Post by Msasi on Apr 11, 2007 12:04:51 GMT -5
Involved (in rough order of appearence):
Kale'Kizuka - Male White Lion Cub.
Ukomobasi - Female White Lioness.
Waset - Female Barbary Lioness.
Khamisa - Female Lioness.
Anyu - Female Lioness.
Stara - Female Lioness Cub.
Elimnyama - Male Lion.
Kisehemu - Male Lion.
Amahl - Male Lion Cub.
Takiyah - Female Lioness.
Summary: Elimnyama and Waset return to Tyne with their new cubs, accompanied by a Kivulian escort, and are greeted by Ukomobasi and her son.
[Tyne] Tyne Rock Base
Lain just outside the cavemouth is a tiny splash of white colour- a very small one indeed! As one draws closer, it becomes clearer that it's a cub. A very small cub indeed- though the little boy's eyes are open (and showing the same briltiant blue as his mother's, easily comparable as she lays next to him), in size he looks about the same as a healthy newborn. A lion in minature, almost! The boy's head and face show signs of crying and there's a rather nasty looking patch of red on the right side of his head, behind his ear- together with a bump that, if it didn't look so gory, would actually be rather cute. The tiny mite is being cleaned up it would seem; his first encounter with two of his youngest uncles having turned a bit rough as is known to happen when young boys interact. For now Kale is tired and sore, and a little cranky. But he manages to stop himself from crying, whining or whimpering any further. It's hard to be vocally upset when you're in a sunbeam and your mommy is fussing over your booboo.
And fuss she does! The white lioness, for all her dark internal muttering about careless cubs, is the very picture of attentive motherhood. Her paws have created a bowl, in which Kale is nestled, shoulder leaned against the side of the cave, pulling her half-in and half-out of shade. Sun is good, after all. Got to get the pigmentless munchkin used to subtle light. No more burns! The afternoon is late, sunlight painted red and purple upon the distant horizon. Shale and small pieces of mineral in the stones pick up the remaining shine and send it outward, glimmering. Home, it seems, looks very much like a glittering jewel upon the Tyne savannah. As it should look.
Sound the trumpets, break out the champagne and alert the presses! The King and Queen - er, one pair of the, anyway - have returned! Waset and Elimnyama's journey to Kivuli may have been rushed, but the return trip has been quite the opposite, probably due to the fact that they are accomapnied by three Kivulians. Or maybe it's the six squirmy wormy little cublets who are now developing their own personalities and getting eager to explore the world around them. Although being out in unclaimed territory with her babies did have Waset a little on edge, she has delighted in watching them. They're so adorable! Tiny and cute.. and watching them grow is just amazing. They wouldn't exist without both Elimnyama and herself.. and that thought hasn't ceased to amaze her. The barbary is quite thankful, however, as their journey finally reaches familiar territory, paws carrying her across the same rich savannah grasses that she has known since she was a cub. And now, Waset thinks, as the little group makes their way closer to Tyne Rock, her cubs will get to grow up here too. She smiles around the scruff of the cub she carries.. little Amahl.. and picks up her pace just slightly, eager to reach the rock and be able to finally, formally, welcome her children home. -- To Waset's side, and just a few steps behind, Lady Khamisa of Kivuli pads along, carrying in her jaws the sleeping Almasi. Khammy was only too eager to volunteer to be the Kivulian escort to the Tyne royalty.. and, in fact, begged her brother to allow her to go. 'It sends a good message!' She'd said. 'Sending one of the royal family. A gesture of good will and trust!' Besides, as she'd pointed out, Tyne are distant relations to Kivuli and Khamisa, family historian, was eager to come and hear of how this branch of the family has continued, to learn a bit about them and their ancestors. As they move across the Tyne lands, Khamisa's blue eyes are wide, taking in all around her. The lands are so /gorgeous/. Not in the way Kivuli is, with its mountains and things, but all the water.. and all the green. Beautiful. As the form of Tyne Rock begins to loom before them, Khamisa directs her gaze out ahead of her, nose twitching slightly as she picks up the heavy scent of lion that surrounds the area.
A little further back is young Anyu, moving at a steady walk as to not bustle the young cub in her jaws anymore than she is. Word had spread of the Tyne royalty staying in Kivuli for their cubs but just strolling up in the main cavern to investigate was not really on her list of comfortable things to do. But when she'd heard through the vines that they needed help carrying a litter into Tyne, she was up and ready to move. She'd wanted to leave and get out on her own for a while now yet with no good opportunity. Even Atreyu had told her she should see what was out there and here she is--royal cub in tow. The mahogany hued skirmy bean hadn't given her too much of a hassle for the most part. She'd wailed and giggled and snored and done all the things that cubbies do. Stara is quiet now, just staring at the wilderness moving past and her temporary babysitter isn't much different. Anyu grins and trieds to keep up with the rest of the group.
