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 Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 8:17 pm
Jiào Xun was...less than comfortable amidst such a crowd. Shaking out his heavy black mane, the lion also known as Ukali heaved a sigh. He had learned much of how to get along with others since joining those of the Tianxia, but large gatherings like this, with everyone bustling about and socializing...it made him feel his relative lack of social graces all the more. For much of his life he had been a bully, a brute, a fighter. His hard-earned realization had been startling, and the subsequent efforts to remold himself had been like learning to walk again. A good learning, the learning to be reliable, dependable, more tempered, but difficult nonetheless. At times like this, the East House guard could keenly feel how far he had to go, despite how far he had come.
Keeping a watchful eye out for those of the East House, he began to search for a seat that would offer a vantage point--perhaps one in the back, where he could continue to watch the others while he watched the proceedings?
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Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:29 am
Xun smiled at the former emperor. He didn't seem to be taken back by speaking out as such and even suggesting to his father an order. Still, he didn't entirely feel right that he was telling his own father - his idol and inspiration, to do anything less of what a father, let a lord. He would have to discuss about the details about recruiting more members to the house with his father much later after this summons. It didn't seem like a time to bring about pride-related duties than a celebration. "I hope the Central House's activities do not bore you, Your Majesty. You could always come to the North and oversee the daily regiments that go on there. Mostly my siblings, but things are always busy there." The Lord smiled. He could only believe a house that was protected by all the others - where the majority of the members reside - would be quite dull and quiet, but give the serenity of peace and quiet to the noble family. Though, if one was seeking the chance to be active, the North was quite nice for that if one does not mind being worked hard. "Seems like our Guard has left his post to go wander off..." Sheng scoffed, speaking about his younger son, Dohzou, who had excused himself earlier to greet others. Pulling himself, mentally, from the conversation, he scanned the theatron for his dark-pelted son who had happened to be alone, snacking on something. Disrespectful brat .... he smiled. That's my son.- Dohzou licked his paws and maw clean of most of what he had eaten to hold some resemblence of being proper before raising to his feet to find someone to greet. It seems like many of the other members of the pride were in deep discussion with one another so soon, he mused the idea of the task it would be to settle everyone down once the celebration began. Immediately, he took note of the Lady of the South was present among the theatron. Never had he actually met her, but from her description of what his parents had given him, he was near certain it was her. Taking the initiative, he wanted to meet with her thus making way to the Lady.
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Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 11:16 am
The Tianxia was far quieter than Yin Xián ever remembered it to be as a cub, an almost eerie silence caused her to fear what had become of the only home she had ever known. Admittedly, Yin herself had only just returned to the pride after her adolescent rites had gone terribly awry and lead the young duchess of a journey of self exploration across the rogue lands. She returned to the North House a different female, the lanky, hopeless youth Yin had left as had grown into a tall, slim adult during her time away.
No more capable a warrior now than she had ever been.
No more skilled a tactician than she had ever been.
Yet every bit as determined as she had ever been.
It was only with the thick coils of the giant Rock Python thrown haphazardly around her lithe, monochrome frame that Yin Xián dared to entertain the thought of returning home to the North House now and to her father. Whether or not her prey would satisfy him was the question that had plagued her mind all the way back to the Tianxia, fatiguing her as much as the weight of the sinewy body that draped around her. A snake wasn't as impressive as dragging back the carcass of a giraffe, nor was it as spectacular as a hippo or elephant, but at eighteen feet in length the serpent had proven a threatening foe. The duchess had the bruises and bite marks upon her pale figure to prove that the battle had been an arduous one.
Despite the strange absence of life within the North clan, Yin was relieved to find her mother present, sheepishly attempting to stave off the gushing concern Fu Ren showered her with. She was even more relieved to discover that her father and brothers--along with much of the rest of the pride--were attending the wedding of the Empress.
The Empress' wedding!
Well, Yin couldn't not make an appearance, exhaustion be damned. It was the right thing to do and given her mother's decision not to attend the event, one she still seemed to be struggling with, it would be the Duchess' task to help represent the fairer side of the North House. So, after attempting to groom herself into some semblance of respectable presentation, the nervous noble began picking her way along the path towards the central house. Pausing only to consider the pile of scales she was prepared to leave behind. Even if she had meant to present it to her father as proof of her rite of passage it seemed inappropriate to attend the wedding without some form of gift. Given the unlikeliness that her papa or brothers had thought to bring anything it was clear what Yin had to do.
