[META-ORP] Celebration [done]

[Quaji]

It was only a few days ago when the tap came, on the outside of the den your character resides. A raven with brilliant black feathers could be seen sitting just outside, tapping the rock to get your attention. It was knocking... Finally it noticed you. Hopping to face the feline that it met, it's feathers ruffled slightly as it looks as though it was grinning.

"A pleasant evening to you, ma'am or sir." It seemed as though it was simply repeating what had been told to it rather than make a decision based on who was currently standing in front of it. It sounds like there are more than one set of wings outside, so this raven probably isn't the only one.

"You and your kin are cordially invited to attend a celebration, hosted by the royal family, in honor of the new litter birthed by Queen Elisheba and to formally present the colony's new heir to the throne." The words were solidly spoken without error. It practiced, of course. It was not long before the raven was off again, to another den, to invite another person.

It seems like everyone was invited. Everyone.

- - - - -

Even dignitaries from other far off prides, colonies and packs were receiving the same message, though with a little more explanation and much more personalizing of the message to not sound like a perfect repetition. Directions were provided and the raven even stayed behind as a guide for the travel to the Mlima Tuokoa should they want to attend. These ravens were sent out weeks in advance, hopefully giving enough time for the attendees to arrive.

- - - - -

The weather outside was gloomy, and the thunder rumbling in the sky was all very frightening, especially with the lightning too, but there was no reason for the members of the Mlima Tuokoa to be anywhere but together on this night!

The celebration was finally here and Ann couldn't be more excited even if she tried. Prowlers from all walks of life were dragging kills into the royal den, as they had been for days now. There were furs laid out for all to sit on, leading right up to the small hill in the middle of it. Of course some relatively flat-topped rocks were being used as a makeshift table. They weren't pretty, but they were something. Though Saikhan had been saying that sometimes nothing is better than something... The little heir wasn't so sure about that, and the Lady's words only continued to confuse her.

This day was special though. It was her day. Well, it was for her and her sisters, but it seemed like everything was about her, not them. It was kind of sad. She was still young and still wanted to play and be normal in some sense of the word, but throwing parties like this one...Well, that made the crown princess feel anything but normal. Still, it was exciting. Ann moved around the busy paws of servants, guards and prowlers as she made her way towards the mouth where Noir stood, greeting everyone as they entered. Silently, the crown princess sat beside the lady-in-waiting, greeting everyone in her own way; a big smile.

Glancing to the side of Noir, her pink eyes lit up. Presents. The head lady-in-waiting had told her that there might be some things for her, but she hadn't believed it. Oh that just made the young cub even more excited now! The sound of a throat clearing, Ann looked back to see Noir glancing down at her as she motioned her head back to those arriving. Tucking her tail up against her body, the crown princess sat as perfectly as she could with her head up, but she couldn't help but smile widely.

Of course no one had seen her before or up until a few days ago, even known she existed outside of a few select souls in the colony. Even the queen hadn't been seen in nearly a month now except by the same people who knew of the royal litters' arrival. Of course this would be an exciting event.

OOC

Welcome to the Mlima Tuokoa's Valentine's Event!

This event will basically another excuse for everyone to chatter among themselves about the recent events. If you don't know what recent events I'm talking about, check it out here.

This will be a simple feast ORP with the possibility of some drama later on, but for the most part, it will be a time of interacting with the possibility of beginning friendships or relationships as anyone who is anyone will be there. If you have someone from another pride, they are welcome to join in, so long as you have permission to join in. This will also be a way for the Mlima to possibly solidify alliances or even enemies depending on how the dignitaries behave.

This will be a primarily user-run ORP with a few plot-moving posts coming from me. So feel free to gossip, talk or do whatever~

IC Information

- It's been a month since the queen has been attacked by her brother.

- Eduard has been under house arrest this entire time as Elisheba is not fit to try him.

- No one except the royal family, the ladies-in-waiting, the council, a few guards and a few servants know about the royal litter. Surprise!

- A noble by the name of Emerce has been missing. No one has heard from him for a few days.

- While not needed, it is customary to bring a gift for the royal litter. Something. It doesn't have to be something large or special. It's really the thought that counts.

- Not bringing something can be viewed as not caring, so take care when deciding.

The Prize



(colored by me)

Each post in this ORP will count as a ticket towards a raffle that will be rolled after this ends. She will be a prowler in the Mlima and must stay within the colony. Her name and history is up to you.

A new prize will unlock every two pages. 1, 3, 5, etc.

