Post by Shomoro on May 26, 2008 0:07:17 GMT -5
Mizuka: Makes Heads Explode!
Involved:
Mizuka, Kivuli King
Ndalia, Lady of Jinjin'tau and new Kivuli Queen
Kisehemu, Kivuli Knight
Kisasi, Kivuli Knight
Lutalo, Kivuli Guard
Sammar, Jinjin'tau Royal Bodyguard
Anwuli, Jinjin'tau Huntress
Kivuli - Cliff
What a day for a coronation! The birds are chirping, there is a lovely breeze in the area and for once the rain has stopped, which is the first time this week. Still water is found upon the outcroping in the forms of puddles as it drips of the rock face itself. There are some of the pride already here and Lutalo is making her way up the path towards the cave. The large feline glances one way then another while a smirk crosses her maw as she hears some murmurings about what is to happen today. "Everyone hush up.. You all /knew/ it would happen sooner or later." Two huntress lioness peer over at Lu and quickly hush up while the guard settles back to her haunches, tail lashing as her bright gaze narrows slightly. She is not thrilled about this arragment but knows that if Kivuli wants to go on as a pride that it will have to happen at some point.
Indeed, it will have to happen at some point...and that point is today. This is nothing like the last coronation that happened on Kivuli's cliff; this time Mizuka is king, and he is alone. Well, maybe not /alone/; he has Lutalo and Kisehemu, family and...friend of family. But during his coronation, his siblings had been there. And Khamisa is still too weak to leave the royal cavern, though she may be watching from the entrance if she's feeling well enough, and Atreyu...who knows where he's gotten off to? The red-maned king is lying on his stomach a little ways into the pridal cave--not out of sight, which is strange. Then again, everything that's been going on lately has been strange. Kisehemu is beside him, and the knight peers out into open air, watching with impassive eyes as the others of the pride gather. His tail is moving, the only betrayal of whatever he may be thinking, but Mizuka's ears are cocked flat and his head is lowered a bit. And to think he'd been so worried about not having a queenwhen he took the throne! Now that he's got one, the idea seems to stress him out.
Sitting off to the side, mostly staying out of view was Ndalia. She had always imagined that if she was to be someone's queen one day, that it would be a happy occasion. But, here she was, far away from those she loved, in a land where she knew she wasn't really wanted, about to be Mizuka's queen and she felt anything but happy. At least she was thankful that the rain had finally moved on and it was a beautiful day. Stealing a glance toward her soon-to-be mate, she sighs softly. What was done, was done. However, here was one thing to be thankful for... Sammar was no where to be seen.
Well Sammar is not around his sister is. Anwuli is settled a few feet from Ndalia, forepaw lifted as she grooms over it to try and get herself somewhat dry and mud free. Well its /hard/ to stay clean when this place is always wet and muddy you know. Her ears twitch forward and she peers over at Ndalia at the side, maw twitching she lowers her paw and leans her head down to nose at her pridemate, a faint smile offered to show she really isn't alone here.
Better wet and muddy than so dry, in Mizuka's opinion. They can drink freely now, and the herds have been returning in droves. Maybe it's a good omen. Oh, he has absolutely nothing against Ndalia herself, but it's becoming more and more clear that the Kivuli monarch has little interest in a queen in general. Hadn't he openly admitted as much to Sammar? He rises to his feet, at last, and his brow is drawn as he scans over the area. There's Anwuli, and Enzaudhi off a little ways by herself, looking about as uncomfortable as he feels. He doesn't see Sammar anywhere, even among the other lions and lionesses scattered about--much fewer than there were at his coronation. The dry season /did/ take its toll, no doubt. At least it's over now. He glances sidelong at Ndalia; she can't be too happy about this arrangement either. Well, it could be worse. Geographically, Kivuli is lush during the rainy season, and she does have her retainers. Stepping out onto the cliff, he finally sends out a rough, short roar to draw everyone's attention to him.
Lutalo ears perk as she looks over towards Ndalia and the lioness near her, so that must be the new queen. A snort escapes the guard as some thoughts cross her mind. Its most likely a good thing she has not met this feline until now. Her ears lower as her cousin goes about roaring, her tail lashes a few times before it curls around a hindpaw and she snuffles a bit at the passing breeze. After the roar others move about, one is another lion, Kisasi whom slowly makes his way up the path from the forest. The knight is a bit tired from the looks of things, his not as young as he use to be after all and he had forgotten just how big Kivuli is so was a good distance out in the land before he remembered what was going on tonight. Once here he settles down panting a few moments before giving himself a shake to get his mane back in order.
