[PRP] Welcome Home (Nawiri'chiwa & Kiwilan)

[Uta]

.this is an RP logged from AIM between Nuxaz and I.

Nawiri'chiwa felt a twinge of guilt. She hadn't deliberately gone against the rules, but she had temporarily tweaked them. The viziers hadn't been pleased but they had known it necessary. As a ruling queen, she could indeed change traditions and press forth new laws but without a king to confirm, she was stuck. . . She shouldn't have been able to revoke or change the laws made by her mother and father without a king . . . but survival made it necessary. The borders had to become open to some of the pride members - they were too short on numbers both lion and non to live under such extreme isolation. So prayers were sent to the Great Lady of Pestilence, in hopes of finding good favor, and a select few had been given the okay to leave the borders. . .

New blood was absolutely, positively necessary at this point and it was with a leap of faith that they had been allowed to roam. After the catastrophe that happened months previous, Nawiri'chiwa feared a relapse of war or aggression from neighboring prides. . . But it was out of her control for the moment. As the weeks had passed with the opening of the borders, Nawiri could only hope that the few ambassadors she could afford to send returned safe and, even better, with possible new life . . .

Pacing near the lake shore, the young lioness tried not to worry. Thus far there had be no news of aggression or upset in neighboring prides. No news was good news, or so the grey female could only hope. While work and care for the ill often kept her too busy to worry, the grey female had been struck with fever. She had been told to take the afternoon to rest, to recuperate so she could fully attend her duties in the morning. . . . but all this rest just made her guilt grow.

She couldn't afford to rest right now. . . not with so many in need and her pride in shambles. But unfortunately her paws were tied. . . She was doing all she could. The grey femme could only hope it yielded some good results in the grand scheme of things. Trekking over to the edge of the lake, the female stared glumly down at her reflection. . . . Everything just had to work out, didn't it? They were doing things the right way now. . . . surely the great gods would bless them this time around.  

[Uta]

The orange-pink male shook his head as he looked in the direction his queen's den, he had done what had been once unthinkable. He had left the pride's lands in search of more members, and even worse...he had left without permission. Of course they hadn't known that, if they had he would be in far worse trouble than the kind he found himself in. The pride he had grown in, the same one that he had spent his whole life a part of was slowly dying. It had always been plagued but it had always thrived so to speak. Now numbers were dangerously low and he had cause to worry for very life of the pride itself.

So he had taken matters into his own paws and while he had come home empty handed of members he had brought someone all too valuable. A raven who had become bonded to him and stated that he too would do whatever it took to keep Kiwilan's home together.

He sucked in a breath and made his way to then to the lake having been told that was where he would find the queen. He could only hope that Ajani's offer to help would be accepted graciously. It appeared he was not aware of the slight change in the rules, he had been gone much longer than he though.

"My queen," he called when he spotted her immediately dipping his head in a bow.  

[Uta]

Reflection and deep thoughts forgotten, two ears swiveled at the sound of an another's approach. Her name, well, rather title, had been called and she quickly turned to see who it was that needed her. Kiwilan was a difficult lion to forget, especially within the pride. He had perhaps one of the brightest coats in the entire pride, and as such, it was difficult to forget the colourful creature in a land that seemed surrounded by greys and greens. Her own coat, though pale, was nothing compared to his own . . .

It had to be both a blessing and a curse, she mused thoughtfully, for he could easily be admired but hardly forgotten. As such, Nawiri'chiwa had wondered what had become of the bright lion but unfortunately had been entirely too busy and preoccupied to question his whereabouts. It wasn't difficult for a lion to find solitude within the pride and may often respected those that seemingly disappeared for days and weeks at a time. Some grieved, some were too sick to want to be bothered, and others found a quiet place to die. . . .

"Kiwilan," she greeted softly, acknowledging his bow with a dip of her own head. A small smile crossed her features though, pleased that the lion looked to be alive and in seemingly good health. (All things considered, at any rate. . . ) "It is good to see you - your presence has been scarce as of late. To what do I owe the pleasure?"  

