Tyne Coronation - Two Kings, Two Queens

[Msasi]

Involved:
Tisea, Female Lioness
Aitan, Male White Lion
Elimnyama, Male Lion
Waset, Female Barbary Lioness
Msasi, Female Lioness
Ukomobasi, Female White Lioness
Camrath, Male Lion

[Tyne] Tyne Rock Base
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She stood in wait, watching the fading light with quiet exileration. The Tyne Queen sits perfectly still at the top of the path of Tyne Rock. Head held regally high and her honey-green eyes attentively focused out upon the horizon. A small smile graces her features, a sad yet proud look upon her aging features. The animals of the lands are all gathered out amungst the land below, waiting patiently, the remaining pride members scattered about the free spaces to get a good spot to watch. Tisea's gaze slides across all those present, a low sigh excaping her. It was time. The Queen stands, head glancing from side to side where she's placed each of her sons, one on either side of her and the path. She's left the lionesses within the entrance to the cavern, quietly motioning for them to join their respective mate on either side of her. Attention focuses back to those gathered and the pregnant Queen lifts her head to speak. "Welcome all! To a first for the Tyne pride. A stepping up done /right/! The first coronation to grace this lands soil sence the first generation set foot upon it's soil!" The Queen pauses here, allowing for the uproar of cheers caused by the creatures gathered below.

Phew... there's a lot of people here. Aitan flicks his pale bangs out of his eyes, blinking the verdant orbs nervously. He gulps and looks out across the horizon, gaze flickering over these lands that he and his brother were born and grew up in.. and now are expected to rule with a firm and just paw. Just like his father. His father.... Aitan sighs and looks up at the sky which is splashed with brilliant colors of the sunset. Aitan wishes his dad was here. Fuadi would have been so proud to see his two sons up here, together; walking in his footsteps as rulers. He wrinkles his nose uncomfortabley... feeling the burning of a tear or two behind his eyes. That would be wonderful... his first act as ruler of the lands and he starts bawling like a little cub! The pale Prince, soon to be King, looks over at his brother, Elimnyama to see his reaction to all this- knowing full well that his stoic brother is much less emotional then he. His mother rises and Aitan flinches slightly... nervous as all get out. He glances behind him, wanting to catch Ukomobasi's comforting gaze. The young lion is glad she's here.. these of all days.

Less emotional is certainly one way of putting it. The dark prince's face is brutally grave, the result of a combination of nerves over the ceremony and sadness over the memory of Fuadi. There's so much sorrow and such an uncomfortable amount of pressure on both of the princes' shoulders to fill their father's shoes.. Elim', ever a pessimist, can't help but be certain that they're going to make an abyssmal mess of everything. Filled with these dour thoughts Elim' gazes unseeingly down at the congregation, frowning slightly, until the very moment Tisea begins to speak. Then he jerks back to alertfulness and his frown morphs into the resolute glare of someone resigned to his duty. Right. Coronation. Gotta get through this. He too sneaks a covert glance aside at his brother and, unexpectedly making eye contact with him, Elim' grins reluctantly. Then the girls come out and Elim' feels himself relax just -slightly- as he spots Waset.. Honestly, if it weren't for her and his small but close-knit family, this young lion would probably have collapsed in on his own cynicism long ago.

Goodness, but she never expected to be a Queen. Even though Waset happily took Elimnyama for her mate - and wouldn't change a thing! Because he is hot! - and knew that he was a Prince and all that jazz, she never actually expected for them to be leaders of the pride. Supporting Aitan.. surely! Ruling beside him.. bfuh? Though it is this co-rulership that has kept Waset from completely wigging out about the whole deal. She and Elim' won't be doing this on their own. Aitan and Ukomobasi will be right alongside. Waiting back in the cavern entrance alongside the other soon-to-be-Queen, Waset glances to Ukomobasi, offering a quick grin. This is it! At the motion from Tisea, Waset brushes her shoulder lightly against Uko's and then heads out of the cavern, making her way to Elimnyama's side. The barbary's stride lacks a bit of its usual solid grace, thanks to both a belly full of cubs and the two large, still healing wounds on her left side. But she is apparently unbothered by either, coming to stand alongside her mate looking cool and confidant, even if she isn't feeling quite the same inside. Dang, but there's a lot of animals out there a-watchin'! Elimnyama is given a toothy grin.. perhaps not appropriate for such an occassion, as she should be looking all Queenly and such, but she knows how he must be feeling about now, and seeks only to calm his nerves. If even just a bit. -- Msasi, the pride's head huntress, is seated with the rest of the pride near the front of the gathering. Behind the lioness, hidden amongt a clump of shrubby bushes out of respect for any gathered herbivores, is a large buffalo carcass sitting in reserve for a pridal feast after the ceremony. Msasi is quite proud of the kill; with the herds a bit scattered and depleted thanks to the spread of the plague, she had feared that pickings might be slim for this evening of importance. Luckily, though, just a few days prior, Msasi discovered the buffalo while out scouting and was careful to keep an eye on him and make sure he didn't leave the lands, heading out with her small hunting party earlier in the day to bring the animal down. Tonight, the pride shall eat well. Just, uh, don't tell any of the buffalo who've come to watch the coronation. Peace treaties exist during times like this, and they might be a smidge ticked off if they saw Uncle Joe dead in the bushes over there. Ahem! The huntress, seated close to her children, leans down to murmur to them that now is the time for being quiet before she straightens, amber eyes focused on the gathering of Queen, Princes and their mates.

