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 Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 5:53 am
It would've been a lie to say that Xenon had taken the news well - the declarations by the new 'queen' had caused considerable unrest in his own mind and for the first time in many months, he had been overwhelmed by a realisation that he may have made the greatest mistake of his life. He had sacrificed his freedom and the ability to make his own choices for the sake of love and a perception of peace and relaxation...only to discover that he had landed himself in another prison. The traditions and rules that had previously been enforced within the Bahari had been turned on their head and were now reminiscent of the pride he had cast to the wayside years ago.
Suffice to say that he was getting too damn old for such foolishness and the disgust, resentfulness and discontent rising up within him made for a very uncomfortable state of affairs for everyone. He was snappy, angry and far less approachable than he had once been which was decidedly unfair for his new family. However, little could be done about it while he fought with his internal musings - he was in hell and more upsetting was the fact that if he had been a little more stubborn and demonstrated far more discipline, he could have dodged the bullet.
If he had just said no, then the pride could have wallowed in it's own errors and misery while he was free to chase his preybeasts.
With his nose wrinkled in distaste, the lion strode across the beach with a considerable lack of respect for what it represented to the pride. The sand was kicked and the waves snarled at in an overall challenge to the gods - they'd struck the place down for less before, he'd almost see it done again at this rate. Bitter as it might have seen, the destruction of a pride was better than letting it transform into a prison!
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 6:13 am
To say the least, the meeting had gone…well…alright for the most part. Even though Quidytch had kept silent through most of it, his golden eyes had watched the reaction of other members. Surprised, gratefulness, hate even. There was a whole variety of emotions that seemed to get flung in the air. But today, the red color lion had made his way to the beach, flopping down on the warming sands. While the pride was still a bit of a mess from the tsunami, the male figured taking a short break to soak up some rays wouldn’t hurt anything. Life would get quite hectic soon, with all the new things Neith had in store, and such an opportunity to do this was going to be a rare treat. He’d get all he could, before being called away.
Well, so he thought. His golden eyes, though unclear and a bit droopy, gazed upon the lion who seemed, rather angry. He was acting childish, kicking sand up, and when Quidytch heard the snarl rise from his maw, he took that moment to rise to his feet. What was making him so unhappy? Was it the meeting in general or just life? While he never was one to go searching for conflict, something in his mind told him to speak with the other. If something was wrong, the problem surely should be addressed.
Quidytch walked slowly over to the angered lion. “Are you---er…okay?” It was a stupid question really to ask, but it was said.
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 6:25 am
"You," it was a statement, not a question. Xenon had been introduced to the council members during the pridal announcements. This lion in particular had remained silent during Neith's address, had said nothing and hadn't sought to oppose any of the rules and procedures she wished to set in place. In a manner of speaking it served only to seal a lack of respect in Xenon's mind - as an older lion, the grey male was not so naive as not to spot the flaws and problems. While the young would see an opportunity, he had spotted something that would be destined for disaster. However, the very fact that Quidytch hadn't seen it either...or perhaps he had and had held his silence, was astonishing.
The red male looked to be of a similar age to him... Perhaps Neith had selected him simply because he wouldn't argue or fight back, wasn't that how all dictators started off? Xenon concluded that the lion before him was a 'yes-man' and he had seen plenty of those in his years.
"How does it feel to have created a prison where families are torn apart and children indoctrinated?" he enquired cooly, his nose wrinkling in distaste as he regarded the red lion. "You must feel so proud, enforcing the rules and declarations of a female that quite a number of individuals do not believe has a genuine claim to leadership," he continued. "I must say that from a personal stand point, I really don't appreciate the sentiment but those who aspire towards absolute autonomy always do select those without backbone to act as their 'support', you make for an admirable nodding dog."
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 6:45 am
“I…what?” The lion looked flabbergasted. What was he going on about? What prison had he (or the council, really) created? There was no instances of trying to tear family apart, the pride wouldn’t want that. Unless he was referring to the new nursery that they were planning on building…A thought lingered on Quidytch’s mind. The idea of such was not meant to be what the other lion thought of. Instead, it was merely put in place so the children would be safe. The children were the future, and without them---the pride would be non-existent.
How many children, young and old, had they lost from the Tsunami? How many members of the pride had disappeared that fateful morning? Too many to count, that was for sure. A pride that was once bumbling with life was gone in less than a few hours. Some returned, but some didn’t, including the members of ‘royalty’. Ears tried with all their might to not pin back, gluing themselves to the mane against his skull, but with every passing word Xenon said made this action very hard from happening. The gray lion didn’t know the whole story.
What Quidytch did next was a typical act that the bright colored lion usually did. A small smile was flashed towards the other male, “I take it then you don’t like the new implications on the pride?” It was a joke, trying to get the tension that was quickly building in the air around them.
