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 Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 6:58 pm
 Title: Kimondo Meets Ciyari Place: Prideland Date Started: July 28th, 2004 Status: Incomplete dustfeather Ciyari has since awoken from her previous rebellious snooze at the Pridelands' waterhole. She carefully peeks open one eye, alert for an grumpy adult lionesses...but there are none in the vicinity, that she can see, and so it's with a slightly more happy mindset that she gets to all fours, yawning and stretching nimbly. "Breakfast!" She announces cheerfully to the world at large...as if she were expecting a four-course meal to drop dead right in front of her.
But beyond the normal twittering of birds and crickets, there's no reply. The gray cub's ears droop slightly, before she sluggishly makes her way down to the water's edge. Maybe drinking something with make her tummy hush. She laps water for a few seconds, before her eyes suddenly fix upon something nearby. She freezes. Several stray droplets drip down her light-colored maw, delicately dropping back into the waterhole. It's a water beetle...all black and blue and shiny. She watches it, apparantly fascinated. Sable Rose Wingu pads up to the hole, dipping her head in to take a few laps of the refreshing water. To the animals of Africa, the watering hole was like a pool full of elixir that would vitalize them in times of need. In Wingu's case, it was no different. She had just recently chased down a herd of gazelle, yet retrieved no sustenance, as she killed nothing. Her stomach had been empty all day, and she was about to go off to hunt something down again when she caught sight of the rogue cub she had met before. Kolina Arising to the morrow sun Kimondo set off to her daily stroll to the waterhole. Tiny clouds of dust billow up under her paws with each step she takes on the worn path. Several herds of Zebra and Gazelle watch her carefully, but seeing she is no threat at the moment turn back to their grazing.
As she neared the hole the sun's light began to reflect on the shiny surface of liquid. Closing her eyes momentarily to keep herself from being blinded she steps up to the side of the waterhold and lowers her body to the ground. Lapping at the water, the cool liquid travels down her threat, giving her much relief from a night of sleeping.
Blue eyes glance around the pool after finishing her drink, her head raised high as she enjoys the view around her. The young of a giraffe stands next to it's mother lipping at the shorter branches of a tree while several hornbillls fly past overhead. She smiles and rises to all fours to head back to the pride when her eyes catch sight of a small fluffy grey creature across the pool. Kimondo pads around the water, auds pricked forth. A little morning breakfast wouldn't be rejected but as she grew closer the tuft of hair on the tai of the creature, the ears, and the stance clearly told her that this grey furball was a lion cub. Now curiosity really struck her and she padded up to the cub. "Now what is a small cub like yourself doing out here alone?" dustfeather With the first ripples of Wingu's drink, the water beetle skids off jumpishly across the surface of the water, a tiny moving speck that disappears in the tail grass that grows out of the water at the side of the bank.
The gray cubs looks up, sharply, features a mixture of displeasure and taunt anger. "What'd you do that for? It got away!" The words are out of her mouth before she can have a chance to have a check on them; but when she spots Wingu, she wishes she had bitten her tongue. She almost does. Her ears flatten in surprise, narrowed eyes suddenly reversing to the norm, and she takes a step back. She hadn't thought it would be an adult...and this adult in particular she doesn't seem to have gotten off to the greatest of starts with. dustfeather The gray cub jumps again when she hears a voice - this time, not Wingu's - and swerves around lightly upon her haunches, angular ears twitching in the direction of Kimondo. Another adult lioness. Great. Inwardly, she sulks. Why does everything have to be so large compared to her? It hardly seems fair. "I'm not alone," She replies back, some of the surliness she's feeling leaking into her voice. "My da's out near here somewhere," The scruffy thing adds, as if to reiterate the point. Sable Rose Wingu lifted her head up quizically. "Excuse me, my dear?" The words were bittersweet; it was apparant she didn't think of Ciyari as a 'dear'. The lioness backed away from the edges of the water a bit, her golden fur catching a gleam of the sun. Wingu nodded softly as a greeting towards Kimondo, at the same time wondering whether she had better luck finding a meal for herself. Vieve Nala lifted her head off of her paws slowly, "Mmhh.." she mumbled to herself, "I must have fallen sleep.." Sitting herself up on her haunches, Nala squints her eyes as the radiant African sun shines into her eyes. Finally as her eyes adjust to the light, Nala spots a gathering of sorts at the waterhole, but her droopy tail showed every sign of still being too sleepy to bother with venturing out there. Instead Nala contented herself with just watching the proceedings. Kolina Kimondo's eyes land on Wingu who had also come for a drink at the pool and greets her in return. She watches the other lioness carefully till the cub's voice breaks through her thoughts. "Well, I am sure your father wouldn't like you out in the open like this." She lowered herself to lay on the ground so that she wasn't as intimidating to the female cub. "I am Kimondo." She smiled. "Would you care to tell me what you're called?" dustfeather Ciyari's head tips up slightly, jaw stubbornly terse as she surveys Wingu. "None of your business," She mutters rudely, quietly, and not quite under her breath. Her tail twitches avidly, betraying her tetchy mood. She's not really too bright, mouthing off to her elders like that...but that's how she is.
As she turns, her gaze falls upon Kimondo, and her manner seems to be more civil, but she still seems to act quite like she's a bratty little goddess, and the twain of lionesses are mere mortals. She tosses her head, shrugging faintly. "He doesn't mind. We live from place to place," She says, haughtily. Kimondo's fear of intimidation is well-thought, but with this child, it might have been better if she had loomed over her...Ciyari tends to take advantage of this sort of situation. She seems to consider the last question for a brief moment before replying, head tipped: "Diyar." Sable Rose
Wingu plays a smirk on her creamy face. "Oh, you know, I would very much enjoy meeting this father of your's, dear." Again, the term was not one of endearment. The lioness settled herself down in the warm sands, keeping her head off her paws.
A little ways off, the prescence of another was sensed. Wingu had a good feel for this type of thing; she could often tell when an animal was hiding from her. Searching for Maawio gave her adequate practice with that. Lookng around, Wingu spotted a small cub watching them in the distance. She did not, however, notice it was Nala who was watching.Kolina Kimondo watched at the cub exchanged words with Wingu and had to hold back a chuckle. The little one had a lot of courage speaking up to an adult like that. "Well Diyar, if your father doesn't return soon, would you like to come with me to get some breakfast?" She had known the little cub didn't have a father, it was evident by her scent. There wasn't a trace of a male lion on her that was anything recent. She couldn't let the cub go off without assuring herself that she would have at least something to eat. dustfeather
"Oh, he'll be back," She says airily, ignoring Wingu entirely now. She's certainly got a mouth on her, and one day it's going to get her into trouble. "So no, thank you," Ciyari finishes, primly. She doesn't need an adult to help her, she thinks, glowering inside. Stupid adults. Her tail gets entangled around an ankle, and she gives it a slight tug to get it un-stuck. It looks like she's not going to say anything, but a crafty little gleam flickers in her eye. She's going to try to twitch these adults and see what happens. "He's probably just getting back from a job."Sable Rose Good old Kimondo, always looking out for others. Wingu was never that gracious towards newcomers, although she slightly hoped that she had been invited for breakfast. It was doubtful though, because Wingu was very capable of hunting something down herself.
"Okay, I'll play," she announced to the cub wisely. "What sort of jobs does your father take on?" Wingu was interested in what the cub could dream up this time, so she acted as if she were waiting patiently for an answer. Vieve
Nala jumped back a bit when she saw the lioness look her way. From such a distance she didnt know how it was possible that she could be seen, but then again, tan must stick out a bit against grey stones.. Nala watched as the others interacted, her paws laying over the edge of the rock, wondering what was happening down there.Kolina Kimondo raises a brow and watches the cub curiously. "A job? Would you care to explain?" She was quite interested in hearing what the little one could come up with. Her tail moved and curled around her side as she watched the cub. dustfeather The little cub eyes Wingu carefully. "I told you before," She says, sounding just a tad miffed that the adult couldn't remmeber. "He's a murderer for hire...or pretty much whatever, it varies. He's then allowed to go about hunting on the pride's territory to get food for him an' me. Otherwise, pridals don't like rogues much." She glowers at this statement, tiny brows knitting together. There generally is enough food to sustain a pride in the lands they travel through; not enough to comfortably support any rogue that passes through and decides to stay awhile. "Sometimes Kings and Queens want to off a kid or two so their eldest doesn't have competition for the throne, or they wanna get rid of rivels, so they get my da' to do it." She's quite enjoying this bloodthirstly little speech...she loves lying almost as much as she loves food. Kolina "A Murderer you say? Well, I highly doubt anyone of from our pride would hire your father, plus, the first cub of the King and Queen was just born, he has no younger siblings to worry about." She spoke with a slight air in her voice that state she wasn't falling for such a ridiculous idea. "Beside's, if your father was a murderer I doubt he would like you walking around and telling everyone about him. Murderer's as I am sure you know, aren't looked upon highly and can often find themselves victim to another murderer and you, as his daughter, would probably find the same fate." She wasn't going to hide anything from the cub, if she could make up a story like she did then she could handle the truth of what would truly happen. Sable Rose Wingu raises a brow. The little cub had quite an imagination on her, alright. "And do you think anyone here would have hired your father to do such a thing?" she asks of the cub, sounding appalled. "Kimondo's entirely right, a murderer such as your father has no place here. We have no need for one." She was not one to announce that she knew the cub was fatherless. If she wished to make up such things, then Wingu would simply follow along. What harm could it do? TrinityCowgirl -stretching out of her napping position, Kivuli yawned a bit and looked around her. Today was the day she would find a huntress, and learn to hunt- "Huntresses!!! Hello???" -her paws gripped the rock face as she slowly, and cautiously, slid down it into the field- dustfeather The gray cub stares mulishly at Kimondo, as if having her suspicions confirmed. "Rogues ain't looked on highly at all, either," The child points out, quite brutally honest - for once. "So I ain't worried about that. An' I can look after myself," She scoffs, her puny little form slinking off several feet, towards the grasses. "I ain't scared of nothin'. My da' an' I don't have some high-'n-mighty pride to look after us, we do what we gotta to get along, an' we do just fine." She gives a tiny toss of her head again - this child is just brimming with hurt arrogance. Her gaze slips towards Wingu. "Well, then, we'll just move on to t'next pride, they might."
She jumps slightly at the sound of another voice. Two's company; and three is starting to become a crowd, especially if it's another adult. The lithe gray cub starts to slink off towards the thick grasses, muddy tail trailing behind her. She'll watch from a safe distance. Sable Rose Wingu rolls her eyes a slight bit, arrogant in her ways. "I have a feeling that one'll be back," she whispered lightly to Kimondo. After having done so, the lioness stood up, still hungry for something fresh. "Are you up for a hunt? I'm starving." Wingu didn't really bother to wait for Kimondo's answer and started away from the watering hole, figuring that the other could follow if she wished. Vieve
Intently Nala watched from her perch, high away from the on goings. Watching the little gray cub stalk off into the grass, she wondered about their conversation and what had just happened.Kolina Her eyes followed the cub who moved into the tall grass which had begun to yellow due to the lack of rain. Several thoughts ran through her mind for a few moments before she glanced at Wingu as the other lioness spoke. She rose to her paws and slipped into the yellowing grass, but not to follow Wingu, but the cub. The scent of the little grey female was easy enough to follow and soon found the little one. With the arrogance this one had, she could only think of one way of getting her to actually talk to her.
Slipping up quietly behind the little one she followed her for a little while, making no noise and quite glad the wind was favoring her and blowing at her from in front, her scent was blowing in the exact opposite way than the cub. Finally deciding it was time, she leapt up and quickly snatched the cub up by the scruff of her neck and carried her out of the tall grass and to a run down tree that lay rotting in the middle of the plain. She plopped the cub down on the log and sat down in front of her. Sable Rose A golden ear flicked backwards. Wingu heard the grasses rustle behind her, and figured Kimondo would rather not come. She sped up to a run, quickly leaving the watering hole behind her as she trodded through tall, grassy areas searching for a meal.
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Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 7:36 pm
Title: Stormy Weather Place: Prideland/Firekin borders Date Started: July 31st, 2004 Status: Complete Kolina Kimondo returns from the waterhole, now completely drenched since the storm managed to reach the pridelands before she could reach pride rock. With water dripping from her muzzle, tail, and underbelly she pads into the den. shaking herself lightly she gets rid of as muc water as possible before moving to an area where she could lay down and allow herself to dry.
Kimondo licks at her soaked paws, lapping up any excess water that she can as her blue eyes keep watch over those already in the den. Her mind begins to wander to the little cub she had met only a few days prior and hopes that she had found a dry place to stay until the storm passes. She looks up to the den entrance when lightning fills the sky, casting a bright light into the cave's entrance. Shortly after the lightning, a loud cracking sound follows. Turning back to drying herself, Kimondo wraps her tail around her haunches to let it rest along her side. She didn't want it getting in the way so no one would step on it. Another flash of lightning followed by the thunder fills the den, but Kimondo continues on with her business, not the least bothered. Angmar Koho peered up at Kimondo grinning at her slight appearance.
"You okay Kimondo?"
she asked quietly, trotting quickly to the soggy lioness, and inspecting her for any new cuts or irritations. Ironic, how she was geting so cautious about others wellbeing, her developing nanny instincts making sure everyone was alright, not only her small charges. Kolina Glancing up Kimondo smiled. "I am fine, Koho. Just a little wet is all." She stopped her persitant licking of her paw. "Looks like you were a lucky one, you're not wet at all." She points out a bit aggrivated. Why had SHE been the one to get wet. Angmar She laughed, "Well, you know me..." she replied impishly, though her eyes were soft.
"It started up very suddenly, I'd imagine most everyone got wet, at some point, I've just dried already..." she comforted.
"Where were you that it took so long to get back?" Kolina "The Waterhole." Kimondo replied before she returned to licking herself dry. "You must have been close to the den to be back and dry already." She noted. Angmar Koho nodded, "I was looking for Sukutu, I havn't seen him around much..." she muttered. A loud thunderclap followed her statement causing her to frown. "He's smart though, he can take care of himself..." Kolina Kimondo nodded. "Don't worry, he'll be fine." Angmar Koho smiled, "I know he will..." she murmered. "Just paranoia..."
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Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 7:47 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:07 pm
Title: Kimondo sets out for the Desert Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Aug 12th, 2004 Status: Complete Kolina Kimondo had traveled during the night into the desert land and the sun was now high in the sky. No matter where she looked everything looked the same, nothing but bright, dusty, nothingness. She sighed and sat down not sure what to do. The small amount of wind that had blown throughout the night had covered her tracks so she had no way of returning back to the pridelands, and she had no idea where the Firekin stayed in this harsh land. She was tired, but far to hot to sleep, and to top it off, she was hungry and thirsty. She hadn't come across anything that would appease her appetite nor any source of water. Since she had entered the desert she hadn't seen one blade of lush greenery, only small tufts of long yellowed grass that a few reptiles could be found hiding in.
She began to wonder why she had followed Kiu into the desert. True, she did love him, as strange as it was, but she also knew she had no chance to be with him. He had clearly stated that the blood was everything in the Firekin pride and that 'we' Pridelanders were weak. There was no way that he would be with her. She layed down on the hot sand and a few tears ran down her face. Why couldn't things be more simple than what they are? dustfeather A lone pair of eyes is watching Kimondo's trek across the desert with barely-concealed irony. A black sparrowhawk is soaring delicately over the lands. Her image shimmers every now and again - supposedly from the heat. The thrice-damned Greater seem to be gaining more ground; she thought she could convince Makadari to see eye to eye, for once. But it's in vain, always in vain. Damn Finar-si for ever creating the Firekin, anyways. But perhaps...perhaps there's another way.
She's been watching the twain for awhile, following Kimondo instead of Kiu when the duo separate.
Hestia's sharp cackle rents the air, a sharp, staccato sound that would make most creatures uneasy. She pulls out of a sharp dive to land near the lioness, avian eyes glinting ruthlessly. She preens. A black sparrowhawk, her form is small, but she carries wicked talons and a ruthless beak; a small, but quite able, predatory. And perhaps something more. There's an all-too-knowing look in that gaze. "What's wrong, dear?" She croons, all innocence. "Big lass like yourself shouldnae be crying, it's a beautiful day outside." She jabs her beak towards the sun in emphasis; clearly, her idea of a 'good day' is blistering heat and humidity. Xally
The cub was close to inching forward, right into the sight of the lioness and the hawk but was rouchly pulled back by Taka who had been awaken by the hawk's flapping. The cub would have yelped loudly in surprise had she not covered his mouth with her paw, careful not knick him with her outstretched claws.
They were too close to the two. If she moved they would be sure to hear so the best thing to do would be to wait it out. The cub gace a wide smile now that his 'mother' was with him and took a courageous step forward while Taka tried to catch him swiftly by the tail but his head was already completely visible to the two if they were lucky enough to look at that moment.
Kolina Kimondo had hidden her head between her paws to try and protect it from the scorching heat, but only managed to grow hotter from the sand beneath her. A familiar sound reached her ears, one that she heard so often that it never truly had name. Looking up, her blue eyes fell upon a black bird, a hawk to be more precise. She was a bit surprised that such a creature would land in front of her in such a manner, but she didn't mind, not being this lonely.
"I am a bit lost." She sighed as she lifted her head up some more so that she could look at the creature a bit more clearly. How this black hawk could find this weather beautiful she wasn't quite sure. In her opinion it is far too hot and dry. She would much prefer the slightly cooler and more moist enviornment of the pridelands at the moment, or at least have to endure this with Kiu at her side. The thought of Kiu made tears want to well in her eyes again but she forced them away. "Do you know your way around this desert? I must say, all these sand dunes have begun to look the same to me." dustfeather "Why, of course, my dear," Hestia drawls, tilting her head to survey the pridelander with one wicked eye. "These lands - this desert - is where I make my humble abode." She's fairly dripping with good nature and helpfulness. If only old Criggo could see her now; he'd probably have a heart attack from the shock. The hawk seems to pause, as if considering. "You look a bit down, my dear. Is anything else the matter, besides you're being so...lost?"
As soon as she shuts her mouth, she spots something out of the corner of her eye. Immediately, predatory instincts kick in, and the hawk's head darts sharply around. Gleaming black orbs fall upon the sight of a little cub in the sand. Hestia's no fool; she immediately knows who the child is. Finar-si's get! she hisses to herself, inwardly, beak tightening, claws twitching, mind racing furiously. The little rat, I'll - But she chokes off the thought as soon as it is born. No. That may mean that one of the Greater may be nearby...and she mustn't have one of them around to witness what she's about to accomplish. Xally
The cub mewed softly making Taka's paw muffle the little lion's voice even more. She gritted her teeth, she was in no shape to run or fight, that mountain had torn her down a great deal and now she wasn't even in a position to sneak away. Pulling the cub inwards toward her chest, Taka continued watching, keeping her head and ears low to the ground. Teule was eager to meet these new comers and continued to try and escape, pawing his way out of his mother's grip unsuceedingly.
Kolina "No... nothing else is wrong." She didn't want to go into an explanation as to why she was depressed. She just didn't feel as if this bird needed to know her troubles. Maybe this creature could help her find Kiu though...
The bird's sudden movement sent her into high alert and she quickly stood up and looked in the general direction the hawk had to see the cub and, what appeared to be, his caretaker. She watched for several moments before lowering her guard and settling on her haunces. "Don't worry, I won't harm you or the cub." A gentle smile spread across her face. dustfeather Hestia would like nothing better than to sink her talons into the child - and the other, too, just for good measure - but she manages to restrain herself, seething inside, slightly taunt on the outside. "I see," She says, shortly, to Kimondo, after another pause, surveying the other through one eye again. Pride compels her to stay silent, merely giving another rustle of her feathers before hopping off several feet and, for the most part, ignoring the trio as she goes through a rather obscurely long ritual of getting ready for flight again. She's edgy with the cub near, and stays as far away from it as possible. Finar-si get, she thinks, savagely. Or perhaps one of the other of the so-termed 'Greater' is with this child. Either way, she doesn't want to be discovered, and keeps a low profile. Kolina Kimondo watched the cub and it's caretaker for a few minutes till she realized that the bird was about to leave. She quickly padded after it and placed a large paw on it's tail feather, making sure not to cause it any harm in the process. "Oh, please don't leave. I was hoping you could help me find someone." She looked at the sparrowhawk with pleading eyes. "He's a member of the Firekin pride, the heir to be exact. His name is Kiu. I need to see him." She was growing desperate. She hoped this animal could help her find the arrogant, yet loving (In his own way of course) lion that she had grown attached to in only a short span of time. Xally
Taka's fur rose as her hiding place was discovered. Thankfully, the lion meant no harm and so she emerged with the cub who was oh so anxious to meet this new lion. Tumbling over to the lioness, Teule started mewing and purring around the lioness. Taka was little distraught and maybe a bit jealous as she saw Teule take to the lioness. Taka pulled the little cub off of the lioness warily but with a weak smile. She was extremely uncomfortable with the lioness, why, they could turn on you anytime, the cunning cats. At least, that's what her mother told her but it had also proved true with her own young. She gulped and decided to try and keep things peaceful.
"Uh, a pleasure to make your acqauintance..."
Teule gave a high pitched and weak roar in greeting as well, flicking his tail on the ground eagerly.
dustfeather The hawk's motions come to a carefully-controlled stop, although fury rushes through the goddess's veins when the lioness dares touch her tail. She controls her features - which isn't too difficult to do, with a bird's face - and eyes Kimondo. "Kiu? Ah - the Firekin princeling." A pause. "You wouldn't mind me asking, my dear, but that's a stunning - albeit a bit stupid - choice to go after. If you hadn't hurt, the Blood despise everyone not of their blood." A twitch, and she craftily pulls her beak back. "But that might not be so difficult to get by."
One jet-black eye darts towards Taka and the cub, and she lowers her voice drastically. Best not let the damned god's chosen know what was going on; even if he was a cub. "There are ways, my dear. You only have to ask." As if to reiterate her point and show that she isn't just joking, a flicker of color dances across her eye - blood-red - to land across the sparrowhawk's cheek, splashing it with red. It's unsure where the color came from; it just seems to appear. The eye glints with nasty humor. Kolina Kimondo smiled at the tiny cub, after lifting her paw off of the sparrowhawks tail, whose mewing and rubbing reached a soft spot in her. She gently nudged the cub with her nose before it was picked up by it's caretaker. "Same to you." She watched the two for several moments until the hawk began speaking again. She turned her head to look at the dark creature. "But... how can I get around that? I was born in the pridelands and Kiu knows it. I am not..." But her voice stopped as the bird began speaking again, and as the splash of blood-red splayed across its cheek. Her eyes went wide with surprise.
Could she really get around such a large obstacle? But how, it just didn't make sense, but the more she thought of it the more she began to gain hope that not all was lost. As she made up her mind, she hoped that this decision wouldn't be a large mistake she would regret later. "How can I become one of the blood, I am asking you and pleading for you to tell me." She looked at the bird with eyes full of hope. This was her chance and she was going to grasp it, no matter what the price. Xally
Taka swallowed and smiled weakly, picking the cub up in her jaws only to have him wiggle free to the ground and crawl over to inspect the hawk with curiousity, trying to paw at her. Teule had his tail high up into the air, his small body in a pouncing position. He growled at the bird and gave her a mischevious smile which his white eyes only enhanced into something more. Taka had been flicking her tail nervously and noticed the cub distubing the hawk, her mouth instantly and tightly upon his neck, eyeing the lion scrutinously while she spoke.
"Well, I really must be going, I'm apologize for our little intrusion."
dustfeather
Her voice is lowered as she speaks - one eye swiveling back towards Taka and the cub. If looks could kill, little Teule would no longer be alive; Hestia is looking daggers at the child. She ruffles her feathers, hopping carefully out of reach, and watches as the duo disappear before continuing.
