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 Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 4:57 pm
The center of the graveyard, aka Mafa's den, never was a place of too much action, well, except for days when the alpha decided to go out for a hunt. Today she returned with a rather large wildebeast. She dragged it along laboriously, grunting as she did so. The animal was huge. Thankfully, it had been an easy catch, the thing was old and not in the best of shape, and obviously didn't have the best of vision as it never saw her coming. After dragging this meal back from the plains for the past few hours, Mafa was exhausted. With a heave, she set the carcass at the mouth of her den and stepped back.
The female eyed her catch with pride for a few moments before settling down before it. Violently, she tore into the tough shoulder of the wildebeast and ripped out out some of the flavorful meat. She sat like this for a few good hours, working away at a good chunk of the animal.
After enjoying her meal, Mafa stood, stretching out her muscles. She licked her chops as she looked over the gnawed on carcass. Her pups could mow away at the rest of it whenever the came around, it would last for days. With a sigh, she slowly trudged over to the front of her kill and laid down, content to guard her meal and digest it all at the same time. Ever the multi-tasker.
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:11 pm
Ophos was returning back to the den after his fourth shift of patrol. His thought was ever plagued by his parents words of adulthood and all that jazz, that it bothered him a bit. They wished for him to seek out a mate, a female that was worthy of the family and one that was ever to be respected both in death and life, the litter she produced should be honored and revered. So much to live up to and it seemed like they did not trust him enough to manage to find one... actually, he has no real time to. It was patrol, hunt, nap, patrol, eat, patrol, nap, patrol... an endless cycle.
"But it's for the good of the pack." he murmured.
Perhaps he will find that female that will allow him to sire a litter, perhaps not, as of now, it was about the pack. Be friending the lion of the Pride Lands was perhaps the smartest idea he had. He was friends with the Pride Land's princesses and thus the royalty. He could use the lion if he wanted to, but Zeki was his friend in some ways... but he was a hyena, mortal enemies by nature. He scoffed as he remembered that he was to meet with him later on in a few moons for something important.
Just as he let out a slur of vulgar words, he paused as he spotted someone off to his flank. It was the Alpha of their pack, Mafa, and behind her a kill one would love to sink into. He blinked once or twice and then boldly moved toward her.
"Hello, Alpha Mafa."
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:40 pm
Mafa had been starting to doze off a little in the warm afternoon sun. Everything in the graveyard was so muted because of the dry conditions stirred up the dust. It acted like a drab cloud cover. Mafa found it extremely relaxing. The graveyard was such a somber place. Chock full of monotone and death. Mafa reveled in it. Pinning her ears back, the female took a deep breath in and sighed heavily. As she did so, the scent of another hyena flitted across her senses.
The scent was familiar, but it wasn't one she recognized. Standing, Mafa looked about in curiosity. Soon, a tan hyena was moving toward her. The male seemed very sure of him self, confident though he was still young. Mafa tilted her head back slightly, eyeing the male carefully. As she spoke, it was apparent that the male knew her, but from where? Mafa's cold eyes narrowed. He wasn't new around here, the scent of the graveyard was entwined with his own, but Mafa honestly hadn't seen him before. Mafa stepped forward fiercely, giving the male a nod in greeting,
"You live...here?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:48 pm
Ophos quickly paused as if something had hit him. In that moment, he knelt down as a bow before standing up right. He knew his manners, he had visited Mafa little, but his mother made sure that he knew how to treat females he thought were dubbed worthy of their family's presence and his own. Certainly Mafa was!
"But of course, Alpha Mafa. I am Ophos, son of Yakuti, guard to our lands since his youth, and Shira, also guard before my birth," he greeted respectfully. It felt weird for a hyena to be doing this, it seemed almost out of nature to do so but thinking back to his parents, Mafa was a female who could still rear pups, not now but in the distant future. The litter would be revered and honored being from the Alpha. She was more than worthy of their family. And if she had passed, all would know her and remember her. Was it worth the chance? Was it worth his life to try and please her to that point?
... if it meant for the good of the pack and the good of the family (plus get the parents off his tail about it)
"You look tired, Alpha Mafa, where is your brood? Is Head Guard Tibuka watching over them with Mabozi?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:25 pm
Mafa's interest was held firmly by this young male. He was respectful, and tactful, a model pack member. He was something she sought to have in her pack; perfectly obedient followers. The alpha gave him a curt nod in acknowledgement as he bowed down.
