't sound quite right after all! Oh, but she was still going to be invited to talk to her, so it must not have been that bad. "Of course, your majesty! It would be... um, very nice to speak with you." Well, it would be more than 'very nice', Kubwa was now trying not to fall over her own feet with happiness. A private conversation with a queen! If only her mother could see her now!  

[Uta]

Nawiri'chiwa couldn't help but laugh softly as the blue and pink female greeted her. She had heard that Kubwa was a very outgoing and extroverted, optimistic sort. Her cheery response was delightful though! It had been a long time since members could be found without a heavy heart!

"Please, Nawiri is just fine! There's really no need to refer to me with such posh titles," she crinkled her nose, smile still firmly upon her features. "Though some don't seem to refer to me any other way, truly, just because I'm the Queen doesn't make me any more important than any body else in the pride." Some might say she took her role as queen far too casually, but she just couldn't help it.

She didn't desire power. She just wanted to make sure all those under her care were given the best lives and the most happiness they could find. Their lot in life wasn't easy, but Nawiri was going to fight with them side by side.

Guiding Kubwa to the back of her den, she happily settled herself before the female. "Please, make yourself comfortable." It was fairly empty for being of royalty. It was clean, a small wallow assumed where she rested. There were various gourds of sizes and shapes, some filled with a variety of herbs, others placed haphazardly to the side. There were a few bones from meals previous, as well as trinkets and gifts given to her. There was a small alter where she left offerings to Pestilence and communed, as well as the skull she had chosen and decorated upon being chosen as heiress. It was cozy, in a sense, but also strangely empty.

It was an abode for Nawiri, but it wasn't necessarily her home. Her home was outside the walls of the den, with others of the Kitwana'antara. "So tell me a little about yourself, Kubwa. Where do you hail from, and what has your life like been up to this point? We so infrequently get outsiders, I'm curious to know your history."

 

[Wylde Roses]

Kubwa blinked a few times as the entered the den. Sure, it wasn't particularly grand or anything, but she could easily tell it was still the dwelling of someone royal. And the queen wanted her to call her by name? Oh, how wonderful! They were already on their way to being friends! Taking a seat just opposite of the que- Nawiri, Kubwa watched the other lioness with excited black eyes, her motion - for the moment- limited to a few thoughtful tail swishes.

"Where am I from, your maj - Nawiri? Well, um, everywhere, I guess you could say," she said, shrugging as she thought about her wanderings throughout the rogue lands. "I couldn't tell you the exact placed I was born, just that it was somewhere where my mom and my siblings and I were the only ones around," Kubwa added as she tapped a paw thoughtfully against the floor. "That's... well that's really all I can say about where I came from - I've never been part of a pride, and as far as I know my mother never was either; we've just wandered for a long time."

Thinking back on her life, Kubwa crossed her eyes due to the difficulty of remembering so far back. "I never knew my father or anything, just that I think he might be where my blue markings come from, and I grew up with my mom, and my sisters... There wasn't much to go around in that part of the rogue lands, so once we got big enough most of us left and started wondering on our own. I was... um, kind of kicked out because I talk too much," she confessed, her tone rather sheepish before she perked right back up again.

"And that's really about it! I've just been wandering, and try to help bring happiness where I can because there's just not enough of it in the world, and I know this seems kind of silly, but... I really do think I could be helpful here, at least to make a few lions happier; I know not everyone can be happy, not right away, but someday... someday everyone will be, I just know it!" And if one looked closely into Kubwa's eyes, they could almost see stars shining in them. And maybe a rainbow or two, with a puffy cloud and a magic pony - she was that optimistic.  

[Uta]

The lioness listened to the female as she spoke. It wasn't often they were blessed with new blood that willingly entered the pride lands, and any history was delightful to the queen. She always enjoyed learning more about those within the pride, from the youngest cub to the most elderly of souls. Because she had never been off the pride lands, the female could only live through the history and travels of others.

"So you were a rogue all of your life then!" She stated, eyes bright as her imagination began to churn. Part of her wanted to ask what it was like out there, without a pride, and without territory that one could not cross. Like all within the Kitwana, even Nawiri could remember the temptation to roam, just to see what life was like without such restrictions.