Thank the kings it was an uneventful journey back. He couldn't have borne it if they'd lost somebody on the way, just when they thought they were out of the woods. With a nervous father's nagging precision, Elim' made sure the cubs were /GOOD and READY/ to travel before he gave his assent to move them -- translation: he followed Tumbuiza around asking her six times a day if she was /sure/ the cubs would be alright on the journey, and this finally culminated in his being flapped at (jokingly, of course) to get out of Kivuli already and for pity's sake stop harassing the healer. Thus convinced that his children now have a clean bill of health, Elimnyama began the trek back to Tyne with a more or less untroubled heart. There is the matter of Amahl that worries him, and of course.. there is the memory of the firstborn, the one that was lost, that pricks him still.. But for the most part he is a happy and triumphant papa - although that may not be evident at the moment from the look on his face. The king glares sternly at the two cubs hanging by their scruffs from his jaws, the effort causing him to go slightly cross-eyed and the effect of the glare is completely lost. "Hol' /still/," he grumbles, for Cyrus and Makaio seem to have started some kind of shoving match and Elim's getting quickly afraid that he might drop one of them if they don't stop squirming. With a grunt Elim' rolls his eyes and sets his attention ahead toward the welcoming sight of Tyne Rock. Then he sighs deeply, both relieved and weary to the marrow of his bones.
And the King had been aghast when Khamisa volunteered herself to be part of the escort--he hadn't been afraid of sending her to Tyne so much as he'd been afraid of sending her anywhere at /all/. After all, this is his little sister; he feels protective, and couldn't help but worry that something could happen en route, before they were safely back on pridal territory. Ultimately, it was his decision to send Kisehemu that convinced him to let her go--after all, it's the knights' jobs to protect the royal family, and it's ridiculous to think that she wouldn't be safe with one of them along as well. Fortunatey, the trip went smoothly, without interference from rogues or hyenas or life-threatening earthquakes...but as the group of lions make their way towards Tyne Rock, Kise remains beside Khamisa, calmly taking in the sights. As the child of a rogue, he did a lot of travelling when he was younger, and while Tyne itself is new, the general idea of unfamiliar scenery isn't. Still, it's a definite change of pace to be out of Kivuli. The cub in his jaws, thank the gods, hasn't been terribly much trouble; he'd been a bit worried that he'd drop her at first, but managed to make the journey without doing so. -- In Waset's jaws, Amahl is as quiet as Stara; he doesn't make much noise in general, but he'd taken all this moving around with a sort of subdued curiosity, and hadn't gotten terribly worked up. He was checked over before they left, though, so perhaps it's just not in his personality to get agitated over a little trip from Kivuli to Tyne. Pffth.
Stirring as his mother laps away some of the nastiness on the side of his head, Kale'kizuka yawns widely and takes a long sniff of the evening air. Then blinks several times (an action that despite his somewhat disshevelled state, he still manages to carry off with impossible cuteness). Odd.. The prevailing wind carries a new scent of lions, quite a few he's not smelled before around the pridal cabin. It's only the concentration in one place that lets him detect the group, but it's still enough to make him pull his head away from his mother's tongue and mewl excitedly a couple of times. If only because the LAST new scent he encountered turned out to be an uncle with intent to torment..
A rust colored ear quirks to the side at the sound of her mate's voice, however muffled, and Waset glances in Elimnyama's direction before smirking around Amahl's scruff. Cyrus and Makaio are obviously full of energy at the moment, no? And their /poor/ papa is stuck carrying the both of them. The barbary queen moves forward, sighing gratefully as they finally reach their destination. /Home/. Selecting a spot, Waset draws to a half and gently places Amahl on the ground right at her forepaws, a gentle lick placed atop his head before she straightens again. "Welcome home, little ones," She purrs softly, glancing to the other cubs as they are carried in by the others. And, with a smile, Waset looks to Khamisa, Kisehemu and Anyu. "And welcome to Tyne." -- Khamisa comes up alongside Waset, placing the still-snoozing Almasi gently down alongside her brother. The petite lioness takes a moment to glance at her surroundings, nodding in approval. A lovely place for a home indeed. "Thank you, Your Highness," Khamisa replies to the barbary with a polite nod of her head, smiling softly. "Your lands are lovely. Your children will enjoy growing up here, I'm sure." She leans down to give Almasi a gentle nuzzle, and noses Amahl's shuolder softly - they are all so cute! Khamisa has never been around small cubs before, and has been delighting in Waset and Elimnyama's lot the whole journey - before stepping aside to allow Kisehemu and Anyu a chance to unload their jaws of their small charges. -- With a smile and nod to Khamisa, Waset glances to the mouth of the cavern, easily spotting the pale form of the other Queen. "Ukomobasi! We're back!" She almost doesn't see Kale'Kizuka at first, and when she does she nearly does a double take. But it doesn't take Waset long to figure that the cub must be Uko's, and a grin quickly stretches across her muzzle. Hey! Waset hadn't known she was pregnant too! Now her cubs have a cousin - or more? - to play with!
