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 Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 11:42 am
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Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 11:57 am
"You're right, it does smell different here..." Dione expressed some measure of surprise as they finally touched on Bahari land. Zephyr's mood had improved considerably as they did so, she'd missed it a great deal even in the short time she'd been away. "Sweeter, almost..." the white lioness continued as she glanced down at the white sand.
"That's probably some of the flowers in the nearby jungle," Zephyr replied as she gave a small nod to the awaiting guards. They were expected, or rather, they had been keeping watch for her since she left. The relief on their faces would have been obvious, although they did seem to express a measure of gratitude to the warband who had kept their end of the bargain... Their Hlare had been returned and they had been entrusted with the care of what appeared to be a number of Stormborn lionesses.
"A place I have yet to explore," Tethys mused as he strode passed the others and glanced over his shoulder. "I am going to see if I can seek out our brother, or at least information on his whereabouts so that you might seek him out at some point," he explained as he glanced at his sister. "No doubt you will be well tended to and ..." he glanced at the accompanying warband and smiled. "Should the Bahari act irrationally you will be well protected -"
Zephyr's disapproving expression made her feelings clear in regards to his remarks.
"We're fortunate that this pride appears to be hospitable," Dione covered up her brother's misstep and smiled pleasantly to Zephyr. "Perhaps you might guide myself and the High Priestess to our temporary quarters so that we may settle in?" she hazarded.
"I'm sure if we have any other questions we can ask along the way..." She finished.
"Of course," came the pink lioness's reply.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 12:10 pm
As Dione commented out loud the high priestess chose to remain a silent party for the moment, but inhaled deeply and openly sighed. The place smelled as relaxing as it appeared. Though she almost laughed out loud when she saw how visibly relieved the guards were to see their precious Hlare - it was something that amused her, but also made her wonder about their thoughts on leaving the pride. Was it because of who she left with? Or was this a 'she' problem to being with? Questions that would be asked later, when it was more appropriate to do so.
A jungle. Her blue eyes lit up, that meant a greater potential for finding some different plant life that could be used for unique purposes. To say she was excited was an understatement, but she remained calm, cool and collected. The only individual that could likely sense a change in her demeanor would be her apprentice who had recently spent enough time with her to pick up on small signals.
The high priestess almost did laugh when Tethys promised protection for her and Dione. The thought amused her greatly, but they needed to be more professional in this atmosphere. "Yes, if we could get those temporary quarters that would be greatly appreciated."
Meanwhile Ziya had been rather quietly taking in his surroundings, sharing in the amusement when Tethys suggested the pride was any form of danger towards the high priestess and her apprentice. For a brief moment he lost himself in a small mental skit, visualizing these gentle pride members pursuing the stormborn members. It tickled him and he laughed out loud, not feeling the need for control.
"Just picture that, Tethys." He mused out loud, and almost laughed a little harder when he saw the disapproving look from the bahari lioness. Perhaps he should have learned his lesson about women and what those looks could mean, but alas he hadn't been at the end of a Dione or Kluna experience and so he still felt as though he could react in any way. Though he did shudder as the thoughts reminded him of Naima.
So he fell silent once more.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 12:55 pm
Tethys narrowed his eyes at the laughter and rounded on Ziya, he might have had the same reaction when he came here the first time, but the demeanour of their ruler had given him reason to believe that pacifism shouldn't be mistaken for weakness. It was only after he had stood in silence for a short while that he motioned for the lion to follow him.
"Perhaps you should come with me," he added as he began to walk away from the girls and towards the lower regions of the pride. He might have been intending to seek out information on the identity of his brother, but it might benefit Ziya to actually see the size and strength of some of these peaceful beasts for himself...
~~~~~~~~~~
Fortunately, Zephyr had already schooled her expression into a more diplomatic one. While her pride might have been peaceful, she had confidence they had the ability to rally around. Granted they may not be able to take on the full might of the Stormborn, but the priestesses and their guardsmen could be handled. It may only be within the abilities of a limited number of Bahari but she did believe they were there.
...Somewhere.
"The quarters are this way," she said finally and motioned for the pair of lionesses to follow. Dione was quick to comply, if only so that she could set down her belongings and have a nose about the pride. "You will be staying within the center of the pride where it is traditionally safest," she hazarded a smile. "I apologise if you wanted privacy but all our dens are generally within the same area."
"Will we be disturbed?" Dione queried as they followed the lioness down the trail towards the pride's inner hub.
