[PRP]Future family. (Uggi, Ukoo, Tendaji)

[Split Personality]

Ukoo had done her best to make him comfortable and went to her den site to tell Tariq she had escorted the stranger as she had said she would. He didn't really care and she seriously only told him to maintain her truth. She had situated herself at home like normal and was out to visit her child Uggi, who was a banu with someone else.

She walked along, with Uggi at her side.

Uggi danced beside her mother with a laughing giggle fit. She frolicked sideways, behind her mother and caught up with her. "So the stranger mom... he looks nice." She said simply, as all the youngsters had watched him from afar with interest, as it was always fun when her mother powers told the truth. She fell back to swat at her mothers tail. "Nwele let me braid his mane yesterday... he's real nice."

Tendaji had grown somewhat acclimated to his new surroundings. He was completely at ease and relaxed, though he had noticed he had been given odd and strange looks from time to time. Strangers, it seemed, weren't exactly a regular occurance. Thankfully though, the green male wasn't at all perterbed by the occassional looks. He was curious to know more of the pride, though he'd been told and discovered a few ideas. It was a male-dominated pride, but there were many banu and cubs and much he didn't know. It was a different sort of lifestyle, but he wasn't shocked or surprised. . . He'd seen much in his lifetime and had long since become acclimated to idifferences.

But for now, what lingered on the top of his mind, was the stranger he had met, whom had invited him on to the pride lands. The female who limped, Ukoo, the red eyed female who seem to wear the world on her shoulders. There was much he didn't know about her - she belonged to some male, some Pad named Tariq and she had come from a darker beginning - but he hoped he might get the opportunity to cross paths with her again.

The large male was resting not far from the watering hole. He was doing his best to stay out of the way of the other males. The best way to avoid trouble was not to start any, so resting by the lake provided him everything he needed. He was able to see others, banu, pad, and cubs alike as they stopped by to drink or play amongst the water. But it also allowed him to listen and observe. . . He could learn much of the pride just by listening.

Magenta eyes peered out at the worl, his thoughts quietly assesing the situation he found himself in. It had been a long time since he'd been on pride lands, it was almost . . pleasant. But this wasn't his home, and he had no reason to stay. Yet. But surely he couldn't - - - A figure moving along slowly drew his gaze. Ah-ha. ANd there she was. Ukoo. But . . she wasn't alone. Another figure was trailing her, acting in a most familiar manner. Rising to his paws, he smiled and waited. With luck, perhaps she might be heading his way.

Ukoo laughed at her young daughters antics. "Uggi, your making me dizzy." She said simply, trying to keep her eyes on her rambunctious daughter. In a way, Uggi was one of the main reasons for her dislike for Tariq; he had gambled her away in a game at cub hood, which was the last straw. To give away her child, her baby... when he knew that she had problems with her cubs being taken from her when she herself was so young. "You are making me lose my balance silly." She giggled, wavering her walking, as to give the appearance of wobbling.

She wasn't limping nearly so bad today, mostly because she was in a good mood after bringing Tendaji to their pride. He just kept lingering on her mind, a delicate flutter of a day dream perhaps. She shook her head for a moment, remembering how he had spoken to her. Uggi's comment about him made her chuckle. "He is very nice...' She said softly, looking at her child for a moment. "He is a very nice male and perhaps he will stay with us in the pride."

She didn't know why she said those words.

Uggi slowed and padded along beside her mother, laughing at her exaggerted walking. She had grown fine and sound under Nwele's care and grew to understand the relationship between her mother and father was, a rocky one. Nwele helped to explain it; how her mother was treated poorly for being such a good lioness. She lifted her head. "He was nice to you mom... thats good."

She skipped a bit too and frow but nothing to make her mother confused anymore. "Everyone is nervous because he's new and because he didn't come here to join us.... specially alone. It'd be cool if he stayed and was our friend huh mom..." She lifted her gaze, only to see the green lion not far away.

"Oh oh. Mom look there he is!" She giggled, skipping even more happily around.

Tendaji considered exactly whom the other female might be. He assumed it was a daughter of hers, she had mentioned she'd children, and Uggi sported similiar shdes of green upon her coat. But her markings were different, and her coat was more black than green. Still, there was resemblance, and easy, almost playful nature she dodged around Ukoo was almost endearing. It was some sort of family relation, that much was certain. . . .but he'd wait for her to confirm such a thing first.

As the two of them made their way closer, the male gave a small smile and dipped his head at the pair. He knew there were rules of respect and a strict sort of law amongst the pad and their banu. Given, he was a stranger and still oblivious to some of these rules. There was etiquette between some . . different banu treated males differently than they did some other banu. There were words and names such as Kajira and Pesar . . . things he still wasn't entirely aware of. Yet. But he would be, soon enough. "Good afternoon, Banu Ukoo." He stated, unable to hide the smile that toyed with his features.

