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 Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 4:50 pm
Note: This takes place the night after the new moon and the murders of Khathelela, Selene and Fuu. Shangyue had to give Stellaluna some credit. He'd been looking for her since early in the previous night, even before making his first move against his grandmother, just to make the tracking procedure easier.. but they'd all lost track of her so completely it had taken a full day and some of the night to discover where she was hidden away. He would have liked to come alone, as a sign of peace, but the prince-king did not trust in his own safety yet. He did not bring anybody with him but he made sure Firaga and a few select slaves were nearby, keeping an eye on things.
"Stellaluna," he called out, positive he was in the right area but not yet coming face to face with her- or any guards who decided to keep her company while she was hidden away.
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Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 6:58 pm
 Stellaluna had gone into hiding as soon as she could sneak away without anyone noticing. The only one who had noticed was Iah; the guard. And that guard wouldn't let her be alone. She had argued with him over and over that she was going to be find alone but he insisted. So here she was; hiding with the grey male among the thickest brambles and snarly thorns on the lands. As a child she had found them and burrowed deep into the gnarly barbs and found a small clearing; barely enough room for two lions but perfect for a child.
She had only ever told one other about this place. To everyone else in the pride they were a pain in the butt. No one bothered to go there; trying to find a path through but they'd rather go around. However her first instinct was to go there.
She huddled quietly against the male whom she had saw as a burden and now felt of him as a friend.
He wouldn't let her go alone. When he had figured out what was up he shoved his chest forward and looked him in the eye and threatened her that if she went alone; he would make sure to find her with a group of others and protect her openly and her cover would be blown. He was satisfied when she finally accepted and allowed him to follow. He hadn't spoken much as they snuck to the thorns. He had looked at her skeptically and huffed. 'We aren't going in there are we?' He had asked.
When she replied she was going in with or without him; he grumbled. He wouldn't let her go first at least.
So now he lay; practically snuggled against the pride Shaman and was covered in scratches and cuts and was sporting a sore eye from a particularly sharp branch. His ear twitched when he thought he heard something. It seemed she heard it too.
Stella's head shot up and her eyes looked confused. That voice. .. She looked confused at Iah. Who could have found them. She had been so surprised that no one had found them sooner. "Iah... we've been found."
Iah knew the only thing left to do was to give in. He shifted and lifted his head. "Who's looking for her."
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 6:19 pm
Stellaluna's voice was quiet but it was noticeable, and Iah's call made it certain. Shangyue stood near their hiding spot, his eyes narrowed as he tried to look through the tangle of branches to his target but hiding in the dark was definitely helped by the shaman's dark coat. He couldn't even catch a glimpse of her guard, suggesting that he might be darker too.. and he didn't recognize the voice.
He straightened himself up, not all that worried about the moment of silence he let pass before he finally spoke. His claim to the throne was, so far, unopposed. But even Shangyue knew that was mostly to find and hold onto some small measure of peace while the dust settled, what happened next depended a great deal on Stellaluna.
"It is Shangyue, prince and soon-to-be king of the Mwezi'Johari," he said in a clear, confident voice, "I have come to discuss the future of the pride with the shaman, my only equal."
His words were chosen carefully, purposefully indicating the intent to give the shaman due respect and the spirituality of the pride fair concern. What was impossible to judge from his words or tone was whether he was sincere- in either believing Stella to be his equal or caring about the Great Lion.
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 6:33 pm
Stella listened and the look on her face would be all her comrade needed. Her ears flattened. The prince? Why was he looking for her. Shouldn't he be busy doing other things. She looked to Iah uncertainly and gave a small shrug of her shoulders. What were they supposed to do. Technically they had to do what he said right?
"I'm thinking like a child.. I'm frightened" She said softly.
Iah looked at Stella sternly and reached his paw over to gain her attention. 'Stay put... you don't go out there until I deem it safe Shaman." He said. He then shifted in their thorny haven. "Is there anyone out there with you Shangyue." He said. His ears shifted backwards so he could hear behind him.
He paid close attention to what the female was expressing. She looked worried. He couldn't blame her. He could only imagine watching everyone you held so dearly in your life; being destroyed so quickly. And the burden. The great lion had to have been watching her closely. How else would she have survived. "Not to disrespect sir." He added; knowing he didn't want to anger the new leader of his family.
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 6:42 pm
This was tedious and annoying but not unexpected. In fact, he was surprised there wasn't a great number of guards surrounding the shaman, ready to save her from the fate his parents and grandparents never saw coming. If he wasn't so sure Stellaluna was here, if wasn't so sure he'd heard her, however faintly, he might have proceeded more aggressively.
"You have to understand someone in my position can't let their guard down, especially at a time like this," he said, almost sounding casual, "I am alone but my own guards are not far off."
They were surrounded, in fact, and this conversation was going to happen whether or not they made it easy for him. He was curious, though.