Takiyah has arrived.
The young girl focuses on the rocks ahead and the snowy white figures that litter it. Interesting. Anyu hadn't had a chance to really talk Elimnyama or Waset on the trip and she was actually quite greatful for it. She'd never been around royalty for the most of her life; Atreyu..he isn't royalty, he's a goofball. There's a difference. But now it seems as though she's going to have to converse without embarassing herself. A ruling couple, a lady and a knight...and then there's Anyu. The lioness approaches the growing pile of cubs and gently places the googly eyed Stara with the rest. She wouldn't nuzzle it, it's not hers. "Thank you very much.." she replies softly to the welcome, smiling genuinely at the two females and then glancing back at the following males. Uh..um...small talk? Yes, small talk. "It must be nice to rest your paws home again. These guys are going to have quite a story told to them once they can understand." Stara sits upright and wobbles a bit as she glances and sniffs around. Atleast she's with her siblings again. A rather strong mewl is offered straight up to her mother. She needs attention!
Elimnyama catches his mate's glance and offers her a return smirk, though as a flailing paw hits him in the eye he grunts again and returns his attention to his task. His annoyed threats are drowned by cub scruff, anyway. Finally he too deposits his load within the heap of children and sits back on his haunches with a very tired sigh. "Thank you, all of you," he intones to the three Kivulians, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smile that offsets his dark and imposing features. "We coudn't have done it without your help. I know it takes courage to leave your home, even for a little while, and your selflessness will be rewarded with a proper meal and as many nights' rest as you wish before you return to Kivuli. Our huntresses will be happy to see to feeding you and you are more than welcome to sleep in the pridal cavern with the rest of us." Once these important matters are dealt with, Elim's eyes finally make their way up to where Ukomo' is lying. The little scrap of life between her paws makes him blink. "Waset.. who's that?"
So many whispers in the trees. Excited calls of African birds. "The King and Big Queen have returned!" And there are words of cubs. Or something. But Takiyah doesn't exactly go around listening to bird's talk. It's moreso lion's words that have her making a rather unwanted trek back to Tyne Rock after a brief absense from it, and her suspicions are confirmed by scent even before she arrives. She smells Waset! And Elimnyama! And .. others. Ears lifting, the former Lady emerges from the jungle and moves up the slope of the familiar Rock, ears lifted and head raised. Ah look, familiar and unfamiliar faces. With a twitch of her tail, the lioness heads towards them all, steps slow and measured. "Welcome home."
As Amahl is placed on the ground, he finally seems to stir; the boy actually squeaks, looking around with surprise. After all the walking they did, he'd gotten rather used to seeing the world from a higher vantage point, and finding himself lost in the grasses all of a sudden is rather startling. He crowds close to Waset's foreleg, blinking up at the other adults as his siblings are deposited nearby. -- "His" cub is placed down with the other's, and Kisehemu's jaw works a few times; it's a little stiff from holding the princess, however small, for so long. When Waset and Elimnyama extend their thanks to the Kivulians, however, the knight's smile is small but warm; he dips his head to the both of them, deep. "I'm just glad that we were able to help see them home safely, King Elimnyama. Thank you for your generosity; I'm sure we'll all appreciate the meal and the chance to rest." After all, there wasn't too much of an opportunity to sit back and relax on the way over.
New voices sound out from the new smells- and Kale's young eyes finally focus well enough to pick up the details at range. He's more than a little nervous, given his experiences earlier in the day- quite aside from being pooped out, tired, drained and still with a headache too. New people? Pah. He'll deal with them in the morning, and if they've come to eat him, well it won't hurt as much if they do it while he's sleeping. He pauses though as one of the new-folk makes more sounds- one that sounds somewhat familiar; he's heard it before. His mother's name. Slowly closing his eyes, he babbles out something that could be an imitation of it.. or just a particularly milky belch. "Wumo'assy." Is probably the best way to textually render it. ;) Now, if those noises are what Milkbar is called in grownup speak then it means that these strangers must know her. Besides, he can see other cubs down there too- and these ones look closer to his age, if not to his size. Maybe these'll be nicer. Yes, tomorrow definately holds promise for the little white prince. But for now, more important matters await. His eyes already closed, he rolls to the side a little in order to bury his face in Ukomo's chest-fur, the injured side of his head turned upwards to keep the weight off it and leave it accessable for grooming. A high-pitched purr begins to throb from his chest as his breathing slows and he dozes off, a little lock of his mother's fur held gummily in his mouth.
