[PRP] Call to Duty (Sliabh x Nawiri) - Fin

[Tanakako]

It had been a long day as usual. The boarders were quiet so there was little to break up the monotony of his patrol. Just a pair of scouts reporting in and a couple of smaller beasts hanging around the outlands at the pride's edge. During his break he had sat and watched the few cubs that had the energy at play, then back out to circle the clan lands a second time. A few words with his fellow guard Jozo had been all the interaction he had managed.

Until that was... one of the lionesses had come out to find him, a young thing, probably a priestess from the look of her. She had said all of six words to him, then turned and left again.

The Queens wishes to see you.

It had left him slack jawed and stunned, wondering what he had done to earn her wrath, or alternatively, her praise. He could not recall a single action that would merit either recourse and likewise, could not come up with anything that would require their Lady to call on someone as lowly as he. He was a Guard, not even a warrior.. and almost a ghost when it came to the pride, so few spoke or even saw him..

Yet he had been called and he had instantly abandoned his break and was now padding quietly along to where he hoped he would find her. he was nervous, but curious, wondering what it was she desired of him. of course, he would do whatever it was. There was nothing he would deny their Queen or the pride. As a healthy, able-bodied male, he felt it was his duty to do all the things most of the pride members could not. It was why he had become a guard, his size and strength naturally aided him in the work and he was good at fighting. not because he enjoyed it, in truth, he disliked hurting others, but it was a skill he had been born with and anything that was his, was the pride's.

Pulling his mind back to the here and now he paused, looking to try and catch sight of Lady Nawiri. He wondered if Eva was close by and felt his heart tighten at the thought. Not now.. he reminded himself. For now there was business to attend..

 

[Uta]

Nawiri was settled not far from the lake at the heart of the pride. She was taking it easy this day, due to her sister's encouragement (as well as her threats!). It was true, she wasn't feeling the greatest, and she had pushed herself the past week. Unfortunately, she was pushing herself right to an early grave (according to Raja) and thus Nawiri had decided to do the less physical tasks of being Queen.

Things were getting better within the pride, or so the female liked to believe. There hadn't been nearly as many deaths or tragedies as there had been in the past. Was Pestilence finally easing up on all those of the Kitwana'antara? Such was Nawiri's hope. There were also new faces, new cubs that managed to survive the plague, or new ones that had been found and given a home within their lands. Honestly, everything was going just as she had hoped. . . .

Yes, she still had to choose a King but . . . well. . . she didn't want to think about that now. She needed to wait, to see how things developed. Even though the viziers were breathing down her neck, reminding her it was her duty to find a King, Nawiri would not be rushed.

She was fine. Her health was fine. There was time enough . . .wasn't there?

Thankfully, her thoughts were pulled away by the sight of black and blue on the horizon. Smiling warmly, she rose and trotted to meet him. "Sliabh! I trust you and the borders are well this evening?" She greeted fondly, only too happy to be in the company of the elusive and quiet male.

Nawiri truly did love all those within her pride. The quiet and distant ones included!
 

[Tanakako]

Spotting her graceful form moving towards him, the big lion hurried his step, not wanting her to over-strain herself for someone like him. Once he was before her he drew to a halt, Lowering his head in a show of respect.

He wondered what she required of him, he was a simple guard, hardly the kind of lion she ever needed for advice or any of the many duties around the pride. Unless it was his strength she needed.. had there been a dispute among the Kitwana members? But even then, he couldn't work out how he could help in any way.

"Greetings Lady Nawiri." Lifting his head he gave a faint nod. "They are, all's quiet aside from the usual. The scouts had little to report and only one rogue was hanging about but he took off when he saw me." Dropping bright amber gaze he stared at his forepaws a moment, tail curling behind him. For being such a big, powerful lion, his lack of brash confidence was startling. Looking back up he offered a shy smile.

"How are you doing this eve, M'Lady?"
 

[Uta]

Nawiri gave a nod as the large lion gave his report. She was glad to hear that things were safe and quiet along the borders. She didn't often get a chance to head that far from the heart of the pride. Now and again she took some time to herself and roamed near the borders, but she had never crossed them. Her work kept her close to the heart of pride, where she was needed the most. The outlands and borders were almost foreign to the young queen.

