|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 6:23 am
He lay, half in and half out, of his den, the sun warming his face but the shade cool on his back. It was a pleasant enough morning, the sun just starting to grow warm but not so uncomfortable that it couldn't be enjoyed.
So enjoy it he would.
There was a slight smile on the Regent's face that day, a hopeful smile that said far more than words could. He wasn't nervous, in fact he was quite the opposite. He knew that this audience would bring something wonderful and there were no hesitation or questioning thoughts lurking in his mind.
Azarax was the one.
No wanted to give him one final task, however, and he had agreed just because he didn't want to rush into things. It had to be said, though, he was quite taken with the lad. Maybe it was because he was Ripuka's son and he felt something akin to brotherhood, or maybe it was because of the hardship he had come through. Maybe it was something else entirely. Either way Kidondo knew that he was a good lion.
His judge of character had never been wrong before in any case.
So there he lay, waiting for the sandy-coloured lion to come, pondering on the task that his mate may have conjured up.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:08 am
((I'm still getting back into character with Azzie, so my posts might be a bit choppy for a little bit xD; ))
He had never been fond of audiences. It didn't matter who it was with, whether it had been Mpaji, or if it had been Uzulu. They made him nervous, and he had good reason to be. Dealing with others on a social level was something he was so unused to. He was learning, slowly and surely, but he still found it strange, nevertheless. He was a rather solitary lion, and much preferred being on his own.
But he had spoken with the Regent earlier - and though he had still yet to figure out how to really adress Kidondo - they had arranged for an audience with both Regents, though for what reason, Azarax was unsure.
He worried that perhaps it had something to do with Yin's being in the lands overnight. He certainly hoped it wasn't, and he couldn't see Kadogo'moto turning them in to the two Regents, but he coul dnever be sure.
Uncertainties made him nervous. Being in control was a feeling he had slowly gotten used to and grown to enjoy. It was a luxury he had never had the privilege of having as a cub, but now that he knew what it was like, he much preferred to know than be kept in the dark. It was a different matter when he had little choice. But he still couldn't help but wish he had some idea as to what was going to happen.
He padded his way toward the Regents' den, feeling a mixed sense of dread, though he knew he had nothing truly to worry about. Still, an audience with both Regents. This couldn't be anything small.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:07 am
Sleep had always come hard for the black cat. Her mind often seemed to move three paces before the rest of her- constantly firing, constantly thinking, worrying, and planning. Even a couple hours good sleep was considered a fine night for the regent; and with better news on the air and thoughts light as of late, No had done just that.
Now, awakened, she sat lazily next to Kidondo, working out the kinks in her large paws. Her mind had not yet geared itself back to it’s frantic state. It wouldn’t be long though, she mused. They had requested that Azarax visit them this morning and she expected him to be prompt. Even as she considered it- the faint scent and sound of another lion approaching seemed to confirm her expectations.
She was a bit curious to meet this fellow. Although she had promised herself to be unbiased, she couldn’t help but be intrigued by the fact that this was Ripuka’s son. She hadn’t yet decided if that was to be a boon to the budding regency, but sure was intent to find out.
“Seems our general is on time,” No thrummed lightly to Kidondo as she rose to her feet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 5:10 am
He smiled as No spoke and nodded. "So he is." Then he rose too and shook the sand from his mane. The sand would bother some creatures but he revelled in it.
"Hopefully he'll make a first good impression on you, dearest." He replied with a purr, rubbing the side of his head briefly against her face. Then, with a low grumble of welcoming he trotted forwards to greet the sandy-coloured lion.
(( sorry for the short reply x3;; ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 9:06 am
He was glad, at least, that he could consider himself somewhat well acquainted with Kidondo. He wouldn't have gone as far as to say he knew the Regent well - that came from the way he had been brought up, so that something as simple as how well he knew another could sometimes seem to be going to far - but he was at least comforted by the fact that he was not about to head into an audience and face two Regents he knew only by sight.
As Kidondo approached, he returned the Regent's greeting with a low grumble of his own. His mind flashed to their spar not all too long ago, and almost at once, he felt himself feeling more at ease. As if simply the thought of sparring had spread an envelope of calm about him. It was strange, he realized, but rather than wonder why it was, he thanked the bubble of tranquility for calming whatever nerves he had had.
"Regent Kidondo," he said with a bow of his head to acknowledge each of the two Regents. "Regent No."
He realized what sort of impression his lineage might make on some lions. He was the son of Ripuka, whether he liked it or not, and whether he had had anything to do with her growing up or not. Simply because he had not been raised by the lioness did not change facts, and though he knew his ideals were far different from those of his mother, it was difficult to realize without having first met him.