 

[Quaji]

The invitation had come something of a shock to the young mother. Sure, Lady Saikhan had taken a liking to her and her children and had been making sure they would receive the best education she could get for them, but even so...To be invited to a feast in honor of the royal litter was an amazing honor. Luckily it came at just the right time. Her cubs had all opened their eyes and were able to walk...for the most part anyways. They always did seem to wobble and tumble down, which was part of the reason she walked behind them as she made her way through the caverns towards the only ledge that couldn't be reached by the traditional pathways. "Come on children, we don't want to be late, do we?"

Saikhan had already begun talking of introducing her two sons to the princess Ann. Maybe that would happen today or at least begin that road. The thought of either of her sons becoming friends to a royal was something Suk'tamu had a hard time grasping at. At least, maybe they'd help her relate better to the common folk of the colony. That would be nice, a future queen that know the daily struggles of everyone else, though even royal living on Umsindisi seemed hard.

The captain-of-the-guard was just now exiting the temple. Taking the time to pray before this feast was probably a good idea, given the queen's condition and the events from the previous gathering. The last thing he wanted or anyone needed was to have something else happen while this was supposed to be a happy time. Barafu-taji had prayed to Shan Furen to let this evening go well. Tonight would be one that his silver eyes would never stop watching everyone, for Elisheba's sake, especially not with the Royalists around since everyone was invited to tonight banquet.

Wearing his best cloak upon his back, a black fur with gold ornamental designs hanging around his neck, the captain made his way onto the highest ledge.  

[Kaliforneum]

F a y t h - x

Benvolio's paws ached slightly as he made his way towards the feast. It seemed the always ached a bit in the cold now, ever since the ordeal of digging his fellow pride members out of the stone and snow. His paws and face still bore the scars of sharp ice cutting through his fur and demanding blood as payment for releasing the victims sealed within the cold. He had spent days, pulling out cubs and prowlers, merchants and guards, and as luck would have, members of the high class. And still he toiled for days upon the frozen mountain side, until he had collasped, the cold and exhaustion having finally claimed him.
And when he awoke, he was a made a Noble.
It was strange, being vaulted from a Prowler to a member of high class. Benvolio didn't really know what to do with himself anymore. And the politics...with the divide between Royalists and Loyalists sparking up quite a debate, the poor male had no idea what to do with himself. He would do what he thought was best for the common folk, as he had once been one. Benvolio just needed to figure out exactly what that meant.
But for now, he was content to enjoy a party. A party celebrating the pride's bright future. He held his gifts in his mouth, loops of vines twirled together with flowers poked into them. He'd gone down in the plains to find the flowers. They had been scarce, considering the weather, but he had been able to find a few. And he was sure a few were enough. The Noble didn't think the princesses had seen flowers before. He'd meant for them to be crowns, but, now seeing the size of young Princess Ann, it turned out they'd be better suited as necklaces. "For you, Princess. And your sisters." He bowed low to the future monarch, then dipped his head respectfully at Noir. Surely the female must have her paws full with the little ones. An important job indeed.
Benvolio turned and exhaled quietly. Now what? He had been relatively early, and there was no one present he recognized save Priest Etgarr. Benvolio was often in the temple these days, praying to Shan Furen. He knew quite a few of the priests by name at this point. "Priest Etgarr." He greeted with a dip of his head. "I see something was finally able to get you out of the temple." The Noble said with a small smile.

Quaji

Derik huffed with effort, paws scrambling to try and stay ahead of his other siblings. No way, no how were they gonna get there first! Derik's paws worked quickly, but they seemed to have a mind of their own. The young cub meant to put them one place, and they ended up going towards another! Another misstep, and Derik fell to the ground in a puff of dust. Walking was such a chore! Thankfully his siblings weren't having an easier time of it than he was. That would be mortifying. "You're the one being a slowpoke, Momma!" He retorted hotly, getting back up to his feet and beginning to trot once more. He wanted to go to the party and play with all the guards! He'd heard of these warriors of the pride, protecting them from outsiders and criminals and villains. Derik was willing to bet they were the most magnificent cats ever! The cub couldn't wait to ask them how many people they'd killed. Maybe they had lots of stories!
He hoped Miss Saikhan was there too. He'd only met her once, but she was been really nice. And Derik really liked when people complimented him.  

[Annchen]

Not showing up was never an option, but Salma felt just about ready to bolt already. She had never been comfortable in crowds, so the mere thought of mingling with the entire pride made her break out in a cold sweat. Etgarr's familiar shouting was a welcome distraction. It as just like in the temple. The priestess had actually considered just giving the gift of prayers to the royal litter, but she had decided to also bring a more tangible gift. Of course she'd pray for them, that was part of her sacred duty! But cubs liked toys and trinkets, right? Especially royal ones.

