[EVENT] Dark Rumors (Closed!)

[mouselet]

Mittere's eyes flicked from speaker to speaker. It wasn't entirely surprising to hear that the strangers were a particular band of the Firekin, probably a host of representatives, fighters and adventurers. It also seemed that they knew as little of the Nergui as the pink lioness herself. They had more information on what the odd lions had done, but no word of why or what the purpose was.

But what was this? It seemed the Firekin were now talking of leaving an armed delegation here to fight and protect against the Nergui? Blue eyes gleamed as Mittere considered the ramifications. It would be annoying, to say the least, for the healthy lions would have to live in quarantine from the sick, but to have trained warriors around...ah, such a wondrous and useful change!

As for messengers between the prides, let the Firekin supply them. There weren't that many immune lions running around, and it seemed like non-lions would be poorly received by the red pride as a whole.

Still, now wasn't the time for her opinions to be heard. Now was a time for waiting, listening, and watching closely.  

[~Masamune~]

It was interesting to hear a bit more about the initial meeting between the Queen and the Nergui. Although the whole of the Kitwana'antara had been informed about it, details had been kept to a minimum, most likely to avoid a panic of some kind. The fact that those lions had ambitions to use the disease as a weapon was insane. If they obtained it, it would surely lead to their own deaths, but most likely not before it lead to the death of their enemies. Many would suffer, and it would be all their fault, for having allowed it to happen.

Nili'asikari frowned deeply as he considered this. If the Nergui didn't kill them, then one of their neighbours might, for having allowed the disease to be spread. As a wild dog, he had always been immune to the disease, as were all wild dogs. He would never truely understand what the diseased Pride members went through, despite having been amongst them all his life. They didn't deserve to suffer anymore than they already had.

With all these negative thoughts, it was hard to look on the bright side. When the Legate known as Moto'Seide spoke though, things definitely started looking up. They seemed to be coming round to the idea of an alliance all by themselves, without it having been suggested by the Queen. If the Firekin were here waiting when the Nergui returned, he was certain that everything would be OK. Looking at them, with their large, muscular builds, it was hard to imagine them losing a fight to anyone.

"If you need a messenger of some kind, I would gladly volunteer. I'm completely immune to the disease, and I can easily out run any lion." Nili'asikari spoke the truth when he stated that he could easily out run any lion, and his dark blue coat did well to hide him at night. If they needed someone who could quickly and secretively make their way from one area to another, he was their wild dog.

The fact that the Nergui had promised to return was a worry, but at the same time, it may have been a blessing in disguise. Veru was quick to ask if they had given a time for their return. "If we knew exactly when they were set to return, we could be ready for them." That was, of course, if the leaders of the Firekin agreed on that course of action. In Ukuba's head, it would be foolish to waste such a great opportunity to attack the Nergui. Still, nothing they ever did was predictable, so it would still be risky.

Seide obviously had a similar idea, but she was quick to remind the group of how far the Firekin forces were already stretched. Between the main part of the Firekin's territory, the various outposts and the borders of the Kitwana'antara, he wasn't sure how many Firekin could be safely committed to each section. If the Nergui moved in their entirety, they could potentially take down any group of Firekin that wasn't large enough to cope.

When Netravati chimed in, Ukuba offered her a small smile, but failed to answer her question. He couldn't promise that they would help, although he was quite sure that they would. After all, it was in the Firekin's best interests to stop the Nergui from obtaining the disease, not just the Kitwana'antara's. It would just be very difficult to figure out exactly how many Firekin to post here. They would also have to weigh up the pros and cons of such a move, as it would surely mean taking Firekin forces from elsewhere.

"There is much to be discussed with the Regents." He concluded finally, deciding that there wasn't much point in speculating unless the Legate herself made the decision to post Firekin here on the Kitwana'antara border.  

