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 Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 9:00 pm
Karana'Mzaana had now gotten used to seeing the dunes around her, the sand beneath her paws, it was lovely, calming even. Even as she peered out into the unknown, where the opposing traditionalists lay in slumber, she smiled to herself. This was home, she knew that something could come about at any time, she knew one day she might have to brace herself, and fight the pain in her leg to fight once more to protect these lands, protect her home.
Flicking her tail she lay perched on a flat slate of stone, silver eyes glancing about for any prey that might reveal herself. She may not be the head huntress, but she was better now rather than her 'decent' self before the change, but now she would be able to provide here, and it made her feel whole.
A spec in the the bright blue sky above Kessek made her way in the direction her little masters told her to venture towards. Their voices in her head, the twins, and shy boy of a black pelt and a friend sent ehre here with a message, a request of some sort, though she did not understand why he young ones would choose so early on to do what they wished, she would not disobey. They indeed had helped ehr survive, and she said she would repay them.
Kessek peered down as she saw something before her upon the sand. This was a land she rarely passed, had heard stories, but the new stories were itneresting, and seemed to be what baited her young masters, but now, who to call ou to, who to give her message?
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:21 am
He was patrolling, as he usually did. Filling the days with vigil eyes. He didn't trust that the traditionalists would leave them alone and he was also hopeful that some of them might realise their mistake and come back to join them.
But so far so good. There was not a speck of life on the horizon that suggested anyone was even close to the borders.
And as he scoured the horizon he saw a shape shadowed upon the flat of a rock. He recognised the scent as one of the worthy rogues who had accompanied him to the lands.
It would be good to have some catch up.
He paid little attention to the approaching bird, instead making the slow, steady approach towards the lioness.
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:37 am
Although No usually kept to the inner-workings of the forming pride during the day, she did enjoy taking a break by heading out for a stroll. The sheer expanse of the desert often calmed her garbled thoughts, and brought her a new resolve to continue with whatever issue she was working on. It was also a nice time to touch base with Kidondo, who also found himself patrolling at this hour.
It was a hot day in the motoujamii, but it didn’t seem to be impacting the life. Above head, a bird was sprawling about the skies- it’s dark shadow combing shapes on the sand as it drifted. At least the vultures had departed for the time, no longer tempted by the scent of battle on the wind.
Catching sight of Kidondo in the distance, she altered her path on the sands. It was still quite a few lengths away however; and for the moment, the other lioness far out of view.
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Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:35 pm
Mzaa turned her head to see the familiar red form of Kidondo approach. She smiled to herself, flicked her tail and brought herself to stand and slide off form her slate stone that she had come to sit upon everyday, peer out towards the borders, watch for prey and the possible return of the safi. "Kidondo," she called out, walking towards him, her paws sifting into the sand, though the gentle wind over the sand made her paw prints mere impressions, and then making them disappear.
She gave a slight bow of her head to him, showing respect, "How have you been-" she stopped, perhaps he might catch on of the fact she did not know whether or not to call him Lord or King, "how is No?" she asked with a smile, her silver eyes not catching sight of the black pelted lioness in the not too far distance.
Kessek saw figures approaching one another, "Must find who I'm supposed to find, or the little masters will be quite upset," she spoke aloud to herself. Two figures were in close proximity, and from the height she was at, a third was approaching as well. A gathering? Who would gather together, friends, family, or perhaps part of the council, royalty? In truth, Kessek knew no specifics, neither did the young masters...much.
Rumors and stories spread as fast as the wind, and were easily changed as the wind changes, so the little masters were unsure of who to send Kessek to see, but the little masters knew what the message was, and that it had to be delivered. Kessek dove down, not as a fast hawk might, or circling like a hungry vulture, but as a lost avian merely trying to deliver the message given to her.
Would they see her?
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Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:25 am
He smiled warmly.
"I've been well. Well but busy. No is also well. Thank you for asking." He came to a lazy halt and cast another glance towards the horizon. Nothing. Nothing but the lazy wind playing across the sand.
"It's good to see someone out on patrol. Thank you Mzaa, it's a great help to know there are more eyes than mine on the outskirts tonight. We couldn't afford to be taken by surprise."
He looked up as a shadow passed across his eyes and saw the shape of a bird. Odd, he'd not seen a bird like that in the desert before. Out in the greenery, yes, but not here.
An ear perked but he said nothing and turned back to Mzaa. "How is the sand settling with you? I know how being homesick is like. Let me know if you need anything."
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:37 am
Walking slowly over the hot sand, the form of the bird dancing overhead did little to distract No’s attention from Kidondo and Mzaa in the distance. She did not put much weight into the actions of other species- although she did on occasion humor a pair of snakes that skirted around the edges of their pride.
Coming now within earshot of Kidondo and Mzaa, No let a small rumbled fall from her throat to signal her arrival. It took a few long strides to actually course over to them, but once she had she added a small nod to her greeting. “Hello Mzaa,” No thrummed. “It’s good to see some new faces out patrolling.”