However, Quidytch couldn’t mention to the other lion that there was a meeting before the ‘real meeting’ of just the council members. It was here, when Quidytch had expressed what he wanted --- and just because he was silent during Neith’s message to the pride, didn’t mean she had selected the council members that had no ‘backbone’ as he claimed. In fact, this decision wasn’t solely the new leaders, but something that everyone agreed on.
“Well, it is a shame you really feel that way…but tell me, what do you think could change it? Do you want a repeat of the last disaster, where most of the pride goes missing? Or, what about if a band of thugs came into the pride, do you not feel that the children should be safe?” With all joking matters aside, he focused more on the other male.
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 7:08 am
"I believe that a mother and father are entitled to raise their cubs how they feel is right," Xenon stated sharply. "I believe that they are entitled to have those children live with them in the home that they created for them. Where they will be safe under the influence of their parents," he continued and shook his head, his nose wrinkling in disgust. While he could appreciate the necessity for the other choices that Neith had made, it was this one in particular that inspired an unrivalled amount of hatred within the lion. He was a child who had been raised away from his parents and that had done his pride no favours.
"Instead of being indoctrinated and forced to conform those children should be allowed to experience freedom. Their parents should be trusted to care for them and educate them - at the moment the most they can do is 'visit' the poor cubs while they're holed up in a prison," the lion roared, his eyes glinting with a malice that he hadn't had in many years. It was clearly a subject he was passionate about and it was highly likely that he would be the sort to break the rules regardless of the consequences if he were genuinely challenged.
"As it stands, all those cubs can expect to enjoy is the sun of their backs and the occasional sand castle. They will only be allowed to explore in turns, on their own and with limits. One cub, one adult - they will never get to play or savour the same experiences as their parents... they will be stifled and it will be your fault," Xenon hissed, his eyes narrowing to mere slits as he examined the red lion more closely. The attempted humour was lost on him at the moment, his usual relaxed demeanour having vanished in light of the shift in pridal stances.
"And why? Because as adults you're too cowardly and terrified of something you worship and revere?" the lion gave a bitter laugh and shook his head. "I came to this pride, I aided it and I stayed because it had such an appreciation for the positive aspects of life. It had a respect for love, freedom and enjoyment. Not once did it ever imprison it's cubs in nurseries and indoctrinate them but now..." he sounded incredulous as he shook his head. "Now you have transformed it into something just as appalling as those prides that exist in the roguelands."
"As horrible as it might sound, I would sooner another tsunami did hit us. Better to pass away into the next world than be bound to the mortal realm in a prison made by the very individuals you trusted."
"Up until now you all survived perfectly well on your old customs, a sudden tragedy and you turn them onto their heads - let me tell you one thing," he snarled and leant in close, a bitter smile on his lips. "You are not the first pride to suffer a horrendous accident and nor will you be the last... but at least with those other prides they fought to maintain their customs and found more constructive ways of avoiding a repeat performance. They weren't cowardly in the face of adversity - but you were."
"Create herbalists, clean up and create dams and tidal walls if you must...but don't imprison your own kind. If you do that, you're no better than the demonic tribes in the roguelands who excel at indoctrination and transform the weak into their slaves."
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 7:59 am
“We aren’t saying the cubs need to be raised without their family. We want the families to be together. In no way are we trying to split up families so they are away from each other. Parents will not just be allowed to visit, as you believe it to be, but rather stay with them until they are able to ‘leave the nest’. But, with all do respects, parents should also trust the decisions made by the pride though. We have it instilled for a reason. Sure, it may seem like it is something that shouldn’t happen, but you will see…this is something that will be for the better of the pride.” Whether Xenon liked it or not, something like this was going to happen.
“Instead of calling it a nursery, or prison for that matter, why not call it what it actually should be called. A community den. It may have more strictness when it comes to what can and cannot be done, but that is really what it is.” A frown was forming on his face, even though he tried hard to not let it be. Obviously something had happened in this lion’s past to make him so vicious towards the new concept that the Bahari was trying to instill, but with change came those who do not like change. Xenon was apparently one of those lions.
“I understand about that one cub, one adult thing. I do believe that is something that definitely needs to be addressed. Give me time, and I will consult with Neith about it. While you may not believe her to be a competent leader,” whether Xenon thought this or not, Quidytch assumed it from previous words that were shed, “trust me, things will get worked out to the point where everyone is happy.”
Too cowardly, and terrified of the water? While that is what it seemed, it wasn’t true. “Now, listen here, sir.” Quidytch did not like this lion’s attitude, and it seemed to be getting worse with this conversation. However, his demeanor suddenly changed. He couldn’t get angry at the other’s worse. The lions had a right to express their feelings. Surely, Quidytch knew if he hadn’t been on the council that he probably wouldn’t even be speaking about this subject matter with the lion. He had to be respectful, to the other, even if it meant grating his brain so hard to still be nice to the other.
