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 Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 5:34 am
"Little girl," the mockingly echoed words are uttered with a grim chuckle, as an unanticipated presence makes herself known. "Now now, Priyasha, it's not becoming of you to insult others based on their age or position."
Having been so still, back in the deeper shadows of the den, it was easy for Yuusa and the cubs to forget that there was another lioness here. Silent and watchful until now, the dark Haruspex Kivuli finally rises and moves forward - and several of her own children glare at the two traitors, as well. Children that are nearing adolescence. Children with pelts and eyes and souls equally as dark as Kivuli's own.
"They're lying," she raises her voice, lifting her head and speaking directly to the children, "and I do not need to spill any blood to See it. They claim they will take you to safety, but what they want... what they want are hostages. To scare your parents into giving in, to shame them in the eyes of the spirits. If you go with them, I see death and chaos, and then I see nothing." Some of the cubs quail beneath her notice, unable to keep from being a little creeped out by the usually-dour Haruspex. But her words do not fall on deaf ears, and when she sees the confirmation in their eyes she nods. These are the cubs that stayed, the ones that fought through the deprivations incurred by the Dhati. These cubs are Mizimu'Tungika, in every way.
And now the lioness turns her attention back to the two interlopers, her eyes narrowed. She may not be a terribly large opponent, and she may not be trained as a warrior. But now the Dhati face two adults, several almost-adolescents, and a relatively large number of cubs. Kivuli lowers her head, muttering something to one of her children, and in a few moments Vunjika and Priyasha will find that their escape route is blocked by the very cubs they hoped to abduct.
Standing firm beside the Sacrifice, Kivuli bumps her head against Yuusa's flank in an uncharacteristic show of support. "Come, Sacrifice. Let the sacred blood of the Mizimu'Tungika, and our children, bring these two to justice."
((Please forgive the blatant deus ex machina here, I'm a bit of a whore for them. XD))
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Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:37 pm
Ramla wasn't a cub anymore. She wasn't oblivious to the words of the adults around her. Indeed, she was slowly nearing adolescence herself, joints aching some days from dead-silent growth. She understood much of what was being said, yet her ears folded in an attempt to drown it out. She didn't want to hear, she didn't want to understand. Choices? What choices? Leave the pride? Die? No, no. She wanted everything to go away. She didn't want to know or remember anything anymore. She was tired of being hungry and sick at the same time, tired of second-guessing the long glances she received from the other youths. She was tired of the feeling of harsh wind against aching fresh scars on her face. She was tired of feeling scared all the time, wondering if the rebels would really take over. She wanted it all to go away.
But when the powerful, looming shadow of the Haruspex appeared, Ramla felt her torn lips part and something come over her. She felt safer at the sight of the usually frightening-looking lioness, something like pride swelling in her beating chest. And when the dark, beautiful face mentioned the children themselves, Ramla felt even stronger. She coiled up more and faced the traitors, hackles raised, but brows tilted in a look of uncertainty. The scarring on her face hurt to stretch, but she did her best to snarl just the same.
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 4:49 am
Yuusa's ears sleeked back and her eyes widened for a moment. How could she have mistaken the purple-patterned lioness for a Minder? It must have been due to her motherly actions up until now, and her association with Vunjika, whom the bright Sacrifice knew better. But most of all, it was probably because it seemed such a foreign concept to her that one who could actually speak with the spirits and interpret their will could possibly betray them like this. For the briefest of moments, her heart wavered before one of those that she was used to respect and obey, but it took only a quick glance toward the dark shadow in the back of the cave - even before the Mizimu Haruspex separated herself from it - to strengthen her resolve again.
"We are all responsible for our own lives, our own choices and our own happiness," She murmured quietly, more to herself and the cubs than to the two Dhati. "Anyone can fall to fear."
