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 Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:04 pm
The last burning embers of the setting sun melted in to the clouds, turning them a bright, acidic orange that lit everything below with a warm glow. It was Ufahami'tungika's favourite time of day, the moment where her dark past and bright future met for only a few moments. It was a time that she liked to spend alone, even if only for a minute or two, just to gather her wits about her and proceed with the night.
It wasn't much of a secret that the King and Queen were not getting along, at least as well as they were before- back when she was much younger. At least, her ill temper seemed to be driving them apart and as much as she wished to cull her tongue, there was no reigning in her temper. Sighing with pent up frustrations, Ufahami flopped over on to her back, and watched as the sky darkened. She knew that in only a matter of minutes that the hunters would return with their days work, and the scout would be back and all manner of felines would be buzzing around her, excitement in the air. It was a hectic time and Ufahami wanted it to just be over and done with, at this point. She had had enough of the plotting and planning and replotting and going over plans that her mind felt thick and full of all manner of useless tidbits, she rarely remembered the plans, they changed so often.
She knew she had only a moment of reprieve before her duties were thrust upon her once more so she stretched luxuriously and waited to be summoned. No point in starting the frenetic energies until they were desperate for her.
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Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:38 pm
 Life in the Dhati had been considerably easy to wean on, especially when one knew exactly what was going on.
The "King" was growing more distant each day as his focus on a takeover expanded with time, and it seemed like there was only so much time left before his drive would bring him to madness. It was a despicable thing to see, really--the leader so hell-bent on renewing a once perhaps respectable kingdom. It would be fine if there had not been the worry that his obsession would soon reach a critical point, and all the plans that he had set in motion would break apart in a flash. All the scheming, time, and energy put into this organization would go to waste, and that was something the black lioness did not want to see. She had already invested so much for everything to fall apart, and it would hinder many things.
So, with a mindful walk, the dark female stepped around the perimeter of where the Dhati usually centered themselves at, numerous thoughts and ideas filling her mind. She had usually been able to use her Sight to offer aid and guidance for the group, but paths regarding herself were mostly lost to a blank darkness. However, it wasn't that troubling, as she was sure that she was already in a well-off position and in good graces with the leaders from what knowledge she already had to give to them. It was child's play, really, with her gift--to be trusted in her visions and believed so easily that she, at one point, could have entertained the thought of fully enjoying being commanded around by the Dhati's King and Queen.
Speaking of which, the "Queen", she observed, as usual, was laying on her back like the vulnerable, "pure", naive thing she was. A smile shifted into place on the dark lioness's mouth, and she approached nonchalantly--as if she had been coming back from her duties instead of shirking them as easily as it had been in the small rebel band.
"Queen Ufahami," she called in a strained sweet tone, "What are you doing here alone without your King at your side? You know as well as I that he would throw a fit if anything were to just even p***k your perfect pelt."
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Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:51 pm
Ufahami rolled over slowly, with the ease of one who knows she is perfectly and absolutely safe. To think that once she was meant to die, and now she was so fiercely protected that it was difficult to really live- but at least her hide was still intact and not hanging off some Haruspex. She never really liked that tradition, found it all rather morbid- her pelt at least was some lesser wild thing her King had killed for her. One of his presents.
"Oh its you. Malaika," There was a distinct, painful pause- whether the queen had forgotten it for a moment or making it painstakingly clear that she was better than the other female was for the dark lioness to decide. Ufahami didn't particularly care which of the two ways she took it.
"He is off with his duties, whatever they are for the day. He's always so busy," Ufahami sighed dramatically, putting up a pretense of at least missing her mate, "I used to protest that he was doing too much, and that I could help him. As you know, he's made his feelings known about letting me do anything that could put me in danger- so i do nothing during the day. Its very boring."
Her figure was still slight and powerful, so one would wonder just what the Queen did do during the day- whatever it was, she was rather secretive about it to the point that no one commented on it. The longer she stayed looking the same, the less people would question her.
"What about you, Malaika? Have you seen what our blasphemous cousins have been up to?"
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Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:46 pm
Malaika kept a presentable face on through the Queen's less than mannerly greeting--in fact, her smile only seemed to have brightened, if anyone had been watching. The Queen had good reason to feel more important than the others--being brought up as the Pure had no doubt influenced a very lofty disposition, and when she was taken by a skilled fighter to be the female idol of a ragtag group of dissenters, it would be shocking if she had even the tiniest bit of humbleness to her character.