[Uta]

He smiled charmingly at her as he approached grateful to see that she hadn't overworked herself yet. As queen of their pride he knew she carried a heavy weight upon her shoulders which was only worsened by the fact that she was afflicted with the disease as many others were. Inwardly he sighed knowing that her being ill was the only way the other members would accept her. Otherwise how could a healthy queen sympathize with her dying subjects? It was a shame to the rather healthy male, he himself showed no signs of the plague which he considered lucky and unlucky at the same time.

While he was rather good at hiding the fact, he harbored feeling for the gray female and to see her stressed often caused him to worry though he would never admit it.

"My lady," he replied taking a seat beside her. "I have been keeping a bit more to myself," he told her with a small sigh. So his absence had not gone unnoticed. "I must be honest with you," he began trying phrase everything just right. "I am worried about the state of the pride, as of late there appears to be more and more that have been taken with illness and few healthier members to help care for the sick," he swallowed. "I came across a raven who wished to offer his services to us, to you and our home."  

[Uta]

Nawiri listened to the male, her tail curling lightly about her paws as she digested what news he gave her. First and foremost she was relieved that he hadn't fallen to the throws of plague - it was well known that he was one of the healthier lions and had yet to fall victim to the signs of disease. While it was good to see there were lions that could fight the illness, it was also a shame. . . . It meant he was inelgiable to be thought of as a future king and meant one less option for the smoke hued lioness. But it did mean he might survive long enough to help keep tradition alive and guide future members, so long as he kept up his good health.

But as he voiced his concerns, she felt her ears fall ever so slightly. She understood that many within the pride were feeling unrest and uncertainty. The number count truly was low and no new life had been announced for weeks. Some couples were too old or too sick to conceive while others had lost their chosen mates and families. . . It was too soon for anyone to move on, certainly she understood their grief, but even proper mourning was a luxury none could afford.

Not in times like this.

Anxiety had been exacerbated due to her own condition - to have no king, to have no heiress, and to have no cubs herself meant instability. All it took was for her condition to worsen and she could be dead within a days time. . . How would the pride survive with no one to take over, with no one to be taught? The time was drawing close for Nawiri to accept her fate. . . . her cubhood sweetheart and chosen Escort wasn't coming back.

It was her duty to move on.

"Your concerns, unfortunately, are validated. I know there's been unrest but I do have hope for the future. With the temporary open borders, I hope we can usher in new life soon." Provided nothing went horribly wrong. . . . And provided the gods approved of her decision. Still, there was hope even as Kiwilan spoke - a raven he said? Her red and blue eyes brightened lightly and the smile that crossed her features was genuine and true. A rare thing, as of late, but his news was too good to be true. "We certainly don't turn away from aid, especially if offered so freely. Might I meet this raven . . ? If he truly has the best wishes of the pride in mind, I certainly see no reason why we can't offer him protection and a home."

It was almost sad that new of a raven could cause her so much cheer. It truly was the best news she'd had in months!  

[Uta]

To see her face light up was more than the brightly colored male could have ever hoped for and it only resulted in his own features lighting up. "I came across the bird one day as I was patrolling the borders and checking up on those that I could," he explained his tail twitching nervously behind him. "We spent some time getting to know one another and," he chuckled a bit, "when he heard of my plight he immediately offered his aid." He glanced behind him catching sight of the avians' blue feathers. "He is health and since he is immune to the disease he wishes to have your permission to go and seek new members to help return life to our home," he told her with a small nod.

He looked back over to her, meeting her gaze and found himself frowning without reason. Her own illness was progressing rapidly and without any sign of her escort returning she could easily progress into the stages where it would be too late to save her and they would be left without a queen or guidance. The thought just about broke his heart. Kiwilan had spent his entire life in the pride, they were hardly allowed to leave due to fear of contaminating the rest of the world, and had grown up beside Nawiri. He had also grown to love her, as one sided as it may be.

There had to be something he could do.

Shaking his head he forced himself from his thoughts. "Ajani," he called just as the raven swooped into view. "My queen this is Ajani," he introduced her as the bird settled himself upon Kiwi's shoulder.  

[Uta]

Nawiri'chiwa was oblivious to the other male's feelings or affections for her. It was unfortunate, really, for she would have been flattered to find a male intrigued with her. As it was, she was too busy to ever take much time out of her day to properly court a male, and furthermore Kiwilan couldn't even be considered mate material. Not for her, at any rate, as the ruling members had to show signs of disease. . . It was a blessing and curse to be looked upon as healthy and show no symptoms. On the one hand they were gifted with good health, which was something valuable and desired amongst the ill. . . but on the other paw they were forced to watch their friends, family and loved ones waste away. It couldn't be easy.

