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 Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 1:33 am
 The tired form of the nurse priestess laid at the front of her den, relaxing alone while her cubs had finished taking her milk and gone to sleep beside Uchanjaa. Thankfully, he had been resigned from looking after Selene all day and now had a bit of time before his guard duties to give her a break, if only for a few fleeting moments. Her body was tired - she hadn't expected that many children, and it had worn her frail, small body. Her pale form was even paler on acute observation, and she was constantly needing to eat, but yet her form remained skinny and slender as ever.
One part of her wondered about whether her duties as a nurse priestess would bring trouble to the pride, but the shaman had thankfully resolved her fears over that, saying to not worry until she was ready to report back to duty. She was thankful she had the new midwives to help her out, too - even if they, along with her, accurately predicted the Great Lion's least watchful time of their arrival. Still, she loved her children every bit, and being slaves just made her wish to watch over them more often.
She exhaled a large, tired, yet proud sigh. She and Uchanjaa had done well, and she was confident that they would raise their children to be as healthy and strong as they were when they first came out into the world.
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Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 12:57 pm
 The pride was settling down again. Important positions were no longer standing open. Nkosazana felt a tingle in her paws every time she thought about it. Against all odds, she had added Rogue Guard to her list of duties. True it meant going out and lowering herself to hunt for the nurse priestess and joining rogue. On the upside, she worked closely with the shaman and nurse priestesses during that time. When there wasn't any rogues joining, she preformed her normal guard duties. Then as if things couldn't get any better, they did! Her brother and his mate had finally had their first litter of cubs. Nko felt slightly bad that the cubs were born to the lowest class. She would wait to see how Kibe felt about it.
The rusty colored lioness approached her brother and sister-in-law's den. Nor did she come empty mouthed. Hanging limply from her jaws was large, young antelope. It's legs occasionally got in her way, but she dealt with it easily. As the den came into sight, Nko gave a loud, albeit muffled, call.
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Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 6:23 am
Because she was weary and not in complete awareness from her fatigue, Kibetinyota took a while to register the fact that her sister-in-law was at the font of their den. And with a surprise!
Her mouth opened at a loss for words - she was grateful and rather flattered, yet embarrassed that Nkosazana would do such a thing. Sure, the other lioness had been assigned the task of helping her and the shaman out during their duties, which was actually a good thing to Kibetinyota because she had more likable company when she waited around for the rogues. Still, it did seem a little odd that her sister-in-law would be the one to give Kibetinyota sustenance during those long periods of time, but at least she got to see her close friend more often.
And now Nkosazana was doing it again, off-duty!
"Will work ever stop for you?" jested Kibetinyota amused, letting a small dip of her head indicate a grateful bow, "You are the best, Nkosazana. It is... a large gift! And I am afraid I can do no better."
She smiled, gesturing with a paw for the brown lioness to lay the carcass to her side, asking, "Do you want to see them? They're sleeping now, but I know you won't disturb. A couple of them have some parts of you... Our first, Halili, has the very same mark on her chest!"
Kibetinyota beamed at Nkosazana, quite delighted and proud, and wanting to have her sister-in-law feel like she was very much a part of their family.
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Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 11:06 pm
The lioness had to grin at Kibe's reaction. She was pleased with herself that she'd thought to catch it. It was also remembering how weary she'd been. Nko gave a happy purr and laid down the antelope in easy reach.
She laughed, "aye, right on the border where I left it. Think nothing of it. Happened to see it on the way back." Her eye fixed sternly upon her sister-in-law. "And you'll do no such thing! Take care of my brother and your cubs." She nodded emphatically, then an idea struck her. "You know, I could mention to my girls how you would appreciate something now and then." Officially adults and excellent huntresses all three.
Nko let her body flop so she could easily see Kibe. Her head tilted as she considered the offer. "I don't mind waiting until they are awake. That way I can bring them something to play with." She gave a wide grin hearing one had her chest mark. "How wonderful! You must be so proud!" Nko gave a happy purr as she kept one eye on Kibe to see how she reacted. If she wasn't put off that her lovely cubs had been born to the slave class, then she was a better mother than Nko.
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Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 5:47 am
Kibetinyota laughed, appreciative of Nko's insistent behavior. She thanked the Great Lion she had one of the most thoughtful yet hardworking lioness for a friend. It was a pity she could not make it up to Nko in this state, but she reminded herself that she would once her children were grown up and able to take care of themselves.
She flushed a little at Nko's suggestion, shaking her head with an embarrassed frown, "You'll do no such thing!"
Kibetinyota already owed all the stars in the sky for Nkosazana's gift and presence. Any more favors would surely ruin her.
"Uchanjaa has been keeping us well."
That, and the fact that Kibetinyota was a little ashamed that she had not taken much time out of her duties to get to know Nkosazana's children a little better. Their lack of a father was also a small concern, though Kibetinyota was not one to judge Nko's personal choice of gallivanting outside of their pride with a male. As long as her sister-in-law was happy, she was, as well.
"I'm sure your daughters have much better things to do than to watch their aunt eat their food, Nkosazana!" she added with a definite nod, returning to a smile afterwards.