"I'm glad to hear the pride can sleep soundly tonight," she added with a grin, her red and blue eyes glowing with warmth. Letting her own tail curl around her paws, the queen gave a small chuckle and shrug. "I am doing well enough, thank you. It has been a day full of rest and quiet contemplation, a rarity but one I enjoyed." It wasn't entirely a lie. She had rested and she had been thoughtful, but the reason wasn't entirely choice. Not only had Raja heavily encouraged her sister to take some down time, but she had needed it.

She had not been feeling well at all. But she wasn't going to admit that to her pride mates. Let them speculate all they wish, she would never confirm. Even thoug they all knew she was suffering along with the rest of them, Nawiri'chiwa still felt as if she had to be a source of their strength. And without a named king or a future heiress, any uncertainty in her health might truly trouble the rest of the pride.

"Thank you for coming to meet me, Sliabh. I promise I won't keep you long and I do have a reason and purpose for such summons. You have always been a dedicated lion, have always put the safety and protection of the pride first. I have noticed such qualities, and it brings me joy to see I'm not along in loving ones pride and home. First and foremost, I'd like to commend you on your work. We are a lucky pride to have you in our midsts."

She wasn't stroking his ego, her words were genuine and sincere. Sliabh was a massive lion, and while he often kept to himself, there was no reason for him to live his life unnoticed and unrecognized.
 

[Tanakako]

Dipping his head faintly as she spoke, he was glad to hear that she had rested. He worried for his Queen, as he did for the rest of the pride. He knew she was ill, or she would not have the position she held. He also knew Eva'raja was concerned for her and cared for her sister greatly. He would never doubt his queen, but sometimes he wished he was more useful tot he pride, to Eva and Nawiri..

"I wouldn't let danger get past the borders, Lady Nawiri." He rumbled in his low, soft tones, wanting to reassure her that they were safe, at least from all outside threat. The plague itself he could do nothing about.. "I am glad you had a restful day. Ruling must be strenuous. If I can ever help, you have but to ask and it shall be so..." His offer was given with lowered eyes, fearful she thought him presumptuous though he meant it with the best intent.

Nodding slowly at her thanks he knew there was no way he could ever refuse a request from her or her sister. He was theirs if they wanted him, his life dedicated to preserving the so very fragile peace the pride had finally managed to obtain. Amber eyes widened a little as she spoke, startled at the praise and kind words. he certainly hadn't expected anything like them this evening.As she stopped he found himself tongue-tied. Not exactly a rare thing for the socially awkward giant, but before his queen he felt himself flushing like a cub, and just as helpless.

Lowering his head he replied in that deep, husky voice of his, clearly startled by her comment. "You are too kind, M'Lady... I am just a guard, the pride is my home and I only wish to protect and serve it, and you. If I can ever be of service I will gladly do all within my power to aid the Kitwana'antara."

The large male wasn't sure what she desired of him, or what he had done to deserve such recognition, though it made his heart warm with gratitude that she had noticed one such as he.
 

[Uta]

Nawiri couldn't help but smile, almost coyly, at the antics of the other. He continued to act so formally around her, and that always made her a little uncomfortable. Not that she didn't appreciate the signs of respect, but she never liked to give the impression that she was 'better' than any one of her pride mates! She much preferred to be seen as an equal, with her title merely a formality. She had to make decisions to benefit all within the Kitwana'antara, and while some of those decisions weren't easy, she always had her pride in mind.

She'd give up anything if she could guarantee them peace and happiness . . . and health. But that was all up to Pestilence and her wishes. To suffer was, in a strange way, to be blessed and that was the heart of their faith. She would do all she could to ensure the Kitwana'antara remained both faithful and strong. There was a lot of greatness within the pride, even amongst those who suffered the most.

"Your loyalty is appreciated, my fine sir, more than you know. I do have a task for you, should you be willing to accept the role." Nawiri paused, glancing away as she contemplated how best to approach Sliabh. He was shy and quiet, almost a ghost of the pride, and the topic she wisehd to discuss was . . . somewhat personal.

"You were granted health and longevity, immunity to the plague that touches so many of us. Unfortunately, we are still short of new blood, of new members. I was wondering if you might consider leaving the Kitwana for a time, to seek out or perhaps father some new cubs for the pride." Red and blue eyes looked up towards Sliabh, certain that he would understand the honor she was bestowing him.