"I have certain - gifts - that would allow them to see you as a member," The hawk explains, carefully, trying to keep the gloating from her tone. The lioness has taken the bait; now it's time to reel her in. "All I require are two - tiny, almost miniscule - little things in return."Kolina Kimondo bid farewell to the tiny cub and it's protector before her full attention was pulled back to the sparrowhawk. Certain gifts? What was the bird raving about? Well... as long as she could be with Kiu she really didn't care. "What things do you want?" She was a bit wary to ask, but was ready to do just about anything for help. dustfeather The bird preens for a moment, watching Kimondo closely. "Nothing serious," She says, tone soothing. "Just this: you will have cubs, and one of them you shall give to me. I get to choose. I'll come when they're juveniles, and look them over. The second condition: I will choose the heir from your cubs." Provided, of course, that Kimondo becomes the next Queen. "No one else. And you will persuade Kiu and Makadari to choose that cub as the Firekin heir - or heiress." The Greater can play games; and so can Hestia. She eyes Kimdono slyly out of the corner of her eye, head tilted slightly downwards. "I ask nothing else. But remember: a promise to me is binding. Once you accept, you cannot go back on the deal." Of course, this is a double-edged sword; it means that Hestia can't go back on the deal, either, as her goddess-given word. But she doesn't say that aloud. Kolina Kimondo watched the bird carefully, why did she want one of her cubs, and why choose the heir? It didn't make sense. Was she being used for some larger purpose? It was apparent that this bird was much more than that, but she wasn't about to question what it was.
"Why tkae one of my cubs?" She asked, unsure whether she would recieve a reply or not, but felt that the question had more than enough merit enough to be asked. She knew she would never be able to give up one of her cubs if she knew it might be hurt in any way. dustfeather "It's not your place to know, girl. But you should be honored." She glares hard at the lioness, eyes flashing. "But if it helps you to know, it won't be killed or anything sadistic or old-fashioned like that." There's a distinctly amused fleck in the pitch-black eyes. Whether that's a good thing for Kimondo or not, it's difficult to tell. "Do we have a deal, cat?" Kolina Kimondo looked at the bird as she relayed the deal that had to be made inside her head. Would she be willing to give up one of her own cubs? And how would she be able to convince the Firekin to not let the first born be the heir if she became the queen. There was always the chance that the sparrowhawk would choose the first born, but the odds weren't too great for that. The more she thought about it, the more she realized how hard it would be on her when the thought of Kiu appeared in her thoughts. If she agreed to this she could be with him. That was the reason she came all the way out here, to find Kiu and to be with him, but being with him would be impossible with the was she was now.
She turned her eyes back to the sparrowhawk and nodded her head. "I'll do as you ask." Her eyes never faultered as she looked at the bird in front of her. She was determined to achieve her goal. dustfeather The sparrowhawk kept a straight face - although it's easier to show less expression on a bird - but she's dancing triumphantly inside. Her eyes are the only thing about her that betrays her emotion; they sparkle cruelly, beak slightly curving up into an avian's parody of a smile. "Give your word, then, and I give my goddess-given word that I'll hold to my end of the bargain." She lifts one feathered wing and slashes along her other shoulder, creating a scar - yet without the blood - which fades slowly away, pulsing with life until it does. Kolina Kimondo looked at th ebird carefully. She had the feeling that maybe she was nothing more than a pawn for something greater, but at this point, she really didn't care. "I give you my word that I will hold up my end of the deal and give you one of my cubs and allow you to choose an heir." She spoke with little hesitation. The deal was now made and she would finally be able to be with Kiu. dustfeather Hestia consider, head tipped to the side. She nods, briefly. "Very good, then," She says, after a period of time, seeming to accept the words and the meaning behind them. "Stay still," She adds, a bit crossly. "This won't hurt." She closes her eyes, breathing deeply.
For awhile, nothing happens. Then a soft wind picks up, delicately playing over the sand and making it swirl in little eddys and pools, gathering around Hestia and then around Kimondo. Brief seconds pass before Hestia opens her eyes again, studying her handywork. That wasn't difficult to do...especially considering that it was merely an illusion, rather than changing Kimondo altogether. In Kimdono's place now stands a lioness; with the stocky, somewhat ruff look of the Firekin. She has an extremely dark red pelt, with softer undertones, but the same blue eyes of Kimondo, and a dark black tailtuft.
"There," The bird grunts, ruffling her feathers. "All done. Now - your name is no longer Kimondo. It is Kinja, which means firebrand. Before Makadari's time, there was a coalition of three males - Makadari's father, and two other lions...Moto and Uteketevu. You'll be Moto's daughter...and your mother is Ungua, Uteketevu's daughter. Get the bloodlines right, Makadari's no fool - you won't be accepted into the pride unless they really believe your a long-lost pride member. Your mother disappeared when she was an adolescent - we'll suppose she was pregnant with you at the time. You've heard stories and wish to be welcomed back into the pride, and beg that your mother's tainted blood won't wash away on your own...for she left the pride, and they may see that as treason. Be polite and proud, but not too prideful, especially around the older members." dustfeather The sparrowhawk isn't listening to the thanks...she's already launched herself off into the air, where she feels more comfortable. In swoops and dives, she wheels above the wine-red lioness, a black, brown, and white speck. Her call comes back to Kimondo as she makes a jabbing gesture with her beak off to the northeast. "Over yon lies the pridal cavern. Keep going, and try not to get lost!"
That said, Hestia disappears, zooming away towards the horizon.
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Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:08 pm
Title: Kinja Arrives at the Firekin Den Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Aug 17th, 2004 Status: Complete Kolina Kimondo, now to be known at Kinja, made her way in the direction that the sparrowhawk had indicated. Now left on her own again, she hoped that she could pull off fooling the pride. It was going to be tough but she'd do her best to prove to them she was something she truly wasn't.
As she climbed up a rather large sand dune and reached the top she could the dens the pride called home. Taking a deep breath she slid down from the dune's peak and carefully made her way towards the Firekin's den. She hoped that she wouldn't be noticed right away, but there was no telling who was around her at that moment. Daimyn Dama. He'd beat the daylights out of her, too, if he had the chance. Makadari waited until he'd circled around and behind the teenaged slave, then aimed another heavy blow toward his hindquarters with a back paw, then continued circling, pretending not to believe the wretched form of the animal who called himself a lion. He eyed the tufts of mane Kitwana had developed in his adolescence and snorted in disgust. This youngling couldn't even grow a proper mane. The King shook his head, making his own mane stand out to its fullest. Tell me... why would I believe you? A slave of the Blood. You are less than a speck of dust carried across the desert by the wind. You... are nothing.
The King was about to cuff him one last time and send him on his way, when he scented another lion coming towards the den... a female he did not recognize. Sighing, he turned away, kicking up sand. Go. Get out of my sight. Kolina Kimondo moved across the desert towards the shady den. The sun was beginning to take a toll on her and she was still very thirsty. What would the Firekin think if they saw her drinking twice as much water as they do? Yes, she did resemble a Firekin, but she was still a pridelander and needed to have a bit more water than they did. Well... she would worry about that later. She just wanted to get to the coolness of the den, if she was allowed that was. Daimyn Makadari sniffed the air once more. The scent was... strange. The lioness was obviously foreign; if she was a trespasser, which was most likely, the King would rip her apart, if he didn't enslave her fist. He would not tolerate any lion not of the Blood to step into his lands, unless they were a slave.
Finally she came into sight, and the sight of her stopped his pacing and left him staring. Her pelt was red, like the Blood's, but she wasn't anyone the King knew.
Silently, he waited for her to approach him and give her claim. Was she truely one of the Blood, he wondered, or was she a mere pretender? Kolina Kimondo saw a lion near the den. By the way he held himself and how much he looked like Kiu she figured he was the king. She walked up to him cautiously, ready to defend herself to the best of her ability should he attack. "I am Kinja, daughter of Moto and Ungua. I've been searching for your pride for several days now, I am quite relieved to have found you. All I ask is that you do not judge me as my mother, because I am not anything like her, I would never run from the pride, that is mere trechory."
She heldherself proudly, but did not show any signs that she thought herself above the king. To do such a thing would certainly mean death and she didn't want to fall under the king before even setting eyes on Kiu again. Daimyn Moto and Ungua... the names sounded familiar. Where had he heard those names before?
Then Makadari remembered. His father and two other males had formed a coalition; one of those males was Moto, who had apparently been mated with Ungua. The King remembered stories about her, as well: she had left the Firekin at adolescence, thus tainting her blood.
And this Kinja wanted to be let back into the Firekin Pride. Makadari narrowed his eyes at the female and began his ritual pacing, deep in thought.
You say you are nothing like your mother -- but of that I have no proof. You look like one of us, you know the bloodlines -- but again, I have no proof. Tell me why I should believe you; and I shall think on it, but I guaruntee nothing. Kolina Kimondo watched at Makadari circled around her but she made mo movement to watch him. She stayed the way she was, looking forward as she spoke. "I have no proof besides my word. Both of my parents are no longer living and I was left on my own. I want to join the pride instead of becoming a lowly rogue." Her voice didn't faulter, she knew that she would be questioned and was ready to answer. She just hoped Makadari would accept her. Daimyn Makadari kept circling her, watching her intently. Her eyes never once followed him; she stood at attention while she answered his question as only a member of the Blood would. Any other lioness would have followed his pacing nervously; would have stuttered or halted while speaking. This lioness didn't, she kept up her proud stance and yet never once acted like she was greater than him.
Makadari let the silence draw out before speaking. You will be watched, Kinja. Know that. Know that if you even once step out of line or reveal yourself to be other than who you have said you are, I will personally deal with you myself.
His pacing halted and he stood before her, looking down at her and waiting for any responce. Kolina Kimondo's eyes looked into Makadari's for a few seconds as he stopped to speak to her. As he finished she bowed her head to him. "Of course your majesty." She spoke clearly to him , making sure not to contact eyes again, Not sure if he would take that as a threat. A gentle breeze blew past and the scent of water was on it. As she shifter he gaze she could see a large oasis and would have made a mad dash for it if she didn't have to keep up appearances. She bid the king well before moving slowly towards where the water lay just teasing her with its cool, refreshing goodness. When she finally reached its banks she lowered her body and drank the liquid greedily, taking as much as she could possible take before laying down in the bit of lush grass.
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Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 8:21 pm
Title: Kinja meets Waka Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Aug 20th, 2004 Status: Complete Kolina Kimondo didn't stray far from the den, unsure whether she would be able to find her way back to it. She was hoping to find something to eat, she was quite hungry, but prey seemed to be quite scarce out in the desert. She sighed and plopped herself down in the top of a large dune. She yawned and stretched, her red pelt shining in the sun's hot rays. Wotcher Now that Waka had calmed down over the initial shock of Jua's cubs being alive, Waka had her thoughts about her. I can't do it today. No, not today. But I must act soon...Or they will grow. With these thoughts, Waka turned back toward the comfort, and shade, of the caverns. As soon as the cliffs swam into view, Waka pushed her walk into a steady trot, eager to get back. She must discuss this with Sumba. Speak of the devil, there was Sumba! The fool, she was lying full and clear upon a dune, not in the protecting shade of the cliffs. Ah well, Waka knew her sister had her reasons for everything. But as Waka drew nearer to the lioness, she saw it wasn't Sumba at all. "Who are you, and why are you within the lands of the Blood?" Waka demanded of Kimondo, coming to a rest a few feet from where Kimondo lay. Waka noted, with some confusion, that this stranger had the red colors, the trademark of the Blood. But it did not matter...A trespasser was a trespasser. Kolina Kimondo was a bit startled by Waka but didn't let it show. She looked at the lioness, noting she looked much like the others with her red pelt and slightly stocky body. She held herself with as much confidence as she could muster up as she faced the lioness. "I am Kinja, I came looking for your pride after my mother spoke of you. She and my father have both perished so I need a pride to be with. The king, Makadari has already approved of my being here."
She looked the lioness in the eyes, she was dead determined not to let herself be found out, not now. She was so close to being near Kiu again.
Rising up onto her haunches she curledher tail around her legs and waited to see what this new lioness would do. Kimondo knew that she would have to prove herself to the other members of the pride as well. She just hoped the rest were as easy to convince as Makadari was. Wotcher "I see." Waka's words were whispered, her eyes narrowed dangerously. Like Makadari had done, Waka started to circle 'Kinja', studying her, glinting eyes roving. Searching for something... After exactly three circles, Waka snapped to attention infront of Kinja once more. "If you really are of the Blood, then you will have no trouble doing this simple task." Pausing for effect, Waka continued on, a slight smirk starting to curl around her mouth. "You see, hunting in this sand can be dreadfully hard at times. There is sand everywhere. The winds blow it. It likes to slip under your paws, and running in it is almost impossible, you see?" Waka said, shifting some sand into a small pile. "But one of the Blood should find this task quite easy. We are born with the instinct. I admit, prey is hard to find on days such as this, so I will provide you with that. But you, sister, will hunt the prey. Alone." Kolina She didn't move as Waka began to circle her, but she almost lost her composition when the words were spoken. ALONE?! Kimondo couldn't believe her horrible luck! There was no way she would be able to find any prey out here in this desolant land. What was she going to do?
"I'll do as you ask." She responded nonchalantly. "Any specific prey?" She thought that maybe, if she was lucky enough, she could find something small, she didn't expect many large animals to live in the harsh enviornment. Maybe though, if she could manage it. Could she get to the pridelands and back in a resonable amount of time, with prey? It was a risky shot but worth taking if she couldn't find anything in the desert let alone bring it down. Waka was right, running on the hot sand was quite hard, and she was use to digging her claws into the earth to help propell her forward after her prey. That certianly wouldn't work here. Wotcher "No, no. I will find the prey for you. Even I don't expect a newcomer to find a prey in this land." She offered Kinja a smile, but one could tell that it was was...well, fake. "You shall follow me, and kill the prey I want you to kill. I will be watching from the sidelines, I assure you. Now, comecome, we have much to do!" Waka set off, heading in a western direction. They were going to miss the cliffs, and the only thing that seemed to lay before them was sand, and lots of it. One thing was for sure. They were not heading toward the Pridelands. "Just who were your parents?" Waka asked the question, head held high as she led the way. Oh, she would have much to report if she found out this Kinja was a faker. Kolina Kimondo could feel her doubt growing as Waka stated that she would find the prey. This wasn't going to turn out right. Maybe, she could come up with some kind of excuse? No, she already gloated about it being no problem, damn. As Waka began to speak again Kimondo was pulled from her thoughts.
"My father was Moto and my mother was Ungua." She spoke with little emphasis as she dropped back into her thoughts of how to save her hide and her identity. Wotcher "Hmm..." Waka entered deep thought. After a few moments of critical thinking, she snapped out of her stupor. "Yes, I remember them...faintly. It seems like they ran away, got killed, or something, the fools. " Waka smirked, waiting for Kinja's response. A small black dot on the horizon started to steadily grow closer, as the two lionesses trecked onward. "Halt. You see those bushes upwards a bit? There is usually a few stray antelope, or at least a hare or two within them. The sand is not as bad here, so be thankful. But I'm sure you'll find the little cover to be just as challenging." You really couldn't tell the black blips were bushes, at least from that distance, but Waka knew this land like the back of her own paw. Leading Kinja a few more paces forward, the black dots now morphed into visions of scrawny, under-watered bushes. "Okay, now it's your turn, slick. I'll be watching. If you need help...Just ask. I'll be more than glad to give it." Kolina Kimondo had no reply to Waka's snide remark of her 'parents' instead she opted to act as if she missed it.
Finally her worrying could stop as the prey came into view, now her worry was in full blown panic. There was nothing she could do but go along with it and hope she didn't fail miserably. As Waka let her go for it she slowly moved closer to the antelope, taking as much time as she felt was necessary to reach her prey. Whenever the antelope looked or even hinted that they were worried she would stop cold, then once assured they were calm again she would inch her way forward.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity she was close enough to them that she could launch a full blown attack when she was ready. She gathered herself much like she did when hunting in the pridelands. She just had to remind herself not to dig her claws or paws into sande. If she ran as light pawed as possible she would do fairly well.
After taking one finaly breath she lept forward and so did the antelope. The smaller creatures moved nimbly over the sand while Kimondo did her best to keeo up. Her paws, remarkably didn't dig into the sandy earth but seemed to glide over the grains of sand. Did that sparrowhawk do something a bit more than create an illusion on her? Or did she, by some strange occurance, manage to do something that the Firekin wouldn't ever dream of seeing a Pridelander do? Well either way she was overly pleased with herself when her teeth dug into the antelopes neck. Wotcher Waka watched Kimondo with rapt attention. Ears pressed forward, eyes shining maliciously, she watched as Kinja crept forward. A sneer was planted on Waka's face, and she had the thought to whisper some smart-a** remark to the stalking Kinja, but instead she bit her tongue and waited. Following the trail with her acute eyesight, Waka smiled slightly when she realized Kinja's target was an antelope. She wasn't afraid to take risks, this Kinja, Waka had to admit. As Kinja leapt, Waka lowered herself to the ground, silently cursing. For once, she wished the prey would get away. "Run, little antelope, run." The whispers were soft, but they stopped all together as Kinja sank her fangs into the neck. A few moments of wildly wishing the antelope would get up and start running again, Waka finally admitted defeat. Forcing herself to stand up, she started toward Kinja with a lively gait. "Well done, well done! I still say there is something odd about you, but you have passed this test, and that is what counts." Kolina Kimondo looked up from the now still antelope, her maw full of it's blood. As Waka approached and spoke all Kimondo could think of was how right Waka was. If the other lioness only knew that Kinja, was really Kimondo, a pridelander, all hell would break loose.
She looked at her kill and felt hunger rise but she knew she had to take the kill back to the rest of the pride. She wasn't sure how the pride would take to her eating the prey herself, they weren't anything like Sarabi and Mufasa and she must share whatever kill she made. She turned to Waka with a smug smile. "Well, since I have passed your test I'll be taking my kill back to the rest of the pride." She mentally thanked Waka for making the trip pretty easy to remember. Lowering her head she picked the carcass up by the neck and begant o drag the dead creature over the hots sands back to the den.
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Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 8:31 pm
Title: Kiu meets Kinja Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Aug 23rd, 2004 Status: Complete Kolina The carcass of the dead antelope wasn't much problem to drag across the sandy desert, but she was thankful to see the den in front of her after she walked up and over another dune. She dropped the carcass for a few moments while she shook herself, ridding the loose sand from her fur. A small wind had picked up and caused her red pelt to dull in color due to the embedded grains. Licking her maw, the taste of blood only makes her more hungry but she knows better than to eat the kill herself. With a sigh she grabbed the still form by the neck again and continued to the den. Rogue Roxness Meanwhile, Kiu waited at the den, trying unsuccessfully to ignore the rumbling of his stomach. Soon, hopefully, a hunt would return, and he would be able to gorge upon the carcass that they brought back. If they brought back a carcass, he thought morosely. If they didn’t, the hunting lionesses would have to deal with an extremely unhappy Firekin heir. He smiled. Either way, he’d win. Either he ate, or he got to push the unsuccessful huntresses around. . . though if the latter occurred, he would still be hungry, his belly unfilled. And so, Kiu tried to distract his mind, since he knew that if he continued upon this train of thought, he would eventually be reminded of his ravenous hunger. Suddenly, he saw a speck in the distance, coming towards the den. Could it be a huntress with her kill? Kolina Kimondo approached the dena dn was quite grateful to feel the coolness of the shadows on her. She dragged the carcass into the den and dropped it, licking her maw once again. When she looked up she stopped dead. It was Kiu. She wasn't sure what to do, Kiu wouldn't recognize her as Kimondo, but maybe he would remember the way she would talk to him? No, it was extremely doubtful, plus, if he figured it out, nothing would work out as she hoped.
Knowing that Kiu hadn't met her as she was now and vie-versa she spoke to male heir. "I don't believe we've met." She stated matter-of-factly. "I am Kinja, a new commer, so to say." Rogue Roxness “Pleasure,” he said politely, rather unsure of why he was being polite in the first place. “You are one of the blood? How is it that you were not born here?” he asked, a spark of curiosity dancing in his eyes. However, though he waited for an answer to his question, his eyes were fixed on the carcass that she had brought back. Trying to keep from salivating too much, he eyed it hungrily. Yes, this huntress was indeed good if she had brought down this prize. Eating it would fill his stomach. The edge, however, had been taken off of his hunger by his curiosity. This new lioness was indeed a curious figure. She had the red hued pelt of one of the blood, not to mention that she was the most beautiful of his kind that he had ever seen. Perfectly proportioned. Muscular, full, graceful in her movements. . . everything that Sumba and Waka were not. (Well, in Kiu’s opinion. xD! I’m just kiddin’ around here.)
The Firekin heir took a moment more to gaze at her before his hunger got the better of him, and he took a step forwards towards the carcass. “I thank you for bringing the Firekin this fine meal,” he answered, not at all sure why he was being polite. What was he thinking? And so, glancing at her once, he began to eat the food calmly, tearing off a chunk of meat and chewing quickly, though he did not attack it like a madbeast. It took all of his willpower to keep from engulfing the thing whole.
Kolina She wasn't the least perturbed by his questions or actions. "I was born to two rogue blood lions. Moto and Ungua" As he moved toward her kill she watched as he began to tear the beast apart. She felt a small bit of pride in her to know that she had brought Kiu his meal.
"If I may ask, who are you? You look much like the king, if you don't mind me saying." She was careful with her words, she didn't want Kiu to think she was being rude in being so blunt but it appeared she would have to be the one to start the conversation while he gorged himself.
She waited patiently for him to allow her to join him in feasting, if he would, and hoped he would continue conversation with her. Rogue Roxness “You’ve met Makadari?” Kiu asked in between bites of the delicious food. “Yes, it’s true. He is my father, though, if I may say, there is little love lost between us. I am his eldest, Kiu. And since I have told you mind name, would you give me the most dubious honor of knowing your own?” His maw slightly covered in the blood of Kimondo’s kill, the heir casually licked it clean before working on a bloody paw. It was only a matter of seconds before he began eating again, his sharp teeth delving into the flesh with exuberant vigor. Another chunk of flesh appeased the male lions hunger somewhat, and so he turned to Kinja with a small smile. “Now, milady, will you join me? This is, after all, your kill.” He smiled, his yellow eyes flashing.
His hunger mostly appeased, the lion tore off a chunk of meat, chewing on it more to have some activity to occupy his mind than because he needed sustenance. Mmm. . . that had been good. Well, now that he had eaten, perhaps he could learn more about the strange, newly-arrived huntress of the blood. “So, you are staying here from now on?” he asked casually after swallowing a dainty mouthful of meat.
Kolina "That explains why you look much like him." She watched as he tore into the carcass again before he felt the need to ask for her name. "I am known as Kinja, which means Firebrand." She spoke with as much pride as she could muster up. Oh, how she wished she could just tell him it was her, Kimondo, Shooting Star, but she couldn't.
When he invited her to join in the meal she moved towards the half eaten carcass,layed down next to Kiu and delved her fangs into it, tearing bits of meat off of it. The more she ate, the better she felt, she hadn't eaten since she left the Pridelands and her hunger had taken a bit of a toll on her. Atleast she now knew where she could find water and prey when needed.
"I will be staying as long as your father, the king, allows me to. I am currently on probation, so to say. He wishes to see how will be with the pride. Waka seems to have approved me though, as she stated, she thinks I am a bit odd."She chuckled softly before turning her attention back to the carcass. Reaching her head into it's chest cavity she ripped out some of the better parts of the creature that was left and happily chewed them. Rogue Roxness Still chewing nonchalantly, Kiu began to take further interest in the lioness that had joined him. As she ate ravenously, he chewed thoughtfully. “Firebrand. . . a good name,” he said, and he meant it. A very good name indeed for one of the blood. “You are right to be proud of it. My own name means Drought.” He too was proud of his hot, fiery name. A perfect name for an heir. “Probation, you say?” he answered with some interest. “Hmmm. . . well, if you keep catching food, and don’t try to kill anyone important, you’ll do fine. Besides, you aren’t allowed to leave the Firekin once you’ve joined. If you mess up your probation, you’ll become a slave unless you run. And then, it wouldn’t be that hard to catch you. We’ve got some of the finest hunters in all of Africa here.” And this was true.
However, as soon as he had said such things, Kiu knew that the lioness would most likely grow a bit wary. “But you won’t become a slave,” he said coolly. “As long as you don’t offend me or Makadari, you’ll have a place here. Being of the blood helps, of course.” There was still one thing that puzzled Kiu. . . this lioness seemed, in an odd way, vaguely familiar. But, he knew for a fact that he had never encountered her before. Why did this stranger stir up memories? It was very odd indeed. However, he dismissed the thought in favor of a new one. “So, you said that your parents were of the Blood, but were Rogues. Why? The Blood are always welcome at the Firekin.”
