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 Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 12:25 am
It seemed things were picking up pace a little. Kidondo and No had begun to discuss promotions and so far, two had been decided. But they were still short of a magistrate and as far as Kidondo knew, there wasn't another who was willingly looking for a higher position.
And that wasn't all.
There was still the army to build and even though there was a General in mind, Kidondo still lacked his Sergeant and Captain pair.
Either way, he wouldn't worry too much about that yet. So long as there was a General to spur things along, things should run smoothly until the first of the litters arrived.
To Kidondo it felt like he had little time to sit down, let alone concentrate on healing fully. The wounds from his duel were fading but they were not healing as well as they could have been if he'd allowed himself to rest. But he couldn't. He had itchy feet and he wanted to get going.
Besides, he had an important job to do today.
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 1:06 pm
"That's enough for today, Zari, you're dismissed." Azula was just dismissing her youngest daughter, and watched as the chipper girl lifted herself from her paws and carried herself off. Azula settled down on her haunches and lifted a paw to groom her leg. It was a brief but fierce sparring match, and Zari had actually managed to score a few hits. Clearly her training between Azula and Hiashi was paying off.
Life in the pride was finally looking as if it might be settling down, in it's own way. Vaguely unaware that promotions were making their rounds Azula had to more or less content herself with the peaceful tension. There was concern that the traditionalists might return in force, but having seen the condition and number of the retreating lot Azula somewhat doubted that. Even sto, it was undeniable that her blood churned like the rivers that populated the land beyond their desert. Deceptively calm on the surface, rolling turmuntuously underneath. She lived for the fight, lived to demonstrate her worth again and again, and if it had not been for this, one might have to wonder what she'd be doing now. Still wandering the rogue lands looking for a place worthy enough to call home?
The only truly sour patch in her new found outlook was her son, Kadogo'moto, previously disowned. They'd had a short and intense sparring match of their own when he came to see her at her den. Azula was the picture of calmness as always, of course, but she seethed a little on the inside that he no longer feared her, and had successfully become another blemish on an otherwise perfect record by defying her, not only by surviving, but by growing into the very lion she'd been certain he'd never become, with a mind of his own. Strong and sure. She could only take some credit for it since it was his disdain for her that drove him to such ends, but it was of little consequence now.
Blood-red eyes narrowed, tongue paused, then withdrew back to the recesses of her jaws and she left the last set of claw marks to close and heal now that their light bleeding had stopped. Thinking on her son did not bode well with her, so she realized she'd best not make a habit of it. It couldn't be good for her patience, and she wasn't alone.
Her neck and head swiveled easily to face the approaching regent, and rose casually to all fours again, meeting him part way.
"Regent Kidondo."
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:11 am
The lioness's markings were distinctive. There was no one else in the pride with markings quite like hers and so even from a distance she could be recognised.
"Azula." He replied politely, tipping his head.
It pleased him to see the pride relaxing. There was a calmness here now that had never existed before. And yet, even those who were lazing in the sun had one eye open. One eye on their surroundings.
Mzaa had proved this too when he had come across her. She'd been lying on the flat of a rock in the sun, but she'd also been looking out.
It was almost as if they expected the traditionalists to return.
With that thought he turned his head out towards the borders of the lands, out across the horizon of the desert. The horizon that he loved and feared at the same time. Feared, because their family who were now their enemies dwelled there, waiting and biding their time.
They would come back someday.
"Been busy training?" He replied, eyes lighting with interest. His recent sparring match with Azarax had proved a welcoming part of life and he was glad to see that others might be sharing the interest too. It would be encouraged, from now on, to spar amongst one another.
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Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:38 am
"Always. Dull reflexes won't do any good if we get any unpleasant surprises." Azula remarked. Her wounds from her battle with the huntress, Aza, were healing well, but she wasn't the only one to still bear the scars of battle. "Though I doubt we'll have any of those for a little while yet, it's best to be prepared. Can I do anything for you today...?"
He had come a ways from that adolescent that returned with his "slave", back when her cubs were just old enough to leave the den for elongated periods of time. She recalled that conversation that had taken place all too well, and felt pleased to know that they had taken the fight into their own paws at last.
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Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:43 am
"I'm glad to hear it. We can't affor to underestimate them in the same way they underestimated us. They have fewer numbers now but hatred fuels them." And, he mused silently, there was always the possibility that Finar-Si really did exist.
What would it take to kill a Goddess, he wondered.
"I think we'll be safe for now, but it never hurts to spar." He smiled at her question and nodded.
"Maybe you can. I wish to talk training with you. I have a plan to start an army and divide it into two; guards and soldiers. So, to do this effectively I need to hunt out talent." He flicked an ear and sat. "I may have already found my general, but there is a spot for a sergeant and a spot for a Captain of the Guard and a Captain of Offense."
He shook his head. "Sadly I know the rogues better than most of my kin, you've been around them along time. If you had a choice, who would you pick? Or is there something I should be looking for in particular during my interviewing?"
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Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:31 pm
"No, that would be most unwise." Since the traditionalists would never show the attempted mercy that the rebels had. There would be many casualties if the traditionalists ever had their way.
She took his question calmly, holding his gaze as she turned over the possible answers in her head. Such a position was the one thing that Azula might dare admit to herself that she coveted, but was such a bold answer wise? If so, then she should at least provide another possibility as well. Did any of her children possess such talent and strength?