It was, indeed, difficult to believe that the son of so devout a Firekin could possibly have defected as he had. Yet, Ripuka was little more than a name to him, a name with a title. He cared for his mother, because she was his mother after all that had happened, but he did not feel close to her, nor to either of his siblings. If the chance came, he would protect them, simply because they were related by blood, but if he had to choose, he would choose Mpaji over them every time. He knew that, because Mpaji had been the closest thing to true family that Azarax had had in his lifetime, and he was immensely grateful that he had been taken in by the lion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 7:04 pm
A smile slid across the sleek black maw. "Mm." She thrummed. Promptness, if anything, made a good impression upon the black cat. She had made up her mind to not be prejudicial against the perspective general. But with age, had come a certain level of skepticism. If he was going to be a worthy co-conspirator, she had to be sure of it. As he approached, she rose herself up, nodding respectfully as he greeted them.
"Good morning, Azarax." The regent spoke. She was a skeptic, but it didn't drop the smile from her face. Conversely- she noted a kind of solemn, if not worried look on the other young lion's face. She had hoped Kidondo had told him what the meeting was for- but with a curious quirk of her brow, she decided to roll with it. "It's good of you to come by. We have been hoping to speak with you."
She stretched her neck upwards, and swayed the end of her tail. "I hope we find you well this morning?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 5:03 am
"Good morning." Kidondo echoed. He seemed to be finding a balance between casual and formal, somewhere in between. It was hard to find a good middle ground and hard for Azarax, too, he guessed.
He allowed No to take the lead with the conversation, knowing that he had nothing much to offer except for pleasantries. He just hoped that No would warm to the lion as he had been. It would prove, then, that his judgement of character was still sound.
"Yes, I'm sorry I haven't had much time to give you many details. I'll try and make up for that now, at least." He spoke briskly. "You have shown great promise and because of that we want to..." He paused, what would be the right way to phrase this?
Test sounded too harsh but it was the truth.
"...Give you the opportunity to shine." He ended after a moment. "That's why we've called this meeting with you today."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:36 pm
"Anything for the two Regents." Azarax said with a respectful nod. Then with a small smile, he added, "Each day only gets better." He had always known that if he was to get anywhere in life, he would have to manage to break past the barrier of awkward social skills. He had grown into them, the habits of never saying anything and simply sitting back to observe as the world passed him by. Growing up with the slaves hadn't done anything to discourage it, and occasionally, his mind would wander and he would wonder how differently he might have developed, had he been raised as the Firekin he supposedly was.
The opportunity to shine? There was a certain intrigue that laced the words, and the tan lion tilted his head curiously. He had shown great promise. His mind whirred as he thought back. Great promise in the way he had fought? He wondered as he remembered the sparring match he had had with Kidondo. Perhaps. For obviously, he had done little else that might have in led talent to shine through in any way. He had never considered his own talents - he supposed there weren't a great many - and the fact that he had shown promise was a rather new idea.
Slave-raised lions didn't exactly show talent, after all.
No, no. Get the hell out of that mindset. He scolded himself inwardly. The word slave, he had long decided, would no longer exist around him. Still, a lifetime's upbringing was hard to erase. It would take time, most certainly, but he was determined to do it. He was only glad his body had not become programmed to jump to every command. He was in control of his own body, his own mind, and that alone made him far stronger than he ever would have imagined. He knew he was capable, more than that, perhaps.
Formal, or informal? He wondered, as a reply formed in his muzzle. "Well, I'm honored and grateful for the opportunity," He said finally, after a moment's hesitation while he had attempted to formulate the answer to seem neither too formal nor informal. Best stay in the gray area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 12:42 pm
With that response, No seemed pleased. She dipped her ears back against the sleek dome of her head, and nodded at Kidondo. "Yes," She said. "Kidondo seems to be quite taken to you- and I trust his judgment."
"It's been almost a week now that we've been here, and it's time to start securing our borders. I don't expect the traditionalists to try any sort of skirmish so soon after their exodus, but that doesn't mean we don't prepare for it. Kidondo and I have been running a muck lately it seems doing this and that- so we need to start sharing the burden so the proper time and attention can be taken to this." To this, No darted her eyes once again to Kidondo, making sure he seemed on the same page.
And then, almost as if she lost her train of thought. "How do you see yourself, Azarax?" She spoke. "You are firekin, son of one of their most distinguished elders. But you are not one of them either. You're not a rogue, but you're not like the other true-bloods. I can't speak for how you've grown- but I'm sure you've never thought of being a slave as a benefit."
"But, the way I see it- you are one of the most capable people here to help start placing order. You understand the firekin who have left the traditionalists and have joined the rebellion. You know their names- but you also know what it is like to be an outsider. The rogues who have joined us are still adjusting, and still looking to prove themselves firekin in spirit."
But, she supposed she'd better get to the point. "I'd like you to manage setting up a proper guard detail, and find someone to head it. That person will answer to you, and whoever else you feel necessary to get the job done. After that- and if you think the job suits you, we'd be very interested in getting a military set in place."
With him as General- should he manage this task.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:54 am
He settled back to listen to No's words, curious himself to what she had decided the task would be. It would be something difficult, but something that would bring great benefit, he was sure. Either way he turned to look at her.
She certainly was a ruler.