But, on the other hand, she also knew why they couldn't leave. The disease was not an easy thing to live with. It was incredibly contagious and the worse thing they could do was spread it to others! No, the rules were strictly enforced because the risk was too great. It was the Kitwana'antara whom were marked by plague . . not rogues or other prides.

"I'm sorry to hear that you were forced away. I can't imagine how that must have felt," she murmured, ears flattening a bit as she thought about such a thing. So Kubwa was a conversationalist, a talker. Even the most chattery of souls should be cherished. . .how could someone drive another away just because of their good nature or good humor? Even the most prickly of lions and lionesses that Nawiri dealt with were allowed to stay! Oh, sure, they could test her patience and even aggravate her to no end . . . but they were family. The Kitwana'antara were all each other had!

"Well, rest assured you can chatter as much as you like! We won't ever turn you away, I assure you. Furthermore, I believe that you could bring a great deal of joy and hope to the pride." While Nawiri was more realistic, realizing that not everyone would embrace Kubwa's ideals, she still thought that a little sunshine and goodness could do well. She could be that upbeat personality when so many were down or such joy lacked. "I have complete faith in you, Kubwa," she smiled, voice quiet and words sincere.

"I just want to be sure though that this is something that you want. You are likely to get infected, and if you do catch the disease . . .well. . . you will die." Nawiri looked a the female, wanting her to understand the severity of their situation. "I just hope you have considered this, because once you've joined, there is no way we could let you leave. There is no changing ones mind because as a pride, and as the queen, I refuse to be responsible of spreading this disease outside our lands."

Nawiri'chiwa honestly wasn't trying to be a downer or sound negative but she did realize that some people didn't entirely understand their situation. Some were disillusioned about their chances within the pride, or about the disease itself. It wasn't often they had members willing to join . . . but before they commenced the ceremony, the lioness wanted to truly know that Kubwa was willing to accept their curse.
 

[Wylde Roses]

Kubwa listened patiently to Nawiri's explanation and discussion, a relieved smile blossoming on her face when she heard the confirmation that she wouldn't be turned away - and her Queenliness was so nice to warn her again, it showed how much the royal lioness cared about everyone, which was always a good thing in a ruler! Or, well, Kubwa thought so anyway. She didn't know much about rulers, after all, but Nawiri did seem like a very good one.

However, the sadness in the queen's voice when she attempted to warn her again also told Kubwa that for once she was actually expected to talk and was quite welcome to do so. "Oh, we all die someday anyway," she said with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "And I'd rather die somewhere where I'm allowed to stay, can make friends and be remembered than out in the rogue lands where no-one would even know," the pink and blue lioness said honestly, a soft smile spread across her face.

"Besides, if I'm going to die, I'd like to make others happy first! And I can't do that all alone," she added thoughtfully, as her ears twitched around curiously. "But thank you for being worried for me; it must be a really scary thing to - to be given a choice, almost, of how you're going to die. But I'd rather die young and not alone than old and lonely."

And that was really all that she felt needed to be said on the matter. But that didn't mean she was done talking. "So how can I help out here? I've been alone so I haven't really gotten to train in anything, but I'm willing to try anything you need some help with!"  

[Uta]

Nawiri listened to Kubwa's explanation and was thoughtful for a moment, considering the views of the other. It was almost a naive view, to choose a death that might leave her tormented and likely cut years from her life. There were many other prides out there that could use a friendly face, and still guarantee a long life of good health.

But. . . then again . . . some things weren't always certain. While plague was guaranteed, there was a possibility that Kubwa would be immune or shed the disease and become a carrier. It was possible even if she were infected that she still live to a ripe old age, and who knew, perhaps Pestilence would be kind and someday rid them of the disease that haunted them. It was up to the Goddess, at any rate.

Still, the poor female seemed as if she wanted desperately to find a place to call home. She was so lonely she was willing to risk probable death just to have a chance to spread her good nature and find acceptance. Who was the Kitwana'antara to turn away a helping paw or a friendly face? Especially one that was willing to sacrifice their own good health for their sake.