[Syrius Lionwing]

Though she had heard the commotion early on Alchemilla Mollis had hung back. It wasn't that she was a coward, far from it, but if a fight had broken out she was far more useful as a healer than a fighter. Getting killed in a scuffle would do no one any good. It seemed that things were moving along smoothly though so the large yellow hyena moved forwards.

Her partner landed on her back, the brightly coloured bird clicked her beak and whispered in the hyenas ear.

The Hyena nods slipping through the members of the pride of sick lions and sits respectfully to listen her mint green gaze looking over each of the members present, as well as the firekin. No one seemed to be hurt, or at least there were no visible wounds. She could offer assistance to this fighter pride, perhaps, for as large as they were surely they got injured to. She eyes a couple of the firekin looking for someone near the edge she could ask without interrupting the main conversation. "Are the any amongst you red pelts that may need a healer? You seem to have travelled a long way." She smiles a serene smile, which was difficult to pull off, being a hyena, but she had perfected it over the years.

Kefiin clicked her beak and squarked a quick laugh "Mol you really don't have any sense, these lions don't seem to be fans of other creatures that aren't lions . Yet you still offer assistance." she whispers in to her friends ear.

The yellow and green hyena smiles "I took an oath Kefiin. I am a healer first."  

[Mogami]

Brave red knights? Dumaka sighed quietly under his breath, barely resisting the urge to sit down as he did a mental roll of his eyes.

“Netravati…” he whispered slowly. She made the Kiwtana members sound so helpless and in dire need of protection. “We have strong fighters as well.” Though, granted, they weren’t always in good The striped lion sighed again.

Dumaka knew little of the Nergui. Only that they were warrior-types who had come to aggressively demand to be given Pestilence’s gift. He hated to admit that his pride might not be able to prevent the Nergui from achieving whatever dark purpose they’d set their sights on and unfortunately it sounded like they might send an army next time. Wishing to use the mark of Pestilence for their violent purposes… it was unforgivable.

“We won’t allow them to do as they please.” Dumaka said to no one in particular. If nothing else, the Firekin had already given them a fairly good warning of what the Nergui were capable of. If they became a fighting force that stood by their side in battle, all the better. But Dumaka wasn’t going to put his faith on the Regents they spoke of. His mind was considering how he could double his training and help the civilians improve. As he watched the Master Healer approach the group and address the Firekin, he was silently hoping his cough didn’t return soon.  

[wooga Paes]

This really was a varied group. A hyena, too? Hybrids, wild dogs and hyenas. He wondered if anyone among the sentinels would get worked up about that too. About the healing offer, he didn't comment on it. Not to be impolite, but he wasn't interested.

"If I may, fighting might not be a good solution, in your case." He frowned slightly. "If the nergui want the disease, you may just give it to them during battle, inadvertently. That may even be what they want. If I'm understanding how the contagion works correctly." At least that was the impression Moto'spaki had. "I do not know how many of you are immune, however, or more importantly, how many of your fighters are."

And they would need quite a lot of fighters. The Hongshan, as far as Spaki knew, had been a pride made up of warriors, and they didn't have to worry about selecting who could and couldn't fight. And yet, they had been wiped out and taken prisoner.  

[Uta]

Nawiri listened to what the Firekin had to say. Her eyes glanced from the pale coated Veru to the other stranger (Seide), and back again even as she considered their words. Her ears flattened somewhat and she gave a small shake of her head, doing her best to recall the information that the Nergui ambassadors had given.

"Unfortunately, the strangers gave no time line of when they would be coming. All the dark coated male had said was that they would, that their Graos Oma," she spoke the foreign word, her nose wrinkling as she did her best to pronounce it as she had heard, "and his horde were not close yet. Unfortunately that is . . . the only information I was given on the when and where." She spoke, her tail flicking idly as she considered their predicament.

"After they left, we scouted the land in hopes of finding more information on these strangers. But it has proven difficult."