"Ahhhh..."
As he explained who he was, it was all Mafa had to say. She remembered Shira being pregnant. Infact, it had been among the last times she'd seen the female. Shira was a good pack member, a bit too strong headed at times. Mafa had to keep an eye on her, keep her in check. But she didn't feel intimidated at all.
With a keen eye, she looked over the young male. Sure, she could see it now, at least Shira, in his genetics. It was quite something to think about. Her pups seemed to have grown so quickly, already into their adolescent months, while hers were mere pups. At his words, Mafa shook her head carelessly,
"Tired, not anymore. The pups are off, they've grown legs for adventure. Keep an eye out for them, if you catch a glimpse. I'm tired of looking out for them. Mabozi more so, he needs the most supervision. Do that for me, will you?"
Mafa tilted her chin up, narrowing her eyes. Assigning tasks to the pack members, she assumed, made them feel important, like they had something to do. Might as well try to shift the care of her pups onto someone else for a change.
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:39 pm
Ophos bowed, boldly taking a few steps toward so she could get a better view of the forgotten male he was. With another bow, he outstretched a paw and dipped low. With this posture, he was able to show off all he had to offer. His 'mane' of sort was clean and free of dirt, a habitual habit of his really, one that he picked up from Ezekiel. His body was taunt with muscles that it pushed his fur to thin strands, enabling anyone to see how big he really was. No scars touched him as no lion has in a fight. He was near perfect, his speed he took from his mother, the power, strength, and towering size was inherited from his father and being an adolescent, he had more time to grow.
"I do hope you have not forgotten my family, Alpha Mafa. We are but humble members of Mava'Bunda," he spoke truthfully. Yakuti was the guard, his actions were for the pack, even the first impregnation of taashira'kikuto. Shira still lives and patrols regularly, even bold enough to trek into Pride Land territory and steal their food. His siblings did what they were to do. At least to him, everything he did from the last he saw Zeki to now was for the pack. His friend had left him alone in the Pride Lands without guidance and friendship without much as a good-bye. One could say he disliked the lion. Since, he had nothing else to do but put his focus on the growing quiet pack of Mava'Bunda.
"Your pups are under watch, as you wish, I shall seek them out when I spare my time. Surely the one whom sired them is male enough to watch over his responsibilities," he scoffed. "I do not mean to offend, forgive me, Alpha Mafa."
He smirked. Mabozi? He had never quite met the hyena, but some have said he was an idiot without measure. How much this was true, he did not know, but he intended to find out. If he did as Mafa wanted, surely he could win her favor. "Consider Mabozi a friend, I won't let him taint his mother's reputation."
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:22 pm
Mafa glossed the male over with a very discriminating gaze. There was pride in his nature, that was obvious, but then again, a little pride never hurt anyone. Or in her case, a lot of pride. He was a fine looking specimen, there was no doubt in that. And level headed too. Took more after his father, which was a good thing, as Mafa rather favored the odd colored brute. He was near perfect indeed, but alas, he'd never be totally perfect, because in Mafa's eyes, there was only one standard of perfection, and that was herself. No one would live to meet her standards.
"Forgotten them? Of course not. I wouldn't call your mother humble, but she is useful none the less."
Mafa rolled her eyes as she spoke. Shira, always with the opposition. Mafa didn't think she had what was needed to run this pack, no matter what Shira thought. However, she rather valued having Shira around. She produced good pups, there was no question there. However, if Mafa had known about Ophos buddying around with a lion, his days in the pack would be over. Mafa had no tolerance for traitors like that. He would bring shame to his whole family's name. She nodded at his acceptence of her task, but gave him an icy, malicious glare as she insulted Rasuli. The father of this litter was above all her most favored of the pack, though she saw him not too often. There was something about his strangeness that she enjoyed. It wasn't to say that she loved him. Not at all. He was just family. A male she saw even less often was Tukutu, the sire of her first litter. As grating as he was on her nerves, Mafa couldn't deny the feelings she had for him, though no one would ever know. He reminded her of the days before she'd hit rock bottom, and those memories she held near to her heart. If anyone could break through her shell, it was that lazy male. Good thing he was one of the least common sights in the graveyard.