The shadow of a bird again. This time, No rose her head, and twitched the end of her tail. “Flying awfully low…” She commented flatly.
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:31 pm
Mzaa gave Kidondo a sincere smile, "I'm glad to hear both you and No are well. The sand and I are doing alright, homesick is something I don't feel, strange I know. But before I met No, and one other friend, a cousin even, I cannot remember much. This is my home now," she said with a defined nod.
Yes, this was her home.
Karana'Mzaana turned her head to let her silver eyes fall onto No, her smile never fading, "Seems you two are quite inseparable," she said with a soft laugh. The hovering bird over head caught her attention too, as she gazed up, she saw it settle between them all.
Why was it not afraid?
essek let her self glide between the figures, settling herself in the sand, nesting if you will, fear not shown in her eyes. "I bring a message," she said outright, her small wings outright, perhaps in defense, showing she wished for no trouble, that she came in peace with good intentions.
"Though the young masters did not tell me who to seek for the message, the king or queen, council maybe you are?" Kessek asked in a soft spoken voice. Wings settling at her side, feathers neatly tucked against her. "Is it you I and the young masters seek?" she asked peering back and forth between the red, the pure black, and the mixed of the group.
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:26 am
"It makes me happy to hear that Mzaa. If you ever need anything, be sure to ask and I will do my best to help." He was very proud of the desert and he was glad that this feeling was mutual throughout even the rogues who had been brought up around earth and grass.
The desert was spectacular if not a little cruel.
He turned as No approached, a surprised 'prrrum' rumbling in his throat. He'd been so busy watching the borders that he'd not noticed her dark shape on the sand. He was, however, extremely happy that she'd been following. He felt much more at ease when she was around.
At Mzaa's comment he smiled at caught No's tail in his own.
Then he turned his attention up to the bird just as it came to settle on the sand beside them and couldn't help the look of astonishment in his eyes. The bird was...talking to them?
"You speak to the Regents and a Huntress of the Motoujamii-Simo." He replied. "If you have a message for the rulers then it is us." He indicated No. Suspicion was in his voice, but he tamed it well enough. "You should explain yourself and quickly."
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Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:56 am
Her tail slipped into his about as easy as a smile fell on her chesire face. It was such a familiar comfort now that it was almost second nature. But despite her pleasure at being around Kidondo- she was equally pleased to see Mzaa as well. And the teasing did not fall unnoticed.
“Oh, I like to keep tabs on him.” She teased. “After all, we can’t be slacking-“
She would have continued, but about then, a small bird landed infront of them in a flurry. It was enough to cause No to take a few steps backward. Birds! It bothered her a bit that it immediately started to speak to them. Although No could be an understanding sort- this typically applied only to lions and the occasional snake.
“Yes, you are speaking to the right people.” She said curtly, moving beside Kidondo and suspiciously eyeing the bird. A message! The traditionalists perhaps? Too afraid to speak to their face? She snorted.
“Well, speak.”
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Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:32 am
Mzaa stayed silent as she watched the small bird speak and her ears fell back a little in surprise. It was not afraid and it did not think ill of speaking to lions...lions, that if they chose, could consume the feathered beast.
A message?
It interested her though also made her worry, message from who, traditionalists on the move, a threat, something more?
Kessek pulled her wings over her head for a moment, eyes peaking out at the red and black lion, and the pure black female at his side. The rulers, the right ones then, and then she felt relief roll over her like a wave. The other must merely be a pride member, which was just fine. "Forgive my intrusion, but the young masters have no where else they feel like they can turn. They fear for their safety, and wish for seclusion," she spoke quickly, took a breath, let her wings at her side again.
"They told me to tell you of their troubles, they have heard stories upon the wind of your strength, your culture, and the change on the wind you have brought to this place. My young masters are my keepers, protectors, they saved me once and I help them with messages, most important, to you. They dwell in the pridlands fearful of their mother, three siblings, and a friend of them as well. They wish to escape the danger that lives with them, and they feel as if you might be able to help them.
They are young now, though near their adolescense which fast approaches. each sibling is a seer, a gift passed from their mother, who they fear. Their mother is a goddess regents of the motoujami-simo, and through their visions, have seen what she has done, and can do."
Should she press on, go further? They told her to say anything that must be said. "Something about the desert makes her find fear in her heart, a past experience, a loss, they do not wish to stay with her much longer." Kessek turned her head to the black female, and gave a smile, "One looks as you, your higness, though his eyes are silver in tone," she looked to the red and black male, her smile ever present, "The other two, the two sides, the twins, have the colors of your pelt, red, black, white, eyes of red, " she looked to the gray and black female, "The friend is o black, and some small fair gold and white markings, gold as in the purest of minerals, shining like an adornment." She stopped again, looked to the regents once more, "Would you offer them a new home your highness'? Safety, somewhere where they feel like their strength and gifts would provide a purpose well suited?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 12:24 am
The bird did speak, and swiftly too. But what it spoke of was so unexpected, so out of the blue that Kidondo struggled to keep up with much more than the threads of the conversation.
By the end of it he knew only these things.
