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 Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 6:49 pm
((Please only post when the title says open. It will not be one at a time, so hopefully it doesn't take too long to finish everything. It'll be closed when I'm at school, busy, there's a huge pileup, or asleep.
You will post your lion approaching Skan Kanati. (include their full name!) He or she will need to offer something small, like a bit of hair. Skan will toss it into a pile of smoldering herbs and plants, and from the way the smoke swirls, he will determine what clan they will be. I will roll in the same post as he does this (probably a cookie-cutter post, but I will do my best to make each post unique for you), and so you will see what clan your lion goes into. If you want to rp a response to this, feel free to do so!
The dice:
1. Bird
2. Earth
3. Mantis
4. Shadow
5. Sky
6. Wolf
If you have any questions, please post them in the Festival thread in the Plot forum! Not here! Also, please hold off on getting your character recerted until towards the end of the festival. HINTHINT.))
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 7:21 pm
Kenan stood quietly, gazing round at the gathering of lions and lionesses. The colours and sizes that were on display were dizzying and spectacular, as if there were lions from all over the savannah gathered here this day. Glancing to his side, to where his beloved mate Aaliyah stood, he smiled gently as he brushed his shoulder against hers. This was the right place, he could feel it in his bones... here they would finally be safe, able to recover from their harrowing and painful escape. This was a place where his beloved could rest and heal.
Dipping his scared head he gently nosed the tip of her ear, earning himself a kind if slightly amused smile. There were no need for words between them after a lifetime living together, learning together and surviving together. Turning to face the center of the gathering once more, he noticed the imposing looking male behind the fire pit. Taking a deep breath as the male's gaze touched his own, he brushed his flank against his beloved and stepped forwards, pacing slowly, carefully, out of the circle of lions to stand before Skan Kanati. After lowering his head in a deep bow of respect, he lifted his paw and snagged a clump of his mane between his claws. One sharp tug freed the offering which was then laid on the ground before the Wandinasi.
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 7:24 pm
Kichaa'noga was very hesitant as she approached the lion before her. She was about the find out where in this new pride her home resided, what clan she belonged to. She reached up to the tuft of white hair upon her head and plucked from it several strands, a small price to pay to know where she truly belonged. She handed the offering to Skan Kanati, her pink eyes sparkling with anticipation and subsequent dread.
Home, she muttered in her head tiredly, soon I will know where my home is.
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 7:29 pm
Hatalekin looked around at the gathering. It was impressive to him, a rogue who had rarely seen more than a couple of lions together at a time. Almost as big as my family was. He joked quietly to himself, mainly to try to help his nervousness. While he was one to never admit to fear, the lion standing behind the fire was slightly intimidating.
Yet at the same time something about Skan Kanati was welcoming. Hatalekin smiled, that was right. He was finally at a place that he could call home. Finally. Well not yet. He reminded himself, he still had one more thing to do. Slowly and respectfully he approached Skan Kanati and with a small bow of his head placed down his offering, a few strands of his own mane.
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Safaia rolled 1 6-sided dice:
3
Total: 3 (1-6)
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 7:46 pm
(I may skip around a bit, as I want to reply to couples at the same time.)
Skan was nervous. He had watched his father do this the last time, but the memories of that night were hazy. How could they not be? The smoke drifted around everyone as if it was reaching out for their souls, determining their true home and meaning of their life. It did not quite freak him out, but the fact that he was the one who had to interpret the smoke signals and reactions that the strangers' offerings was an eye opener. He was the wanidatsi. Leader.
It didn't take too long to set up. Waiting until the sun started it's descent into the earth, Skan settled himself in his spot, knowing that he most likely wouldn't get up until he was finished with the reading. Taking a deep breath, he let Tawa'di start the embers, the smoldering pile of grasses and twigs offering its calm drift of smoke. He was ready.
His green eyes rested on a young, but quite vibrant lioness approaching. She seemed a little unsure of himself, and Skan could understand why. He himself was nervous, but knew he had to calm himself and let his training take over. He took the strands of her hair and let them drift onto the pile. It didn't take long for them to curl and disappear, but it gave him the moment he needed to read what they said. With his heart beating, he announced where she would go.
"Kichaa'noga, you're heart lies within the Mantis Clan. Welcome home."
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Safaia rolled 1 6-sided dice:
6
Total: 6 (1-6)
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:02 pm
Skan exhaled. So it wasn't so bad. He knew that he couldn't read wrong; his Seer ability prevented that. Still, it was a different experience being part of a process that was so important. He let his mind clear; Tawa'di had been insistent on that part. Though his mind wanted to wander, he focused on the next lion coming up.
More hair. The most common offering, and yet usually it was the most personal of one. Being connected to the body made it easier to read than if an object of some sort was offered. He nodded to the adult, one that seemed quiet and yet, determined.
Dropping the hair in the smoky pile, these took a little longer to melt than Kichaa's, but he was still able to read it. Hmmm.
