Taban: (2:57:11 PM): A solitary figure loped easily over the flattened grassland, confident young eyes locked ahead, thick shoulders rolled back, and the elaborate stone jewlery ringing from around his chest. The cheetah had decided that in a show of good faith, he'd come unescorted by any sort of body guard. A risky move, but if they were to make allys chances would be taken.
He couldn't help but smile as he spotted the solitary lion stretched out on a rock. An alliance... the union and brotherhood of two alike troupes.
"Good morning!" He called out as he smoothly stepped forward, his loping gait slowing as he approached.
Tembezishaha: (3:03:24 PM): The large lion, looking much like a rock himself but for the fluffy fire mane, sat up from where he was watching the surrounding area for his sister. He smiled, his blue eyes scanning the new cheetah. "Good morning, indeed. What brings you to this area?" he asked, tilting his head a bit. The tender marks under his left eye had finally completely healed. They'd scarred, he was forever marked by the fight with the leopard right before his children were born, but he carried the marks with pride. He had been protecting his mate after all.
Taban: (3:05:31 PM): The young cheetah came to stand nearly a yard from the rock, yet another show of good faith- or perhaps over-confidence. The lion could easily pin him from that distance. "Rumor has spread of a great troupe of creatures- lions and leopards alike. Peace loving and rich in culture. Have I come close?"
Tembezishaha: (3:12:15 PM): Shaha chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest, and he blinked slowly as he nodded. "That you have, if I'm thinking right. My family consists of myself, what my mother called a bard, my mate a cheetah like yourself and out five cubs, my dearest friend a leopard I proudly call sister and her daughter, and a young blind leopard she recently brought to join us," he replied, smiling as he listed his family. "We will be celebrating the births of my children and those of my childhood sister. So, yes, I would say that great is a sufficient word to describe us," he finished, standing and carefully hopping off the rock to the side of the cheetah, keeping his distance so as not to scare him. "I am Tembezishaha, but most just call me Shaha. And you are...?"
Taban: (3:17:38 PM): "Great is not determined by numbers but by deeds a wise one once told me." He flicked the tip of his tail and took careful mental inventory of this lion's troupe. Leopards and cheetahs alike! The lords of the savanah, shadow-hunters, and wind-chaisers just as himself- and hybrids to boot! True unity. "I am Taban, leader of the Chokwe troupe- the firebringers."
Tembezishaha: (3:24:47 PM): "And as I was once told, words may have multiple definitions, and I took your use of great as in number-wise. Forgive me for the assumption," Shaha replied, his good humor showing in his eyes. He began to grow curious over this Taban. So he was also the leader of a Troupe, and sounded very interested in Shaha's family. The Firebringers... sounded intriguing. "You lead a troupe as well? Do you mind if I ask what about us peeked your interest?" he asked, his ears flicking at a soft jingle. Sounded like his eldest was on the move, but he kept his focus on the conversation with Taban.
Taban: (3:29:42 PM): "I am a straight forward type so I'll get right to the point."T he cheetah rolled his shoulders back and lifted his head, "A brotherhood. An alliance. You see my troupe seeks to bring order back to this land. We see beyond the pelt and the flesh. We pray to no god to better our lives and the lives of the prides and packs that share the world. If there is to be change it's in our own paws. However, where we are trained in the art of tact and combat, we lack caretakers and song-writers. Where we call of your aid you may call of ours."
Tembezishaha: (3:41:23 PM): Shaha blinked at the cheetah's straightforwardness, but nodded as he spoke. It seemed like a good idea. With the five new cubs, Ayane still a cub, and the newest member being blind, Shaha knew he couldn't protect them all should they run into large trouble. And the join with another troupe, to bring culture to these Firebringers... it sounded very interesting. "I would have to talk to my family before I gave you my answer, as it is not my decision alone to make, but you have my approval," he replied nodding. It was at that moment that a small, gray figure mewed from on top of the rock. Safimoto, her father's daughter in her coloring and eyes, sat there, staring with curious eyes at the new cheetah. Not even her father knew where she got the gold and leather jewelry on her paws and tail and in her ears, but her lack of speech had kept him from asking her.
Taban: (3:46:53 PM): Taban laughed lightly and dipped his head, "Yes! Feel free to consolt your troupe first. Afterall, tact is half of leadership."
The cheetah's ear rotated towards the new presense before he turned his head smoothly. "Ah now is this one of your lovely daughters? My my, what a fierce one. And what's your name?"
Tembezishaha: (3:50:12 PM): Safi's ears pricked forward and she hopped down, staring up at the cheetah with wide eyes. "Yes, she's my eldest, Safimoto. She doesn't form words as of yet, but she's very expressive when she wants to be," Shaha replied and kept a close eye on his curious child. She looked from her father then back to the cheetah and cautiously walked up to him, eyes blinking at his necklace and bracelets.
Taban: (3:51:12 PM): "Ahh I see." He dropped himself down to his belly so he'd be more at her level, "They say that's a sign of wisdom you know... listen more than you speak. You'll learn." He winked.
Tembezishaha: (3:59:19 PM): Safi jumped at his words and her eyes nearly doubled in size. Her mouth moved, being away from her father, and silently formed the words, "That's so cool." She jumped again, squeaked, and danced around back to her father, jingling the coins hanging from leather bands around one paw and tail, smiling while she did so. Shaha patted her head and she cooed up at him. "Well, I should probably go call a family meeting. Will you be here?" he asked, looking back up at Taban.
Taban: (4:00:51 PM): Taban chuckled and stood himself up once more. What a charming youngster. "I should return to my own troupe. The young squires should be ready for their run today." He glanced over a shoulder then back to the lion, "Say we meet back here this time tomorrow? That should give you plenty of time to discuss the situation with your family and to sleep on your decision."
Tembezishaha: (5:21:52 PM): Shaha nodded and bowed his head a bit to Taban. "Until tomorrow, then," her replied and paused. "We're having a celebration tomorrow, if you would like to join us." he replied, picking up Safi in his mouth, and waited for Taban's answer before walking away towards his family.
Taban: (5:22:41 PM): "Hm..." He nodded after a moment's consideration. "I will be there. I'll even bring along another one of my troupe if that's alright with you."
Tembezishaha: (5:25:55 PM): Shaha nodded his consent in turn before walking away.
