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 Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:08 pm
[Warning - Graphic Content] Speculation was often something that needed to be done, but not so extensively to the point where nothing can ultimately be achieved due to passage of time. Chances slip by often, and with the loss of chance came waste. The lurking breaking point was felt by most in the encampment, and the black female was one who could both feel and see it coming. With this in mind, quickened but stealthy steps padded along the rough ground on a dutiful mission.
The dark lioness carefully surveyed the area, making sure no treacherous ear or eye had followed her form, and began to tread towards a place where she knew the Dhati's queen would be securely located. It was the very same place when she first came upon the lone Ufahami without her king, accepting her wishes and confirming her allegiance after the many seasons of helping build the Dhati. Twilight--it had been that day--and now, the sun yearned to retire beneath the horizon.
Ufahami had to be here, she reasoned; she knew of the queen's distaste to be guarded all the time, and with the king gone more and more each day in preparation for the war, it meant Ufahami was growing tiresome, which meant more private consultations between the two.
And as sure as the dark lioness was when she reached the area, the radiant, bright pelt she knew well was spotted quite easily. With all too eager paws, she continued moving towards the other, brimming with much to tell.
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Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:26 pm
 Ufahami did not have a plan, per se; Ufahami merely felt that there were certain things that she must do and others must do in order to feel content with her lot in life. And things were going swimmingly. With Magadi's grudging and reluctant agreement to allow her to become a little bit more active in the way, Ufahami felt that finally she might have something to do. Though the conversation ended the night before, and nothing yet had been done, Ufahami was still hopeful. Though she wearied of her mate at times, she could not fault his unquestionable loyalty and inability to lie to her.
She was in her usual spot, spread out on the soft ground with her paws on a gnarled root- she gazed towards Mizimu, her old lands, her mind on other things, other times.
She barely heard the other lioness come towards her, knowing that she wouldn't have heard it at all if Malaika had willed it to be so. She sighed wistfully at her larger form, her bright, intelligent eyes and her powerful grace- Malaika was not graceful or powerful, merely small and pretty. The fragile female with no actual power in the pride except to incite her mate.
Eyes still intent on the sight before her, Ufahami smiled despite herself.
"You bring news, Malaika? I have heard of a few things from Magadi, but not much. What have you learned, if anything? I will not be cross with you if you have not seen anything, of course. Even gossip I crave."
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Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:01 am
Watchful, yet patient eyes locked onto the queen as Malaika surveyed her looking towards the Mizimu lands. It was peaceful once more, but how long could things of that nature last?
Only when Ufahami let her gaze waver to the notice of the dark lioness did she continue her movement towards the queen. The sigh that escaped the queen did not elude the larger female, and a brow raised thoughtfully, though a smile started in half acknowledgment of Ufahami's envy.
The queen was still focused on the scene of the Mizimu lands before her when Malaika approached beside her body. As Ufahami's voice broke the silence that protected the beginning of their interaction, Malaika's ears flickered upwards, alert and attentive to every word.
"Mm, many," her short, brisk answer came, as if Malaika had been proud to bring the news faithfully to her queen and companion.
She paused to let a single claw slide on the ground before her, meaning to prolong the moment and test exactly how much the queen desired this information. She looked to the set of fangs adorning her bracelet as if counting the number of things she had to tell Ufahami, and tapped each one of them in succession, mouthing to herself the reports that came with each one, hoping to pique the other's curiosity.
"It is so," Malaika said slowly, nodding assuredly, "Your King will of course hold back many things, frightened for your purity and heedful of your knowledge. You should not be blaming him, however, for such love and adoration, though proving to be a hindrance to you, is a warming sight for all others."
Malaika exhaled a tired sigh, continuing, "It is important that whatever I do tell you is in secrecy, however. Your King may not want you to hear of some things, and I do not wish to anger him. There are also those of the Dhati who I suspect may have some sort of allegiance to the Mizimu as well, and they cannot be as well informed as either of us. But I have thought of something you would be able to aid the Dhati in doing..." She hoped that was enough to raise Ufahami's interest.