"Hatalekin. Strands of hair from your mane have showed me where it is that you're meant to be within the Ela'wadiyi lands. Go to the Wolf Clan, where you will be treated like kin."
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:46 pm
"Don't worry, Ari," the little Jamali whispered to his behemoth of a friend as they approached the ring of lions. "You'll be fine." Jamali couldn't go with him as he went to have his fate decided, but he would go as far as the rest had gone.
Cha'ari was, admittedly, quite nervous. He hadn't been with a pride in a very long time, but this one seemed so eager to accept him. There were many other lions there, a great deal of them already covered head to toe in the beautiful Ela tattoos, but most were new like him. He watched the others approaching Skan Kanati, offering small gifts. Ari saw mostly tufts of mane being offered, but Ari knew what was truly precious to him. He glanced down at the ropes of flowers around his neck, admiring their orange and yellow beauty, then met the green eyes of his little friend and mentor for one last wish for luck.
The Wanidatsi finally met eyes with him, and Ari came forward, stumbling slightly on the first step but regaining his composure. This is something important, he reminded himself silently, flicking his ear and dislodging his favorite yellow flower. He watched it fall to the ground almost reluctantly, but then met Skan's eyes again, bowed, and stepped back.
Jamali greeted him with an encouraging smile. You'll be fine.
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:48 pm
Azrael approached first. He wouldnt let Rashida go forward before the male of the two. He wasnt a proud lion, merely felt that was his duty to his mate. He had met her when he had disbanded from his father. It had been hard to leave him, as Az had always dreamt of being just like him. Something in Rashida had changed his thoughts and desires. She was soft, graceful, and she had every lick of kindness. He wasnt sure if she really even had a mean bone in her entire body. He looked behind him as he stopped, close enough to be near Skan Kanati.
She approached gracefully, yet she had a very soft step. She seemed to float more than walk. Her eyes the true look of kindness. She had a smile on her maw, a knowledgeable soft smile, rather than a bright gleaming one.
"Hello Sir," She said, bowing her head when she reached Azraels side.
Azrael looked at his mate, then back at Skan Kanati with a smile.
"Pleasure." He said, bowing his head as well.
He nodded to his mate, who dropped two vulture feathers at the large males feet. She wasnt sure what else she should do from there, so once the feathers settled at Skan Kanatis feet, she backed up and smiled, awaiting her fate.
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:56 pm
It hadn't been many moons since his paws had left the desert. The color of his fur had determined that Mawey was not to stay in the desert but to find his home elsewhere. The path was long and hard, he had never been on his own before and this was just so new to him. He had to do everything by himself, he could not rely on the pride to help him out.
He had been different since he was little, treated poorly by the pride because he held not the valued color of the pride. If only he had a bit more red and less pink, just maybe. His mind would often fleetingly wander to the "what-ifs" of life. As much as his mind would try to wrap around what could have been, it just wasn't. And it was during this solitary reflection that he wanted to carve himself a path that suited him. There had to be a niche for him to fill, hopefully in a pride. He just wasn't suited for solitary life, he knew that from the bottom of his heart.
He wanted to experience life! He wanted to experience the pleasures of a pride, of a family, of loving friends who cherished him for who he is not what color he is or how "strong" he is. And on this journey, it led him to the place of the Ela'wadiyi. His first encounter with a very small and flighty female made him insanely curious. Compared to this tiny and petite lioness, he was a towering giant. He wanted to know more! More about her! More about her pride! More about her tattoos! His curiosity was as vast as the sky.
In the few fleeting encounters, they struck up a friendship where he learned so much. And it was during this time that she told him of a ceremony that he could participate to become one of her people. One of the clan. It didn't take him a second chance to agree! And that's what led him here to this gathering. With a small amount offering of himself, although for him, this was a huge offering -- the chance of a lifetime; he calmly watched as the lions gathered around an individual. An individual apart of this pride for the vast amount of tattooing on his body proved just that. The wanidatsi, oh he made sure to know of the terms used for this pride as it was only respectful to know of such things and the name of this leader was Skan Kanati. Another tradition that was held here was the surname of lions.
The docile, towering Firekin stood amongst the rest, awaiting his turn. It took some time for Skan to get through the lions before him but when it was his turn, he present a lock of his fur for Skan. With a respectful dip of his head at the older male, "Greetings Skan Kanati."
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:05 pm
Aaliyah looked up as she felt the soft brush of Kenan's shoulder along her own, her worn violet gaze looking into his one clear amber eye, his other milky blue one reminding her sharply why they were here. Here...Aaliyah thought to herself, here where Kenan is so sure we may find a home. The lioness shivered, despite the heat of the day,and press of bodies around her, her mind trying to step back into the dream-realm, to protect itself from the horror of their Prides utter destruction. Swallowing, the former shaman leaned into the soft touch at her ear.