For it was a great honor. Not every lion was allowed to leave the borders, nor was every healthy lion chosen to leave and return with cubs. But Sliabh was health, his nature kind, and as far as Nawiri was concerned, still readily available and single. Why shouldn't he go?

 

[Tanakako]

Sliabh couldn't help but be differential towards her, she was the heart of the pride after all. And yet, it was also simply his way of interacting with most others.. aside form the few he called friends like Jozo, with whom he was less reserved even if he was not truly open with anyone but Eva and possibly Haruma.

Standing quietly as she spoke, he kept his head low to avoid towering over her, an automatic reaction he had developed when he had grown so very big as an adolescent. He kept his amber eyes on hers respectfully, wondering where she was taking the conversation but already knowing he would agree with anything she requested from him. Yet as she continued, his vivid eyes widened, stunned by what she said. It was so... unexpected, he hardly knew what to do or how to respond.

Leave the pride? Leave everyone behind and go into the rogue lands? But she was right, he was one of the very few with all the qualities needed.. not least his immunity, but also his size and strength. The outlands were wild and dangerous, he was skilled at fighting and big enough to take care of himself as a rogue. For he had no delusions as to how much harder life was alone than with the support and security of a pride.

Licking his lips he struggled to collect his thoughts that were whirling out of control, realising belatedly that he had yet to reply. Dipping his head low he finally found his voice.

"It would be a great honour and a privilege to serve the pride in this matter. I humbly accept your request." He offered a shy but honest smile as he lifted his great dark head, looking back at Nawiri from under his thick, shaggy mane.

Eva'raja came to his mind, her bright eyes and warm smile. Please, forgive me Eva.. I must do this, it is my duty.. I only hope you might wait for me...
 

[Uta]

Perhaps things would have been different had Nawiri been aware of Eva'raja's interest in Sliabh. Then again, in many instances duty came before pleasure or convenience. The health of the pride was more important than ones duty to their mate. Many times those with beaus were requested to go out, and had Nawiri been aware of Eva'raja's feelings . . . well. . . .as sister, she would feel guilty, but as Queen she would proceed just as she had.

Sliabh was capable, strong, and loyal. She could trust that he would return with new blood and help boost numbers. It was what the Kitwana'antara needed, most of all, was new blood and new cubs to help keep the pride alive. If there was a moral issue about giving otherwise healthy cubs the infection, it was long washed away from those born in to the pride. Life wasn't fair. If it was, they wouldn't have to suffer, they wouldn't risk extinction or grief or pain on a daily basis.

If someone wanted to speak of fairness, they would do best to have such words with those not of the Kitwana.

Oblivious to Sliabh's thoughts, the female gave a nod and a warm smile. "Good. I had hoped you might be open to such a request. I know you'll serve the pride well, and in doing so, help secure our future." Giving her tail a little flick, Nawiri knew that the black and blue lion was often quiet, reserved, and a bit reclusive. She had heard of his acquisition of a few rogue cubs they had inherited, which pleased her, but she also knew he would have to part ways with them. "There's no rush to leave, of course, feel free to take a few days to wrap up any loose ends with others. And you needn't worry about the guard, they'll be informed come the morning."

There. This way Sliabh could have some time to get prepared for his journey. Some weren't keen on leaving the only home they knew. Others had friends and family they wished to speak to, or spend some final moments with. For those bound to the pride, for those who often had never stepped off the lands, being asked to leave was sometimes an intimidating force. Thankfully though, there was understanding and this task wasn't one to be rushed.
 

[Tanakako]

Nodding softy at her words he returned the smile, his own small but genuine. Letting his gaze lower he thought of Eva and Haruma and her siblings. He knew the youngsters wouldn't really understand, but Eva would still be there for them, and maybe... just maybe this would be a chance for the lioness and his adopted cubs to become closer. His heart heart at the idea of leaving them behind, but this was his duty, as much as his constant absence on the boarder for guard duty was.. They would understand, and he would return as soon as he reasonably could.

