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 Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 6:20 pm
Eglantine nodded, filled with much gratitude. She could only hope that the rest of the Bahari pride would be so forgiving....and that the terms were agreed to. It sounded like the best thing for both prides. Then again Eglantine was a rather simple-minded lioness. That said, the 'geese' comment baffled her - why were they going to talk to geese? - but she kept her silence, waiting to see what Ren had to say.
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Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 7:37 pm
Renaissance jolted as a female, one of his own pride members, approached and offered herself in his place. He smiled sympathetically to her. It must not have been easy for the lioness to make such an offer but... he had noticed her discomfort that afternoon. She had been one of the first to voice her outrage at Riddle-mouth and his operation and she had pressed close to the cubs.
"She may be a better candidate than I." He admitted. "While I did not come into this pride of my own free will, it intrigues me regardless. And...there's a certain Magpie that will have my eyes if I decide to leave. I thank you, Eglantine. I...sincerely hope that you can find your peace there."
He sighed and looked back to Zeph. "Well then. I think we have our proposal. An exchange of members in a show of good faith between us both. A new tradition, and for us both- new blood with every year." He nodded his head in approval. "I think everyone comes out the better."
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Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 7:56 pm
"Agreed!" Zephyr announced and with that, she rose to her feet again and padded towards the leaders. Placing herself between them again, she then took a seat and waited for a few moments for Leo and Eglantine to join her. When she was satisfied that they had both had time to reach her side she then took a breath and began to speak again, addressing each in turn.
"To the Lord of my people," she nodded to Ram. "And to the Lord of the Kizingo'zaa," she turned her gaze to Riddle Mouth and bowed her head in respect, something which neither Bahari men (or Riddle Mouth) had deemed to do throughout the entire proceedings. "We have now reached what we feel is the most suitable deal for both prides - one that will inspire friendship rather than hostility, and loyalty rather than suspicion," she paused to allow this to sink in.
"First and foremost, the Bahari children must be returned to their parents. This is an act of good faith, one to show that the Kizingo'zaa appreciate that the actions taken were inappropriate. The acceptance of these children back into the embrace of the Bahari, will also be a symbol that this pride accepts this and that they will not hold the Kizingo'zaa in contempt."
"Zephyranthes -" Ram aimed to interject, but a raise of Zephyr's paw halted him. He had the good graces to hold his tongue, even though he couldn't quite bring himself to accept where she was going with this.
"However, I smell offspring in the midst of the Kizingo'zaa that are not of our kin - they must be given a choice. If they wish to stay here, then we will not force them to fall under our guardianship," she stated firmly, her eyes moving towards the hidden cubs. While she could smell familiar scents, there were others that were out of place.
"With this sign of good faith accepted, we then propose an exchange of blood. As none of our offspring are currently of suitable age to provide future generations, this exchange will come in the form of myself...and this lioness," she motioned to Eglantine with a warm smile.
"She will place herself in the care and guardianship of the Bahari and receive our full hospitality, while I will place myself in the care of the Kizingo'zaa," she paused and took a breath, regathering her wits in the process. "Then each year we will hold a festival in which the young and old, new and familiar, will come together to celebrate our allegiance... During this time, new relationships can be encouraged and in time, perhaps we will even see new blood and new generations rise from it," she cleared her throat and motioned to Ren.
"It has also been suggested that our new cubs should also be granted the freedom of choice. Should they find that they wish to study more academic pursuits then they may find solace with the Bahari, and should the Bahari have more artistic inclinations, then they will find their freedom with the Kizingo'zaa..."
"This is our proposal, and we feel that it will benefit all sides without the need for bloodshed or nonsensical vocal duels," she finished and glanced between both leaders. "So we put it to you, our leaders, those who would take our lives and shape them with their very paws. How does this fate sound to you?" she asked softly.
"Your mother would be proud, Zephyranthes," Ram murmured at last, his expression somewhat unreadable as he regarded the lioness with respect. She had become a wordsmith as she matured, and her 'secret' adventures and exploration had benefited her well. "But are you sure this is what you want? We cannot guarantee your safety or sanctity if you leave our sight," he continued.
Zephyranthes did nothing more than offer him the same, confident smile, that she had warn before.
"You are wasted as a Hlare," he added after a few moments and then he turned his gaze to Shandor, his brow raised expectantly.
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Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 8:36 pm
Eglantine had followed closely, although shyly she feebly attempted to put someone between herself and eyes that might look her way. Indeed, she was greatly worried about what kind of worth would be found in her offering, amongst more obvious things. At least for now it seemed that Ram had no words for her, and seemed to be accepting of these terms, which was both a relief, and unsettling at the same time for the pink and white lioness.