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Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:21 am
Ufahami laughed lightly, content and peaceful.
"It is so, isn't it? Though his devotion might be a bit extreme for my tastes, it does paint the pretty picture for the rest of the Dhati. I must do my best for them, as my mate does for them- I know he only protects me out of love and tenderness but even when I was but a sacrifice, I was never content with just sitting on my laurels. It doesn't suit me, being a lazy lioness, for all the rest of the pride would like me to be."
Listening to Malaika's words, she sighed as well.
"It does come with the territory, doesn't it? Though we do our best to save them from the heathen Mizimu, some still keep a part of their heart with the Mizimu. Some even might be in league with our damned brethren," turning to face Malaika, sitting regally like a sphinx, Ufahami heard the clatter of the bones as Malaika moved them, "I only want the truth, unadorned with my mate's attempts to protect me. I do not wish to do anything with it and I shall keep my mouth shut. I know that I am not regarded as a gossip by anyone in our pride, past or otherwise. What I learn from you I WILL keep to myself- no matter how terrible or gruesome."
Adjusting her own jeweled pelt irritably, as it was the first time she had worn it in months, Ufahami's ears perked up at the mention of something that she could do.
Finally she could be of use!
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Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 1:42 am
"I am glad you are taking an active pursuit to see to your pride," Malaika said with a hint of awe in her voice, "It takes a great leader, at least, to know what you must do when all others defy you."
Her eyes lazily blinked towards Ufahami as the queen turned to her, keeping relatively the same posture. Ah, so she had captured Ufahami's full attention! And now that she was not dwelling on the Mizimu in the distance, perhaps Malaika could try to gain more of her recognition.
"And you shall have the truth, Queen Ufahami," she said encouragingly, throwing a look over her shoulder.
"And you are sure that you will have no one coming in to check on you, in this spot? Does any other know you come here, that is?"
Malaika chuckled very quietly, though serious in her inquiry. If she was to relay things to Ufahami, it was most pertinent that no one else was in the area, or had the potential to wander nearby. Just a meaningless slip of a few words in front of uninvited ears could be treacherous to the Dhati, and risk was something the dark lioness wasn't fond of taking.
"I must stress the importance that this remains confidential, even if you do not mean to have prying eyes, Ufahami. Or perhaps... Perhaps I shouldn't suggest to have your paw dirtied in the cause. If your King knew you were doing more than merely listening, his own plans for the Dhati could go awry with his troubled thoughts. And if others were to think I forced you into it, I might not be able to serve as efficiently as I do," she said prudently.
"...Unless you are very sure that you must lend a paw. Even I am concerned for your chastity from these harsh times, Ufahami. I can suggest moving further out if we must, to escape spies."
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Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 11:40 am
((sorry amehhh my net has been a b*****d for the last few days and i cannot really go on at work crying ))
Ufahami scoffed.
"I am no great leader- I merely want to find what we are up against so I am not terrified when it comes."
Looking around her, Ufahami could see the myriad of pawprints, not all of them hers, or even Malaikas, all around them.
"No, I can not guarantee that. This spot is mine and all know it; If one wishes to find me, all they have to do is come here, and they usually do find me. If you wish for more privacy, we can go elsewhere. Though I doubt Magadi would stay cross at me if he heard tell of our meetings. He has always had a soft spot for me, irregardless of my discrepancies."
Ufahami listened quietly to Malaika's worries, and shook her head thoughtfully.
"Magadi does not give me the credit that I deserve, as a lioness. I have the same claws, the same teeth- but he still thinks me weak and something to protect. I do not fault him for this, because it is my protection we are talking about and I do not wish to die during this war with the Mizimu. But do not worry about dirtying my paws. The moment I left Mizimu, I dirtied them, at least in proximity with Magadi. Anything else will just be extra dirtying, I guess, Ufahami sighed, and stood up, stretching tautly as she did so, "Take me to your hidden place, I know you have one."
