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 Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 11:53 am
Life amongst the merciless desert was starting to come easily, perhaps more so than she had ever thought. The heats scorching sensation seemed trivial as the young adult had become more accustomed to what the elements threw at her and demanded from her. Here, life wasn't a walk in the Savannah- one had to be in tune with their surroundings and body least an individual would rather be taken asunder and by surprise which, most often, brought about an unpleasant ending which resulted in a severe injury and, yes, even death. There was no tolerance for the weak and amongst the sea of sands even the strongest of individual could fall victim to plagues that the elements strung about, ever vigilant in testing those who had chosen to roost within its domain. It could easily be said that there there was no discrimination- fate, alongside the elements, seemed to gladly pick off anyone foolish enough to blind sight themselves. But thankfully the Simo's morals and upheld values seemed to refine even the weakest of souls with a refiners fire, molding them into something greater in body, spirit and mind. Although proving oneself often was required with each meeting and greeting it seemed that sometimes the young adult was left wishing for someone who wasn't so high strung in the moment, someone who could help her translate from a more serious, straightforward and relentless state of mind to a relaxed, laid back and lazy state.
What Mteke'tezo needed was a friend.
It wasn't to say that she didn't enjoy the thrill of surging adrenaline, training under Kali, sparring and keeping herself in shape- she couldn't get enough of it! But even with becoming so engrossed in defining her strength and her skills it seemed that even the heartiest of soldiers needed to relax sooner or later. Aside from the eventful lifestyle of a soldier there still remained a part of the lioness that sought to let loose, to be able to reminisce about random subjects and simply talk to someone for hours. Having someone who could clear out her head from skewed outlooks and beliefs, and she do the same for the, seemed like a needed remedy.
Standing atop one of the small sand dunes, the lioness flicked her tail thoughtfully before it seemed her tired body willed her front paws unconsciously to slide forward. Slowly, her frame sunk lower into the sands as before she knew it she was lying there, sprawled out on her stomach as light, violet orbs stared outward across the expansive sea of sands. For the moment her restless mind caused the cogs of her mind to turn, churning up the ideas and near suffocated her brain as the cluttered assortment of junk constricting what was left of its own free space. Her lips pursed slightly as a small strain flashed upon her maw, tugging at her maw before she closed her eyes- ears flicking back.
Perhaps trying to sort through the trenches of her mind wasn't quite a good idea at the moment. A mind who often suffered from amnesia often discovered, or attempted to, the fossils and remains of what once whas or what still wrapped itself around her brain. It was confusing, something which couldn't easily be deciphered nor fully explained by Mteke,
Regardless, the lioness sighed- shaking her head as if freeing her mind or at least loosening it from the pulling directions of cluttered thoughts and restricting optimism. In retaliation to such a mood, Mteke quickly chased away the woes with a small smile and a soft chuckle from her chest.
Smiling still seemed to most potent remedies and, luckily, it was a task that was relatively easy.
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Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 4:04 pm
 The young white lion had a lot to think about. To worry about, in one way, though he hadly ever saw the point in fretting. Things like these either sorted itself out, with the assistance of time or patience, or were worked through with understanding and calm. Allowing himself to get too upset would not make him feel better, and wouldn't help the situations themselves.
He just needed a better way of keeping himself in his calm manner than simple distractions or simply telling himself he wasn't upset. He knew he was just bottling things up, because he hadn't wanted to feel them, and that wasn't healthy, either. He was still learning.
But it was tough. He was worried about Rellik, and her wounds. Two unsuccessful attempts to join the pride through battle, and he feared a third might be slated. Though, the last thing he wanted to do was, even if he didn't believe in the concept. jinx her. He would have to see how things turned out, when they were done. There was nothing he could do to help her, or hinder her, as these battles were the way of the pride and he would not dishonor himself, his home, or his friend by trying to affect their outcome.
And then there was the matter of his sister's pregnancy. The last he had heard, she wasn't sure who the father was. Two of his own friends, one actually his best friend, were the candidates. It was a weird situation to be in, but all he wanted to do was support her and make sure everything went smoothly. He tried to have no opinions on anything, considering everyone else would be on top of that.
Sighing, he looked up, finally drawn from his musings, and spotted an unfamiliar lioness nearby. Within the pride lands, Iroh felt no shyness about greeting strangers and often just trotted right on up to faces he did not know.