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Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 9:54 pm
Shandor would die of old age before he admitted to being wrong. He and his gypsies had done what was needed to survive. They had tested an enemy and left quite an impression on them. The other pride knew they would stoop to anything if it meant survival. If it was dishonorable to keep alive then they would become the scum of the earth- but they'd be living scum. A dead honorable lion was still dead. But...for the moment, he kept his mouth shut and listened to what the female had to say.
Interesting. A new tradition. It would insure that their neighbors kept their claws to themselves and that they had new blood coming in. And a festival for lovers was something his pride could enjoy- regardless of insanity or lack there of. A festival was good for morale, and if they had a member of the rival pride...they would be less likely to attack them. Of course, they were losing a member but the female hadn't seemed at all happy from his arrival.
"I believe no one leaves this with an empty paw." He considered carefully. "We all get what we want and reason to celebrate. Of course, the strange cubs you smell are our own and will not be leaving. Not until they're old enough to have wandering eyes, that is." He smirked.
"Very well. If Quickbite over there is willing to agree to this compromise, you have my approval."
Leo sighed his relief and dropped down to his haunches.
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Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 10:22 pm
Furiko had been sitting in silence behind his leader during this whole time. He had been keeping a close eye on Ram though just to make sure the male didn't try to use his claws on anyone. He was prepared to defend his leader if need be. However Ram had been civil so no such action had been needed.
As Zephyr explained the terms her and Ren had come up with he was intrigued by the idea. Peace between the prides and a chance to exchange blood which would be helpful to both prides. Furiko could see this being beneficial to the pride. He had no issues with it but he was slowly becoming more flexible after having come to this pride he had learned flexibility was needed to become part of the pride.
Before he hadn't been so flexible and when his pride had originally broken up he had been lost and struggled for a long while as a rogue. He had done some soul searching during that time and learned even if it wasn't his home pride he was best suited for pride life. That was why he had searched for a more secretive pride that was like his home. He had never dreamed of where he would end up and his new home was far beyond anything he would have ever thought up.
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Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 6:07 am
Kali truly disliked all the talk regarding using cubs as a bargaining chip but she did see eye to eye with the dark lion from the intruder’s side - even if he did talk a little funny. He seemed reasonable and sought a peaceful resolution even in the face of… well, Riddle Mouth. The leader of the intruders, however, was definitely of a different breed and Kali let go of all pretense of relaxation and visibly prepared herself for a fight. She was glad her son was already long gone – or so she thought - as she was seeing no other end for the “negotiations” other than violence until a lioness took charge of the situation.
“Finally.” She breathed out perhaps more loudly than she’d intended.
The Patron rolled her eyes at Riddle Mouth’s little flirt and they continued rolling at the comment from Ram that followed. She didn’t need the gypsy King’s attentions, thank you very much. She was regretting her current position, as it was increasingly difficult to remain composed as her leader continued speaking and she almost followed after what could only be described as the “reasonable group”. Her faith in a female mind was rewarded when they returned with good proposition than Riddle Mouth seemed to accept even though there was that one little thing... her head turned as she tried to spot the bushes where the cubs were hidden, dark eyes narrowing dangerously.
“If you mean a white cub who apparently misheard his mother’s request to leave this place, then he will be given NO choice until he has grown a proper mane.” Her eyes dropped briefly to the beads that Zuria has given her in a small show of sentimentality, grateful that at least in this case, she could completely agree with Riddle Mouth. She didn’t want to say her son’s true name aloud in front of so many strangers despite not finding this particular custom particularly relevant and that was the only reason she didn’t call out for the cub on the spot to confirm her suspicions. In her former pride, a cub his age would be approaching the time to be separated from the females but this was a new world and they were her cubs. They weren’t going anywhere just yet. “If he chooses to leave then, so be it. But not before.”
---------------------
Zuria smiled as the brown cub remained by his side even after they’d joined the cubs that were more familiar to her. He leaned a little to side, offering her a white pillow of comfort if she needed it.
“Sure.” He replied with the same kind of innocence. “But I don’t know where you live. Maybe you’ll visit?” He then remembered that his mother had said the little cubs would be staying with the pride and he felt confused. Trying to peek between the branches, he spotted his mother and realized she was looking his way which caused a sudden shiver to run down his spine.
Oh, he was so busted. He didn’t understand how she could possibly have spotted him so quickly but she obviously knew he was there. On the plus side, the other adults seemed to have calmed down considerably. Zuria knew a few things regarding his mother’s former pride. She knew she’d been a warrior and a huntress much like she was now and that males were separated from females probably around his age. He knew Kali had less expectations when it came to her sons – it was painfully obvious sometimes - so it was a shame he couldn’t hear her reject his departure so vehemently.
