|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:56 pm
And then, of course, after they came to their new found home, Lela had the misfortune of dropping into a sort of stressed depressed state for a time, wishing only to be left alone to her sole job of watching sleepers. When she'd finally been brought out of her rut, everything exploded all at once. Thoth, Ally, queenhood... It was a bit too much at once, wasn't it?
Today, however, Lela was at ease with herself and the world around her. She didn't feel stress. She didn't feel sorrow. She didn't feel too much excitement about her upcoming marriage, though to say that she WASN'T excited would be wrong. She was, however... nervous. She really didn't know many of the pride members on a personal level. This had to be mended. So, she went for a walk, perhaps to bump into a member and see how it went.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 11:55 pm
 The funeral had been hard for her. Nkosazana was glad she'd arrived back in time to attend it. Though the death had come as a grave shock to her. Her mission was successful. She'd found a male and now carried his cubs. Pretty soon, she thought, I'll be too fat to go on patrols for awhile.
A sly look crossed her faced as she rolled slightly onto her bulging belly. Laying down in the sun was so much easier. "Hey Jiang. How about going to find something for me to eat." She had him around, and might as well put him to use. It was a better idea than getting up herself.
The bird turned his green eyes on the lioness. "You just want someone to wait on you. You'll just get fatter that way." His dry sense of humor seemed to amuse the rusty lioness. He fluffed up his feathers and regarded her a moment more. "Alright, I'll see if I can't find someone willing to put up with your laziness."
He taunted, then took off. Jiang didn't fly very high. He knew there would be lions and lionesses around. Quickly he spotted a pale-ish lioness. She would pass right by. He thought he recognized the white stripe across her back. Could it be? The bird felt smug as he came down for a landing in front of her. "Pardon me, your highness. Nkosazana would love to have a word with you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:18 am
Apparently, it doesn't take long to find what you're looking for if what you're looking for is trying to find you. Though, she hadn't expected to be found by a bird. Briefly, she considered the possibilities of befriending a bird herself. Ally had found comfort in that, though her dear feathered friend now suffered terrible sadness. Lela quickly steered her mind off course of that topic, not wanting to bring on another by her diminished attitude.
She wondered how the bird had recognized her from the air so quickly. She supposed it was her crescent - though she did have very few markings, her crescent stripe across her back was a small source of pride. It was a moon that only the Great Lion could see. Well, only the Moon and the birds, apparently. She smirked, but nodded her head lightly to the other in greeting. "That'll be fine. Where is Nkosazana?" Looks like she'd be getting out there in the public, alright.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 3:12 pm
"She is over that way a short jaunt." He turned his beak in the direction from which he'd come. Jiang took to the air and flew slightly ahead of the lioness.
Nko lounged contentedly as Jiang took off. It was going to be a good day, she was sure. A meal and then maybe a nap would be in order for her. She gave a full body stretch and debating rolling over.
Suprisingly sooner than she had expected were wing beats and footsteps. She opened her eyes. Nko couldn't believe when Jiang came back leading a semi-familiar lioness. He didn't; he did. The pregnant lioness heaved herself to her feet.
"Your highness. My apologies if Jiang brought you here thinking you were a huntress." She bowed her head respectfully. Slightly unsure of how she'd react. Nko had to admit she'd been avoiding the new Queen and King. The memories of Alcmene still being alive when she left were painful.
Jiang landed nearby and he watched the two lionesses. Nko shot him a glare from the corner of her eye. She'd certainly have a talk with him later for pulling this stunt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 4:34 pm
Lela nodded and followed the bird in the direction she had originally been walking anyway. It wasn't long at all before they were upon the other lioness. Lela assessed the situation as the drew near, but didn't realize the potentially awkward scenario until a bit later. At first, she took note of the mother-to-be's belly - which was growing quite large, she had to admit. Lela knew of Nkosazana, just as she knew of all the pride members. With Nko, she could at least put a vague face to the name, and if she saw the face she could definitely put the name to it, as well. She did not know her much past that, though. Only that she had seen very little of her lately. And Lela was pretty sure she'd remember seeing her - that lioness was most obviously pregnant.
