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 Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:32 pm
Her curiosity had been something she couldn't ignore. She'd talked it over with her parents and in the end it was suggested by Yin-li that she get out and experience the world for herself, as she'd had the chance to do before returning home. It seemed difficult to let go, not knowing if she'd return or not, but eventually she did in fact leave the desert behind to find that adventure she'd been waiting for since childhood.
Hunting in the rogue lands was the first challenge to be overcome. The surroundings weren't very friendly towards her initially but she got used to it after while.
She was bigger than most of the other girls out there too, she'd noticed after a while. She'd never been very big compared to the "pure blood" Firekin roaming at home, but out here in the rogue lands she felt her size difference and she relished in it with the same joy and superiority of a cub that just found out they were the top apprentice in their field. Her head was held a little higher at first. Korofi actually walked with a little bit of a strut in her stride.
She looked just a little bit ridiculous. If Mwali or Asita could see her now they would have smacked her one for being such a child. That made her stop, sighing to herself with a frown. Yeah, it was fun getting away from home for a while, but now that the rush of EVERYTHING IS A DIFFERENT COLOR!!! had worn off it was really just dull.
Hopping up onto a rock and down to the other side again Korofi flopped ungracefully to the ground, sending up a fit of dust where she now lay.
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:18 pm
 The hearty laughs of males rang out in the distance, the joys and excitement of the pride resounded, and the line of pads behind him remained just beyond the horizon. Images and sounds from the ceremony stayed with the dark brown lion, as well as the threat from the black vizier. In his head, his father repeated himself: You shall not return if it is not with a female. Of course, the threat was light-hearted, and rather much more like a compliment than a threat; he knew well of his own capabilities, and even his future, and the vizier was acknowledging as well.
Everything that had occurred within his pride was fresh on the young adult's mind, even though it had been a couple of days since his departure, along with his siblings. Some might have said he was taking too long, and perhaps some at home may jokingly deem him dead by now. However, this lion was of the opinion that being first was not always the best. After all, Mirsajadi had been born first, but he did not turn out terribly well.
He had already crossed paths with some female; understandably, he could have made them his followers at a flick of the paw if he had wished. But one was old, a dirty brown, and haggard, while another was too young, idiotic, and undeserving of a life serving under Akram'raja. The situation was ugly, literally. There were just too many females in the rogue lands, but none were suitable for the fine tastes of Akram'raja.
While he was allowed to roam around and peruse the females of the land beyond the Ukuucha'Wafalme, the dark young lion also found himself to be quite naturally skilled at felling the various food that wandered into his claws. His natural size allowed him to easily pin down prey when he caught them unsuspectingly, and so food, though usually taken care of by the banu, was accounted for on this journey.
The thought of hunting sent a sense of thrill into the lion. He hadn't experienced much of it while in the pride, and the free opportunity on this journey was still very much exciting for him. Luckily for him, a stray hare had been lurking nearby, and his scarlet eyes were able to instantly detect his intruder. With a strong dash from the ground, his striped body flashed through the air and after his prey. Fortunately for it, quick reflexes allowed it to dart away rapidly through the grass and towards a rather large rock. The male followed, eyes focused on the small form as he hopped over the rock and--
He let out a surprised roar as he found himself leaping over a sizeable female, barely making the jump with his tail slipping over her body; he rotated himself instantly, now that his small snack had been interrupted.
"Fool," he said angrily, eyes locked onto the black and white form marked with fiery accents, "Your obstruction has cost me a hare. The females in these lands... Do they not know of courtesy? Or perhaps they sit around all day like lumps of dung."
His introduction was, considering his family, rather polite, and the female in front of him was in fact lucky to receive such welcome.
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:27 pm
Korofi could easily hear the sounds of the chase drawing closer and closer, but she stayed where she was, and then a little bundle of fur came flying over the rock and not long after came a lion.
The roar didn't startle her as his shadow fell over her, she was more worried he'd land on top of her, because that might HURT. neutral
Well, he didn't, so that was fine, except then he turned around and was yelling WORDS at her. What? Piles of dung? Why would anyone leave something like THAT lying around?
So as Raja finished his brief tirade Korofi was simply staring at him with an expression between surprise and apathy, blinking twice.
Finally: "Well they bury theirs where I'm from. Whatever place it is that leaves them lying around, it doesn't sound a very attractive place to live." She observed rather straight-forwardly. The insult itself had rolled right off her shoulders like water off a duck's back. "I'm sorry about your hare. It wasn't very big anyway, at least you aren't missing out on much!"
She stood, smirking a bit, or half-smiling as it were.
"Still, mom's rule is if you helped lose it then you've gotta help make up for it. I can help you find something else if you'd like."
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:52 pm
The young adult had learned in his brief time with rogue females that personalities left something to be desired. Most lacked appreciation for males, and that was one thing that made the lion appreciate his pride much more than usual.