"Well of course you're back! Can't stay on holiday for the rest of your lives. It's been too quiet." Uko calls down from the ledge she's perched upon, watching the unloading process with a rather.. puzzled look on her face. "For the sake of our Fathers, how many did you.." Well, there's no good way to say it, so, erring on the side of political correctness, Uko simply asks, instead, "How many /are/ there?" And then the Ghost catches the expression on Waset's face, a grin of her own appearing. Proud. Her paws move aside so that the small, white cub can better be seen. Yea. She's got one too. And look! He's all.. pasty and pale, too! Elim's question manages to catch Uko's ears and she perks, turning toward the dark figure with a grin. "His name is Kale'Kizuka. Your nephew." That should clear that up. "Something tells me I'm going to have a lot of names to memorize." She says, wide eyes still scanning the group of cubs piling up at Waset and Elim's feet. "I'm glad you've made it back safely. When we heard the snippets we could get.. Aitan and I have been sending out our best thoughts. He'll be so.. /relieved/ to know you're /all/ back safe." Her pale gaze continues to sweep through the many little faces. "..there just darling, you two." She says quietly, genuinely. "You are all /so/ very welcomed back home." Takiyah's approach is caught with a little apprehension, Uko's features growing contemplative. "Takiyah?" She questions to the other lioness as she nears the rock. "I..wanted to apologize. A lot. For the other day." She begins, shoving a watermelon down her throat with a solid swallow. "I fear my hot-headedness got in the way of my better judgment. You were right by all counts, and I reacted very poorly. Please accept my most sincere apology; it seems there is a great deal that I have yet to learn. Of Tyne, and of lionesses and the bond that we're supposed to share. While I do not regret it, I fear that being raised by a father alone has left me a complete child when it comes to understanding my role among other lionesses. If you're willing to share your wisdom, then I will try to better myself. For everyone's sake. And I will use my head more." She considers the older lioness with an unfaltering gaze, and truly there exists humility in her pale blues. And in this moment, her youth sort of.. sneaks out as her lower lip is chewed under one of her pointed teeth to the side. And then her brows shoot skywards, chin pointing downward. "You.." Talked. Sort of. But there he goes, curling up and already asleep. And slobbering on her. Her head bows, the side of her cheek brushing Kale's head tenderly. "Sleep well, then. Lots to discover tomorrow."
Stormy blue eyes roll playfully skyward and Waset shoots her mate a sidelong glance, smirking. "Well it's /obviously/ a miniature zebra," She quips in lighthearted response, shifting her gaze up to Ukomobasi. "Uko' is obviously quite talented to have had one of /them/, while all /we/ got were regular ol' lion cubs." The mewling of Stara is met by a dipping of her head, several quick kisses and a nuzzle offered to the girl. But when she speaks, it is to Ukomobasi. "I didn't even know you were pregnant," She says, giving her pale-coated counterpart a mock glare. "What'd you do.. eat somethin' to speed the whole process up? You shoulda shared with me!" One forepaw is lifted to gently stroke Amahl as he leans against paw, the gesture meant to be calming. It's OK, we're home. "Sev.. er, six. We have six." And pride is obviously evident in Waset's tone, her head held slightly higher. It isn't the number of cubs she's proud of - no doubt she'll be driven crazy when they're all wandering about getting into trouble! - but the fact that she has /living/ cubs. She may not show it, but the memory of the firstborn.. the one born dead.. haunts her. The poor thing never got a chance at life. "And these," She says, turning to nod at their three escorts. "Are Lady Khamisa, Kisehemu and Anyu of Kivuli. They've been a great help to us, and are our guests until they see fit to return to their pride." The three are thus given a warm smile from the barbary queen. "This is Queen Ukomobasi," She says, her head tilting to indicate the white queen. "The mate of King Aitan.. King Elimnyama's brother." -- Khamisa dips her head politely to Ukomobasi. "A pleasure, Your Highness. And," A glance to Waset and Elimnyama, just to confirm by their expressions that Kale'Kizuka is new to them. "Congratulations." With a quick bob to indicate the small cub that Ukomobasi holds to her. Looks like the Tynians are going to have their paws full with little ones, aye? Khamisa shifts aside, standing next to Kisehemu, giving the other two Kivulians a small smile as she falls silent again. -- "Takiyah!" Waset beams at the former Lady as she arrives, tail lifting in greeting. "Thanks.. it was a bit of a trip. It's good to be home again." Boy, is it ever.