"Anyways... They would probably like that," she responded to Nko wanting to wait until her cubs woke up, "I can imagine the look on their faces when they see their aunt. Do you think they'll think you're poor little Uchanjaa, with the similarities? Their father who turned into a girl... Hah! Oh, Nkosazana, my heart rings with joy whenever I hear a peep from them or when I see their eyes open to watch me. Was it all this exciting when you had yours?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 2:28 pm
Nko gave a soft chuckle at Kibe's reaction. "Alright, if you insist. Though if you really do need anything don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure they would be happy to help." It was easier now, to say she was proud of her huntresses. They were fine lionesses. The rusty female stretched herself out bonelessly. Spending time with her sister-in-law also gave her a chance to slow down and unwind.
She nodded pleased to hear her brother was doing his job. They really did make a nice couple. Nko laughed softly. "You under estimate yourself Kibe. You're excellent company and they shouldn't be shy to come and talk." She shifted her hindquarters slightly to dislodge a rock from under her hip.
All cubs loved to play. Nko would need to find a suitable toy or two to bring next time. Perhaps Jiang would help find something. She laughed, albeit softly to avoid waking the cubs, when Kibe suggested she might be mistaken for her brother.
"I don't know. It's a possibility, but I'm no where near as hairy as he is." Her eyes twinkled playfully. Uchanjaa would be horrified to learn his cub had thought he'd turned female. She gave Kibe an understanding smile. "They were adorable so young, and when they cuddled up to me I didn't want to move for fear of waking them." She gave a wink. "Don't worry moving won't wake them up." Nko skirted the question. She wasn't sure how to answer since she'd been more concerned with their rank.
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Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 12:03 am
"Ah, well, you've convinced me," she replied in a chuckle, "Maybe when they're old enough, I'll bring these five to see their older cousins. And when they get older, they could maybe even join the three's hunting groups, if the head hunter allows."
Of course, there was the subtle implication of the litter's status and not being able to obtain a profession when they were older, yet Kibetinyota strayed from actually outright saying it. It wasn't out of embarrassment, but she was rather unused to working with slaves, and so there was no need to discuss it. She remembered a while ago, she was unsure of what she thought of them - whether or not to worry that the Great Lion viewed them less. But despite the roles her children would grow into, she loved every part of them.
She laughed again when Nko described Uchanjaa's hairiness. It was one of the things she actually loved about him! His fluffiness made him quite comfortable with to lay.
Perhaps it was Nko's demureness about it, or Kibetinyota's complete focus for the joy she had in her cubs, but she felt no hesitance or anything missing from Nko's words and curiosity of her cubs. She really did feel complete here, with Uchanjaa, her cubs, and now Nko. The feeling of unity overwhelmed Kibetinyota that she found herself thinking quite a lot of blissfully happy thoughts!
"Ahh, I hope mother and father are looking down, as happy as I am, from wherever they are."
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Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 1:05 am
She smiled at her sister-in-law. "I'm sure they would love to see them." Nko nodded, perhaps if they didn't stray too far from the pride the two families could go out for some small hunting trips. All of the adults should be able to provide enough protection for those without. "I think we should do more family things when your litter is older."
Nko had to giggle with Kibe. Her laugh was very infectious. It was nice to have things to laugh about.
She nodded solemnly. For a moment, she was almost sad she couldn't remember her parents. Perhaps some day, she would gather the courage to ask her brother.
"Yes that would be nice. They must be so proud of you both. I'm sure they will get many laughs from watching your bundles of fuzz grow."
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Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 1:02 am
"Yes! Go out as a family! A splendid idea," she chimed after Nko; ah, having a family really did bring greater opportunities.
It was a wonder why she and Uchanjaa hadn't thought of having children sooner. Sure, Kibetinyota had a job, and she supposed the disappearance caused her to have more time for this, though temporarily... It was strange that such a tragic event gave rise to her availability for this. Still, she needn't think of things in such ways.
"Oh!" she said suddenly, hearing a voice from the back of her den.
When she turned, she heard more mewling and a call from Uchanjaa broke the less incoherent sounds.
"They're up now," Kibetinyota confirmed, raising from her spot, "Just in time to see you! Come with me! Even Uchanjaa, in all his silence, might be relieved to have some other adult to talk to - all he's been hearing are our cubs."
She walked to the back enthusiastically, turning back once just to make sure Nko would follow. She was so excited for her sister-in-law - it was almost like she was seeing them for the first time... again!
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Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 1:39 am
Nko was pleased her sister-in-law liked the idea. A good time could be had by all. She would remind herself to check when her children were free next. Her head turned as Kibe exclaimed. What....? then she heard the noise that had attracted the other lioness' attention. The sound of wakeful cubs.
She grinned. "Indeed they are. And all wired from their nap I bet." A chuckle escaped her as she thought of her brother at the mercy of cubs. Kibe called, and she rose to her feet to follow. "I suppose I can help keep Uchanjaa sane." An amused purred rumbled in her throat. Nko followed Kibe into the den sure it was going to be a lively night.
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