In the distance, a network of oddly built dens could be seen - they were all different, carefully dug out and reinforced within the sands. A number had been decorated in a rather unique manner, palm fronds laced carefully above the entryways to provide additional shade.
"I don't imagine you will be disturbed unless you are expecting to be," Zephyr reassured and turned towards the pair again. "Do you are the High Priestess have any specific requirements before I find your accommodation?" she queried and gazed at Kluna. "I may have to make some adjustments if I find the ones we have selected are not suitable," she explained.
Fortunately Dione wasn't fussy when it came to her quarters, she really did just want to throw everything down so that she could explore. Suffice it to say that it looked like they could get quite a few useful items from here.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 6:42 pm
"What and miss out on all the fun?"
Sarcasm soaked the tone of his statement and he went to Tethys without hesitation. Still he didn't see what he had done so wrong, of course he probably should have dug deep into his Mwezi ideals for a more diplomatic approach to the scenario, but he was giving it a whirl not being surrounded by diplomats.
"Where are we headed?" He offered the question, now entirely ignoring the girls.
----------
Kluna wasn't as quick to comply, in fact she had been a touch more eager to explore off with the boys, but only because the jungle was involved - or so she imagined. Instead she rolled her shoulders, reminded herself of why they were here and shifted the weight of the articles she'd be glad to be rid of.
"Thank you Zephyr." She responded, her voice monotonous and casual. It was well hid how sourly she felt about moving away from the jungle and she knew that eventually she'd be given the freedom to roam as desired. Suddenly she realized that she had been lots in her own thoughts and brought herself back to reality to hear questions being asked. "Being within the same area if not a problem, in fact I'd encourage it. That would allow for us to see the regular traffic of those within the pride." The question posed by her apprentice was the next one on her very own mind.
"My only requirement might be that we have an area to fill with water? My thrall will be following up with some additional small items, which would include water. Which as you saw I prefer to have readily accessible." A smile broke across her face - of course she realized that the pride was right near an open water source, but she preferred it right where she could reach it. "Beyond that we will be more than happy with the abode provided to us by you."
That smile continued a moment longer before fading, not into an unhappy look, but just one of mere interest. Her eyes were taking in each little piece of the pride as they walked on. There was so much color and the color suited the bubbly looking individuals bumbling about during their daily tasks. Of course she noticed the traded looks of curiosity between some individuals, but beyond that everything seemed to themselves.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 6:59 pm
Tethys merely shook his head, as much as he would have liked to laugh, it was in his best interests not to. Knowing his luck, there were probably one or two Bahari that could probably knock him flat on his a**.
"I have a brother," he responded vaguely. "Or so my mother tells me," he mused with a half smile. "We're going to see about locating him, or at least gather some information on him so that I might find his whereabouts later," he added. He didn't expect to find Solomon immediately, but based on what his mother had told him, it would be advantageous to put a name to a face.
"After that we can do whatever we want, kinda curious as to what makes this place so damn special," he muttered. There was no way somewhere with so many vulnerabilities could be so safe...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zephyr paused briefly to consider the High Priestess's request, while water was readily accessible from the nearby streams, they generally didn't keep water near their own quarters. That being said, she saw no reason why she couldn't at least arrange for it, she knew there would be one or two Bumani that might have a few ideas that would allow this to be a possibility.
"If it's too difficult we can simply walk back and forth to wherever your water supply is," Dione offered, misinterpreting Zephyr's concentration for something else. She couldn't be blamed for this, the cogs in Zephyr's mind did appear to be turning rather rapidly. Really, she was only attempting to identify the most creative and efficient Bumani she knew...without being particularly biased.
It was the bias proving to be a problem.
"Oh, no no it's not that," Zephyr shook her head and motioned for the pair to follow her to their temporary accommodation. It had been freshly built and as such, didn't have any of the trappings of a normal den. The decorations in the homesteads seemed to be personalised, and no doubt they would be free to decorate themselves if that was their preference. "I can't promise anything immediately but I will have one of our Bumani come to have a look at your quarters," she replied.
"Bumani...?"
"They are our builders, they construct the homes you see here," Zephyr replied smoothly and smiled. "They will know if your request is viable as they know how to work with the land you're standing on very well." she explained. "They should be able to help you, and to construct what you need, within a reasonable time frame."