Whatever comfort Aitan was hoping to find.. well, he may be slightly disappointed. Wide eyes like the palest summer cloud stare at the stone beneath her feet as she waits beside Waset. What her fellow lioness is thinking, she can hardly hope to know. But her head is all a buzz. The far-off stare she has affixed to her face is a clear indication. However, as they are beconed, she comes back into her own thoughts and raises her head. Finding the viridian gaze of her dear friend and lover, Ukomo's face cannot hold back a grin, broad and full. There. That's better. They can be nervous together. It's all right, now. And capturing Waset's glance, the ghost nods, bumping her shoulder with equal gusto and equal support. 'Let's rock', is her wordless response with a flick of her chin upward. She walks beside Waset, no faster, no slower. Though a lack of cub-tummy makes her stride easier, this is the first time she has the opportunity to be equal with the barbary. And so from now on shall it be. As they draw nearer she splits off, as does Waset, to join Aitan. Waset's cheesy grin, for Ukomobasi, translates into a lopsided smirk - the smile of her own father - and a light bump of the heads. She looks past to Elim and Waset, a sudden feeling of enormity washing over her as she spots Tisea's majestic stance. Holy cats, this is a coronation. She looks at Aitan again, a moment of panic. Only a moment. And after giving Aitan another look - 'I'm here, with you' that look says - she scans the gathered. Whatever she is hoping to find, who knows. But she's looking.

In low cover, seperated from the main group of revellers and pridemembers, a dark lion lies in wait. Sunk low, his fur blending with the shadows and his position downwind of the others, Camrath is for all intents and purposes invisible at this stage in the coronation- and plans to remain so. The aging knight of Kivuli travelled hard as soon as he heard of today's events- and much as he feels a total outsider and probably an unwelcome one, nothing would keep him away from his daughter's day of glory. But at the same point.. he doesn't want to intrude. The day is hard for him- his apparently only surviving child finally acheiving all that he ever hoped for, but at the same point the bond of parenthood is effectively sundered. Not just another lion's mate, but his soon to be queen? What father couldn't help but feel a little resentful at such a loss. And so the cat lurks and watches, doing his best to avoid being seen by ANYONE, even her. As she emerges outside however, he can't help but lift his head a little to get a better view. Oh, how beautiful she looks. Unbidden, but irresistable, a single tear rolls down his cheek to disappear into the now slowly greying tresses of his black mane. Farewell to the long days in Kivuli, to face-hugging and headstrong behaviour. Happy and yet with an undertone of agony, this day is.

The Queen waits patiently as the cheering dies, and the two lionesses take their places. She glances side to side, giving each couple a reasuring smile before adressing the congregation once more. "Today, history is made, today, another portion of our stories is filled. Today! Not just /one/ king steps fowards, but /two/. What the other lacks, the other makes up for! What weaknesses the other may have, the other compensates! What training each may lack, together, they complete one another. As long as their bond as brothers and friends is present, their rule will be a successful one! The great kings look down upon these lions as Kings, no longer Princes, no longer boys! They will shoulder each others burdons, shoulders each others pains, and share the responsibility that comes with ruling justly!" Tisea raises her voice so all can hear, her head raised high and proudly. "But it isn't just Kings that this land is gaining! Their mates step foward to join paw in paw in the responsibilities of this joint leadership! These Lionesses will stand by their mates proudly, helping to shoulder their burdon as well, helping to nurture and guide them as well as they pride they rule! Friends! To you I present the new generation of Tyne Rule! Your Kings and Queens!" The pregnant lioness turns towards Aitan and Ukomo' first on her right, "King Aitan and Queen Ukomobasi!" next to her other son Elim' and Waset, "King Elimnyama and Queen Waset!" Then to the crowd below, "With the power I contain, I grant this leadership to only those worthy and capable of handling such a power without corruption or ill-intent. I've choosen!" Tisea steps back, brushing each Aitan and Elim' closet to her lovingly and whispering, "Your father is proud of you.. and is watching over you always my beautiful boys.. know i'm always with you and I'm just as proud of you as I could ever be. Now step foward and take whats rightfully yours with heads raised high." Tisea whinces breifly, ears tucking back before she shakes her head and allows the new Kings and Queens to face their future below them.

Displayed out before the whole world, standing at his mother's side, Aitan feels the responsibility of his life is about to become. He looks at everyone around him, all looking back at him with expectation, and curiousity and wonders, "Do I really know so much more then you do?" Ukomo joins him next to his mother and he gives her a mirrored lopsided grin... just lopsided on the opposite side, and winks furtively at her. Hopefully soon this will all be over... it's quite nerve-wracking. He leans against her side slightly as his mother talks, taking comfort from the simple warmth of the sun on her white pelt. They must look like quite the pair, both shining white beacons reflected brilliantly in the dying light. Not that Aitan feels as glorious or picturesque as that... he tries to smile confidently and, he hopes, regally as his mother talks. He feels a twinge of sadness as he mother speaks of them no longer being boys, but rather becoming lions. He gives Elim a small smile. "No more terrorizing Msasi and everyone else we could get our paws on, huh?" He's thinking... remembering when his brother and him (Waset too!) didn't have a care in the world. He gives his mother a small nuzzle as she turns back to them. "I love you Mom..." He whispers, before glancing at his brother to make sure he's ready. A couple of small steps forward, and they're all there... Kings standing side by side and their respective Queens next to them, looking out over what seems like the whole world.