Well, she was glad the Queen got her name immediately, at least; despite all the years back in the Mizimu, Malaika had never taken the time to really pay attention to the Pure, knowing from her royal mother that whoever was Pure had been but a glorified lie to the pride. Had she enough compassion, she would have even felt pity for the once-Pure.
"Ah, Queen Ufahami," Malaika said with a small dip of the head, "I, along with your king, understand the precaution. You are the figurehead and cause for all of us, and it would be a crime to let such a wonderful life stray into danger that anyone would gladly take your place for."
And it was true--had it not been for her, would the Dhati exist? She was the mother figure to all sacrifices wishing for a chance--wishing for more meaning in life than being slain so that good luck be expelled from their blood and bones. Had it not been for the love of that King, Ufahami would beyond doubt be dead now, falsely blessing the Mizimu.
She cleared her throat, continuing her flattery, "And have you not already been living your life in danger at the Mizimu, Queen Ufahami? To live knowing of the danger that awaited you once the time was ripe is quite risky in itself, isn't it? You deserve to rest in tranquility now, at least, until your King issues the declaration. But do be careful."
It was good to know that the Queen was comfortable and trusting enough of Malaika to remain lying on the ground. It looked tempting enough to bask in the beautiful red-orange glow that while talking, Malaika herself had strolled over to a half-buried boulder nearby to stretch out her claws. Perhaps it was good to contemplate in idle laziness as well.
"Hm?" she responded to Ufahami's inquiry, wondering whether it was a purposefully tricky question to ask if she had been doing her assigned tasks, or whether she had been neglecting her orders.
"Ah, my Sight, you mean?" she quickly followed, tinkering sagely with the sharp fangs that hung from her bracelet, "Yes, the Mizimu, as one can suspect, are not completely blind like Jinichongo gives herself off to be. They know there is something stirring the lands, and it is more than likely that they know there are a number of us. But they are unsure of the exact number, and that is where we find strength in secrecy. I see they are beginning to train well on their side--and Queen Ufahami, you know of their militaristic strength--but no fear, for I have no doubt that our warriors will prevail with your presence, purity, and faith in them. I advise that for the next days to come, you should be more open to communications amongst the Dhati, and fully gain everyone's allegiance. Some new recruits may have yet to offer their entire trust, but I am sure they will once they see what a true leader you are. And, ah..."
Malaika had to only half-listen to herself, to keep from getting sick of the words she had been saying, and waved a paw vaguely towards the Mizimu, "As for anything else, I have already told in the past. Of course, I will keep you and the King reported on all future acquired knowledge. I can only offer my thanks to you two for your confidence in my work."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:12 am
Ufahami ignored the flattery. Hearing it everyday had caused her to feel rather caustic about her own appearance, though she was firmly aware that she was bright and beautiful- so were others, specifically that new female- Ufahami could not remember her name- but her pelt was even brighter than Ufahami's own. Ufahami tried to feel jealous, at least a little, but her heart was just not in it anymore. There were too many things to be worried about to spend a moment on some new dissenter's beauty. Besides, the King only had eyes for her.
"I remember you, Malaika, from our old life. Didn't you have a brother? And- your mother, wasn't she royal as well? I'm far removed from the family but still... I'm as close to family as you have, and I believe you're the closest bit of family that I have as well. I guess that goes without saying," Ufahami chuckled dryly, "I only meant to say that perhaps you would join me here some other night? At this time?"
The dark female wasn't warm and cuddly, but she seemed to at least speak well- the flattering was forced but Ufahami was so used to it she just waved it away. She'd rather be spoken to frankly about the plans as they would happen, for even simple knowledge was being kept from Ufahami. Her "delicate temperment" and all. Ufahami's hackles raised silently, but she settled, and spoke of the matters at hand.
"We should have stayed further away, at least until we were ready for action," Ufahami mused briefly, pondering the situation, "but I guess my King knows best- I've heard the scouts have been successful in bringing back information and other sacrifices like myself. And of course you input, Malaika."
Not wanting to appear ungrateful, Ufahami added the last in awkwardly. Hopefully Malaika would not take affront to Ufahami's rudeness.
"Of course Malaika, you have been a true friend and one of the first of the Dhati. You will always have a place with us."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:03 am
A hesitance came over Malaika as the Queen addressed her family. She almost narrowed her eyes, wondering if Ufahami had known more about things than she led on in her usual appearance of naivete. Though the two were family, and she bore marks vaguely reminiscent of their line, it was too distant for Malaika to feel a familial concern to the once-Pure. In fact, it would be despicable to compare the two, considering how far their direct families were, and how differently matured their minds had become.