"Watch your tounge there, Ophos. Rasuli much higher in rank than you, you respect him too. As far as Mabozi goes, he has a chipper heart, all too much, but don't let your guard down, there's more to him than meets the eye.... Just hope you never encounter it."
Mafa trailed off lightly. She was referring to the darker side of Mabozi. One of his personalities, Mwuaji, a cold hearted killer. Surely, the beast would have no opposition to picking off some male in the pack, only for his own pleasure. Mafa hoped Ophos would have the brains to just run if the killer ever decided to show his sneering mug.
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:47 pm
Ophos took the time to look over Mafa's features as she thought and focused again on her when she looked back at him, talking. She was quite the female, being around his mother's age. Surely no other could match her, she was the Alpha and has been. She had control, she had order, she had an heir, but what would be wrong for a loyal male who would be there for her? More heirs? More hyenas for a blitzkrieg against the pestilence that had invaded their lands?
It was Mafa's choice if he was worthy enough of her company from time to time being a lowly ranked patrolee.
He made no signs of flinching or backing down when he was scolded for speaking out of line. Asking for an apology was never going to work, at least not with this one. He nodded to show that he knew and agreed.
"Yes, Alpha Mafa, I shall respect my elders." But exactly who? There were those older than he who had even lower ranks... at least, he had believed so.
He knew not too much about Mafa, but that her recent sire of the current litter share an affection between the two, so it was obvious she is not as cold hearted and emotionless as Shira had once told him when he was younger. However, he never quite knew about Mabozi's father but he intended to learn more about Mafa's life... oh, so much more from the very source. However, he would have to bide his time to obtain a higher rank and obtain her trust.
"My guard never falls, Alpha Mafa, Mabozi would surely not weaken it no matter how I act, I am ready for just about anything," he paused. What did she mean more than meets the eye? Never encounter what? He opened his maw and shut it, shaking his head, best not to ask.
"Alpha Mafa, would you object to my presence here, I am currently off duty for the time being and I would very much like to talk to someone of decent mind and a good wit. Since we are already here, I thought I should at least offer the possibility."
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:04 pm
Mafa tossed her head as Ophos took in her demand. It was so utterly refreshing to have someone obey her as quickly and without hesitance as this youngster did. Sighing contently, the alpha sat with a smooth gesture. She eyed him for a second longer, trying to put together what was going through his mind, but after a while, she gave up. His cogs were churning, whatever it was.
As far as ranks went, nothing was ever set in stone. Those Mafa liked, she gave high ranks, those she didn't, barely had ranks at all. Ranks were as subtle to change as Mafa's ever flaring moods. She wasn't sure if everyone in the pack knew who was a higher up, but she sure did. Rasuli, Tibuka, Schatz and Shira to an extent, they all fit Mafa's bill. Everything around here was based around trust.
"With Mabozi, you sure as hell better be. He is useless, but he is my son. Don't underestimate him."
Mafa's tone was dead serious. Mabozi's eagerness to please had sprouted some kind of personality disorder that she could barely comprehend. All she knew is that there was a rather complex being hiding behind all of that lovey, cuddly, Mabozi fluff. And at those spare moments when either Mrongo, Mtundu, or Mwueji popped out, it made her proud that he was indeed her offspring.
As Ophos posed his question, Mafa shook her head with a light shrug. She gestured over to the kill she had brought in earlier. She didn't mind sharing, just as long as everyone didn't come running. Contrary to popular belief, Mafa didn't hate company at all. She just hated the annoying kind of company. This male, she could tolerate.
"Go ahead, stick around Ophos. Help yourself to the wildebeast, there's more than enough to go around with that giant."
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:21 pm
Ophos was a loyal member of the pride, has been for all his life, only stepping out of line to spite a certain few now that there was not point in spiting and now the cause to go is gone, what is there for him to do? He was part of the Mava'Bunda and forever will be. He just had to prove that to Mafa some how. He just had to. . .