At this point, Anyu wishes silently that she was more outgoing. She always thought she was; talkative and bold. She was atleast when she was younger and now look at her-she's finally away from home with new lands to discover and inhabitants to meet and all she can seem to do is smile so that her cheeks bunch up on either side of her face and stare safely down at the cubs. They don't expect her to do or say anything and vice versa! Though her ears twitch as the white lioness begins to converse with the others. Even Khamisa (whom she has only met briefly before this) and Kisehemu seem to find their way around this particular situation with ease. All she can do is dip her head politely toward the other Queen and mimick the words of the Lady at her side. "Your highness.." she says almost too softly and her ears pull back bashfully. A powerful yawn pulls at her jaws and Anyu shakes her head to hopefully rid herself of any exhaustion. She's ready to curl up and nap but..oh screw it. "I hope you won't find me rude but would you excuse me? I..erm..find myself a bit tired from the trip." There. Said. Anyu smiles at the group with both brows raised. To them, she must be a little on the odd side but pridal living and all of its aspects have never been apart of her life until just recently.
Kale'Kizuka - Male White Lion Cub.
Ukomobasi - Female White Lioness.
Waset - Female Barbary Lioness.
Khamisa - Female Lioness.
Anyu - Female Lioness.
Stara - Female Lioness Cub.
Elimnyama - Male Lion.
Kisehemu - Male Lion.
Amahl - Male Lion Cub.
Takiyah - Female Lioness.
Summary: Elimnyama and Waset return to Tyne with their new cubs, accompanied by a Kivulian escort, and are greeted by Ukomobasi and her son.
[Tyne] Tyne Rock Base
Lain just outside the cavemouth is a tiny splash of white colour- a very small one indeed! As one draws closer, it becomes clearer that it's a cub. A very small cub indeed- though the little boy's eyes are open (and showing the same briltiant blue as his mother's, easily comparable as she lays next to him), in size he looks about the same as a healthy newborn. A lion in minature, almost! The boy's head and face show signs of crying and there's a rather nasty looking patch of red on the right side of his head, behind his ear- together with a bump that, if it didn't look so gory, would actually be rather cute. The tiny mite is being cleaned up it would seem; his first encounter with two of his youngest uncles having turned a bit rough as is known to happen when young boys interact. For now Kale is tired and sore, and a little cranky. But he manages to stop himself from crying, whining or whimpering any further. It's hard to be vocally upset when you're in a sunbeam and your mommy is fussing over your booboo.
And fuss she does! The white lioness, for all her dark internal muttering about careless cubs, is the very picture of attentive motherhood. Her paws have created a bowl, in which Kale is nestled, shoulder leaned against the side of the cave, pulling her half-in and half-out of shade. Sun is good, after all. Got to get the pigmentless munchkin used to subtle light. No more burns! The afternoon is late, sunlight painted red and purple upon the distant horizon. Shale and small pieces of mineral in the stones pick up the remaining shine and send it outward, glimmering. Home, it seems, looks very much like a glittering jewel upon the Tyne savannah. As it should look.
Sound the trumpets, break out the champagne and alert the presses! The King and Queen - er, one pair of the, anyway - have returned! Waset and Elimnyama's journey to Kivuli may have been rushed, but the return trip has been quite the opposite, probably due to the fact that they are accomapnied by three Kivulians. Or maybe it's the six squirmy wormy little cublets who are now developing their own personalities and getting eager to explore the world around them. Although being out in unclaimed territory with her babies did have Waset a little on edge, she has delighted in watching them. They're so adorable! Tiny and cute.. and watching them grow is just amazing. They wouldn't exist without both Elimnyama and herself.. and that thought hasn't ceased to amaze her. The barbary is quite thankful, however, as their journey finally reaches familiar territory, paws carrying her across the same rich savannah grasses that she has known since she was a cub. And now, Waset thinks, as the little group makes their way closer to Tyne Rock, her cubs will get to grow up here too. She smiles around the scruff of the cub she carries.. little Amahl.. and picks up her pace just slightly, eager to reach the rock and be able to finally, formally, welcome her children home. -- To Waset's side, and just a few steps behind, Lady Khamisa of Kivuli pads along, carrying in her jaws the sleeping Almasi. Khammy was only too eager to volunteer to be the Kivulian escort to the Tyne royalty.. and, in fact, begged her brother to allow her to go. 'It sends a good message!' She'd said. 'Sending one of the royal family. A gesture of good will and trust!' Besides, as she'd pointed out, Tyne are distant relations to Kivuli and Khamisa, family historian, was eager to come and hear of how this branch of the family has continued, to learn a bit about them and their ancestors. As they move across the Tyne lands, Khamisa's blue eyes are wide, taking in all around her. The lands are so /gorgeous/. Not in the way Kivuli is, with its mountains and things, but all the water.. and all the green. Beautiful. As the form of Tyne Rock begins to loom before them, Khamisa directs her gaze out ahead of her, nose twitching slightly as she picks up the heavy scent of lion that surrounds the area.