"Yes, I do have a brother, and he's still alive," she smiled deviously, reflecting on her only sibling. "If my intuition is correct, he is... here, as well. But he has no intentions of joining us. He's always had his own ambitions and purpose, as stupid as they always had been. I can only hope he does not do something stupid to elicit anger from either side, especially with that nasty mouth of his."
And Malaika had to put some thought on the Queen's offer; had it been a sincere request to bond, after all these years of being merely acquaintances? Or was she going to try and get close, to use her in a different way, other than what she had been providing? Whatever the reason, she knew not to issue trust immediately, but perhaps it would be nice to get closer to Ufahami... After all, the more she got to know the Queen, the more knowledge and influence she could possibly wield over others.
"My mother was Jinichongo's sister, yes, and shared the same fate as you in the Mizimu. But unlike you, she was not smart enough to leave before her life was thrown away..." She wasn't sure whether to delve into details, but Ufahami seemed to be at least knowledgeable on some things, like the falseness of the throne, so there was no need for elaboration.
"I will gladly be at your side whenever you will it, Queen Ufahami," she finally nodded, putting aside the thought of being the only family left to the Queen; it would be unwise to make such an attachment.
It was a strange thing, seeing the Queen beckon anyone else other than King Magadi. "And would the King be joining?" she then plainly asked; it would be good if Ufahami trusted Malaika enough to consult with her privately--if not, she would perhaps with time, build that trust.
She had to smile again at the Queen's manners. Most if not all of her "input" had been what she truthfully Saw, seeing as there wasn't anything really that had come up to actually keep from the Dhati's knowledge. Informing the King and Queen of the Mizimu aided the Dhati's strength, and that was definitely more important for now, to Malaika. Had the Queen known how powerful Malaika's wisdom through her skills fueled the pride, she would be taken more seriously and regarded with more care. But she let it go, for now, simply desiring a comfortable relation with her female leader.
"The Mizimu are not that blind, my Queen, for they have strong seers amidst their group as well. Distance would not have mattered. Our proximity is good--with your hunters destroying the Mizimu's food. Starving lions do not battle well." And she wasn't sure if she bode well with the idea of killing off so many prey beasts needlessly--especially because she found it disgusting when she ran into one of the piles of rotting flesh and carcass--but it was doing the job, and she guessed that was all that mattered in the end.
"And thank you," was all Malaika could say, just thankful for her acknowledged place in the Dhati. "A pleasure. You must be looking forward to the day you take the place of my aunt."
The last statement was spoken too fast before Malaika could think it through, though she meant no venom or resentment in it. Most of her life had been devoted to being raised to hate Jinichongo. If she needed to clarify herself to the Queen, she would.
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:29 am
Ufahami had genuinely forgot about Malaika's familial ties, and the bloody bond between Malaika's mother and Jini'chongo- she mentally cursed her stupidity for bringing it up, but settled as Malaka didn't seem to be offended by it. Ufahami was wary though, as Malaika had never seemed to be the calmest of lions. Sort of like she was a self contained thunderstorm, but very well concealed within Malaika herself.
"I hope he does contain himself, as we really cannot afford to lose even a moment when our plans are put in to motion. We know that we will prevail but I'd rather not lose any life in the process- at least, the lives of the Dhati, the lives that matter."
Ufahami was still relaxed in her position on the ground, but she worried that Magadi would happen upon them and berate her on her low position- Malaika sat higher than the Queen, and Magadi would have an absolute fit. He was due to come soon, and Ufahami sat up with a sigh, and threw herself on to a fallen log, slightly closer to Malaika- it wasn't obviously a move to make herself higher than Malaika, as it was disguised as a ploy to get closer to the other lioness. Ufahami silently congratulated her own craftiness.
"Perhaps your mother's spirit has not brought the good luck the Mizimu thought it would, hmm? Knowing that you were part of the demise of the Mizimu should bring her spirit some sort of compensation- I do not like the idea of any life being thrown away. They cannot help their fate, and we cannot help all of them and I'd rather think of them helping our cause than helping the Mizimu's," Ufahami almost said something that she knew she would never be forgiven for, and swallowed it back, painfully.
