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 Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 1:31 pm
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A full two weeks had passed since the deaths of Thoth, Khathelela, Selene and Fuu. Their funerals were short, sweet and long over with. It was easy to see that Shangyue did not wish to dwell on their deaths, though his reasons for it were arguable. Not much had been happening in the pride since the announcement of the formation of the royal guard, everybody seemed to be waiting for tonight: the full moon.
Tonight, Shangyue would officially become king of the Mwezi'Johari. It was a formality but the pride was all about ceremony and tradition so even he seemed to take it very seriously. It was, truthfully, part of why he had made few official statements outside of getting the Royal Guard off the ground so far. But after tonight, he would officially be the king. His position would be secured, though it would still be some time before he was truly safe, and he could start getting things done.
It was still early in the night, but Shangyue headed for the area designated for the ceremony. A crowd was already beginning to form but there were royal guards scattered throughout and so he felt completely confident in traveling unescorted. He didn't need Firaga with him at all times, though it was rare to see them separated lately. He was eager, even optimistic, to make things official. He didn't need to make an appearance so early but he did- and he took a seat near the front of the crowd silently.
OOC: Now is the chance for your lions to mingle, gossip and get their opinions on the whole situation organized while we lead up the coronation ceremony!
Any slaves who were not invited to join the royal guard may qualify by participating in this RP! |
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Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 1:31 pm
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Important Notes
Stellaluna has come out of hiding and publicly accepted Shangyue's claim to the throne. It seems to be primarily in the interest of ending the violence and keeping everybody safe.
Despite initial appearances of being completely unharmed, closer observation in less public situations showed Shangyue to have several minor wounds that have started to heal and a limp that he is now recovered from. Sure signs that he was, indeed, in some physical confrontation.
Funerals for Thoth, Khathelela, Selene and Fuu were held shortly after the announcement of the royal guard. The ceremonies were initially delayed due to the shock and chaos that followed, but Shangyue made sure they were taken care of well before the full moon.
Shuiyue, Shangyue's brother, has been publicly supporting his brother since this started.
Ianthe, Shangyue's oldest sister, has indeed publicly supported his rule since the night their conversation was interrupted.
These are the only two lions residing in the Royal Dens with Shangyue now, their aunts and uncles have all been sent to find common dens.
Zhen, Shangyue's youngest sister, has disappeared. He adamantly denies having any part in it and rumor has it that some guards saw her (and another lion) headed for the borders the night of the murders.
Shangyue has made no public decisions or announcements since the formation of the Royal Guard. In fact, he's only ever seen out and about at night.
No Prizes this time, sorry!
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Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 4:40 pm
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For the most part the crowd seemed pretty tame. Gaki still kept a watchful eye in case any trouble making seemed to be brewing. But in all honesty, the starry maned lion felt quite relaxed about the entire ordeal. There were many among the royal guard out, if not all of them. Not only that but the pride it self seemed to accept Shangyue with out much fuss.
Even so Gaki had sworn his allegiance to Shangyue and as thus was sure to keep an eye out in case there were those that choose to challenge on this night. It was important this event happened with as little bumps as possible. Gaki had no morals about silencing those that needed to be silenced if needed. He's obey like he'd agreed to.
Still it was a celebration if any thing. Admittedly, Gaki was lax. He'd taken to mingling around with Akahana.
This pride was so interesting. Akahana was quite pleased with how things had panned out. She proudly wore her pendant around her neck and proudly kept a watchful eye on the crowd.
However the fact that currently there didn't seem to be to much trouble had Akahana at ease. She'd kind of slipped in to mingle mode with Gaki.
"Isn't it just a wonderful turn out?" She gave Gaki an grin that some how didn't quite fit the lionesses features.
Gaki nodded in agreement.
"I suppose it is." He mumbled.
"I suppose that its a shame blood had to be spilled." Akahana chewed on that thought for a moment, "But it would have been a lot less interesting if it hadn't. In a way this was all for the greater good." Her twisted smile widened.
Gaki was a bit surprised that Akahana would be so open about that. While to a point he agreed the starry maned lion found it a bit distasteful. He shot her a look which in return got a side ways mouth twitch from Akahana.
"Well I'm not saying like Im happy that lions had to die or anything," She ended in a huff.