Unfortunately she already regretted the decision to bring gifts. Delivering them would mean pushing to the front of the crowd. She put the presents down at her paws and sat down near the edge of the crowd to take a breather. Perhaps if she waited until most people had delivered their gifts...  

[Neon Fly]

There were still lots of things Rochelle didn't understand. Royals. Parties. Princesses. Feasts. Trying to absorb it all from an explanation standpoint made her head spin and she secretly hoped the whole event would be easier to grasp when she could actually see it in action.

However, amongst all of it, there was one thing she had been able to grasp. A single concept that she had wrapped all of her focus around, because it was all she could manage. Gifts.

The raven that had arrived at her momma's cave to announce the festivities had said something about gifts and of every word spoken, it was the one Rochelle had latched onto.

A gift was a thing that you gave to someone else without expecting to get a thing in return. A gift was special. It made the recipient happy. That last part had been the most difficult to comprehend for Rochelle and she had practiced several times on her brothers with various items without much success. Apparently rocks and sticks were not very good gifts.

That's when she had found the feathers. The ravens flitting about announcing everyone's invitation to the celebration had left behind trinkets of their presence. Long, glossy feathers, some inky black in color and some resembling the uniquely colored avian they had come from. They were beautiful and Rochelle knew from the first moment she found one that they would make a great gift. So great she didn't bother wasting them testing her theory out on her brothers.

With her head held proudly, and with a slight cant from the weight of the multiple feather shafts she carried in her mouth--she wasn't sure how many gifts she would need so she had decided to bring as many as she could carry--the tiny leopard cub toddled along just ahead of her mother and a short ways behind her obnoxious brothers. Snorting softly when Derik stumbled and fell flat on his face, though for the most part she simply ignored his plight. She had to make it to the feast with her feathers intact!  

[CaliWolfe]

Lyubov was thrilled for the feast. She had... Somewhat of a difficult time ensuring she didn't tell anyone of the exciting new litter. Everyone had looked so down for the time being that she only wanted to share something to lift their spirits. Thankfully, she had proved to herself that she was capable of keeping a secret, and a pretty big one at that! With the cubs having been announced recently however she was filled with joy and happiness and able to share it lovingly among everyone!

As for gifts Lyubov wasn't certain what gift she wanted to surprise the little royal litter with. Not, mind you, because the cheetah didn't know what to get them. She knew somewhat well what would make a cub happy, toys to play with and yummy treats! She didn't want to show up with a half-decent gift or something not well thought out though. So Lyubov walked in with a cheery smile and a bag of colorful furs! Who didn't love soft furs? She loved them! She was certain cubs would love soft colorful furs too! Granted she had actually just bought them the day-of the event, but it was the thought that counted, wasn't it?



Kuishi had brought flowers as his gift. If asked he would have told of how he wandered down to plains to collect them, a task most mundane for the aging leopard. He had overestimated how much his creaking bones and back could take and had instead given up on going to the plains altogether. The flower was from a merchant he had traded a nice jewel for, and the leopard was suddenly glad he was no longer a prowler like he had been. (Although he had only joined recently and wasn't a prowler for very long, either.) He was now a noble, although he hardly knew what to do with himself upon receiving the title.

He had figured the feast was a good way to socialize and not sit around all day. It would make him feel apart of a society again. Make him feel... Useful. He turned and smiled upon seeing Kakariko. "Hello." He replied.  

[bullterrierlove]

There was a bounce in Etssiin’s step that he couldn’t hide, although he tried in vain. It was childish, no doubt. Someone of class would have a far more regal step. He should walk like Lady Saikhan. Even so, his paws had a mind of their own as they stumbled up the mountain. Climbing, he thought, huffing, was going to be a difficult task to overcome with all this heavy snow. Thankfully, he wasn’t aiming to be the first. Presence was what it was about.

”We shant be late, Mother,” he wheezed, but attempted to pick up the pace. Although he would rather take his time; his mother did have a point. By dawdling they were wasting precious time. And there was nothing more embarrassing than arriving late. Everyone would stare and make a mockery of him, for sure. Still---his mismatched gaze eyed the sky. It wasn’t as if the sun was high in the sky yet, right?