"Magadi?" Ufahami asked, surprised, "No, he's far to busy and I was asking not as the royal we, but just as me, Ufahami. It... I desire to know more about what is going on, in order to take some of the strain off of my poor mate. I know everyone is always walking quietly around me, making sure I stay as far out of danger as possible and as far away from hearing discussions that might "upset my delicate disposition". Malaika, not knowing what needs to be known by your queen is upsetting my delicate disposition. My mate cannot perceive this and is taking on more duties than I think even his broad shoulders can bear. It worries me."
Ufahami's worries spilled out, and she hoped that Malaika would consent to telling her some more specifics to what was going on. She felt blind and deaf, and improperly restrained- if something were to happen to Magadi, the Dhati would surely be in a tough spot.
"That makes me feel better then," Ufahami replied, disliking that her desire for her pride to be safe would not have really mattered in the long run.
Ufahami had to look up at Malaika in surprise, at that. She was not one to daydream about the future, only worry about the present, so the mention of her future place as queen of both the Dhati and the Mizimu'Tungika rather startled her.
"I-I guess I am looking forward to that," Ufahami said dryly, and without any real passion in her voice.
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 3:19 pm
"Oh, don't worry about Shetani," Malaika said in reference to her brother, "He most likely won't bother us. If anything, he shares the same beliefs. He just, as I have said, has his own silly priorities. If he gets in the way, I can handle him. I did always have the upper edge on him when it came to our Sight."
It has been a long while since she last saw her brother aside from the few out of place visions that had occurred concerning him. They usually came very unexpectedly, as Malaika didn't even care much for his welfare, much less thought of him often. So whenever she did see visions of her brother, it was like an irritating ghost haunting her. She suspected, after all this time, that he was the same, as always, but with a new plan.
An eye came over the queen with mild curiosity as she made her move, and Malaika suspected that Ufahami was getting more comfortable around her, which was very, very good. She offered a smile to Ufahami, though it had secretly been for herself.
"No, nothing will bring good luck to the Mizimu through all their faults," Malaika simply said. It was not her place to tell the queen that she had no belief in the spirits that everyone thought blessed their lands. It was such a waste, really--her mother did have a reasonable mind, but perhaps not too much of the strong character she needed to flee before succumbing to the ways of the pride.
"The lands are turning to our favor, as our spiritual essence is... stronger. I will one day hope to completely honor my mother's life. But first, the Mizimu's destruction. Tell me, Queen Ufahami, what would you have done in her stead? Being attached to a family so ingrained in the pride's history and way... Would that make you commit to a death you didn't even want?"
It was hard, having these questions when the only one who could answer them accurately was dead. She was used to resolving things like these for herself, and because of this independence, did not go wandering for the answers like her brother. But perhaps the old Pure had some insight in the life of a potent sacrifice. To live a life unscratched was one thing Malaika could not fathom for her own lifestyle.
A nod came slowly at Ufahami's answer, being the one Malaika wanted. This was interesting - the queen acting not on the orders of her King, but her own whim; and she supposed even, that these whims were completely free of the King's own recognition.
"Admirable, Queen Ufahami," Malaika attempted an awed, hushed tone, "I respect that. I will work with you to see that you have more control over matters, then? But I cannot hold back information when the King calls upon me. Unless he did not wish to work with me any longer, I will only offer my Sight to you. We are family after all."
It was a powerful thing to hear the Queen's worries and burdens, much less share in some of them. But this was a turning point for Malaika--a future in which she can have the Queen's trust as much as the Queen could rely on her. It was... exciting, but Malaika did not let the prospect shift her expression or body.
"I was honestly planning on concentrating more on my Sight tonight in hopes of catching something new transpire within their lands. Something the scouts can not inform you. It is hard, Queen Ufahami, to look deeper than the shallow occurrences, but I do my best. I will leave it to the next day to enlighten you on all the specifics, but I think it best to have one day for a little contentment. You must rest, for our roles will require much more effort in the nearing future."
Malaika laughed politely at the Queen's cold response, finding it not befitting of her stature. For one that made herself off to seem so important, she sure didn't apprehend the type of power she was aiming for along with her mate. It was almost like Jinichongo being randomized into the role of an entire colony's leader. Perhaps one day Ufahami will just fit perfectly into a position leading from the idle, remarkably dull days of being a Pure.