A little further back is young Anyu, moving at a steady walk as to not bustle the young cub in her jaws anymore than she is. Word had spread of the Tyne royalty staying in Kivuli for their cubs but just strolling up in the main cavern to investigate was not really on her list of comfortable things to do. But when she'd heard through the vines that they needed help carrying a litter into Tyne, she was up and ready to move. She'd wanted to leave and get out on her own for a while now yet with no good opportunity. Even Atreyu had told her she should see what was out there and here she is--royal cub in tow. The mahogany hued skirmy bean hadn't given her too much of a hassle for the most part. She'd wailed and giggled and snored and done all the things that cubbies do. Stara is quiet now, just staring at the wilderness moving past and her temporary babysitter isn't much different. Anyu grins and trieds to keep up with the rest of the group.
Thank the kings it was an uneventful journey back. He couldn't have borne it if they'd lost somebody on the way, just when they thought they were out of the woods. With a nervous father's nagging precision, Elim' made sure the cubs were /GOOD and READY/ to travel before he gave his assent to move them -- translation: he followed Tumbuiza around asking her six times a day if she was /sure/ the cubs would be alright on the journey, and this finally culminated in his being flapped at (jokingly, of course) to get out of Kivuli already and for pity's sake stop harassing the healer. Thus convinced that his children now have a clean bill of health, Elimnyama began the trek back to Tyne with a more or less untroubled heart. There is the matter of Amahl that worries him, and of course.. there is the memory of the firstborn, the one that was lost, that pricks him still.. But for the most part he is a happy and triumphant papa - although that may not be evident at the moment from the look on his face. The king glares sternly at the two cubs hanging by their scruffs from his jaws, the effort causing him to go slightly cross-eyed and the effect of the glare is completely lost. "Hol' /still/," he grumbles, for Cyrus and Makaio seem to have started some kind of shoving match and Elim's getting quickly afraid that he might drop one of them if they don't stop squirming. With a grunt Elim' rolls his eyes and sets his attention ahead toward the welcoming sight of Tyne Rock. Then he sighs deeply, both relieved and weary to the marrow of his bones.
And the King had been aghast when Khamisa volunteered herself to be part of the escort--he hadn't been afraid of sending her to Tyne so much as he'd been afraid of sending her anywhere at /all/. After all, this is his little sister; he feels protective, and couldn't help but worry that something could happen en route, before they were safely back on pridal territory. Ultimately, it was his decision to send Kisehemu that convinced him to let her go--after all, it's the knights' jobs to protect the royal family, and it's ridiculous to think that she wouldn't be safe with one of them along as well. Fortunatey, the trip went smoothly, without interference from rogues or hyenas or life-threatening earthquakes...but as the group of lions make their way towards Tyne Rock, Kise remains beside Khamisa, calmly taking in the sights. As the child of a rogue, he did a lot of travelling when he was younger, and while Tyne itself is new, the general idea of unfamiliar scenery isn't. Still, it's a definite change of pace to be out of Kivuli. The cub in his jaws, thank the gods, hasn't been terribly much trouble; he'd been a bit worried that he'd drop her at first, but managed to make the journey without doing so. -- In Waset's jaws, Amahl is as quiet as Stara; he doesn't make much noise in general, but he'd taken all this moving around with a sort of subdued curiosity, and hadn't gotten terribly worked up. He was checked over before they left, though, so perhaps it's just not in his personality to get agitated over a little trip from Kivuli to Tyne. Pffth.
Stirring as his mother laps away some of the nastiness on the side of his head, Kale'kizuka yawns widely and takes a long sniff of the evening air. Then blinks several times (an action that despite his somewhat disshevelled state, he still manages to carry off with impossible cuteness). Odd.. The prevailing wind carries a new scent of lions, quite a few he's not smelled before around the pridal cabin. It's only the concentration in one place that lets him detect the group, but it's still enough to make him pull his head away from his mother's tongue and mewl excitedly a couple of times. If only because the LAST new scent he encountered turned out to be an uncle with intent to torment..