The red and blue eyed female's smile stayed imprinted upon her features. The tip of her tail wagged lightly and she couldn't help but be both pleased and proud. It did her heart good to know of the generosity of others, and it also pleased her to see Kiwi so loyal to their home. Sometimes she wondered if her pride meant more to her than those she guarded. . . .if others regretted their fate or wished nothing more than to leave. But the fact Kiwi had been both concerned and diligent in his duties pleased Nawiri something fierce.

Here was living, breathing hope. . . . and it was someting she couldn't so easily forget. "With the borders being temporarily open, there is no reason both of you couldn't travel to recruit. I . . . I don't know how long we'll be before we close the borders once more but . . . in the mean time. . " She gave a small shrug, giving Kiwi something to consider at any rate.

How many lions wished to leave? Well. . . now was their chance, so long as they returned. Kiwi had been nothing but loyal and he was healthy, as far as they knew. He would be a good choice to send out as an ambassador to the pride. . . . Turning her focus upon the blue raven that settled upon Kiwi's shoulder, the queen gave a bow in greeting. "Salutations, Ajani. . . You may call me Nawiri'chiwa. . . I hear you've interest in aiding our cause?" It wasn't that she mistrusted Kiwi's words, she merely wanted to converse with the new comer. "If such a thing is so, than let me be the first to welcome you to the Kitwana!"  

[Uta]

Life in the Kitwana wasn't an easy one for those afflicted by the plague and those that appeared untouched. He had watched so many around him perish including his mother and many times, when he saw just how much some were suffering, he wished that he could flee, that he could get as far away as possible but he was far too loyal and knew just how much his home needed him. He would do whatever it took to make sure that the pride continued. He would do whatever it took. He was completely determined.

"It is something I will consider my lady," he replied knowing full well that it was not something he himself wished to do. He wished for more blood but he feared that if he left for longer than a few days, like his last trip, he feared that if he left Nawiri would pass without him ever getting the chance to tell her his feelings. Although he wasn't sure he would ever gather the courage to do so.

Ajani nodded his head at the pale lioness firmly as he folded his wings into his body, "Hello miss." He glanced at his bond out of the corner of his eye before letting his full attention settle on the female. "It is a pleasure to meet you," he stated ruffling his feathers just a bit. "I am," he began, "I wish to offer you my services, my wings so to speak, to help bring new blood into your pride." He was the type of creature to get straight to the point, no need to dally around. "With my ability to fly I can travel much father distances and can spread the word a bit better than someone on foot."  

[Uta]

Though ill, Nawiri thankfully wasn't close to death. Well, at least she hoped she wasn't close. Her condition worsened from time to time but for the most part she hadn't progressed to the worst stages of the disease. Not . . . not really. No stage of the plague was good, but the discomforts she often suffered were nothing compared to those in more advanced stages of the illness. Sometimes she wondered how she might meet her maker but did her best to forget such morbid thoughts.

It would happen to all of them, some sooner than later, but it was risky for Nawiri to be so confident of her condition. Lions could fall at any moment and just because she had a duty to serve didn't grant her any longer life than those she tended to. It was why she absolutely had to pick a mate and soon. . . . It would bring ease in to the pride, especially after she had a litter!

The lioness regarded the blue raven as he spoke, and she nodded in appreciation and approval. "Your wings will certainly help!" She quipped, pleased that the raven did indeed seem genuine in his desire to assist. They often put so much stress on wild dogs, hyenas and leopards that their winged brethren were sometimes over looked. "Just knowing that there's someone out there speaking up for our pride will bring hope here. . . . Regardless of how the fruits of your labor fair." Whether he found new blood to join or not mattered little at this stage of the game. Just the fact that one more was out there, seeking those in need or attempting to recruit would help bring up morale.

"Consider yourself joined and let me thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for even considering such a task. It truly means a lot." How fortuitous that Kiwilan and Ajani had crossed paths! Surely this was a blessing from Pestilence herself!