Elimnyama manages a marginal smile for Waset's grin. Hopefully she'll know what's going on in his brain and won't be too offended by his meager response. He does lean a shoulder against her, though, and while he may not express it visually the effect of this slight touch washes over him and settles his nerves to an exceptional degree. The male's smile then slides away and he's once again glaring distractedly at the crowd. All his typical levity and sarcasm - his entire personality, seemingly - have deserted him at this juncture, and Elim's thankful down to his bone marrow that he doesn't have to make a speech. Just nod at the crowd and look /kingly/. It's a lucky thing he's so tall, and there's definitely a certain prestige to his dark handsomeness that may compensate in some part for his utter lack of charisma among strangers. Elim' doesn't miss the opportunity to flashback to their cubhood when Tisea mentions it - those were really, -really- good days... can't they just go back to that for a little while? - and Aitan's remark draws out a slow smirk. "Rubbish. We still get to terrorize Msasi, only now she can't punish us for it." Ha. That irritable old huntress has been the bane of Elim's existance throughout his entire life and he will never, NEVER admit that he likes her. NEVER! Elim' sobers again as Tisea turns toward them, and he nods once and swallows thickly.. He loves his mom too, of course, but he'll be damned if he's gonna confess to it in front of the entire kingdom. All his emotion is bridled and contained in a single, silent nuzzle for Tisea. Then Elim' moves up to take his place among Aitan, Ukomo', and Waset. The enormity of the situation strikes him full in the face as he looks out over the kingdom, and the breath leaves him all at once. Well..... here they go.

Wow. Listening to Tisea talk, Waset suddenly feels intimidated. Her speech is so lovely, so.. Queenly. The barbary fears she will never be able to be so eloquent as her mother-in-law. Great Kings, hopefully Ukomobasi will cover that part of Queenly duties. Either that or they're going to have to hire a royal speechmaker! And though she stands as tall and proud as her joint conditions allow her to, she can't help but feel nervous when Tisea introduces Elimnyama and herself to the crowd as King and Queen. Though she almost wants to speak up in correction.. King Cloud and King Baba, for that is how she has always known them. However, Waset remains properly silent, giving a quick glance to Aitan and Uko', then her own mate, and finally glances out across the crowd, settled together all at peace with one another in Tyne. It seems so long ago now that Waset first found herself in Tyne, a young cub left there by a tearful mother who told her to go off and play, that she needed to go hunting far, far away and might not be back for a while. The young Waset had nodded and smiled and, once mother was gone, trotted cheerfully onwards, following the strong scent of lions up to the pridal cavern and back into the royal cave where she had promtly set about naming the newborn Princes and Princesses. As if she just belonged there, as if no one should mind her presence. And then spending the coming moons tempting the cubs - especially a young Aitan and Elimnyama (AKA: Little Cloud and Baba) - with tales of fabulous adventure to be had in the Great Wonderful World Outside the Cavern if they'd only hurry up and become old enough to leave the cavern's safety already. Waset blinks, staring out at the crowd gathered to celebrate the lot of them stepping up as Kings and Queens. Alongside Aitan, Ukomobasi and Elimnyama, Waset steps forward, her shoulder brushing gently against Elimnyama's, the four of them standing to look out over what is now their kingdom. 'Welcome to the Great Wonderful World Outside the Cavern, Waset' she tells herself, a small smile curving across her muzzle. 'Who know it would ever come to this?' -- Msasi watches in silence, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Fuadi's sons.. Kings. The huntress' heart squeezes tightly, eyes filling suddenly with tears att he thought of her cubhood friend. Fuadi. "You should be so proud of them, Fuadi," She whispers to herself. "Just looking at them reminds me of you." She's given those two boys a bit of a hard time, she knows.. but she is honestly fond of them. But then, the huntress trained to be exceptionally alert, blinks the tears away in an instant, sharp gaze focusing in on Tisea. Msasi's ears press forward and she sits up ever-so-slightly straighter, alert. Although probably rude to the new Kings and Queens, Msasi tunes out them and the rest of the gathering to study Tisea closely, the fuzzy tip of her tail settled near her paws twitching once.