Kenan...She felt all of the promised strength within him, all of the strength that was hers if she wished it, with just that simple touch. Kenan had never faltered, had never feared. She wouldn't now, for him and all that he was to her. Pushing aside her nerves and her own self-doubt, she gave all her trust to her mate and guardian. A tender smile on her muzzle as he brushed against before entering the center of the gathered lions and faced the Wandinasi.
Aaliyah let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding as Kenan cleared the circle, her eyes following him until they came to met those of Skan Kanati. She knew the look of power within in them, had felt the weight of such a gaze before, and in another life, so far from this one, had held it within her own. Lowering her eyes in difference to him, she straightened her shoulders and paced forward with a regal step. Once before him, she bowed deeply in respect, and taking the tip of one claw she cut a line across her paw, letting a bead of blood well up. With great care, she let it drip onto the leaf she had prepared for this ritual and set it at the feet of the Wandinasi.
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:09 pm
The weeks that had led up to this day were nerve racking. She had spent a great deal of time talking with Taqa nearly each day trying to work through some things. Of course when he suggested to her to join the pride Tawi was a bit apprehensive at first. But then the more she thought on it the more it made sense to her. If she was to truly abandon her life of wandering then she would need to find a permanent place to live. And what better place to live than here were Taqa was.
So when the day finally came Tawi approached the large male who would determine whether she fit into the pride or not. There were quite a few others here and it made Tawi, for a moment, wonder whether it was a good idea or not. Sure she got along with Taqa just fine, but all these other strangers were making her walking ways look pretty good once again. No, she told herself firmly as she stepped closer to Skan, this was a new life, a life without constantly wandering. In her mouth were a few strands of her hair, she had seen others offer the same item, and while she would have liked to present something different to the lion she had no idea what else to use. So she bowed her head and placed the hairs in front of him and awaited his decision
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:14 pm
Inchi waited patiently with the group of lions still without a clan, his turn soon approaching. Although he thought the whole process was going to be overwhelming and even possibly intimidating to a lion who had never had a pride to call his own, it ended up being quite the opposite experience. He was ready for this new chapter in his life.
This was it, he was being motioned to approach Skan. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward until he reached a respectable distance. The male in front him was decorated with tattoos. A rogue outside the lands had hinted Inchi off on the nearby pride with a rather traditional culture populated with small lions "covered in ink". Come to think of it, it really hadn't been that long since he met that lion. The pieces fell into place quickly, and now there was only one thing left to do.
"My name is Inchi."
He introduced himself, flinching a bit as he yanked a tuff of fur from his deep brown mane. "I've come to these lands without any possessions, this is all I have to offer."
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:35 pm
Kiba had waited for this chance. Ever since his meeting with Cho he'd actually felt like it was alright to move on with his life and do something for himself, even if that something would ultimately lead to, if all went well, his caring for another once again. He watched as others went before him, the progress, with rapt fascination, and when it was finally his turn he stepped forward with his offering, one of his back claws that he'd lost earlier in that year and had taken to wearing as of late. He wasn't entirely sure if it would be acceptable, but did hope so.
((I wasn't entirely sure myself, |D if claws could burn, but they're just protein, so...))
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Safaia rolled 1 6-sided dice:
1
Total: 1 (1-6)
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 2:56 pm
Skan had remembered some of the offerings from the last time. He understood that sometimes it was even harder to give something up that couldn't grow back. That might not ever be replaced. He watched as the flower drifted to the ground, reaching forward to brush it closer to him. A pretty thing it was, and as he was so attached to it, it would show Skan which path he would take in his life.
Inhaling a deep breath, he nudged the flower into the pile, watching it as the brittle thing caught fire. It wasn't necessary to have an open flame, as it was hard to control as well as the potential for disaster. Knowing that his father (as strange as it was to think of your father when he was now technically younger than you...) was near him to keep an eye on the danger, Skan let his focus fall on how the petals curled, what parts burned first, and how the patterns of the smoke read in the air.
"Cha'ari. You've offered something important to you, and in turn it has showed me where you will lead your life from this point forward. The Bird Clan is where you belong.
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Safaia rolled 1 6-sided dice:
5
Total: 5 (1-6)
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 3:30 pm
Ah. His first couple reading. He hoped that it would go as smoothly as the rest of them had. Reading intertwining signs might be more tricky than easily reading one, but he was ready for the challenge. He nodded at the both of them, letting his trance not fall too much. This wasn't as hard as he had thought in the beginning, but sometimes it felt too easy to let himself drown in his thoughts.
He pushed the two vulture feathers together, making them intertwine a bit. It wasn't really pretty looking, but it would do. He dropped them into the softly glowing embers, watching as they curled towards each other as the heat engulfed them.
"Azrael, Rashida. Your paths are together, as everyone knows. But your hearts and future reside within the Sky Clan. You will be strong and happy with one another," he said with a soft smile.
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