A rust colored ear quirks to the side at the sound of her mate's voice, however muffled, and Waset glances in Elimnyama's direction before smirking around Amahl's scruff. Cyrus and Makaio are obviously full of energy at the moment, no? And their /poor/ papa is stuck carrying the both of them. The barbary queen moves forward, sighing gratefully as they finally reach their destination. /Home/. Selecting a spot, Waset draws to a half and gently places Amahl on the ground right at her forepaws, a gentle lick placed atop his head before she straightens again. "Welcome home, little ones," She purrs softly, glancing to the other cubs as they are carried in by the others. And, with a smile, Waset looks to Khamisa, Kisehemu and Anyu. "And welcome to Tyne." -- Khamisa comes up alongside Waset, placing the still-snoozing Almasi gently down alongside her brother. The petite lioness takes a moment to glance at her surroundings, nodding in approval. A lovely place for a home indeed. "Thank you, Your Highness," Khamisa replies to the barbary with a polite nod of her head, smiling softly. "Your lands are lovely. Your children will enjoy growing up here, I'm sure." She leans down to give Almasi a gentle nuzzle, and noses Amahl's shuolder softly - they are all so cute! Khamisa has never been around small cubs before, and has been delighting in Waset and Elimnyama's lot the whole journey - before stepping aside to allow Kisehemu and Anyu a chance to unload their jaws of their small charges. -- With a smile and nod to Khamisa, Waset glances to the mouth of the cavern, easily spotting the pale form of the other Queen. "Ukomobasi! We're back!" She almost doesn't see Kale'Kizuka at first, and when she does she nearly does a double take. But it doesn't take Waset long to figure that the cub must be Uko's, and a grin quickly stretches across her muzzle. Hey! Waset hadn't known she was pregnant too! Now her cubs have a cousin - or more? - to play with!
Takiyah has arrived.
The young girl focuses on the rocks ahead and the snowy white figures that litter it. Interesting. Anyu hadn't had a chance to really talk Elimnyama or Waset on the trip and she was actually quite greatful for it. She'd never been around royalty for the most of her life; Atreyu..he isn't royalty, he's a goofball. There's a difference. But now it seems as though she's going to have to converse without embarassing herself. A ruling couple, a lady and a knight...and then there's Anyu. The lioness approaches the growing pile of cubs and gently places the googly eyed Stara with the rest. She wouldn't nuzzle it, it's not hers. "Thank you very much.." she replies softly to the welcome, smiling genuinely at the two females and then glancing back at the following males. Uh..um...small talk? Yes, small talk. "It must be nice to rest your paws home again. These guys are going to have quite a story told to them once they can understand." Stara sits upright and wobbles a bit as she glances and sniffs around. Atleast she's with her siblings again. A rather strong mewl is offered straight up to her mother. She needs attention!
Elimnyama catches his mate's glance and offers her a return smirk, though as a flailing paw hits him in the eye he grunts again and returns his attention to his task. His annoyed threats are drowned by cub scruff, anyway. Finally he too deposits his load within the heap of children and sits back on his haunches with a very tired sigh. "Thank you, all of you," he intones to the three Kivulians, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smile that offsets his dark and imposing features. "We coudn't have done it without your help. I know it takes courage to leave your home, even for a little while, and your selflessness will be rewarded with a proper meal and as many nights' rest as you wish before you return to Kivuli. Our huntresses will be happy to see to feeding you and you are more than welcome to sleep in the pridal cavern with the rest of us." Once these important matters are dealt with, Elim's eyes finally make their way up to where Ukomo' is lying. The little scrap of life between her paws makes him blink. "Waset.. who's that?"
So many whispers in the trees. Excited calls of African birds. "The King and Big Queen have returned!" And there are words of cubs. Or something. But Takiyah doesn't exactly go around listening to bird's talk. It's moreso lion's words that have her making a rather unwanted trek back to Tyne Rock after a brief absense from it, and her suspicions are confirmed by scent even before she arrives. She smells Waset! And Elimnyama! And .. others. Ears lifting, the former Lady emerges from the jungle and moves up the slope of the familiar Rock, ears lifted and head raised. Ah look, familiar and unfamiliar faces. With a twitch of her tail, the lioness heads towards them all, steps slow and measured. "Welcome home."