It's easier. Easier than the nightmares leading to this moment have been. There is warmth in wakefulness, and Aitain being so near gives her confidence. Gives her strength. There is a sudden calm sweeping over her features as she catches the glittering light of the sunset as it carresses the horizon beyond. Tisea's words are hammers and her ears are the nails, and with the movement of the words 'King Aitan and Queen Ukomobasi' it all seems to hit home. Home, which is now Tyne. Home which is now Aitan. And Elim. And Waset. And the sons and daughters soon to be a part of the pride, and those that already are. This is where she is to be, and with a deep breath she accepts that. Her blue eyes close for a moment. Still, beneath the acceptance, there are still the lingering thoughts of her old home. The natural desire to run there and never look back. The doubly natural feeling of guilt at the first thought. But.. It is where she is /from/ and /who/. Father. Her maw mouths the word, but no sound follows. Her eyes open and a distance is in them. Again they search, this time farther. This time to the obscure places in the crowd. As Aitan steps forward, so, too, does she, though her head is not high - not yet. It is still low. It is still searching for the final thing she wants most from this world - this world in which she is still a child, still the young Ukomobasi, the Knight's daughter, at least for these final moments. "Please.." She whispers faintly to the winds.

Somewhere among those gathered, the chocolate brown form of Kiapo. In many ways, he feels as if he does not belong as part of this. So recently come to the Tyne pride, the lion is a keeper of legend and a stranger to these lands, but he watches with the respect these young Kings and their Queens deserve. He takes in the powerful words of the former Queen as she presents them, reaffirming to himself the strength that he had seen in his first meeting. This was his first introduction to true blooded Kings, and one must admit that it is suitable. He had already given his gift to these, hopefully a magic formed from the hearts of those who care for them. Still, he lowers his head in respect, as to show that his loyalty given to Tisea first, now transfers to those who come to rule. One paw is outstretched, and his chin comes down to rest on it almost elegantly.

Tisea's words ring in Camrath's ears. That is it, it is official. His only daughter is no longer his, but of the Tyne royal family. Truly, their path together has ended now. The feeling is like a blade that pierces his heart and stomach, cutting deep with the realisation of all that has transpired. And yet, mingled with the pain of loss is a deep, deep burning pride- the adopted child of an adopted child, the daughter of a father who fought so hard for his pride but never got to know the joy of kingship, at last acheiving and fulfilling everything that in his life he felt he had failed at. There is no jealousy to his thoughts or feelings, only admiration and pride. Evidently he DID raise her right. Tears now freely stain the lion's facial fur, but he is unashamed, his eyes tracing every movement of Ukomo's body. Over the distance, he still can read and recognise her body language well enough- she's looking for something desperately. Her mate is next to her. For a moment, the lion is torn. Is it ego that makes him think that she would be looking for his old, scarred, miserable self? Or is it rather the knowledge of his daughter's personality? Either way, where he had previously intended to watch her take up the mantle of her new place in the circle of life and leave anonymously, in silence- he finds he cannot bear to. Even if she's NOT looking for him.. well.. it can't hurt to let her know that her father IS here, even if in silence. And so he moves out of cover and rises to his paws, but simultaneously lowering his head in a bow to her, her mate and the other pair of newly minted monarchs. Despite his self-loathing for always being the bower, never the one bowed, this is the first instance of such a gesture that he has carried out with a free heart in literally years. He bows in salute not just to the throne and monarchs of this strange pride, but also to seeing the little white facehugger finally complete the first part of her journey through life. The role of 'daughter' is spent. Now 'queen, mate, mother' all beckon to Ukomo- and Camrath gladly, if tearfully welcomes them in.

Tisea watches lovingly as the Kings and Queens receive their bows. Tears begin to line her eyes and spill over onto her cheeks. Tears of happiness. She watches silently, gaze catching Camrath below and a smile beams forth for Ukomo'. She wants to talk to her later, to let her know that visiting Kivuli isn't out of the options, it is her 'home' after all, it always will be in her heart. The retired Queen whispers gently to her boys 'I love you..' , almost as well to Fuadi's spirit, before steping to the side of the pair of new royals. "Friends! I present to you... Tyne's future!" And with that the pregnant lioness lifts her head and roars. She roars with all she has and all she can give, her sorrow her pain her joy and her pride. She roars for the future she'll guard over until her last breath. But then, her roar is cut short and Tisea's figure tences. She whinces, ears tucking back, and the retired Queen's gaze seeks Msasi almost immediately. The cubs. The cubs were coming. Tisea noses each of her boys lovingly, and each of their Queen's lovingly, before turning and quickly making her way into the cavern, tail snapping behind her. A new generation of Royalty brings forth a new batch of life.

<!> In [Tyne] Tyne Rock Base, Tisea roars.
<!> In [Tyne] Tyne Rock Base, Waset roars.
<!> In [Tyne] Tyne Rock Base, Msasi roars.
<!> In [Tyne] Tyne Rock Base, Aitan roars.
<!> In [Tyne] Tyne Rock Base, Elimnyama roars.
<!> In [Tyne] Tyne Rock Base, Ukomobasi roars.
<!> In [Tyne] Tyne Rock Base, Kiapo roars.
<!> In [Tyne] Tyne Rock Base, Camrath roars.