Kolina She looked at him slyly as he stated that the Firekin pride had some of the best hunters. "Yes, I am sure you do, but I lived on my own for awhile in the desert and you'd be surprised at what I can do." She didn't show any signs of being wary but she felt it. So, if she failed to prove she was a Firekin she would become a slave. That wasn't something she really wanted to think about.
She reached inside the carcass again pulling out more meat. By this time, more than just her maw was blood covered, but her entire head and her paws. It didn't bother her really, she would clean up when finished her meal, which wouldn't be too much longer now. Her hunger was practically appeased now. She turned back to Kiu as he spoke of her 'parents'. "My father knew your grandfather, until they split up. My mother left the Firekin pride and joined my father. I was born a year before my parents both died and since then I've been making my way to your pride." Rogue Roxness Kiu nodded. This story seemed extremely plausible. So, his question had been answered. That is, except for the strange sense of familiarity that the arrival of this ‘Kinja’ had brought upon him. Kiu, tiring of his chewing, took one last mouthful of the meat, swallowed it, let out a contented sigh, and then proceeded to groom. He started with his face, wetting his right forepaw and using it to groom his whiskers and maw. That didn’t take long. Then, he proceeded to clean his paws thoroughly, more for show than out of necessity. After he had finished grooming his right paw, he moved on to his left, continuing to speak to the newest addition to the pride (sort of) while cleaning up.
“So, what made you decide to come here?” he asked. “The Pridelanders tell stories about how cruel and vicious we are. How did you hear about us? Did your parents tell you?” This was another curiosity that he had about the lioness. Why she had decided to come and join their pride. Well, part of it was obvious. She was one of the Blood, and wished to be with others of her superior rank. Why would she join a pride like the MISTWEAVERS when she could come back to the God’s chosen? It was all very foolish, now that he thought about it. However, the question still stood, and he did not think about retracting it. Besides, her answer might be interesting. Kolina Kimondo ripped her last piece of meat from the carcass, now quite full and content before answering the male lion. "My father spoke of this pride several times to me. He spoke about the proud firekin pride who were strong and unrelenting. Ever since I was young I loved to listen to his stories and after he and my mother died I decided to find the Firekin pride myself. I must say, I am not dissapointed with what I found." She stated as she looked right at Kiu. A smile played across her maw before she began her cleaning as well. She focused on her paws first, making sure they were clean before moving to her head. She didn't want to rub more blood on her face then there already was.
She noted how Kiu kept looking at her and after several minutes of cleaning she lowered her head between her paws and looked up at him innocently. "What do you find so intriguing about me that you keep stareing?" A small smiled graced her features before she rolled onto her back and stretched her limbs. Rogue Roxness Kiu, who had been wondering the exact same thing himself, came to his senses before answering her. “It’s just. . .” he paused, attempting to organize his thoughts so that he could give her a proper answer. He could say, ‘you’re beautiful’, but that would sound mushy, and would only be partially true, not to mention slightly forward and rude and completely unlike him. And so, he decided to tell her the other half of the reason that he was staring at her, in a rather relaxed way, of course. He couldn’t just blurt out- ‘you’re giving me the creeps because you remind me of something, but I can’t remember what.’ He would have to be calmer and subtler about it.
And so, Kiu answered. “Well, you seem to remind me of someone. . . Looking at you stirs up memories, but of what I can’t remember. I know that we have never met before. You have only just arrived at the Firekin pride. I know that I’ve never seen such a one as you before in all of my life. But. . . you do seem oddly familiar.” There, that would do it. Honest, kind of, and not completely foolish. He was rather proud of himself. And with that, he continued grooming, though he paid little attention to his own work. He was too busy watching Kinja clean her own paws and maw. Kolina Kimondo smiled again and rolled back onto her stomache. "I wonder who that someone is?" She felt a lump in her throatform. Was her remembering her when they first met? Could she have actually left such an impression on him... no... he must have met someone else before me and my appearance is just what is jogging old memories.
She layed her head between her paws again and thought for a few moments before presenting a question. "So, being the heir of the Firekin, have you or your father and mother, chosen your future queen?" She asked with as little emotion as she could. She didn't want her hint of hope to shine through if he said no. She had only come to realize that maybe another lioness has already touched him enough that they were mates already. she didn't want to think of the possibility since it would mean all her effort would be in vain and she would have to return to the pridelands, if she could manage it, broken hearted. Rogue Roxness Kiu laughed. “No, Kinja. Not yet. You see, though our pride is great, those of the purest blood are rather rare. Sumba and Waka. . . they will not do. Besides, Sumba already has a child of her own, Jifyo. Jifyo is not old enough for me, and Waka. . . frankly, she bothers me. She seems to enjoy insulting me, even though she doesn’t succeed, really. How would you like a queen that insulted you badly every other second? Neither my father nor I have found a suitable candidate as of yet. . . however, I will need to find a queen soon, since Makadari is getting old in years. . .” as he said this, Kiu began to think about other things. . . poisonous things. His plan to kill Makadari would need to be put into action soon enough.
“So, why do you ask?” Kiu prodded, hoping to take his mind off of killing his father. That would have to be plotted out later. . . he would worry about that later that evening. First, he would make sure to acquire the proper poison. Then, he would wait for the perfect opportunity. Patience and stealth were what was needed in this. Patience and stealth. He couldn’t act too soon, especially not with the arrival of this newcomer. He would bide his time and plot until the perfect moment came along. Then. . . he would be king at last. It was the least he could do for the Firekin, killing off the weak old king to make room for the strong new one. Kolina "Oh, just to see how much of a chance I have with you." Those words left her before she even realized what she was saying. Well, might as well go with the flow now. "Now I know what my odds are." She chuckled, hoping to make it seem as if she were only joking, but somehow, she felt as if she didn't suceed.
"so there aren't many lioness in the pride? It seems you needed me more than I thought." She winked grinned, she hoped that maybe he would forget her previous comments.
She lifted her head all the while feeling like a fool for what she was saying. Kiu would definitly turn from her after those comments. She looked at the mostly eaten carcass for a moment, remembering her feelings when she had first sunk her teeth into it. To her, it meant that she actually had a chance to pull of her disguise. Now, it felt like everything might come crashing down on her. Rogue Roxness Kiu was rather startled by her comment. A little flattered, but. . . yep, mostly startled. Smiling a bit, the lion attempted to put on a relaxed, nonchalant attitude. “We’ll see how you fare in that arena later,” he said coolly, dismissing the subject. “Not really short of lionesses, just Blood lionesses. We have plenty to do the hunting. . . Sumba and Waka take care of it well enough with help from some of the slaves. However, yes, we ARE in need of those of the Blood. Unfortunately, they are rare. Those descended directly from the gods are dying out or are disappearing quicker than we would have hoped. And so, in a sense, yes, we do need you here. Ah yes, you’ll be staying either way. I’m very confident that it won’t be as a slave, though.”
He smirked. Either the lioness was a fool, or she was very daring. He decided to try and forget her comments and judge her a different way. However, this proved to be impossible. Her chances with him? Well, any lioness would want to be the proud queen of an heir to a mighty pride, especially if he was strong and good looking. Of course, Kiu was very vain. It was true. . . Though he was not nearly as bad as his brother, Mwali, he still had a streak of vanity in him. Yes, he thought. If he were a lioness, he would most likely fall in love with himself. And so, he forgave her her slipup.
Kolina Kimondo nodded, though short wasn't to word for the amount of blood lionesses. There weren't many at all and if they ever attempted to try and take the pridelands they would most surely perish or be forced even futher away, no matter how strong each individual lion and lioness was, she was proof that pridelanders could be just as tough, if not tougher than the Firekin.
With a soft sigh she layed her head on her paws which were now cross in front of her to create a pillow of some sort. She yawned and closed her eyes momentarily before opening them again. She had done a lot the past few days and rest wasn't far off for her now. The night would bring wonderful cool tempratures and she would sleep peacefully, that she didn't doubt. Rogue Roxness “Don’t get too comfortable,” Kiu said with a sly grin. “You know, you ARE new. My father will most likely want to test you. . . “Waiting for her eyes to meet his, he continued in a slightly teasing, mocking tone. “Since you’ve just arrived here, Makadari will most likely place you on guard duty, especially if you look tired. He’ll do it just to test you.” He pitied the lioness slightly, and so he decided to give her a helpful tip. “When you go and see Makadari, you should look wide awake and well-rested. Since you don’t look tired, that’ll defeat the purpose of putting you on guard duty. He’ll let you sleep, work you hard the next day, and then put you on guard duty when he knows you’re tired. But, if you act wide awake tonight, he’ll decide to let you sleep. You’ll get a little rest, at least. . . “
Kiu had seen this same treatment performed on several other lions when they had arrived at the Firekin boundaries. Slaves that needed to be broken were always pushed to the outer limits. Well, Kinja wasn’t exactly a slave, but Makadari would most likely test her in a similar fashion. Now that he thought about it, he would most likely be even harder on her, since she was one of the Blood and would, in his mind, be able to withstand more because of the holy, goddess blood that ran through her veins. Kolina Kimondo sighed and lifted her head, but nodded all the same. "I'll do just that. Sleep at the moment would be wonderful." She emphasize her need for it a yawn ripped through her. "I didn't trust sleeping out in the desert alone, especially with so few places to actually rest. I just didn't feel right laying down out in the open. My luck, something or someone would have came by during my moment of weakness." She spoke as if she were a true Firekin. It surprised her slightly as well, but the surprise didn't last long. "Thank you for the advice." She smiled and stood up. Before Kiu could really realize what she was doing, her tongue brushed against his cheek in a feline kiss. She didn't back away from him but sat down in front of the lion. Rogue Roxness She had kissed him.
This surprised the young Firekin heir almost as much as her arrival had! After all, Blood lionesses do not simply pop up every day and join your pride. The Blood lionesses that do not pop up every day and join your pride also do not kiss you for a small piece of advice on a regular basis. Obviously, this was a very rare occurrence, and obviously, this startled Kiu. However, it was not entirely unpleasant, and so he let it pass, dismissing it as a friendly gesture of thanks for his help and suggestions. And so, trying not to worry overly about the matter, he dismissed it from his mind. Or, tried to. It was not as easy as he had hoped it would be. And WHY was this lioness reminding him of someone, something, else?
Even if it was meant to show something more, what did he care? He would see how any relationships with this lioness went, romantic or simply friendwise. He would find out what he wanted to think of this stranger as in time. He, like her father, wished to test her before making any permanent decisions. As much as he tried to forget it, her words still rang in his ears, echoing over and over again in his head. ‘Oh, just seeing how much of a chance I have with you.’ The unafraid, cocky attitude with which those words had been spoken lead him to believe that she had meant to utter them, but she had seemed a trifle embarrassed afterwards. Yes, this lioness was indeed a very confusing creature. He would have to study her and learn more about her to be sure. Kolina Kimondo smiled at him and walked past him. The tip of her tail brushed along hiw chest as she headed towards the entrance of the den. "Well, I better get myself prepared to see your father. I do hope to see you again soon." With a final farewell she padded out of the den leaving Kiu alone to ponder her.
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Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 9:20 am
Title: Scolding from Makadari Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Aug 25th, 2004 Status: Incomplete Kolina When Kimondo walked out of the cave after bidding afond farewell to Kiu she slipped alongside the den where some shade was lingering and allowed herself to collapse there to rest for the time being. She wasn't use to the heat of the desert yet, and taking down that antelope had taken quite a bit out of her reserves. A yawn moved through her and she did nothing to stiffle it. Stretching her limbs she positioned herself right alongside the den to avoid any contact with the blazing sun. Once comfortable she sighed contently and allowed her tired eyes to droop close. Her breathing evened out as she feel into a light, but peaceful slumber. Daimyn Makdari stalked the caves of the Firekin den. He hadn't been able to find Kitwana, and no one seemed to know where he was. He'd find him... eventually. For now, he went to find Kinja. She was laying in the shade near the entrance to the den. He'd seen her at the oasis earlier, drinking water. Makadari narrowed his eyes. Surely the lioness knew that drinking too much water was a sin? Water was precious here; the only thing they had was the oasis, and if it dried up none of the lions would survive. Kinja. I saw you at the oasis earlier today. Might I ask what you were doing there?Kolina Kimondo opened her eyes as she sensed someone approaching her. Upon further inspection she saw that Makadari was standing directly over her. Pushing herself up onto her haunches to sit she listened to what the king had to say before coming up with a reply to his question.
"Traveling through the desert for so long had parched my throat. After drinking a little water I layed down to rest for a few minutes." She answered as honestly as she could without throwing any hints that might cause him any suspicion of her. She felt assured that he would accept this answer though. Would any lion be thirsty after traveling the desert for days on end, even the Firekin? Daimyn Makadari considered her answer before replying. I warn you not to waste water, Kinja. Water is sacred to the Blood, as I'm sure you know. Even the slightest shortage can cause the greatest damage to our people. Watch your step around that oasis, or I will be most displeased. Take not but your fair share. I will be watching. He turned and began to leave. Kolina Kinja watched as Makadari turned to leave her. She was surprised he didn't ask her to be on watch tonight like Kiu said. Maybe he was being kind? Well, she wasn't sure and was definitly not going to bring anything remotely close to that up, but something did jump into her head. "Um, sire, I was wondering if the lionesses have times or certain days that they go hunting? I'd like to help in the hunts."
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Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 9:28 am
Title: Confessions of Love Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Sep 2nd, 2004 Status: Complete Rogue Roxness Plotting
That was what Kiu was doing while sitting on his “special Rock.” The time was approaching swiftly. Soon, Kiu would attempt to overthrow Makadari and take his place at the head of the Firekin pride. It was his duty, it was his right to overthrow his father. After all, Makadari was getting old. He was beginning to grow slow in his movements, his eyes were clouding slightly. . . but he was still a fierce sight to behold! The young heir knew that he would have to be careful around his father. If he was not. . . he would be the one that lost his life, instead of his intended victim.
Kiu had another reason for killing his father, too. The Firekin pride did not respect him. He was younger than some of the lions there. He had done nothing to show them that he was worthy of ruling them. Makadari had, on numerous occasions. Surely, killing the king to take his place upon the throne would show them that Kiu was a lion to be respected! He was not a young, lazy fool like his younger brother, and he would make sure that whenever one of his pride, or any other, spoke his name, that they would speak it with fear in their hearts!
The sun was setting, it was early evening. Crimson hues dominated the sky, though wisps of dark blue were beginning to intertwine with the bright reds, oranges, and yellows of the dying sun. It was beautiful. However, Kiu did not notice the beauty of his surroundings. The sands of the Desert were a tarnished gold, breathtaking to behold. Kiu loved sunsets. Soon, the sun would set on Makadari’s reign. The dawn would bring a new era to the Firekin lands. Kiu would rise, just as the sun did, and bring a new age of glory to his people.
Kolina Kinja woke from her slumber to note that the sun was beginning to loose it's place in the sky and that night was beginning it's reign. She yawned and stretched, digging her claws into the loose sand. Standing up she shook the bits of grain that clung to her coat off before she looked around her. It was apparent she was pretty much alone except for one lion who sat alone on a rock. From his appearance Kinja knew right away that it was Kiu; his regal mane and large stature clearly showed who the lion was. With a smile she padded up alongside his rock and settled onto her haunches. She gazed up at Kiu for a brief moment before looking to the sky. "It'll be a wonderful night for star gazing." She noted aloud. The sky was without a speck of cloud in it. The sun kept diminishing beyond the horizon and Kinja wondered how her pride was doing. Her mind wandered to the tiny prince, Simba, who was only born a few day's prior to her departure. Knowing Sarabi the cub was fine but it was just something she wished she could know. A soft sigh escaoed her as she thought of the pridelands. Rogue Roxness Kiu smiled slightly, looking up at the sky. “Yes, it will. You can always see the stars in the desert. . . In the pridelands? Not quite as well. And you can hardly see them at all through the mist in the lands of the Mistweavers. From that great bloody waterfall they have. . . But here? Out in the desert, nothing blocks your view. No trees, no rocks, nothing. Just the sky.” Kiu’s smile widened. He had always loved sunsets. . . those in the sky, and those among the rulers of the Firekin lands.
Kiu’s rock was perfect for stargazing, too. A little off the ground, a comfortable place to sit, a perfect view. Curling up on the rock, he flicked his tail over an empty space next to him. “Care to join me?” he asked Kinja, his eyes watching her with keen interest. The golden light from the sunset was glinting off of her reddish pelt, making it glow with an ethereal majesty that took Kiu’s breath away. He averted his eyes, and continued to gaze at the source of the light that had made Kinja look so enchanting. Soon, the stars would come out.
One.
Two.
Three.
One by one, the tiny pinpoints of light covered the sky as the darkness of the night covered the heavens above. Soon, the sky was covered with stars. They shone brightly, making all sorts of patterns. The stars, Kiu realized, were the only things that ever stayed the same. Though life had changed as he had grown up, the stars had always been there, looking down on him and the rest of his pride. The stars were always there.
Kolina Kinja looked up at Kiu as he invited her upon the rock. She gracefully lept onto it and settled herself slongside the lion. She watched as the stars began to fleck the night sky that grew darker with each passing moment. "I never really looked at the stars like this before. They were just something up there that I occasionally looked at before falling asleep." She muttered. It was the truth, she never really payed much heed to the stars but they were absolutely breathtaking out in the desert. There was nothing to block her view of them as Kiu had stated. She glanced over at the lion who was gazing at the setting sun which had just about dissapeared over the horizon. She smiled, nothing could ruin this moment for her. She was resting next to Kiu, the lion whom she had fallen head of heels for and felt completely sfe beside him. Before she relaly even knew what she was doing she rested her head on his shoulders, his mane cushioning her. Her blue eyes gazed up at the sky as her nose filled with the familiar and wonderful scent of the lion she was resting with. Rogue Roxness Kiu arched his eyebrows in surprise as Kinja rested her head against his mane, but made no movement to reposition her. Having her resting next to him was. . . enjoyable. The stars were indeed beautiful, but they were nothing compared to the serene goddess that rested next to him. He sighed to himself, so softly that Kinja couldn’t have heard, and relaxed. He couldn’t let anyone know that he had such a soft spot for this lioness (they might tease him, it might ruin his reputation, they might use her to hurt him someday), but since no one was here. . . who cared?
“I’ve always looked at the stars,” Kiu responded, deciding to state what he had been thinking about earlier. “They’re the only things that have always been the same. Lions have changed as I have grown, the pride has changed, I have changed, but the stars have always been just as they were before. They were the same when my father was young, and when his father was young, and when the gods first came into being. The stars have always been there, and always will be there. They’re the only thing in life that is certain, that won’t ever disappear.”
After this rather poetic speech, Kiu was silent, looking at the stars. Looking at the stars with Kinja. As he rested there, the heir to the Firekin pride could think of nothing else that he’d rather be doing at that very moment. It was a pity that he’d have to treat her with indifference in public to save his reputation. He’d explain why to her, and everything would be perfect.
Kolina Kinja smiled at Kiu spoke. His voice was calm and soothing to her. She sighed, delving her head further into his mane. "Kiu... I was wondering..." She began. She wasn't sure if she should ask such a thing. Would he consider it rude? Would he show anger towards her? She had no idea how he would react but her heart kept telling her to ask her simple question. "Kiu... what do you think of me?" As she spoke she lifted her head and turned to look into his eyes. She hoped that he would tell her the truth, and most of all, that the truth was what she really wanted to hear. Rogue Roxness “I really like you,” Kiu said after a moment. “You say things that interest me, you seem clever, you are proud and brave and honorable like one of the blood should be. You can hunt, you look absolutely stunning, and. . . I really like spending time with you.” He said all of this only a little awkwardly, only a little quickly, only a little nervously.
It was at that moment that Kiu realized that he was in love.
He was rather embarrassed about it, since. . . It wasn’t an emotion that was normally felt by someone that was strong, brave, proud. . . Someone that knew that attachments could be dangerous. It was something that very, very few of the Firekin experienced. However, Kiu felt it, as much as a Firekin could feel it. (They are, after all. . . well. . . evil). At least, he reasoned, he felt it for an honorable Firekin lioness, one of the blood, one worthy to be his mate if he and she so desired.
And so, he decided to tell her.
He had a very, very strong feeling that she felt the same way anyway.
”Kinja. . .” he was hesitant, but soon, he managed to say:
“I love you.”
Kolina Kinja though she prepared herself for hte worst was a bit surprised to hear the words, that she had longed to hear, come out of Kiu, but it was the last 3 words that hit her the most. 'I love you.' Those words impacted her so hard that she felt that she could have fallen off that rock then and there but had, thankfully, kept her appearance. She moved closer to him, so that their bodies were right against one another and she reached her head forward and licked his maw. "It's nice to know that I have a hcance." She smiled, having refered back to the conversation they had much earlier. Sighing happily she rested her head against his neck, enjoying the sound of his breathing and the gentle throbbing of his blood running thorugh his veins.
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Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 9:37 am
Title: Cub Talk Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Sep 7th, 2004 Status: Complete Kolina Kinja yawned and stretched out in the hot sand letting it warm her body thoroughly. Rolling onto her back she allows her swollen stomache to bask in the sun as a gentle sigh escapes her. Over the months she had grown use to the hot desert and was warming up to calling it home even though she still longed for her real home back in the pridelands. She felt torn between the two places, if she left the desert she would loose Kiu, her mate, but if she stayed she would always be away from her true home.
The thought of Kiu made her smile and she glanced to her abdomen. She had grown quite a lot since the night that she and Kiu confessed love to one another and she didn't regret a thing. The pride didn't seem to really notice but she knew sooner or later her and Kiu's relationship would have to be brought out, especially when the cubs were born. The thought of telling Makadari frightened her but she was certain that Kiu wouldn't allow his father to hurt her.
Rolling back onto her sotmache she looked towards the den where the kin currently was. Her ears fell against her head at the thought of the horrible lion before she shook herself free of those emotions. If anyone found out about how she felt of Makadari then she would certainly be exiled and her cubs killed when they were born. She shuddered and turned her eyes away.
Rising from her spot she glanced around carefully, making sure that no other lions or lionesses were around before she slipped toward the oasis and allowed herself to lap up some of the cool water. The liquid running down her parched throat was pure bliss, she still couldn't go as long without water as the Firekin could but she did improve her stamina. Whenever she needed water she needed to be very careful about it.
After taking her fill she looked around before leaping onto a rock that overlooked the waters edge. She gazed down at her reflection, well, not hers, but of her Firekin identity. Gentle ripples graced the water as two tiny tear drops fell. She felt horrible deceiving Kiu the way she was and had been considering telling him who she truly was, but was afraid. She didn't want to loose him, she loved him far too much. Rogue Roxness Kiu yawned and stretched in the quiet, dry, cool darkness of his den. His eyes opened, and the heir looked about his person blearily and, seeing no one, stretched luxuriously to work the kinks out of his muscles. His back arched, great red paws pushing upwards from the ground, his tail swishing idly back and forth. Twisting his neck from one side to the other, Kiu smiled as he heard a satisfying crack. After shaking himself off, the great lion felt ready to greet the dawn!
Or, as it was, the afternoon.
Kinja hadn’t needed to tell him that she was pregnant. Pregnant with his cubs. He had watched as they grew inside her. There had been no confessions, no secrets. He had simply known, and she had known that he had known. Kiu was proud. Very proud indeed. In this litter of cubs, and a fine litter it would be, the next heir to the Firekin would be born. Was this, he wondered, how Makadari had felt before his own birth? Kiu doubted it. There was little love lost between himself and the king.
Kiu yawned, and then walked off towards the oasis, where he knew that Kinja would be. He knew that the strange lioness that he had bonded with was certainly there. Though he did not notice that she needed to drink more than other lions of the Firekin, he had noticed that she often went there when she sought solitude and tranquility. Feeling satisfied with this assumption, not guessing at any other reasons for her to choose the oasis as her hidden sanctuary, Kiu was content to let his mind concentrate on other things.