"No. I just think its interesting you're being open about what you believe Akahana." Gaki was a bit detached from his words, "I just think this is nor the time or place to be sharing thoughts while we're responsible for upholding the peace. We should be firm but respectful." He gave her a small smile.
Well Gaki was proving to not be the gossip she'd hoped for. His mind was on the task at paw more than how exciting things had been. Though he had a point. She probably should watch she said. The two lions pattered from their socializing to patrol the perimeter and uphold their duties.
Zalediti was but a mere slave with nothing to do with Shangyue's rule other than being another body in the pride. Still, she thought it to be important to be with her pride and her family with this new crowning. The time after the dark events had taken place were sullen and a bit uncomfortable. Slaves had a part in these events. Being a slave her self put some kind of pressure on her. She felt a tad guilty though she had nothing to be guilty about.
Though she did support Shangyue, the lioness didnt like the fact lives had been lost.
Still Zalediti showed up with one of her nieces to watch the crowning of their new king. Quietly she sat with Tatkret by her paws.
All the past blood shed had gone over Tatkrets head. None of the elders had talked to the young lioness about the conditions of the new throning. Wide eyed and innocent, the young lioness sat with her aunt. She was in awe of all the lions gathered and the events about to take place. It was exciting.
Though questions about what had happened to the old king had risen to the curious lionesses brain. No one would tell her what had happened.
"So we're getting a new king..?"
Tatkret looked up at her aunt and asked.
"Thats right." Zalediti was to the point and firm with her ending of her sentence. This topic was not one she wanted to have with her sisters daughter.
Persistently the cub looked up expectantly at her aunt. But it seemed that she'd gotten all her aunt was going to give. Tatkret groaned and hung her head. No one was talking about it.
Chosimba hung around the back of the gathering crowd. He was here to show his support to Shangyue. The fact the lion had pulled off this whole thing had earned a lot of respect from Chosimba. He honestly wasn't sure how things were to be panned out but was pleasantly surprised at the out come. Though, his approval did not show on his stone like features. His gaze seemed far away and stern. |
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Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 7:14 pm
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 Firaga has wasted little time in educating the Royal Guard on how things were going to be. Some took the lesson better than others. But he'd keep his eyes on them. All of them. His spider web was a large one, and if there was one mis-step, one scent of mal-aligned intention detected...they were sure to get caught in it.
As soon as he'd been able to 'trust' Sangyue and the pride in the paws of the guard, Firaga moved to make good on his end of certain dealings with the king. He didn't take long, for his trust was thin and fine as silk. He'd managed to track down the lioness who he'd known to be the bearer of his cubs. bow now they should be weaned. Everything was timing itself perfectly. When he found her, there were four cubs. Three he managed to return with - a boy and two girls.
These younglings, raised under the rule of Sangyue, would be raised to support the king, as was the plan anyway. A fresh generation who would know not of the 'old ways,' and only of the glory that was to be.
He looked down on the dark little cubs with his own smile, as dangerous as it was proud. His return had been timed perfectly, as he was just arriving and presenting the cubs to Shangyue.
"Here they are," he said simply, lining the three up in front of him.
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 12:33 am
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Nkosazana
The coronation of a new king was an important thing for the pride. Nkosazana felt her offspring were old enough to attend, provided they behaved themselves. She had mourned at the funerals, but they were gone. Dead royalty wasn’t of much use; living was much better. A quick lecture on proper behavior expected before members of the pride, particularly high class members, was given. The red lioness herded her youngsters before her and out of the den. She glanced around as they headed to the ceremony area. With five to watch, even with Jiang to help, Nko didn’t want to be late.
Arriving where the ceremony was to be held with all cubs accounted for was a relief. Nko relaxed a bit and let the group mingle. Her eyes roamed over the other lions present. One thing that caught her eye was the pendant sported by some of them. Slaves, no less. Her eyes glanced toward her litter. Maybe. Someday. For now she’d settle for mingling with the high class lions.
Jiang rode his perch on the lioness’ back easily. Going around the pride he was use to this. Although usually they didn’t have to deal with young underfoot either. He eyed Nko’s litter with a light smile. With all the lions around tonight, he doubted they could get into much trouble. It was only at the lioness’ prodding that he had agreed to help keep watch.
