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Safaia rolled 1 6-sided dice:
5
Total: 5 (1-6)
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 Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:18 am
Green eyes furrowed as he stared at the sand dollar. It wasn't...what he was expecting. His trance didn't let his mind wander much further, though, and he looked up at Waikiki for a moment, his eyelids still slightly drooped.
"Waikiki. Offering not yourself, but something just as important to you." He brushed it into the smoldering fire. It seemed to reject it at first, but still the coals glowed with determination. It took longer for the smoke to rise up, but once it did, it was very interesting. It represented everything that this adolescent surely was made of, and loved.
"You have wandered far. Your intent is good. Go to the Sky Clan, where you will share your smile with all."
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:18 am
Ahadi watched as the others stood and went before the old lion and the fire. He didn't quite know what he was doing here, in a way. Not that he doubted the path he'd chosen, being here with these lions, all hoping to find a home. Perhaps a new one, perhaps their first. No, he simply wondered how he'd arrived in the first place. How he'd reached this point where he felt he was so ready to leave his old home.
The golden male had never quite believed in fate, he'd always though, perhaps rebelliously, that one could chose their own path, one could govern, dominate it. But as he got to his feet and took the steps towards Tawa'di, like the others had before him, he quietly wondered if he'd been wrong.
And now, standing before the male, he concluded it didn't matter.
"I am Ahadi, and... " He paused, wondering if he was at loss for words or if he was simply drinking in the moment. "I'm happy to be here. " He finished, using his claws to cut off a lock of his mane and nudge towards the own lion.
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Safaia rolled 1 6-sided dice:
3
Total: 3 (1-6)
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:24 am
"Huong." The old lion nodded as he took her offering, something that must mean much to her if she hadn't offered the whole thing. He swept it into the pile, seeming much more relaxed after he had taken out what was left of the sand dollar. Adding in more herbs before they ran too low, he released a soft sigh, the coals flickering now and then with the intent to enlight with fire.
The smoke seemed to drift slowly, with mingled confidence. Hope appeared near the end of it. When the bit of feather had completely burned up, he spoke.
"Huong. Your heart will grow in the Mantis Clan. Step with confidence, for everyone is a friend here."
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Safaia rolled 1 6-sided dice:
3
Total: 3 (1-6)
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:31 am
Tawa'di offered a nod to Dongo, quite impressed with his self sacrifice. He accepted the offers, mingling them into the burning pile of herbs. It seemed that the scent was heavy on the air, but the old lion didn't notice. Most of his senses had been dulled by his trance, and determination to help those who were their new roots drove him on.
The reading for Dongo seemed much more simple than some of the previous ones. Most likely from a pure heart, it knew exactly where it wanted to go, even if the mind was uncertain.
"You belong with the Mantis Clan, Dongo. Your heart has always known where you belong."
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:37 am
Tawa'di smiled. He took the bits of hair, not hesitating to toss them into the hot pile. It licked at the hair, the soft rount tips of flames dancing on the pile at this point.
He was amused at what he read. It wasn't that he got their life story, no. He got a little of their personality, and what their heart really wanted. It seemed that it was something that surprised even this old lion. Perhaps he had spent too much time around the strong wills and wishful thoughts of the young.
"Alenisgi. I do not tell you what you want. Your heart does. I merely am the mouthpiece for what it tells me. You are to be within the Mantis Clan. One that had died, and is newely renewed, like the figure Phoenix. You will be there, and you will certainly be part of the history for it. Go, and find some joy in your new home."
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Safaia rolled 1 6-sided dice:
6
Total: 6 (1-6)
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:45 am
Once again, Tawa'di was startled for a moment. He had no explination of why. It was like someone had pounced on him when he was asleep. His heart beats quickened as he looked up at Ahadi for a split moment. He was most likely feeding off of the emotions of the ones before him. When one seemed a bit different than he anticipated, it seemed to jolt him a little more awake.
Stubbornly, he pulled himself back into his trance. Brushing the hair into the fire, he watched the start of the smoke, concentrating at the base where the flame released it's quarry. He read through it quickly, seeing just why he had been startled. It was something he wasn't expecting, one that was unsure of what he was doing, but doing it anyway. Determination against fear, as fear was the root of uncertainty.