[Msasi]

Aitan sees Camrath... that dark old knight. He nods his head, deeply, respectfully towards the Kivulian and watches Ukomo out of the corner of his eye. His mother steps forward, and roars... Aitan gazes at her lovingly for a half a second before adding his deep voice to her own. He roars... for the death of his father, to make his mother proud, to tell his mate he loves her, and to let his kingdom know that it's going to be alright. Most of all, he roars for himself... to assure himself that with the help of his brother, and Ukomobasi, and Waset, that he can in fact do this great thing that has been set in front of him, this path that he has known he will have to walk down since he was a cub. He trails off, seeing his mother walk away. "Mom.. is it the cubs?" He says worriedly, before getting a stupidly happy grin on his face and looking out over the group that has gathered. "The cubs are coming! New Lords and Ladies of Tyne!.." he continues grinning and trots towards his mother, hoping he's allowed to leave his Kingly demeanor and the edge of Tyne rock now. He walks beside her, offering his body weight for her to lean on if she wishes... knowing full well he'll probably be chased away by Msasi in a couple seconds.

He feels as though the vast hugeness of everything that kinghood means hits him all at once; all the breath goes out of Elimnyama as he stands there in full view of all the creatures below.. for just an instant, his severely burdened mind goes blissfully, blissfully blank.. just as he's beginning to suffer slightly from oxygen deprivation the lion gasps a little, drawing in a tentative bit of air. It's at that moment when Tisea has her final say, and Elim's vacant brain unexpectedly generates an image of Fuadi.. a noble, inexplicably ethereal Fuadi.. a Fuadi bursting with pride as he looks down on his sons.. Elimnyama doesn't think any more. His lungs inflate and he roars with his brother and mother, venting all of his worries and burdens. His parents are -proud-, his brother and his mate are happy, and the love of his life is here to share in it all. For him this was an unwelcome charge, but now.. just maybe.. things /will/ turn out okay. And just as the dark king is seized by this euphoric thought, Tisea appears to be in pain. Elimnyama, untutored in the manner of cub-births, is on the brink of severe panic before Aitan speaks up with words of comfort. Oh ..... Elim' frowns for a moment, then instantly shoots a look at Waset. "For gods' sake, don't ROAR anymore!" he shouts, horrified by the realization that ROARING apparently makes the babies come! If she wasn't injured -and- pregnant, he might have tackled her to get her to stop.

Tisea has disconnected.

Waset's heart skips a few beats as Tisea makes her announcement and roars. Waset waits a beat, allowing all the emotions of the moment to wash over her. She wonders, in that split second, if her own mother would be proud of her if she were here, now, to witness the event. With a small smile, she hopes so. Every parent wishes the best for their child, yes? And what better position to be in than one of the leaders of the pride? Taking a deep breath, Waset lets loose with her own roar, her voice joining in with that of her mate. It's as the sound begins to die off that the barbary finds herself confronted with her horrified-looking mate. Blink. Wha? Waset's gaze slips from Elimnyama to the retreating form of Tisea, and then back to Elim. The smallest of smiles graces her muzzle. "Oh, for the love of the Great Kings, why not?" She asks lightly. "C'mon, Baba, you can become a brother and a father in the exact same moment! I'll squirt these kidlets out right here 'n now!" And does she ever sound cheerful about that thought. It's starting to get a bit tiresome lugging the lot around in her belly, you know. "Or maybe we could trade off! You wander around pregnant and I'll march around the borders and pee on shrubs." Fair trade, if you ask her. -- Msasi's own roar dies out, and as she lowers her head her gaze catches Tisea's and she knows that her previous thoughts are confirmed. With a quick nod, the head huntress slips quickly and quietly up to where the new Kings and Queens were presented, quickly catching up with Aitan and Tisea. And she allows Aitan to accompany his mother as far as the cavern's entrance, whereupon she gently slips between King and former Queen and blocks Aitan's way. Msasi's smile is small, but present. "I apologize, Your Highness.. but your mother needs the space. Birthing cubs is a long, difficult process. I will keep an eye on her." Fuadi would have her head if she didn't, you know. The huntress turns to slip into the cavern after Tisea but pauses, glancing back over her shoulder to Aitan with a soft smile. "You and your brother will be the first to know when there is something to know. I promise." Bowing slightly, Msasi dismisses herself from the new King's presence, vanishing into the cavern. Tonight, the head huntress plays midwife.

Please.. please.. /please/.. She jerks her head up after a moment. The bush betrays all. The dark tresses, them that covered her in rain and dark, the carpet of war stories manifested in physical display. The wrath of Kivuli's stalwart guards, the voice that made stories spring to life in her imagination. The gentle creature that soothed away all bad dreams just by being there. Always. Camrath. Father. Whatever she was looking for, whatever final thing she needed, it would seem that she has found it. For as Cam bows his head and brushes the earth with his shadowmane, Ukomo's face contorts. At first her ears fall backward, maw clamped shut and eyes seizing. So quickly does the urge to sob like a child return to her. So strong is the pull to bury her face against her father's ever-reliable chest and let him wash away all sense of duty, all call of responsibility. However, now is not the time. The last time for that is passed. And with her father's bow, all seems to come into perspective. All becomes all right. Whether by action or by gesture, she has her father's permission. His /approval/. And in this moment, that means the absolute world to the girl. Once more, her expression changes, this time into brutal lines as a lungful tears into the open space in a roar that sounds for all the world like a war cry. For it is true, she will always be her father's daughter. The commotion behind her takes a while to sink in, but as Msasi arrives and speaks, Ukomo's maw finally displays a smile. It is wide and sure. Perhaps.. perhaps now it'd be okay.. With a quick glance at Aitan, she begins to move down the side of the rock. There's a certain bush she needs to see.