Despite her already unwavering conviction, her heart soars at Kivuli's rare and precious gesture of support. She knew that she had been mistrusted, due to her previous indiscretions, but with the Haruspex by her side and the faithful Mizimu youths behind her, she finally felt forgiven. And she felt strong.
With the other lioness beside her, Yuusa finally dared to look away from the two Dhati, and she looked around at all the cubs with a proud smile, especially happy to see the shy, quiet little girl with the scarred face making a brave stand and growling at the traitors despite obvious pain. She gave her an encouraging nod and then looked back to Kivuli, a smile both proud and grateful shining in her blue eyes.
"As you say, Haruspex." She inclined her head gently towards Kivuli, then raised her voice to make sure every cub heard her. "You can't frighten these children into leaving their pride. Their hearts are stronger than that. You can't intimidate me with threats of death, because I never feared it. We are Mizimu'Tungika, and we are not afraid." She glanced over at the scar-faced little girl again, and smiled. "We are not afraid."
Yuusa turned back to the ex-Minder and the ex-Haruspex, and her frown returned. "You would be wise to surrender, I think."
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 6:33 am
-It was all crumbling...
As soon as the softly familar voice crept from the corner Priyasha's confidence was broken. Not simply another adult.. but Kivuli. She watched unsurprised as the haruspex rallied the sacrifices, as young bodies shifted upwards, some beginning to work behind the two lioness and block their path.
And she listened softly, as their death warrent was handed out, bi colored eyes drawing shut briefly.
There was no way to win against this many, not two old lionesses. They were outnumbered by the young and the angry. And Priyasha.. would refuse to raise her paw against the young anyway. She'd taken far too many 'children' in her life to do it again.-
"I hope you are this strong when the Dhati come..." -Her voice lingered in the air gently, her paws trying to slowly move backwards towards the door. She would not surrender. If that meant dying.. well she was an old lioness, she'd lived long and well.-
-He'd been confused.. uncertain even as he tried to shift through the warring words thrown back and forth. All he wanted was to be safe.. for his family to be safe. And which path would take him that way... he could not tell.
Until SHE spoke that was...
His chest puffed gently as the proud words sounded. That was right, this was his time! This was what could be done to protect everyone. He rose with the other cubs, teeth barred, eyes watching carefully for an oppurtunity. Get the traitors! A line of hair rose along his tan hued spine.-
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Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 8:26 pm
"Hello Kivuli." Vunjika said, raising an eyebrow at the Haruspex's appearance. She only chuckled quietly as the other spoke, shaking her head. Was this a sign of defeat? Perhaps. "It must be nice to See what you do." Personally, she had never bothered with those of the Heart and saw it as a burden to figure out the messages of the spirits, See what would happen next.
"Then they have been taught well." She replied Yuusa with a smile. "All of you here have." Normally, she would have scoffed at such behaviour from cubs and whacked them over their heads, but this was not a normal situation.
"Perhaps your sister would have been proud of you if she saw how strong you were now." She addressed the Sacrifice again, but made no move against Kivuli, Yuusa nor the cubs. Instead, Vunjika stood still. She would not try to fight off the cubs that blocked that way. She had never intended on harming them after all.
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Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 6:40 am
"Mmm," Kivuli churrs quietly, her expression serene as she gazes over the rallying youth. There is still a chance that blood will be spilled today, the visions dancing in the shadows tell her that much, but the future is becoming more clear with each passing moment. "It is a blessing and a curse at times, Vunjika. But it is certainly convenient."
The Haruspex's dark spawn have arranged themselves neatly in the entrance, along with any other brave youth who chose to accompany them. If the pair wish to leave, they'll have to attack the very cubs they came to 'save'.
"I'd suggest," she begins, her voice calm but firm, "that you both come and have a seat by the rocks, here. You're not going anywhere."
With one paw, she gestures towards a slightly-enclosed area of the enclave. Here the pair will have to sit with their backs against a small c-shaped formation of rocks, restricting their ability to escape even further. The Haruspex' goal is clear - keep the lionesses here until they can be dealt with properly, after the battle is won.