His eyes wandered towards his sister, following close behind. He slowed down in order to match her pace. After all, he wasn’t going to race. They were all going to arrive a the same destination around the same time. Just because he wasn’t first didn’t mean he could make a grand entrance. His brother could make a fool of himself. However---those feathers. Whatever were they for? Was she going to announce her presence by throwing them in the air. He hoped not. She should be the one throwing those feathers to announce his presence. ”Why are you holding those?” he asked, tone with a jaded edge. It didn’t occur to him that they were supposed to bring gifts.






Nothing could go wrong today. Nothing. It was a lot of pressure to take in as a guard, for sure. And even more so when being a prospective suitor for a noble.

Thankfully, Mbali didn’t have to worry about that any longer.

He walked proudly next to his new wife, as stoic as ever as he stared out at the crowd. Honestly, it felt right to be considered as one of the lord’s and lady’s of the pride. But ever since he achieved his goal as a noble---what else was there to do? His will, his ambition. Everything was fine and dandy. His goals were accomplished. But that left him with, well, nothing.

Mbali frowned, his grip on the roughly made bag of gifts tightening. Already after a few days of being wed, he had already become bored. It did give him time to work on other things though. If it wasn’t out of sheer boredom and incentive to get close to the new princess, he wouldn’t have offered to find carry the heavy pelts on his back that Nyota had so graciously picked out. If he wasn’t wise to her actions, he would have assumed that it was mere coincidence that these furs were so thick and hefty. But no, the female seemed to have something out for him.

He couldn’t fathom why. He had saved her from a near death fall. Surely, she would be a bit kind for his deed. Alas, she was an irritable lady.

”Princess,” he greeted with a faint smile, bowing as low as his shaky legs would allow him to, without the threat of collapsing. Smirking, and glancing at his wife, he dropped a brown leather bag down at her feet stepping back. Although his Nyota had wanted to give her furs, he had a little something extra in mind. There would be plenty bringing her everything regal. But sometimes-the little things in life were the best. He had chosen one of his childhood favourites: a leather ball brought together with thick string. Something that was durable and wouldn’t break for a while. ”I hope you don’t mind a small trinket before your real treat.” he drawled, gesturing over towards the other gifts.


 

[Lollipop x L u x u r y]

Her brother was still missing.

Walking beside her new husband, Nyota Maua absently kept pace, mind fully occupied. It had been a few days since her brother had disappeared. And yet, they were going to a party. Granted, it wasn’t just any party; it was one in honor of the royal litter. Another event that left questions in the air. No one had seen Queen Elisheba for a while. And from what Nyota gathered, nor was anyone aware of the litter. There was also rumors of rebels, those who disagreed with the queen and felt Eduard better suit for the throne… rumors but… It left an unease that Nyota simply couldn’t shake. What was happening?

Approaching the main activity of felines, Nyota quickly drew away from her aimless wondering, focusing on the event in front of her. First and foremost, the event. Afterwards, she can delve into her concerns over Emerce.

Giving a critical glance to the side, she forced a pleasant smile. She only could hope to put trust in Mbali; but, as Nyota quickly learned, hope only got one so far. And really, there was little hope she could give to her husband. Bowing politely to the princess, she smiled faintly. ”You’re as beautiful as your mother, Princess Ann,” she told the heir, before looking at the lady-in-waiting. ”This is a beautiful event, Ms. Noir,” she murmured, before looking over at her new mate. ”Darling, would you be a dear and drop the furs off with the rest of the presents?”
 

[Kaliforneum]

F a y t h - x

The Noble chuckled. He appreciated the priest's zeal. It was something Benvolio once thought foolish and misguided. But Shan Furen had smiled on him since his new appreciation for her righteousness. He'd been given a high status (though quite honestly he had yet to determine whether that was a blessing or a curse), he had more pelts this winter than he truly knew what to do with, and he had a full belly more often than not. "Indeed. The Queen's litter is surely a sign of Shan Furen's blessing." He said to Etgarr. After the recent events, a joyous occassion such as this was sorely needed.
Benvolio watched as other members of the pride trickled in. Kakariko was a lively and welcome presence. Benvolio wasn't much for song, but enthusiasm begat enthusiasm nonetheless. And the Noble couldn't help but smile at Kuishi as he walked in. A buddy from his Prowler days, now in the same predicament as Benvolio was. "Excuse me." Benvolio stood and dipped his head towards Etgarr, making his way over to Kuishi to say hello.