Keeping a watch both on his mate as she makes her way towards her father, and on his mother as she makes her way inside the cavern. Aitan grins with the complexity of this all. So many things going on at once.. always. Sometimes you think the world comes to a stop for some reason, even the smallest reason... but it always continues. He gives Msasi a nuzzle and a deep nod. "I understand.. thanks Msasi." He pauses, and swallows hard. "Take care of her for us." He doesn't know what he would do if he lost his mother as well. As his mother passes, he softly nuzzles her shoulder, furrowing a brow worriedly at her labored breathing. Aitan follows her with his eyes until she disappears off into the darkness and then turns back to his brother and Waset, letting loose a large laugh. "I think it would be a good look for you Elim!" Aitan agrees, sinking to his haunches. "Even better.. Waset can be King and you can be Queen! You'd be such a pretty Queen!" He sniggers... grown up now, but still a cub at heart. Becoming a king won't change all that. He glances down towards Ukomo every once and again, just making sure she's okay.

The echoing roar from all is joined by the voice of the outsider, his bass bellow sounding a different note from the rest of the assembled lions. Camrath's old, careworn face at least splits in a smile through his tears as the roar fades. The nod of the new king merely reinforces the positiveness of this moment, as painful as it may be. At least his daughter is with a good lion, no matter what job that brings with it. As the royal family suddenly scatters and disappears from view after the incoming cubs are announced, he takes a few deep breaths and draws himself to stiff limbs. Time to go- no more tears, no more loss. He's got his little girl to where she needs to be in her life, and now he must let go lest he make her hang back. Walking away, his back to Tyne Rock, he keeps his head low. His pace though.. it's slow. Both due to the stiffness and tingling in his limbs, and his own unwillingness to take those last few steps. Ukomo will be busy.. Hell, HE'D be if he just got crowned alongside a mate. Yes, just keep walking Camrath. You're just on your own again now, and that's good enough. Isn't it?

Elimnyama watches the scene transpire between Msasi and Aitan for a moment or two - long enough to be convinced of the fact that Tisea will be perfectly fine - and then plants his attention back on Waset. Babies? RIGHT NOW? The look of terror on the king's dark face is fleeting and soon he's mock-glaring at that sassy female. "Hmph," is all he says as he pads to her side and drapes his head, mane all, across her neck. "You'd look ridiculous," he concludes, examining the effect with a scrutinizing eye. "You just haven't got the -machismo- to pull it off. Not like me.. veritable pillar of masculinity that I am." A joking, 'unimpressed' look is shot at Aitan and Elimnyama sniffs. "Brother, I thrashed you as a cub and I'm not afraid to thrash you now. ... You wanna go right now? I will take you /out/, my friend..." At least his personality's come back, in light of the end of the pomp and circumstance. And no, it certainly doesn't look as though kinghood will change either of these boys one bit.

Not.. quite good enough. A bow is not enough. The srabbling of small stones sound as Ukomo goes tearing down the side of the rock. She moves behind it to the open space. Already the beasts are dispersing and traveling back to their lives as either predator or prey, insect or aquatic thingy. And behind them in the rising dust of their retreat, perpendicular to their path, the white queen, for really she's got to start getting used to /that/ name now, becomes a blur upon the upturned soil. She has the advantage. She is /fast/ and Cam's slow pace - Who're you trying to kid, dad, you're going slow on purpose. I know better - allows her to catch up. To pass. To turn around in a skid. Barely a moment before the top of her head sneaks beneath her father's chin and her nose disappears into his mane. "I love you, da." She murmurs.

Waset watches the hunt mistress vanish with the Qu-- er, former Queen, and feels a bit of a nervous flutter in her own stomach. Sooner or later that will be her, sneaking off into the pridal cavern to give birth to her own litter. Her children to be born in the same place where their father and uncle were. The barbary allows herself a small smile - maybe some young abandoned cub will wander along and start naming her babies right off the bat! That would be nice, she thinks, as she's horrid with names - before she is overtaken by her mate. Smile widens into a smirk and she nuzzles him gently. "I dunno. If /you/ can pull it off..." She trails off. As Aitan joins them, Waset folds her haunches beneath her, shifting to lean heavily against Elimnyama. Her energy fades quicker and quicker with each day that passes. Standing before the kingdom - /their/ kingdom, goodness - injured and pregnant and nervous and excited has drained her. "Hey! King Waset. I really like that. And Queen Baba. Hm.. that really is more you, dear." A grin is tossed to Aitan before her gaze shifts to watch her partner in Queenly-ness heading off. "Who's the guy?" She asks Aitan quietly, once Uko' has caught up with Camrath in the distance.