Arriving as discreetly as possible--no easy feat with the leviathan that threatened to strangle her--so as not to draw attention to herself Yin struggled to pick her way along the edge of the cliff side. There were already so many lions mingling and enjoying the celebration that for a while the pale lioness was certain no one would give her a second glance, thank heavens. The last thing the silver-eyed Duchess needed was to be caught awkwardly lumbering to the raised stone stage in such an ungainly manner, tangled in the bindings of the slack loops of reptilian rope.
(Note: I'd like to opt out of the raffle. I just kind of wanted the chance to rp Chenai. x3; )
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Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 4:49 am
“Yéyé?” Zhenzhen repeated, thoughtfully. She didn’t know the meaning of the name, as cubs often didn’t. She did find it funny to say. Repetitive, like her own name! Yéyé, she liked it. “Nice to meet you!”
She was quickly again distracted by the blue lion. Rather, the blue lion and his incoming brother. She did frown slightly at the name used, however. The leotah wasn’t old enough to be judgmental, but calling people by their given name was so… weird. Especially in a place like this! Her mommy had told her to make sure to call her sister and brothers by their proper names today, because she did occasionally like to call her sister Siar. Because it was fun to say, too. But the big blue lion was friendly and nice, and his brother seemed to be too, so she returned a smile quickly enough.
“Oh, okay. Hi! Ceng Xaio, nice to meet you! And you too.” She blinked at XianLiang, who hadn’t introduced himself.
--
Ping offered his name-sharer a smile and dipped his head, trying to look elegant and knightly somehow as he did so. Yes, he could happily fetch her a meal! He glanced around as he listened to her, because now that the place was busier it was a bit harder to see what food there was about. “Ah, yes! Royal guard, it appears to be a good way to serve Tianxia.” And, perhaps, get a little glory for himself.
But Ping could be convinced it was mostly for the pride.
“Learning does sound nice. I wish you luck! Perhaps you may even get permission to see the outside someday.” He mused, having always been curious about the world outside Tianxia himself. His friend had gone out, and somehow managed to get back without being declared a deserter. Much better to travel with permission. “Aha! There we go. Excuse me,” He stood up and picked his way through the crowd, only to return moments later, a bushbuck hanging from his jaws.
This one wasn’t a particularly large little bushbuck, but a decent enough snack even for a lion. Much better than a bird, anyways. “For you,” he said, as he set it down in front of the female-Ping.
--
He considered Xun’s suggestion, because it was something he used to do frequently enough. Ahali would enjoy the opportunity to spar with others, besides occasionally his offspring (mostly Ari herself), and Pupitar, to make sure the royal guard was good. He did intend to test out Ryger at some point.
…And come to think of it. “Yes, I will do that. Perhaps I will take over my son-in-law, then.” As far as he knew, the pridelander had never learned how to fight. Being of firekin stock, Wei Gang found that quite inadequate.
--
She could tell her sister wasn’t too happy to see her, which was absolutely delightful for young Zisè. She did not appreciate the focus on their parents, however. She would must rather pester Ria about her personal life then talk about them. “Ah, I suppose so. It would be embarrassing if they didn’t.” She let out a small huff of air. It might be taken as an affront if the Lord and Lady of the West didn’t attend their empress’ wedding!
But onto more fun things. “So, a wedding. When should we be expecting your own, sister?” She purred, trying to keep her expression innocent, but couldn’t hide a little smug smile.
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Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 6:16 pm
Primitus bowed his head to the newcomer, the large male smiling calmly.
"And a good day to you. A fine day for a wedding, do you not agree?" He smiled to all present.
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Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:13 am
Nili Mto flew in over what looked to be a pretty big gathering to her in a sort of hole in the earth. She'd never really seen landscape like this before and the fact a huge group of lions was occupying it at the moment peeked her curiousity to see what kind of event this group was having. She hovered down to the highest landing spot she could find that was a safe distance from any of the lions gathered. She wasn't sure how friendly they were to birds since there was several dead carcasses of birds littering the ground as snacks. She just prefered not to take the chance on getting eaten and check out the events from a high spot.
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Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:00 pm
"Good, I welcome any challenge that enters my House, Wei. And suppose I can get a crack at the new kid when you bring him?" Sheng gave a hardy laugh at the request. He did not ultimately care how rude he came off or how brash he can be, he was no longer titled as the Lord. Though, he still had respect for his rival and honor of the pride. "Father!" "Oh settle down, you. He isn't emperor just yet until this ceremony's over. When that time comes, I will be as kind to him as I am to this one here." The former lord gestured to the former emperor. "But in all seriousness, you and I should spar at some point to show these younglings how Firekin fight." The grin on his face said it all, though he disliked the Firekin, he was still one himself by blood and that brought about immense strength which he pride himself with. Xun nodded in agreement. That would be a fight to be seen by all of the House, if not the entire pride. Perhaps that kind of attention will attract the elusive Majors of the house. "We welcome you and your son-in-law, Your Majesty. Do send word prior your departure and if you will need a guide through the mountain pass." The Lord cleared his throat, bowing to Wei. "I apologize for taking up much of your time, Your Majesty. I am sure there are others you wished to speak to."