"Who am I speaking to that so valiantly puts himself between the king and the shaman?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 6:55 pm
Iah looked to Stella and then cleared his throat. "I am Iah. A guard. My sister is is the Shamans apprentice... I felt as though it were my duty to make sure someone important not only to all of us but to also protect my sisters teacher." He said. He then started to stand slowly and tediously began to leave the thorns. When Stella tried to stand as well and follow; he turned around and gestured to her to stay put. He then made his way through the thorns; his squinty and sore eye making him look beaten up.
It took him a moment and a lot of noise; to finally get out all the way and to be able to make sure it was safe. He gave the prince a good look over before he bowed his head respectfully and turned back to the entrance.
"Come out Shaman. He speaks truth. I don't think he means harm." He turned back and the expression on his face showed a bit of suspicion.
Stella didn't really like this male ordering her around like he was her protector. She hadn't even really wanted him to come. She wanted to hide alone. Yet this brave male spotted her and kept her safe and even took the brunt of the thorns for her. She felt safe with him. So when he spoke and told her she could come out. She stood and the smaller lioness had a lot less of a problem amongst the thorns. She took her time though, not wanting to seem to comfortable about any of this.
When she finally stepped into the open; she looked up at Shangyue and her odd colored eyes showed how much sleep she hadn't had. She looked to Iah and nodded to him and she also gave a small bow to the price. "I am sorry for my disappearance... but i felt it was necessary. I hope I haven't worried too many."
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 7:27 pm
As soon as Iah said his name, Shangyue perked up. This was extremely interesting. The whole family of his was interesting- he knew exactly who Iah was specifically because of how the rest of his family was involved. Lailah K'chol was an important piece in the game he was playing, Ikwezi and Nina-dini were among his guards, and their mother was all-around interesting if only for her reputation and how varied her offspring were in the roles they filled.
He didn't say anything when Iah emerged, but he was grinning. He only looked away when Stellaluna finally appeared and apologized for her disappearance.
"No need to apologize," he said, though not sounding unhappy to hear it or see how respectful she was being, "Getting out of the way was a wise decision, though staying out of the way has made it rather difficult to ease the tension around here. I don't know how much news has reached you here, I assume my grandfather's death made you uneasy since it was tricky to keep track of you after that but you didn't disappear entirely until after my grandmother and parents were dead, too, so you must know that much.."
He trailed off thoughtfully, glancing at Iah again.
"What you may be wondering is how the pride could possibly have calmed down after the kind of night last night turned out to be, and I think you deserve some credit for that. When you could not be found, Lailah K'chol was brought forward," he said, beginning to pace as he worked his way through the story of the previous night, "She was appropriately disgusted, reasonably well-mannered and ultimately agreed to bring a message to you. But I'd say I found you before she did."
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 7:39 pm
Stella stood beside Iah and observed the pale purple lion whom had become the center star of all this. She nodded to his words; when he said no apology needed. She figured that the pride would be uncomfortable and distraught at the thought of the Shaman disappearing. She at least hoped her siblings and mother and father were alright. She nodded. "I was frightened... I figured that perhaps I could spare any other deaths. If I were alone the Great one may take me and spare everyone else." She said, and then quickly bit her lip. She felt a bit silly for that reasoning.
When word of her apprentice stepping forward made Stella's heart swell. Her apprentice who still seemed so young and with so much to learn.
"A message?"
Iah stood his ground. He was prepared to defend this lioness at all costs. He got a twitchy look on his face and he had to reach up and rub the wounded eye with a satisfied grunt before returning to position. He didn't speak; as this conversation was clearly meant for the prince and the shaman.
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 8:42 pm
It was interesting that Iah did not react, though he was very likely oblivious to the depth of his family's involvement in the night. Stellaluna didn't seem particularly concerned about Lailah acting in her place, he did not feel particularly compelled to inform her that her apprentice had rejected the idea of using devious means to take her place as shaman. He didn't know enough about the pair of them yet but he could already see he had little hope of replacing Stella with her apprentice if she proved problematic, that meant they had to make it work.
"Yes," he said, continuing to pace back and forth before the shaman, no longer outwardly acknowledging Iah's presence, "It's very simple, I need your support. There is to be no more violence but you and I both know that the pride can't truly have peace if we do not support each other."
The threat of continued violence was unmistakeable, though tonight he spoke more certainly of its end, as if he had truly decided it was done unless someone else made it necessary.
"You have to understand, I have only good intentions. I did what I had to do to take the throne, but I have not done so carelessly."
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 11:41 pm
Iah was trying to not pay attention to what they were saying. A Shaman and a leader should have privacy but there was no way he was going to leave her alone at all. So he just sort of shut his ears of it. He took the moment to observe Shangyue's posture and how he was saying things.
'I did what I had to do to take the throne' Was all he heard suddenly.