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Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:05 pm
A snicker sounded at the leader's response, amused at the honest reasoning. Surely Ufahami knew what the Mizimu were capable of - especially when the mindless bunch were intent on a specific goal fueled with a lack of sense. Or perhaps the pampered days of the Dhati softened her that much.
"Alright," Malaika said, adopting a lower tone, surprised that Ufahami didn't value her solitude as much as she thought. Perhaps as a result of being left alone all the time by her mate, she turned to company easily.
"Come with me," she ushered her companion away from the scene, making a final examination around the area to check for anything that would disrupt them. As soon as she was sure that the two were presently alone, she let out a pleased smile and continued to tread lightly to the distance, away from the Dhati.
"You speak of your King as if he would allow your participation in such dark things, yet he wants to protect you, and he is not giving you a more active role. I simply do not want to anger him, if that is reasonable, Queen Ufahami," Malaika explained during the walk across the dusk land.
There was more silence accompanying Malaika's stride than intended as she reflected on Ufahami's last words. So had she been checked up on, for Ufahami to reveal knowledge that she occasionally retired in secrecy? It was not there that the two would go, however--this situation would require a much more sound, special place, especially if an eye had been kept on her. She didn't need any type of suspicion to arise on her character, either, if caught or tracked in her niche.
The comfort level she had already built between Ufahami and herself was the only thing Malaika could rely on to break the possible tension that came with the quietness--but if everything went well, Ufahami would be too excited now to notice it. It didn't take long for Malaika to be aware that she should lead in with some small talk, and so her next words came out casually and smoothly, as if it was a regular female bonding moment.
"What has been on your mind, other than the worries the Dhati brings? It is all we usually talk about, and there must be more out of life you seek than all of these preparations."
It came out rather stiff; it was evident that Malaika rarely partook in chitchat or things of that nature.
"We'll get to the Dhati involvement soon enough."
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:01 am
Ufahami followed Malaika calmly, her feet plodding along steadily. They were moving in to a section of the jungle that she was unfamiliar with.
"I understand you not wanting to anger him. I desire the same, though I know my attitude says otherwise. I know it seems muddled but I do not want him to suffer if something happens to me and I could have prevented it in some way. He may not like it, but I think he'd like it less if I were to die."
Ufahami was a little taken aback by Malaika's sudden switch from business to chitchat. It took Ufahami a moment to gather her wits about her, and then she smiled sadly.
"To be honest, I often wonder what the current Pure is feeling. I don't know how to feel about her, either pity or reproach, as I do not know her position on the subject of sacrifice. My thoughts are all rather grim at the moment, forgive me. While I wish I could go back to being merely something to look at with nice manners, my worries for the future do not let me. I wonder often what we will do once the Mizimu are gone- will we be happier? I do not know."
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:45 am
Ufahami was following Malaika obligingly well, despite the unfamiliar terrain. Miles of stretched out, barren land soon filtered with more pebbles, stones, and even some plants and trees, and the darkness was still settling in. Malaika's bright orange eyes glinted as the light caught off the barely visible hint of a sun left under the horizon, and stuck to her company's form as they reached an area far off to please the former.
Did Ufahami really think she could prevent her mate's suffering in such a convoluted manner? It was of course obvious that if someone's supposed soul mate were to pass away, the individual with the loss would feel like they have lost a part of their own soul. But did the Dhati's leaders' connection truly run that deep? Was Ufahami simply a distraction to him in her current state, or would it be better if she was out of the way..? These were the questions that sneaked their way into Malaika's mind, but she knew she would find out in due time.
She gazed upon the saddened yet compassionate Ufahami and stopped in her tracks to listen to her answer. It was curious that the idol of the Dhati was hesitant about the future when the whole group pushed towards it with her being the first anchor that held them down and laid the base for their foundation. Ufahami was the Dhati's reason--their first unspoken, spiritual leader.