"Ahadi. You are indeed joyful, and you will spread you joy to all in the land. Your home is the Wolf Clan, where your shining spirit will keep the smiles on faces for moons to come."
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 10:31 am
Shangilia was uncomfortable, and the sensation didn't suite her one bit. Her usually rigid confidence was strained and pulled taut like a human's bowstring, but she hadn't the slightest inclination why. As the ceremony progress and her turn seemed to loom ever nearer, realization dawned upon her like a thunderclap as Tawa'di pronounced the results to a lioness a few steps before her.
She was nervous.
What a peculiar feeling: anxiety! She felt betrayed by her subconscious, having not expected it. Lia had been anxious before and so was no strangers to the aptly named condition of "butterflies in the stomach" but she hadn't expected them today. Why did it matter where she went? She had found a home here...
But that was it. Her last home had cast her out; what if this one deemed her unsuitable too? What if she was thrown out to the roguelands once again? Though she tried to convince herself that it was different now, that she was an adult and could handle that sort of rejection much better, her heart quelled at the idea. Nevertheless, she set her jaw in determination and strode forward as her turn came. Laying a twist of gold and red-brown fur crudely wrapped around a stick before the older lion, she bowed her head discreetly to him and made her introductions in alto tones made gravelly by her thinly veiled emotion.
"I am Shangilia." She shifted her weight from one paw to the other almost imperceptibly, then started when she realized she'd done it. Clearing her throat, she concluded, "I hope to..." mentally she failed for the right words, "... stay here."
Well, that was a lame conclusion.
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 5:35 pm
Slowly, Inoke approached the fire - having sat back and watched as several others did the same before her. It had taken her a long while to determine that she wanted to stay somewhere like this. That she wanted stability in her life... and hopefully a family at some point.
She was glad that she'd met Layilme and her family before, because otherwise she might have never looked to this sort of path at all. Now, though... now she knew this was where she belonged.
The once flighty and childlike lioness was finally growing up, and to reflect this, she'd chosen a new name for herself, just last night in fact. Now... she would speak that name before everyone here, and find where she belonged.
Heartbeat speeding up a bit, the red-brown lioness stepped forward and dropped a painstaking braided bit of her own tail-fur before the old lion. "I am Inoke," she said in a clear and carrying voice. "I've come to find my place here..."
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 8:45 pm
The old lion took a short break. Perhaps to all the others, it didn't seem like a break. He took a long, deep breathe, letting the scent of everything mingle in his mind. Herbs, burning hair, sweat from nervous lions, the dirt their paws kicked up. It brought back memories from when he was a child.
Nodding, he took the next offering without looking; it was the lull he was entering. He hoped that Mana was nearby to pull himself out of it when the time was done. While he would never know what it really felt like, it was a strong intoxication that a spirit such as his never wanted to pull out of. His Seer abilities had faded with his old age, but the actions required for the Ceremony, it seemed to consume him. All he could see was where they would live as a bit of themselves burned. The path the smoke told him was true.
"Shangilia. Nerves do not suit one such as you," he said quietly, so only she could hear. "Keep your chin up; you are where you need to be. Your marking could only be seen as a beacon of hope in your new home. There is no need to worry about the past."
"Start fresh; your paws will guide you to the Mantis Clan. Go."
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Safaia rolled 1 6-sided dice:
3
Total: 3 (1-6)
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:00 pm
Tawa'di watched as the previous lioness left, only to see another one appear before him. He looked at her for a moment before letting his eyes focus on the fire below him. It was beginning to be a fire, though one would only call it small. Almost tiny. He smiled, pleased. Everything was going well.
He brushed her hair into the fire, watching the swirls. They seemed unsure for a moment, scattering every which way before they finally decided that together was best. Hm. They swirled together, almost creating a braided-like look themselves.
"Inoke. You are one strand that will mingle with others to grow strong. You are a special child that has finally found their way to home. You will live in the Mantis Clan, where you will thrive like the strongers tree in a storm. Go, and you will certainly find you place."