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 7:14 pm
Iloziya nodded briefly along with what Tethys had said, a brother? He could understand the desire to want to meet the brother - he himself had no desire to meet anymore of his family. The family that had caused so much turmoil, but not because he didn't appreciate what Shangyue had done, he was proud of his father, but for how it had ended. A lip rolled up into a small grim look before fading, fast. There was no way he was about to explain all of the hate he felt in that moment, not yet, if ever.
"Well, any idea where to begin?" He asked, not so much out of curiosity - he merely wanted to get to the 'do whatever we want part. "Do you have any idea what he looks like?" The darker lion offered his companion. "Occupation, what have you.."
Iloziya was feeling rather impatient, though excited, and wanted to get started as quickly as he could. "Knowing more about this place would be ideal." He smiled, his intentions weren't dark, but perhaps left an impression to be worried about
----------
When Zephyr didn't accept the request, that although Kluna was coming to know as strange, she became slightly annoyed but didn't react immediately. Of course she would have done precisely what Dione had offered, but she would much prefer to work from a den with similar capabilities to her own. That being said this was a new world and so she ought to conform.
"We appreciate the chance at having the request met. Will you be sending the Bumani -" The word felt weird on her tongue as she spoke it. "- who built our current dens?" The question was meant to encourage a thanks - of course the whole pride would be accommodating and needing of thanks, but the Bumani had taken the time to establish temporary homes for them. "I'd like to personally thank him or her at some point." Sher offered, in case her thoughts weren't clear.
"As Dione offered we can make due with walking back and forth. My thrall, when he comes, will be more than up to the task."
Though of course she hoped that wouldn't be the case.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 7:40 pm
Tethys knew better than to pry into the lives of those around him; generally if they wanted to talk about something they would. The only time he might actually raise a concern is if it began to effect him. Fortunately for Ziya it was unlikely that the Mwezi would ever be a part of the pale lion's life and as such, he wouldn't really have to know a damned thing about them.
...Though perhaps one day he might like to hear about whatever Ziya's father had attempted to do.
"I've got his name," Tethys replied smoothly and then rolled his shoulders in a loose shrug. "And apparently he looks like my mother," he added before shaking his head. "In short he's white, tall and goes by the name Solomon," he stated. It wasn't much to go on to say the least, this pride seemed to have a fair few white lions wandering about.
"Worst comes to worse we just ask," he muttered. He wasn't above asking for directions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'm actually not sure," Zephyr replied with a laugh. "I'll have to find out who was in charge of constructing your dens," she confessed. She seemed to be a rather open and honest lioness, trust wasn't in short supply in these parts, at least not among those who were not royalty. It generally only seemed to be Ram who tempered his good will with a healthy amount of suspicion.
"I know they were under construction before they were to be used for you but I'm not sure who would have been in charge of expedited the process," she explained. "I will ask for you though," she added. If Kluna wanted to offer her thanks then Zephyr would see that this was done, though a small part of her was a touch concerned that the unfortunate Bumani might find themselves with a list of requests as well!
As Zephyr had continued to speak, Dione had selected the slightly smaller of the two dens and had placed her articles into it. With no inclination to decorate yet she was all too interested in finding her way around the pride. Given there was such a huge amount to see and she only had a very limited amount of time here, she really didn't want to waste all of it on small talk.
"I think we should be fine to settle in," she said finally and offered a warm smile, one she seemed to have inherited from her mother. "If we need anything I'm sure we will be able to ask someone and they can point us in the right direction," she added.
Zephyr did appear to get the message as she gave a polite nod.
"I'll be off to see if I can locate the appropriate Bumani for you then."
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 8:47 pm
"Yeah, how many white Solomons could there be here?"
Ziya hoped the rhetorical question could be answered with a simple, one. Yet he figured that t hey may have a hard time finding the sibling of his companion just purely on the grounds of how big the pride may be. Judging on what he'd heard so far it was quite possible that their search may at east take all day? He didn't spend to much time thinking on the matter though.
"Asking is probably where we'll end up." He scoffed at the idea, but recalled how nice Zephyr had been. Perhaps they would be so lucky to enjoy the company of a couple other pride members who may divulge the where abouts of the pale lion.
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"That would be greatly appreciated, Zephyr."
It was quickly becoming a realization for Kluna that she'd need to work on her social skills. This became really apparent as she watched Dione react with a smile that even warmed her cold heart.
When Zephyr had left Kluna turned and began to deposit her items in the larger space, happy that Stylter would be travelling behind and bringing the rest of her articles. "Dione." She said, relaxing herself a moment to prepare for what she was going to say. "I believe that you should take the lead on this." Anyone who personally knew the high priestess would know that it likely took a lot for her to recognize when someone else needed to be in control.
