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 Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 5:34 am
Ona'raha Subiani padded softly through the undergrowth. He was master of stealth this one, moving silently as the shadow. His paws found their place upon the earth, did not disturb stick nor stone. His life spent hunting and providing had certainly helped him maintain this skill, even if it had tired him. Strange, really, considering that before he had met his mate he had been rather poor in the way of the hunt.
And now he had new cubs to provide for and a ravenous mate back at the den.
The sun was dipping in the sky, casting his shadow behind him as he went, emerging out into it's full glare with the meadow stretching ahead of him. There, at the far side, graxed maybe six or seven preybeasts, curved antlers rising high above their heads. He often wondered how they kept their necks from snapping under all that weight.
However, there was no time to wonder about that this day. He needed one of those gazelle.
With a soft huff, he moved across the grass, keeping his head low to avoid spooking the poor beasts. Suddenly he wished he had one of his older children with him. It was much easier hunting in a group than alone.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 5:56 am
On this day that yet another Ela'Wadiyi lion had decided to venture out on the lands for a bit of a stroll. In essense, he was a little lost at the moment. There was a general sense of direction in his mind, but it was very vague. A small but stocky white head craned up, crimson eyes squinting at the sun in attempt to read its position. The small, white male figured he should probably turn back and head to the lands he actually knew, or else he'd end up stranded who knows where until day break.
It was with this thought that Mwovu'Waya stopped dead in his tracks. He stood still for a moment, weighing out his choices in his cluttered head. As he thought, his claws retracted in and out, digging little divots in the firm red earth below him. Yes, it would be wise to head back to where he knew the wolf clan was settled. There was more of a determined look on the male's tattooed fact now that he had found some direction in his travel, even though it was simply going back the way he came.
Turning his head to leave, Mwovu's eye suddenly caught something. Narrowing his eyes to see further into the distance, he tried to peer into the scrubby grass before him. There was a lion hiding somewhere in there. Gazing further, Mwovu noted a few gazelles even further. A hunt! Mwovu smiled, silently wishing the other lion good luck. Though it quickly occured to him that with his blazing white pelt, he may just be a distraction. With eyes wide, Mwovu quickly ducked his head to the level of the grasses, trying to remain as inconspicuous as his colors would allow.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 6:05 am
Creeping closer...closer...
Ona'raha could feel the blood pumping in his veins. He could hear the wild beat of his heart, the sound of his breath growing harsh. No, he had to calm. He couldn't rush this now.
He paused, drew in a calming breath and stilled himself. He thought back to Rehema's teachings. His mate, a wonderful huntress, had taught him and his older chidren the art of the hunt. He couldn't fail her now by reverting to old ways. No, he had to make this kill.
He lifted his eyes again, sought the small herd and found the one he wanted. Licking his lips he lowered himself down and crawled forwards until he was only a few paces away.
But one of them saw him and suddenly the air filled with their shrieks of fear. His own heart lurched with panic and he exploded up from the grass, intent oin making a catch. His claws scored along the side of his chosen prey and it stumbled briefly under the power of his strike. Growling, he reached out again, intent on dragging it down into his deadlyt embrace. But the gazelle was swift and it gained its feet.
Sensing that he was losing this battle, Ona'raha gave chase, intent on bringing the prey down. But it wasn't to be. The gazelle had found its speed and it took flight after its brethren.
The lion, defeated, slowed to a halt and watched it. He had lost the battle, yes, but certainly not the war. The wound would weaken the animal. Fester. The scent of its blood would lure him. He'd track and kill it and drag it home.
But for that he would need others. His daughter, perhaps.
He turned back the way he had come and made to head back to the cover of the trees where his home was located.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 6:19 am
Mwovu kept his head low in the grasses, his red eyes quietly peeking out inbetween the yellowing blades. As a cub, he'd always been of a curious nature. But that was, afterall, what had gotten his taken from his family. After that, he'd always been so careful to keep to only himself. However, now, now that he was more at peace, did his old way start coming back to him. Every once in a while, a soft breeze would flutter by, ruffling the blonde mane on Mwovu's head. The male smiled, glad to finally have his paws permanently in his homeland.