Lifting his head he nodded, firmer this time, with some of the solid fortitude behind it that made him such a dependable male and good guard. "Thank you, I would like a little time to let them know, but I will be ready to go soon." He was due to meet Eva'raja tonight, he would have to tell her... he couldn't see her and keep such a thing from her even though he knew it would hurt her. And there was Haruma, Ndale and their sister...

"May I have tomorrow off from Guard duty? I need to speak to my... to the cubs.... " Looking a little nervous the large lion awaited her answer, mind distracted by thoughts of his family.
 

[Uta]

Nawiri'chiwa was glad there were so many devoted healthy lions in the pride. She understood there must be a great temptation for all of the Kitwana'antara to leave their lands and explore, spread, or at least see the world. Expanding their borders just wasn't feasible with their lion count . . . and it would likely cause conflict with their neighbors as well!

Thankfully, most of the pride understood why such boundaries in place. Truly, she had been blessed with as compassionate pride mates as the Kitwana'antara experienced. Oh, there were some that were thorns in her side, and a few she actually didn't like one bit, but thankfully they were few and far between. Sliabh had taken to the news of his new 'duties' quite readily, and for that, she was grateful.

"By all means, take as much time as you need. I know your cubs might need some time to adjust to the thought, especially considering their beginnings." She didn't want to take Sliabh away, to have his family think he too was abandoning them, but . . . it was necessary. There weren't many she could release in to the rogue lands to return with new faces.

"Consider yourself relieved from your guard duties from here on out, until your full return to the pride. All I ask is that you give word when you prepared to travel, so the High Priestess and I might be able to bless your journey and future path."
 

[Tanakako]

Abandoning the pride after he had been given leave to search the roguelands never occurred to the large black and blue male. His life was within the Kitwana, his adopted cubs were there and his beloved Eva. A faint heat touched his cheeks as he thought of her, desperately hoping she would understand why he had to go and that he would return as soon as he was able.

Gold eyes met his Queen's once again as he dipped his head respectfully, tail slowly curling at his back. "Thank you Lady Nawiri." Pausing he dropped his gaze as worry tightened his chest. He readily admitted to loving the cubs, and knew he would miss them, especially Haruma. The young female had been the one that had brought them together, and he didn't want to loose her trust.

Her voice called him back to the current time and he looked up again, dipping his head in a low bow. "Thank you my Queen, I will remember." Lifting his head he studied her for a long moment though his gaze was clearly distracted, focused on the young family he would be leaving, the three adopted cubs and Eva'raja.

"Do you wish an escort back, Lady?" He asked politely, knowing she had come out to see him especially and not wanting to just leave her there.
 

[Uta]

The female lioness had no doubt in the black and blue lions ability. He would serve the pride well, that much she was certain, and his loyalty would help ensure a future for her members.

The blue and red eyed lioness gave a small smile and a little dismissive shake of her head. "While I appreciate you request, that won't be necessary, Sliabh. I have a few more errands to tend to before I retire." A few faces she promised to see, a few families se wished to console, and of course, to check in on a particularly pink lion by the name of Kiwi'lan.

Bowing respectfully before the large guard, Nawiri'chiwa's gratitude was obvious. "Once again, I thank you for your loyalty and your devotion to this pride. You have done, and will do, all of us proud." A shame she didn't realize the young lion was going to be torn from her sisters side. But, then again, Eva'raja had kept their relationship quiet. How could she possibly know. . . ?

"If you'll excuse me then, Sliabh. I will see you again before you go." And with that, the grey lioness picked her way from the male. There was still much to do before she retired for the night, and she was certain there was much the black and blue lion had to do as well.
 

[Tanakako]

Lowering his head and shoulders respectfully he responded in his l, soft voice. "Of course Lady Nawiri." He knew she would be safe, that was the reason he and the other guards patrolled the boarders so diligently, to keep the prideland safe and secure for the rest of the members. Her own bow startled him and the large male blushed warmly, surprised appreciation in his amber eyes. "I will do my bets, my Lady. I won't disappoint you." He replied softly, voice sombre and measured. He meant what he said.

Nodding slowly as she took her leave, the dark male stood still and watched her move away, waiting until she vanished in the shadows before he himself turned and set off for the den of a guard e knew, he had to make arrangements for his route to be covered while he was away. Then... he would see Eva...