It was then Netravati spoke (she wasn't exactly a quiet lioness) and Nawiri glanced over and offered a small smile at the smoke coated lioness. "The Nergui intend to invade. When, where, or how strong an army has yet to be determined. To spread the disease, to give it to them through our ill warriors or guards is something we are attempting to work around and is in no manner our intention." She was proud of her pride, terribly so, but she would not be so foolish as to believe that they might stand a chance against the Nergui.

"But you have had contact with them, yes? We are not a weak pride, though in this particular case our . . . handicap has been and would be used against us. But we are also not a warring pride." Not like those who stood before them, not like those who threatened them. "While I agree we must communicate, while it's imperative, sending up communication between both might be . . .tricky. We have swift messengers in our midst, but our numbers are not great, especially of those immune to the disease." She glanced over at the Secret Keeper which had offered to act as a liaison. While she was proud for him to stand up and offer his services, when it came to numbers of healthy and non-diseased defenders, they needed all they could get.

Honestly what could be done? If the strangers set up a post near their lands, that was all and well, but would it be enough? And would it hurt their numbers against these Nergui? She didn't want to ask for aid from strangers, but they were warriors, and they were not struck with their disease.

Mmph. She would wait and see. Depending on what knowledge the red-coated lions had about their attackers, depending what was shared, she could better try to figure out a plan. A plan that would help both of them.
 

[Annchen]

His fur bristled a little at the thought of relying on strangers for protection. Outsiders that joined were another matter since they had to show their devotion to the pride. These warriors could just turn on them or abandon them at their leisure. It would be better to band together, hide those vulnerable and give the Nergui an unpleasant surprise when they returned. Jabez had found many good places for traps and ambushes on his patrols. Anyone from outside had a disadvantage if they tried to fight them on their home ground. He might not be able to take on the intruders in a fair fight, but he was prepared to fight as dirty as he had to.

"What's in it for you," he called, and then turned to his own pride members, "Why should we trust them in this matter?"  

[Mimsey]

Hm. This would make things difficult, Veru thought. Almost unconsciously he tossed a glance to Seide, as if he had developed mind-reading at some point. They really couldn't afford another outpost. What would the regents even say, offering assistance to a pride that posed such a risk for the Motoujamii? But if the Nergui got the plague...

"Graos Oma," he repeated. They'd heard it once before. It sounded like a miserable name for an equally miserable person, or persons. "If they said they are still far off... perhaps they're more hesitant about taking this plague than they admit."

He paused a moment, and then explained his train of thought: "Better to wait them out until they're scared enough to agree to join when they do come. But we've also seen them quite willing to sacrifice their own. I wouldn't doubt the threat entirely."

They could perhaps send one of their messengers from the sentinels. The sentinel post was at least a great deal shorter. But even their numbers were somewhat fluctuant, and he doubted their new bonelands allies would be too keen to know that they were dealing with a pride that held such a disability. Veru's tail twisted in thought. The logistics of this would be tricky.

But they could at least offer one thing. "We've had more than contact. Ukuba, tell them what happened to your people- if it can be of any help to them."  

[~Masamune~]

Nili'asikari's offer appeared to be either ignored or silently rejected. Although he wasn't offended, it would've been nice for the Firekin to have at least acknowledged his offer. The dark red male with a white mane did state that they had much to discuss with their 'Regents', so maybe it was simply too soon to be making such decisions.

The dark blue wild dog just continued to listen as a few more words were spoken between the Queen and the Firekin. When the one named Veru asked the dark red male, named Ukuba, to tell them about the Nergui, his ears perked up. Hopefully they would find the information useful.

When Veru asked him to tell everyone present about what the Nergui had done to the Hongshan, Ukuba gave a calm nod of his head. The Kitwana'antara needed to know just how grave their current situation could potentially turn out to be. Whilst they may not have thought of themselves as being weak, the risk of the spread of their disease was what would always cripple even their best warriors.