 

[Nuxaz]

Kiwilan watch in silence as the two conversed keeping his gaze upon Nawiri, he had much thinking to do and so much possibly planning that he had to consider. Ajani seemed to sense this as he turned his head over to stare at the bright colored male. The raven looked back at the female and smiled just a little. "I am happy to aid my bond and his pride," he stated starting to think about the relationship between the two. "It would be my honor," he told her dipping his head as he spread his wings flapping them a few times before taking to the sky. "I must be on my way for now, thank you for your time," he told her before flying off.

"Thank you my lady," Kiwi suddenly spoke up pulling himself from his thoughts. He knew what he was going to do, he just needed to consult his feathered friend before putting it into action.  

[Uta]

Nawiri watched as the bird took the sky. She would pass along word that the raven was not be nibbled upon as a potential snack. Not, she mused, that it was very likely anyone would fetch him for dinner but for precautions sake. She didn't want her members feasting on each other or even a chance, that was for sure!
The grey lioness stared up at the sky until the form of the raven had long since disappeared from view. Clouds rolled over head, peaceful, and she almost could pretend that everything was normal. . . how easy it would be to forget about the problems and the issues that palgued her, much less the disease Heaving a small sigh, she kept her smile before turning to gaze back at her pride mate.

"Thank you for bringing him here, Kiwijan," she murmured, sincerity laced within her words. "Your loyalty to the pride hasn't gone unnoticed," she grinned, glad for the opportunity to condone her friend. "I trust you've been well. . .?" Now that his purpose and reasoning for seeking her out seemed to have passed, she could relax and allow a few moments to be . . . well. . . . herself. As queen she was always concerned about the well being of her members, but she wasn't just their leader. . . she wanted them to know she was also their friend.

Honestly, she didn't have many whom she could call close-nit friends. She had no siblings to speak of, and the only family relations alive was her uncle. The few cubs that she grew up with had been cut down in number. . . Kiwijan was really one of the very few left.  

[Uta]

"I would do anything for my pride and you," he told her confidently sitting up a little straighter than he had been before. "I have for the most part but..." he wasn't give the chance to finish as he suddenly began to cough harshly. In order to not cough on Nawiri he dropped down onto his belly and buried his maw in the crook of his leg. His body shook with his coughs and once the finally ended his throat felt hoarse and dry. "Ah, I...I apologize Nawiri," he mumbled eyes on the ground. "I... I don't know what's going on," he mumbled shaking his head.

Or did he?  

[Uta]

Her ears pricked forward and her brows knit in concern as the male suddenly dropped in to a fit of coughs. Strange really, especially for a lion that was so healthy! Part of Nawiri hoped that it was nothing more than a bit of dust collected on a parched throat, or perhaps he had picked up a small cold. Either way, the cough didn't sound healthy. . . .

"Are you feeling all right, Kiwijan?" She questioned, concern written all over her face. She moved forward, lowering her head down to peer at him.
It hadn't sounded like just a cough or a tickle in the throat. . . but she really didn't want to think of the worst. Though he hadn't shown any signs of disease or illness before, didn't mean he never WOULD show signs either. . . . Though everyone assumed him immune, that cough hadn't sounded well. . . .  

[Uta]

He frowned slowly shaking his head though the way his features twisted in pain it was clear that hadn't been the wisest decision the male had ever made. "I think I am fine," he replied pressing his lips together. He didn't say anymore as he had yet another coughing fit though this one was tamer than the last. "I..." he coughed trying to clear his throat. "might be coming down with a cold, I've been out a lot lately," he told her trying to pass it off as nothing more than something small though his face was beginning to pale a bit, at least under his fur. "Maybe it would be best if I go rest," he suggested. "I'm sure I'll be," he coughed a few more times, "fine..."  

[Uta]

Nawiri's expression didn't lighten even as the male insisted her was fine. Her own lips pursed lightly, brows knit as she gave a small nod and retreated a step or two to give him some space. "Yes, get some rest. . . but keep an eye on the cough. If it gets any worse, make sure you let someone know." It saddened her that her friend was coming down with illness. . . . .but with luck it was nothing more than a cold. He was too strong and too lucky to get struck down this late in the game, right? It was all Nawiri'chiwa could do . . . . hope. Surely he'd get to feeling back to his old self soon. "Take care, Kiwi," she smiled lightly, canting her head to the side. "Feel better soon."