She caught the glances between lioness and bird, and was suddenly getting the feeling that something that was over her head was going on here. Nevertheless, she pressed on politely. "I don't think he thought that." She resisted the urge to shoot a look to the bird. "I was told you would like to see me."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 11:35 pm
Jiang was fairly proud of himself. Nko, he knew, loved the company of those higher than herself. She had gotten along well with the late queen. Since she'd returned the rusty colored lioness was definitely avoiding those she normally flocked to. He felt she needed to accept it and mingle. The fact the new queen happened to be nearby was pure chance. One he had seized with both talons.
"No, I think he did, you're right." Nko ducked her head. "I, um, actually sent him off to find a huntress to catch me a meal. No offense your highness. Your company is most welcomed here." She paused awkwardly.
To cover her discomfort she lowered herself to the ground again. "Your pardon please. It has become hard for me to remain on my feet much or move around. I do hope they are born soon." Cubs would be safe enough to talk about; unless Lela chose to ask about their father.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 8:19 am
Lela nodded her understanding. She was sure when - in her head she'd started using the word WHEN and not IF - she had her own cubs, she would not want to hunt. Not that... she did a lot of hunting. Her post previously had been to watch sleeping rogues as they awaited their future rank in the pride. Watching was a full-time job, and didn't leave much room for hunting. And now, being the queen... that didn't leave much time for anything at all, really. She'd be lying if she said she didn't enjoy a good hunt now and then, though. The rush and thrill was unbeatable. Not to mention the chance to actually put her limber body, muscle-packed legs and sharp eye sight to use. A lioness was built for the hunt, after all. "I'm sure you've been quite hungry lately." She noted the size of the other's belly once more. Oh yes, she must be starving, carrying around those extra little bellies inside her.
"It's no problem, I'd rather you be comfortable." Lela herself took a seat and wrapped her tawny tail around her front paws, covering the blue toes. Without her blue points and white crescent, she might just blend into the night.
She was certainly no expert or veteran of pregnancy, but she was sure Nko didn't have long to go. "It seems to me that they'll be along any day." There was a hint of excitement in her voice. Perhaps Nko's youngsters would be playmates for her own some day. There was a thrill to think that the future generation of the pride, some of which were tucked away neatly in Nko's pregnancy, would be the contemporaries of her children. And... the thought had suddenly struck her hard... the ones one of her children would rule over and protect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 6:44 pm
Nko gave the Queen a friendly grin, "yes, indeed. It seems to be more and more each time I eat. I will be glad when I can move around again." She gave a soft chuckle. Being confined to the dens wasn't something she'd counted on when she'd gotten pregnant. She had handled it pretty well so far, but Nko was getting a tad restless.
"Thank you, Queen Khathelela." The lioness nodded graciously. "What brings you out here tonight?" She wondered if the queen was just out for a walk or out with a purpose. Nko didn't want to hold her up if she had somewhere to go.
Nko heaved a sigh, "I really hope so. I feel them moving and kicking all night. Are you planning on having cubs soon your majesty?" She was curious. Faintly she know Lela had a mate already. How urgent were heirs to them?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 8:38 pm
"Oh, to be truthful, I get restless feet." Lela lifted a paw for emphasis. Her only real purpose for being out tonight was simply to get to know her pride better. And, really, she was accomplishing that in some ways by talking to Nko. Plus, when she wasn't otherwise engaged, she did like to go for a walk. It reminded her of her younger days. Wandering. Searching under the night sky.
At the topic of her own impending pregnancy, Lela held her tongue for a moment. She was pretty sure there was already a rumor mill working up into gear about her and Thoth and heirs. After all, every royal couple had to deal with it, didn't they? She needed a high class litter. She wasn't sure how to answer Nko's question while being both truthful but delicate with private information. She'd rather not say too much until there was something to be said, as it were. She decided there was safety in common ground. "I would like that very much. I have always wanted to be a mother... the time was just never right before. But now, it seems, would be as fine as any." She smiled lightly. And, now she had Thoth.
Her curiosity got the best of her. "What was it like when you found out you were carrying them?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 10:37 pm
Nko gave a soft chuckle, "Aye to that. So many things to do and see upon the boarder's edge no?" She started to relax around the lioness. The queen didn't seem stuffy or anything. Nko thought she might start to come to enjoy her meets with Lela as much as she had with Alcmene's.
She noticed the queen's reluctant right away. Perhaps she shouldn't have asked about cubs. It really wasn't any of her business anyhow, being only a guard. "Please forgive the question, Your Magesty, if you feel uncomfortable with it. I wish you much luck with your any and all cubs you should have."