It did not take Kiu long to reach the oasis. The sand felt hot under his paws, but everything that is exposed to the hardships of the world is turned to callous eventually, and Kiu’s paws were resilient and almost unfeeling. The heat did not bother him. His paws had burnt and toughened. Walking past a tree and into the oasis, Kiu saw Kinja. He smiled at her, padding up to her. He began grooming her neck when he reached her, more intent on her than on the water in front of him, where she was looking.
Stupid water.
Stupid Mistweavers.
Ah well.
“Drink,” Kiu said, gesturing at the water. “Drinking isn’t good, but when you have cubs growing inside you, the extra water is needed. You need not try and keep from drinking water to avoid my disapproval.”
Kolina She purred loudly at Kiu's affections towards her before she buried her head within his mane. "I am fine, and so are the cubs." She smiled gratefully at him. "It's not you I worry about, but your father. He has already warned me about the water and his threat won't be forgotten." She stated. "But I am fine at the moment." She smiled and moved over enough on the rock to allow Kiu room to lay next to her. The thought that kept wandering through her mind finally broke loose, ending the sweet silence betweent hem. "What will we tell the pride once the cubs are born? I don't think anyone has noticed and if they did they didn't say anything. Will they approve of us?" She looked at him. "And I won't allow them to hurt our cubs." She added a bit more forecefully then she intended. Rogue Roxness Kiu smiled reassuringly, looking her straight in the eye. “I wouldn’t worry, to be honest. You are, after all, noble. You are one of the blood. No more requirements need to be met for the approval of the pride and for the approval of my father. My treacherous sister, Jua, had cubs with a rogue. Now, that was bad. . . It’d be even worse if she had given birth to the cubs of a Mistweaver.” (As usual, Kiu spat out the name as if to rid his mouth of a foul taste). “Don’t fret over it, Kinja. Since you’re one of the blood, my father will not care in the slightest.”
Grinning, Kiu looked into the water. “How many do you think that there will be?” he asked, posing the question to himself rather than to Kinja. “Is there some innate way of knowing how many cubs a lioness will have before she has them? I think there will be a male,” he said in a musing tone. “At least one. Maybe two. I wonder what they will look like. . . More like you, or me?” Kolina A pang of guilt raced through her when Kiu spoke of her being noble and of the blood. She quickly pushed that feeling though, she didn't want Kiu to suspect anything.
Kinja chuckled at her mates words. "I am not sure." She layed her head against his neck. "I am sure they'll be just like you though." She closed her eyes momentarily and sighed deeply. This is what she traveled for the Firekin lands for, this is what she had wanted since she had met Kiu and she didn't want for it to ever end.
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Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 9:46 am
Title: Bit of Cubbish Play Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Sep 7th, 2004 Status: Complete Kolina Kinja had yet to move her tiny cubs from the safety of the thicket, allowing the little ones to grow a bit more before heading out into the world for the first time. She nosed one of the small lionesses and smiled as it produced a tiny squeek, she turned to her her second son, Kimeti, who looked much like his father. She licked his fur, cleaning it of anything unwanted. The little lion vocalized his opinion on the matter of having a bath but Kinja didn't seem to notice.
After finishing with her previous dirty cub she yawned and rolled onto her side to allow the cubs access to milk. Her eyes drifted closed as the tiny lions suckled. Kinja wouldn't have fallen asleep if she didn't know that Kiu was guarding her and the cubs, the last thing she needed to come trapseing around was a hyena or any other animal, expecially with how young the cubs were.Kimeti growled his dissaproval of his bath and emitted several squeeks but no matter what he did the annoying licking didn't stop until several minutes later. His mind was quickly taken off the fact that his mother had ignored him when Kinja layed on her side. Kimeti's mind was then forcused on a meal. He eagerly pushed his way through the other cubs to get to his mother's milk first which he drank up eagerly. Daimyn
Moko squeaked when her brother stepped on her tail in his hurry to get to the milk. She nosed her way into the fray (sp?), bumping others out of her way to find the source of nourishment.
Makadari heard the roar of the female but ignored it; the breeze had changed direction... and with it had come the scent of... lions? Why were there lions out here? Members of the Blood rarely came this far out into the desert. He picked up his pace, his curiousity piquing.
Lenta Kavuasi snarled as his brother shoved his way in; He had been there first, and his impudent little sibling had the nerve to push him aside! Dismissing it with a squeak of indignation, Kavuasi pressed his muzzle to his mother's stomach, his little reddish-brown body convulsing as he eagerly gulped down the meal. Kolina Kinja rested peacefully as her little cubs ate their fill. They're bit of fighting and squabbling over milk didn't go unnoticed and she nudged each one of them as if repremanding them. After the little ones finally calmed down and were eating without causing pain to their brothers and sister or pain to herself she laid her head back down on the ground and heaved a gentle sigh.Kimeti ignored his brother's squeeks and connitnued his feeding. When his mother nudged him though he let loose his own angry squeeks at being dissrupted while eating. Finally after taking his fill he yawned and curled up by his mothers side. Lenta After being nudged, Kavuasi let off a soft rumble, almost as if acknowledging his mother's wishes and assuring her against it. He then continued to feed, his tiny stomach unsatiated by the milk that was being shared by his siblings. After a few more suckles, he let off, curling up against his mother as his stomach growled. He would finish later, if Kinja allowed it. Rogue Roxness While the other baby lions suckled their mother, Kafara did not. She rested, head on paws, looking around, and yet seeing nothing. She did not move, and was as stiff as a block of marble. Indeed, she seemed carved out of stone, the gentle slope of her back and her curving shoulders very statue-like. She was still smaller than her siblings, still the youngest.
Kafara, at last feeling the pangs of hunger in her small, furry belly, gave in and padded over to Jua on her tiny cub feet. She quickly took over sucking where her eldest brother had left off, gulping steadily and thoroughly enjoying her meal.
Kiu, meanwhile, was guarding, pacing around the clearing, letting out low growls once in a while. Nope, he wasn’t leaving Kinja while she had such young cubs to look after. She didn’t need any more stress. The least he could do as a father was stand by them. They were, after all, worthy of praise. They were his children, children of pure blood! A fierce pride burned in Kiu’s heart as he thought of his children. His two fine sons and his four lovely daughters. Lenta Hearing his father's growl, Kavuasi's ears perked, his eyelids fluttering weakly open to reveal his deep, light-blue eyes. Though he couldn't see Kiu, just the sounds of his paws and voice was enough for the cub to identify who it was. Already his brain was chugging along, digesting the information about his parents and siblings that he was learning. His nostrils flared as he caught scents of the clearing, things beyond the clearing, and those snuggled around him and his mother. Kolina Kinja heard Kiu's growls from outside the thicket. She smiled softly and let a soft call to him to join them in the thicket if he so pleased. She turned to her youngest and smallest daughter and grew a bit worried when the little one wasn't eating but relief washed over her as the tiny female moved to where her eldest brother had been and began to suckle as well. Kimeti had also heard his father and let out a little call of his own, which was nothing more than a squeek, but he felt proud with the sound the came from within him. He picked himself up on his tiny legs and made his way to the thicket exit to join his father.Looking up Kinja saw her yongest son trying to make a break for the exit. She stood up, stopping the others from eating, and walked over and picked Kimeti up. Before walking back to the rest of her cubs she stepped out into the day to see Kiu. She placed Kimeti down by her paws and kept a weary eye on him. "You don't need to stay out here you know. There's more than enough room in the thicket." She smiled. "Besides, I am sure your sons and daughters would like some time with their father." She licked Kiu's cheek before turning and picking up Kimeti and carrying the little one back inside. She settled herself in the back of the thicket as before after placing Kimeti with the rest of the cubs.Kimeti swatted outwards when his mother picked him up, but allowed himself to be carried outside. The sudden brightness filled the bit of sight he had and he cried out in confusion. He felt his paws land on something warm and he liked the feel of it. He curled himself up on the surface he was on between his mothers paws, but within minutes he found himself in his mother's grasp again. When he was placed with his brothers and sisters he curled up again and yawned before resting his head and dozing off. shia-san kijinga placed her paws on her mothers stomache, her nose sniffing around for milk. her ears were pinned back as her tail curled under her slightly. the sound of her brothers and sisters made her nervous, and she didn't want to get involved with them at the moment. she was hungery and that was her first priority. she carefully inched away from her siblings as she tried and made her way towards kinja's hind leg curling up beside it and letting out a long yawn. it seemed she didn't like to be around many others. kijinga layed her head down slowly, yet sleep would'nt come easy, her brothers and sisters were making much of a racket at the moment, but soon settled down. her body shaked a bit, then stoped, allowing her eyes to fall into a small slumber. Kolina Kinja watched her tiny cubs begin to relax and fall asleep. Her eyes fell upon her 4th born and she smiled a bit when the young one shivered. Curling her tail between her legs she curled the tip of it around the small body, giving her more warmth from her own body. Kinja laid her head down on the sandy floor of the thicket and yawned. Her eyes watched all her young ones, not ready to fall asleep until her little ones did.Kimeti was already fast asleep but he work with a start when one of his sisters accidently stepped on his tail. He growled out angerily and tried to find who the perpatraitor was but to no avail. She moved even closer to his mothers side and curled his tail along his moths side as he buried himself with her fur and heaved a mighty sigh before dozing into slumber again. shia-san kijinga felt a quick serge of warmth as she purred softly. her body was now pressed to her mothers as she licked at her nose, then closed her eyes to nap once more. Rogue Roxness Kiu sighed, thinking about Kinja’s words. He needn’t stay outside the thicket. . . and a few moments with his cubs would be wonderful. If anything was going to attack them, he would be able to defend them and hopefully lead it out of the clearing. Deciding to join his family, Kiu padded into the clearing, looking at his offspring and mate with pride in his eyes. He tilted his head, studying them with intense scrutiny. Yep, they all looked different. They were all beautiful, and they were already individuals. And, with the exception of one of the females, their names all began with K.
Kiu smiled as he entered, trotting over to Kinja to lick her on the cheek before looking at the cubs again. They were a fascinating sight, too. He gently nudged one of the males, the youngest, and smiled. “He does look like me,” the heir said proudly, eyeing his second son with some pride. “He looks like a prince.” It was then that Kiu looked at his firstborn son. Sniffing him lightly, Kiu smiled. Yep, this one was a strong young cub. “You named him Kavuasi?” Kiu asked Kinja lightly. “It is a good name.” He smiled. “And the second son is Kimeti. . .”
Kiu’s grin broadened as he looked at his daughters. “And we’ve named my lovely daughters too. . . Next time, save some for me to name. I only got to name our youngest, after all. It seems that you’ve already dubbed the others. Kijina, Kwana, Motomilia. . .” he paused. “It’s strange for only one cub to have a name that does not start with a K. . . still, it is a good name.”
He turned to his last daughter. “Ah, yes. . . this is the one that I named.”
Kafara had stopped suckling her mother and was curled up, her unseeing eyes wide open. They were yellow, like her fathers. “She looks a little like me too,” he commented. “Your first, fifth, and last have my coat. The other three have yours.” He smiled proudly at her.
Kafara still stared, her head tilted, directly at her father. Kiu suppressed a shudder. There was something a little odd about his last daughter. . . he dismissed it. Lenta As his father sniffed him, Kavuasi squeaked softly, batting at Kiu's giant nose. Sooooo biiiig! His tiny blue eyes twinkled, as the strong smell of his sire set the wheels of his mind in motion once more. Boy oh boy, what a story this would make! A cub, lost in a clearing, meets up with a giant of his own kind and... no, wait...
Nevermind.
Tumbling onto his side, the young cub fell by his sister, Kafara, then began batting at her with another squeak. His tiny fluff of mane-hair whipped around his face, giving him the look of a wild demon of fur. Scary! shia-san kijinga sniffed in the air. the smell of her father was near and she quickly skuttled over to him. her ears still pinned as only her mother and father were her friends, as small purrs of delightment departed her throut. her eyes were still shut from the sleepiness, as her small body curled around her fathers front paw. Rogue Roxness Kafara sat there. Yep, just sat there, trying to completely ignore her brother. It was as if she were looking beyond him, seeing something else entirely. She did not make a peep as she was attacked, just tilted her head and stared, her eyes wide and unseeing. Her dark red coat, covered with soft baby fur, was mussed by Kavuasi’s attack, but she ignored it. Just ignored it.
Kiu, meanwhile, laughed heartily. “He’ll make a good heir,” the large lion said, highly amused. “He’s already trying to take out his little sister. C’mon, Kafara. Fight back and show your brother that he can’t pick on you.”
Kafara didn’t. She seemed not to notice her father’s urging, or her brother’s playing.
Meanwhile, Kiu's attention was taken up by his other daughter, Kijina, who had wrapped herself around his foot. He smiled, bending down to nudge her with his nose.
Lenta But Kavu wasn't TRYING to pick on her! Only play a bit. He lifted his paw again, batting at Kafara's own front feet, then finally stumbled closer and bit her on the ear. It wasn't a hard bite, just enough to get her attention. After the bite, he tugged on her ear, then let go and tumbled over backwards. Hah, ignore that! Rogue Roxness Kafara squeaked in annoyance. It was the first sound that she had made so far. And it was loud, too! She whined, telling her mother all about her nasty older brother that picked on her. Stumbling over to where Kavuasi had fallen, she prodded him with her front foot, not quite sure what her bully of a brother was doing lying on the ground. She sniffed at his furry warm stomach before squeaking again and stumbling backwards, falling flat on her bottom. Lenta Well, THAT was unexpected. Struggling to get onto his feet, Kavu padded over to where Kafara sat, his legs shaking as they learned to support his weight. With a gentle squeak, Kavu sniffed at his sister, then strode behind her and began nudging her back. It's as if he wanted to help her get up, but the lack of apprehensable digits wouldn't allow it. shia-san kijinga lifted her head, her eyes slightly opened. you could bearly see the color in her eyes. her tail flickered once as she nuzzled at kiu's nose. it was much larger then hers, and so was his mane. she shakily stood, and shook her fur, this was the first or second time she had attempted to stand, yet this was the first success. kijinga heard the squeek and leaped up and tried to hide behind his massive paws. her head lowered as her tail curled. her ears flatened once more to show her fear as she watched the two play. Rogue Roxness Kiu smiled at his timid daughter and nudged her forwards with his nose, hoping that she would play with her other two siblings and get over her fear. “Don’t worry, Kijina,” he whispered. “They’re your brother and sister. They won’t hurt you at all!”
Kafara stumbled forwards a step (well, sort of, since she was sitting down), and then got to her feet. She was a bit wobbly at first, a bit unsteady, but soon she was up on all fours. She touched noses with her eldest brother before swatting at one of his bright blue eyes, a small snarl emitting from between her lips. Then, just as she was about to swat him again. . .
She toppled over.
shia-san kijinga yelped as she was jostled (see, thats one of my vocabulary words, so school can be used on gaia! XD) foward, her body wanting to run and hid, but her legs saying other wise. she took a step fowards and looked to the two cubs. her tail under her as her ears pinned back as far as possible. she took a scoot back, but fell on to her behind and looked up to the two. Lenta Kavuasi chuckled softly as Kafara's paw fell short, but it was only by a few centimeters that she had missed. The deep laugh sounded odd coming from the cub, but eh, that's how things work. He nudged Kafara again as she fell, then turned, tilting his head at Kijinga. Now two of his four sisters had fallen! Holy bageezus, what an uncoordinated family he had. sweatdrop Kolina "Well if you would have been in here you could have named a few more." She chuckled.
Kinja smiled as she watched her tiny cubs play among each other. She looked at Kiu, pride clearly displayed in her face. "They'll be wonderful addition to the pride." She smiled and lowered her head and licked Kafara's back to urge her to stand again. Kimeti could hear his fathers voice in his slumber and slowly arose, his ears perked forward. Standing on unsteady legs he moved to his fathers side. He managed to, hakily, move under his father and practically run into his tail. In the process he fell over and began playing with the tuft of hair located at the tip of his fathers tail. His tiny claws grasped at his fathers tail and dug into the lions tail. shia-san kijinga stared at her brother and sister. her fear slightly lifting, they did'nt bother her, which in her opinion was better then them wanting to bother her. her eyes glanced over to her mother as she took small steps towards her. she licked at kinja's cheek and then nuzzled into it. Rogue Roxness Kiu suddenly felt a sharp pain in his tail, and he winced, hissing slightly as he turned around to see his second son hanging on. He laughed a bit, picked him up by the scruff of the neck, and set him down next to Kafara, who had just been licked by her mother. “He’s a feisty one,” Kiu said to Kinja with obvious pride. “So are they others. You’re right. They will make fine additions to the pride!”
Meanwhile, Kafara had taken an interest in Kijina. Standing up after her mother had urged her to, she batted at her older sister’s front paw, squeaking all the while. Now that she had started making noises, she wasn’t going to stop! Then, she trotted over to Kavuasi, trying to n** at his tail.
shia-san kijinga squeeked as she batted at the female back. her teeth showing in a slightly playfull manor. her ears were now perked as she slowly ran towards her and leaped up pouncing gently on Kafara and then rolling off. her eyes scanned her sister again then she looked to her brother and made a small squeek to him, her tail swaying now slightly Lenta Kavuasi yelped as Kafara nipped his tail, his ears flattening against his skull. Ow! That stung! He quickly rounded on her and batted her ears, a low growl pulsing through his throat. Then, it was clear, and he was swatting playfully at her once more. The squeak from his second sister alerted him, and his ears tilted to one side to catch the sound. He added her tone to his mind, his database of family, then whirled and bounded towards her. shia-san kijinga flinched to see her brother coming towards her, but she didn't move. she watched him then sniffed at his head, licking it softly, then batting at his ear and tail because they moved alot. she squeeked again as she gently clamped onto her brothers front paw and then nipped at it. Lenta As Kijinga licked his head, Kavuasi murred, looking pleased. Then, the knock to his ears and tail sent him into another playful frenzy. He yelped as she nipped his paw, then lifted it from her mouth and placed it on her own paws, licking her head in return before squealing and batting at her side. shia-san kijinga let out a loud squeek as he licked her then batted at her side, she growled playfully then rolled over, and nipped at his hind leg, her ears were perked now and her tail was high Rogue Roxness Kafara sighed, licking her paws and watching her brother and sister play. The smallest lion had had enough for one day. She was a bit tired. Noticing her, Kiu walked up to his smallest daughter and licked her with a large, rough cat tongue. Kafara yowled and jumped to her feet, immediately following over again.
Kiu laughed.
Kafara stumbled to her feet, collapsing against Kiu’s lowered head. The large father righted his daughter again, and Kafara purred slightly.
Lenta Kavu felt Kijinga's teeth nick his back legs, and he snarled playfully, twitching his tail so that the fur on the end would bat against her face. Then, quite suddenly....
He fell asleep. o_o
All of his baby energy had run out, and he quickly flopped down onto his stomach, his sides slowing in their rise-and-fall routine as he slept. shia-san kijinga's head cocked to the side as her eyes looked to the sudden sleeper. she sighed as she troted over to her father and tried to n** at his ear, but it was to far up. Rogue Roxness Kiu laughed, both at his son and his daughter. He turned around, putting his tail in front of Kijinga, wondering if she would try to grab onto it as Kimeti had. Kafara, meanwhile, went over to investigate the newly asleep Kavuasi. Prodding him with one paw, she was startled to find that he was slumbering. He had been playing only moments ago! She yowled in annoyance, tugging on his ear. shia-san kijinga looked to the tail that had now wrapped around her. a gleefull experession she had as she stood and placed it in her mouth, she then began to tug on it playfully seeing if it would come off. Moofuls The eldest of the newborns had remained silent throughout...everything. Though, that was partially due to the fact that she was asleep, curled up at her mother's side. One ear twitched towards her father and sister, pale blue eyes opening moments later. She yawned and climbed shakily to her feet, but soon righted herself, growling playfully and bounding towards her sibling and father. shia-san kijinga yawned as her small body lifted up and looked to her mother. her eyes drooped heavily Kolina Kinja smiled as she looked adoringly at her litter. Calling gently to her little ones to stop fighting and sleep a gentle breeze blew into the den. Kinja barefly payed much notice to the wind besides curl herself around her babies more until an all too familiar scent also wafted in. Kinja looked up, startled that Makadari had found them already. She looked at Kiu with worried eyes. She didn't want to leave her cubs, but if it meant protecting them she would hide them all away in the thicket until she could return to them. No matter what Kiu kept telling her, Kinja just didn't feel her cubs were safe with Makadari, even if he was their grandlion.Kimeti yawned and stretched out his tiny legs, waking up only when the wind blew into the den. He shivered momentarily until his mother curled around him and his other siblings. A mighty yawn, or as mighty as one could be in such a small thing, escaped him again before he leaned against his mothers warm body and dozed back to sleep, oblivious to his mother's worries.
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Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:20 pm
Title: Scolding Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Sep 15th, 2004 Status: Complete shia-san Kijinga awoke from her slumber. her droopy eyes blinking slightly as she lifted her self off of the dusty ground. she shook her fur to let go of all access dirt that had gathered onto her, and she looked around. her mother was asleep as was her siblings. her ears rose as she grinned. perfect time to go exploring she thought as her tail flickered around. she quickly began at a slow trot out into the open, were her brightly color fur stood out. she winced at the sun, as it shone into her eyes. another grin appeared on her face as she took a glance back to her mom, then took off to explore. shia-san kijinga sniffed at the ground. her body gittery and ready to do a million things at once. but she calmed herself. she had to make sure she was exploring, but safe. her heart slowed to its normal rate, as her paws stoped. she was now bored. noone was around, and she had been walking for a while. it seemed that if she went further out, no one would be there. she sat on her haunches, and waited, for nothing preticular, just...waited. Kolina Kinja arose from her slumber and stretched her body out. She glanced down at her little ones who were all still sleeping peacefully, but as she gazed at the group of cubs she noticed something looked odd. With a quick count of heads she realized one was missing, Kijinga. She stood up, making sure not to arouse the others. Kiu wasn't far from the den so she felt sure the cubs would be fine without her for a short while.
The red pelted lioness darted from the den in search of her lost daughter. Her nose took in all the scents around her and her tiny daughters was one of the many things that filled her sensitive sense of smell. She took off in the direction the scent was coming from in hopes of finding her little one. The sand wasn't as compact out in the desert as it was near the pride den, the sand out here had very little lion passage over it. Kinja just hoped her little one was alright and hadn't hurt herself on her little adventure.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to her a tiny speck formed on the horizon. Picking up speed Kinja ran as fast as she could to the speck which quikly took form of a tiny, red lioness. Kinja slowed her pace, a growl escaping her throat as she walked up behind her little one. "WHAT were you thinking wandering away like that!?" She was completely livid with her cub. Not only had she put herself in danger and given her mother a near heartattack, but she also put her siblings in danger because she, Kinja, had to leave them to find her little explorer. shia-san kijinga sniffed the air and smelt her mother, as kinja grew closer, kijinga felt more and more frightened. like she knew her mother would yell at her. she quickly spun around and lowered her body, her ears flattened as her tail curled under her. "I-i'm sorry mom....i was just so bored...and there was nothing to do! my brothers and sisters were resting! i did'nt want to awaken them" she let that out with a yelp as she crouched lower to the ground. Kolina Kinja looked at her cub sternly. "You should have woke me up and I could have taken you to your father if you were that bored." She didn't regret yelling at her daughter, but the look that the red hued cub was giving her was making her soften a bit. "Let's go back to the den. I don't want your brothers and sisters waking up to find me gone. You will be confined to the den for a day for wandering off like you did. Do you realize how scared I was when I noticed you were gone?" shia-san kijinga sighed, as she nodded to her mother. she understood what her mother felt, well she thought. she kept her body low to the ground, although she hated this punishment. she felt is was fine. Kolina Kinja watched her daughter for a few more moments before picking Kijinga up by the scruff of her neck and headed off back to the thicket.
As Kinja walked she began thining of her little ones and realized that soon she would have to take them back to the pride to be introduced to everyone else. She didn't think any of the lionesses would do anything but Makadari just didn't make her feel safe about the whole process. She shuddered when she thought about the time when the cubs were just recently born and she could smell Makadari not far away. That had scared her tremedously.