A sudden movement snapped him out of his thoughts. A busrt of energy and movement overtook the previously calm scene before him. Mwovu dared to crane his head higher to see what was going on. The lion from before had taken chase, but Mwovu could see from where he was, the other male would have no luck. They'd out run him by quite a bit. Standing now, he watched them all run, the other lion after them in vain; he felt a pang of pity in his heart. The other male would most likely not eat tonight. And if he had family to go home to? Surely they would feel the sorrow as well.
His face now tainted with a hint of sorrow, Mwovu watched as the gazelle fled into the distance, the lion had stopped in his tracks and now had turned back. Seemingly, the other was coming his way. Old habits would always die hard, and Mwovu found the thought within himself telling him to flee from this stranger. He fought the instinct that had be beat into him so long ago, however, and stood his ground. Soon, he and the other were in clear eye shot. Mwovu straightened up from his crouching position and tossed his head in greeting to the other, not exactly sure of what to say.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 6:25 am
The lion suddenly appearing from the grass like that almost gave Ona'raha a heart attack. He was not the bravest or strongest lion around. In fact one of his dearest friends had often laughed at him for not being able to manage a fierce roar even in adulthood.
And yet, the timid child he had once been was beginning to fade away, his family having given him new courage. For they needed him to be strong. They needed him to protect them.
And yet, out here all alone with no one to protect but himself, a little of that shy and timid nature blossomed in him and he managed a sort of surprised chirping sound and a step back.
But the face, he quickly realised, was tattooed, much like his own. This was no rogue come to threaten or hurt him. He was kin. Family. He was Ela'wadiyi.
Quickly, not wanting to offend, he smothered the surprise and concern from his face and covered it with an embarrassed sort of smile. "Oh, uh, sorry. I didn't see you there. Are you...okay?" Then he realised that the male must have seen his failed attempt in the hunt and felt his embarrassment increase. Well...nevermind, there was nothing that could be done about it now. And besides, even the greatest of hunters had their bad days...right?
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2009 2:30 am
Mwovu wasn't exactly sure what reaction he was going to get from the othe lion, but he reacted in a similar fashion to seeing the look of shocked surprise on the opposite male's face. The white lion's eyes grew wide, his body leaning backward from where he stood. It must have been a funny sight, two grown males facing each other with looks of complete shock and surprise plastered on their maws.
It took Mwovu a few seconds, but that was exactly the thought that came to his mind. He brought a red dusted paw to his chest and loosened his body language, chuckling ever so lightly as he did so. Shaking his head, the small male smiled earnestly and gave this stranger a quick look over. As his dark eyes scanned over the male's intricate tattoos, Mwovu felt immediately relieved. Another Ela'Wadiyi. Now he was genuinely glad to be in the other male's presence. Ever since he'd returned home, he hadn't exactly bumped into too many other pride members. He knew, though, that the lands were large and that the pride was still recovering. It's many members spread far and wide over their vast homeland. Mwovu had grown accustomed to wandering for days and not seeing a single soul. However, it seemed today was different. In response to the other's words, Mwovu shook his head quickly, dismissing the apology, a look of genuine empathy taking over his features,
"Oh no, it is I who am sorry. I didn't mean to startle... Those gazelle. Fast aren't they?"
He grinned lightly as he gestured with a toss of his head to the direction in which the preybeast had previously fled to. He sure knew the feeling. But here he was, making small talk, where were his manners? Inwardly, Mwovu gave himself a smack to the back of the head before turning his gaze to meet the clay colored lion,
"Pardon, I didn't mean to be rude. My name's Mwovu'Waya. It's a pleasure."