Neon Fly

bullterrierlove

Derik turned around to sneer at his siblings. "Those are gifts for the royals, Etssiin. If you were smart enough, you'd have known to bring one." The cub said with a cruel smirk. The cub's own gift was tied safely around his neck. Derik would have carried it, but considering that the young boy had yet to stop running his small mouth, it surely would have gotten lost. An adult had fastened the small rock Derik had found to a cord. It was crudely heart shaped on one side, if you squinted your eyes, and sparkly streaks of white cut through the rock in wavy lines.
Of course, Derik hadn't actually wanted to give up his found treasure, and had thrown quite a fit when he'd been told to otherwise, but he wasn't going to let anyone else know that.
"That or she's bird brain." The cub laughed, head high up in the air. They were close to the feast now. Derik could hear the sounds of other felines talking, and his paws were just itching in anticipation.  

[Quaji]

These were all for her?! Ann's eyes grew wide with excitement as each new person seemed to be bringing her more and more things. The excitement of course did not bubble over...much. She had appearances to keep up, or so Noir and momma told her she had. It seemed odd, but whatever. If she and her sisters got some cool stuff, who was she to disagree? Wiggling against the cold rock under her, Ann grew excited at the compliments she was receiving.

Noir's tail slid over to give the princess a gentle tap towards the other cubs that just not seemed to be making their way onto the final ledge the Mlima Tuokoa called home. She knew the intentions of Lady Saikhan and what she had in store for Suk'tamu's litter. While the lady-in-waiting held her own suspicions for the Lady's intentions, they seemed noble enough and even-so, the heiress needed to make friends with those her own age.

"Go on. I'll see to the greeting and seating of the guests. Make sure you come when your mother begins speaking," she told Ann with a faint smile upon her face. How these cubs reminded her of her own...

With a smile that seemed like it would overtake her face, the little cub rose onto her feet and began weaving around the legs of the adults. There were other little voices, so maybe there were cubs around? With Lori flying above her, keeping a close eye on the crown princess, the pair began their (hopefully short) search.

The queen had finally made her appearance, taking her place upon the small raise in the middle of the den. In front of her lay stones, some in a row, some off of the side, whichever had seemed easier at the time. Upon them laid the remains of several antelopes and around the rock rest furs to with seat the guests that still seemed to be arriving.

Elisheba's eyes were tired as was the rest of her face and her body, something anyone could observe from simply watching the typically elegant body move into position. Her tail hung limp, though the queen kept her head raised to the best of her abilities to keep some sort of appearance to those she served. Nodding to Noir once she was finally seated, Elisheba took a deep breath before putting on a smile.

"My lords and ladies," Noir said, her voice raised to overcome the chatter of those attending. "The queen has arrived and would see you all now. If you would, please find a fur inside to your liking and have a seat. The meal will begin once all of the guests have arrived or at the queen's convenience."

"Oh dear." Suk'tamu murmured under her breath as her pace quickened. "Come on children, I fear we're late! Go on ahead, I'll catch up to you all, but stay together!" They were faster than her and had the enthusiasm to keep their energy up for this event. Especially her two boys. Oh how they looks like their father, especially Etssiin and with his blue and his spots. Smiling fondly, the first-time mother watched her children with pride.

Hopefully at least they would not be the only ones just now arriving to this feast.

[OOC Information]

Expect my next plot-moving post in 24 hours!

Annnd I'm sorry for not posting this sooner! Hopefully I should be speeding things up over the next couple of days. I'm really glad you all seem to having a little fun with this! This'll be a pretty simple ORP, just meant to introduce Ann and some new faces, so don't feel pressured to post or anything. c:  

[Kaliforneum]

The Queen! Benvolio's eyes went wide. He honestly hadn't expected her to show up, despite the feast being in celebration of her new litter. It was a relief to see that she was doing well. Benvolio had been praying for her health and safety in the temple. She didn't seem back to her usual self yet, but the Noble supposed that such things took time. He would continue his prayers in the meantime.
The Noble was going to move to a spot furthest away from the Queen, most likely where many of the prowlers were going to sit, but there was already a spot so close to him. And the antelope...Benvolio's mouth almost watered. He was hungry. The male took a spot at the table nearest to him, not directly in front of the queen (Benvolio did not think himself worthy of such a spot) but closer than others.




Never being needed to be told twice, the young cub sprinted away from his mother, out of proportion paws thumping against the ground. Derik, being in front of his siblings, was the first to see the small tan spotted cub and the white raven. The new arrivals made him stop, slightly in confusion. What was a cub doing running away from the party? Wasn't everyone supposed to be meeting there?
He scowled and lifted his head up. Maybe he'd caught a runaway, and he would turn her in to the guards and they would be so impressed with him. They would likely seat Derik as a guest of honour, no doubt. "Hey! You're not supposed to be leaving the party! I could tell on you." He threatened, chin up and tiny furred chest puffed out.