Strange really . . . Perhaps it was just his old age that caused him to focus on the female. She was still a stranger, but he had to go about things respectfully. He didn't expect anything to come of their new friendship, especially if he left but . . .then again . . .could he stay? Just for her? Perhaps, perhaps. He was too old to be a mercanary and assassin anymore. . .what would his next stage of life bring?

Ukoo heard her childs words and lifted her head to see him; and she smiled in a way that was strange to her. It was, a pure smile. Not forced and pained, but one of pure happiness upon seeing him. She felt warmth rise to her cheeks and she slowed her walking, letting Uggi go ahead of her for some reason. Perhaps to gain her composure. She chuckled. "Indeed he is... I bet his ears are ringing." She said with a small laugh, lifted her head upon hearing him call out to them. "Tendaji!" She called back, since it was not custom for her to call him by a title as he was not apart of them. She quickened her pace, then slowed, looking down to Uggi.

As they neared she introduced her child.

"Tendaji... this is my daughter Uggi. Uggi, this is Tendaji." She said, looking from child to friend. She then looked to Tendaji. "I see you have made friends with the watering hole... " She said with a teasing grin.

Uggi, as she neared, saw her mothers reaction to the stranger and smiled to herself. She was old enough to know what those sort of looks were for, and she knew that her mothers heart was sore and in pain. She smiled keenly, stepping back behind her mother for a moment before stepping up for introductions. "Hello there!" She said. "We were just talking about you..." She added, looking at her mom slyly and then looking to him, gave him a playful look. "Weren't we mom?" She asked, giving her mom a nudge with her elbow. She then giggled like the young lady she was.  

[Uta]

Tendaji was glad that Ukoo wore a smile. He hadn't been entirely blind when it came to their initial meeting, she had harbored such a sad and heavy air. There had been a chip on her shoulder, something that had seemingly caused her reservation and pain, but with her daughter in tow it seemed as if the smile she wore was a bit brighter. He wasn't so narcissistic to believe the smile had anything at all to do with him, even if part of him hoped she enjoyed his company.

Dipping his head, he gave a polite bow to the other female. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Uggi, I'm quite glad for both you and your mothers company." His magenta gaze brightened a bit with good humor before he looked to Ukoo. "The watering hole is a charitable companion, albeit not great with conversation." He teased in return, not at all offended by her jibe. He didn't add it was the most neutral place he felt comfortable settling near while visiting their lands, even if it meant he was put at the center of others view. Everyone came to the watering hole to drink, which meant many were able to observe the stranger.

Still, the green lion couldn't help but grin a bit broader as Uggi spoke. "So the gossip has already begun! I do hope I was able to stir some pleasant conversation, unless either of you'd like to share." He gave the girls a playful wink, proving his lack of expectations. He really wasn't much of a gossip and was actually a more quiet sort of male when left to his own devices. Still, he was indulging Uggi and her good humor, even as she teased her poor mother.

The joys of children. Something he'd . . . never had the opportunity or time to discover, actually. And something he was almost sure would never come his way. He wasn't exactly young, and he'd never had any long lasting relationship with a female. He'd courted them as a spymaster, he'd seduced them for information, but his life had been devoted to various prides and their kings.
 

[Split Personality]

Ukoo smiled at the male, looking down to her daughter with a grin. "Little Uggi is an bit of a handful sometimes. I am surprised her Pad hasn't requested my assistance every once and a while." She said, though inside it was aimed to be bitter. "Uggi was too young to go to a new home so soon, but her father made the choice to give her to them early..."

She sighed. "Such a capable young lady aren't you Uggi?" She said with a grin, her red eyes shining oddly from behind her olive eyelids. "Truth is the whole pride has been talking about the stranger beside the watering hole.. but they know my word is golden and my word is truth. No one would dare question me."

Uggi giggled around her mother, looking up with a wide grin. She knew her mother hated her father for giving her away, but she had taken it in stride. She knew that she had to be strong for her mother. and her pad wasn't that bad of a fellow, he was very nice. And his Beyabau was loving as ever, so she did not go without. She looked to Tendaji. "Everyones been asking questions... Hoping you'd stay. We love new members." She said nodding her head.

She looked up to her mother and batted at her with a paw. "Mother is scary sometimes... a lot of people are afraid of her... because of things her dreams say..."  