Glancing over at Anwuli's nosing, Ndalia offers a half-hearted smile in response to hers. At least she has someone here for her. Leaning over to survey the crowd, she could make out a few of those who came with her on this trek. The least her sister could have done was to show up... after sneaking in the way she did. Returning to her sitting position, she doesn't notice Lutalo's actions... but then again, it was probably a good thing, giving her feelings.
Anwuli ears perk as she watches Ndalia a few moments, wondering what she must be thinking. Specially after she and her brother have talked some dealing with all this. Oh well.. Her gaze goes towards the king at the roar and her maw twitches while she takes in a slight breath wondering what all is going to happen when this thing gets started.
There are occasions when it feels like Mizuka has been ruling for forever and a day; Kiet's death and his subsequent assumption of leadership seems very, very distant by now. Things were different back then. Khamisa had arranged most of his own ceremony for him, because otherwise it would have consisted of a few short words and been an altogether joyless occasion. It still wasn't exactly /happy/, with their father's passing hanging over them, but it was...nice. For all his formality, however, Mizuka is not big on ceremonies. And so the king simply waits, as impassive as Kisehemu behind him, as the murmurs fade and a hush descends over the little gathering instead. "Kivuli." His voice is quiet, but it carries, and it's firm--steel wrapped in velvet. He's not loud, but he doesn't need to be. "...And Jinin'tau. When I took the throne after my father's death, it was a grim occasion. Those of you who weren't there may know nothing of it, but he fell to sickness--perhaps a plague, perhaps some other sort of disease that grew out of control and stole his life before our healer could return and cure him. This is a much more joyous occasion. Our lands have survived the drought, and look!" He jerks his chin as if to indicate the whole wide, mountainous expanse of Kivuli that stretches out in front of him. "The rains have come again, and the lands are green and our river swollen with water. And now, we have additions to our pride, as well." He's not much for ceremony, but he can spin a good speech when he needs to. "They have been here for the past few weeks, but the time has come to merge our numbers officially--the contingent from Jinjin'tau will become a part of Kivuli, and Ndalia, the daughter of our allies' king, will become my queen." There's perhaps just a slight hitch when he gets to that last part, but he quells it. This is a joyous occasion, not an 'I'm separating Sammar and Ndalia so I can have an heir and all three of us feel crappy about it' occasion. /Joyous/.
Lutalo watches her cousin quietly as he goes about talking, she wasn't one for speeches herself but she will at least give the one talking her full attention, to a degree at least. Her maw twitches, ears twitching back as she listions to the talk of the Jinjin'tau joining the pride, well it could be worse she supposes. Kisasi clears his throat and sits quietly, other then his tail twitching a bit nervous like. His just glad that he doesn't have to do any talking, listions is SO much better. The knight looks over to the other pride, many his not met to any degree other then in passing so other then rumors he knows little about them. Though now he suppose that will have to change.
Ndalia was about to ask Anwuli where Sammar was when Mizuka begins his speech and she turns her attention completely to him. While, indeed, she was as unhappy about this situation as the king was, she would do her duty and stand by him and his pride... well, now -their- pride she would suppose. No longer was she a Jinin'tau... she, and those chosen or who chose to follow her, were now Kivulians. Listening to his words and learning of how he became the king saddened her... Perhaps her being here now can make it a little less stressful for him.
Anwuli mms faintly as she watches the King, and lisitons to the speech. Blahblahblah.. Well that's how she feels about speeches, all of them not just this one. Sitting around to long tends to make her antsy to start with so this isn't helping metter. She does wish Sammar was here, at least that would help keep her still for some degree of time.
"With this...union," Mizuka is choosing his words carefully, now that he's gotten to the important part, "we hope to cement the good relations that Kivuli and Jinjin'tau have enjoyed up until now." Here he hesitates, looking over at Ndalia--perhaps about to ask if she has anything to say. But after a minute his expression flickers, and he turns his head back to the crowd, his ears flattening. Backing up, suddenly, he leans to murmur something to Kisehemu--it's quiet, but those who are close enough, such as Ndalia and Lutalo, might well hear it. "...Have you seen Sammar?" No, it /doesn't/ look like the guard is here, but maybe he's off lurking where the king won't spot him as easily. Bewildered, Kisehemu shakes his head, and the king grimaces. When he speaks again, his voice /has/ raised. It's no less firm than before, but there's something tense in it that wasn't present just a few moments ago. "Make no mistake, this is a /political/ union. I don't think any of us believe that it's not, least of allthose who are closely involved in it. Ndalia will make a fine queen, and I hope that our prides will become one in more than just name, but our hearts do not belong to one another. And it is only through acknowledging that, and not pretending otherwise, that we will be able to make this work." His gaze, now, is rather stern as he regards his subjects and Ndalia's. "There are some who might object to a loveless arrangement, but I am not cruel. We will both have our duties as Kivuli's rulers, but I do not intend for them to impinge on our personal happiness, whatever may be necessary to achieve it." That stern gaze flashes to the lioness in question; it softens a little, and he nods, just slightly. There. It's out in the open. This isn't what was expected out of him, but it's too late to take anything back now. "Do you have anything to add, lady Ndalia?"