The knight is certainly surprised to be suddenly chased down by the white lightning, but he stops walking as soon as he hears the thunder of paws behind him. There's only one person who'd be chasing him down right now. He doesn't turn his head to look back though, ashamed of his haggard and tearstained face. Ducking his head to entrap her in the black locks of his mane, a harkening back to her cubhood, he lifts a forelimb to place gently on her shoulder. "I love you too, Uko'." He murmurs in her ear. "You've become everything I could have ever hoped for and more. I've never been prouder than on this day." He nuzzles her, holding her tight to his chest. A faint tremble runs through all of his limbs and he remains still in that position for some moments before speaking again. "But.. I have no place in your pride; not as an old lone male. I have duties back home- doubly so with the death of Kiet yesterday. I.. don't know if I'll be able to get over here much, little one."

[Msasi]

"Bah... you're just jealous caus Waset and I would be better looking Kings then you." Aitan sblack persons. "'Sides... wouldn't really do to have the new Co-King embaress his brother in front of everyone." He gestures to the dispersing throng. "And by that I mean /ME/ embaressing /YOU/" He teases. "But you know.. I could never trounce a pregnant lion. That would just wouldn't be right!" He nuzzles Waset, noticing her fatigue. "Don't worry Was... just relax. That's the best part about us all doing this together. No one has to be a King or Queen all the time." He glances over to Ukomobasi talking with her father... that comment goes for as much her as it does any of them. He can't imagine how hard it would be to just leave your home and your family... even for a strapping lion such as himself. XD He smiles at Waset, "THAT is Camrath... Ukomo's adopted father. He's a Knight of Kivuli." He explains... still rather touched that the old lion travelled all the way to Tyne to see his daughter's coronation. "Do you think I should invite him to stay and rest a night or two?" He asks, not exactly sure what the appropriate action would be in this case... what with Tisea in labor and all.

The voice. That voice. HIS voice. Just hearing it again after what has seemed like too long brings all the rigid lines in her body to a fine calm. The massive paw about her shoulders, too, gives her all that she still needed. Her own paw, now large enough to reach, moves about the back of his forelimb and returns the hug. Her sight is covered by the heavy dark, and she's all right with that for now. "You /always/ have a place wherever I am. Especially now. You are welcome here. Let that be my first promise as a queen of Tyne." She listens further and nods softly, still buried. "I know you are needed there. They need you now more than ever. The time has come once more when the knights need to guard the new king, and I know you will be the best of them. But remember.. if it appeals to you, you can be needed here, to. I will need you, still. I am not so grown up that I have forgotten." She raises her head, calm eyes finding his face and finding it still handsome. She presses her cheek to his and smiles softly. "I will see you, too. There are four of us. I'll be able to come when Waset's cubs are big enough to wander around. Will that be all right?" She pulls back and looks up into his face again, her smile.. young. Child-like glee.

Waset nuzzles Aitan in return, swiping her tongue in a sisterly kiss across his cheek. "Yeah," She agrees, shifting as Elimnyama settles onto his stomach alongside her and drifts off to sleep. She gives her mate a fond glance and slides to rest against him, her right side pressing against Elim's side. "It is a good thing there are four of us. I couldn't imagine how stressful it would be if it were just Baba and I.. or what it would be like for just you and Ukomo. Makes me wonder how your mom 'n dad did it all." It's just that much more comforting knowing that, if she's having an off day, there is another Queen there to cover for her. And vice versa, of course. Blue eyes return to the lion and white lioness as Aitan informs her of the lion's identity. That is nice of him to journey all this way. Must be nice for her, too, Waset imagines. But then Aitan's question.. and a moment of panic. Great Kings, it's a big huge royal decision already! What do they do?! The barbary frowns, brows knitting together. "Er..." She blinks in the direction of the pridal cavern. "Well, it would be rude to /not/ offer, I think. But I have a feeling we'll all be sleeping just outside the cavern tonight, depending on how long it takes your mom t'have all her cubs." Pause. "And how long it takes Msasi t'let us in." She has a feeling herself and Ukomobasi, being females, would be welcomed into the cavern where a birthing is going on. Not so much for the guys.

The lion takes a breath as Ukomo seperates herself from his embrace. "You can come visit any time, my little one." He rumbles through his choked throat. "And as always, you'll be welcome." He takes a deep breath and glances around. Making sure that there is noone too close. "But.. when I say I don't know if I'll be able to get over here much.. I don't just mean because of my duties. I'm getting /old/, Ukomo. Old and a bit sick in body and soul." He runs a paw through his greying mane. "There's a plague in the pride at the moment. It's what carried Kiet off.." He takes a deep, painful breath. "It's what's either carried off all your brothers and sisters or left the survivors comatose. And I fear I might be next. The others were young and strong. Me.. well." He states simply. "But whatever happens I'll be happy knowing I've seen this day, that at least with one of my children I've fulfilled my role and seen them happily into their future." There's little of her glee on his face, but he does his best to smile. "Be a good queen, my little darling. You have a mate and a pride to look out for and to look out for you. Turn your thoughts to them and the future, not to me and our past."