Ukuba's dark purple eyes gazed over the crowd. There was no point in attempting to ease the pain of the truth, as it was all ghastly. "Whilst I am now a part of the Firekin pride, I am also a Hongshan. The Hongshan were-" He cut off, frowning as he corrected himself in his head. "Are a pride of warriors, that was still in its infancy when the Nergui struck. From a young age, all Hongshan are taught the value of discipline and to how to fight, so that there is never a single weak link amongst us. However, this was proven not to be enough."

The dark red male continued to look over the crowd, although he eventually chose to focus directly on the Queen as he went on. "The Nergui swept over us like a plague. Their sheer numbers and brute force overwhelmed us." Ukuba lowered his gaze. Speaking about the events out loud always seemed harder than just thinking about them, which he did often. The things he had seen could never be forgotten, even if he tried. "They killed all of those that they deemed to be weak; cubs, juveniles, the elders of our Pride. Many Hongshan died fighting, and those that survived that were deemed strong or 'worthy' were taken as slaves. Stripped of all dignity and forced to endure the most grueling and pointless of tasks."

Ukuba looked up once more, a deep frown now distorting his face, although it was tinged more with sadness than anger. "They almost wiped us out entirely, but those of us that were taken as slaves were able to escape. Well, some of us. More still were cut down as they fleed. Some may even still be back there, we do not know." The dark red male let out a breif sigh. "The Nergui are monsters, and a pride made up almost entirely of strong, adult warriors was unable to slay them."

At that point Ukuba looked over towards Seide, then Veru, then back to the Queen of the Kitwana'antara. "Whilst I do not doubt the will of your own warriors, you have already admitted that you are not a warring pride. The Hongshan are, and we suffered greatly. Should they wish to invade your land and take the disease, they will do it without mercy, and you will all perish." That last part, whilst grim, was simply Ukuba's opinion based on how the Nergui had selected which of the Hongshan to keep as slaves. They chose only the strong, and amongst a group of diseased lions and non-lions, who could really be considered strong amongst them? Even the lions that were apparently immune would most likely not be considered worthy. Simply put, if the Firekin didn't help them, the Kitwana'antara would be no more, and their disease would be the only part of them that lived on.

Ukuba looked about as he waited for a response. He had attempted to hide his emotions, although he wasn't sure if he had succeeded. He also hadn't wished to scare the Kitwana'antara, but he wasn't sure if he had succeeded in that either. Neither could really be helped.  

[Kimaria]

Hmm, a mixed response then. Interesting. Netravati hoped that she would get to be able to see the giant lions in battle. Battle, to her, was still full of glory and honour; the type of battle heard about in stories. She had yet to understand fully about the horrors it could bring. Horrors that could far exceed the pains of losing a loved one through disease. The latter she was prepared for. Used to, even. Other deaths, however, were an unknown.

Her ears turned towards the wild dog, impressed at his offer of assistance. He'd risk life and limb so selflessly? They were the true qualities of being a hero.

And then she tilted her head to look across at Dumaka and her ears dropped in realisation. "Oh, oh, yes. Yes of course! The Kitwana'antara have many fine hunters. There is one who goes by the name Dumaka and he has bravery and strength to rival that of the great red knights." She shifted a little closer to him, glancing at him apologetically. "If the Kitwana'antara were to make a pact with the red knights, their force would be one to be reckoned with."

Although, yes...one of the red lions did have a point. They didn't necessarily want to share what was their's. Not with lions who wouldn't take care of the gift.

Oh, and then it was Ukuba's turn to tell a story!

Enraptured, the female turned back to him, listening to his words with the enthusiasm of a youngster; eyes wide and bright. But the story was a bad one and after a moment that light in her eyes began to darken. Realisation began to set in.

"The Nergui..." She replied. "They are very bad people..."

She'd never been fast on the uptake.  