"You're much better at the social aspect of this pride. I'd likely cause war versus peace when speaking with some of them. Of course I'll handle meetings and such, but the more sensitive matters will need your touch." Her tone was honest and a little strained. She struggled with the fact that she may have a tough time speaking with them, but she'd not change herself to do so. Dione was becoming a close, dare she say it, friend and so she felt comfortable enough to appear so vulnerable.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 9:03 pm
"Mate I am not spending all day looking for this guy," Tethys remarked bluntly as he strode down one of the trails towards the shoreline. Based on his mother's descriptions he was reasonably confident that they would find someone there who would be able to help. By now it should have been obvious that the lion was definitely going to be asking questions - Ziya might not have been entirely sure of this pride yet, but Tethys had grasped enough about them to know they were hospitable.
...And given how open they were, they probably had that type of community where everyone knew someone who happened to know the answer to a very specific set of questions.
They just had to find that person, and if they couldn't, then stuff it they were going to go explore. Frankly, if Tethys wasn't able to get any definite answers shortly, then he was going to try his hand at surfing instead. He caught the lions on the horizon doing something weird and it had seemed rather interesting...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zephyr gave a nod in acknowledgement at Kluna's farewell and with the same smile still on her lips she trotted away from the pair. She was fortunate in that she knew where a number of the off-duty Bumani would be. She would be able to pick the minds of a few of them and no doubt one of them would know who had constructed the dens. If it happened to have been a team effort (as was likely), then they could elect to send someone to discuss the additional changes the Priestess and her apprentice might want.
Frankly, she had suspicions that they might simply elect someone they knew would be confident enough to handle the Stormborn. While none of them had threatened them, they could certainly give off a 'vibe' that indicated they weren't exactly...relaxed.
The High Priestess in particular seemed tense, though perhaps she would let her hair down just a touch while she enjoyed her stay here. At least that was what the Hlare hoped as she disappeared from view!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Dione regarded Kluna for a few moments as she made her remarks. Kluna's demeanour had always been harsh, it was precisely what the Stormborn needed. They didn't favour a soft approach and to assume that they would exhibit high levels of diplomacy was unrealistic. Kluna might have found some relief in the fact that Dione was neither surprised or disappointed by her teacher's brisk mannerisms. That was simply how the High Priestess was and would continue to be.
...So she might make a few of these Bahari pause in surprise; but even Zephyr had been capable of acknowledging that the Stormborn and the Bahari had very different approaches.
"I'll smile for you," she said with a wry one on her lips and shook her head. "But I don't imagine they'll require my soft skills for long," she pointed out. She was optimistic about these creatures, if they could respond in the same manner the pink lioness had then they should be fine. "So long as we keep our plans for when we get home to ourselves, we should be all right," she added and cast her eyes back the way they had come.
"I don't know about you though," she mused and cleared her throat. "But I'd quite like to go and inspect all those smells we encountered when we first got here," she confessed. "I'm sure if they send someone and we're not here they'll try again later..." she finished and gave a nod as if to encourage the High Priestess to explore with her...
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Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2017 12:48 am
Iloziya rolled his shoulders in a half shrug at Tethys' statement. He was used to the confidence that exuded off of his male companion, unfortunately Tethys had already been here and so that confidence was earned so Ziya couldn't taunt him any further.
"Well here's to hoping we find him soon." He offered. "At least if we can't we can certainly take a moment to look around."
Ziya had water on the brain, he wanted to see the body of water he'd been hearing about much more than spending time trying to find this long lost sibling. Had he no loyalty to Tethys he might have shrugged it off, but alas he wanted to see it through and typically where his companion went fun usually followed.
----------
Kluna was on edge, but nodded along with Diones words, even accepting the idea of leaving to look at some of the strange things they had witnessed on their way to this temporary home. "I hope you're right." She said, shifting her muscles to release some of the tension. "We need them." The words said in a much quieter tone, to herself primarily, but her thoughts were clear. She recognized the use and therefore sought to do what she could to maintain a relationship - that was all.
"Let's go then."
Her paws lifted and carried her smoothly. "Lead the way, you seemed to have something particular?" She smiled, a rare and warm smile - though rare as they had been it seemed that may change, at least for Dione. "My only hope is to reach that jungle soon." The thoughts of what treasures lay in the jungle were unbelievable.
"Cmon." She encouraged again. Not really paying attention to whether or not Dione had responded immediately.
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