As far as he knew as ranks was that Shira was a patrolee just as his father was a guard, at least that was how they acted. He never quite understood the social standing within the pack, if there was even one for that matter. She must have known all the members and assigned them ranks or something because he didn't even know his own for truth. He was simply told to patrol and that was what he did. Actually, he had taken over his mother's shifts and his own so she could hunt, or rather steal, food from the Pride Lands.
"It is because he's your son that I'm not going to, Alpha Mafa."
Plain, simple, and hint of flattery but total seriousness.
Ophos approached the large beast and pulled away a leg with ease. s**t... it was rude to not take what is offered, especially out of "kindness" but taking too much was something he would not do. Without much wasted effort and though, he quickly broke the piece in two and took the larger share.
"I appreciate the offer, Alpha Mafa, this should do," he ate before her, minding a few of his manners, rest was feral hyena instinct. Sure enough, the bone had gone down the hatch as well. Ophos looked at the Alpha and smirked.
"Alpha Mafa, what really bothered me was that you questioned my being here, have you really forgotten me or is it that I am older now and thus unrecognizable?"
Perhaps this was the best time to get her to open just a little, learn a little about her and about the pack.
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:25 pm
Mafa, for one, was not that tough a customer to impress. Infact, she was already rather impressed with the level of respect this young male had for her. Nothing pumped up Mafa's ego that complete and total subordination. It made her feel so superior. Hell, she was superior, but she liked being reminded of it from time to time. Flattery never hurt anyone.
The large female gave nothing but a curt nod in response to his words. Good, things were as they should be. Mafa had herself a little of the Midas touch. What she touched turned to gold, figuratively of course. Her mates, her offpsrings, her favorites, they were worth more than just the average pack members. It was something she thought everyone should strive for. To be honored by her presense, and all that.
Mafa watched Ophos gnaw away at a piece of her catch. In a way, she felt as it indebted him to her a little. She would see where she felt like taking that at a later date. Perhaps she'd have a favor to call for someday. Not that she'd need leverage with him. At his question, Mafa simply shrugged, her words expressing no emotion either way,
"No, I didn't forget, I wouldn't forget the respect you show. I'd never seen your brood before. I know your mother was pregnant. However, she never took the courtesy to show your lot to me. I knew you existed, and I believe Mabozi is friendly with a sister of yours, but other than that, I was clueless to all but your existance."
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Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:24 am
Ophos had no real idea what was in store for him. It seemed like what he was doing was only fueling the fire that would soon have him twisted around Mafa's paws like any other member of this pack. He only thought of bettering the pack and for he himself obtain a litter and partner that was worthy of respect. He was still an adolescent, his hormones raged often more than not and it often times pissed him off. His mother had bluntly told him how to calm such a thing but it required a female! ... then again, what she had suggested was how she got pregnant the first time.
"I am grateful. Though that surprises me little by now, my mother was quite clear upon her duties and what she wanted from her children. To become strong like father and aid the pack. Not much room for socializing in a pack, but that could not be helped," Ophos smirked and nodded, Mabozi? Was he the hyena that father spoke of? The male scent that lingered around his sister? Well, was he going to do anything to her? Mate her? Sire a litter? Well, wouldn't that be interesting? The son of the Alpha mating with a female of his family. And soon, he with the Alpha. Though his ambitions were high, he would have to work for what he desired. The more he thought about it, the more he convinced himself that Mafa simple had to be the one. "Well then, I should keep a good eye on him for my sister's sake. At least now you know the four of us exist."
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Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:09 pm
Mafa was enjoying herself thoroughly. All the manipulation, all the dominance, it really suited her, and her ego. However, had she known Ophos' intentions of wanting a litter with her, she'd be particularly put off. One of Mafa's least favorite things was being pregnant. The only reason she'd had another litter was that her first one had failed to provide her an heir. She had put herself in misery's way for month, just for the good of the pack. Mafa needed an heir. Fate forbid she met her death someday, no one but her own blood could take over. No one. And she had that, she had little Tawala.
"Socializing, not much, though I'd encourage it. A bond makes good soldiers. But our members are few and far in between, it's a rare ocassion I see anyone around."
As for Mabozi, Mafa didn't usually know what he was up to. Last she saw him, he'd broken to pieces, each of his seperate personalities coming out for a show. At that time, she'd learned about Mrongo's little suare with Schatz. Hopefully, that hadn't dealt any damage. Perhaps she'd have to go investigate sooner or later. She saw the thoughts running through Ophos' expression as she spoke, however,
"Don't fret, Mabozi is of no harm... In his current state of mind. His only goal is to.... play..."