After a long but relaxing walk back to the thicket Kinja placed Kijinga down. Kimeti had awoken while his mother was gone but didn't worry. He yawned and stretchedhis tiny body before leaping to the entrance of the thicket to see if his mother was outside. Not seeing her he assumed that she went hunting. His father wasn't anywhere in sight other. After stretching his body once again he walked back over to his brother and sisters and layed down by them as if he were their protector while their mother was away.When Kinja entered the thicket and placed Kijinga down she smiled at the way her son was positioned. She shook her head before nudging Kijinga towards the group of youngsters. "Thank you for watching over them Kimeti." She smiled at her 2nd born son.Kimeti looked very proud before he got up from his spot so his mother could resume laying her her spot. "It was no trouble mother, but where did you go?""I had to retrieve your sister but everything's fine now." She walked over to the area that Kimeti had left and layed down again beside her little ones, curling her tail around the encase them.Kimeti looked over at Kijinga. "You left the thicket?" He looked at her in wonder while the wheels in his small head began to turn with ideas. Moofuls Kwana awoke just as her mother returned, yawning and stretching out before climbing to her feet. "Hallo mother," she chirped, ears perking towards Kimeti moments later. She rolled her eyes, muttering 'suck up' under her breath before slinking around to Kijinga's other side. She flahshed her sister a grin, tail swaying thoughtfully. ""Good job. Gave Kimeti an excuse to act the protector..." shia-san kijinga was layed down onto the ground as she looked to her brother. "um....yes"
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Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:21 pm
Title: Rescues and Meetings Place: Firekin Lands Date Started: Sep 17th, 2004 Status: Complete Doomi Jasi ran at full speed. The thicket was only a few yards away now, and she had to be quick. She pounced into the thicket rollingover some. She sat upright and shook her head, and went riged at the sight of a female lioness, with 6 cubs. She then turned her head and saw Kiu, pacing outside the thicked. She began to shake. She knew she was in worse trouble now then if she had just stayed at the den. She looked at Kinja, and thought she looked familur somehow, but she quickly shook it off. Lenta At once, Kavuasi woke, jolted into a state of conciousness at the sounds of the new cub. Jasi... Her smells filled his nose, and it set his mind reeling. This wasn't part of his family! A growl exited his throat, and the ridge of hair along his back rose, sticking upright as he stood and wobbled over towards her. This couldn't be right... Had to be something out of his control... Oh, but what a battle this could be! And what a story could come of it! Kolina Kimeti was right beside his brother. Teeth bared as he growled as deeply as he possibly could for one so young.Kinja was taken by surprise when the dark cub appeared. A growl had also escaped her but as the little one began to tremble Kinja walked over to her and stepped over her sons, not letting them by her. "Who are you and why are you here?" She asked in a soft voice before giving her sons a look.Kimeti saw his mother protect the other cub and was a bit put out that he wouldn't get to defend everyone. He plopped his rear end on the ground wanting to see what would happen. Lenta Snorting loudly, Kavuasi stepped closer, ignoring his brother's retreat and his mother's guarding. Though he couldn't get past Kinja, he still stood behind her paw, growling as fiercely as a newborn cub could. Though, if Jasi turned out to be friendly... Who knows? Kavu would probably play with her as well. But for the moment, her smell was foreign, and he treated her as such. Doomi Jasi took a deep breath. This lioness seemed friendly enough, even though the other cubs didnt seem to welcoming, but she still didnt know if she could trust them. She looked back towards the den, and could see Taka still fighting with the lion, and she could see Yakuti also climb out of the den, quite ungracefully. She had no choice. "M-my family...were in trouble. My friends mother, a cheetah is getting attacked by another lion, and he wants to make me and my friends into slaves." at the thought of being a slave she gave a little shudder, hoping she was still doing the right thing. Kolina Kinja could feel anger growing in her. Makadari was trying to get new slaves,a nd cubs none the less! A growl escaped her. Looking to her little ones and the new cub she made a quick decision. "All of you stay in the thicket. Should you come out you will be punished accordingly." Her tone of voice didn't leave for any arguing. "Same with you." She directed to the new commer before darting off. Makadari's scent was strong and it didn't take her long to find the place that a small battle was ensuing at.
She let a loud roar escape her, calling both to Makadari to stop and Kiu for help. She wasn't sure if her mate would support her or his father but she wasn't about to stand by and allow such a ruthless lion make slaves of small cubs. Prowling up to the king her yellow teeth were bared, showing she wasn't about the back down from him. "What do you think you're doing? Making slaves out of cubs!? That's stooping a bit low, even for you." Doomi Jasi nodded solemly, heaving a sigh a relief. She was glad this lioness would help her and her friends. She watched as she left the thicket, and then turned ther eyes to the den. She hoped the others wernt too afraid. She wasnt sure what to do now, so she made her way over to the cubs, an uneasy smile on her face. "Um..hello there." She wasnt sure if these cubs could talk yet, but she needed someone to talk to right now. Kolina Kimeti looked at the little lioness before grinning and walking up to her. "Hello, I am Kimeti." He circled her a few times, looking at her coast. "You don't have a red coat like us and our parents." He noted aloud as he stopped in front of Jasi. "Why is that?" He had come to think all lions and lionesses had red coats, not that he had seen any others of his kind besides his parents and siblings. Thalion Mwali kept the fox kit pinned under his paw, leaning close to him to whisper very, very low under his breath - his tone was a bit softer than one would expect from the lion, but here was a sharp sternness to it, “I will not kill you… if you do as you are told I will also not make your life miserable… I cannot guarantee the same from my father’s paw and I’d think you’d rather not try your luck.” He turned up slowly to the approaching lioness, bearing his fangs and giving her a definite snarl. The prince wasn’t about to have his father’s will questioned by a mere lioness- sure she was probably going to be queen but he owed no allegiance to her in any way shape or form- and she was obviously not pleased with him.
“Stay out of this, Kinja... How dare you question the will of your king?” He snapped, flicking his tail with growing irritation, “Test either of our patience and instead of living as slaves, they very well may die as this evening’s snacks…” It was an empty threat on his part- he was more so speaking for his father than himself. He knew that his father was not a tolerant lion and would probably be more angry with the lioness than anything else. With a huff he bent down once again and seized the kit around his belly. His teeth caged around his sides but didn’t come close to even pressing into the young fox’s skin too hard. He carried him much like he would a cub- only instead of the scruff, he held him by the waist. He’d not escape now… and it looked threatening enough to get Kinja to back down. Doomi Jasi watched the cub walk around her, and she sniffed at him a little curiously. "My name is Jasiri, or Jasi for short." She looked at her dark brown coat, and then looked at the cubs, all with the tradional firekin red coats. "Its because im not from your pride. Your pride all have the same color coats, and since im not one of you, I have a differnent color coat. Its kinda hard to explain, and im sure if you ask you mother when she comes back, she'll give you a much better explanation." She said, as she tiredly ploped herself down in the warm sand. Lenta "All prides should have the same coats." Kavuasi spoke up. "If you ever join a pride, you'll never fit in." The bright-red cub was now sitting, at a respectable distance from both Jasi and his brother. His eyes were flashing, not of anger, but from the sparks flying through his mind. This whole situation was BRILLIANT to him!
"That is, of course, if you join a pride without your pelt color..." Doomi Jasi stretched, her muscles were a little sore from running. She looked at the bright red male cub as he spoke, and took a moment to think about her answer. "I already have a pride..." she said with a sly grin. "And you wont belive how differnent we are. But we all get along, and love each other, and I suppose thats all that matters." She gsmiled thoughtfully to herself, thinking of the others. She hoped they were ok, and she hoped the mother wouldnt get hurt by that male. That would be terrible! She looked back at the cubs, there eyes bright and shining, not a care in the world. She layed her head on her paws, staring at the sand. Lenta Kavuasi seemed to have read her mind. "I'm sure your pride is fine." He spoke softly, standing and shaking sand off his back paws. "And our mother will be as well. Our father is an Heir, he'll take care of her." At the word Heir, Kavu stuck his chest out, looking extremely proud. Doomi Jasi chuckled, and started to feel better. "Yes im sure she is. And, you must also be a heir, i presume?" Jasi had guessed, seeing the cub seemed so proud at the word. She had no idea that the lioness she just talked to would soon be queen! And these cubs are all royalty also. Lenta "I... don't think so..." Confusion passed over Kavu's eyes, and his chest deflated considerably. "The firstborn is heir, right? I was born third. One of my sisters is the heir." Then, he shrugged. "Maybe father will choose another for his heir, though. Only time can tell." Doomi Jasi thought for a moment. "Ive never been in a pride myself, but...I thought ive heard it twas to be the first born male of the group, but it could be different for your pride." She got up and walked over to the cub, sitting down nest to it. She tugged at his ear a little. "Maybe someday you'll be kind, eh?" she said with a grin. Lenta Kavu laughed, swatting at her playfully with one front paw. "A-hey! Well, I haven't been here long enough to learn the laws, but father will teach me! Just you wait!" He then nodded, flopping back onto his rear end. Rogue Roxness
Kiu’s heart felt as if it were torn in two, split right down the middle.
The scene before him horrified and shocked him. Kiu had grown up around slaves. He had grown used to them. He felt little for the strangers. The Firekin, (as stated by Dust), had severe superiority issues. However, Kinja, he supposed, had grown up differently. His dear mate had lived her life as a free creature, and had never encountered slaves before. Even in the Firekin pride, she had little to do with them. But, Kiu had just thought that owning slaves was the way that things were. He knew no other way of life. He had never thought that there was another way of life.
But, if Kinja wanted the slaves set free, he would have to oblige her. . . one way or another.
Teeth bared at the scene before him, the magnificent lion charged forwards, abandoning his cubs and the glade, yelling back at the seven as he darted towards his father, brother, and mate. “Kavu! Kimeti! Watch your sisters. Let none enter.” Though he knew that the little cubs could not really protect themselves, or their siblings, he had to leave them. What else could he do?
Hackles raised, Kiu stepped forwards, the blazing sun above shining down on his glossy pelt. “Stop this!” he roared, glaring around, though his gaze lingered on Mwali. After all, he wasn’t mad at Kinja (though he thought her a bit insane), and he did not wish to disrespect his father. “If you do not stop arguing with my mate, brother, I’ll have to silence both of you. Now, what’s going on?”
The heir did not wait for a response. After all, it was perfectly clear what was going on. “Kinja,” he whispered, as he passed her, “stay out of this.” No one else heard him.
Trying to ignore his fury, he stepped forwards, lowering his head in respect to his father. Makadari was, after all, still king. “Father, before you pass judgment, remember that Kinja did not grow up in the way of the Firekin. She has no experience with slaves. She doesn’t know. Not only that, but. . . perhaps maternal instincts? You know how mothers that have recently given birth treat their cubs with extra tenderness. Could some of this maternal instinct turn into pity for the slaves? I propose a compromise, to stop a fight. Kinja will apologize for disrespecting you. She was nervous, and does not know our ways completely yet. Maybe you could give the slaves to us? They would be a great help with our family, father. It might help Kinja to adjust. We would share them with you, of course, but if we could train them. . .”
His voice trailed off, and he glanced at his mate, a small glint in his eye. If he and Kinja trained the slaves. . . then they would be spared some of the hardships of life under Makadari. “Besides,” he said, “the young ones are not experienced enough to be of much use. They need training. You are too busy to worry about such things.”Arafel The female fox gulped and stilled as he whispered to her.. she had trusted a large cheetah, why not some lion that had just captured her? The fact he hadn't been using his claws suddenly was remembered as she tried to calm her breathing. Her ears flicked as she listened to the scene behind her, squeaking as she was suddenly pulled into the mouth of the lion that had caught her. Though her logical mind paniced she didn't feel to threatened, so she didn't bother to try to excape, instead hanging there. Black eyes darting around so.. many lions..Thalion Mwali snarled under his breath at his brother’s arrival. Had he not had a mouthful of fox at the moment, he might have snapped back and started an argument - one that probably wouldn’t have ended up pretty. His own hackles rose off his shoulders and neck… he hated this, hated having Kui as the older brother and heir. He insisted on strutting about with his proper attitude, throwing his weight around, and speaking all glorified about matters of the pride… that and since he had met that snot-nose of a female, he’d changed. No longer the cub he used to romp about with and sleep beside, he felt little attachment to him anymore.
With an aggravated huff, he began back for the den, his head lowered so his mood was obvious, the massive shoulders lifted off his back to give a bit of a storming effect to his stride. He was sure to snap his tail in his brother’s face before continuing on. Just who does he think he is? Give all the slaves to him?! Greedy little snot… prancing himself out there to play the hero and stick up for that outsider female. It was irritating that he had no say about it either. He wasn’t anything when compared to his brother and his father was more likely to listen to him anyway.
Upon entering the pride’s main territory, he gave everyone a warning snarl. He wasn’t in the mood to be bothered and they would have to respect him as the prince. If there was one thing it was entitled to- it was his privacy when he wanted it. He retired to his own little cavern that was among the many. Each lion had chosen out their own den and this was his. It wasn’t the largest but it was larger than many of the others. A few bones laid about from meals before but aside from that, the stone floor was only scattered with piles of sand that had blown in from outside.
The fox was laid on the floor. Mwali circled around and laid himself in the back of the cave, his head resting on a paw and a deep scowl covering his face, wrinkling his nose, and showing a bit of his teeth. He trusted the kit knew that this was his home now and that he was his master and there was nothing that needed to be said. He was angry and needed a moment to cool his temper. Doomi Jasi swated him back, and pounced on a imaginary bug infront of her, trying to urge Kavu to play with her, maybe it would cheer her up a little more. She peeked out of the thicket again, and saw that the number of liones had doubled. She had never been around so many at once before. Kolina Kinja glared at Mwali but didn't get a word in before Kiu came. As Kiu walks past her his words don"t go inheard but she wasn"t happy with them. Not letting her guard down she allows herself to relax a bit, letting Kiu know that she would do as he ask, but as Kiu began to speak she began to grow angry again. She would NOT becomes these cubs master, her main purpose for comming to their aid was to free them, not make them her slaves. A small growl escaped her voicing her idea about Kiu's plan. Plus, to top it all off, he wanted HER to apologize to Makadari! There was no way she was going to willingly appologize to such a heartless, and ruthless lion, whether he was king or not. Kimeti looked at his brother and then the stranger. "I like her coat color." he stated. "It makes her different." he added as an after thought before sitting by her. "I want to be different." He spoke boldly and thoughfully, as if he was thinking of a way to pronounce himself as different compared to his siblings. Lenta Kavu bent down, eager to play... Then paused as Jasi looked out of the clearing. At the same time, the smells of the others hit his nose, and it sent his mind reeling. One... no, two! They smelled like his father. And his mother and father were there, and some unknown smells... He peeked out, curious as well, and his eyes grew wide.
Holy COW, so many of his kind! eek
"I think... I know those lions..." Doomi It felt as though Jasi's insides did a flip. For a moment all she could do was stare at the arguing bunch. After a moment, she shook it off. Atleast they werent hurting each other right? She perked her ears up at the sound of another cub. "Thank you." she smiled. "You can still be different, even if you look like someone else. In the way you act towards others." she said grinning a little. She then got back in play position, promising herself that she would go easy on the younger cub. Rogue Roxness After hearing Kinja’s agitated growls, Kiu winced at Makadari. “Excuse me for a moment. . . do you mind if I discuss things with my mate for a moment, father? Thank you. Hopefully, we can come up with an agreement that we can all live with.”
Hurriedly, before his father could say no, Kiu trotted off towards his mate and stared at her. Once he was close enough, he whispered into her ear. “We’ll set them free somehow. . . Makadari won’t stand for them going free. We’ll think of a way! But, for now, do as he says. They’ll be better off with us than with him, at least until we can do more for them. It’s no use trying to persuade him to back down on this! You’ll only gain his ill favor. Think of our cubs!”
Kiu knew that that last sentence would get her.
Kinja cared about her cubs more than her own life. Even if she didn’t fully approve of Kiu’s council, she would care more about her own brood than the strange cubs, even if she did pity them. Though Kiu did not understand why Kinja cared for the strangers, he loved her, and was determined to. . . well. . . make her happy. Kolina Kinja looked at Kiu and turned her head away to look back to the thicket. He had made his point, her cubs were they're main priority at the moment though she wasn't happy with the decision she would have to make. "Fine, but I refuse to make any apology to him." She growled out quietly. "There's no way I could subject myself to groveling before him and apologizing for something I feel so strongly about." She was determined about this and it showed in her voice, even if she was speaking quietly. Kimeti looked at Jasi a bit puzzled at first before he lept into a playful position. "Bet I can pin ya." He stated as he pounced at her. Xally
Teule gasped as the events unfolded before him an his mother brsitled up even further. She was backed against the den that now only the two brother's were hidden in. Teule was also slowly starting to bristle and looked at Wokovu warily and questioningly, his tail winding around the den impatiently and causing the walls to slowly start to cave in.
"What do we do? They..said we're gonna be slaves!"
Taka was huffing heavily in distress now, eyes each lion with her emerald and blood red eye, taking note as Yakuti was taken by another lion. Too many... Perhaps the new lion's reasoning of them being slaves was the best that they were going to get out of this situation. She tried to calm herself but the sense of loathing that she had for these lions wasn't about to disappear, making her concieve the probably fatal idea of attacking the lion while he was distracted with the other. She flinched as she heard the lion's sentence end with, 'Something we can all live with.' He probably meant that literally.
Arafel
wokovu watched in horror was his 'mother' was taken away, quickly he hurried into the high grass that his brother had pointed out earlier, hoping they would not be found..
His ears pinned back as he glanced at the pure white cub, knowing his bright color wouldn't help them in hiding.. atleast he himself was the color of sand and dead grass. He shifted a bit tryign to cover him more whispering in responce"I don't know, i guess we just hide here... m.. maybe they won't find us? w.. what do you thinks going to happen?"
The fox trembled as they entered the den, the wave of lion smell hitting her nose like a poison making her fur try to stand up and want to flee the place of death Though being surrounded by large teeth kept her still, their sharp points pressing lightly into her skin.. it held as a firm warnin not to struggle.
She glanced around as she was set down, eyeing the bones.. much most bigger than her, she would only be an apitizer for these lions, maybe a small treat for a slave or whatnot. She gave a shudder at the thought looking at the lion trying to build the courage she had been introduced to while being around the other large cats of her 'pride'.
She sat down, holding her chin up and looking to the prince. Holding back a stuter she shifted to a different paw "W..why did you bring me here?" ok so maybe she didn't hold back the stutter too well.. but it was close enough. Atleast she wasn't trying to make a break for it like many of her other kind would have.
Daimyn
Makadari stared after his impertinant son. Give his finds to him? He growled silently. Well, perhaps what Kiu had said made some sense. Besides, it would do Kinja some good to whip new slaves into shape.
Oh, he would deal with his son's mate one way or another, but not now. Doomi Jasi grinned slyly 'Betcha cant" But before she could move she heard some growling once more, she looked over her shoulder, and then turned back. "ah, one minute." She pocked her head outside the thicket, trying not to go out of bounds. She was not only obeying Kinja's orders, she knew she had to stay there to make sure the cubs wouldnt wander off. She could see Teules white head gleaming in the sunlight, he was not far off, and she could see a scared expression on his face. He turned his head, and hoping he could she her, Jasiri winked, hoping it would be enough to calm him and convince him that the lioness was trying to help. She then turned back, and got in play postion for a third time, letting out a low growl. "Come get me." Rogue Roxness Kiu nodded sympathetically at Kinja before returning to his father. "Kinja agrees," Kiu said in the most nonchalant, relaxed tone that he could manage. "She thinks it's a good idea too."
He grinned. "Might do her some good, getting the slaves into shape. Might help her get used to our ways, and throw off that maternal instinct thing. And, our cubs can learn right from the start. That's a plus. . ."
Knowing that Makadari would agree, simply because of his strong argument, he bowed low. "Do you wish to see our cubs, Father? You might enjoy seeing the children that so resemble you in greatness. . ."
Kiu glanced at Kinja, warning written in his eyes. "Kinja, go and tell the cubs Makadari might be dropping by. . ." Hopefully, Kinja could hide the cub that had sheltered in the bushes. . . Daimyn Kiu had said nothing of their cubs before just a few minutes ago, but Makadari wasn't really surprised. After all, one had to be as dimwitted as Kitwana if they didn't notice Kinja's pregnancy. And who else but Kiu would have fathered her cubs?
Fine, Makadari spat. Then, in a lighter tone, My only condition is this... I want one of the cubs. And I choose. Dig them out of the den if you have to, and catch the cheetah as well.
In answer to Kiu's last question, Makdari.. actually smiled, something that was scarce upon the face of the King. Why yes... I believe I would. In a bit. Rogue Roxness Kiu nodded. This would definately complicate things. . . Now, they had to get the cub that Makadari took away from him, get the fox that Mwali had taken away from him, and find a way to free the other cubs. But, somehow, for Kinja, he would do it.
Smiling, Kiu happily (or, so he pretended) agreed. Shooting a look at Kinja that clearly said 'we'll find some way out of this,' he looked at the burrow. "It is as you wish, father. There are six in the litter, four females and two males, all strong."
He paused for a moment. "Shall I help you dig them out of the burrow now? And, by the way. . . Mwali has taken a fox nearby as his slave. Do you wish for me to take it back? Or are you going to let him keep it?" Xally
Taka lowered her ears and loosened her claws, hovering just above the two cubs. 'Where had they taken Yaku? And what happened to Jasiri?' She sniffed the air stiffly, the scent of cubs moving among the air and Jasiri. Calmy, she watched the lion that was told to 'catch' her, something that was slightly amusing to her at the moment.
"Woko, Teule..don't come out until I tell you.."
Teule glared hard at the offending lions, his memory digging up the little of what he had of the lion he met when he was younger. 'I wonder..' The cave had collapsed atop their bodies, leaving only their heads visible amongst the little of the dry grass.
"I hope your mom's okay.."
Kolina Kinja was tempted to strut right up to Makadari and just run her claws across his face but knew she couldn't. As Kiu suggested she turned her back to the whole distressing scene to return to her cubs and the little lioness. After a good distance away she picked up speed and hurried into the thicket. We have to hide you." She poke hurridely to Jasi and didn't leave for any questioning as she picked the cub up by the scruff of her neck and pushed her way out of a small opening in the back of the thicket. Once out she made sure Makadari couldn't see her before rushing off across the desert to a small bit of foliage that was growing not too far away.
Upon arrival at their destination she gently place Jasi down. "Stay here and don't move from this spot until I come to get you. Makadari will be coming to visit my cubs and I don't want him to find you. He shouldn't be able to smell you since I carried you all the way out here, but stay low anyway. I'll return as soon I know it's safe."
Kinja didn't give Jasi a chance to say anything, she didn't want to take the risk of Makadari finding her out here she she quickly took off back to the thicket, pushing her way through the small opening that no male lion would be bale to slip through due tot heir larger size. Once back in the thicket she gathered up her little ones.
"Your grandfather is coming to see all of you. I want you all to be on your best behaviour." She tried her best to keep the tension within her out of her voice as she spoke to her cubs. "I want none of you to speak of the cub that was in here." She gave them all a look that gave them no promise of winning any arguments about the matter.
She walked over to where Jasi's scent was the strongest and rolled about on the sand, masking Jasi's scent with her own. The strange cubs scent was soon gone from the thicket once Kinja was finished. She was quite dusty from the procedure but didn't really care. She ushered her little ones towards the back of the thicket and awaited Makadari's visit.Kimeti was just about to pounce at Jasi when his mother rushed in and picked her up and left through the back of the thicket. He was quite confused by the whole thing and looked at his brothers and sisters wondering if they had any idea.