There were rogues out there wanting to seek sanctuary in the desert. But not just from anyone. No. Gods.
Ugh, Kidondo felt no love for Gods, felt no sympathy nor kindness towards them. He'd turn on Finar-Si if she so much as stepped on this land just as he'd turn on any other coming here to try and find themselves followers to make themselves plump with. Plump on worship. To think of the spawn of a Goddess here worried him.
Who was to say the bird was speaking truth? What if the Goddess was not afraid of the desert, or that, her anger at her children overcame the fear that she had once had?
There was also another matter to take into consideration.
Kidondo had no trust of seers, despite the fact that he was one himself. He was the down-to-earth sort, the type who didn't believe in fate, the type who didn't want magics involved in his affairs. He couldn't deny that the possibility that some of the other Firekin were seers in secret - just as he was - but did he really want to openly invite others into the lands?
Besides, who said anything about the desert being a sanctuary anyway? What did the outsiders think they were? A safe haven? A place where lions came to hide away?
With all this going on in his mind, he hadn't even realised that he'd not said anything. His face howered, was deep with concentration.
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Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:33 am
The news had a similar effect on the black cat- although her face, which seemed as stony as ever did little to let on. She didn’t like the idea of gods. It was a bitter taste in her mouth, something she believed near heretical if that were possible. She didn’t believe in them. Perhaps some other species of powerful beings, maybe. But no gods. And she wasn’t about to keep her mouth silenced on that matter.
“While I am sure you’ve heard we do not take kindly to gods, know too we do not care to even hear mentioning of such ridiculous things,” She curtly remarked to the bird. “This is no place of magic bird. Seers, gods- what have you are not welcome amongst us. We are a people strong not because of second sight, but because of our strength which comes from the land itself. Not god borne gifts.”
After the quick rant, she twitched her tail and considered herself. She was perhaps a bit harsh, no doubt because it was a bird and she considered less and less of such creatures. But the fact that they were pridelands did strike a cord- and knowing that they were on the run. But she didn’t like the tone of such an invitation to their lands. They weren’t about to become a pride full of orphans, even if she did feel sorry.
“Bird creature, if your masters wish to join they will not do so out of refuge. We do not offer such amnesty here. There are far too many other groups who would accept such heart-torn tales of woe with kinder ears.” She spoke.
“If they wish to join as firekin, then they will come and speak with us themselves- and show us they have no allegiance to their gods or ‘powers’.” She concluded. “If they can prove they are one of us, then we would protect them as our own. From god or otherwise.”
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Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:08 pm
Mzaa wanted to say something, wanted to voice her own opinion, but to be truthful, she had never seen nor heard of gods or seers, did not know what to believe, though No's words were enough for her. True she did agree that gods were not something she would want to meddle with, or have the pride intertwined in.
Kessek merely cocked her head to the side at Kidondo and his silence though No's words she huddled closer to the ground, her feather's fluffing up. "They do realize that many, or all would not take kindly to them and their lineage, but they assure me to assure you that they are more than willing to leave that part of their ancestry back in the Pridelands. They are young, yet know they do not want to be in the presence of their mother who has deceived them so. They do not use their sight to gain power, or manipulate, their sight have merely shown them past moments of what thier mother had done, that is what drives them to sending me here."
True, the young masters feared their mother, but hated her as well, and would more likely turn on them within the Pridelands if they stayed and had the chance.
Kessek nodded at No, "They will do as they must to become members here, to prove their strength and loyalty, they have even told me to declare that if their mother ever ventured here, they would have their claws meet her first."
Such young ones and already such anger to their mother Kessek did not understand, but none the less, she would do as they asked of her. "Since they are young they will not venture this way until reaching their adolescense, is that alright with you both? They are eager to know what you have said, and know of your decision, they do not mean any harm or ill feelings by their lineage to either of you," Kessek stated to No and Kidondo. The other female was quiet, and it seemed to regents had some sort of run in with a god or goddess before.
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Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:11 am
He nodded in agreement at No's words and twisted an ear back to the bird. It was talking again and with such loyalty to the cubs that for a moment Kidondo was stunned again.
How could a lion and a bird be so dependant on one another? How could they share a friendship when the bird was the prey and the lion the predator? He was so close now and the instincts that lay buried in his lion-heart were almost too much to restrain. But he did and he looked on with emotionless eyes, his face void of expression.
"You've heard what No has said." Kidondo said then, cutting the conversation off. He'd heard enough. Spawn of an evil Goddess wanted to come here because it was the only place they were safe. Well if they wanted to stay they would have to prove themselves as all other rogues would. This was a rule that would not be bent for anyone, accept maybe for the cubs.
"They can come and speak for themselves. We will not harm them during their time here but they will be expected to pass the a test, just like all other rogues. If they fail the test they will be obligated to leave us." His eyes lifted to Mzaa. "All of the lions here fought for change and risked their lives. Anyone who wishes to join in the future need to be able to take the same risk. If they cannot they'll be a weak link."
He paused again and shook his head. "What are their names, bird? So we may know them when they come."
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