Nko twitched an ear about the question of her own pregnancy. It was now or never. "Well, I went out to get pregnant. So, I was expecting it." She gave a sheepish grin. "I think that makes all the difference."
Jiang was pleased to see Nkosazana relaxing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 3:57 pm
Lela chuckled as well, and nodded. She had spent many a day staring out at the great expanse of uncharted, unclaimed land that stood just outside the pride territory. She often wondered about out there, before she'd become queen. She'd never once considered leaving, of course. This pride was in her blood. She couldn't leave it behind, and she didn't want to. She did enjoy, though, watching the world beyond. She wondered how the rogue lions lived. Her own time of searching, back when the pride had needed a new home, had been hard on her. She wondered what it'd be like to do that everyday for your entire life.
"It is no problem. Thank you for the luck." She smiled genuinely. She was somewhat reluctant to talk about the topic, but she didn't want to seem as stand-offish. It was simply the uncertainty of her situation right now that made her feel she didn't want to talk much on it. When she was expecting, and when she HAD had the cubs, she was positive it'd be hard for her to keep her mouth shut on the topic. She felt, perhaps, that many mothers were that way. Unable to not talk about their children, whether the comments were good or bad.
"I see." She considered this for a moment. She found no true fault in Nko's actions, if that's what the lioness was so apprehensive about. Though Lela herself had chosen to not try for a litter until she was securely in a marriage, she had often thought long and hard about being a mother. She could see it as possible for her, had her life been different. As sister to the previous King and aunt to the current queen, at the time, however, she'd chosen to live a very low key, guarded and model life. Her brother's love life was enough excitement for the whole family. "I hope you will be happy as a mother, then. I think there are enough pride members that your children will not be wanting for the extra affection a second parent could give. We will all be that for them." She smiled again, truly meaning what she said. The Mwezi'Johari were gossipers, yes, but they were also a tightly weaved together pride, and would certainly enjoy having more little faces around.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 8:04 pm
Nko knew that after wandering for so long to find the pride again that she would never be satisfied just to sit around. Let the old lions lay out in the sun. She would rather prowl around the territory on the alert for anything abnormal. That didn't mean she didn't know how to relax either. Just look at her now in fact! Lazing away the days. She almost chuckled at the thought.
"You are most welcome." Her lips returned the queen's smile as Nko felt herself warming to the pale lioness. She wasn't anything like dark Alcmene, but there was something there.
"There hasn't been anyone among the pride that I've truly been interested in. I wanted cubs to start my own proud line of guards." She gave a soft purr. "They will be well taken care of. The whole pride is their family. Thank you Queen Khathelela. Your blessing means a great deal to me." She bowed her head low to the other lioness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 3:52 pm
Lela could tell this lioness was feeling comfortable with her, which came as a great relief to the queen. She spent a great deal of time on her patrols wondering if she would be accepted after such a beloved queen as her niece. She did not seek to replace Ally in the hearts of her pride - she only wanted to be accepted as the new queen, and she wanted her future children to be seen as the future bloodline of the royalty. They were, after all, Ally's relatives as well. Her cousins, in fact.
Lela's smiled brightly at the mention of a line of guards. Thoth was proud of his previous post, the post of his parents, the potential post of his future children. "I have a soft spot for guards. I think most the pride does." She nodded her approval. "Thoth was one, I'm sure you know." And he would probably still act like one a majority of the time, despite his new rise in position and class. It made her feel protected, knowing that he would always be on the lookout for her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:32 pm
Nko felt herself almost blushing as the queen said she had a soft spot for guards. She couldn't let it go to her head. There was plenty of other guards within the pride. It almost made sense in a way since royalty often depended on their guards for their complete safety. Guards protected everyone in the pride.
She smiled and nodded. "Once a guard, always a guard?" That was no bad thing as far as Lela could be concerned. Thoth could offer her double protection. Perhaps it would help prevent another event like the one that had ultimately resulted in Alcmene's death.
"If you ever have need of me, call and I will be there." With the Queen's blessing, as well as the late Queen's, Nkosazana felt these cubs would do very well indeed. In return she felt she should offer her services as a guard. Perhaps she would be remembered at the point in time when a guard was needed for a specific job.
Nko almost felt her paws tremble. Think of the prestige she could get by being called specifically by Queen Lela for a certain task. It was very sweet to think about.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