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2009 6:53 am
"They are indeed." Ona agreed grimly, casting another look over his shoulder. They were gone now, gone as if they had never existed. But he would find them. He wouldn't give up so easily. "But I don't intend to let them escape." He continued. "The one I injured will weaken. I want to be there with back-up when that happens."
He turned back, smiling, at the other. It had been a long time since he had met another and another from a different clan. His daughter, it seemed, was meeting Ela'wadiyi lions here, there and everywhere. He sometimes wished he wasn't such a recluse at times so he would get a chance to make friends. But it was difficult for him to do so.
"Nice to meet you, Mwovu'Waya. I am Ona'raha Subiani, temporary Clan Leader of Shadow until my daughter comes of age. If you are a "Waya" does that mean you are Wolf Clan? My daughter is friends with a Wingu Waya from that Clan. Pleasant fellow if a little odd." He smiled. "My daughter is much more social than I ever was. She gets it from her mother." He enjoyed talking about his family.
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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2009 8:35 am
Even though he had just been looking in that direction, Mwovu's gaze followed his new companion's as he turned to look behind him. The dust had now settled and the field was now deserted, save for the two lions. Knowingly, he nodded as the other male spoke. Determined, this one was; it was a good trait to posess. Besides, if the prey animal were to die from its injuries, never to be found again, that would simply be a waste of a precious life. Mwovu was glad this other male wasn't planning to let that happen.
Quickly, he returned the smile as the other introduced himself. Ona'raha... Mwovu looked intently at this new lion, committing everything to memory. His brow perked as Ona mentioned his position in the Shadow clan. He knew of it, but he had been much too young to remember anything of the other clans.
"Ah, Shadow, excellent meeting you! I'm guessing your clan has too changed quite a bit... And yes, I am of the Wolf clan. But I can't say I know this Wingu, I've just returned from a..."
For a few beats, Mwovu trailed off as he spoke, his mind suddenly somewhere else. He'd been gone for quite some time, now thinking about it. He was no longer the scruffy adolescent that had meandered his sorry way into the new Ela'Wadiyi lands. He was just thinking about on how much he had missed out on in his leave. But it had been essential to his very being, there were no regrets. He smoothly picked up where he had left off,
"...From a little trip. It's certainly good to be home. Your daughter sounds lovely, perhaps one day, I will too be blessed with a family."
Mwovu chuckled lightly, a family was in his future somewhere, though no time soon. He felt much too young, too immature to raise any young. He wan't even sure that the lioness he was starting to fall for, Kali, had the same idea. Either way, he figured fate already had something in the works for him.
"They sound charming, I'm sure we will all meet in due time. Was it for your family that you were hunting for? Perhaps... If I came with you, we could get that meal to them a little quicker."
Mwovu smiled faintly as he extended the offer. He wasn't exactly one to blend well with the land and hide, but he had the advantage of speed on his side, due to his small frame. He would've been honored to help in any way he could.
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 2:15 pm
"It has." He replied. "The Shadows are quite a lot smaller than they once were. I was the only one who made it here after the plague. If others survived, they did not seek the new homeland." He often wondered whether there were others out there. Others who had survived. For why should he be the only one? If he had made it, perhaps others had, too? He sighed, thinking of his mother and father and feeling that old pang of loss return - if only for a brief moment.
"Then welcome home. I have heard much of the outside worlds. Some good, some bad. My own mate was born outside of the Ela'wadiyi. Perhaps you shall meet her someday." He bobbed his head and it was clear he loved her very much. "As for my daughter, Eeva, you'll certainly see her around. She's quite a wanderer, never tied to one place. Making the most of it before she rises to take her place as Clan Leader." He chuckled, though sometimes her wandering spirit worried him.
Ona'raha nodded, thoughtful. "It was. I have a new litter to feed, only six weeks old, they are, but growing bigger by the day." His ears perked up. "You want to spend time helping me? You have nothing else to be getting on with?" He blinked and then the smile returned. "If you truly have nothing to do, your help would be much appreciated. The injured one couldn't have gotten far."
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