The thought of playing was a foreign one to Mafa. Sure, she'd played around as a pup, pranced and laughed and had a good time. But not now, not any more. She'd grown out of that the second her puphood ended. There would be no playing, no cheer for Mafa; she didn't want it.
"As you see fit, Ophos. So tell me, about your patrols, haven't seen lions about, have you? Surely your mother has taught you about their despicable kind."
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Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:19 pm
"I have heard that there were many of us lurking these hollow bones, all willing and ready to get out and obliterate that lion infestation. All willing to do the best for the pack, that was what mattered," he said rather matter-of-factly. He knew that there were many of them around, but he had not quite actually seen them. However, he played to their better nature and said what he thought would make Mafa happy. He knew little as to why she had mated again with rasuili, perhaps Mabozi's father wasn't around. By the looks of things, she was not the real mother sort who would look after, tend, and teach her pups for the majority of their lives. From what he was told by Shira, she was the sort to let them learn on their own where she could discipline and teach them their lessons should they do something wrong. It was something to think about at a later date.
"To play? If that is his only goal, his mind must be very cheerful. I used to play when I was younger and I remember how I felt. Sad to say, I do miss those days where I actually laughed without the joke. Laugh just to laugh, however, those days are over. I'll see to it that Mabozi behaves and doesn't wander off. Your pups as well, Alpha Mafa."
He was honest in what he had said, he did miss the times where he could just laugh. Laugh out of fun, cheer, and happiness. The times where he can laugh because there was not a truthful mockery. What happened to the jokes? What happen to the fun? What happened to the good times? Did none exist as an adult? . . . Was this why Mabozi acts the way he is? He didn't want to lose of all of that? Ophos shook his head, returning his attention to Mafa.
He paused and smirked. His patrols... now, should he tell her about Ezekiel and their relation? Now wouldn't that be quite the treat. However, that should remain a secret... for now. Ezekiel was going to pay for using his friendship and leaving him. Perhaps he could have reformed from the ideals of the Mava'Bunda, but never more. His soul was now theirs.
"Are you kidding, Alpha Mafa? Lions are always wandering around, but they are scared shitless to come too close to us. They would come a good way, look, and quickly leave. They should know, and many generations, that if they so much as trek close, this will not be called just the "Elephant Graveyard" anymore," he let out a scoff. His deep red eyes looked at hers... damn, he was using one of Ezekiel's stupid Code crap... 'When one talks, make a connection to the other'. She was the one he was talking to, his current focus. Looking at her, just made him look at all of her.
"I know a Princess of the Pride Landers, if it is your desire, I will leave the Mava'Bunda and make her regret living." in all seriousness, he would have done so if that is what she wanted. "Of course my mother told me about lion, so hasn't my father, don't you worry about that, Alpha Mafa."
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Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:05 pm
Mafa nodded at his initial comments. Yes, there really were quite a hefty number of hyenas prowling about. However, they did a good job of not letting anyone know of their presence. Mafa remembered a few of the recruits, others, she'd completely forgotten about, they she still felt they were all under her orders. That was all that mattered, her total control.
Mafa indeed wasn't a good mother. Physically, she did the job well. She kept them alive and well until they had been old enough to go out on their own. They were of age, they were fine on their own. Mafa wasn't a creature for warm fuzzy feelings. Sure, she favored some individuals over others. But as far as loving them. Never. She gave Ophos another nod as he assured her he'd keep an eye on her offspring. Hopefully, he'd do a good job, so she didn't have to. It was advantageous to both.
"The lions deserve nothing but a slow, torturous death. They need to know we hyena are a force to be reckoned with. As we are."
The alpha huffed arrogantly, flipping her scruff of mane to the side. She eyes Ophos carefully as he spoke again. He knew a Pride Lander? What was this blasphemy? Mafa despised the Pride Landers, it was something bred into her after being born and raised in the old hyena pack that once used to reside her. Filth and scum. One could tell from Mafa's expression that she was offended, and angered, basically snarling as she spoke,
"You know one of their kind? What kind of statement is this, Ophos?"
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