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 Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:39 am
 As soon as he'd heard the list of jobs he could choose from, there had been no doubt in Uchanjaa's mind which one he wanted. After all they'd been through, this pride was more than just a home at long last, it was an extension of everything Kibetinyota loved. And protecting it meant protecting her. Even if he couldn't shield her from the heartbreak of finding out she'd been...replaced...
But that was why he was seeking out Nyota today, the head Guard. To express his interest in serving under the older lion and to point out that he...wasn't necessarily the most experienced of lions.
Hrm. He was supposed to be around here somewhere. "Hello?" the brown lion called out nervously.
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:59 am
Anyone who was somebody could easily find Nyota when the sun went down, starting a new night. Being the head guard, he was usually starting the rounds, picking from his group of guards who would go where, and do what, during what time. Having done that for tonight, he had started his rounds.
Hearing the faintest of a voice from behind him, the starpelted lion stopped in his tracks, turning behind him -who was that peeping behind his back? It wasn't Kivuli - the young blood had been paired off already, and usually came around like a hurricane. Catching sight of one of the newbloods in the pride, he smiled softly, gaze softening as he turned his full body, around, looking at him.
"Good evening, how can I help you?"
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:12 am
Uchanjaa had to blink as he finally got a look at Nyota. He'd seen him briefly at the mating ceremony for himself and Kibi, but that whole night had been something of a blur. He was still getting used to how varied the pelts of the lions in the pride could be, but Nyota's still put the vast majority to shame. On a still night like this the young lion could almost convince himselve the stars were moving...
He shook his head slightly to clear his thoughts. "Sir, I was wondering, um..." he trailed off nervously. Swallowing, Uchanjaa tried again.
"I'd like to be a guard...if you'll have me, Sir."
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 8:38 pm
"Come out with it . . ." he trailed, when Uchanjaa had first stumbled some words out, his eye brow raising, wondering what was so interesting. . .
Well this was a nice change of pace for the night, he tilted his head a little, making sure he had heard what the evening sand coloured lion had said to him. Cracking in to a wise smile, he decided it was worth to sit and listen to this young blood, taking a seat where he had trailed, watching him with dark eyes.
"I could have you. . . " He murmured softly, grinning a little again. "But, I have to ask, what brings you so far to find me this evening, what is running you towards the path of the guardian?" He wanted to know this, above all.
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 9:59 pm
Uchanjaa's nerves wound tighter still as the older lion sat next to him and regarded him with wise old eyes. The young lion regretted the upbringing that had left him so socially awkward...but it wasn't like he or his parents had had any choice at the time. Truly it was a miracle that they had even made it to the Mwezi'Johari at last.
"Well...a guardian guards," he stumbled over the words, trying to express himself. With Kibi he'd never needed to use words to tell her what she needed to know or he needed to say. But he didn't know any of these lions, especially Nyota, the way he knew his mate.
"I...I want to be able to protect Kibi. And the rest of the pride. And hopefully someday our cubs." It sounded kind of silly when he spoke his thoughts aloud, rushing through the words and stumbling over them.
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Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 12:59 pm
"Yes, A guardian does indeed guard. He also promises his body and soul to those in the pride that he cares for, watches over those who have no ability to watch themselves, and trusts his fellow guardsmen with his life. A wall, is what we are." He mused, a soft chortle escaped from the head guard's muzzle when he noticed the young lion's tension rise, splaying out on his features for all to see - a very visual lion. Nodding softly, he listened to every word that stumbled out of his mouth, as if regarding each letter as a statement, a proclamation.
"But it's good to have a reason to guard . . " he trailed, before looking him up and down again. "You are willing to put every ounce of your being into this job, especially for her?" He didn't want any half-hearted responses.
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Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:26 pm
The young lion listened while his elder spoke. Somehow everything seemed more serious, more real, when Nyota spoke about it. On the journey, Uchanjaa had always known that when they got to the pride he would join the guards, but it had always had the weight of a dream. Until now.
He nodded as Nyota spoke. He was afraid - moreso than he had been - but not nearly enough to turn away from this path he was choosing. And then the head guard asked if he was willing to give it his all, for her.
"Of course!" Uchanjaa exclaimed. For Kibi he would always give everything he had and more. That was what he had done in the past and what he would continue to do in the future. "I would lay down my life for Kibi," he told the older lion softly.
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 6:12 pm
A great laugh burst out from the old Head Guard, his eyes glittering in the evening night as he looked over the younger lion. "A life is all you have, in the end, but only a fool puts everything in front of him in the line of battle. You have to keep your secrets and your heart to yourself while you battle it out. It gives you something to go home too." He states, before nodding softly and shaking off invisible dust out of his pelt.
"I think you'd do well here, you seem to have the head for it, and a good reason." He murmured again, before shrugging. "I can have you do easier jobs until you're comfortable with the boundaries, as we always get familiar with our homes while we grow up, but outsiders like you and I have to get a feel of it as we go."
"Sound fair?"
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 6:17 pm
The younger lion blinked. He hadn't thought about it quite like that before. Something to come home to...the phrase had a nice ring to it. Did that mean Nyota didn't want him...?
The Head Guard's next words drove that thought from his head and Uchanjaa's eys lit up as his petition was accepted. He nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir! I'll do my best!"
He'd do it too. But he'd save his very best efforts, where he gave all he could and more, for Kibi. At least, that's what he thought Nyota had meant. That was how the brown lion chose to interpret it, at least.
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 6:42 pm
This made him feel like he had decided the right answer, watching the reactions that Uchanjaa had, grinning softly, he shook his head before lifting his great body from the ground, on to all four paws.
"Well then, I shall leave you for this time, so that you can talk to your significant other on this decision - I'm sure you'll have a lot to talk about. Meet me here tomorrow, and we'll start you off." He stated, before turning tail and wandering back to his trek, flashing his tail behind him as he went, grinning.
New blood was always fun, especially their first days.
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