Like he was doing right now.
"Hello there!" He greeted jovially. She was smiling, though he didn't know why, and he felt more than comfortable saying hi with the same expression, "I've not seen you before! My name is Iroh!" He stood nearby, tilting his head as he nodded at her.
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Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 10:59 am
As a warm breeze seemed to ruffle the mess of black fur atop her head it seemed that something else lingered in its midst. For a moment Mteke knitted her brows as she inhaled slowly, the scent flooding her nostrils although it registered as someone unknown, foreign to her. Yet the aroma that seemed to cling to whoever it was registered as something that was hard to describe; it was a scent that those of the Simo seemed to carry. Perhaps it was the smell of their sun soaked coats or the harsh desert embedded within their fur but whatever it was it seemed that, slowly, that same scent was leeching onto her. Soon, Mteke would truly be like them- like those of the Simo; her brothers and sisters who rallied for the same causes she did. Having found such a pride whose morals and beliefs mirrored hers was more than a blessing- Mteke believed that it was simply fate. Thinking about it, it seemed that everything in her life had simply prepared her for this, to be here in the Simo. It was strange to think, perhaps even to believe that such a thing was possible, yet to the young lioness it simply fit together so easily and made sense.
But why fate had brought her here and prepared her so vigilantly she didn't know but Mteke was certain that sooner or later she'd find out. Perhaps not tomorrow nor the next full moon but it would all make sense. Life's many twists and turns had a purpose and one simply would have to see and watch how it unfolded. Sometimes the unthinkable and simplest of events often lead to something far greater in the future.
Whatever will be, will be, she thought silently.
Before the cogs of her mind could continue such a silent reflection it was that a voice seemed to call out to her. Curious, Mteketezo swiveled her head around in the direction, head canting slightly to the side. It was a male whose untainted figure of purest white seemed somewhat unexpected. So far she had seen that most of the colors here were those of fire and warmth and yet seeing one so pale was unique. Almost refreshing in a way, really! His rather warm and jubilant greeting seemed to only cause the smile upon her maw to broaden.
"Afternoon!" She replied, tail swaying behind her in a rather nonchalant manner.At his greeting the lioness chuckled softly. "Its a pleasure to meet you, Iroh. I don't expect many to have seen me- I'm still fairly new to all of this. I haven't been here long and I'm still trying to find my way around and get situated."
Mteke shifted about in the sands before she rose up to her paws, shaking her body slightly from the sands that clung to her fur before settling her lightly kissed violet orbs upon him with an ever present smile. Although she was still relatively fresh she was certainly trying to figure out things. Kidondo had previously helped break down the pride's background and ranks with her which had enlightened her even more before she became a full member and even now she was training under Kali, honing her skills and finding a way to unleash the true potential that laid anxiously in wait to be excavated. Mteke had found a good starting point but it still felt as if something was missing. It would seem that she certainly was starting off on the right foot yet, again, something more important and well needed hadn't quite fit into the equation yet. She tried not to spend too much time dabbling into such a thought yet it was something relatively simple as well as something that would come in time. One couldn't rush into things nor get entangled within the little things. More often than not that was what created a downfall for any individual. It was better to simply just sweat the small stuff.
With ease, she settled down upon her haunches as her tail curled around her. She continued, "My names Mteketezo'roho. Its a bit of a mouthful so Mteke or Tezo often are a bit easier on the tongue." Mteke couldn't help but tilt her head curiously as questions, as well as curiosity, seemed to bubble within her thoughts. "What about you, Iroh? Have you lived here all of your life or are you a rogue too?" she inquired, flicking her ears.
Mteke was still rusty at knowing faces and names as she had only begun to realize that the Simo was actually quite large. There were a few faces and names that had stuck to her but lately it seemed there were still so many who remained unknown to her. At times she was somewhat hesitant and wouldn't quite want to disturb anyone thus keeping the lioness to herself but she wanted to change that. There was so much she wanted to know and others who she wanted to meet. In time she would build more of her confidence. But now it seemed that the males rather pleasant demeanor was infectious.
It was just what she needed.