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Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 10:33 pm
For a brief moment, Ufahami opened her mouth to speak the truth about what she would have done in Malaika's mother's situation- but stopped herself as she eyed Malaika again. It would not do to anger Ufahami's only link to what may happen in the future, as her previous mutterings of how much she knew were falsehoods- Ufahami only knew that there was to be a war, but everything else was hidden from her. The few times a scout had been directed to her in error only gave her snippets of information, but it seemed as each day passed, the plans her King made changed on whims and dreams of fancy. It was frustrating not knowing how to prepare, and how to plan to save her own hide- Ufahami knew that she would have an extensive guard but also knew that at some point their will to fight would supercede their will to protect their queen. If she did not know how to protect herself, even if they won the war, her King would be broken, and the Dhati along with him.
"Malaika, your mother and I didn't have a choice in the matter. I was fortunate enough to be loved by one so great that he didn't hesitate even an instant when he heard I was to be sacrificed, so many years ago. It does not take me long to imagine what would have happened if he wasn't there for me. I heard your mother was strong, and intelligent, but to be considered a sacrifice in the Mizimu was not to be questioned, and to escape is ridiculously hard, as we know now. To raise one such of you is her greatest achievement, and I would have done the same."
Queen Ufahami stretched out her paws, the bones cracking in an unsettling sound that she hated.
"I do not wish for Magadi to know not what we speak of- that would be harmful to the pride itself and that is not my wish, not at all. I merely want to know what conspires in these long battle meetings that he has, merely so that when war comes, and it is inevitable, that I may better protect myself and my pride. What would Magadi do if I were to perish? He is strong but without me? It is not my own shallowness that makes me say that he would be broken- It is widely known that he loves me like nothing else. If I am not taught what is to come, our pride may find themselves with a broken leader and I personally do not wish that on anyone. You do not have to keep anything from him other than the simple fact you told me- and that is only to let him keep up the facade that he is protecting me."
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Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 11:41 pm
Malaika had to keep from retching at Ufahami's words. They were too kind, too hopeful. She knew for a fact that her mother had the greatest angst because she was not chosen to be the queen, and she probably resigned to her death out of fear of being hunted down had she ran away. Unlike Ufahami, her mother had no bodyguard to protect her at all times--the father had crawled out of the Mizimu lands almost as soon as he had shown up to bring forth Shetani and herself. If her mother's greatest achievement was raising two spiritborn, then she must not have had been aiming high enough.
But Malaika didn't let her disappointment in Ufahami's answer show, and instead, nodded, "Of course."
She then followed the Queen in stretching, though after she did, she got up from the stone platform as some of the sun's final lasting rays spilled on more of her pelt. Her new position caused the light to leave for shadows on Ufahami's form, and Malaika gazed towards the queen with a polite, assured smile.
"I see, then. Such attachment would indeed be one's undoing somewhere, someday. But I have faith that you will be our Queen for many years to come, once Jinichongo and her line are gone. In fact, I am sure that I have had several brief, fleeting visions of you standing by your King's side presiding over our old pride. It is destined to be, Queen Ufahami."
Malaika nodded reassuringly, even offering a small bow, letting the heated colors of the sun hit the queen again, if only for a limited moment.
"Your word is my law. I will go now to focus on acquiring new information. Shall I... have King Magadi seek you out?" she turned questioningly at Ufahami, "After all, you won't be well protected if I am to leave the area."
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:30 pm
"Thank you Malaika, for your kind words. I only hope that it is so, and that you will be there with us for a long while. If Magadi wishes to come, he will. I'm sure he is still tied up with the planning and proceedings. I'll retreat to our den shortly- but there is yet one more moment before twilight."
Ufahami turned away from Malaika and laid her head on her paws. Things had got out of hand so fast, and so powerfully, she felt that everyone else was running past her while she stood still. If only they had stayed away. If only they had not plotted revenge.
If only Ufahami's own thoughts did not have to stay hidden, hidden by a smile she did not mean.
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Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:47 pm
"Savor the beauty, then, before it is interrupted by bloodied soil and broken bones," murmured the departing black lioness, eyes lowering when she was further away from the queen, "And as you wish."
It was like walking away from a painting; it was one of the last few, tranquil moments the Dhati probably had before things took an abrupt turn towards the more chaotic side of events. Ufahami looked so refreshing, untainted, and out of place in contrast to everything else that had been happening amongst the group, though her mind was obviously at unease. But the unease did not come from too heavy a knowledge of what was to come--instead, it came from a lack of it. Malaika kept this in mind on her walk, and prepared herself for a night of evaluating the future through the Sight.
Sometimes it was just best to not stick your nose into things when you already have a comfortable place.
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