[Mogami]

“We can’t simply rely on another pride to…” Dumaka had begun slowly, a pronounced frown stealing the light from his eyes before he’d become the target of Netravati’s attention. The striped lion’s ears quickly disappeared into his mane as the lioness said his name and he shifted uncomfortably on the spot, not particularly happy to become the center of attention and being… narrated as a hunter with what could probably be considered exaggerated praise. Not that he didn’t have a good amount experience as the rank of Guard required more of him than simply the skill to warn off strangers. Potential threats to the pride that insisted on fighting him and become infected had to either be dragged back to the pride or killed without hesitation and Dumaka had left more than a few bodies for the scavengers to dispose of - when harsh words and sheathed claws weren't enoughto stop the offenders. Still, the look she gave him managed to pull a smile into his maw – Dumaka didn’t want her to think he’d been bothered by anything she’d said. He simply hated the fact that his pride seemed so helpless in the face of a potential invasion and in need of protection from a group of complete strangers.

And then Ukuba told his story and Dumaka had to admit that perhaps they truly were helpless. Killing… cubs…? Cubs?! Cubs were such a precious treasure in the Kitwana’antara – wars had been fought over them in the past, he’d been told! – that the murder of such innocents was beyond unimaginable, it was abominable and unforgivable. His fur bristled in various places and his lip pulled up in a silent snarl. Even Netravati seemed to lose her spark and the striped lion nudged her softly in a very uncharacteristic gesture.

“Unforgivable.” He said quietly, his eyes shifting to the Queen. They seemed to be in an even worse situation that they’d previously assumed, if Ukuba words were true. If a pride of warriors hadn’t stood a chance against the Nergui, there was no way the Kitwana would be able to protect Pestilence’s mark if they tried to take it. Something had to be done soon.  

[mouselet]

The firsthand account of the Nergui and their atrocities was unpleasant hearing, and Mittere had to admit to herself that she couldn't recall hearing worse. Things that were as bad or nearly so, yes. Worse, never. It made her that much more determined to stand against the would-be invaders.

Yet there was this small hitch. The Nergui wanted the disease. She herself was one of the afflicted, and in fighting them, any wounds the pink lioness took would allow for her enemies to catch it. When those enemies meant to use the sickness as a weapon, spreading it intentionally...the thought was enough to turn anyone's stomach. It frustrated the Master Warrior to no end that not only had she been stuck in the Kitwana'antara against her will, now she couldn't even use her own skills in defense of this pride!

Somewhere, some god was laughing. And if Mittere ever found them, she would see just how immortal a god truly was.

"I think we are all agreed that this illness shouldn't be spread, not even to our direst foes," she spoke up at last. "It is a nuisance, but we must be wary of engagements as most of our fighters are either afflicted or carriers of the disease, and that seems to be what they most desire of us." She considered speaking up about how there were very few who were truly immune, whether by race or by luck, and it would be difficult to spare them for warriors, for messengers, for anything really. Probably not something to mention yet. She didn't want to give out too much tactical information too soon.  

[wooga Paes]

"Yes." Spaki agreed, with the lioness who talked funny and the hunter she had named Dumaka at the same time. The nergui were an awful, detestable people, at least as far as they knew of them.

Everything seemed to be confirming the Kitwana'antara stood no chance against the Nergui. The firekin couldn't offer them protection, and even if they could create another outpost... it was possible the firekin would need all their strength to fight these enemies, not just a small portion of it. "Perhaps..." He began, but didn't go on. He was going to suggest they fled, or hid, which might be taken badly. Besides, hiding an entire pride would be difficult without going too far.

"Have you any allies that could help you?"  