Lutalo lifts a brow as her gaze glances to her cousin then the ones around here.. Sammar? As if she knows what he looks like to start with. She shakes her head a moment before glancing back to Mizuka with a tilt of her head as he goes on talking. Well.. there was a first, she did not expect all that to come out during this, which is NORMALLY a happy time, though the last few in these lands have not been the best. She takes in a slight breath and then turns her gaze to Ndalia waiting to hear what she might have to add to the conversation that is going so /swell/. Kisasi glances over the ones here, making a mental picture of who is and who isn't here. He half wonders where Camarth has gotten himself too, they haven't bumped into one another since his been back in the lands, perhaps there is a good reason for that. A glance is turned to his nephew, maw twitching and he blinks.. So the rumors were true, interesting..
Ndalia blinks a few times, in truth surprised by this... news. This was not something she had expected at all. Rising up to her paws, she takes the few steps needed to show herself to what little crowd was there. What could she say really.... that she hopes she won't be as much of a burden as she feels? Her voice was soft and musical as always as she speaks, "I think you said it all, really..." She was basically thrown for a loop.
Anwuli glances to Nadlia slightly as she stands and then speaks, or not really speak actually. She clears her throat and her eyes lid slightly while she wishes the girl would have a bit more tack. Though.. she isn't about to say anything to voice her thoughts, she does have manners after all.
"Then, if you have nothing to say, I name you queen of Kivuli. And from now on, our prides are one." And...that's all, really. Though, judging from some of the murmurs he hears, Ndalia isn't the /only/ one who's been thrown for a loop. Mizuka gives the crowd a rather sharp look and doesn't say anything else until the noises die down. Then he opens his mouth and gives another roar, this time to close his speech and signal the end of the ceremony--as unexpected as the end of it turned out to be. He turns to Ndalia, then, close enough to murmur, "Roar if you wish. I don't know what your traditions when a new leader is crowned in Jinjin'tau." And /then/: "Sammar cares for you quite a bit, you know. You're all he talks about sometimes." Which would imply that the two of them have been talking, and presumably /without/ any negativity. Curious.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Mizuka roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Kisehemu roars.
Lutalo watches Nadlia and waits for some great speech about why she might you know what to been here or something. Though.. As nothing comes the guard smirks thinly. "Is that all you have to say after everything my cousin just /said/?" Snorting she looks away. "The nerve.." She grumbles out madly, a ear twitching as the others roar and she just refuses to do so thinking this is the start to a very unfit Queenish it seems. Kisasi eyes Lutalo faintly and shakes his head at the lioness speaks her mind. A sigh escapes him while he stands following after the others and adds in a roar himself to the mix.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Kisasi roars.
Turning to stare at Mizuka as he murmurs to her, Ndalia is quiet for a moment, saying truthfully, "I don't really know what traditions we had back home...", somehow she just doesn't feel much like roaring. Whether or not she hears the grumblings of Lutalo goes unsaid, the new queen has never given much thought about what others had thought of her, whether or not they were family. Her eyes widen as the mention of Sammar, nodding her head slowly, "Yes, I know he does..." She wants to say more, but just sighs again and looks over at Anwuli, wondering if she was disappointed in her.
Anwuli peers over at Lutalo after her comments, a snort escapes her but she chooses to ignore the older lioness. She looks back to Ndalia and offers a slight smile and nods to her to show that it is alright. While she isn't thrilled she isn't per say disappointed with her either.
