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 Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 9:39 pm
His time in the unclaimed lands was over. It was time to get to work.
Thrain took one final glance behind him, looking towards the direction of his camp. He had opted to leave everyone behind for the moment, lest it arouse unneeded suspicion on the nature of that Tianxian visit. Turning back to look towards the enormous rock formation ahead, he swallowed hard. What would his mother think of him now, his brother, his sisters...his father? Would uncle Simi be proud of his accomplishments? What of Tau...king Tau, he reminded himself. Despite family relations and his mother's position as a lady of the Pridelands, he was still just a captain, who had worked his way into the position, compared to the main line of succession who held their position by birthright.
Leap by leap, the pair of lions ascended Pride Rock. A single word, 'stop', gave him pause. Not even half way up he was asked to wait as the scout went on ahead. Unsure of how formal the Pridelands was now that they had a Tianxian prince as their king.
It was early in the evening and while the moon was bright and shining, this was the most opportune time to discuss what he had been sent to do. With the pride mostly asleep, there would be less unwanted ears listening in on the discussion the king and captain were sure to have. If he had learned anything from the Tianxia, it was that no matter where you were, there was a good chance someone was listening. While the subject of Thrain's visit was not classified or critical to anything, the less ears that heard of it before the royal family had a chance to officially announce anything the better.
Of course as soon as the scout was done, word would surely spread quickly about a visitor from the far north coming.
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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 10:13 pm
Tau had been waiting for this moment for a few weeks now. He knew that the travel time would be long, especially if his father had been able to send a decent number of trainers with their lead. Still, not knowing exactly when they were to arrive made it hard to plan for their arrival.
Especially because some of the seers had been making a ruckus about unknown visitors. Hopefully the arrival of the Tianxian group wouldn't alarm anyone.
A scout had arrived to tell him that the leader was here. With a twist in his stomach, he nodded to the scout. "Show him in." Tau prepared himself as best he could, waiting calmly in the traditional Pridelander way; no showy furs, no jewels...nothing to reflect his Tianxian ancestry.
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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 10:22 pm
The word was given and Thrain continued the rest of the ascent to come to the chamber where the scout then left him. This was all...so different. He had spent years in the Tianxia, used to overly formal meeting and a rigid social structure. To be home, in a place that the royal family meant...well, it seemed to not mean as much, where the royals mingled daily with the rest of the pride. it was a strange sensation to be back.
Entering the mouth of the room that housed the king, Thrain was slightly taken aback by the age of the monarch. He had known that on of emperor Hanjari's own children had become king thanks to information he had gotten before leaving, but it was still a bit of a surprise to see him sitting there. Despite the simpler manner of appearances, he was still very much a regal king of the Pridelands and prince of the Tianxia. Managing to keep himself composed through when he first entered the room until he stood one two yards away from him, Thrain dropped into a bow.
"Your majesty, your father sends his greetings and hopes you are well."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 9:02 pm
"Ah..."
For some reason, Tau hadn't really expected any mention of his own father in that way. He should have, but being away for so long made him feel disjointed from what he considered his old homelands. Being in the Pridelands for so long left him feeling like this was more home than Tianxia, but memories always made the past seem sweet.
He recovered himself, offering a nod of thanks. "I am glad to hear that. I am well enough, though I believe we may have some dark clouds on the horizon. Moreso than I realized before I sent word to Tianxia for some help."
Tau cleared his throat before continuing. "Did you and your group travel well? It has been a long time since I traveled between the prides myself, and I may not remember it correctly."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 9:45 pm
"The way was hard, any pathway here had been overgrown so there were moments where we lost our way, but..." Thrain's voice wavered but for a moment as he considered if he could continue as he had already said too much. The king did ask though, so a report was in order. "We made it here without injury any injury to report. We're ready to begin training exercises whenever you're ready."
Though the seemingly off-handed comment of dark clouds left a worried look on the captain's face and in his voice. "Sire, if I may...What did you mean by 'dark clouds on the horizon'? Is there something amiss here?" This place was his home too and hearing that there might be something wrong was worrisome for Thrain.
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 9:51 pm
"I'm glad you all made it safe and sound. As for my comment...well." Tau sighed, clearly looking conflicted.
"I'm sure you know that there are many seers within the Pridelands. Some have made some unsettling comments, while others have said good things. Its been very divided, but consistent. I'm not sure how to approach, other than be prepared. So I am thankful that you and your team are here."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 9:58 pm
There was hesitation in the king's words, which did not bode well for what he was going to say. As each word fell from his mouth, Thrain nodded in kind. He had been correct about that.
"If it will calm your nerves, I could check around the borders, see if I find anything worth reporting back. While I'm sure your scouts are quite capable, a new set of eyes would likely prove to be valuable. We have birds as well, which can scout further than I can." The captain's posture straightened as he spoke, much more befitting his station. "However we may lend aid, we will. Your father sent us here to train soldiers for you, but the Pridelands is my birthplace. I cannot turn a blind eye if she is in distress."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:10 pm
"I still seek to train. I just worry...numbers have never been an issue with the Pridelands, but there are so few that have any skill. I would rather have many trained with few risks of death or injury, than many novices hurt themselves needlessly."
Tau sighed, shaking his head. "I bring an unwanted change with my reign, but I can't shake the vulnerability that exists here. There is little of that in Tianxia, with the North as an arm of strength. I believe that's needed here, which is why I called for help. If my father trusts that you are the one to do so, then I with put my faith in him, and in you," he said with a kind smile.
"Anyway, any work can wait until tomorrow. Rest. Has your group had anything to eat yet? I'm certain that there are some hunters that are ready to go out, if you need anything."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:17 pm
He listened and nodded. There was a reason the lion standing in front of him had become king and that was plain to see. He planned for the future and saw a vulnerability that others did not see as plainly.
"We have not, sire. They still rest near the borders of the Pridelands, waiting for my word for them to enter. We did not want to bring unneeded attention before I had my chance to speak with you first. I'm sure they will appreciate the food and rest." Thrain dipped his head. "I'll begin assessing those who are willing to fight tomorrow. As you mentioned, a few well-trained as worth more than a mass with nothing more than their courage to guide them. However brave they may be, skill can help prevent recklessness." He could only wonder how many in the Pridelands actually knew how to fight. Hunting was one thing all Pridelanders knew how to do, but fighting...that was something even he had to learn.
Ah, maybe Mahea could help him. His sister had always been good at spotting flaws and health issues within others. Maybe her expertise could be of use...That was certainly something to ponder on.
"If you have no further need of me, sire, I'll head back to my party and bring them inside the pride."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:21 pm
"Yes. Please enter. You may need to have them sleep in the open for tonight, but I'm certain that we can find some decent cover or a cave or two for your group to sleep in starting tomorrow. I'll have a head hunter come your way with some food." Well, with more details to work out in the morning, but Tau had a dependable amount of lions to help run the logistics.
"I will see you tomorrow then, Thrain." Tau said with a bit of a smirk, since the other didn't necessarily introduce himself...but then again, neither did Tau. He didn't feel like it was a requirement, with so much work to get done.
"Rest well."
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