“Look…I appreciate your opinions on the subject matter at hand,” his voice was soft, subdued almost. He knew that arguing with the lion wasn’t going to help the situation. “But like I said, give it a try. I know if may seem awful, and in your eyes a prison has been instilled. I can assure you, that this is not what we are trying to go for. We want to protect everyone. We all are one big family here.”
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 8:08 am
"It will be a cold day in hell before I let my mate have children in this pride," Xenon stated darkly and shook his head. He wasn't buying into the 'community den' nonsense. The whole point of joining the pride for him was to have a family of his own, in private and without the constant supervision of others. He had been thrust into a way of life he despised and unfortunately for Afina, she would never have the children she so desperately wanted now that this new 'leader' had enforced such a horrendous concept upon them.
"Rest assured I will also inform her of this and extend my gratitude to yourself and your fellow council members for enforcing this disgusting little idea," he snapped. He was usually respectful to other lions and had once possessed a great deal of appreciation for the others within the pride, but living at close quarters to thrm was not his preference. He was a private creature and he was fairly certain that there would be others in a very similar position to him - to be forced to operate in a community or never see your cubs...that was emotional blackmail he would never stand for.
"If I am to be a father I would sooner raise by cubs in a den I choose with my mate, raise them in private and bring them out to play and explore as and when they want. I have no desire to share every little aspect of my life with everyone in the pride, family or not," he snarled. Closing his eyes, the lion sucked in a breath and released a dark chuckle, the disgust still evident in his voice...suffice to say that he would not be on the side who support Neith and would be highly likely to cause significant issues for the lioness if she ever tried to inspire loyalty.
...No, he would absolutely annihilate her attempts if he was given the opportunity. Gods as his witness, he would make life difficult for the miserable little feline.
"To think that if I desire a private life with the ability to raise my children how I feel is best...I would be forced to abandon them and be forbidden access..." he snorted. "This pride used to be renowned for it's freedom and relaxed manner, now it's nothing of the sort."
"Call your prison whatever you wish, but your dellusional explanations are not accepted by me."
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 8:23 am
“Fine, then think of it what you must. But whether you like it or not, it will happen. I can tell you that this decision was not based solely on her, and a lot of discussion actually went into it.” He said, rather simply, in that matter. “Talk to Neith, or any other member, I assure you that they will probably tell you the same thing. And, while I don’t like saying this, at this point, it has to be said.
“If you don’t like the new custom ways of the pride, I assure you, no one is keeping you tied down, and forcing you to stay here. We appreciate what you have done for the pride already, and would rather you continue to stay here, and at least try to accept the newly found rules, but if cannot accept that, then you may leave at any time.” Quidytch hated being the bad guy and saying that the lion did not have to stay here was definitely something that made him feel like the villain.
Turning to leave the angry lion, the red lion had one more thing to say. “Like it or not, Neith is the leader of this pride. And while she may make some changes, unless the former pride leaders are found, they will stick. Who knows, even if Tamu decided to ever return,” forgetting that Xenon probably didn’t know who ‘Tamu’ was, he continued, “she may even keep the new ways that Neith has brought. Who knows.” Unless Tamu did return, no one would know.
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 9:00 am
It was so very strange to hear the words uttered from the other lion's mouth - in essence, he was being the permission to take his leave in the face of the changes. While Quid wasn't strictly accurate in declaring that nothing was keeping him here, the very fact he had stated Xenon could leave if he was unhappy did awaken something very deep inside. If Xenon were to really consider the various changes that the new 'queen' had elected to make, there were some he was in support of and one that he utterly hated.
Some were logical.
Some were not.
It was something that the lion would be forced to give careful consideration, but one thing that he did know for sure was that he would have to speak with Afina. Regardless of the fact he needed to spend a while pondering over his current situation, he knew of one thing already - with the current plans for an enforced nursery (a prison in the eyes of a rogue), he was never going to have children. No doubt that his mate would take exception to this and if she couldn't appreciate his point of view, then he may very well lose her too.
His lips sealed into a thin line, but rather than speak any further on the issue he simply snorted and turned his back on Quid. Rather than argue any further it was better to simply walk away and ponder over his options. No matter what he chose he was guaranteed to be miserable, but one option was probably more preferrable to the other...
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 9:09 am
When the other didn’t speak again, Qui just gave a nod, living up the ‘admirable nodding dog’ comment Xenon had told him. He didn’t like what he said to the other, but it just had to be said.
He walked away, not turning back for the second time. In his mind, he told himself they (they being the council members,) needed to work out the bugs, or else the whole pride could be in an uproar. It wasn’t something that Quidytch wanted to see, especially after the tragedy of the tsunami.
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