Although he hadn't been -visible-, Sammar hasn't abandoned his pride: he's been watching from the brush-- sulking, really. Sulking but wanting to see what's going on. Mizuka's assurance, to his whole pride no less, that this -isn't- a love match is-- quite surprising, and he's gratified. As to Ndalia-- it's painful that the first time he's seen her in ages, she's so far away. Then, he -could- have been closer. But chose not to be. Mizuka seemed to have done most of the talking, whichi s... disappointing. Sammar had been hoping for more from his queen: still, perhaps she's overwhelmed? Still: to have the pride-- -his- pride, for the time it'd taken them to get to the Kivuli anyway, become... nothing, just part of another, is... Someone more emotional would sad -sad-. Sammar, if asked, would say angry, just because it's sometihng he's more familiar with. He -should- be closer. To this end, he gets to his paws, straightening, wending his way into sight and closer.
"Do you return his feelings?" It's an odd question for the king to ask--he usually doesn't seem overly concerned with them, after all. Then again, perhaps that's only in public. "...If you do, I've already made it clear to him that I have no objections if the two of you would be happy together." It's odd and /blunt/; Mizuka seems far more relaxed having this (rather one-sided) discussion that one would expect. "Your first litter will be mine, so that we may have an heir." It pains him to speak of /that/ so bluntly, from the way he grimaces. "That is my only stipulation." Kisehemu nudges him, then; he's seen the maneless lion approaching, and alerts his king. Mizuka follows his gaze at once, but doesn't say anything right away, waiting for Sammar to get closer.
Lutalo peers at Ndalia a few moments before snorting, she looks to her cousin as he goes about talking once more and clears her throat slightly. "My my.." She murmurs to herself, this is a first in the land of Kivuli that's for sure. Kisasi just eyes the new king and queen pair, his maw opens slightly as if he wants to say something but can't find the words. He glances over to the sound of another coming and humms to himself betting this is the Sammar they are speaking of.
The look on Ndalia's face at the very odd question was one of utter surprise... she knew allowing Sammar to accompany her on this mission was wrong and this just proves it. Her voice is calm and soft, even though inside she is anything but, "Whether I do or not return his feelings does not matter. I was and still am fully prepared to be your mate in every way that the name implies..." Fearing her voice would begin to tremble, she pauses for a moment, then lowers her sound so no else could hear, "I don't know what Sammar said to you, but he was completely out of line for it." Glancing over as Mizuka doesto see Sammar heading towards them, she makes her decision, "I need some time alone. to think. I take it we're done here, if you will excuse me." And without another word, the new queen turns and heads off. As she passes by Sammar, she glares at him before continuing on.
Anwuli is very taken back by what Mizuka just says, she eyes him faintly a few moments while her ears lower slightly. Well that was something that she and her brother never talked much about. A snort escapes her while she glances off intime to catches sight of her brother.. Of course he comes in /right/ now. He has such bad timing..
Ndalia has disconnected.
Terrible timing! Sammar's aware as he comes closer that he's being -looked- at, and his ears tip back. "Congratulations--" he begins, looking at Ndalia, hopeful-- but she brushes past him without a word, glaring, and-- oh -dear-. His whole body shifts, slumps-- what? Is she upset that he wasn't there? "What--" he starts, but she's already gone, and now, of course, he can hardly go after her-- he's smart enough to realize that to do so would be quite foolish, but now he's stuck heading towards agroup of cats he-- well. Pulling himself up again, he repeats: "Congratulations," gruff.
A soft snort follows the new queen's rather terse departure, and he's turning to head back into the cavern practically before Sammar's come close enough to address him. It's difficult to tell what he's thinking, but whatever's on his mind, his ears are cocked back. "Thank you." To the maneless lion's words, little more than a grunt, and then he's heading inside with the still rather bemused Kisehemu in tow. The older lion bites his tongue, however; if he's got something to say it can wait until their audience has dispersed.
Lutalo lifts a brow at the side of the new queen leaving and she growls faintly. "Mizuka.. She isn't worthy of you." She states with a thin tone. Does she care if the other's hear her? NOT at all. A glance is offered to Sammar now. "You brought /her/ here? Should have kept miss prissy back home. Looks like she missed her nap time." Leave it to Lu to really cause a problem. Kisasi eyes Lutalo and shakes his head before sighing. "This is the time OR place Lutalo." As if she would listion to him..
Anwuli watches Ndalia leave and eyes her brother a few moments. "Great timing.. as always.." She says with a shake of her head. Hearing Lutalo she eyes the older lioness madly but still says nothing to her.
Well, whatever the problem is, the king's irritated with him too. Oh, -lovely-. Sammar scowls after him, shoots a swift, fierce glare at Lutalo. "I've no idea what the problem is, but I'm sure -you'd- be a little upset too if -your- pride just got nixed," he growls: no, he's not much of a diplomat. Stalks off, then, moving to bump shoulders with Anwuli as he does.