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Interesting Conversationalist
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:06 pm
Everyone seemed really nervous. Why did everyone seem like they had sat on a porcupine? Arun let his eyes flicker around the group that had gathered, appraising them with a distinct curiosity. Even on this surprisingly pleasant day, the lions looked on edge as they waited to be instated into the Pride, their body language mostly nervous. Although, to be fair, there were a few confident faces out there, ones that made the rusty colored lion grin broadly, despite the seriousness of the Ceremony. As a fairly easy going (as well as trouble-making) guy, the situation didn’t weigh itself as heavily as it should have on the rogue lion, who waited his turn with no real hurry. The sun seemed sympathetic to their cause today; the air seeming not too hot, yet not too breezy either. Yes, a good mixture of the two, if he did say so himself.
When it was his turn, (or what he thought was his turn,) Arun climbed to his feet, padding towards the shaman with a confident and eager swagger that was distinctly his. "Heya Oldtimer," the striped male greeted the older brown lion with an ease that probably made all the other lions wince, the ruddy lion looking fairly relaxed as he sat back on his haunches before the shaman and dipped his head, lowering it below Tawa'di's as a sign of respect. Although his greeting was less than ceremonial, and his attitude seemed causal, he looked upon the elder with high regard through his bright red eyes as he spoke, "I'm Arun. It's really an honor to meet you. I mean, I'm just a rogue, you know?"
Arun paused, offering Tawa'di a slightly goofy grin. Internally, (and quite off the topic with the current situation) he wondered whether or not he'd get kicked out of the Tree Ceremony if he called the respectable lion 'pops,' and, subsequently, if he’d get rejected by the Pride because he hadn’t gone through with the Tree Ceremony. For some reason, he got the vibe that wouldn't go over well. He also got the feeling that scratching the cricket off his back while he was up getting his smoke read would also not go over particularly well either. It was a shame on both accounts -- his back really itched something fierce. It was also really difficult for him to keep his mouth shut, especially when the older lion seemed like someone he would like to talk with sometime (could you even talk to the shaman in this Pride? Or was he too lowly for that? He had no idea.) He’d have to ask someone.
Later.
Instead, the striped lion cleared his throat, looking a little sheepish and rather awkward, and dipped his head again, trying to look as polite as possible.
"So, er, you're suppose to tell me where I'm suppose to go, right?" he asked after a moment, giving him another crooked grin. Cutting a loose strand of fur from his mane, Arun offered it to the shaman before sitting back on his haunches again, watching the ordeal by smoke and fire with deep interest, one ear flicking a little as the cricket bounced up there (that little bugger was trying to get him in trouble, he knew it.) He knew how he probably came across. Disrespectful, to say the least. Probably like a hooligan. Even though he was an adult. Shameful perhaps? Oh he hoped not. He liked this pride, he'd actually be disappointed if he was kicked out for being ... well... himself.
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:07 pm
Already it seemed her heart had skipped a beat or two. It would seem that the hardest part of the journey that had required the young lioness to traverse across the lands to find the Ela was over and now it was that destiny, Kisiri'ruia's destiny, was soon to unfold. This was only the beginning and it was this first step that would all but commence the new adventure that laid in wait. Deepened pools of blue stared towards the kindling fire as its plume of smoke whipped about in the air as a gentle breeze coxed it, stroking it as its flames flickered and licked anxiously for the next token to be received and for ones fate to be sealed to the clan of which they belonged to.
There was an excitement that coursed through her veins that couldn't quite be explained. It was strange yet this feeling felt right. Long before she had attempted to find a place, that forever home, where she believed she would forever belong but none had felt 'right'. She swallowed, watching as others proceeded before her and received their calling. But what if she would be unfit for these lands? Her chest tightened while she gave a shake of her head as if to chase away such a thought.
Whatever will be, will be, she reminded herself silently.
Breathing deeply through her nostrils, Kisiri'ruia exhaled slowly as her eyes closed momentarily in contemplation. How could something that felt so right be wrong? There was no time to dabble in philosophical thoughts or question herself. She was here and the moment was now. Gently, she nudged her offering closer and stepped lightly before looking up towards the Elder.