[Uta]

Tendaji watched as both mother and daughter spoke of one another and himself. He took note of the inflection of their words, and didn't miss the bitter and harsh tone Ukoo took when speaking of her mate. Part of him wanted to know of her situation, of her Pad, but he also knew that there were some rules and topics he might best avoid. For now, at any rate. Being an outsider meant he had his own rules lined up, and while the ends always justified the means, right now Ukoo and her daughter were still but acquaintances.

He wouldn't push or rush anything, and would take his time considering the situation at hand. While the red eyed female before him was beautiful and ever alluring, she was no conquest. She deserved better than that, and besides which, she did belong to another.

Either way, he would appreciate what company they could and did offer him. It was a refreshing change from the nights he had long since roamed alone. "She is as beautiful as her mother, and seems to be a bright lady. It's good that the two of you can still be together and visit one another, even if she was given away so young." He nodded, glancing between mother and daughter.

His ears did p***k a bit as the young female hinted at rumors and gossip of the pride. He knew he'd been given looks and once-overs by various members, but he was still unsure whether or not he should linger. While the idea of a harem or multiple mates wasn't upsetting to him, he was too old to play games and had no reason to bring another here against her will. Furthermore, there was no female he wished to be with, since only one had thus far captured his intrigue.

But she spoken for and it was highly unlikely she was interested in any male at this point in her life. She had children, and while there was sadness in her gaze and scars upon her body, he knew that it was too early and far too soon to even bring up the topic. It would take time to see what might happen or where the future might lead them.

"Well. I am accustomed to giving my loyalties to various prides, and have long been without such structure. I'm getting on in years, and my lifestyle as a youth isn't as becoming for an old, greying lion like myself." He teased, for though he was old, he was far from his death bed. There was life in him yet, though he was also no spring-chicken like Uggi. "I've considered finding a pride to settle within, but thus far I've found few excuses or reasons to stay. Though this pride is as promising as any other." He added. So it wasn't a yes or no that he would linger, but it proved it was a distinct possibility.

 

[Split Personality]

Ukoo could understand his response. Her being a female, and on obedient one; at least to other males, she had no reason to persuade him to stay. Other than her being impressed with him so far. His strength and his kindness. She gazed down at her daughter and her smile was genuine. "My pad is not the best, but he will not deny me rights to visit my child. He knows that taking her away from me was wrong, but he is a male and what he says and does, is law to us..." She looked back up at him.

Uggi looked up at her mother and frowned. "That is not the only reason; mommy!" She then slipped away from her mother, determined to not have her mother shut her up. "You know Tariq fears you 'cause of your dreams." She sped herself forward and under Tendaji. She spied out from under his legs, her own red eyes at her mother.

Ukoo attempted to snatch Uggi before she spoke too much. "Uggi... inappropriate!"  

[Uta]

Tendaji was still surprised by the way of the pride. He was unaccustomed to spending a great period of time in a place that encouraged harems much less spending time around the females within. Certainly he'd passed many a territory with unusual rules and regulations, but never long enough to get a lasting impression of how the harem-females (or in some cases, males) felt.

Ukoo, despite possessing somewhat of a grudge against her male . . her . . Pad . . . did seem somewhat content. She had lived a difficult life though, and the scars on her body proved it. Perhaps this lifestyle was all she understood and all she could accept. Either way, Tendaji couldn't help but feel a strange and foreign sense of regret. He couldn't deny the female her beauty, nor could her allure. He already knew that she had dreams, as Ukoo had spoken about it briefly when she said she had come to wait for him. But it wasn't right that she had been abused as a younger female and possibly even as a cub, a slave in one pride only to be snatched up and made some harem girl in another!

Tendaji knew he wasn't the kindest of hearts. How often had he betrayed others for the name of his king? How many victims blood stained his body? How many families had he destroyed or sabotaged? The ends justified the means, and while he still possessed little guilt, he knew that what he had done had been for the best. So it was strange that he might feel a sense of desire to have somehow protected Ukoo. . . . Or at least given her stability and joy.

Ah. But why was he thinking such a thing!? He was a fool in his older age. The large lion said nothing though as Uggi bolted forward and hid behind his legs. He did glance down though and offer a half smile, lifting up one of his paws so Ukoo might better look at her daughter. "It seems as if the young one has a little spitfire to her after all. Perhaps she gets this from you?" He was half-teasing Ukoo, glancing up to smile at her, empowering her.

"Still, from what I hear, it sounds as if this . . .Pad of yours . . .this Tariq . . .has found himself quite the jewel. I can only hope he has learned to cherish the blessing the gods gifted him." Tendaji didn't particularly care to speak of Ukoo (or any female, for that matter) as if she were some prize or some gift. An object. But he also understood that's what most males in this community did and would come to see them as.

If only. . . .
 