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 6:36 am
((I figured I'd be safe enough to skip post order a little, if it's a problem lemme know, I'll definately delete and hold off until after Pearly and/or Eski :3))
-Her feet continued to pull her backwards, until she met the wall of flesh. She would try to push through, peacefully, though she was already fairly certain it would fail. There was nothing else TO do. Even if by some miracle of strength and adrenline she dispatched of Yuusa and Kivuli... the children would be on her in a moment...
Her backend tried to push against the wall of children, towards the door, towards the door.
It was amazing... even after leaving.. abandoning the pride.. her mind trickled over the possibilities that lie before her.. the ones that had been taught to her so long ago by this very pride. What lie before her for her spirit?
Would she be born again with the cowardly taint of green spread across her pelt? Would she even be born again at all? If she stayed here.. prisoner.. would her punishment be a death so horrible and dishonoring that her soul did not even join the spirits to once again BE reborn?
If she ran.. especially if she ran and left her friend... that would be cowardice.. dishonor. If she stayed.. she just didn't know what would happen if she stayed. They were all so angry... understandably. Things were all so crazy. But then... hadn't she promised long ago to lay her life on the ground.. as long as it meant better for the Mizimu. It didn't matter if she died... Not as long as the Dhati succeeded.. as long as the corruption was gone.. and the spirits were happy.-
((Just incase it isn't totally obvious, she's trying to simply push through the children. Feel free to ruff her up. As long as she survives it, she'll be taking a seat in the next post. XD ))
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:58 am
It became evident after a few short moments that the two rebels were not going to be able to harm them or escape. This set Ramla much at ease, though she continued to display whatever hostility her frail form could muster. Her eyes glared, teeth flashing as she sneered in spite. She felt stronger with the support from the others, and for the first time, her right lid opened more than it had in quite a while--accidentally, scarred tissue separating just slightly from all of her angry expressions. The right eye seemed washed out--as if a white film had been placed over the teal. She could barely see out of it. That realization made her heart lurch in her chest, but she tried quickly to shake it off. She could still fight if she had to. She wasn't blind. It was just one eye, and not even all the way. She could still fight.
She was still useful.
...Wasn't she?
Then the purple lioness began moving backwards, and as if the spirits had answered her, Ramla knew she had to help stop her. She stood and stumbled forward, body stretching to help the others stop her escape. The feeling of pridal camaraderie was strong, and Ramla felt herself smile and forget briefly about all the bad. She was actually...doing something to help. And others were helping, too. It was kind of cool. She glanced to her right to offer a smile to one of the cubs or adults--anyone she could see--but then her state of mind shifted, and she saw how close their eyes were. Her heart began racing, and she shifted her hair in an attempt to hide her face.
Was that all she was going to think of for the rest of her life? Her face and how to hide it behind a mask? No, she had to ignore that and help the others. She had to help them stop the dhati as best she could.
But she was convinced she could feel them all staring...
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:32 am
A shade of grief flowed through Yuusa's body and heart at Vunjika's words, and she shook her head softly, almost imperceptibly from side to side. I wonder about that...
But her eyes remained unwavering on the old ex-Minder's, and she spoke softly. "When you choose a pride, you choose all of it. You can't just swear yourself free from the parts you don't like, or the parts that frighten you. I don't know if Skugga ever really understood that. I did what I could for her, but from now on, she will have to take responsibility for those that she chose to ally herself with." She took a small step forward, more in the direction of Priyasha, but her eyes were still on Vunjika. "Just like you."
Keeping an eye on the ex-Minder, Yuusa carefully approached the ex-Haruspex, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. The cubs behind Priyasha would not budge, she knew that, and she could see that quite a few of them were getting ticked off at being ignored and even pushed at, and she would be ready to lend her teeth and claws at the first sign of an attack by the young ones. Baring her fangs, she growled at Priyasha:
"You are outnumbered, rebel. I suggest you take a seat."