He'd known that since the day he had met her, the way she'd pushed aside fear, the way she could think on her feet. And since that fateful day at the graveyard he had slowly come to realise that she was truly special. He was glad he had found her, glad to have her at his side. He was stronger for having her around.
That was why rogues had to be accepted. Not all rogues of course. But ones who truly shone. No was a Firekin, not in blood, but in spirit and mind. She was more Firekin than many he'd been brought up alongside. Why should other rogues not be given their chance to shine too? Besides, it was good to finally have that acceptance - that not all rogues were inferior.
His ears lifted as No finally gave the task and he gave a wry smile. She was a wily creature!
"There it is, Azarax." He added. "The task awaits you if you wish to accept it."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:15 pm
How did he see himself? To this, he took a moment to think, to formulate his thoughts into words. For surely, this was the very first time he had actually thought to truly think of himself. "I think... I think I'm the epitome of the Firekin," He said with a twinkle of laughter in his eyes, hoping it didn't pass off as egotistical or vain, as he was certainly neither of those. "I know I have always been Firekin in spirit, but not only do I bear the colors of the Firekin, the rest of my pelt is the color of our desert home." In truth, with thanks to Yin, he had come to embrace the sandy color of his pelt, for though he had no way of telling what it truly looked like, he knew she was right. He did represent the desert. Besides, the pelt only made it easier for him to hunt. He couldn't very well complain about that.
He listened as the Regentess spoke, and realized she was right. He didn't know if he was the most experienced, or the most capable, but he did understand the Firekin who had left to join the rebels, and he did know the feeling of being an outsider. The need to prove himself. The need to belong.
He felt a smile ghosting over his face, though it was rather more a smile of surprise than anything else. "I am honored that you would ask me to do such a task," He said. Setting up a proper guard detail. He had never thought he might ever do something like this. "And I would be honored to do it."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 6:41 am
The answer seemed to please the black cat. She liked confidence- particularly in those they were putting their faith in. There was quite a world of difference between confidence and arrogance. "I am glad to hear that." She thrummed. "Keeping one's self through all of this is a commendable thing. I do not think you'll have any difficulty then accomplishing this task."
"That said- you'll have our authority on the matter. We will trust the decisions you make; although I urge you to be prudent in making them."
Her eyes veiled briefly, and she craned her neck. It was a look that could have easily seemed overdone - but No managed to make it look thoughtful. She glanced over to Kidondo, and dipped her head respectfully. "Anything you feel we should add?" She asked.
Truthfully enough- No was quite pleased with Kidondo's decision in Azarax. He seemed like a commendable asset to the Simo. And she only hoped it would be the start of something far greater then a little guard detail.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 6:54 am
Was Kidondo looking a little smug? Yes, he probably was. He'd known that Azarax was a worthy asset and he could see that No was impressed with him. He'd make a fine General, a fine and trustworthy ally.
He could already sense a great weight being lifted from his shoulders. He had no doubt that Azarax would complete this task in ample time. Then, with borders strengthened and an army in process, things could start to settle into some sort of state of normality.
He shook his mane and nodded, stepping forwards slightly. "Nothing I can think of." He replied to No. "Thank you for coming to meet with us Azarax. We know you will not let us down." And with this meeting coming to an end he turned his eyes to the horizon and prepared himself for guard duty.
"Come find us when you've found your Firekin." He smiled.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 2:26 am
"If there is one thing I'd never let myself do, it's letting my Regents down with something like this," Azarax said with another smile. And after all, when he truly devoted his heart and mind to doing something, there was little that would stop him from getting it done. There was a certain stubborn bullheadedness about him that seemed to emerge only when called on.
More than that, he knew that setting up this guard detail was something that could not afford to be done wrong. With the pride still at such a fragile point, they needed to have a strong guard of the highest calibre. He would have to sift through the ranks of all the lions, paying close attention, searching.
He nodded his understanding, then with a light bow of his head, he took a step back and turned to leave, his eyes, too, flickering momentarily toward the horizon. Without his even realizing it, the motion had become a habit of his. Every once in a while, his eyes would settle fleetingly on the horizon, as if searching, seeking, then they would flit away again, back to whatever he had been doing.
((So, is there anything I need to do OOCly, or anything Azzie needs to do ICly other than report back to Ondo and No when the Captain's been found?))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 11:49 am
(( Naah~ Pretty much up to you. >3 Taj has gone ahead and offered up her girl Uuo as guard captain, so if you complete an RP with her, Az can go ahead and just report back to No or Ondo whenever. [And if you see any other guards looking for RP, you can always do RPs with them to 'recruit' them, but it isn't needed. >3 And, once there's a guard captain, Uuo can do the same also.
Once we've got that down and we get some applicants for captain of the army, and a seargent we'll probably have Azzie handle the recruitment of them as well. >3 [Unless for whatever reason your too busy- and then either me or Kim can do it. ]
He can just sort of strut around being all general-y. 8D~ I expect No or Ondo will formally promote him to General after the RP with Uuo though. ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