Her expression sent a wave of agitation through his body, but he calmed himself, for such dumbfoundedness was not entirely the fault of a female's. At the very least, she was able to produce an answer, though it was to a question that he did not exactly want answered. He supposed a female answering all of his questions was, however, a positive trait, as it commanded some type of service.
He was, however, unsatisfied by her other comments.
"You are honored by my presence, female, so do not think that disrupting my snack is a minor offense. I am Akram'raja of the Ukuucha'Wafalme," he said gravely.
He paused for a moment to actually look over the female, the first thing coming to mind again being her size. He wouldn't admit it, but there was a possibility that she was as large as him... perhaps even bigger, but he could not tell from her position. Her markings reminded him of his family, yet he knew they were far from related. He could only conclude that there was something peculiar about this lioness, and then he caught on to himself; he remembered now!
"Find something else? Are you sure you possess the ability to do that, female?"
Instead of a look of irritation, which should have been on his face, it instead held a sly, perhaps sinister smile, though no one but Akram'raja could tell its meaning.
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Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 1:51 pm
If she was honored then she hadn't noticed. Korofi just stared, arching an eyebrow with a look of visible confusion.
"The Ukukachu'what-a-fame now?"
"Sorry, can't say I've ever heard of it. Firekin don't have all that much use for outside prides. It must be pretty far away from here."
She gave a gradual stretch, completely relaxed, then straightened.
"Of course! I wouldn't offer if I couldn't do it." She grinned, eyes taking on an impish look. "In fact, you can pick the hardest prey you can think of-- that isn't an elephant or giraffe! If I can't catch it and kill it then I'll...."
Korofi trailed off, eyes drifting to one side as she was trying to think of a suitable punishment for not being able to complete the dare.
"I'll make up ten times the hare that got away!"
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Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 2:06 pm
"Hmm..." Akram'raja thought audibly, the barrage of speech coming from the female causing quite a disturbance to him.
She was noticeably calm and quite content in this situation - of course very improper as well - and very unaware of the threats laced in his words. What kind of female could have been this oblivious? His mind raced back to the banu he knew in the Ukuucha'Wafalme. Perhaps Ukoo? No, she was simply too sullen to act in such a manner... One of his cub half-relative? No, even they were not as... sprightly. Perhaps... his mother?
He snorted. She could not talk like this.
Akram'raja found himself soon reclining to his haunches, simply sitting and staring at the large female before him and pondering what his next course of action was. He couldn't deny that he saw her prior to this actual meeting, which he knew held something meaningful to his goals, and he also couldn't deny that she appeared somewhat impressive, with her striped marks, strong physique, and fiery splotches. He supposed she fit half of the bill already; he could make sure that she would soon make up for the other half.
"Not many have heard of the Ukuucha'Wafalme without feeling the desire to join our ranks," he stated, "It is said that our males are the strongest and most intelligent in the lands, and our females the most beautiful."
"As for your... ah, 'payment', perhaps you would do a favor for my reputation on my journey home. Presence, loyalty, and commitment are all one really needs to start with, and I am certain even one such as yourself can uphold those traits, hmm?" he purred out in a low grumble.
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Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 2:16 pm
Mostly what she took away from that (Since despite how many times she'd been warned in lessons to PAY ATTENTION and READ BETWEEN THE LINES her people were a more direct sort, especially Korofi-uzulu. The exceptions were the ones like Azula, the former captain of offense. She was the sole reason for that lesson to start with. Too bad Korofi really took more after some other relative of hers or other.) was that his pride placed value on an outsider's perspective-- females were for looking good and males were the protectors. That was not a foreign concept to her anymore thanks to her travels. He didn't really want her to hunt for him, but instead as repayment he wanted her to accompany him home for... what? Perhaps it was some type of contest? Who could bring the prettiest female home.
"Well yeah, of course. I always keep my promises, and manners are important, even for warriors, hunters, and guards. So all I would have to do is go back with you?" Korofi tilted her head a bit. One would never suspect the killing power that she had just from the conversation alone. "Is it really that simple?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:27 pm
"Hmm..." came from Akram'raja again, lack of experience showing in this situation, to this particular female.
He wondered if this was how Mirsajadi, Rayhan, or Omaran would react - it was an almost clueless position, for he concluded that none of the banu in the Ukuucha'Wafalme would display this type of gullibility.
"Female, your role is destined to be the simpler one. It would be wise to listen to me, for I am the best paradigm of the Ukuucha'Wafalme," he stated simply.
...How did Tariq'ra'd do this? Talk them into it, or did he truly drag his females home by the scruff of their neck? Surely not the latter, for only O'tep was really the one who looked bruised and battered up, but that was only from their routine sparring in their den.
"Female, I offer you a better life with myself. I, Akram'raja, see potential in you. You would be honored by having me take you to the Ukuucha'Wafalme. I will assure you the finest den in the pride lands, as I expect only the best."