[Talencia]

The tale was simply too much. Modya had shamed his entire pride over the need to have and protect cubs. At the news that the Nergui simply killed all the young ones, his whole body began to tremble. Images rose unbidden behind his eyes, crumpled and scattered bodies, tiny and soft, brutally torn open or crushed. He began to shake harder, tears leaking from his eyes, ears flat to his head. His pupils were huge, his fur fluffed out unevenly. He gave a single angry, agonized cough-hiss before turning away. Blinded by dilated pupils and tears, seeing Kitwana's cubs laying lifeless, he stumbled through the crowd, heading for the den area. He could bear no more, his old heart thudding madly in his ears. No real comfort existed for the aging lion, no mate to soothe his woes, but at least in his den he could find some way to gain control of himself in private.  

[Uta]

Nawiri was quiet as others spoke. She did glance over at Jabez, when he vocalized his mistrust for the strangers. It was true -- the red-coated ones had only just arrived, but they hadn't looked to be an obvious threat. They were willing to share information, willing to speak with them about this situation. And they did seem to have some knowledge about these . . . Nergui.

None, save Mittere and herself, had actually witnessed the strangers that day. They did not speak their language, but their body language had said a lot. They were aggressive, they made veiled threats, and most importantly they had every confidence in the world. The formality they showed the pride had been nothing but a facade. If they wished for the disease, than Nawiri'chiwa had no doubt that they would take it. Regardless how she answered their request.

"What is there not to trust, Jabez?" She finally spoke. "We have always welcomed strangers at our borders. . . should we treat these Firekin differently? While I understand your concern, especially with the grim news sitting upon us about the Nergui, right now all they have come is for information . . . and all we have asked is for information. Whether we take their words to heart, and whether or not they choose to believe what we speak, is solely subjective."

It wasn't as if they were making promises. It wasn't as if the Firekin had actually requested or desired to aid them in this potential battle. It wasn't as if Nawiri herself had actually requested help from the strangers. While there was much talk and speculation, nothing had been decided. Right now, they were discussing this pride of barbarians that had threatened the Kitwana, and laid waist to their Hongshan.

"Nothing has been yet decided." Even if Nawiri found she did take the strangers for their word. There was no reason to lie to them. There was no reason to believe the great Goddess lead them here to destroy them. And if she had . . .well. . .. they would deal with such a bridge when they crossed it. Everything was still being discussed . . .

Glancing back to those before her, she considered the horrors of the Nergui. Her own ears flattened a touch as Ukuba described the way in which they were brutalized. Warriors, cut down in their prime, cubs lives snuffed out, elders slaughtered, weaklings massacred. . . and the rest enslaved. If what they said was true, that they could act in such a manner, would act in such a manner, than . . . . the Kitwana were damned no matter their decision. It was unlikely the Nergui would truly take them into their wings after giving them the disease. . . . if that was indeed what they wished. And if they did not, then the pride was disposable.

For a long moment the female said nothing. She glanced away, considering the information, and tried to find a way in which they might survive. Surely the Firekin themselves couldn't keep their numbers strewn so thin, especially if another seasoned group of warriors had all been massacred. No, they couldn't, wouldn't hide behind a shield of others. But . . . what could they do?

Split apart? Send most of the diseased away? Where? Who would keep them? Who would care for them, protect them? Even still, it isn't hard to learn of such a fatally kissed pride. Even if they hid, they could be just as easily found again. It wasn't as if their disease was something others wanted to be around, wanted contact with, and was easy to hide. "We are an independent pride." She finally spoke, glancing over at Spaki, the one who had questioned.

She didn't go in to details, didn't believe it was necessary to point out not many wished to be around those so sick. They had lost allies during their last great war, but had never had many prides locate near them. Those that did, tended not to stay. . . Allies? No. They were independent not so much by choice, but by circumstance.

"Thank you for sharing your experiences though," she looked back towards Ukuba and dipped her head. "I am sorry to hear of the slaughter. . . I am sorry to hear there are such beasts that prowl the savannah." Her nose crinkled and her fangs bared in irritation. . . more than irritation. She didn't believe their cause was hopeless, but right now, she was unsure how to resolve their present plight. ". . . your story has been most . . . enlightening." That was the nice way of putting it.

. . . ********>