Iah's expression turned into one of concern. He took a protective step in front of Stellaluna; his eyes showing he would not allow any harm to her if he could prevent it. He however did not interject; though in his mind he was racing.
The new king had made sure he was in this position...
Stella watched the lion pace and speak. Her head did not move but her eyes followed him. She lowered her head for a moment; exposing the moon marking upon her forehead briefly before her startled expression became apparent as the kings words explained his actions. "Y-you?" She stuttered; looking at him with a pained expression. Just as she had spoke, Iah had stepped in front of her. Which was good. She used his body to hide her grief...
"Oh Shangyue..." She said softly. She had watched him grow. And it wasn't even something the great lion had done himself... All this fear of the lion above that guarded them so; made her embarrassed and she felt like an idiot.
Iah was staring a hole into the purple lions chest. He made a motion to speak but was interrupted by the shaman.
"Do not speak Iah." She said quickly, her voice was thick with emotion. "I will do anything to end the violence... But I will not lie to you Shangyue... I am the shaman and I am to interpret the great lions will and I cannot change that." She said. "So if you are asking me to ease everyones worries by altering my word... I will not." She stepped forward a bit; past Iah. "But you are the king... and I can only do what I can." She said.
She knew that this would begin the great story of her retirement. She would not let her apprentice become corrupt.
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Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2013 1:55 pm
Shangyue only looked at Iah when Stellaluna quieted him, but he still did not address the guard- he hadn't quite settled on what to say to him. He so wanted to ruin the surprise of going home to find his volatile mother distraught and furious over the defection of two of her youngest children, but it simply didn't fit into the conversation. But his interest in Iah was apparent in his gaze, even when he looked away to focus back on the shaman.
"I do not expect anything else," he said, "Everything I have done has been with great consideration to the Great Lion, my plan unfolded on the night of a new moon so He would not be forced to watch the demise of His rulers, His favorites. I have helped the slaves to see what unique freedom they have but I have made sure they do not forget the Great Lion, they serve their king and their king serves the Great Lion. They only wish to gain His favor and I, as I should, am sharing it with them."
It was hard to deny that he had made friends in the low class, though the true depth of the power he had given to some of them was yet to be revealed.
"If you truly wish to end the violence and allow our pride to return to peace, you will swear you are loyal to me and you will make sure the pride knows it," he added with a smile, "The pride needs to know we are united."
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Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2013 2:50 pm
Stella observed the purple male quietly for a moment. She was glad he wasn't addressing anything to Iah. She looked a bit impressed when he spoke of doing his actions to prevent having the great one witness such a surprising and albeit destructive thing to lions whom were watched with pride and love. She nodded quietly. She didn't blame him for gaining any followers he could. It would be hard to be accepting of a new ruler after; everything the pride had suffered.
She sighed. She had no choice but to do so. He was now under the watchful eye of her god; no matter what she wanted to think. And there had to be a symbiosis between them. "I will be loyal. I do not agree with your actions but regardless of everything you are now king. It is part of my job to interpret the great ones to you." She said simply.
Iah finally decided to sit. He didn't think there was need to be so defensive now. He suspected Shangyue would not attempt to hurt Stella. He simply stared at the male with his one eyed gaze and debated in his own head; how the ways of their pride will be different now. He offered Stellaluna a comforting look...
And for a moment the look was a bit different from the ones he had given her earlier.
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Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2013 3:12 pm
Shangyue stopped pacing and stood opposite Stella, quiet for a moment after she agreed before nodding. He didn't expect her to agree with his actions but she seemed to know what she was doing. While they technically held equal ranks, they were very different and in the end his was the most secure. If she truly cared about the pride and her job, she had no choice but to support him.
"Then I think it's time you come out of hiding," he said sternly, "The pride needs to see that you are safe and well, and I believe it would be appropriate for you to offer your help in arranging the funerals. Our hostess might be a touch overwhelmed."
He didn't even look at Iah now.
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Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 8:47 pm
Stella nodded quietly and with a look to Iah she began to walk past Shangyue and back towards the pride. She really didn't have much more to say to him; everything was really just a jumbled mess in her mind. She also felt a bit of embarrassment and shame that her poor apprentice had been stuck into the middle of all this. She sighed to herself, her pace not fast nor slow. She just sort of bumbled along; her paws dragging a bit.
"Come Iah... Thank you for guarding me."
She also felt a strange overwelming discomfort at the idea that the new king was capable of destroying those who loved him...
Iah did not speak but his eyes did not leave Shangyue. He was busy analyzing everything that had spoken about and how things had gone and it made his head ache; along with his eye being swollen shut and the various thorns stuck in his hide. He watched Stella nod and quickly followed her; making it a point to separate the king from her. He sighed, when she spoke to him.
"Tis my duty Stellaluna..." He said softly.
Fin
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