Involved:
Mizuka, Kivuli King
Ndalia, Lady of Jinjin'tau and new Kivuli Queen
Kisehemu, Kivuli Knight
Kisasi, Kivuli Knight
Lutalo, Kivuli Guard
Sammar, Jinjin'tau Royal Bodyguard
Anwuli, Jinjin'tau Huntress
Kivuli - Cliff
What a day for a coronation! The birds are chirping, there is a lovely breeze in the area and for once the rain has stopped, which is the first time this week. Still water is found upon the outcroping in the forms of puddles as it drips of the rock face itself. There are some of the pride already here and Lutalo is making her way up the path towards the cave. The large feline glances one way then another while a smirk crosses her maw as she hears some murmurings about what is to happen today. "Everyone hush up.. You all /knew/ it would happen sooner or later." Two huntress lioness peer over at Lu and quickly hush up while the guard settles back to her haunches, tail lashing as her bright gaze narrows slightly. She is not thrilled about this arragment but knows that if Kivuli wants to go on as a pride that it will have to happen at some point.
Indeed, it will have to happen at some point...and that point is today. This is nothing like the last coronation that happened on Kivuli's cliff; this time Mizuka is king, and he is alone. Well, maybe not /alone/; he has Lutalo and Kisehemu, family and...friend of family. But during his coronation, his siblings had been there. And Khamisa is still too weak to leave the royal cavern, though she may be watching from the entrance if she's feeling well enough, and Atreyu...who knows where he's gotten off to? The red-maned king is lying on his stomach a little ways into the pridal cave--not out of sight, which is strange. Then again, everything that's been going on lately has been strange. Kisehemu is beside him, and the knight peers out into open air, watching with impassive eyes as the others of the pride gather. His tail is moving, the only betrayal of whatever he may be thinking, but Mizuka's ears are cocked flat and his head is lowered a bit. And to think he'd been so worried about not having a queenwhen he took the throne! Now that he's got one, the idea seems to stress him out.
Sitting off to the side, mostly staying out of view was Ndalia. She had always imagined that if she was to be someone's queen one day, that it would be a happy occasion. But, here she was, far away from those she loved, in a land where she knew she wasn't really wanted, about to be Mizuka's queen and she felt anything but happy. At least she was thankful that the rain had finally moved on and it was a beautiful day. Stealing a glance toward her soon-to-be mate, she sighs softly. What was done, was done. However, here was one thing to be thankful for... Sammar was no where to be seen.
Well Sammar is not around his sister is. Anwuli is settled a few feet from Ndalia, forepaw lifted as she grooms over it to try and get herself somewhat dry and mud free. Well its /hard/ to stay clean when this place is always wet and muddy you know. Her ears twitch forward and she peers over at Ndalia at the side, maw twitching she lowers her paw and leans her head down to nose at her pridemate, a faint smile offered to show she really isn't alone here.
Better wet and muddy than so dry, in Mizuka's opinion. They can drink freely now, and the herds have been returning in droves. Maybe it's a good omen. Oh, he has absolutely nothing against Ndalia herself, but it's becoming more and more clear that the Kivuli monarch has little interest in a queen in general. Hadn't he openly admitted as much to Sammar? He rises to his feet, at last, and his brow is drawn as he scans over the area. There's Anwuli, and Enzaudhi off a little ways by herself, looking about as uncomfortable as he feels. He doesn't see Sammar anywhere, even among the other lions and lionesses scattered about--much fewer than there were at his coronation. The dry season /did/ take its toll, no doubt. At least it's over now. He glances sidelong at Ndalia; she can't be too happy about this arrangement either. Well, it could be worse. Geographically, Kivuli is lush during the rainy season, and she does have her retainers. Stepping out onto the cliff, he finally sends out a rough, short roar to draw everyone's attention to him.
Lutalo ears perk as she looks over towards Ndalia and the lioness near her, so that must be the new queen. A snort escapes the guard as some thoughts cross her mind. Its most likely a good thing she has not met this feline until now. Her ears lower as her cousin goes about roaring, her tail lashes a few times before it curls around a hindpaw and she snuffles a bit at the passing breeze. After the roar others move about, one is another lion, Kisasi whom slowly makes his way up the path from the forest. The knight is a bit tired from the looks of things, his not as young as he use to be after all and he had forgotten just how big Kivuli is so was a good distance out in the land before he remembered what was going on tonight. Once here he settles down panting a few moments before giving himself a shake to get his mane back in order.