Manyara
She took a deep breath and listened carefully to how her mother wished her to act. Nothing that she already didn’t do, so it should be fairly easy. Manyara was relieved. She was excited that her mother was allowing them to come and watch the coronation.
“Yes mother,” the young juv responded before they left the den. She glanced back to see Jiang riding from his perch. Yup he was watching, but not nearly as closely as mother was. Manyara walked sedately in the direction Nko wanted them to go. Run too fast and she’d get yelled at; too slow and she’d be hurried along with a paw. As walking permitted, she took the time to watch the other lions they came across.
Afrim
He was going to see a coronation! Afrim was pleased by that. How often did one get to see that? Hopefully not very, he thought to himself. Remembering the sad, if short, funerals for the dead king, queen, and others. This was supposed to be a happy time. The juv put a smile on his face as he weaved in and out of the crowd.
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 4:01 pm
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 Arusha bobbed her head when her twin spoke. They would be good. While the little litter made their way to the event, Arusha padded along next to her sister, from time to time rubbing her head against Manyara, sometimes resting her chin on Manyara's back as they walked, which was a bumpy sensation, but fun. If their mother turned back or Jiang looked over, then Arusha would snap to attention, a perfect lady. The little juvenile's pink eyes wandered around the pride. Every now and again they would land on a lion or lioness with a shiny silver and purple pendant. They were the new royal guard, she'd been told, and slaves! Maybe some day she and her siblings could ascend to that rank, make Nkosazana proud. The juvenile didn't know all about Nko's wishes or how disappointing it was that her litter was born slaves, but sometimes there was a hint of some look in her eye…
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 The white male patrolled the edge of the gathering, his eyes looking over every member before being cast up to the full moon. What a strange, bizarre twist of fate, he expected to be a slave his whole life. He hadn't met with his family to share the good news, but his new rank was announced in the pride, it'd be impossible for them not to know, but he still was curious of their reactions. But for now, he was slightly more worried about how the coronation would go over. True, things had calmed down, but he must always be on his toes to protect Shangyue. He spotted Gaki and Akahana, and Firaga, too. He knew they weren't the only royal guards around, but it always did a lot to bolster his confidence when he knew he wasn't alone. He guessed in that way he wasn't much changed, but the lion was growing every day.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 Mabichi frowned on the crowd. She'd just be happy when this was over. She was plenty self-assured in her abilities and those of her fellow royal guards, but once Shangyue was officially crowned, she'd feel just a little bit better. She watched the other guards just as closely as the crowd. She hadn't known any of them well before their ranks were formed. She ought to change that. But... maybe not now. One was walking in her direction on their patrol. She turned around and walked away. |
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Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 7:24 pm
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 It was her responsibility not only as a Midwife, nor as a member of the high class, but also as a member of the pride to be present for the coronation. It was only the second one Caritas had ever been to, and she'd only been a cub last time. Given the difference in ages between herself and Queen Khathelela, she had expected to see another in her lifetime, but had expected it to be Selene and Fuu's.
However, what was done was done. She might not agree with the methodology, but Shangyue was next in line. Though the creation of the Royal Guards made her somewhat uneasy, the black lioness resolved to reserve judgement until she'd seen what the young lion did with his power. He seemed to want to improve the pride...but give his actions thus far, she had to wonder at his definition of the word.
She wouldn't abandon her pride or her duties, however. She would see this through. Hopefully the new King would prove her fears unfounded and lay her doubts to rest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 So this was what it came to. She hadn't tried to stop Shangyue, and her mentor had accepted the purple lion. Lailah wondered if she should have tried harder to stand up to him. The white lioness had berated herself repeatedly for her failure to really do much except not give in immediately. And yet...what else could she have done? Given the injuries she could see on the younger lion, now that she was in a position to watch and pay attention, he probably would have killed her on sight if she'd simply refused. As he'd said that night, her position wasn't nearly as secure as his had been.
She could be replaced, easily. It would be very easy to find another lioness in the high class, even one who supported Shangyue wholeheartedly. Not for the first time since King Thoth's death, Lailah found herself wondering if her position as Apprentice was worth it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 It was not at all common to have a coronation. That was Avahk's chief reason for attending this momentous occasion. Truthfully, he didn't care all too much who was in charge of the pride. Most of the problems seemed to be at the very highest or the very lowest of levels, and as a Hunter from the lower-middle class, the grey lion had no choice in rank and little interest in the pride's politics.