[Split Personality]

Ukoo wrinkled her nose at her daughters rude antics. She shook her head; as her cub danced around the males paws. Uggi was to rambunctious for her age and it was going to get her in trouble if she wasn't careful. She looked Tendaji. "Please... forgive my child's actions." She said softly, walking over and holding her paw out to Uggi to come to her; Ukoo's red eyes glazing over like they did so often. "Please Uggi.... Come to mom." The kindness in her eyes was so apparent; that Uggi could not help but come.

Uggi gazed out at her mother from under his legs; looking up at him. When her mother spoke, she sighed and walked out sadly; disappointed that her mom wasn't letter her have fun right now. She nodded, walking slowly with dragging paws. Ever since she had known; her mom was always so sad and scared of things. She hated it. "Oh mommy..." She said softly, walking into her moms paws and sitting, wrapped her own paws around her moms chest.

"Mommy... you need to smile more." She said quietly, pressing her cheek against her moms furry chest.

Ukoo smiled and gazed up at Tendaji. "I have never been like she is. I think it comes from a relative of mine... I don't recall much about my family but I am sure her attitude comes from my mothers side... I've always been meek and submissive; it's my destiny." She said quietly.

When the words of Tariq came; her eyes sort of went down cast. "He values me as a prize and for my abilities... but I think he saw nothing else of me... He chose a disobedient female over me; when all I ever did was try to please him... I am done pleasing anyone but myself. I do things for me now.... for me and my cubs." She looked down at the olive cub at her belly. "Tariq does not cherish anything. Not even his children." She said; sadness fogging her again.  

[Uta]

((Gah! So sorry. I could have sworn I posted. ;0; ))

Tendaji really didn't mind the cubs antics. While he supposed it wasn't good for a young female of this pride to act out. Still, it was easy to see that the young Uggi had such a sweet and carefree sort of attitude - she meant no harm, and only was possessed by good humor and charm. She'd be a bit of a handful, but there was joy in her life, and she certainly adored her mother! "There is nothing to forgive," he added with a small nod and smile. "She isn't hurting anyone and I promise I'm not so old to forget the antics of youth." Despite his shady history and Machiavellian tendencies, there was a heart within his chest, and age had only given it warmth.

The pink eyed male watched as the female beckoned her daughter, who eventually pranced over and clung close to her. The affection and bonds between one and the other were clear ,but they certainly appeared to be genuine. This was no trick or manipulation. Strange really, but the green coated male could easily see just how easy it would be to love Ukoo. She had a gentle gaze, and a retiring disposition. It truly was a shame that her present mate thought so little of her. Her daughter was right, and it struck an unfamiliar chord within the lion - Ukoo did need to smile more, but then again, it seemed as if she had very little reason.

Such a great shame.

Tendaji listened as the female spoke. While perhaps it wasn't in good taste to admit so much to all but a perfect stranger, he could understand why she did. Sort of. It seemed to him that she had little to no support, no one to look after her, no one to truly love her. Her children seemed to be a soft spot, but at the same rate, there was an emptiness. She had been used in the pride prior to this desert abode, but her current mate was using her solely for her abilities. For such a beautiful female it was unfair. There was something lovely in Ukoo. . . . something many females of the lands seemed to lack. Was it modesty? Was it her blind obedience? Either way, there was a great allure in the lioness, and while he hadn't known her long, Tendaji couldn't help but wish to know more of her.

"It is distressing to hear of such treatment, and to such a lady as yourself." He spoke quietly, not wanting to scare her off by appearing too forward. They really were but strangers still, and he an outsider at that! "It is good of you to find strength, to realize you deserve more than what he's given you. Though you may be a banu, you are much more than purely a tool, and I can only hope he might see that." Even as he spoke, he knew that the striped lion would likely ne'er do such a thing! But that didn't mean he couldn't --wouldn't-- hope for her.
 

[Split Personality]

Ukoo shook her head slowly. "He will not. Not until something happens that he will be reminded of my true capabilities. He... I have sensed that he will be in danger soon... from some impending thing... that will come and act friendly with bad intentions. I have told him and even then he just shrugged it off..." she looked disturbed for a moment and gazed down at Uggi. "...I care for him because he houses me and my children... but my love for him has gone. I am grateful for him rescuing me from the vampire pride I used to belong too. I was the kings mane... well... I was his pet." She lifted her neck slightly to show the pink scar that was her wound from him.

"So I am obedient... that is all."

Uggi lifted herself up off the ground and put her paws on her mother; softly kneading her. She didn't like her mom talking about her dad like that; though she knew her dad didn't love them like he did O'teps babies. And he didn't like her either... because she didn't have mommys ability to see stuff. "Mommy... dad loves you... I think he does sometimes..." Uggi's words weren't too sure.