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Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:04 pm
The pudgy young male let his smile broaden at the return of his greeting. He didn't like to draw conclusions of people right off the bat, but generally if the greeting went well he could relax a bit as the conversation continued. After all, he had just come up and said hi to a complete stranger: she could have reacted a number of different ways and be totally justified in any one of them.
Because she had decided to smile at him, he was reassured that he would like this conversation. Of course, that was generally his decision regardless. He just had to broach things in different ways if someone was aloof or short with him. Naturally friendly, he was not deterred by gruff encounters. Just like he couldn't really know a lion just by how they said hello, they couldn't know him if he just gave up.
It was a good way to start conversations, at least, and meet the strangest of people. What happened after they got to talking was usually a lot less predictable.
"Oh, a new member! Well, that makes a lot more sense. Not that I know everyone that lives here, of course. Uh," he grinned broadly, already purring, "it's nice to meet you, Mteke!"
His purr was an odd sound. It was like he had never quite learned how to do it correctly, though he had been making the happy little sound since he was born. It came in spurts, a rumble in his throat that cut off suddenly and then picked up again after a short break. Like an engine that wouldn't turn or, for a metaphor he might actually understand, a breath in the middle of a hum. It almost seemed like it was coming out of his nose, and sometimes he chuffed, mostly on accident.
"I was born here, so I've lived here for what life I've yet been granted!" he laughed, canting his head, "but I've met a few rogues, and I've been accused of not being the most fire-oriented of the Firekin. But that's okay! I've found there's absolutely nothing wrong in enjoying a good meal and letting yourself laugh a lot."
He blinked.
"Oh, I'm rambling. Sorry. I'm just excited to meet someone new. You're from the outside lands, then? I bet you have some interesting stories from out there. What brings you here? Besides, of course, my invisible, but potent magnetism." He feigned a completely out of character cockiness and then shook his head, laughing at himself.
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Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 9:07 pm
Iroh's friendliness couldn't have been more welcomed. Although she had been within the Simo for quite some time now it seemed that there was more of a feeling of home that lingered each time she had a chance to talk to someone or simply converse about whatever came to mind. Unfortunately it seemed that those moments were sparse and Mteke could only believe that she hadn't put herself out there all that much which was her fault. But so far the young adult was feeling rather relaxed, confident in this encounter. The pudgy, flawlessly white male only ensued a rather happy demeanor that was hard to ignore- infectious yet desired all the same. Even still a smile continued to broaden across her maw.
"Mhmm," she nodded, chuckling softly. "Likewise, Iroh. Its a pleasure to meet you."
Listening as his rather odd purr sounded, the lioness tilted her head slightly. Although she couldn't quite put a paw on what it sounded like the younger males happy little noise which emitted from him seemed to fit his character. Perhaps that was a rather strange thought but for the moment as silence fell between them it had been something of a small detail that she took note of. It was cute, in a way.
Mteke's ears perked up slightly. "Oh," she spurted, a bit more excited as the conversation continued. "So you probably have a good amount of family here too then? I can imagine that's nice to have around." Family, one of the many concepts she never truly tasted of. It wasn't something that bothered her or something that she despised- no, such emotions would require too much energy and nor were they needed to bear against something so trivial. In a way she did consider one person family and that seemed more than enough to offset any mixing of foul emotions. Although her said 'father' wasn't quite the average lion it seemed that Ezriel had played a vital role in her life and it would be that the male would always have a special place in her heart. For a moment her mind seemed to deviate, brows knitting slightly. Mteketezo hoped that she'd get to run into him again- she was certain that with he being the God of Rebellion that his paws were simply inkling to find those whose hearts were yearning for change, to lash out against whatever bridled them as well as their truest desires. One day their paths would cross, she was certain of it and would would look forward to it.
As Iroh seemed to speak of rogues and the accusations that had been directed of him the lioness frowned, her cheek pulling her maw slightly to the side. "They would accuse you of not being a Firekin because of your looks?" She wasn't sure she understood exactly what he had meant with being 'fire-oriented' but that's what she had seemed to derived from what he had said. "They don't know what they're missing then," she concluded.
"But I agree- a good meal is hard to pass up when you have some luck and laughing certainly is the best remedy."