That was what had gotten his father evicted. Pride politics...and Yareha's refusal to accept things the way they were. Avahk intended to be different. Smarter. He was no slave, to even consider this new Royal Guard rank. And he certainly wasn't a former resident of the royal dens. No, his days would likely remain the same, hunting for the benefit of the pride as a whole. It was a boring existence in some ways, but it was also safe and out of the way as far as pride politics were concerned. And really, that was what was important right now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Gealach had never been one to go join a crowd. He considered that to be below his lofty Lord's rank. So he hadn't been there when the pride learned of King Thoth's death. And he definitely hadn't been out looking for Prince Shangyue either. But while gathering for the sake of gathering was beneath him, a coronation was the epitome of importance.
That being said, he'd heard some disturbing rumors of late. He knew that his mother in particular had been worried since the new moon, and he wasn't blind to the fact that most of the Princes and Princesses had taken dens outside the royal area. He hadn't wanted to bring it up, however, since that would be unspeakably rude.
But things had definitely changed in the pride, Gealach observed as he mingled with the crowd. He'd heard rumors about the dark-furred lion with orange mane and markings, oh yes. And he could see how many others wore the little trinket denoting them as members of the Royal Guard. Slaves who...ranked above anyone but Shangyue and his right paw. Not something he cared to consider, but it seemed he had little choice.
Things were changing indeed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Lots of strange things had been happening of late in the Mwezi'Johari and even a former rogue such as Gairnéad could notice it. There'd been a lot more tension of late, and even he had heard of the deaths. To tell the truth, as a Guard he'd been involved in the hunt for King Thoth's killer.
And now said killer was about to be crowned the new King.
It was, from what he'd heard, an old story in other prides, far from here. That such unrest and blood had made it here was disturbing. The maroon lion had thought this pride to be a near paradise, a lovely place to live with Mziwanda and raise cubs...
Well, it might still be that kind of place. He didn't really know everything yet. And he could always hope.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 The green-marked lioness walked through the crowd with her head held high and pride in her every step. Oh sure, she wasn't a Royal Guard, but she was still a Guard and she was still gaining by Shangyue being the new King. The consternation she surprised on some of the other lions' faces was priceless!
Ah, she saw that Firaga had returned at last, and with three small figures following him dutifully. Curious, the black lioness came up near the front of the group for a closer peek.
"Why they're lovely!" she remarked with a smile. "Will any of them follow in their father's footsteps as Royal Guards?" She wasn't entirely knowledgeable about how children's classes were judged, especially when they hadn't been born here. It was something she'd have to remedy...eventually. When things quieted down and the pride resigned itself to Shangyue's rule.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Atz'mayiy had gotten a talking-to after the antics she'd led Afrim on back when they said the old King was dead. But, juveniles being juveniles, that hadn't damped her spirit at all. She was avoiding her parents and even her brother tonight. There were a lot lions here for the coronation and she had every intention of finding other kids to play with. There were three cubs she'd never even seen before, up near the new King! But they were near the big dark scary lion that she didn't know and who had a smile that scared her.
So she would look around other parts of the crowd, hopoing for someone closer to her age that wasn't accompanied by a big scary lion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 With every step he took, Yksivarinen was conscious of the weight of the amulet around his neck, gently baging against his chest in rhythm with his movements. It was a clear sign of what he'd become and what he'd accomplished. The lion wanted desperately to prove himself to King Shangyue as well as to Firaga, and he knew he had to start soon, else the head of the Royal Guards would be rather displeased with him.
He'd never minded being a Slave much, but he had to admit that being a Royal Guard was better. He was able to command anyone other than the King and Firaga! Well, he wouldn't be trying that out on his fellows in the Royal Guard, but anyone else! That was just about the entire pride! He was kind of nervous about it, but excited all the same.
When Shangyue had first approached him, he'd been nervous then too, but eager please. That had seemed to amuse the purple lion, and in the end it got him this amulet and all the prestige of the newly-formed rank.