"Well then, Kubwa, if this is the path you wish to walk we will gladly accept you as one of our own. " Her eyes glowed with warmth as she listened to the female and her energy. While she was Kubwa's age, if not younger, there was a sort of spunk to the female that Nawiri'chiwa had never had. She hadn't been solemn or morose, certainly not, but hyperactivity or gratuitous amounts of energy were a rare thing to find within the pride. "There are many positions in the pride, and many skills we can teach you. Feel free to take a few days to get settled, perhaps find a den of your own, and we will have no trouble finding a place where you can fit." Already Nawiri was making room, certain to send word to some others of the pride and let them know of Kubwa's state. They could teach her to hunt and let her experience some of the other roles found within the pride. All in due time, of course.

"Before all of that though, there is a tradition we have. A ritual, so to speak. For an outsider to prove their willingness to join, your first task is to meet three others diseased lions within the pride. Many are here in the heart of the pride, so you needn't travel far, but it isn't just conversation. Tell them you're seeking acceptance for your initiation, and they will leave their mark, their blessing. This will likely come in the form of a bite, or a scratch, one they will then groom. If you return with these three marks, these three blessings, then you will have proven to me . . and yourself. . . that you aren't afraid of the sick, the dying, or exposure to the disease. "

It was a strange ritual, but Nawiri understood its origins. There were many who could say they were strong and were willing to pledge themselves to the Kitwana'antara, but some found themselves petrified of the very ill. The pride was to function as a family, and that meant getting over ones fear of contraction of the illness or looking down upon those whom were covered in blood or on their death beds.

Anyone could say they were willing to join. But some had a change of heart when they witnessed the gruesomeness of the plague.  

[Wylde Roses]

"I understand," Kubwa said softly, and by the oddly serious note in her voice it was obvious that she did. After all, how could they expect for her to be a part of the pride if she was scared of getting sick? "I won't let you down, your royalness," she added in her usual chirpy voice. The lioness was quite certain that she would have a happy life here - if, perhaps, a shorter one - as long as she was willing to reach out and take it.

And take it she would, Kubwa decided as she rose to her feet, ducking her head in a polite bow to the Queen - pausing just a moment before she ran off to do as she had been requested. "Do I just go on my own and come back, then?" she asked, wanting to make sure she did this right. She didn't mind becoming sick - not when it meant she would have others around who would actually care about her!

Besides, if she did get sick. . . well, she'd never have to leave then! Ever!  

[Uta]

The lioness was pleased to see that the bright blue and pink lioness seemed quite open to the idea of exposure. On the one hand, the black masked lioness was glad there was such a willingness within Kubwa, already a lack of fear. On the other hand, the dual-eyed lioness was concerned that exposure would mean a quick death for their newest member. It happened sometimes, where one caught the disease swiftly and it didn't take long for the new life to be snuffed.

Chuckling softly as Kubwa questioned her, the lioness gave a nod. "Certainly. Others may question your approach, but the guards and warriors know of your presence, and if any asks, just inform them you're on your initiation. You likely won't have to go far from the den area, since many who are ill linger near the heart of the pride."

((Super short tag, zomg. ._. Um. Did you want me to play NPC's or did you want to just skip to when she gets back or . . . .find some actual PC characters to mark her in another RP?))
 

[Wylde Roses]

Kubwa listened carefully, dark eyes taking in every word that the queen said, though she wasn't a serious lioness and as such her expression could only be described as barely-constrained excitement. It wasn't that she didn't grasp the seriousness of the pride's situation, really, it was just that it went completely against her nature to be afraid or upset about it!

"Well, alright then," she said after a moment, trying to phrase her words carefully because deep down, the multicolored lioness knew that she could very easily cross the wrong line at any time, and without even knowing that she'd done it! "I hope I can find a position that I'm suited for quickly!" she added, not at all worried about the initiation and in fact far more concerned with what she could do and what friends she could make.

((Super short from me too.... and we can just skip to when she gets back since I keep forgetting this RP! xD;;; ))