"I am Kisiri'ruia," she warmly greeted, her head lowered with due respect while a humble smile stretched across her maw. Her tail curled closely around her as Kisiri lifted her right forepaw and placed it down upon the tuft of her tail if only to hold it in place. A single claw unsheathed from a toe and cut away a lock from her tail tuft. Seeing that her offering was decent, the young adult lifted up her paw as her tail swayed back behind her and laid in wait. Everything that she had sought, everything she had done to guide her to this moment was meant for a greater purpose although what that purpose was only eluded her. Yet as she stood there in front of Tawa'di she felt something, something she had never felt before stir inside of her. It was peaceful, inviting, and she only hoped that, in time, she could harness such a wonderful feeling and cause to be a constant companion of hers. Focusing as her body relaxed and loosened, Kisiri inaled and swallowed as if to take a last breath before taking the plunge.
"I am ready to do whatever is needed to support my clan."
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:19 pm
Together they walked forth side by side, though their paws ached slightly from the journey their hearts swelled with pride and hope for the future that would be held here. Excitement welled in their souls as they stepped forward, looking around themselves at the other faces gathered here, so foreign but this would be home. Tearh was hesitant for a moment, waiting and watching for a moment for their turn though a touch of Murasame's shoulder to hers reassured her silently. This was the beginning of leaving the past behind them, and starting anew. Their children had grown and it was time for them to forge their new lives here, home.
As it seemed silence arose Murasame's eyes were on the embers that seemed to crackle and the smoke that formed and swayed before him, it entranced him for a moment, though Tearh's presence made his focus return, and a chuckle almost low, came from his maw.
As they stepped forward together, side by side, they both stopped and craned their heads down slightly, though still kept eye contact with lion before them, the one they both knew they would come to respect even more so than this moment.
"I am Murasame-"
"-and I am Tearh," They spoke one after another.
"We have traveled a great distance to seek our hearts and home here," Murasame spoke, a smile on his face, brightness in his eyes. "We've waited long for the time where we come here as two, and become one with our home," Tearh peered around herself, smiled and felt a shiver of anticipation "-our clan."
No matter where they would be placed together, they knew this was a new step, and they were forging their lives anew, and here, this would be home.
They both pulled a feather from the necklaces around their necks and pushed them forward.
-forgot the last part x.x <3 sorry luff! hope its not too late-
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:45 pm
Amagada was not the least bit nervous, wondering about her new home or where she would be sent. She was quite certain that she knew where she would go. She would go where she was meant to be, and that was Mantis - her father's clan. All she had to do was wait her turn, and she did so patiently, dark tail flicking gently over the ground at her feet.
Kiger, for once, was slightly less sure. He'd ended up where he was now, standing beside Amagada, more by chance than design. Kindness had compelled him to show the lost lioness to her intended home; love bound him to her now, their destination reached. He would not part ways with her and wander off to some new adventure - that new adventure was here, with her, surrounded by strangers and watching an ancient lion stare into smoke to determine all their futures.
When it was time, the former msaka stepped forward on tattooed paws with her mate beside her. Her voice was soft but strong as she announced herself, "I am Amagada Atadiusti."
"And I am her mate, Kiger." There was a slight hesitance at the word 'mate,' but over its newness rather than some lack of commitment. Together, they offered fur from his mane and from her forelock.
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:46 pm
Tawa'di looked up at the incoming lion. A male this time. And just from first impressions, he was obviously one that liked to poke all the wrong buttons. Heh. Tawa'di slightly shook his head as he mixed more herbs onto the small fire, encouraging it to continue on it's path. The information was too dear for it to tire out now.
Glancing up once again, his eyes still slightly shut, he took the small hair offering slowly, taking his time. The direct interest in what he was doing was rare; they were usually more interested (and worried) about where they were going to go. It reminded him of Skan, his son, actually. Pranksters all the way, but deep down they were probably good kids.
His tail twitched for a moment, reminding him that he needed to stay focused.
He read the smoke carefully, feeling a bit of humor at it. Well, well.
"Arun. While your attitude might not be accepted everywhere, it can still be a strength. You will be able to loosen the thoughts of the most rigid, and give a little less serious side to the moments that need relief. In your home, you will be an asset. Though at times...they may need reminding of it. You home is with the Mantis Clan."
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