Glancing over at Anwuli's nosing, Ndalia offers a half-hearted smile in response to hers. At least she has someone here for her. Leaning over to survey the crowd, she could make out a few of those who came with her on this trek. The least her sister could have done was to show up... after sneaking in the way she did. Returning to her sitting position, she doesn't notice Lutalo's actions... but then again, it was probably a good thing, giving her feelings.
Anwuli ears perk as she watches Ndalia a few moments, wondering what she must be thinking. Specially after she and her brother have talked some dealing with all this. Oh well.. Her gaze goes towards the king at the roar and her maw twitches while she takes in a slight breath wondering what all is going to happen when this thing gets started.
There are occasions when it feels like Mizuka has been ruling for forever and a day; Kiet's death and his subsequent assumption of leadership seems very, very distant by now. Things were different back then. Khamisa had arranged most of his own ceremony for him, because otherwise it would have consisted of a few short words and been an altogether joyless occasion. It still wasn't exactly /happy/, with their father's passing hanging over them, but it was...nice. For all his formality, however, Mizuka is not big on ceremonies. And so the king simply waits, as impassive as Kisehemu behind him, as the murmurs fade and a hush descends over the little gathering instead. "Kivuli." His voice is quiet, but it carries, and it's firm--steel wrapped in velvet. He's not loud, but he doesn't need to be. "...And Jinin'tau. When I took the throne after my father's death, it was a grim occasion. Those of you who weren't there may know nothing of it, but he fell to sickness--perhaps a plague, perhaps some other sort of disease that grew out of control and stole his life before our healer could return and cure him. This is a much more joyous occasion. Our lands have survived the drought, and look!" He jerks his chin as if to indicate the whole wide, mountainous expanse of Kivuli that stretches out in front of him. "The rains have come again, and the lands are green and our river swollen with water. And now, we have additions to our pride, as well." He's not much for ceremony, but he can spin a good speech when he needs to. "They have been here for the past few weeks, but the time has come to merge our numbers officially--the contingent from Jinjin'tau will become a part of Kivuli, and Ndalia, the daughter of our allies' king, will become my queen." There's perhaps just a slight hitch when he gets to that last part, but he quells it. This is a joyous occasion, not an 'I'm separating Sammar and Ndalia so I can have an heir and all three of us feel crappy about it' occasion. /Joyous/.
Lutalo watches her cousin quietly as he goes about talking, she wasn't one for speeches herself but she will at least give the one talking her full attention, to a degree at least. Her maw twitches, ears twitching back as she listions to the talk of the Jinjin'tau joining the pride, well it could be worse she supposes. Kisasi clears his throat and sits quietly, other then his tail twitching a bit nervous like. His just glad that he doesn't have to do any talking, listions is SO much better. The knight looks over to the other pride, many his not met to any degree other then in passing so other then rumors he knows little about them. Though now he suppose that will have to change.
Ndalia was about to ask Anwuli where Sammar was when Mizuka begins his speech and she turns her attention completely to him. While, indeed, she was as unhappy about this situation as the king was, she would do her duty and stand by him and his pride... well, now -their- pride she would suppose. No longer was she a Jinin'tau... she, and those chosen or who chose to follow her, were now Kivulians. Listening to his words and learning of how he became the king saddened her... Perhaps her being here now can make it a little less stressful for him.
Anwuli mms faintly as she watches the King, and lisitons to the speech. Blahblahblah.. Well that's how she feels about speeches, all of them not just this one. Sitting around to long tends to make her antsy to start with so this isn't helping metter. She does wish Sammar was here, at least that would help keep her still for some degree of time.
"With this...union," Mizuka is choosing his words carefully, now that he's gotten to the important part, "we hope to cement the good relations that Kivuli and Jinjin'tau have enjoyed up until now." Here he hesitates, looking over at Ndalia--perhaps about to ask if she has anything to say. But after a minute his expression flickers, and he turns his head back to the crowd, his ears flattening. Backing up, suddenly, he leans to murmur something to Kisehemu--it's quiet, but those who are close enough, such as Ndalia and Lutalo, might well hear it. "...Have you seen Sammar?" No, it /doesn't/ look like the guard is here, but maybe he's off lurking where the king won't spot him as easily. Bewildered, Kisehemu shakes his head, and the king grimaces. When he speaks again, his voice /has/ raised. It's no less firm than before, but there's something tense in it that wasn't present just a few moments ago. "Make no mistake, this is a /political/ union. I don't think any of us believe that it's not, least of allthose who are closely involved in it. Ndalia will make a fine queen, and I hope that our prides will become one in more than just name, but our hearts do not belong to one another. And it is only through acknowledging that, and not pretending otherwise, that we will be able to make this work." His gaze, now, is rather stern as he regards his subjects and Ndalia's. "There are some who might object to a loveless arrangement, but I am not cruel. We will both have our duties as Kivuli's rulers, but I do not intend for them to impinge on our personal happiness, whatever may be necessary to achieve it." That stern gaze flashes to the lioness in question; it softens a little, and he nods, just slightly. There. It's out in the open. This isn't what was expected out of him, but it's too late to take anything back now. "Do you have anything to add, lady Ndalia?"
