Welcome to Gaia! ::

Mana grinned to himself. "Actually, it's not news, bad or good, so I'm not sure whether I ought to step forward or go away, except that I do need to ask you something, so perhaps I'll just stand here and ask." He was feeling lighthearted at just the thought of getting out and about, and it showed in his sense of humor coming through. He didn't often joke around with Nyoka, since she was his superior and he was used to simply being servile. That was the way of the Mizimu, anyway. His former pride had been on his mind lately, and he needed to get out also to force himself to face that particular source of discomfort.

A smile creased upon the tired cheetah's face. "And this? Is new then." Raising her paw and allowing him to step forward in her body language. "I just don't want to hear anything bad as of yet- I am already getting anxious to go back and govern this pride." She said lighthearted like- very much joking in the matter but she was slightly serious in her words. "What brings you to speak with me today.. please.. make yourself comfortable. A talk may help me along." Nodding and placing her ears back as she inhaled englantly as she exhaled to bring about some sort of relaxation.

Mana listened and watched, doing his best to read her body language and guess what answer she would give so that he could be prepared to present an argument if need be. Thanking her would come easily enough, but disagreeing always had to be carefully couched. When her eyes sought his he met them. She placed great store in eye contact, and he wanted reassure her. It seemed his efforts had been successful, as she seemed to agree that they had an insufficiency of slaves. "Yes, Lady?" he asked, prompting her and then fallingn silent while she explained things he already knew, about the restrictions placed on who may come and go from the pride. It was part of why he had asked her before setting out. "Of course." He waited some more.

"Then you understand I can not let you come and go as you please with your current rank. Just a mere high grunt that is also the rank of another less valued member and I care way too highly of you and your blood to let you be killed because you left the grounds without permission." As it was said to be done when someone was caught on the outskirts. Black Bugie was exteremely keen on the duty and killed without remorse for the most part.

She had been aware. Then a softness came over her and her new smile came about with a hint of a smirk to add. "Since you have earned such good graces and have been with me since the beginning. I shall make a new rank that you may hold.. and only your line may hold. " Eyeing him. "The rank of my Right Hand. Nanashi is able to obtain one as well.. but you- I see promise.. and to allow you to go in and out as you please. Since you seemed to have created spawn that isn't worthless. If you had done such a thing I would have expelled the rank from my mind." She relaxed again from tightening up only when pridal thoughts went in to her head. Since she wasn't around and about the pride was under serious constraints. No one left without her knowing. She made sure of that.

Spirits. Mana didn't often wish for his time with Nyoka to come to an end, but he was so close to his desired outlet all he wanted was to just take off at a run into the rogue lands and have a day to himself, free from responsibility. And he had just acquired more responsibility. He didn't know what else there was to be said, though he did feel a pang of sympathy for his cubs. His new position meant that they would have no choice about their futures. Was it really fair for him to bind his descendants for...how long? "I won't disappoint you, Lady. And as for your question, there's nothing, really. I'm a runner, a scout by birth and breeding. I just need to stretch my legs. I thought I might make my excursion useful by bringing back a slave or two."

"Then you are free to go." She smiled, nodding her head. "I know you won't." Before her paw went to a weak 'move it' sort of motion to him.. Seeing that he was dying to leave and sometimes she too needed that time alone in the roguelands. Not anyone could acquire that in the pride. Only thoughs whom walked the line were able to go and come from the pride, its location so secret that it would be travesty to know it. If she felt better, she too would have gone to the roguelands to heal.. "One more thing...." She added as he signaled to leave. "Be... careful..." Ears planted as she said it then looked away. As it was her duty to care for her pride, she apperciated and with that small ounce, tried to show it. She DID care, contrary to her reputation as the Boss Lady that others gave of her. Who would know her best was Mana, and that she knew. So, she would always like her children to be served like she was and with his breeding. It was only proper to appoint it to his bloodlines to come..