He'd do his new King proud! |
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Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 5:58 pm
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Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 6:19 pm
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Firaga's appearance at the front of the crowd made clear one possible reason he had been absent so far this night. He had three cubs with him. Shangyue had to admit he was surprised to see them, he had known of this plan of course, but expected the mother to put up more of a fight. The cubs hardly looked unhappy to be here, kidnapping and violence did not seem to be a part of their transition to life with their father.
"Wonderful," he said, glancing up from the cubs as Tyfu approached and smiling at her, "It will be some time before we find out, but I think we can expect great things from them."
Parisa was, thankfully, easily distracted. All the new sights and smells and words and lions.. it took her mind off her missing mother and sister, she was perfectly happy to be here with her father and two of her siblings. When they were marched up to be presented to the king, she was too nervous to take in much of her surroundings. She stayed focused on the purple lion in front of her-- until a black and green lion appeared and she glanced over to her curiously. She stayed quiet and looked back and forth between all of the adults.
How interesting!
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Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2013 7:36 pm
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 There was something off about Nyota'shuti tonight. A certain rigidness to her posture, a tension that spoke of tightly-held control, a slowly lashing tail. It was a bitter thing, to know that this cousin had gotten to where he was by carving a bloody path through his own family. Her family. She was doing all that she could to rein herself in, to remain silent on her opinions to keep what was left of that family safe. She'd wanted the lot of slaves improved, but not like this...never like this. Using them as the pawns of the royals somehow seemed more degrading than the way things had been, their new 'power' aside.
Not for the first time, the lioness found herself glad that she wasn't in the line of succession. The longer she lived and the more ruling relatives she saw dead, the more dangerous being one of that royal line seemed.
Her eyes flicked over the crowd, searching for those she knew--her parents, her siblings, her friends. |
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Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 9:03 am
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Yavin, until today, had kept himself far away from the goings on in the pride. A good move, perhaps, not to be drawn into the chaos. A bad one, too, for not making his allegiance known. There had already been so much death and dissapearances and he certainly didn't want accusations being thrust his way.
So it was, with a heavy and reluctant heart, that he made his way to where the lions had already started to gather. It did not take much effort to find Lailah and the comfort he felt at seeing her gave him the strength he needed to move forward.
He announced his presence with a soft chuff and came to stand close at her side, skimming his eyes across those already there. Strangely, the sight of cubs comforted him. Their little lives would hopefully help ease the tensions or maybe be enough to have troublemakers hesitate about inciting anything.
Shangyue certainly didn't look unnerved. |
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Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 1:44 pm
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 The black lioness smiled back at her monarch. He seemed calm and relaxed, and well he should be! This was the night he'd worked so hard towards, and now that it was here he could finally sit back and let history chart its course. He had his loyal Guards and Royal Guards to protect him from any dissenters, and it seemed to Tyfu that most of the rest of the pride were pacifists and cowards, too afraid to do anything meaningful to stop Shangyue.
"I am certain that their father will have every reason to be proud of them," the lioness replied smoothly. One girl seemed to be taking an interest in her, and Tyfu smiled encouragingly at the child. "It almost makes me wish to raise some of my own."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Yellow eyes glanced quickly to her side and Lailah let out a sigh of relief at Yavin's arrival. The tan lion was just who she wanted by her side in all the uncertainty of this crowd - someone she could trust and lean on. Metaphorically speaking. It would almost certainly be inappropriate to lean on him in public! They weren't really a couple. Not yet, at least. Just...friends. Two lions who had spent a lot of time together at various points in the past...had argued with each other...and feuded...and just plain hung out...
She was just so glad he'd come. Maybe she wouldn't have felt so exposed and isolated during the previous incidents if he'd been there by her side. But that was in the past and there was no changing it now.
Still, she should probably talk to him. But nothing that weighted or suspicious. Not in this group.
"How have you been?" the lioness offered conversationally.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Scanning the group, Caritas' eye fell on a blue lioness that she hadn't, in her time, talked to very much. Nyota'shuti was her aunt, one of her father's sisters. She hadn't had any children in the time since the black lioness became a Midwife, nor ever, if Caritas recalled correctly. Thus it wasn't entirely surprising that she hadn't gone out of her way to speak to the older lioness.
Still, family was family, even if she wasn't certain she wanted to be a cousin of the new King's. The lioness wormed her way through the rowd until she managed to find herself next to Nyota'shuti at last. The whole pride wasn't here yet, and indeed, many were likely to skip the ceremony due, simply, to their own duties on the pride's behalf. But the rest of the pride who weren't busy...well...they should technically be in attendence for an historic event such as this.