His offer was a bit grandiose - perhaps even too grandiose for his own liking, but his ambitions often allowed him to overlook that.
"So you are to come with me?"
It wasn't actually a question, but rather a statement - a command.
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Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 6:45 pm
He seemed uncertain. Korofi waited patiently for him to finish.
Well, not ENTIRELY patiently, the girl was a bundle of practically raw energy after all, tail twitching behind her while expecting he'd finish explaining at any moment. When finally he did she realized she hadn't introduced herself yet. His talk about her being honored didn't phase her too much, mainly because she was around lions all her life that had proven their worth ten times over in some battle or another, or who felt equally entitled to this and that, though she had to admit that the male in front of her at that moment was probably the one who felt the most entitled that she'd met yet.
Or something.
Naturally he saw potential. Korofi was anything but insecure in her abilities or looks. Perhaps that meant she felt entitled to the best too? It sounded interesting in any case, finding out if he really was the best, and testing her skills against others. She saw no particular reason to object. Adventure? She sure wasn't finding it in the rogue lands wandering around like a board lump of sand, drifting from one spot to the next.
"Okay." She agreed a bit plainly, compared to his grand way of speaking, but she offered a toothy grin. "I'll go. Thank you for the compliment of choosing me, then."
Should a Firekin care what someone "inferior" thought(?), traditionalists certainly not, and even the newly reformed pride really didn't give a crap about outsiders opinions as long as it was a healthy fear of them, but since she wasn't IN the Firekin lands she couldn't say she still thought of herself as one. If he only expected the best then it really was a compliment in it's own way, him wanting her to return with him.
It really didn't matter to Korofi, but it was kind of fun picking the meaning out of his words.
So maybe she paid better attention to those lessons than she'd let on. Maybe her outlook on life was really just that simple.
"I'm Korofi-uzulu." Wild fire. A fitting name, as he'd soon find out.
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Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 3:23 pm
Well, that had been a little too easy for Akram'raja's taste. Even though he had thought highly of himself, assured that any lioness would succumb to her paws before his might, there was something a tad more peculiar to this situation - because this lioness wasn't exactly falling over her paws for him. She was simply agreeing.
He snorted at the large female's gratitude, finding her manners ill presented and very improper for a banu. A banu was supposed to bow down to him, lower her eyelids, and humbly say something like, "I am very honored, Pad Akram'raja."
This black lioness... He stared at her, eying with contemplative thought... She would be taught and in return, administer to his wishes. He flashed a smile.
"You are, are you?" he said after her introduction, "Well, then..."
Was this the part where they left, now? He was sure that she would follow him if he had gotten up and started walking away, but... Were all the other pads' captures of their banu as uneventful? He pondered what Mirsajadi was doing, in all of his pompous glory. Surely he would attempt to woo a lioness by remaining silent, hoping his appalling appearance would attract something.
"The journey will be a few days. I expect that your large hide is capable enough of carrying yourself for a while... During our journey, I will attempt to fit into that small head the ways of the Ukuucha'Wafalme, and why they allow us to flourish. Is that understood?"
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Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:58 pm
He didn't think much of her brains, that was okay, it was a pretty common reaction for those meeting her the first time. Korofi had long since gotten used to it. She looked forward to learning new things, meeting others, even if their opinions and upbringing differed drastically from hers, and even though she wanted to laugh she kept that much to herself. This Raja was an interesting character, he was confident and self assured, and she respected that, she just wasn't that accustomed to showing it, since she wasn't really into the habit of stoking egos-- partly how she saw it. Back home that wasn't how things worked at all. Some of the playful edge sharpened a bit, looking at him a little more seriously, still relaxed though.
"I won't disappoint. I can keep up, I was born and raised in the desert. I'm used to long walks."
Even for things as simple as water, really. It also meant she had a keen eye for memorizing her surroundings-- in the desert things shifted a lot, but small details like a rock or cactus could save one's life when it came to navigation.
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Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:22 pm
The desert, eh? Well, if what the female said was true, then her innate prowess could be greater than what Akram'raja had initially judged. Then again, he wondered how a bulkier form and a black pelt could help a pride in the desert, but that would be something he would learn through their journey. If Korofi-uzulu agreed to leave right now, it would have been best to do exactly that in case she decided to change her mind... Not that he would have let her, but some things were better done without... incident.
"You may let me know when you require a break and stop for water," he said considerately, "Though I judge from your frame that you would have enough filled within you so that we won't need to stop for a long time. Additionally, if you are used to the desert, perhaps we won't even need to have such excess sustenance, hmm?"
He then turned to the direction he came from, satisfied that he had acquired his first female and knowing that she would follow. Going home now was very much an immediate reality, but... For him, one wasn't enough. His dreams told him of something more grandeur, and so his mission was now to scourge the rogue lands until he had done enough to earn the most renowned prestige when he returned. This "Korofi-uzulu" was just the first element on his quest for limitless wealth and power.
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