Certainly not Moto'Zari, the girl could follow orders but when it came to taking the type of initiative required for leadership, she fell rather horridly short. Hiashi possessed the strength and prowess, but lacked the emotion that she was certain the regent would be looking for. Suggesting Kadogo'moto seemed out of the question, but unfortunately she had seen for herself how he had grown. Perhaps she could use that to her advantage. It wouldn't be the first time.
"Of those that are left, I have to admit that I'm not entirely familiar myself, but if it is of any help, my youngest son, Kadogo'moto, might be a good candidate for any of the positions you've mentioned. I myself would be honored to be considered. I've trained all of my own children in the ways of battle."
((Sorry for the delay this time, I had just a bit of a time coming up with Azula's EXACT reply.
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Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 12:25 am
He watched the thoughts trailing across her face, wondering if she would know anyone, wondering who she would choose. He wish he knew people better. He wished he knew more than just a name. He wanted to get to know the people behind them, what they were like; their strengths and weaknesses.
Azula had a big family. He hoped that had helped link her to some possible ideas.
And then she spoke and a single ear rolled forwards to face her. His heart sank a little at her first words. It seemed that maybe the members weren't as integrated as he had first thought. Then she continued and he nodded thoughtfully.
Kadogo'moto.
Had he ever met him? Kidondo didn't think so. But he'd make sure to change that as soon as possible. If the lion showed promise than he had to be given a chance to blossom. And then she offered herself for the title and a thoughtful expression crossed his own face.
"I wish I knew you both better." He began when she had finished. "But I know you well enough to know I can trust you. You have been in the lands since I can remember and you were there the day I was banished. You have seen the corruption with your own eyes." He paused thoughtfully. "If your son is anything like you than he will also be a good candidate. In any case, I should meet him too."
He looped his tail around him and settled it over his paws.
"I'm glad to have you here. It's comforting to know that I had allies then. That I still have allies now. It reminds me why I had to do what I did." He paused. "But the pride is large and once things have settled it'll grow larger still. I need others I can trust to help me keep everything in place."
He lifted his head and glanced up to the sky.
"But the task is more difficult than I had imagined. I've been distant from the pride my entire life. I do not know the people. But I will change that. I promise you."
He flicked an ear. "If I asked you what you're perfect job would be. How would you answer? Would it be giving orders, working alongside others or teaching the ways of battle? Would it be something else entrirely?"
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Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 3:50 pm
It wasn't so much that the pride wasn't well intergrated, but that Azula was not the most social as of yet. She had been cautious of who to speak with until the rebellion had run it's course, and only now would she feel comfortable to begin forming what alliances and "friendships" she could. Once life resumed a regular rhythm again things would be normal once more, but until then Azula knew that she'd be just fine. She always, always landed on her paws, but it would be good to see some type of order in place. That said, she was quite glad to learn that the Regents already had a plan of action, and she was curious and intrigued at the chance to be a part of it.
"If wishful thinking gives way to initiative then I'm sure your desires will be granted, Regent." She replied calmly, recalling again the times not too many days ago. "My ideal job... Well, I consider myself talented in all of those fields, but I should think I would be best suited to training others to fight and to follow orders. I'm very particular about what I expect of others, and I trust no one's teaching but my own. I know what it takes to retain attention and loyalty, and I enjoy bringing out the best from the potential that I see in others. I'd rather see them off knowing that they'll be able to fight and follow instructions to the letter by proper standards than feel I have to redo someone else's work."
In other words, it was a matter of "If it wasn't done by me then it wasn't done right.", a rather strong opinion, but she knew she was right. There were those that were suited to teach and those suited to lead, and Azula believed her strong suit was was in teaching, training, drilling and pushing others to their highest potential. If she could turn that silly girl of hers around into an obedient warrior she was sure that she could do the same for soldiers who would later need to take orders from their sergeant or general.
"I take great satisfaction in seeing the fruits of my efforts."
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:50 pm
He smiled as he listened to her. He found much companionship in the elder firekin. He ever respected their views and their word and could not begin to imagine life without them and their advice. For the young to grow wise they had to look to the old. And though Azula was by no means old, she was wise and she knew many things that he did not.
"I see." He replied thoughtfully. She was a good choice. A very good choice indeed. Yes, it would be wasteful indeed to let an opportunity such as this go. He was sure his mate would agree, also, though he'd have words with her later this day and account what had been said here. "Understandable. You have experience that others lack, a valuable asset." He chuckled. "You have high standards and that is good. We couldn't have anyone less than that. You have to believe that your way is the right way else risk being overtaken by someone else."
"It pleases me to hear you say that. Firekin children are known for being stubborn and hot-headed even as cubs. It'll take someone with a firm paw to keep them in line, a job that not every Firekin is capable of." He counted himself as one of those. To him, children were far more difficult and scary than adults.
He stood.
"Apologies to cut this short, Azula, but you've given me much to think about. I'll most likely seek you out in a day or so." He paused, bowed his head, then started off thinking that his search for Captain of Offence was over.
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Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 7:55 pm
"Hmm... no need to worry yourself over it, Regent Kidondo, I understand that duties call. I'll await word from you then once you've made a decision."
For the time being she herself didn't yet move, dipping her head back in return and watching him see himself off with that, as good as a farewell.
She suspected that she'd be even more pleased the next time the two of them spoke.
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