His confusion was only increased when his mother returned without the strange cub and told them all that their Grandfather was coming and that they shouldn't speak of the other cubs that was here. What was going on? It just didn't make sense? Was his mother afraid of grandfather or didn't she want the strange cub around them any longer? Doomi Jasi was readying herself for the pounce when she suddenly relized there was no earth under her feet. As she was being carried away from all the confusion, she felt a nervousness in Kinja, which made her stomach turn. She was set on the ground, her belly now doing backflips as Kinja gave her her orders. She thought for a moment, Makadari...? That must have been the first male lion they had encounterd. Kinja spoke of him as something to be feared, and she assumed he was there king, she scowled at that. How could they have such a bloodthirsty leader? She obeyed Kinja's order, and neslted herself in the sand as she watched Kinja leave, her belly going crazy with nervousness.She had a clear view now of what was going on, and she didnt like it. Daimyn Makadari could practically feel Kinja's seething anger as she left. That was just as well -- she'd come around eventually. The fox is fine where it is -- for now, he told Kiu shortly, and turned to the den, and the cheetah. Well, this is where you come in, he told her with in a casual voice, just as if he was telling the time of day. You can come of your own volition, or we can drag you with us by force. Whichever is easiest for you. Xally
Taka wrinkled her maw at the looming lion, forcing her thoughts of tearing the lion apart. He seemed to be offering something peaceful and that was really all she cared about. But if any harm were to come to her or her friends she would not stand for it for a second. Stepping out lightly in front of the cubs, she held her head regally and snorted her compliance.
"You can come out now, boys."
Teule eagerly wiggled out of the sand and stepepd up under his mother's chest, looking at the lion with awe. He was about to step forward but was stopped by a firm paw placed in his way. He turned to see his mother looking sternly at him as she shook her head lightly. He did try to fight his mother afterall. The awe soon dissiapated into a silent respect and a bit of anger.
Lenta It all happened so quickly. First, Jasi and Kimeti were talking, and Kavu had felt some strong nagging sensation at the back of his mind. Then, Jasi was gone, and his mother was talking! His mind reeled. Grandfather? Oh! The older smell!
"Alright, mother." He spoke softly, then curled up a ways away from the other cubs, trying to sort out all the thoughts that were rushing into his mind. Arafel
Wokovu's ears flicked nodding in agreement "I hope shes ok too.." his voice was slightly squeaky, filled with fear and sadness for his mother's absence, and possible death.. Even though she had never been his real mother he still felt a bond with her.
He growled a bit, trying to silence himself.. what was once fear was now a slight anger for all those red-coated lions. Talking about making them all slaves.. what if his mom allready was one? He vaugly knew what they were.. but pretty much, it was jsut a bad thign to be.
He continued to try to hide his brighter colored brother until taka told them they could get out. He lifted his head and pulled hismelf out of the hole, shaking off the sand that had collected on his fur stepping up beside Teule giving a light glare at the other lions.
Thalion Mwali hadn’t answered the fox for a very long time. The silence was awkward and probably more frightening for the kit than if he had spoken at all. His eyes didn’t look all that dangerous, nor interested in answering her most of the time. Slowly the scowl had relaxed from his face until he didn’t look all that dangerous at all. In fact he looked more sad than anything, maybe even tired. He wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone. He had come to help his father, come to try to find favor with him and he hadn’t spared him a glance. That all changed when Kui came along with his outsider of a mate. There wasn’t anything for him here. Surely Kui would have him thrown from the pride the moment he was made king. Not a female cared for him and he returned the feelings for them. His sister had probably felt the same way and fled. What life was there for him? Laying around all day and watching the sands swirl all night. Not even his own father would spare him a glance. He was sure that if he ever gave his life for his father’s, no respect would come of his death. Knowing them, he’d be eaten to save them one less hunt.
Finally he sighed, but didn’t bother to look to the kit, “To be my slave. But it doesn’t matter. Run if you wish but I can’t guarantee that you’ll live.” That was really all he had to say and all he wanted to say. He had taken the fox with a sense of pity for it. The others would probably be taken no matter how much that windbag of a lioness ranted and griped about it. His father was steadfast and wouldn’t listen to her even if his life depended on it. At least he’d spared one from him. Not that it really mattered. The only use he had for a slave was for company- and perhaps subconsciously that’s what he was after in the first place. Misery loved company… Arafel She shifted uncomfortably, 'oh well a lion probably wouldn't 'lower' himself to explaining itsself to a fox.. typical' she thought int eh silence, the large nocturnal eyes stayed locked on him, Blinking as he finnally did speak.
When he mentioned running she gave a glance outside his den, shrinking back at the sight of the den's many hungry firekin.. no it was better to be a slave. You don't get eaten that way.. She stood trotting a bit closer to him, finding a small spot with a bit mroe sand in it to curl up. The sand made her feel more comfortable..
She stayed silent for a bit, just klaying there keeping her thoughts to herself as a propor slave should, trying to adjust herself to the life of a slave for the sake of her life. Thought finally she spoke up, a bit of sadness in her voice ".. What will happen to the others?" she gave a pause before looking back at him "My pride?" They had been calling their group a pride, though because the number of lion cubs was greater than the fox and the cheetah it made sense. Thalion He took a deep breath, slowly turning to face the mouth of his den. His father was probably still out there with Kui, Kui was probably still licking up to his father so he didn’t lay harm on his mate. In regards to the fox’s question there were two possible options that seemed more likely than the others - one was that his father was tired of them resisting capture and had torn them apart in the den, or that they were successfully retrieved and being brought back to begin their lives as slaves. Of course, that was disregarding the Kui factor. He was probably standing up for that outsider’s questionable beliefs and begging for the freedom of the slaves just to please that lioness of his. He made a bit of a face, not at all enjoying his thoughts on the situation. Not that he was particularly disturbed by the fates of the others, but for the fact that he had simply been ignored by all but his snot-nosed brother.
“Well….” he started slowly, turning his head to one side and sounding almost casual, “It depends on them. If they continue to resist my father, odds are they will be killed. If they gave themselves up then they’ve become slaves like you.” He yawned, stretching his paws out in front of him then flopped himself over on his side, puffing out his yawn in a flurry of sand kicked up from the ground, “I did what I could but it seems the prince has more say in the matter than I.” The word “Prince” was said almost mockingly, his mouth wincing at the sound of it. He would probably demand an apology out of Kui if he was to be on better terms with him again. Arafel she frowned, giving a nod.. The cubs wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight, but they might still resist. and Taka..
the fox's ears lowered and she gave a sigh. listning to her new 'master' and resuming her curled up position.
She got a look of confusion as he mention the prince, she knew a bit about lions.. through the gossip spread about the dunes, and whatever she needed to know to survive, the things taught to her and her siblings as a kit.
She looked around the den, frowning in confusion.. it was efinatly a larger size, which ment he was of higher power.. and that other lion was his father. He was the king, she knew that much.. "Are you not a prince..?" she winced a bit, hoping he wouldn't thwap her for questioning him.. but she thought he was. Xally
Taka was trying her best to keep herself invisible or at least ignored so she could go check on Yakuti who's scent was still fresh int he air. Inch by inch, she was moving closer to where Yakuti was being held, trying not to attract any attention by moving fast. When near enough, she called out in a loud whisper.
"Yakuti! You okay?"
Teule perked his ears froward, staying by Woko's side in a protective manner. He wanted to go see that other lion, the one who he though was the king of the pride.Arafel yakuti blinked looking up as she heard the cheetah's voice, moving to a stand "Taka?" she questions half whispered, glancing back at the lion ears lowering when she did so. Trying to excape ment death didn't it? "I'm fine" she piped, staring warily at the lion that was now her master of sorts.. quite relived that her friend was ok.
Wokovu stood equal to his brother puffing his chest out a bit, "No way they can beat both of us together." he whispered to his brother, stating that as if it were a fact. Thalion Mwali seemed a bit upset by the fox’s question. Was he a prince? Yeah he was… but that didn’t mean anything. He was the second-born prince. That was pretty much the equivalent of a rock…. A rock that needed to be fed and watered. He was a spoiled brat and he was fully aware of that. It annoyed him. He never had the privilege of learning how to hunt, how to fight, how to find his way, or anything that might make him useful. He was born and raised to be lazy, to sit there and look pretty, and to be the extra king if the first one were to be killed. Now that didn’t even matter. Kui had cubs. Not that he ever wanted to be the king, it just meant responsibility. He didn’t want it. With a deep breath he answered her- just a moment before the other creature had addressed the fox, “Yes… I am - a - prince… for now.”
He slowly turned his gaze to the creature in the mouth of his cave but made no other motion. He didn’t care if it came in or left. He was full and too uninterested to chaise it for another slave. If his first slave were to leave with this one, he wouldn’t care. Really- there was no need for him to have a slave other than company. The pride already did everything for him. If anything, they could be used as a messenger or a little ball of warmth beside him. He listened to the conversation but really took no interest in it. Whatever they wanted to do… he didn’t care. Xally
Taka backed off a quick step, eyeing the lion carefully as he spoke. She was okay? Within the cheetah's head, peaceful lions were no existant. Taking a chance to make sure she was hearing correctly, whispering lowly after she turned to make sure no one was behind her and the cubs.
"A-are you sure?"
Teule was greatly intrigued by the lion, taking the chance while his mom was distracted by Yakuti to nudge Wokovu and give him a directing glace towards Mwali. He mouthed the words, 'Let's go say hi!' to him slyly and started slinking back over to him, careful to keep a good distance away though, if he wanted to, Mwali could slice and dice him in seconds.
"Uh..hi!"
Arafel Yakuti gave a blink and looked her self over then gave a nod "yes.. i'm sure.. " inside she debated wether to leave or not.. if they left, like most run away slaves, they would have to leave the land.. or hide.. or whatnot. Atleast thats what she assumed.
Wokovu blinked lookign at Teule confused then gave a toothy grin as he glanced at the lion, noting his brother's mouthed words. He crouched down following his brothers slinking into the cave poping up around the lion with his brother. Ofcourse now he was jsut amazed at how big the lion was. "Hi!" he piped in, as his brother said the same. Kolina Kinja paced around the thicket anxiously. She wanted to get the introduction of the cubs done and over with so she wouldn't have to deal with Makadari any longer and she could go get the other cub she had hidden.
Her paws kicked up some dust as she persistanly paced, stopping every few minutes to look out of the thicket in hopes of seeing Kiu coming with his father. OH how she hated Makadari, but she could do nothing more than bide her time with him, trying not to cause too much trouble.Kimeti watched his mother, intrigued. He wasn't sure why she seemed this way but he figured it must have been because father was gone at the moment. He just stretched out his body before looking at Kavu. A mischevious grin crept upon his features as he quietly moved behind his brother and leapt on top of him. Thalion Mwali turned his head slightly to glance at the two cubs. He didn't seem dangerous nor friendly. In fact- if one didn't know better, he looked quite tame. His belly was full and he had no use of just mindlessly shreadding the creatures to pieces so he didn't even so much as raise a paw to them. It was most unusial behavior for one of the firekin, but he didn't consider himself much a part of the tribe. The ways and behaviors weren't so much pressed upon him as they were his brother, and quite frankly, he didn't care to be like the others. His dull existance had somewhat pacified his nature.... though when the right buttons were pushed the wrong way he did have quite the temper.
In a dull, almost lulling voice he answered them, moving no more muscles than requied to give his reply, "Hello...." shia-san kijinga rose from her slumber. her eyes hanging slightly as her maw opened and closed a few times. she then looked to her mother, walking back and forth. her head cocked as she pawed at kimeti. "whats mom doing?" she asked in a whisper as she looked around, still not seeing her father. Kolina From on top of Kavu Kimeti looked at his sister. "She's waiting for father and grandfather. Not sure why she keeps wlaking back and forth though." He shrugged before turning his attention back to his brother with a grin. "So... enjoying the dust?" He chuckled playfully. shia-san Kijinga cocked her head, and was about to say something but her brother took his eyes off her. she lowered her head towards the ground, and spoke softly to her self. "grandfather?" she slanted her eyebrows as she felt as though she didn't wish to meet her "Grandfather" she never even heard of him. or atleast, she didn't think she did. her red pelt shinned, as the sun heated it up. she shook her fur quickly, then sniffed at the ground, her mind racing with a million things. Arafel Yakuti sat down once more, ears swivling to the cub's voices, she gave a light frown but eh.. they went foreward once more as the cheetah leaned down, pausing to think after the question was asked.. She should have ran.. that what a normal fox would have done.. ofcourse a normal fox wouldn't have been in this situation in the first place..
She gave a slight shrug whispering back, hoping their whisperes didn't echo on the cave walls
"He's kinda dosile...and a prince. I doubt he'd do us any harm.. When he caught me he never used his claws.. which is odd for a lion.." she trailed off looking back at him. Daimyn ((A bit later... XD))
Makadari followed his son Kiu towards the thicket. The thick scent of cubs came to him after only a few minutes' walk, and shortly Kinja and her cubs came into view.
Motomilia raised her head, her already-keen nose picking up that all-too-familiar scent. Father's back, she voiced her thoughs aloud. But who's with him? She smelled something familiar; it smelled vaguely like Kiu but... different. It confused her. Kolina Makadari's distinct scent didn't escape Kinja. A low, soft growl escaped her throat before Makadari arrived. The thought of the brut around her cubs just made her want to roar in frustration, but there was nothing she could do about it. There was no way she alone could take Makadari down and Kiu didn't look like he was about to defy his father. She sighed and glanced back to her cubs with soft, gentle eyes.Kimeti could small his father as well as someone else. With mother speaking of grandfather coming he assumed that was who it was. He lept off his brother and to his mother's side, ears perked forward as he watched his father and his grandfather come to the thicket. Before Kinja could do much of anything Kimeti got the urge to great his father so he ran out to the two approaching lions and did his best of a welcoming roar to the two. Rogue Roxness Kiu could not subdue the feeling of pride that was growing ever larger in his breast. Yep, those were HIS children! Trying to compose his features, trying not to look stupid in front of his father, the grandfather of his children, Kiu relaxed his muscles one by one, attempting to hide his excitement and pride from his father. He succeeded, too.
Smiling, Kiu lead his father into the small oasis that Kinja and he had used as a temporary home for their cubs. "There are two males and four females," he said proudly. "All with Firekin red coats. All are healthy, too. There were no stillborn cubs."
Meanwhile, Kafara was in a corner, staring at nothing, simply being alone. The small cub, though she played with her brothers and sisters, ate as they did, slept as they did, she was definately. . . abnormal. Different. Daimyn ((Meh, sorry my posts are so short. o.o)) Makadari allowed a small smile to grace his features. They will grow in strength, Kiu. They are a good addition to the Blood. He curled his tail around his haunches as he lowered himself to a sitting postition, and eyed Kinja. And you are well, I presume?Lenta As his brother leapt on him, Kavu didn't move. A low growl exited his throat, but he wouldn't give his younger sibling the satisfaction of the 'kill'. "Whatever." He mumbled, then rolled over as Kimeti left. Dude, this was soooooooo boring.
Whoa!
Dad was here!
Suddenly, everything seemed much different. Kavuasi ADORED his father, though he hadn't been alive long enough to know him very well. He stumbled after Kimeti, silently staring up at his father with shaking eyes. Then, his gaze turned to Makadari, and.... A shiver ran up his spine. His grandfather looked powerful, but there was something about him that made Kavu... what was it? Scared? No, Kavu wasn't scared. He hadn't felt scared before... Was it... Wary? Yes, that was it. Kavu was wary of Makadari. He lowered his head, his tail flicking behind him, looking at the space between his father and his grandfather. Kolina Kinja looked at Makadari that showed she wasn't up fo rhis small talk. She wanted to just ask him why he really cared how she was but kept herself calm enough to answer civally. "I am doing well." She didn't elongate her answer, afraid that her voice might betray her.Kimeti looked at his father and Makadari before padding up to his grandfather and looking at him from just below. He had to admit that his grandfather was big, but his f ather was bigger. He took pride in that his father was larger but didn't say anything about it., but another thought came to his mind. "You must be the one mother doesn't like. I am not sure why she doesn't like you grandfather, but it must be a good reason, mother's always right. Right father?" He looked at Kiu.Kinja couldn't believe what Kimeti had just said, but she must have gave that point across to her cubs. With the way she was acting earlier it's no surprise that one of them at least caught on. She glanced around the thicket at her other cubs as if she hadn't really heard what Kimeti had said. Her eyes fell upom Kafara and she walked over to her little one and picked her up gently, taking her other to the rest of the group. Rogue Roxness Kiu was speechless.
"I don't think that Kinja meant that, Kimeti, my son. . . Er, I'm sure that she was talking about. . . Mwali. For some reason, it seems that my mate and my brother do not get along. Perhaps they had some disagreement? Isn't that right, Kinja?"
Kiu glared at his son as slyly as he could, trying to tell him to keep quiet about the subject. Kafara tilted her head, silently padding over to her father. She sat at his feet, her tail lashing back and forth and her wide eyes staring straight ahead, seeing and yet not seeing. Kafara really was strange.
Kiu looked down at her, nudged her affectionately with his foot, and turned back to his father.
Kafara, after being nudged, eyed her brother Kavu with interest. Daimyn Makadari stared at the small cub, not allowing surprise to flicker across his features. Finally he spoke. Indeed, it is wise to assume that your mother is always right. He smirked a bit, wondering what the cub thought of him now. Lenta Kavu turned his head, staring silently at Kafara. Then, he nodded slowly, stood, and sat down beside her. The move was only a few inches, but to him it meant something. Was his sister wary of this new lion, as he was? Even if she wasn't, it didn't matter. He nudged her silently with his forehead, as if consoling her. Or was it playful? Even Kavu himself couldn't tell. He just felt as if it needed to be done. He then continued to stare, though this time at his grandfather directly, almost daring him to try and hurt his sister.
Duuuuude, NO ONE messed with his sister. shia-san kijinga's head rose as she peered at her father. a smile grew on her face, but quickly faded as another came into the veiw. her grin fell to a growl as she moved towards her mothers side, peeking out towards the other lion in interest. he looked and smelled like her father. yet she didn't trust him, he...was an outsider to her, and no outsider can gain her trust easily unless mother knew him. her eyes glanced up, as she looked at her mother, in some what of a frantic. she wanted to know if this lion could be trusted. ((you guys were so supposed to wait for me! XD)) Moofuls Off to the side sat Kwana, surprisingly silent, half hidden by the brush of the thicket. Her tail twitched every few moments, pale blue eyes following the movements of her siblings and parents, gaze finally locking on Makadari with his arrival. Her eyes widened; sure, she'd seen her dad, but this was...her grandfather? He had a different feel about him... Darker, dangerous. She casually left her hiding place, strutting over to sit near Kavu and Kafara. She wasn't quite sure if she could trust this...grandfather, and chose not to risk it just yet. However, she did flash Kavu a smirk. "Nervous?" Kolina Kinja didn't say anything in reply to Kiu. She didn't want to deny the truth that her cubs had picked up on. Instead she sat there calmly as possible, her tail gently beating against the ground.Kimeti looked at his father but didn't heed his warning. "What areyou talking baout father? It's definitly Grandfather mother doesn't like not that....mawlia lion." He looked a bit confused before looking back at grandfather. "Yep, mother is always right, even father can't deny it." He said innocently. "Father does everything for mother." He nodded before slipping past the two adults. His eyes fell upon his grandfather's tial which was moving ever so slightly. Kimeti's intrest was drawn to the tail as if it was an animal he could kill. He did his best pouncing position beforea leaping upon the tail, his claws digging into his grandfather's flesh, though Kimeti didn't really know it. shia-san Kijinga watched as her brother leaped up and dug into her Grandfathers tail. her eyes twitched slighlty as she moved back a bit. she didn't quite feel comfertable with this action as the hairs on her neck began to rise. ((moo, we are left and forgotten *dramatic music plays as a harmonica solo comes on* O_O oh when the saints...)) Lenta Kavu silently acknowledged Kwana, his other sister, with a nod. Then, he snorted at her question, answering her quietly.
"Hardly nervous... Just..." He shot a glance up at Makadari, then added one last word, in an even softer voice than before. "....wary." He fell silent then, his tail flicking over Kwana's paws, his body still sidled up against Kafara's. Now there were two sister's to protect... And possibly three, for he could feel Kinjinga moving a few yards behind him. Rogue Roxness ((Sorry I'm so slow. . .))
Kiu tried to pretend that the comment that Kimeti had so eagerly uttered had never been spoken. He failed. However, he did manage to engage his father in conversation. . . somewhat.
"The oldest is named Kwana." He gestured to the cub that went by the name he had spoken.
"The second eldest, my heir, is Kavuasi. Then, there's Kijina and Motomilia. . ."
He moved to his second son. "This one is named Kimeti. And the last is Kafara."
Kafara's ears perked at the sound of her name. She did not speak, only nuzzled up against Kavuasi a bit and touched noses with her sister briefly in greeting and reassurance. Lenta Kavu smiled inwardly as he heard 'heir' before his name, and he stuck out his chest, glowing with pride. Then, he deflated as Kafara snuggled up against her, replacing the first prideful feeling with a whole new one. He had four healthy sisters and an active brother... And one day, he would lead them all. Maybe they'd even allow him to tell stories as ruler! If not, he'd make a law about it. And.. And then...! His mind whirled with the possibilities. But deep down inside of him, something cried out in anguish. The heir was choosing the wrong path... One that had been designated for him by another...
Oooh, scandalous. (( xd )) shia-san Kijinga's ears p***k fowards as her name is called. she raises her head high enough so she can see her father gestureing towards grandfather. she decides that this is far enough, which she was now a few feet from her mother and about 3 extra feet from her grandfather and father. she rolled back on to her haunches and let out a long yet silent yawn, then closeing her maw, she pawed at the dirt, bored. Daimyn Makadari dropped the subject as Kiu spoke up, reciting the names of his cubs. He nodded as the heir puffed himself up as he was mentioned. Yes, he would be a fine ruler...
Not that Makadari planned on relinquishing his kingdom at any time in the near future...
Makadari suddenly felt tiny prickling claws in his tail. Gritting his teeth, he turned and removed the offending cub with one paw, gently pushing him back to his mother. He was putting on a show... why, he didn't know, but he felt that right now it was in his best interests to act as innocent -coughyeahrightcough- as possible. shia-san Kijinga eye'd her grandfather again. something about him made her wonder. she felt like walking up towards him, and sniffing at him, yet her legs told her other wise. she wagged her tail quickly then stood up. her eyes fixed apoun her grandfather. she padded up towards him, and looked at him. her curiousity intriged by her grandfather. although she before was frightened, she had to some day speak to him. she wanted to know why mother didn't like him. "your our grandfather?" she said softly her yellow eyes gazing at his long mane "...are you a king? like father!" a toothy grin appeared on her features as her tail flickered about. "if so, do you rule a kingdom?" her questions, were not even thought before spilling from her mouth, they just flew out with ease.
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Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:22 pm
Part 2 (Continued from above post)Rogue Roxness Kiu laughed at his small daughter's questions. "Yes, he is a king. I am not really a king, not yet. . . I am an heir. I will be king when my father dies. And yes, he does have a kingdom. You are a part of it. It is called the Firekin pride, the best kingdom of them all. Always remember that."
Kafara, who was now huddled against Kavuasi, stored this information in her head. The taste of the words in her mind felt odd, strange, unreal to her. Was there a "best" pride?
Of course, the tiny Firekin cub knew little of the superiority issues that her clan had to deal with. . . shia-san kijinga's face widened as now a row of top and bottom canines were shown. her eyebrows rose as well as she spoke "we're. i'm part of a pride!" all this information was coming all at once. she then stoped. what her father said, "the firekin pride, the best pride there is, never forget that" stayed with her. something inside her clicked as she stayed quite. this is the best pride. she's part of the best pride.......this information was now the center of her thoughts. Kolina Kimeti looked at his grandfather as he was gently pushed away. He shrugged and lept over to his siblings and sat down next to Kafara. Kimeti was beginning to grow bored of his grandfather visiting so he was quite ready for the elder lion to leave so that the strange little lioness that mother had taken away could come back to play.Kinja had to look away momentarily as Kiu spoke of the Firekin being the best pride of all. A saddness fell upon her heart as those words left her mate's muzzle. She quickly placed a mask over her face though and composed herself before turning back to the group. She hadn't really said a thing since Makadari had arrived, afraid that she would say something that she would regret saying in front of her little ones. Daimyn Makadari nodded at Kiu's words, than rose to his paws. Well I must leave, he said shortly, then turned to go, his tail switching a bit as he disappeared.