"Foolish," Malaika spoke softly and matter-of-factly, "It is foolish to think of the new Pure. Obviously, she has given up her future to the lies of the Mizimu. Otherwise, she would be in your paws, right now. Do not be grim, Queen Ufahami, it will all be over soon."
She grinned as she spoke those last words, and then added, "So, tell me, are you happy right now? Do you like the place you are in? Or are we waiting for the future to procure that happiness? What would you say to your Dhati comrades if the Mizimu opposition proves to be too great for your own spirit?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:08 am
Ufahami couldn't help but dwell on the lioness that had taken over her role within the Mizimu- she knew that no matter what had happened in the past, her role would have ended at some point, but it was odd to still half feel like the pure, without necessarily being it anymore.
There wasn't much difference between being the Queen of the Dhati and the Pure of the Mizimu- both roles offered her little to no freedom while being very, very important. So important that her death, at least a sudden death, would be looked on with rage and terror. It was just... more of the same thing, the same ideals, the same practices, just with different motives. Or were the motives the same as well? Ufahami could not decide and most days her mind was full of worries and indecisiveness.
Malaika's callousness struck a chord with Ufahami, and she looked over to her, startled.
"I do not think it foolishness to think on one that took my place in our old tribe. Perhaps you think I am dwelling on things, perhaps I am; but do not use that tone with me, Malaika. I may be foolish but I am your queen."
The grin that Malaika bore was almost mean- Ufahami shuddered despite herself, and scowled.
"I am uneasy and worried. I am only happy when Magadi and I are alone and we speak not of war, as rare as that is. This war, and its preparations are putting me on edge and I was not brought up to relish war and death and blood, though I know others were. I was protected and coddled, and I continue to be protected and coddled. I feel weak and useless and I am doing all in my power to stop being weak and useless! Do not treat this as a joke, Malaika! I did not ask for your help for you to tease me," Ufahami took a deep breath, her temper getting the best of her, "Do you not think that the Dhati see my attempts to help with the war efforts as best I can? I doubt that I would find unfavourable words spoken against my efforts, as I merely want to help us win our war."
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:18 am
So, Ufahami was taking a stand now, of all times? Now she was exhibiting firm, compelling behavior? Where had the spoiled, soft spoken Pure gone, replaced by the Queen that she deemed herself to be? She had done nothing to deserve the title, much less the allegiance of the Dhati's many followers. It wasn't her choice to form the Dhati, but she confirmed it when she followed it. To think that now, when war was looming over the field, that Ufahami was requesting to partake? Where had she been before, when the rest were laying down the first steps to ensure success? If the old Pure desired to come at the last minute to take credit for all the Dhati had done so far--all Malaika had done so far--and remain the single revered one, she wouldn't get the chance.
So it was time.
Malaika saw the slight oncoming apprehension from Ufahami, and meant to harshen her words at that point, so held no regret for offending the "Queen". It had been entertaining fooling around, playing along with Ufahami's whimsical wishes throughout the past few weeks, but the perfect opportunity always revealed itself to Malaika, and the blood in her veins rushed excitedly as Ufahami began to wind down from her raise in temper and response.
She sidled forward, just an inch closer to Ufahami who had already allowed herself an unsafe distance from who she thought was a devoted friend and loyal subject. It was all Malaika could do to keep from laughing uncontrollably at her company.
And, with an unseen, forceful and intent lash of her paw, claws outstretched, Malaika aimed for Ufahami's throat, knowing that all it took was one blow, and one blow was what she strove to do.
She felt her claws sink in deep, lodging itself at a comfortable place inside Ufahami's neck. Her previous grin raised further on her maw, satisfied by the warm blood that immediately ran through her toes that accompanied the new fluid marks of red drizzling through Ufahami's once-white fur. It had been so pure, soft, and brilliant then.