It was her final attempt at a non-violent solution. Next time, she would let her body do the talking, warrior training or no.
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:07 pm
"I applaud you for sticking by your pride so fervently while others flee because they fear death, child." Vunjika murmured quietly as she brushed by Yuusa, heading to where Kivuli had indicated. She didn't feel a need to explain yet again that she had not left the Mizimu because of the deal over Sacrifices (she had rolled her eyes at it, really). It had been her choice alone and she knew that she would face the consequences alone.
It had always been only her, alone. Even Priyasha was trying to escape, when Vunjika hardly seemed to care about attempting to push past the cubs.
"So, Yuusa," she said, "have you been a proper Minder in the other's absence?" Eyes met Priyasha's as she said this and she raised an eyebrow, as if asking the other, 'Are you really going to run?'
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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 7:13 am
Priyasha's half-hearted attempt to escape earn her some snarls and growls at first - a warning from the young lions she is attempting to brush past. Whenever her flesh draws too close to the living barrier, it is met with the sharp edge of a tooth or claw. Shallow cuts begin to form their own patterns along her pelt, the blood clashing with her cool hues.
When her attempts to push past the youths cease, so do the attacks.
Kivuli keeps a watchful eye on Vunjika, not entirely certain that her surrender will come so easily. As a relatively small lioness herself, the Haruspex has never made any claim to be much of a fighter. But her claws are sharp and she is intimately familiar with the anatomy of a lion, so... she flexes those claws, reassured by the way they dig into the earth, and waits to see if events will play out to match the visions she saw in the shadows.
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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:47 am
-She flinched softly as the first pricks of a clawed paw touched her skin, a delicate hiss escaping her lips like a whisper. Young teeth closed breifly around her tail, another set of claws sending a swat against her backside. Pain could be read from the way her eyes squinted, her whiskers flaring with each sharp jab. She was thinking though... thinking.
As the ivory colored Sacrifice drew forward, her steps backwards ceased, eyes shifting to Vunjika as she made her way towards the corner.-
"No..." -A single, solitary word and sound met the other lioness' silent question before Priyasha stepped forward once again, away from the assault to her backside. Over to the corner they'd been bid to stay, and softly she set herself down, eyes tentatively on Kuvuli.
Her back was warm, the soft seaping of slim blood lines sending a dull ache up her spine as she sat. Softly her eyes trailed about the room, glancing over the young faces one by one.
They'd failed...-
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Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 6:04 pm
((Sorry if I'm way late. I'm moving right now, so I'm just a little bit scattered atm.))
Yuusa sleeked her ears back and purposefully ignored Vunjika's question, opting not to take her eyes off of the ex-Haruspex even when the older lioness finally surrendered. She didn't really feel much like having a regular conversation right now, nor did she feel it to be the right time to reflect on how well she might or - more likely - might not have done as a Minder today.
On the other hand, it seemed she, Kivuli and the cubs had managed to be just a little bit helpful in this war after all, she reflected as she sat down next to the Haruspex to keep a watchful eye on their prisoners. They had by the looks of things actually captured two rebels.
The thought was tinged with sadness at the notion of whatever fate might be in store for these lionesses - especially Vunjika, whom she had known well, but also - to be perfectly honest with herself - quite uplifting. Certainly different from just waiting and praying.
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Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:51 pm
As Priyasha drew back and sat besides her, Vunjika glanced sideways at her for a only a brief moment, as if to make sure it was alright. When she looked away, the look in her eyes was disinterested but did not hold much disappointment. All they had to wait for now was the outcome of the war, but she did not harbor much hope there.
Deep down inside, the ex-Minder felt lost, although she would never admit it. She did not know where she belonged any longer. Certainly not in the Mizimu (not any more) nor in the Dhati. It was a very strange feeling to have, after being in a pride that she had grown up in, where she had lived in for so long.
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