"Aunt Nyota," Caritas offered quietly to the older female.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 The grey lion looked with interest as other lions arrived on the scene. Some of them were unfamiliar, such as the red male standing near a middle class lioness - Nkosazana, he thought. Uchanjaa's sister. There was enough of a resemblance between the stranger's markings and that of Nko's kids that Avahk could guess at his identity in relation to the lot. He must be interested in joining the pride, otherwise why would he be permitted at the ceremony?
He also spotted an older high class lioness who was now standing next to one of the Midwives. He didn't know her well at all, but there was something in her appearance that reminded him of old Unyezi, so she was likely a relative of some sort. She looked older than the black lioness, so maybe a daughter?
The biggest celebrity arrival since Shangyue and Firaga looked to be the distinctively colored Prince Yavin, who was now standing near Lailah K'chol. An interesting pair that had had some rumors flying about them a few moons earlier. Those had quieted down of late, but the way the two stood together made Avahk wonder if some issue had been resolved.
Sometimes it paid to spend time with Aunt Aysu.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The young Lord fought off the irrational urge to go and hide behind his mother as he watched more lions arrive and congregate. First of all, what kind of adult lion was going to hid behind his mother? Second of all, the black male was fairly certain that he was taller than she now, and would therefore not physically fit behind her.
Not to mention that hididng wasn't going to help him feel comfortable in this kind of gathering. Gealach wandered through the crowd, looking for someone to talk to who wasn't a slave or a Royal Guard. He wasn't sure what to think of the low class right now, even if his mother did say that they were lions just like anybody else.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 So far, so good. Mziwanda wasn't here yet, which was somewhat disappointing for the maroon male, but he was confident that she'd come when she was ready. Which would hopefully be soon. He barely knew other Guards, was still scanty on those of his...class...and didn't know many others. There were just so many lions in this pride! And of all ages too, which didn't help. He'd met some youths, but by the time he had them straight, they grew! That was normal, at least, but it didn't help a poor former rogue keep straight the far too many pride residents of the Mwezi'Johari.
He'd just...stand here. In his little corner of space. And hope that Mzi got her really really really soon. Before anyone came up to him and greeted him by name and he realized he didn't know theirs because his memory certainly hadn't been up to keeping track of all of the far too many lions in this pride...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Why, there were cubs at this ceremony thing! Atz'mayiy was utterly ecstatic at the discovery. She could see some over by the new King Shangyue, and another group out in the crowd! Neither litter looked much like her siblings - one was all black and the other was brown and red! How strange! She much preferred the pale lavender of her own fur to those other colors, but was intrigued by how different they all were!
Especially since she didn't remember seeing any of those cubs before. They didn't look quite like newborns too young to be let out of the den, but how else could they have come here without her knowing about it? She'd thought she knew every litter in the pride!
Well, maybe not every litter. But she knew lots of them!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Halili was unhappy with the twists her life had taken of late, but she wasn't about to back down from what she'd said. She'd meant it, and going back on her word would be to go against her conscience.
After another discussion with Orion, the lioness had agreed that she should at least attend the coronation, even if she disagreed with the head about to recieve the crown. Her instructions were to lay low, not cause trouble, and generally try to keep anyone from suspecting something was wrong.
So she plastered a smile on her face and went to mingle with the crowd. Hopefully she'd find someone she genuinely enjoyed talking to. That would make this night so much better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yksivarinen noted the most recent arrival with some interest. Halili had been one of the slaves publicly invited to join the Royal Guards. And yet, despite the fantastic opportunity, she'd turned them down! Everything the monochrome lion had heard made it seem as if she'd be one of those who'd jump at the chance, so it was very strange that she was happier being just an ordinary Slave.
The male thought about going over to her and just asking why not, but that seemed like a bad idea. She might have some private reasons that she didn't want to share. Or maybe something else. He wasn't sure, but between what he knew and what Firaga had been telling him, Varinen decided it was probably better not to ask. At all.
But he couldn't help wondering what had happened with her father. Tonight, at least, Uchanjaa was still a lion to keep an eye on. Even though he wasn't here yet... |
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