Her paw withdrew as soon as Malaika was sure it did what it was meant to do, and let the "Queen" do whatever it was those who suffered from her powerful strikes did. She breathed in, taking in the fresh aroma of innocent blood, and then began wiping her paw on the dirt ground. She didn't need such worthless filth tainting her own fur, dark and red as it already was.
"Are you my queen, Ufahami?" she sang in a whisper, lowering herself to the other's line of sight, "Anything you can do... I will do better."
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:19 am
It came out of nowhere. Ufahami wasn't really focusing on Malaika, she was still half seething in her anger but willing to let it go when suddenly- pain. It was the ultimate betrayal and Ufahami did not have even a moment to react before her throat was choked with blood, her body already heavy as she sunk to the ground, startled, her eyes directly on Malaika's.
Ufahami knew that she only had moments to live, and the strangest thoughts were running through her mind as she gurgled uselessly. She was sad for Magadi, she knew that he would never get over her death. She was sad that she had pushed him out of her existence for so many years, for her own selfish reasons. Everything that they had done was for the Dhati, though Magadi said it was for them. Ufahami knew that she would have been happier far far far away from the Mizimu, without the ghosts of her brethren just over her shoulder. If only they had decided to live the life that they were planning to once they got the Mizimu out of the way! But... why had Malaika done this?
Ufahami focused, badly, on Malaika's grinning face, and felt disgust and horrible pain. She had been betrayed by someone she thought a friend, someone the Dhati relied on. She had been so foolish!
I'm so sorry Magadi
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:20 am
Malaika watched the fallen figurehead drop to the ground, and the pool of blood started to increase, the gash she had made proving to be effective. She admired the beautiful sight.
"Oh, can you say nothing, my 'Queen'? Nothing at all? I hope you know I was giving you a chance to say your last words at first. But no, you took it was a joke. Well, I'm afraid I was being serious, Ufahami."
She then stepped around the front of Ufahami, looking at the dishonored body thoughtfully. To be honest, Malaika didn't think it would be this easy to execute the task - though her trained claws she knew were capable, what kind of sport was Ufahami being now, just sitting there on the ground? Or had Ufahami's training from her birth to eventually die just simply... sunk in, and she accepted it? Whatever the cause, Malaika refrained from yawning out of boredom from the anticlimactic death the "Queen" was giving.
"If you were wondering, that was not out of sudden ire, Ufahami. It had been premeditated to an extent," Malaika informed to the body.
A paw then went forth to rest on Ufahami's shoulder - Malaika was positioned a little behind her - and she extended a claw and began making a scratching motion through the fur as if to preen; it was one of the few things she remembered her own mother did to her as a cub, though it was something she didn't quite favor... It seemed suitable for this moment, now that the burden of the Dhati would shift to Malaika's own shoulders. She had taken Ufahami's purity, and made it her own.
"Really now? Do you have nothing to say? What kind of thoughts circulate the head of a Pure not yet ripe?" A disinterested sigh escaped as she angled her head over Ufahami's, determining whether the dying lioness had anything in herself to speak. "I'm still open for any last messages you would like to bring to oh, I don't know, the Dhati, the Mizimu, Magadi, or what have you. Unless you're just going to lay there all night."
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:20 am
Ufahami tried to work her jaw, to say something to that smug, horrible face but no sounds came out. She splattered the ground with fresh blood as she tried to speak, and stopped, clenching her jaw harshly. Moving her paw up weakly, Ufahami laid her neck on it, at least trying to staunch the flow, though already she felt sluggish and weak.
She was terrified and angry and sad, and Malaika was taunting her! If only she could put Malaika in her place- but Malaika was larger than herself, and not losing her lifeblood. Ufahami cursed her inability to fight back, cursed her mate for never allowing her to fight with him. She hoped that he would understand that it was his own fault that she was in this mess! There was no sadness anymore, just merely burning anger.