Lutalo lifts a brow as her gaze glances to her cousin then the ones around here.. Sammar? As if she knows what he looks like to start with. She shakes her head a moment before glancing back to Mizuka with a tilt of her head as he goes on talking. Well.. there was a first, she did not expect all that to come out during this, which is NORMALLY a happy time, though the last few in these lands have not been the best. She takes in a slight breath and then turns her gaze to Ndalia waiting to hear what she might have to add to the conversation that is going so /swell/. Kisasi glances over the ones here, making a mental picture of who is and who isn't here. He half wonders where Camarth has gotten himself too, they haven't bumped into one another since his been back in the lands, perhaps there is a good reason for that. A glance is turned to his nephew, maw twitching and he blinks.. So the rumors were true, interesting..
Ndalia blinks a few times, in truth surprised by this... news. This was not something she had expected at all. Rising up to her paws, she takes the few steps needed to show herself to what little crowd was there. What could she say really.... that she hopes she won't be as much of a burden as she feels? Her voice was soft and musical as always as she speaks, "I think you said it all, really..." She was basically thrown for a loop.
Anwuli glances to Nadlia slightly as she stands and then speaks, or not really speak actually. She clears her throat and her eyes lid slightly while she wishes the girl would have a bit more tack. Though.. she isn't about to say anything to voice her thoughts, she does have manners after all.
"Then, if you have nothing to say, I name you queen of Kivuli. And from now on, our prides are one." And...that's all, really. Though, judging from some of the murmurs he hears, Ndalia isn't the /only/ one who's been thrown for a loop. Mizuka gives the crowd a rather sharp look and doesn't say anything else until the noises die down. Then he opens his mouth and gives another roar, this time to close his speech and signal the end of the ceremony--as unexpected as the end of it turned out to be. He turns to Ndalia, then, close enough to murmur, "Roar if you wish. I don't know what your traditions when a new leader is crowned in Jinjin'tau." And /then/: "Sammar cares for you quite a bit, you know. You're all he talks about sometimes." Which would imply that the two of them have been talking, and presumably /without/ any negativity. Curious.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Mizuka roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Kisehemu roars.
Lutalo watches Nadlia and waits for some great speech about why she might you know what to been here or something. Though.. As nothing comes the guard smirks thinly. "Is that all you have to say after everything my cousin just /said/?" Snorting she looks away. "The nerve.." She grumbles out madly, a ear twitching as the others roar and she just refuses to do so thinking this is the start to a very unfit Queenish it seems. Kisasi eyes Lutalo faintly and shakes his head at the lioness speaks her mind. A sigh escapes him while he stands following after the others and adds in a roar himself to the mix.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Kisasi roars.
Turning to stare at Mizuka as he murmurs to her, Ndalia is quiet for a moment, saying truthfully, "I don't really know what traditions we had back home...", somehow she just doesn't feel much like roaring. Whether or not she hears the grumblings of Lutalo goes unsaid, the new queen has never given much thought about what others had thought of her, whether or not they were family. Her eyes widen as the mention of Sammar, nodding her head slowly, "Yes, I know he does..." She wants to say more, but just sighs again and looks over at Anwuli, wondering if she was disappointed in her.
Anwuli peers over at Lutalo after her comments, a snort escapes her but she chooses to ignore the older lioness. She looks back to Ndalia and offers a slight smile and nods to her to show that it is alright. While she isn't thrilled she isn't per say disappointed with her either.