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 7:27 am
Zhao Yun smiled and gave a firm nod of his head. It was settled then. They'd speak to their extended family at a later time. The wedding activities were beginning and it was hardly the best time to speak of family affairs or of military training . For most, violence and the messy affair of honing one's self to deliver and recieve such violence was far from the mind. They were celebrating the union of two of their own, the start of a new family.
"I will join you. Better two go than one."
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 4:04 pm
Feeling a bit out of place, but glad that everyone else seemed too immersed in conversation to notice her Yin had finally reached the bottom of the nature made amphitheater. Deciding it might be better to leave the gift for the Empress and soon-to-be Emperor rather than delivering it to them personally and risk potentially making a rhinoceros' a** of herself the python was hurriedly shrugged off. Carefully attempting to arrange the coils near the raised stage and hoping beyond hope that the glossy scales of the limbless reptile might make a suitable tribute to the new couple.
Time would tell right?
With the weight of the titanic serpent lifted from her body the North Hose Duchess felt so light she wondered if she might have been able to float away, rolling and stretching cramped muscles. Reluctant to remain so close to where the action would soon be taking place the pale lioness finally took her leave of the stage, sheepishly ascending back up into the stands in search of an out of the way place to watch the ceremony without revealing her presence to anyone. After having been absent from the Tianxia for so long Yin wasn't entirely sure if she was even welcome at the event.
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:54 am
He smirked. "Yes, that's right. It would be good for them." Wei Gang had been in many fights before. And he, unlike Sheng, held no true dislike for the firekin, at least not anymore. In his adolescence and early adulthood, he'd probably said, and thought nasty things of them. But Ahali'bagawa was wiser and older now, having come to think most of his distaste had just been, well... a brooding, reckless young lion who may have been a little arrogant.
Besides, as he grew older he was curious about his birth lands. Hadn't seen them since he was rather young, when the pride dwindled under the plague. Were they still weak now? "A guide won't be needed." He told Xun calmly. Wei Gang had found these lands himself, with Afu. Had explored them very much, and during his time as emperor had done his rounds through the houses. He knew the paths.
As for time wasted... "No matter. It's about to start." Without caring for a more polite goodbye, the former Emperor turned towards the stage. He made his way up once again and settled down in the back of it, nearly out of sight. Of course he got a privileged seat!
--
The first one to appear was actually Jian. The blue lioness stepped out from behind the stage, rather than over it. Calmly, she made her way over to where Ryger was with his mate and Rasul, and sat beside them to keep an eye out for the Empress.
The next creature to appear on stage was Ting Lan herself. Her fur looked particularly well groomed, clean and soft, while she was adorned with rather simply jewelry. Truth be told, the Empress didn't truly care for impractical things such as jewelry, but it seemed the right occasion to pretty oneself up a bit.
She stood at the front of the stage, taking a few moments to looks out on those who had come. Quite a few members of the pride had arrived, and she was pleased to spot the Ladies of the East and South, along with the Lord or the North. She didn't spot the Lord and Lady of the West, but she did see their daughters. Ting Lan wondered if she should be irritated by this, but now wasn't the time.
Though several were chatting with each other, the Empress didn't need to wait long for silence before speaking.
"Friends, it is a pleasure to see you." Her lips curved upwards in a smile. Though it may well be the first time she truly addressed this much of the pride, her body betrayed no signs of nervousness. She appeared perfectly relaxed and happy.
"We are gathered here today not only for a wedding. Today is the first day of a new era for Tianxia, one of prosperity and greatness. We are welcoming not only a new Emperor, but accepting another pride as our friends and allies, one many of you may be familiar with.
"Tianxia is young, as a whole there is much to be done and learned. Because of this, it is important for us to accept this opportunity, valuing the wisdom and strength of a pride that has been for more than any of us can remember.
"From the Pridelands, I am pleased to present to you Prince Hanjari, Emperor Miàndùi Tiǎozhàn of Tianxia."
She looked backwards. Now it was his turn to come out.