What a waste for Ufahami to die out here, alone. She had been meant to die as the Pure of the Mizimu, to bring them great joy and providence, but she escaped. Only to die at the hands of a zealous b***h, not a befitting death to a Queen or the former Pure. It had been a long time since Ufahami thought of the Mizimu as anything but the enemy, but she was dying and ones thoughts do drift to religion. She cursed her naivete, she cursed her lack of will, she cursed her youth. Yes, if she had stayed with the Mizimu, she would have died as well, but she was expected to! She had been told of what was to come, and she was comforted by the knowledge, by not having to question anything. She longed for the simplicity of the past, before the Dhati, before this mess. Before this cow decided that Ufahami was not worth her time.
"Gurgle gurgle!" Ufahami tried to speak again, her eyes flashing. <******** you, b***h.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:21 am
Another sigh came, this time longer and more exasperated. Malaika grew tired of Ufahami's lack of response; the most entertainment she could grasp out of the situation was if Ufahami had the capabilities to say or do something back. Tonight wasn't the night, she supposed, giving into the finality, though she gained pride over what damaging effect her strikes could create.
"Alright Ufahami," Malaika expressed in a murmur as she angled herself now to make sure the other could see her, whether it was in peripheral vision or not.
"Alright. Let me tell you my reasoning," Malaika began to explain in the fashion of a storyteller; it was one of those inherited penchants, she supposed, from her father that both she and her brother got, though she wasn't very fond of it sometimes - but she couldn't help herself!
"A while ago, though not too long, I sent someone stationed in the Mizimu to attack the royal cubs. By this time, it is certain that the deed has achieved its effect, and there will be anguish over the fact that there are no heirs to the throne. I choose my accomplices wisely, and those who gain my recognition are quite skillful at their task. It is great when you have something to rely on in both sides of the equation, yes, Ufahami?"
She looked to the stilling Ufahami, expecting a nod in response, but when realizing that the fallen probably lacked the functions to do so, Malaika nodded for herself and moved on.
"It was then that I realized that you needed to be dispatched no later before your Magadi entered war. You see, with the royal cubs out of the way, then Jini, who else will be there to fulfill the role of Queen of the Mizimu when the Dhati prevails? Could it be I, one who already has an embedded connection to the spirits? One who is already of the family line, but is not stupid enough to spread such clumsy lies to birth a rebel group? One who is more than able in both body and mind?"
Malaika paused, letting it sink in to Ufahami, who she knew was listening, if not halfheartedly through her struggle to even gasp for the air that would soon be gone to her.
"I will rule next to Magadi, as the throne is rightfully mine. I will do what my mother could not. Then, it would just be a matter of settling into, until Magadi proves useless... It is good that I already know his flaws well. My calculations do not fail me, Ufahami... Your own death is proof of that."
Another pause, and Malaika's eyes wandered upwards briefly, as if in reconsideration, "But you know, your death could have been prolonged. If you had not let me be your confidant, and if some things, some visions had not been working to my liking... Perhaps you would have had time to go out in the battlefield. Swipe and bat away once or twice at the Mizimu, hm? That would have been enjoyable, right?"
She began a light laugh, wondering what else there was to say in the one-sided conversation with Ufahami. She rationalized that she would just watch Ufahami die in all her glorious blood until she noticed a distinct new presence in the area.
Ears straightened in alert, Malaika's head turned towards the source of where she saw the shadowed lion intruding upon the scene, and she bristled in irritation. She had just lost the pleasure of indulging in the final moments of Ufahami's life, desiring to see the light in her eyes dim until all trace was gone. But she had to keep the stranger away, especially if it was someone who could be that one fault in the plan that destroys everything.
Malaika gave one last graze against the dirt with her bloodied paw to rid the evidence thoroughly enough, and whispered to the dyling lioness, "Farewell, Ufahami," and gaited off towards the disturbance. The ground behind her slowly but surely filled with the flooding blood of the once revered lamb--childlike, incompetent, and Pure.
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