Although he hadn't been -visible-, Sammar hasn't abandoned his pride: he's been watching from the brush-- sulking, really. Sulking but wanting to see what's going on. Mizuka's assurance, to his whole pride no less, that this -isn't- a love match is-- quite surprising, and he's gratified. As to Ndalia-- it's painful that the first time he's seen her in ages, she's so far away. Then, he -could- have been closer. But chose not to be. Mizuka seemed to have done most of the talking, whichi s... disappointing. Sammar had been hoping for more from his queen: still, perhaps she's overwhelmed? Still: to have the pride-- -his- pride, for the time it'd taken them to get to the Kivuli anyway, become... nothing, just part of another, is... Someone more emotional would sad -sad-. Sammar, if asked, would say angry, just because it's sometihng he's more familiar with. He -should- be closer. To this end, he gets to his paws, straightening, wending his way into sight and closer.
"Do you return his feelings?" It's an odd question for the king to ask--he usually doesn't seem overly concerned with them, after all. Then again, perhaps that's only in public. "...If you do, I've already made it clear to him that I have no objections if the two of you would be happy together." It's odd and /blunt/; Mizuka seems far more relaxed having this (rather one-sided) discussion that one would expect. "Your first litter will be mine, so that we may have an heir." It pains him to speak of /that/ so bluntly, from the way he grimaces. "That is my only stipulation." Kisehemu nudges him, then; he's seen the maneless lion approaching, and alerts his king. Mizuka follows his gaze at once, but doesn't say anything right away, waiting for Sammar to get closer.
Lutalo peers at Ndalia a few moments before snorting, she looks to her cousin as he goes about talking once more and clears her throat slightly. "My my.." She murmurs to herself, this is a first in the land of Kivuli that's for sure. Kisasi just eyes the new king and queen pair, his maw opens slightly as if he wants to say something but can't find the words. He glances over to the sound of another coming and humms to himself betting this is the Sammar they are speaking of.
The look on Ndalia's face at the very odd question was one of utter surprise... she knew allowing Sammar to accompany her on this mission was wrong and this just proves it. Her voice is calm and soft, even though inside she is anything but, "Whether I do or not return his feelings does not matter. I was and still am fully prepared to be your mate in every way that the name implies..." Fearing her voice would begin to tremble, she pauses for a moment, then lowers her sound so no else could hear, "I don't know what Sammar said to you, but he was completely out of line for it." Glancing over as Mizuka doesto see Sammar heading towards them, she makes her decision, "I need some time alone. to think. I take it we're done here, if you will excuse me." And without another word, the new queen turns and heads off. As she passes by Sammar, she glares at him before continuing on.
Anwuli is very taken back by what Mizuka just says, she eyes him faintly a few moments while her ears lower slightly. Well that was something that she and her brother never talked much about. A snort escapes her while she glances off intime to catches sight of her brother.. Of course he comes in /right/ now. He has such bad timing..
Ndalia has disconnected.
Terrible timing! Sammar's aware as he comes closer that he's being -looked- at, and his ears tip back. "Congratulations--" he begins, looking at Ndalia, hopeful-- but she brushes past him without a word, glaring, and-- oh -dear-. His whole body shifts, slumps-- what? Is she upset that he wasn't there? "What--" he starts, but she's already gone, and now, of course, he can hardly go after her-- he's smart enough to realize that to do so would be quite foolish, but now he's stuck heading towards agroup of cats he-- well. Pulling himself up again, he repeats: "Congratulations," gruff.
A soft snort follows the new queen's rather terse departure, and he's turning to head back into the cavern practically before Sammar's come close enough to address him. It's difficult to tell what he's thinking, but whatever's on his mind, his ears are cocked back. "Thank you." To the maneless lion's words, little more than a grunt, and then he's heading inside with the still rather bemused Kisehemu in tow. The older lion bites his tongue, however; if he's got something to say it can wait until their audience has dispersed.
Lutalo lifts a brow at the side of the new queen leaving and she growls faintly. "Mizuka.. She isn't worthy of you." She states with a thin tone. Does she care if the other's hear her? NOT at all. A glance is offered to Sammar now. "You brought /her/ here? Should have kept miss prissy back home. Looks like she missed her nap time." Leave it to Lu to really cause a problem. Kisasi eyes Lutalo and shakes his head before sighing. "This is the time OR place Lutalo." As if she would listion to him..
Anwuli watches Ndalia leave and eyes her brother a few moments. "Great timing.. as always.." She says with a shake of her head. Hearing Lutalo she eyes the older lioness madly but still says nothing to her.
Well, whatever the problem is, the king's irritated with him too. Oh, -lovely-. Sammar scowls after him, shoots a swift, fierce glare at Lutalo. "I've no idea what the problem is, but I'm sure -you'd- be a little upset too if -your- pride just got nixed," he growls: no, he's not much of a diplomat. Stalks off, then, moving to bump shoulders with Anwuli as he does.