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:51 pm
Hanjari had been doing his best to get ready for this moment. Outside of the central house, almost no one had really seen him. Sure, catching a glimpse here and there might have been possible, but this was the moment when Hanjari was going to be known to everyone in the pride. It was immensely important, and the prince turned emperor was nervous.
He stepped out calmly, his insides all twisted but his face didn't betray any of that. A lot of practice went into how he was going to walk and greet these pride members that he was now co-leading, and so far it was going smoothly. To be honest, he couldn't wait until this was over, but the feasting was going to continue for some time.
"Hello," he said, his voice loud and clear. A lot of what he had learned had come from his own parents, but he hadn't been trained to the same level as his brother because he wasn't the expected heir. Now that things had changed at home, there was a bit of uneasiness in Hanjari ascending to the throne here and not at home. Still, he was pledged to be here, and by Ting Lan's side, and that is how it was going to be.
"It is my pleasure to meet you all today. I bring with me the wisdom and strength of the Pridelands, therefore strengthening the Tianxia empire."
He felt that there was not much for him to say, at least not on this day. In the future, there would be, but that would occur with meetings of the Lords and Ladies of the other Houses. For now, it was time to feast on the food that the hunters had worked to hard to bring for those visiting the Central house.
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Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 4:41 pm
When the Empress mentioned the Pride Lands, Xun noted a reaction from his father. It was subtle, perhaps he wasn't even aware of it himself. Just a small perk of the corner of his maw told him of the familiarity of the name. He, too, knew the stories of his father's distant past and his ties to the pride, though, he tried to keep it secret for the longest time from the pride and the House. However, as the new Lord, he felt had should discover these ties to the sister pride through this marriage.
For now, he listened to the Empress, giving the ceremony his full attention for the duration of the event.
When the new Emperor walked out, presenting himself pride and true, it wasn't exactly what Xun had expected. From the stories he had heard, the Pride Landers had vibrant, golden fur that made the sun shine over them. Though, this one was darker... Then again, suppose the pride was inclusive and the individuals varied with new blood into their lands.
Sheng felt a little more curious as he looked upon their new Emperor. Something about him reminded him of something, but he could not catch the thought. Something about him was familiar. Not the Pride Lands.... his fur....
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Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 7:30 pm
Ukosa had been lurking in the back of the ceremony, away from as many of the others as he could. It wasn't the best, but as he wasn't anyone important, it didn't matter that much. In his humble opinion, that is.
He had recently joined the East, and was doing his best to judge the strength of the pride as a whole. If Tianxia ever wanted to show their true potential and strength, gathering up the five houses would be the easiest way to do so.
He flexed his scarred and ugly paw, one that had done much work for his past home and queen. Here, he could continue his studies, even if it wasn't in scrying directly. The East would help him learn, and for that he was thankful.
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 3:35 pm
Watching the perfectly eloquent pair address the crowds with great poise and dignity as they made history Chenai wondered how they must have been feeling inside. From her seat high above and deep at the back of the amphitheater it was difficult to tell, even with her keen eyesight. Were they a ball of butterflies? Or were they as collected as they appeared to be?
In the same situation the duchess knew she would have been awkward and out of place. She had been away from the pride so long it certainly felt as if she'd all but forgotten how to act in the manner befitting of her station. Maybe that was for the better, Yin Xián had never really made much of a proper royal in the first place. Too curious. Always running around trying to sneak into the other houses in an attempt to find out more about the rest of the pride. Never terribly apologetic for her behavior either.
Was it a sin to wonder? Especially given how strangely out of place she felt in the North house. There had to be a better place for her somewhere, right? Immediately feeling guilty for such a thought Chenai shook it hurriedly from her mind. An almost wistful gaze drifting to her Father and brothers, would they ever notice she was home?
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Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:54 pm
Dohzou listened and felt glad that he was present at today's ceremony. Normally, he was on guard within the North House but since Xun had ascended to Lord, there wasn't anyone to keep him in line. Now and again he'd get distracted and laze at his post. No one came from the North but fellow members of the House. The other Houses used the mountain pass that led directly to the Royal Quarters where they just discussed and left. So what was he exactly guarding anyway?... The position wasn't really his choice to begin with. His brother strong-armed him into the idea and his father encouraged it even further. How was he to say "no" to his own family? The darker male gave a sigh as he watched his brother and father. They were definitely Lord material. Scanning about the theatre, he noticed a familiar face that made him perk up. Chenai? He knew she had left on her quest since she wasn't around the House. Had she returned? Did she fulfill all her quests? He smiled as he made his way through the crowd to her. "Sister, you've returned?"
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