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Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 6:08 am
Zephyr hadn't meant the Kizi children when she had spoken, she had been focused on the Bahari when the mingling foreign scents had caught her attention. In that particular cluster of offspring there were a few that didn't quite match, but she kept her mouth shut and instead, turned her gaze expectantly to Ram. Shandor had elected to agree to these terms and he was giving their cubs back, she supposed he had also indirectly promised not to steal again but she would give that a little while to be proven...
"It seems we have an accord," Ram replied smoothly, glancing briefly towards Zephyr and then Shandor. "We will at least see if your plan will succeed," the Bahari leader continued and then turned his attention to Eglantine. She was horribly shy and uncertain, she almost looked as if she half expected him to tear her to tiny little pieces.
"You will need to consult Vainamo when you reach the Bahari," he addressed Eglantine directly and hazarded a smile. "He will see to it that you settle in comfortably," he explained. Admittedly, Vainamo had yet to receive his promotion, but based on the lion's bravery Ram had already made this decision and would pull him to the side to discuss it. Now was as good a time as any to see the lion's hospitality in action!
"And Zephyr, I would strongly suggest -"
"Speaking with my mother at some point to explain my actions?" Zephyr hazarded a guess, at which point the lion nodded. "She'll understand, so long as I'm safe that's all that matters," she reassured him with a smile.
"Mmm...and if you receive any unwanted attention from any males," he glanced critically at Shandor and then shook his head.
"I have that covered too, lime juice in the eyes really puts a dampener on proceedings," she uttered reassuringly and waved a paw. "Now let's get those little cubs back and see that they're all not traumatized for life by the antics of the lot of you," she murmured.
"KIDS!" Ram raised his voice, though it lacked the hostility at this point. "You best get your rumps in gear before your parents get here or you'll never hear the end of it!" he announced and cast his gaze towards the bushes. His eyebrow raised expectantly and then sure enough, there came a rustle...and another, as two of the group showed themselves. After all, disobeying their 'captors' now was irrelevant and they wouldn't be harmed for breaking rank!
Peregrine and Adalena were the first to show themselves, and it was only when both were stood together that Ram understood what on earth Zephyranthes had been talking about.
"You are Chessa's son," he identified Peregrine instantly as it had been Ram who had granted the small family admission to the pride when they had needed sanctuary. "But you..." he gazed at Adalena for a time and shook his head. "You are not one of ours, are you small one?"
Adalena shook her head at this, tilting her head to the side as she looked between Ram and Riddle Mouth. This had all been very exciting for her, but she also hadn't been so emotionally invested. She had been lost when she was snatched, being moved to a different location didn't exactly change that fact.
"No sir," she replied and cleared her throat. "I just got lost and the next thing I knew I was here," she explained and pursed her lips. "But they didn't hurt me so I can't be mad at them, it was just very sudden!"
"I see, and praytell what would be your choice if I you were to have one?"
"Choice, sir?"
"To stay with us, to stay with the Kizingo'zaa or -"
"Here," her answer was immediate and she had the decency to look apologetic. "It smells like home, even though I can't go back there any more," she explained, at which point Ram nodded and cast his gaze to Riddle Mouth, his eyebrow arching.
"If you'll have her then we will leave her in your stewardship, if not then we will take her until she is old enough to be safe while travelling."
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Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 7:24 pm
Eglantine nodded and whispered something that could correctly be assumed to be something like 'yessir.' Then when Ram lifted his voice to yell for the cubs, the lioness squeaked and almost fell over, she jumped and stumbled over her own feet so fast. It would take time for her to not feel so fluttery.
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Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:46 am
Though he had tried to calm the situation it seemed that a female was needed to completely sort the situation. His muscles relaxed and he sat. The situation had changed and he suddenly felt very old instead of angry. The cubs were coming back to them. He looked over the heads of the adult lions and smiled. Lowering himself to the ground he greeted the cubs as they rumbled fromt he bushes, his face lifting in a smile.
Nuzhah looked up at the white male, she leaned against him for a moment more. She looks up at the pale juvenile and smiled. "Thats Ram. He's the leader of our pride." She tilts her head. "You'll come and visit right?" she looks up at the slightly older male hopefully pulling away from him. She was ready to go home, but at the same time she wanted confirmation from Zuria that they would meet again. Taking a few tentative steps she looked back at him and broke in to a run.
The little brown cub dives on her great grandfather "Grgrpa!" She giggles dancing all over his paws.