Mteke laughed, shaking her head. "No- you're not rambling at all, really. I'm enjoying it. I think I share the same excitement since it's been a while." The young adult nodded, "Yes, although I can't quite claim a place where I came from since I've meandered alongside my mentor for as long as I can remember. But as for stories I have my share- they're all so different and some a bit strange. They don't come close to the stories you might have though." She could hardly imagine what stories may lie within the Simo and she was secretly anxious to learn of them. Ezriel had previously told of the ones he as familiar with concerning the great rebellion that took place between the Firekin yet she was rather convinced that there had to be more to it than what the God had told her. "As for coming here I think my answer may be a little cliche' like the rest of the rogues who seek to join the Simo. I wanted to fight alongside others who had the same ideas and values as I had grown up with. With being mentored my whole life in learning the principles of fighting, strategy and even rebellion I just- well, it just felt right. So here I am."
It only seemed that it was impossible not to laugh and the lioness grinned, arching a brow upwards before she sighed, giving up. "Well I guess you caught me- it was just so potent that I couldn't resist it. Your magnetism is... electric," she mused, pursing her lips. "How do you keep the ladies in line?"
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Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 12:20 pm
"It is nice! My sister and I have a den together. I couldn't imagine being on my own. Well. I mean, I could, I suppose, and I'd be just fine. But I prefer to have family or friends with me," he grinned, cheeky, "I wouldn't do any good, just talking to myself all the time. There's only so much I can teach me."
Iroh smiled. He liked knowing as many people as possible, and learning from them because of it. Not one for fleeting relationships, he often invested himself in really getting to know those who deigned to talk to him, even if they were quite content to part ways once the encounter was done. The intelligent lion often spent his time making observations, and drawing knowledge from who other people were, and how they lived. He saw everything as a chance to better himself, from a simple hello to a game of tag with a childhood friend.
The white lion tilted his head. He was already trying to see what this lioness would teach him, though he didn't like to forget himself and skip straight to assumptions. She struck him as a complicated lady, but nice. Genuinely so. In the Firekin creatures had a way of being a bit, for lack of a better term, fiery. Opinionated. Strong willed. Softer beings, like Iroh and his sister, were sometimes harder to come by. Yes, Iroh knew strength, had it in him, and wanted to be stronger. Yes, he was deeply loyal to his pride and would do anything to protect and serve it. He simply had a different tactic for both than most others, which made him stick out even further.
Like his white coat wasn't enough.
He tilted her head as she seemed to get distracted from the conversation. He wondered what she was thinking about, his face patient and serene as he waited patiently for her to come back from where ever it was she had gone. It was probably important to her, whatever it was that was drawing her attention, so he didn't feel it would be polite to interrupt. He smiled when she came back, in a goofy, welcoming way.
"It's more than that," he said, shrugging his round shoulders, "but there are a few lions around here who think burning coats of red are more representative of the pride than, say, someone who is pure white and cream." He laughed, honestly, and shrugged the idea away again. It really wasn't something he ever worried about. He knew better than to judge a lion by the color of their pelt.
Iroh nodded.
"Cliche, maybe, but no less personal or true for it. I don't think it matters how many people thought the same as you before coming here. I think the important part is they came. Our home is built on those ideas and values, after all, so those who come with them already instilled inside them are assets here. I think so, anyway." He grinned. He thought about Rellik, who he had last seen wounded by the borders. She had lost two fights in her efforts to join the Simo, and yet Iroh believed in her. He helped her as he could, though he knew there was little he could do for her save tend to her wounds and give her encouraging words. Still, he believed she would end up joining in time: it was her destiny.
"That's actually exactly how I keep them at bay," Iroh said, swishing his tail in a feigned attempt at cockiness, "I have to make them stand in a line. You'll see it stretching across the lands like a great wall." He shook his head, wrinkling his nose.
"Well! Now that you're here, with the one who's been drawing you here all this time, are you hungry? Or thirsty? I'm a water seeker. Though, at this point it's kind of cheating since you can see the watering hole from here." He turned, pointing at the not-too distant spot.
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:53 pm
"Ah, and what a misfortune when you'd run out of things to teach yourself and conversations to have," she teased lightly, grinning.