Aitan grins and nods to Waset, "I think that sounds just right... I'll offer him a resting place in our lands in case he doesn't want to travel at night." He grins fondly at his brother as he slides off into sleep and chuckles. "Big day for all of us, huh?" He winks at Waset before trotting off the rock and towards Ukomo and her father. Upon reaching them he gives a deep nod to the old knight. "Camrath... thanks for coming to the coronation. It means a lot to Ukomo.. and and to all of us." He clears his throat nervously, hoping he's not... interrupting when he shouldn't be. "I won't take up too much of your time, because I know you came to see your daughter," He smiles lovingly at Ukomo, "But I wanted to offer you a place on any part of our lands for the night, if you wish to stay until morning.... We'll probably all be sleeping outside, but you're welcome to join us...?" He shifts. There... well that sounded ALMOST kingly, right?

She is quiet for a long while, though when she sees Aitan approaching over her father's shoulder, she leans up and runs her tongue over each of his cheeks. He can thank her later. As Aitan speaks, he captures her attention almost instantly. How.. thoughtful. Just.. really. It only works to further solidify her reasons for being here. For being with him. He is a good lion. "My father has a long journey. As does your mother, tonight. I think he may prefer to be on his way. He has an important life to live, as do we." She looks to her father, feeling like she's spoken correctly. "You aren't old." She whispers. "You are at the wise age. I could not have made it this far were it not for you, and your guiding light. My future will be happy and every morning I'll be sending my thanks and my love to the wind. Keep your ear turned in this direction when you wake."

Waset chuckles to herself as Aitan wanders off. Big day indeed. The barbary smiles at her mate - the big baby! Just look at him, snoozing away so soon after his coronation! - and snuggles closer to his side, getting as comfortable as she can with a growing belly and injured side. Every so often she glances out in the direction of the King, Queen and Kivulian Knight, but being too far to hear or really see exactly what's going on, her attention wanders. Back to the cavern it shifts and her ears strain forward, as if listening for the cries of cubs she /knows/ will be too soft to hear from her position this far outside the cavern. After a moment of hearing nothing, of course, Waset sighs and relaxes back against Elimnyama. A minute.. two.. and the rhythm of the dark King's steady breathing lulls his barbary Queen into a light doze alongside him.

"No, sweetie. I'm old." Camrath replies to Ukomo, before turning to face the newly arrived king. He lowers his head in a bow to greet the.. well.. boy, to his eyes at least. "Your majesty. The Kivuli send their congratulations and respects, together with the news of the death of King Kiet." His tone is formal and respectful, before his tone and stance softens some at the boy's offer. "Thank you, that is a most generous offer. But.. Ukomo is right. I have a long journey, and I don't move as fast as I used to." The grizzled lion offers a smile. "My daughter chose well in her choice of a mate, Aitan. Just looking at her, I can see how much she loves you. Love her back the same way, and I'll be happy enough knowing that a male other than myself is responsible for keeping her out of trouble." He takes a breath that rattles in his lungs, and then rises to his feet, giving his daughter another long nuzzle. "I should probably move.. today is your coronation- spend it with your subjects, you two. Not some smelly old outsider." He bows his head to the pair once more, and then on legs that wobble slightly with each step he turns and begins to head away, limping as always on the leg broken in the flood so long ago.

The last thing she can do now is watch, after her father nuzzles her with all the tenderness she was used to. To do anything else would be to disrespect her father, and that simple is undoable. As Aitan excuses himself so she can say her goodbyes, Uko is left alone on the grass, watching. Both as Aitan moves toward their home, and Camrath moves toward his. There is not a lot to say. What has been said is all that needs to be said. However.. She can see him off in a better way. Eyes closing, her chin lifts. As a fine wind begins to pick up, the white Queen's maw parts. And onto the zephyr a song is carried. A lullaby. One that Camrath should remember, even after all this time. After all, she begged him to sing it for many moons in her youth. Now she has the voice to sing it for him. For the first time and perhaps the last. Then again, the future is never truly certain. But for all the uncertainty and all the possible outcomes, she sings for her father, and she sings well.

He doesn't look back. He can't, doesn't dare to. Because then all that would happen is he'd turn and run back to her. Perhaps there will be a time for that.. but not now. Leaving his last surviving child behind to her future, Camrath returns to his home- to a dead king, a life without respect, a litter of dead children and a long-dead mate. But empty as it may feel to him, Kivuli is his home for the moment. Cursing his body as he limps away, he feels the tears return to his cheeks.. but then just as he moves out of earshot his voice filters back to the white lioness, echoing the words and tune in perfect harmony with her. And then.. he is gone.

[Arazia]

Sorry I wasn't too involved last night, more than one pose with 'po. Between dinner stuff and my connection dropping, it was just not fun stuff. T'was a wonderful Rp from what I saw and have read here through the log, though.

[Tilyn]

's not a problem Zia Thankyou for joining what little you did and watching/reading. *snugggles*

Now you can help Tis with her BEBAHS! XD

[Aitan]

That was a great RP... thanks to everyone who watched or participated. It was lots of fun.

[Elimnyama]

I agree. That was awesome. I really enjoyed getting back into Elim's character. He's a fun guy..... adds a bit of color to the scene, to say the least. XP

[Msasi]

Waset is fun too. I love her muchly. She's a lovely contrast to Msasi, so I never get too bored playing them in the same pride. XD

And it was fun! Yay, for coronations!

[lutalo]

OF course I miss al the fun. huff.. XDD Nice RP you guys! ^^