The immense male grooms the chocolate cubs fur and breaths a sigh of relief. "Ya alright now lassie, ya goin' home na."
The little chocolate cub cried quietly burying her tiny nose in 'Kotas mane. "Is mama okay?"
Nahodha'kota nodded "Ae lass, she'll be glad ta see all of you again, stop ya cryin' now." He breathes a heavy sigh. He was very glad this had all tuned out okay, he hoped they could all go back to a peaceful existence though new stricter regimes would have to be brought up and he would have to start getting that started when he got back to the Bahari. This cub napping would never happen again.
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Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 6:27 am
Eusi was in a corner, trying to sleep. He just wanted to feel anything but the weird smells of the pride, the weird lions and most of all, he just wanted to be back home with his mum, snuggling her while sleeping, not lying alone, without a big warm body next to him. Sure he could go see his siblings, but it just wasnt the same, nothing, he thought, would ever be the same again. He missed his beach walks during the mornings and late afternoons, and he missed the times when tossling each other aroundon the ground made his spirits high. Why did the pride do this? Eusi was so confused, and nobody could make the day better, except maybe a savior, which he thought might just be coming...
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Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 2:05 pm
Kali belatedly realized that the blue-eyed lioness had never meant her son or the other Kizingo cubs and threw the pink female an apologetic nod before taking a few steps back from the main group in order to confirm Zuria’s presence.
She had to admit she was a little proud to see that had quickly made a friend in the little chocolate cub but she kept a serious façade as the juvenile came closer with a lowered head and little uncertain steps.
“Stay close to me, Zuria.” She said simply. She didn’t need to add a “We’ll talk later” but those words hung silently between the two. For now, she was just glad he was safe and a fight hadn’t broken out.
---------------------------
Zuria eyed the younger cub with a wide smile and even though he wasn’t sure they would ever meet again, he nodded vigorously.
“Sure! Everyone seems to be friends now. We’ll definitely see each other again.” Not so much as a lie as it was wishful thinking, right?
Zuria watched the younger girl go a join of the adults that he didn’t recognize before he slinked toward his mother with a guilty expression that quickly became a relieved smile when he realized he wasn’t going to be scolded. Not yet, at least. He sat between his mother’s front paws and looked up with narrowed eyes, the perfect image of contentment.
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Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 1:17 pm
Dhoru sat back and watched in silence as the cubs rejoined their pride and family, purring with content at the joy they so freely expressed. While he would have fought to keep the cubs if Riddle Mouth had so chosen, he was glad to see them returned; the well-being of cubs, even those he didn't know, was very important to him. All he could do now is hope that he was never chosen for another cub-napping - he would do as he was told, but he very much doubted that he'd ever be lucky enough to be ordered to steal a cub away from parents that were abusive or neglectful.
As he continued to watch the reunited pride, he caught sight of Erdem and his purr stuck in his throat. He would have liked very much to get to know the intriguing young lion, but now he doubted he'd have the chance (beyond seeing him briefly at the newly arranged annual festival. With a sigh, Dhoru tore his gaze from the cub and shook his head, resigning to forget about him. He rose and padded closer to Riddle Mouth in time to catch Adalena's choice. He smiled, happy that there would be at least one new cub to get to know. He bowed out quietly, content with the resolution of an encounter that could have gone very differently.
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Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 10:44 am
So it was settled, Eglantine would be coming with the Bahari and Zephyr would make herself comfortable with the Kizingo'zaa for the time being. Ram wasn't entirely comfortable with this idea but as the lioness had quite a bit of 'sass' about her, he suspected she would do well on her own. Admittedly, he would have to discuss her fate with her mother, but he suspected that things would work out in the end... even if Riddle Mouth was an arrogant, worthless...
Well, it was best he didn't go into detail.
"So be it," he cleared his throat and turned to the exceptionally shy lioness who would come under his care. She was a skiddish one, but every now and then there were individuals who demonstrated such shyness. "You will be welcome in our lands. When you arrive I will introduce you to Vainamo," he smiled, warm but stiff and shook his head. That was another thing he needed to do...promote those deserving of their new ranks.
"He is responsible for the well being of those in our pride," Ram explained, even though he hadn't quite informed Vainamo of this yet! "He will see to it that you are tended to."
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Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 4:34 pm
Eglantine nodded. She certainly hoped she'd be welcomed, although she knew she couldn't rightly expect everyone to be opened-armed about it. She was, after all, part of - or formerly part of - the pride that had started this fiasco. She could at least hold out some hope. Hope was all she had, really. She wasn't getting her old life back. She had to stop pining for the past, and look to the future. A new future full of new things, and the unknown.
Vainamo... That would come to be a name that she would learn very well.
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