Likewise it seemed that Mteke was slowly beginning to see what exactly this white and cream pelted lion would show her- what he could help open her eyes to and what, possibly, she was missing out on. Perhaps such a thing was a bit strange to think of but if only she knew that he also was contemplating such a thing it wouldn't seem too ridiculous of a thought. She herself was one who observed, who watched others and seemed to take notes whether it was learning from their mistakes or coming across a new way at excavating the elusive things in life. Her meek temper at times often helped the young adult understand the world around her in a better way through those around her- surly it was better for one to experience such things themselves but why should an individual invest themselves in letdown, heartache and even pain when one could clearly see the consequences of a decision unveiled by someone else? Mteke was sensitive, methodical and attentive and in being such it often left her craving to learn and to excel in life.
As thoughts seemed to ravel around her and attention seeped back into reality the lioness blushed slightly, somewhat embarrassed, although she tried to brush it off as best she could. It was one of those bad habits that she couldn't quite shake; her brain often lingered and caused her head to become stuck within the clouds. A soldier in training certainly wouldn't last long if their state of mind wavered just as the hollow reeds of the grass. She needed to be focused although perhaps that seemed a bit of a challenge for one whose very memory often was fleeting and lacked the ability to remember things with clarity. Mteke flicked an ear as she listened, pursing her lips quietly. Iroh was right and there simply was no better way of explaining such a thing. The Simo had created a place where those who, likewise, bore the same principles and value could become a part of something bigger, something greater, and become an asset to a cause. Their values and beliefs, she was certain, was the reason Ezriel had requested she joined not only to prove her worth to the Firekin but to become an ally, a member of a pride whose focus and concepts mirrored hers to an exact match. The lioness smiled, nodding her head, "Exactly. It just seems so- so perfect," she laughed.
A brow arched upwards, curiously as she watched the male. "Oh, I see. And once you put them in a line how do you choose which one will be graced with your presence and those of who fall short of your requirements? Hopefully I haven't cut in line- I'm sure the other females wouldn't like to be usurped from their potential time to revel in you presence." She tried to keep herself from laughing as her face scrunched up slightly in somewhat of a stone expression that was becoming broken with the fissure of a smile which was slowly becoming exposed.
Mteke chuckled softly. "A watering hole? Are you sure? From where I'm standing I don't see one. You might have to show me," she replied, even looking in the direction of which he pointed towards and shook her head. It was light-hearted teasing as she took a step forward and canted her head slightly.
"A drink of water sounds good. Lead the way, Iroh!"
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 11:25 am
Iroh laughed. He certainly found his home to be perfect, even with its flaws. The thought was silly and made him shake his head, but he knew the Simo lands were what they were because of all the mistakes that had been made in the past. Without them, it wouldn't be such a proud and strong home. He grinned at his new friend, canting his head and indicating that she should follow him.
The rotund male padded his way over the sand effortlessly, so used to the shifting terrain that he hardly seemed to notice it now. His body, as with many of those that lived here, seemed to have created an 'auto-balance' feature within himself. He was always sturdy, always sure footed, even when traveling down a literally rolling slope of a large dune.
"Well, I try not to discriminate," he continued playfully, shaking his head as if the idea itself were insulting to him. He looked back at her with a cheeky grin, one eyebrow higher than the other as he continued to play this stud of a character. "I just start at the front of the line. Which, naturally, is at the mouth of my den. I imagine my sister isn't too pleased with it, but what can I do? It's not like I could be so rude as to make them leave."
He laughed. Sure, he liked having company, but he was not a playboy by any means. He was a friendly, loving young adult who made more friends than he had claws to count them. He helped others, and he never counted debt. He didn't flirt on purpose, with anyone, and yet sometimes it just so happened to look and feel exactly like it. All part of his natural charm, he told himself with an inner roll of his eyes.
"I wouldn't worry about upsetting them, though. I have scheduled times for drop-in visits, outside of the line. Most of the time, though, they don't want to risk leaving it since they'll just have to go to the back of the line anyway. So you're just lucky to have me to yourself, I guess! Maybe it was a fated meeting."
He laughed and triumphantly bounced onto a nearby rock, turning to face her, paws not quite fitting all four together on the stone he was using as his stage. He lifted one and gestured to the watering hole just behind him.
"I have sought this water, and together we have found it! And now I present it to you. Consider it a gift!" He grinned. "You know, the kind that... isn't really mine to give, but who's going to know?"
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