((I'll be back to rp in a while. ^^)) Thalion He could hear everything the others were saying... it wasn't hard. The cave echoed the voices quite well, even then he had the hearing of any lion.... and that was well enough to hear a good majority of what was being said. A docile lion? Well yes, perhaps. He just wan't hungry was all... and what was the point in mindlessly mauling something if one wasn't going to eat it? He didn't feel like sharing with anyone else if he did kill them so all that would accomplish in killing them was adding stench to the cave. He thought on the matter and perhaps he was becoming docile. It wasn't that he cared really if these creatures were mauled or not... he just didn't think it was really worth his time in doing it if nothing were to be accomplishd by it. Perhaps there was something to be gained by not mauling them.... he lifted his head as a thought pinged in the back of his mind... these creatures had been living in the desert for a while now he could figure. Perhaps they could tell him how to find another place, somewhere where he can find a place where he was truely happy, perhaps he'd find a mate and a home wher ehe could be of use to everyone and for once feel important.
Slowly he pulled his paws under him and pushed to a stand, walking slowly to the cheetah, his head down to her level.
"You... know the desert... you must, you were living out there with these. Perhaps we can help eachother. In a way- you and I are not so different." He paused, looking out the mouth of the cave. None were around that could hear them, but just in case, he spoke in a hushed voice. If this conversation was overheard, he could become a slave or killed for treason. "I am trapped here as you are, I am doomed to dwindle a miserable worthless existance here until the day I die. Nothing is in my future. If I help you and the others escape- can you lead me to another land? Somewhere where I can live.... perhaps... whre my sister has gone. She went before me... perhaps for the same reason. I will promise never to lay a claw on you and your beloved... none will... just lead me out of the desert to the lands beyond it. I've only heard rumors of a land with green and the lions are golden....."
He longed to see that- a golden lioness that he might seronade and win as a mate. Wheather or not he had a pride didn't matter, he wanted a mate, a life, and a place to belong.
"Please.... help me set us free." Xally
Taka sighed inwardly in relief of the foxes answer and abnormal calm demeanor even though she was near a lion. Normal foxes were never calm, period. The lithe cheetahs paw's had turned a deep red color from walking in the dirt, making her wrinkle her nose up, the urge to clean demanding in her mind. Raising her hind leg to scratch at her right ear, she watched her cubs carefully through her hawk like eyes.
She managed to maintain her compurse at the lion's sudden movement by the cubs. Her ears flattened themselves accordingly and she slowly took a light step backwards, listening to him with an understanding ear. Help a lion? Well.. What harm could come from it? He seemed trustworhty enough, though, she still held that caged monster inside which she called a grudge. She sat down, knowing it'd be easier to swipe at him sitting back, her tail would around actively in a unconcious way of fidgeting.
"I..suppose we could..."
Teule scurried backwards as the lion stood, keeping his awe in his expression, but knowing that this lion was probably not as freidnly as others. Teule followed at his heels, motioning at Wokovu his large stature. He plopped his rear onto the ground, a small puff of red dust flying from the ground and staining his white rump a ruddy color. Would he be able to rule over a pride one day? It sure looked fun! And he'd get to be around alot of lions! Though he would have cheetahs and foxes allowed to be in it, too, not just lions. He would have told Woko his little idea had Mwali's size made him forget instantly about it.
"I bet we'll be the biggest lion their ever was! And-and I'll be a prince, too..or a king!"
Thalion "Prince..." He caught himself from snarling, the fur on his mane fluffing out just slightly. With a deep breath he composed himself. Obviously the others were tense around him, so any movements he made were slow, his paws remained clawless, and his teeth remained only visable when he spoke. His attention returned to the cheetah and he took a softer, more silent tone, "We must leave as soon as possible... the others will come looking for their new slaves.... or meals." He turned nerviously towards the mouth of the cave again, checking for anyone then turned back to her, "Then we must run.... I can carry a cub in my mouth, you one in yours and the fox may ride on my back. Once my father discovers that I've gone with all the slaves he will be after us... not even I will be safe from his claws then."
He extended a paw to her, showing only soft pads, "But you'll have to learn to trust me... or we might as well wait for suppertime..." Arafel Yakuti listened, though once they were out there they would both easily be a meal for the lion. He might get hungry.. and just eat them. Perhaps if she lead them out twards her old den? he shouldn't get hungry by then.. She gave alot of thought into it, being the rational- er paranoid creature she was. She gave a nod though "What other choice do we have? and if he was into mindless killing he would have killed me allready.." she gave a light shudder "Besides, he might be a good influence on the cubs.. maybe teach them a bit about benig a lion?" she suggested, feeling a bit sorry for teh caged prince. She knew a bit about the feeling, being the odd fennec fox amongst the large litter she was born in. Wokovu's jaw dropped, he really was huge. He stood and followed along after his brother and the giant prince lion that had suddenly become his new rolemodel. Grinning at teule's boasts "Yea, and we can both be kings!" ofcourse it didn't work this way, but who cared about that now. Thalion "I don't know much about being a lion...." he said perhaps ever more silently under his breath, "I only know about being a prince. Nevermind all that now, we'll have plenty of time to talk once we get a decent enough lead over my father." Being a lion? He hadn't hunted game a day of his life, he'd never fought anyone, he'd never done anything that anyone would consider lion-like behavior aside from sleeping and grooming. He couldn't possibly expect them to know all that thought. The cubs were young and full of hope- they wanted to become king. What an ambition indeed. The poor cub didn't know what it took to be king. He obviously wasn't born to the current king, so he'd have to challange and kill a king in order to become one. Messy buisness.... not worth the effort.
He slowly stepped over the fox and glanced out the mouth of his cave, his dark ears lifting from his head to listen, "We'll need to stop by the water... drink our fill. When we get out there, I doubt we'll find water easily." Kolina Once Kinja felt that Makadari was well away from the thicket she heaved a sigh of relief. "Well, at least nothing was said about the other cub. Which reminds me, Kiu, I have to go get her, could you watch the cubs?" She smiled at him, knowing he would love to watch his little ones.
She slipped out the tiny exit she had squeezed through earlier and hurried off to get Jasi. She kept looking behind her and checking the air for any hint that Makadari might be following her. She didn't want to lead him to the cub. There was no way she herself could fight the lion, even if he was getting old in age and she didn't want the little cub, Jasi to be taken.Kimeti yawned and looked at his father after his mother left. even though he was getting tired he wanted time with his father. "Let's play." He spoke brightly as he lept to all four paws, looking at his father expectantly. Doomi Jasi was still huttled in the sand, watching everything. She heaved a releaved sigh when she saw Makadari leave, and she could see Kinja coming to get her. She flexed her paws excidedly.She wondered what had gona on while she was here, she hoped it was nothing bad. shia-san Kijinga looked around. the sign of her grandfather was gone, and so was her mother. she sighed quickly as she took a few steps away from her siblings. something differ'd her from the rest. she looked at them, then turned away. curling around her body was her tail, as the tip of the fur lay infront of her face Xally
The mention of cub suddenly sent Taka into a mental frenzy, where was Jasiri!? Her eyes took on panic and so she nodded in agreement to the lion, she could trust even if the trust was going to the kind she despised, perking up her ears and head to see and hear outside of the cave. Talking quickly, she voiced her worries to Yakuti and to the lion if he had any ideas of what to do with her, her tail frizzed up in fear of where they had misplaced her.
"We're missing Jasiri, Yakuti!"
His comment about not knowing much about being a lion rung in her head. Well, of course! As a prince he did not need do to anything for his pride, they would do it for him. That's what a prince did after all.
Teule was still staring in admiration at Mwali, his ears perking up and eyes lighting at the mention of him being a Prince. He could teach them to be kings! Or princes, they were both the same, no? Teule excitedly mouthed the word 'Prince' to Woko, a large grin growing on his maw. The smile only lasted for a few seconds as Jasiri and her saftey rampaged through his mind unexpectedly. What had that lioness done with her?!
"Do you remember what that lioness did with her, Wokovu?"
shia-san Kijinga lifted her head. she looked out into the empty area as she raised from her small little area. she shook off any dust that had attached it's self to her. she then sniffed around, she knew that going off alone again would bring consequences. yet it was so boreing here. nothing to do, no one to talk to. her head shook as she wandered towards the edge of the thicket. her nose touched the tree's around it, then her head poked out of it. she looked into the area around her as her eyes stared with curiousity. it was so big, and empty! she had to go explore it ugh...but mom said no....i could get in so much more trouble.... a sigh exited her maw as she popped back into the open thicket. she stared out into the tree line, wondering what lay beyond what she saw. Kolina Kinja slowed to a halt by the bit of vegetation that she had hidden Jasi in. She called out to the little cub. "It's safe to come out now." Just to make certian that everything WAS alright she took one last glance around.
"Now, we'll have to find your friends. Apparently they got away from Makadari so they should be safe somewhere." Arafel Yakutis ears pinned back at taka's words. Holy lions they were! A slight panic came over her "what if she was eaten!?" she blurted out hurring out of the den. wokovus grin soon equaled his brotherseyes giving that sparkle as he stared up at mwali. "Yea, he's a prince and he's nice he can teach us how to be good princes.. or kings! unlike those other two." he whispered, frowning at the thought of the other two red-coated lions. he blinked though as he was asked about eth lioness "uh.. i didn't see much.." he responded kinda ashamed, and sudenly worried about the girl too. Kolina Kinja looked at Jasi a little sadly. "I am not sure if he did anything to them before I went to confront him but after that I know he didn't lay a paw on them. We better find them though. I am sure they are looking for you. I don't want them running into Makadari again." She glanced around the desert again. "Can you smell any of them? I am unsure of their scents so I am of no use." It was true, she had no idea what the cubs smelt like and there were many scents blowing in the breeze. Thalion He made a quick movement as if perusing the fox but he had stopped himself just at the mouth, watching her run off. He turned slowly to the others still in the den, flicking his tail behind him. They would be safe as long as they remained in his den- none would dare enter the den of a prince knowing he could take their life without penalty. Another glance from the fox darting off in the distance to the cubs and finally he said in a hushed voice, “Stay here, little ones…. Whatever you do- don’t go near the opening to the den. I’ll fetch the others.”
With that he leapt from his den and after the fox. His stride was longer and more powerful than hers so he overcame her quickly enough, but slowed himself down so he was running along beside her. “Do you realize just how insanely foolish this is?! Running out where everyone can see you without an escort…. You’re asking for death, you know that?” Arafel Wokovu's eyes widened as the lion looked at him and nodded quickly to what he was told. He plopped his rear down and whatched as the prince left.. Giving a sly grin he nudged his brother with his paw "Hey look wer're the princes now!" he declared playfully getting up and trotting over to the shot where mwali had laid, laying down all proud like. Yakuti blinked looking at the lion, having a small heart attack at the sight. "I asked for death when i adopted a cub and started wandering around with a cheetah and two other cubs in broad daylight." she responded, tongue loling out to the side from the heat. Xally
Taka would have run out and snagged the fox but Yakuti was much for small and camoflauged with her pelt opposed to her brightly contrasting gold one. Her father had said that her pelt was color by the sun itself because it was so bright. She turned her attention to the cubs who were both posing as princes where Mwali has just sat, laughing as both decided that they were now princes of a pride.
After nodding in compliance with the hero-like lion, Teule snickered and started strutting around Mwali's, holding his head high and proud and lifting his tail high as well. In a comical attempt to have a mane, the cub bristled up around his neck, not only not acheiving the look of a mane but also looking extremely fluffy.
"I hope we leave soon, I don't want that other lion to chase mom again.."
Doomi Jasi smiled. "Oh,good. Im glad." She paused and sniffed the air for a moment, quickly catching both the cubs scent, and the cheetah and fox. She started to jog a little ways towards a cave, and called Kinja to follow. "I think there this way!" she said. She quickly darted up further, knowing Kinja could now find her way. She slowed down near the entrance to the cave, and the sight inside make her keel over in laughter. The two cubs where strutting about, there chests puffed out. It was quite a sight to see. Thalion He glanced back at the den- another was looking in. They had to be quick, it might draw attention.... the attention of his father or brother for instance. That wouldn't be good at all. He wasn't prepaired to die for slaves. "Make haste- we don't have time. No one is there to protect the little ones in my den."
How frusterating.... suddenly he was becoming a babysitter... well if they could get him into another land he would deal with it.((short post sweatdrop Sorry all. I've got a bit of a headache)) Arafel Yakuti nodded before sddenly skidding to a shop as the cub in question bolted past her "...that was her." she blinked and turned to follow. Wokovu gave a nod, then looked up as Jasi entered, along with his mother who was panting from the sudden running. "Hey Teule! They're back allready. So we can go now" he padded up to the entrance Xally
Teule was over by Jasiri quicker than, air giving her a quick look over to make sure she wasn't hurt or anything of the like. Once he was sure she was okay, he offered a relieved grin, tail winding down from it's twitching.
"We're gonna leave soon! With the Prince, he wants us to take him to another land and if we do, he'll protect us."
Taka sighed in relief as Jasiri scurried past her, ears and shoulder slumping to see that the cub was okay. She turned her attention to the returning Yakuti and Mwali, giving in almost unseen smile to them safe. If one was worth trusting, Taka would quickly give the trust away, now seeing their friendship or truce as a bond. Mwali was a friend now and if he ever ddi anything to break that, she would have none of it. Sitting down, she waited patiently for them to return, scouting out the rest of the perimeter visually to make sure any other lions would not see them.
Thalion "Will you just make up your mind?!" He turned and followed alongside her, his stance was slowly growing more and more like his normal stride. His shoulders risen up in annoiance and a bit of a scold marking his face, "This way, that way.... in the cave, out of the cave. One cub another. Please tell me that this is the only other cub we'll have to go on a treasure hunt for." Doomi [blah short o_O]
Jasi smiled and licked Teule on the cheek. "I missed you!I was so worried that the other lions might hurt you and Wokovu!That king, he was a little scary, but Kinja kept me safe." she said, gesturing to the lioness who was still a little behind. "What where you doing anyway?" Arafel She gave a nod "Yep.. everyones together.." she gave a thoughtful look going back to where he had said he wanted to go "So you said somethign about green lands and .. golden lions?" she thought she had heard something about that, but she was unsure.. "Taka know anything?"Wokovu yawned ears giving a flick adding into his brothers actions "We're glad your ok Jasi!" he smiled, feeling a bit out of place. Xally
She was mildy amused over Mwali's agitated attitude and showed it with a brief raspy snicker, tail curling in and out. For a brief second she was partially fond of his little attitude, seeing it rather childish then 'princely'.
"I do. My clan used to live near their, er, their being the Mistweaver lands.."
She knew that would probably strike a nerve, just saying the word Mistweaver but it was a very nice place to rest. The only other place he could go was the Pridelands but the pride their would probably be unwelcoming and run him out as soon as he stepped onto their land.
"I missed you too, Jasi! I was worried about the same thing. Were planning our escape method. Mwali over there is gonna help us escape if we take him to the forest..he..doesn't wanna be a prince, anymore."
He gave a smile in greeting to Kinja before gesturing to the looming red lion when he said Mwali. He didn't look into the lick too much, dismissing it as just a friendly gesture, though it did make him blush a bit.
Kolina Kinja looked at Mwali in surprise when greenlaands and golden lionesses were mentioned. "You're going to the Pridelands?" Surprise and hope both filled her voice as she spoke. This might be her chance to send a message to Mufasa and Sarabi. She had left without telling anyone, they would surely think her dead by now, but she wanted to let them know she was fine and quite happy where she was. She didn't want them worrying over her, or worse, mourning even if she was alive and well. Arafel Wokovu blinked looking a thte two, slowly scooting nxt to his brother and raising a paw so she wouldn't hear him whispering in a taunting voice "You li~ike her." A small grin forming on his maw, as he said that sentance ina sing-song tone. Thalion Mwali froze, turning slowly towards Kinja. He had been caught... though she surely couldn't do anything to stop him, one word from her would ruin him and his plans for escape. Of course- logically she was from outside the desert and would probably understand his reason for leaving. Pridelands...., it was an unfirmilar term to him... he'd never heard the name. The crimson prince wasn't a social creature by any means so any speak of "Pridelands" or the "Mistweavers" were both strange and foreign to him. She surely wouldn’t question him… though she had earlier. Perhaps he could make peace with her… and maybe his brother before leaving. He stooped low to the fox, lowering his voice, “I Shall meet you and the others in my den. Stay out of sight and prepare to leave tonight.”
He rose his head to face the lioness, taking a slow few steps forward, his voice lowered. “Keep your voice low… this can be seen as treason on my part.” Her tone subjected that she was going to ask a favor of him, and in exchange she would have to keep his secret, “You don’t want harm to come to these slaves. We escape this night… I beg of you to not tell my father until we have gotten a day behind us.” Kolina Kinja couldn't help but smile at Mwali as he spoke. "No worries, I won't tell you father at all. I personally don't care for Makadari so I avoid as much contact with him as possible." She sat down, curling her tail around her hind legs. "Besides, I wouldn't want the cubs hurt. I am sure you could take care of yourself but I feel the cubs would be much safer with you around, even if you're a spoiled prince."
"So, are you going to the Pridelands? You spoke of green lands and golden lionesses. The Mistweaver Pride is gone so the Pridelands in the only place you could possibly be speaking of." She looked at him with her blue eyes, hoping beyond hope that that was where they were headed.
"If you are going there I can help you, Ever since arriving in the desert I've begunt o learn my way around. The pridelands are about a 3-4 day walk from here. With the cubs though it may take longer, it all depends on how much they're use to." Doomi
Jasi nodded and looked towards Mwali and Kinja, wondering what this "Pridelands" was. It sounded nice to her, green and pleasent. Afterall, she had been in the desert for a long time. She looked back at the two, seeing Woko wisper something to Teule. She perkerd up her ears, but catching nothing of the conversation, she dismissed it.Thalion There she said it again... well he supposed she would know the name of the land he was hoping to run to- she was an outsider afterall. He let her speak, taking nervous glances over his shoulder towards the den now and then but tried his best not to make it so noticable. Once she had finished speaking he addressed her questions and comments one at a time, his voice still hushed and his tone still full of nervous concern, "I didn not know the name of the land that I had heard in rumors about the pride, but yes... I would like to reach the lands where the lions are golden and the ground is green... the slaves seem to know the desert and it would be aggreeable to them to be freed in some way. The cubs seem interested in staying around me for one reason or another..." They wanted to be with a prince... but he wouldn't mention that. He knew this lioness didn't think him to be all that regal... if she thought anything good at all of him it was only because she loved his brother.
"But I don't know how you can help me... unless you know the way there and how we might survive that walk...." He began mumbeling now, knowing she'd laugh at his next remark, "I've never been on my own before...." Kolina She smiled. "I know the way there because I use to live there." Like Mwali she glanced around before speaking any further. "Between you and me I don't look like this." She gestured her head to her body. "A bird who goes by the name Hestia changed me to look like one of the blood. I am really one of the golden lionesses you speak of, though my real coat color is of a light tan color." She looked at him, waiting to see what his reaction would be before continueing. "You're best bet to survive would be to drinka nd eat your fill before going. But when you leave could you take a message to my pride?" Thalion He raised a brow to her statement about her “True” colors. He hadn’t been religious at all… his father never pushed anything on him or bothered to spend time teaching him the things that Kiu was taught… his beliefs were pretty scattered- quite frankly he didn’t know what to believe in. Nothing seemed miraculous about his life, or anyone else’s life around him. However, if she was originally from the lands that she said that she was, then she might have been telling the truth. He still couldn’t help but think that she was perhaps just pulling his leg on this. Giving him false hopes to get him lost in the desert to meet his death for a bit of revenge on him… then again she wouldn’t want the slaves to die with him. At least for their sake- she probably wasn’t lying. I still don’t know what to believe…, He groaned to himself.
“Only if you give me directions and bid my brother farewell for me.” He looked to the side a bit, “We were close as cubs, but as Father took more to him, we drifted apart and almost became like strangers. I still care for him though I don’t like to admit to it… and I almost regret leaving but there’s no place for me here.” Slowly he looked back to her, “Is there hope for me in your lands? Or will I become a slave for coming into their lands?” Xally
Teule stuck his tongue out at his brother defensively. He didn't like her in that way, the way that made you say like like in a funny way. On no, he knew what that meant and was very he didn't. He curled his tail up and walked nearer to his mom and Mwali, knowing if he got wound up about it he'd just be teased.
"Hm, I don't."
Taka felt the need to interject before the lion became worried about the trek to the Pridelands. She inched to the side of him, taking a quick but scrutinous glance at the lioness. She was awfully familiar, seeming to weigh in her mind as she spoke. This looming lion had never been on his own before? How embarrasingly funny, she though, stifling her laughs as he mentioned his father's favoritism of his brother, feeling sympathy for him.
"I've been into the Pridelands so you don't need to worry about that and she's right, you should probably store up energy. You'll need ot for walking and hunting while we're out there."
Suddenly a wide smirk spread across her face as she looked him over. She'd have to teach him how to hunt! Afterall he had said he'd never been on his own before and prides usually let their lionesses hunt. This escape plan was ending up being more funny then dangerous.
Kolina Kinja smiled at him. "I can take you a little ways actually, but I won't stray more than a half a day from my cubs. I promise to tell Kiu farewell for you. I am sure he will understand why you left though it will probably hurt him that you didn't say goodbye to him yourself." She looked sadly at him. "You don't have to worry about becoming a slave, we pridelanders don't believe in such things. That's why I reacted to strongly when Jasi told me your father was trying to make her and the others slaves. It's downright horrible. A lion should learn to hunt and how to survive on his own, not rely on others to bring him his dinner all the time. You may have a hard time convincing Mufasa, the king, that you truly have left the Firekin pride though. Until then you will probably have a hard time living, but after you prove yourself you'll be welcomed into the pride with open paws."
"If you want, I can get you all some food before you leave, but, Mwali, you'll have to learn how to fend for yourself so you better watch carefully when I hunt." She smiled. "This is about all I can do for you, but please tellt he others that I, Kimondo, am fine and I have made a life for myself, but please... don't tell them I have joined the Firekin pride. I am... I am not sure how they would react to that." She looked to the ground momentarily before gettin a hold of her emotions and looking back to Mwali. "If you're going to leave tonight we should probably go hunting now. It's the best time to find prey out in the desert." Thalion So she would take him part of the way in... still he had wished that he knew for sure where to go on his own. He was running away to shead his dependance on others - not to increase it. Still he'd be out in the desert depending on the fox and her family to guide him the rest of the way and perhaps even teach him to hunt. How embarassing... a lion prince who couldn't hunt. How he would explain that to the residants of the lands ahead of him he didn't know... hopefully he'd learn how to fend for himself during the crossing of the desert but it wasn't likely. What was worse was he would have to come up with a way of letting the king of this land know that "Kimondo" ,or Kinja as he knew her, was alive and well without telling him that she had joined the firekin. Afterall, he was firekin himself obviously and they'd question how he knew that. He surely won't deny his royal linage to them, they'd simply have to trust that he wasn't like the others... very far from it in fact. He surely wasn't built like a warrior. A few days in the desert wouldn't remody that. His fur was glossy and almost flawless in its grooming so apparently he was a very wealthy lion here. There would be no mistaking that he had some tie in with his kin.
She began speaking of his brother- and how he would be hurt if Mwali himself didn't go to say his farewell in person. Just what he needed, a guilt trip to go along with a dangerous one. He wished he could say his farewell to his brother but he knew that their father would probibly be close by and it would not only cost him his life, but the cheetah, fox, and cubs theirs as well. Now was not the time for sappy good-byes. He simply roated his shoulders to pop them back into place and lifted his head, "Send word to me when it is safe to return. By then hopefully I'd have grown stronger. I would like to visit these lands... perhaps when my brother is king and I would not be labeled a trator to the blood for leaving." He sighed, shaking his head... more guilt. He'd never see his father again. Though they weren't close- he was still his father, "And tell my father my farewell as well... but wait until we have a day behind us. Surely he wouldn't be able to catch us with that much of a lead if he were to become cross."
Then to address the rest of her questions he let his voice raise just slightly, "I'll give them your message..." Though he was a bit confused over her "other name"... or her true name perhaps, "If I live to give it.... lead away to the hunt." He wasn't exactally hungry but he'd be thankful for a meal later on down the road. He'd have to gorge himself of meat and water to survive this more likely than not.((I'm at school at the moment, I should be home around one 3nodding )) Arafel (finnally the guilds are working e_e) Yakuti's ears flicked giving a yawn as she stood "Walk and talk." she trotted over to the group not liking the fact they had just been sitting around talking for awhile. She turned glancing around trying to get her sense of direction back. Her bushy tail gave a few swishes as she waited for the others to lead, obviously tense again. Kolina Kinja watched as Mwali seemed to have an inner struggle with himself. She smiled at him smypathetically and awaited to see what he would say.
