Moto trotted through the grasses of her pride's lands, curious...Dogo had said there was a...guest she should meet. Not a demon, her adopted daughter had assured her. Though having a guest in the lands was strange. This was not a pride for guests...there was too much that could go wrong. Perhaps...a new member? Moto hoped it was that. The pride needed more blood...more who would fight against the demons, or help to redeem those still able to.
She approached the area Dogo had indicated to her...and was surprised to see white fur. White? An unusual color...but not unheard of. The Mwezi smiled and cleared her throat. "So you're the one Dogo brought in. Welcome."
Nima had been sitting around in the area for a few minutes already - since Dogo had told him to wait there to meet with one of the pride's leaders. It was obvious that she wanted him to stay, and he wanted to stay as well. But of course, there were formalities to go through first - as with many things. Inclining his head to the female who approached him, Nima replied, "Yes, that would be me. My name is Nima'baha."
Moto nodded and bowed slightly. "I am Moto'nyota, the Mwezi of this pride." She chuckled. "I watch over the civilians and healers of the pride...along with one other aspect." The lioness sat, tail lightly swishing back and forth at her side. "So what brings you here, Nima'baha?"
Nima remained standing, not recognizing the title exactly but knowing with the rest of her words that it meant she was one of those in charge. "Wandering, to tell true," he replied with a faint smile. "And searching for a place to belong."
His words struck a chord in her, and she nodded. "I was once that way too...though I did not know I was the latter until I met my mate." She sighed. "I do not know why Dogo brought you here, honestly. Though we are a friendly pride...the reason we exist is not." Moto frowned, hoping he wouldn't run...that Dogo really had found them a new member.
"We live near demons, Nima...and they will likely try to kill us once they discover us...for our goal is their redemption or eradication."
Nima nodded at that - not surprised in the least, really ... considering that he'd already heard as much before. "I know that already... Dogo told me when I met her," he replied calmly. "She also told me some of what they do and stand for." At that, his ears went back, and fur fluffed up a bit.
Ah...Dogo was growing into a canny one. Good, he'd been warned. "Since you know of the dangers...if you wish to stay, you may." It was strange, though...that Dogo had brought him in. One of her other pride members was more understandable...but Dogo? If they weren't of the pride, males were immediately distrusted. And yet...hm. Perhaps there was something about him even Dogo could not hate.
Nima smiled at that and nodded. "I thank you, Mwezi." A slight pause then, and he tilted head, eyeing her. "I would... like to help in your efforts to quell the demons, if I am to be joining your pride. I will not be useless."
Ah-ha! Moto would have to praise Dogo for looking past her prejudices. "Knowing the dangers, you wish to join us?" She smiled. "You are a brave one." She chuckled. "Has Dogo told you the jobs within the pride?" It was a good question. She needed to know what he knew, and needed to know where he would best fit in within the pride...
Nima shook his head slowly at that. "Not really, no ... but I am perfectly willing to listen to you explain them to me if you so wish," he replied with a little twitch of his tail - tone just a tiny bit playful.
Moto chuckled. This was turning out well. "There are sort of...four parts to the pride. The first is the civilians...the Asikari who guard our borders, the Mlisha who watch over the cubs, the Msasi who hunt, and of course the cubs. The second is the military...the Shetani'msasi who hunt the demons, the Mmoka mpaka Halisisha who help to bring those redeemable demons to our side, and the Shuuja who are the bulk of the fighting force. The Mfuma are our healers, and a law unto themselves...the only power they answer to outside themselves is me. The fourth group are the command...myself and the Jua, the Udole, Mdomo, and Kono...the Moto, Maji, Ardhi, and Baridi. And of course those who will one day be Jua and Mwezi themselves." She couldn't help but laugh. "So many in charge might seem strange...but it keeps things running smoothly, and keeps all of us in command from getting too power-hungry."
Nima blinked at the sheer amount of information for a moment or two, trying to take in all the names of ranks and such. "Ah... I might need a repeat or two of that. But I can see the sense of having more in charge, so long as everything is delegated out." He nodded, glad to hear that was so much organization, even if he might not remember all the names in the next five minutes.
Moto nodded. "That's perfectly fine. I don't expect you to learn it all in one sitting. Though...we do need to find a place for you to fit in..." She thought a moment. "And once we do...I'm afraid that you'll need to be tested. It won't be something outrageous...just something to make sure you'll thrive in your new place."
Nima nodded at that. "It only makes sense, really..." he replied amiambly. "I think ... personally... that I could do well as one of the ah. Hunters of demons, or perhaps simply one of the main fighting force. I can hunt, but I've always been able to come out on the right side of fights, and having a cause to fight for ... "
Moto looked him over. He was scarred, in many places. And though his tone made her believe he would, indeed, be a good fighter...somehow, it just didn't QUITE fit him. There was something about him...something that tended to be kind. Perhaps..."You...seem more like water, than fire. You seem the sort to gently reshape something until provoked, rather than consume at a moment's notice."
Nima blinked at her slightly ... then nodded slowly at her description of him. "In many ways... you are correct, I think," he replied with a slight smile. "Thought I didn't really realize it myself until you said that just now..."
She nodded. "I...have an idea. The Mmoja mpaka Halisisha must sometimes fight as well...for there are those who fall back into bad habits, and those who would think them easy targets. But they are also not alone...to balance their...water, they work with a Shetani'msasi...for they are like fire, and need the balance of the Mmoja mpaka Halisisha as much as the other way around." She smiled. "Perhaps...you would be interested in seeing if that is the sort of place you belong?"
Nima nodded slowly at that, realizing... now that she explained it a bit more ... that that sounded a lot more like something he would do. He didn't really -like- to fight, after all. It had just been something he'd gotten good at because he had to. "That sounds... wonderful, actually. I would like the chance to save those that I could..."
Moto smiled. "Well...I think I shall let you absorb everything. Get acquainted with the rest of the pride." She chuckled. "Do not fear asking questions...depsite things, we are a friendly group. Especially to our own. For when one of us succeeds, we all do."
The large white male smiled then and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Mwezi. I shall certainly do my best to meet the others quickly and get settled in..." A small pause, then. "Is there any specific one I should go to if I have questions? As I'm sure you're very busy..."
She thought a moment. "There is Dogo...and my daughter Tarajia. If she isn't out on patrol, she's likely wherever young ones are. She adores little ones." Those two knew a great deal about the inner workings, despite not having any interest in being anything higher than they were. "And if you're looking for a kindred soul...you might talk with Farlest and Ka'hmesh. They are good lions...Farlest is a black lioness with green markings, and one of the Mfuma. Ka'hmesh is a Shetani'msasi, and sand-colored with a pale blue mane.
Nima noted those descriptions in his mind and nodded in response. "All right... thank you very much for taking the time to welcome me. Ah! And whenever I need to be tested, simply let me know." He smiled at her and took a step or two back, so that she could go if she needed to.
Moto nodded. "I shall see you again soon. And..." She stood, a broad smile on her face. "Welcome, Nima'baha. You are home."