"I'll come for you myself should need be, and I promise to tell both your brother and father a day or so after you have left. I do hope you find what you're looking for and find yourself in the process. I am sure the Pridelands will live up to your expectations though. Now... onto the hunt." She leapt to her paws and began padding towards the desert before stopping to look over her shoulder that Mwali was just behind her. Once the large, sleek lion was just behind her she picked up her pace to lead him to the best hunting area in the desert. She had to thank Waka for showing her this, or else she would be just about as lost as Mwali was, but not because she couldn't hunt.
Upon arrival of her desetination Kinja slowed down and crouched low as her blue eyes gazed around her. There was a small herd of impala grazing upon the little vegetation there was. "Stay low and be as quiet as you can." She spoke softly, just enough for the lion to here her. "You're just going to have to watch me, if this herd catches sight of you they'll run fast and probably won't be back for awhile. You and the cubs need to get out of the pride by sunrise tomorrow so this hunt needs to be fast."
Once sure that Mwali heard and understood her she began to slowly creep forward toward the herd. Everytime one of them raised their head she would stop cold, not moving an inch until the impala's head was facing the ground again. She moved as close as she dared before placing her paws under her and her uscles tensed ready to spring at the herd. Xally
[>:0 Whee finally *follows to the hunt*]
Taka trailed behind the two lions, the name Kimondo ringing in her head, Teule at her feet and quickly getting excited. Hunting was one of the funnest things for himor at least that's what she thought. It's not like Mwali would have problems finding food with her unless prey was scarce, of course. Mechanically, she dropped to her belly as soon as she was near to the herd, watching how the lioness would take down the impala. As a cheetah, her and most of her family viewed themsleves as the most supreme hunter because of the their speed which was what all you needed in hunting unless it was a powerful animal. At least that's what her father had told her.
"Teule, Woko, Jasi. Watch her, this is how liosn hunt."
Teule did as he was told and inched forward, dragging his back legs as he inched forward to see the impala, stopping shyly next Mwali. Silently, he was holding back the urge to go after one himself, all he'd need to do is ru and punce like mom had said, right? OR trip them if they wanted a chase. Ooh, chases were the best of them all.Arafel Yakuti shifted uncomfortably, she didn't care for watching prey die.. so she followed, but not enough to really see what was going on with the poor impala.. Bugs was one thing, they died a bit faster.. but watchign some other large animal get taken down by a lioness just like she could be by any of these large cats just made her fur stand on end.. Wokovu grinned, pinning himself to the sand ears tucking back against his head as he watched in antisipation for the hunting demonstration. The closer the lioness edged to the impala, the bigger he relized they really were.. and the more he relized that the more excited he got. Doomi Jasi padded slowly up to next to Teule, doing the same as he did. She watched everything, taking mental notes. She had only been hunting once before, and she needed to practice more. Plus, she had only seen a cheetah hunt. She wonderd if there was much difference. She scooted up a little ahead of Teule, and grinned up at Mwali. "Goodluck" she wisperd. Kolina Kinja moved just a tad bit further away from the group behind her. She prayed they would all stay out of sight and down wind from her prey. She glanced back momentarily to make sure no one was trying to follow her before she prepared herself.
Each muscle in her body stiffened as her paws were positioned under her in such a matter that she would get the best speed when ready. Ears laid back against her head as she waited patiently, quiety...
Her muscles seemed to explode as she took off across the desert. The Impalas made a made dash away from her, but one was just a bit too slow and Kinja was able to pick it out of the ground. Circling around it she cut it from the herd, her muscles rippling under her coat as she leapt up and dug her claws into the impala's hide. With a mighty pull downwards the hooved creature was on the ground with Kinja on top of it. Within a few short seconds her mouth was around its airway while her teeth sank into it's neck... the impala was dead. Kinja held on for a few minutes longer to make sure that the creature had no chance of coming back to life. Once certain that it was truely dead she sat back on her haunches and allowed herself to catch her breath before turning to look at the group. She called for them to come down and gorge. Thalion Mwali had done as he was told, crouching low to the ground and watching her closely. Her speed was increadable, how she was smoothe in her movement, how she knew how to hide from the watchful eyes of the desert deer, how to dart behind them, and finally taking the one down. She delivered a bite to it's neck and it had suffocated to death, laying limp on the ground with it's now flopped neck hanging from the maw of the lioness. Slowly he rose up to his paws, his ears rotating forward and his mouth opening sligtly to tase the air for the blood. Off in the distance the rest of the heard bounded away, their tails held high in alert and their bodies bobbing on the horizon until the dots of white and gold had vanished.
He began down the side of the dune, looking to the corpse. He wasn't all that hungry... but she did say he had to gorge himself on both food and water if he was to survive. She would know of all lions. Fortune was with him for running into her when he had. Kolina Kinja sat by her kill, fully recovered from the chase. She still wasn't perfect at killing out on the sand but she was getting much better, her killing rate had gone up tremedously. Thankfully she managed to bring one down that time.
As Mwali approached she rose from her sitting position. "Did you catch a good deal of what I did? You'll all be quite hungry when you reach the Pridelands so I am sure you'll be doing some hunting upon arrival of your destination."
Glancing back up to where the other were still hiding she called to them again. They all needed to eat something. The little prey scattering the desert would not be able to sustain them all, and the cubs would be the first ones needing food again. Arafel Wokovu rose as Mwali did, trotting after him at a decent distance. He puffed out his chest and plopped down near the carcass "Hey! Me, Jasi and my brother can all hunt." he stated proudly, rasing his chin, as if he cuold take care of everyone. Yakuti stiffened, following the group but stopping a great deal away from the carcass. "I'm.. still full." she muttered, shuddering at the sight. Somehow it bothered her more when there were this many large cats around. Thalion "I saw..." He wasn't sure he'd be able to simulate any of that without some practace- but there was no time for any of that. He'd eat his fill fight then and have the others eat as well. Perhaps if any meat lingered on the bones of the kill he would have them each carry a piece in their mouthes until they were in dire need of the meat. If things came down to hunting, he was sure the cheetah would know better than he how to find food.
Slowly he reached her, taking a quick glance back to the others then back to her. He raised his brow a bit, the long tail waving just a bit behind him, "Should we take it back to the den or call them here to eat?" Kolina She looked at the others and debated for a bit. "I think eating here is our best bet of not being found. If they all gorge in your den and your father happens to walk in..." She left herself trail off not wanting to voice what Makadari might do if he saw his son sharing a happy meal with 'slaves'.
"Besides if you eat here we can take a quick trip to the oasis and then you can all hurry to leave the pride. The longer you wait, the more I fear that your father will find the cubs, especially now that the wind has picked up a bit." and she was right, a gust of wind blew past them and to the group that was still hiding in the brush, causing the vegetation to rustle about. The wind could easily carry the scent of any of the cubs, fox, or cheetah and any curious lion would come wandering to see who the scent belonged to. Thalion Mwali took a glance over his shoulder at the mention of his father. He wasn’t ready to die yet for any reason. Though he was an adult, he was a very young adult and he still had years to live… he hadn’t truly lived anyway. To die before a rebirth of some sort simply wouldn’t do. Everything seemed to freeze when that wind passed- the rustle in the bushes nearly got the male to jump from his fur. He knew it couldn’t be his father but with all this talk of being found out, it was unnerving. After finding his composure he turned back to the female, lifting a paw to smooth back the mane atop his head- it had begun to fluff out a bit from the wind and it was a bit annoying getting into his eyes.
“I’ll go fetch the others to eat then…. Just watch the kill.” He turned himself around and began striding back to the den. Not fast enough to seem out of his usual behavior but not slow enough to waste time. Anyone that knew him would just think that he was wanting to get out of the heat and back to the cool of his cave. Partly true… he didn’t know how he’d manage out there in the heat all day for however many days but he’d have to do it somehow. It would be something to make him stronger at least, he’d learn a good deal braving it on his own… well not completely on his own. He’d have to care for other creatures along the way… caring…. Who could guess Mwali the brat would care?
Once his cave was reached he cleared his throat to get the attention of the others, standing straight so he’d look even taller, “Come with me, we’re leaving after a meal and a drink. Both we will do until we can hold no more in our bellies.” Xally
Teule smirked widely at his brother's comment, they were good hunter's afterall so he had no doubt in his young mind that finding food for them would be no problem. He followed Mwali's order happily and started digging into the impala's plump belly. His tail hung defiantly as a flurry of wind blew by, ruffling the little of mane he had.
Taka obliged to the lion's request, rasing her head after every bite to make sure there were other in the area. Who would have thought that lions could have a heart? Certainly not her. Teule though had proved her wrong in a small way but now these Kimondo and Mwali? Never in her life would she have thought she would ever help a lion before trying to kill it. Her mind drifted to the future, thoughts of making the lion hunt musing in her mind. Oh yes, that was going to be quite amusing.
Arafel ((we're not in ze den. o_o we've been following you. we've been ignored ._. *snuffles and clings to exalla's leg*)) Wokovu joined his brother in eating, not caring all too much about any noise or mess he made. Tail flopping to either side evey now and then. yep, this was much better than bugs. Yakuti stiffened watching as they ate and getting that cold chill down her spine once more. Carnivores.. she thought, almost judgmentally, not that she didn't like any of them. Wokovu was practically her kit, but it still bugged her. The noises.. smells, just the sight of it. Insects were different. There was even had a different name for it, insectivore. Besides what she ate was so much.. smaller and less threatning. her ears flattered trying to drown out some of the noises they were picking up. Kolina As the group ate, Kinja lept alook out for any sign of anyone who might foil the groups plans. She wasn't worried about Kiu, he was back in the thicket with the cubs, if he should leave them she'd chew his head off before he even got a chance to make any cmplaints about her. Waka and the other lionesses were proabably resting in the shade somewhere. The one who was worrying her was Makadari. He could walk up on them at any moment, it seemed like he didn't really have a ritual to do every day.
Glancing back at the group she made sure that everyone was taking their fill. The fox was no surprise to see not eating, they weren't fond eaters of meat, just insects, and there were many insects in the desert if one knows how to look for them.
With a soft sigh, she thought of her cubs. They would soon have to go the pride den, they were getting old enough now that they could trapse the short distance over the sand to the pride. Should any need any help Kiu and her would be there with them. She just worried that some of the lionesses would not like the little ones around and might take advantage of some of the young ones curious nature, especially Kijinga and Kimeti. Those two would be the death of her. Doomi Jasi slowly walked up next to Teule, sniffing the meat first before digging in. The meat was juicy with blood, that ran down her muzzle. She would have to eat her full, so she would survive the trip to the pridelands. For a moment she paused to wipe off her mouth, and think. She turned to Teule. "Teule, what do you think the pridelands will be like. I hope its not like here..." she trailed off a bit, thinking about there encounters with Makadari, and how it all became so crazy after that. She almost couldnt take all those things happening at once. Thalion Mwali stood behind the cubs as they ate and kept watch. He'd eat after them.... though he wasn't hungry at the moment whenever he started into something it was hard to tell when to stop. Often times he would gorge himself ill and spend days whining about a sore belly and ask for someone to find some grass to chew on... not anymore. He'd have to learn to be on his own -and- be more wise about how much to eat. He'd have to carry some scraps for himself and the others... which meant there would have to be scraps left.
After he felt the cubs had eaten their fill, he began to eat what he could stand. Of course- all the choise meat had been scavaged from the kill leaving the less desireable places full of fat or tendants that got stuck between one's teeth but now wasn't the time to be fussy either. He ate what he felt was enough and pulled the bones with the most meat remaining on them and handed them out according to size.
"Listen here, this will be the last meal we have so what bit you have on that bone you will eat only when you feel you simply can't go on without a bite... this doesn't include tomarrow or perhaps even the next day." He turned to the lioness, licking some of the blood from his chops. She would instruct them further to the water hole. Xally
The cheetah watched the cubs eat and turned her head back behind them, the hoof the impala sticking out of her maw comically. Taka nearly choked on her meat at Mwali's words, looking up to him with smirk and a quiet laugh, batting her tail on the ground absent mindedly.
"You talk as if we've never survived on our own before. Don't worry about taking any food, it'll just slow us down and attract others.."
"I don't know. My mom was their before but she never really told me much about it, cept' that it's a really nice place."
He spoke with his mouth full, swallowing and heeding Mwali's words by biting of another large peice of meat even though he wasn't that hungry. Teule sat back and looked out across the desert, scratching his ear with his hind foot relentlessly, taking in the muted blue as the afternoon darkened with a passing of a small cloud.
"It's gonna be fun with Mwali, huh Wokovu?."
Arafel Wokovu blinked, his jaw now stuffed with a scrap of meat too big for him, he set ti down ears twicing as he started lickign his paw absent mindedly. Perking a bit when spoken to "Yea! We can teach him how to hunt, and he'l teach us how to be princes." he stated, as if it were allready agreed to. Atleast he hoped thats how it would go. Yakuti trotted over to the group, glancing around nerviously blinking a few times as her eyes squinted more.. the longer she was out here the brighter everythign seemed to get. It was really becoming hard to see. "can we go now?" she asked, a bit timid as that wasn't somethign you should ask large carnivores.. Doomi Jasi perkerd her ears up at the word 'princes'. She had heard this before from them, but wasnt sure how they were going to be princes. They did have there own little pride, and she supposed they could be princes if they wanted to. She decided to play along. "Yes princes, and I will be the princess." She said, daintaly pranceing around, her tail held high. Without noticing her tail brushed underneath Teules chin, but she continued to prace around, giggling, Kolina Glancing back at the group she noticed that everyone seemed to have taken their fill. With one last glance of the horizion she turned and padded down to the group. "Everyone take their fill?" She smiled at them.
"Well if we're all ready I would say a trip the the oasis is in order. After that you'll be on your own. I understand that some have you been to the Pridelands?" She looked at the group questioningly. She dearly hoped at least one of them have and that they could find their way back there. She couldn't leave her cubs for much longer. Thalion Aside from feeling incredibly stupid, he also felt incredibly awkward. There he was trying to give them subjections on how to survive when he hadn’t done a thing in his life for himself… not once. Carrying a bone with meat sounded like a good idea to him…with his usual appetite, he had no knowledge that meat went bad in the sun. He’d not been exposed to the hard life that the others had so he had no idea that it would attract anyone, though with some thinking on the matter it did make a bit more sense. After all, he came to the scent of blood whenever the lionesses returned to the pride. What else could be out there? The lions were the only things that he could think dangerous but they were going to be left far behind by this time tomorrow… at least he hoped.
As for feeling awkward, he was expected to teach cubs how to be royalty…what would he tell them? To forget all the hunting, training, survival they knew and sit around all day? Their trip would give him time to think of what a real prince should be- perhaps he’d tell them more about Kui and how he acted than himself though they seemed fond of him. They were excited about traveling with him and teaching him how to hunt (this was another stab at his esteem). He never thought that they would be. He was a firekin, something that very well could have their lives right there in only one sweep of his paw. However… he wasn’t like his father. Never had he held a grudge against anything else of another color or species. Lions were lions and anything else was normally brought to him in a bloody mess for dinner. Simple as that.
He waited for the others to answer- a bit impatient and worrisome that his father would happen upon them with the scent of the kill fresh on the air. It wouldn’t be good if he found them… how would he explain all this? He was never too good with lying- in fact he had never had a reason to lie to anyone. Xally
Taka sighed absently and nodded, repeating herself once more as Teule sneezed loudly and rolled on his back from Jasi's tail.
"I've been hunting in your lands before, I'm very sure I'll be able to find it. I appreciate your help with giving us food and shelter, it was a very...kind thing to do."
The cheetah had almost let her tounge slip and would have said 'a very unlion like thing to do'. Thankfully, she didn't since that would only cause some dispute and Mwali would decide to eat them for her insult.
Teule rolled back on his stomach, wanting very much what Yakuti had suggested. Teule looked to Mwali, titling his head in curiousity. He seemed down for some reason. Maybe it was beause he had never hunt before? He crawled over to Mwali, looking somewhat fearful that he'd offend the lion with his audacious act.
"You okay..Mwali?"
Thalion He smirked just a little bit. No one had ever really cared to ask if he was alright, how he was doing, how he was feeling, or any of that… it kind of felt nice to know that someone cared at least a little bit. He nodded his great head down at the cub, still keeping his mouth shut to listen for further instruction or the order to follow the lioness to the oasis… he’d not worry the cub with his thoughts. He probably wouldn’t understand them anyway. Arafel Yakuti sighed, being so small obviously was getting her ignored.. Her ears flicked adn her tail gave a flop in the sand as she glanced around "I know of an oasis, I put my den near one.. i think i could get us there." she mumbled, figuring no one would hear that anyways.. She shifted, the smell of the kill still lingering around was affecting her sensitive nose. Wokovu grinned at Jasi holding his head up a bit higher "Yes, a princess and two princes." he tried to sound as 'royal' as he could and supressing a giggle from the excitment. Though he opened his eyes as his brother asked mwali if he was ok, he would have asked the same, but it seemed Teule had it covered.. so he just continued his little game. He trotted over to a rock a few feet away, getting atop it and sitting looking out before his new kingdom, pretending as if the small creatures were really other members of their pride, more lions, cheetahs and foxes to be exact.. Doomi
Jasi smiled. She had seen princess before, and the thought of been one made her blush. It seemded like a big respnsabilty to her, keeping everything in order, and haveing to solve the problems of the pride. Atleast, that what she thought a princess did. She shrugged and made her way over to a small plant that had some shade under it. Laying down on her stomach, she gave a load yawn, before placing her head between her paws. Before she shut her eyes, she saw something shine in the sun, and thought it a little akward, because she knew there was only sand in these parts, and it didnt glow like this. She slowly made her way over to the thing, approching it caustiously before shifing the sand around to find a beatiful earing. Is was a hoop, made of a clean silver, which reminded her of Teules eyes. It had a small saphire stone in the middle of it, which gleamed in the evening sun. She had seen jewlry like this before...on the princess she watched from afar when she jorneied as a cub. It was along time since then, but she remeberd seeing lioness, with brightly coloed decorations such as these. She picked it up and looked at it fondly. Oh, how she would love to wear it. She thought of it for a moment. Wouldnt it hurt? Sticking that through my ear? She gulped, and shiverd at the thought. But she had, afterall, been through worse. And besides, it didnt look that bad. She held it to her ear, balencing herself on a nearby rock. She hestitated for a moment before putting it in. She felt a serge of pain in her ear, nothing horrible, but enough to make her yelp. A smal drop of blood fell of her ear and into the sand, quickly drying. She licked her paw and cleaned it off. After she got over the small pain, she felt a small pride within her, and went to go show her finding to Teule. She paused for a moment, and looked down at the sand, suddenly wondering how this earing got to be so far from home. She shook it off and troted up to Teule, who was beside Mwali. She smiled gently, making sure her ear was in Teules view. "Hi Teule," she said, letting Teule find out for himself.
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Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:23 pm
Part 3 (Continued from above two posts)Xally
Teule bent downwards just a bit, a smile spreading across his face at the lion's action of acknowledgement. Twisting his tail around, he rose and turned his seat, leaning back at Jasi's closeness. He smiled weakly and stood, inching back a bit after giving Woko and smirk of approval of his picturesque self looming on the rock. Oh yea, they'd be princes for sure. He turned his attention to Jasi, opening his mouth to greet but silenced by the sheen of the silver earring.
"Whoa, where'd you get that?"
Taka stood, readying herself to leave, she wasn't aout to stick around any longer. The cheetah turned to see Jasi when she yelped and eyes the earring carefully, making sure she wasn't hurt. It was surely time to go, they ate and they wouldn't need water from a few hours or so. She gave Yakuti an encouraging smile as she saw the fox's mood begin to sink.
"I think we should leave. Yakuti will lead us to her oasis. Mwali...while were out there, don't expect to be treated any differently than one of the cubs. I'd appreciate if you'd do as I say when I say it which will probably be best for you, anyway, seeing as this is your first time out."
She tried not sound bossy even though when asking what she had, she tended to get a high air about her. Meekly, she offered a small smile of question. It would be better if she knew she'd have him under control if they ran into trouble.
Arafel Wokovu sat on the rock, starign absentmindedly at the other 'pride members' below as he went into a samll fantasy of what they'd have.. ' Everyone will be welcome, cheetahs, lions, foxes.. and any other animals out there.' he held his head up a bit higher as he thought ' We'll taken in orphaned cubs like Jasi was.. and me, my brother and jasi would run the whole thing! ' The fur on his back rose up a bit in his excited thinking, tail flopping back and forth. ' We'll help hunt, and teach the others how to. and and we'll have a big cave to live in, like mwali.. and..' Yep, he was lost to them all now.. Yakuti sighed smiling a bit as the cheetah stook up for her, maybe carnivores weren't all that bad.. She stood, allready starting to sniff around to get her directions straight.. she could barely see with the blindign light reflecting off the sand.. but she wasn't about to let anyone on. She'd just use her nose to figure out where she was walking.. and any changes in the blurred images would tell her of what was infront of her.. Doomi Jasi leaned back a little, her smile becomeing wider. "I found it in the sand. Isnt it beatiful? I saw real princesses wearing things like these once Teule! Does it look good on me?" she questioned. She could feel the presence of Mwali laying next to them, and she hoped she didnt look to foolish. She had wanted to impress him, and show them what a great pack they make. She turned her head slightly and looked at him out of the corner of her eye. He was going to teach the boys how to be princes...but did he know anything about being a princess? It mustent be much different. Xally
Teule nodded uneasily, feeling very strange vibes from her. Did Jasi like him like how Wokovu said he liked her? He smiled weakly, starting after Yakuti but not before toppling over the statuesque figure of Wokovu first. Hoping Jasi wouldn't bring up liking her or anything he gave her a sheepish smile. He did not like these feeling he was getting from Jasi, it made him to uneasy around her. He just wanted to be friends, hopefully forever. He turned away from them both, turning his head as walked onwards.
"Come on guys, Yaku's gonna take us to her watering hole.."
Arafel Wokovu blinked as his brother toppled over him, falling along with him with a small startled yelp. He blinked a few times then pushed himself to his paws, following on excitedly. "Hey i think i remember going there. We never had to go there too often because the bugs we ate had water in them or something." he stuck his tongue out at teh thought of bugs.. they were ok, he guessed, but he sure liked those other animals better. Yakuto gave a small snort "Its not a watering hole its an oasis" she stated, as if that had some sort of higher meaning to it.. looking back at them with squinted watery eyes. She blinked a few times before slowly trudging foreward making sure everyone was going to follow her.. Kolina Kinja watched as the group began to move to an oasis that the tiny fox knew off. She walked up to Mwali before he could begin following them. "With the fox helping you find water I believe you'll be fine. You'll be leaving as soon as you're finished I hope. I'll talk to your father and brother tomorrow, I am sure Kiu will be fine about the whole thing but your father..." Her voice trailed off. She was worried about Mwali as well as her own health when she told the king that his youngest son had left., especially if he finds out she had something to do with it.
"I wish you luck Mwali. Please don't forget to tell my pride that I am fine. You're best chance of being given an opprtunity of being in the pride would be to talk to the kind, Mufasa. He's carng and understanding." She smiled softly at her mates brother. "I better return to my cubs, I am sure I've been missed." She turned and begant o slowly pad off before turning. "Good luck." With that she picked up speed and leapt up and over a dune before dissapearing to return to her little ones. Thalion Mwali watched her go, slowly turning his great head to follow the others lead him to the oasis. From there they�d have to run all night while it was cool and into the morning until the sands grew too warm. His father was a powerful creature and would come after them simply out of vengeance. He was taking his life into his own hands and would have to be in charge of several other lives in the process. However- ironically enough- he depended on them more than they would on him. He had no idea how to survive on his own, how to hunt, or how to get to the green lands. These creatures were his guides and his teachers. The little ones even knew how to survive better than he. It was troubling but he�d not say anything. These didn�t care for lions� they had known too many that were like his father and too few like the lioness and himself.((Gah, short and crappy post. It's early and I'm losing it)) pg 43
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