As Amahl is placed on the ground, he finally seems to stir; the boy actually squeaks, looking around with surprise. After all the walking they did, he'd gotten rather used to seeing the world from a higher vantage point, and finding himself lost in the grasses all of a sudden is rather startling. He crowds close to Waset's foreleg, blinking up at the other adults as his siblings are deposited nearby. -- "His" cub is placed down with the other's, and Kisehemu's jaw works a few times; it's a little stiff from holding the princess, however small, for so long. When Waset and Elimnyama extend their thanks to the Kivulians, however, the knight's smile is small but warm; he dips his head to the both of them, deep. "I'm just glad that we were able to help see them home safely, King Elimnyama. Thank you for your generosity; I'm sure we'll all appreciate the meal and the chance to rest." After all, there wasn't too much of an opportunity to sit back and relax on the way over.
New voices sound out from the new smells- and Kale's young eyes finally focus well enough to pick up the details at range. He's more than a little nervous, given his experiences earlier in the day- quite aside from being pooped out, tired, drained and still with a headache too. New people? Pah. He'll deal with them in the morning, and if they've come to eat him, well it won't hurt as much if they do it while he's sleeping. He pauses though as one of the new-folk makes more sounds- one that sounds somewhat familiar; he's heard it before. His mother's name. Slowly closing his eyes, he babbles out something that could be an imitation of it.. or just a particularly milky belch. "Wumo'assy." Is probably the best way to textually render it. ;) Now, if those noises are what Milkbar is called in grownup speak then it means that these strangers must know her. Besides, he can see other cubs down there too- and these ones look closer to his age, if not to his size. Maybe these'll be nicer. Yes, tomorrow definately holds promise for the little white prince. But for now, more important matters await. His eyes already closed, he rolls to the side a little in order to bury his face in Ukomo's chest-fur, the injured side of his head turned upwards to keep the weight off it and leave it accessable for grooming. A high-pitched purr begins to throb from his chest as his breathing slows and he dozes off, a little lock of his mother's fur held gummily in his mouth.
"Well of course you're back! Can't stay on holiday for the rest of your lives. It's been too quiet." Uko calls down from the ledge she's perched upon, watching the unloading process with a rather.. puzzled look on her face. "For the sake of our Fathers, how many did you.." Well, there's no good way to say it, so, erring on the side of political correctness, Uko simply asks, instead, "How many /are/ there?" And then the Ghost catches the expression on Waset's face, a grin of her own appearing. Proud. Her paws move aside so that the small, white cub can better be seen. Yea. She's got one too. And look! He's all.. pasty and pale, too! Elim's question manages to catch Uko's ears and she perks, turning toward the dark figure with a grin. "His name is Kale'Kizuka. Your nephew." That should clear that up. "Something tells me I'm going to have a lot of names to memorize." She says, wide eyes still scanning the group of cubs piling up at Waset and Elim's feet. "I'm glad you've made it back safely. When we heard the snippets we could get.. Aitan and I have been sending out our best thoughts. He'll be so.. /relieved/ to know you're /all/ back safe." Her pale gaze continues to sweep through the many little faces. "..there just darling, you two." She says quietly, genuinely. "You are all /so/ very welcomed back home." Takiyah's approach is caught with a little apprehension, Uko's features growing contemplative. "Takiyah?" She questions to the other lioness as she nears the rock. "I..wanted to apologize. A lot. For the other day." She begins, shoving a watermelon down her throat with a solid swallow. "I fear my hot-headedness got in the way of my better judgment. You were right by all counts, and I reacted very poorly. Please accept my most sincere apology; it seems there is a great deal that I have yet to learn. Of Tyne, and of lionesses and the bond that we're supposed to share. While I do not regret it, I fear that being raised by a father alone has left me a complete child when it comes to understanding my role among other lionesses. If you're willing to share your wisdom, then I will try to better myself. For everyone's sake. And I will use my head more." She considers the older lioness with an unfaltering gaze, and truly there exists humility in her pale blues. And in this moment, her youth sort of.. sneaks out as her lower lip is chewed under one of her pointed teeth to the side. And then her brows shoot skywards, chin pointing downward. "You.." Talked. Sort of. But there he goes, curling up and already asleep. And slobbering on her. Her head bows, the side of her cheek brushing Kale's head tenderly. "Sleep well, then. Lots to discover tomorrow."
Stormy blue eyes roll playfully skyward and Waset shoots her mate a sidelong glance, smirking. "Well it's /obviously/ a miniature zebra," She quips in lighthearted response, shifting her gaze up to Ukomobasi. "Uko' is obviously quite talented to have had one of /them/, while all /we/ got were regular ol' lion cubs." The mewling of Stara is met by a dipping of her head, several quick kisses and a nuzzle offered to the girl. But when she speaks, it is to Ukomobasi. "I didn't even know you were pregnant," She says, giving her pale-coated counterpart a mock glare. "What'd you do.. eat somethin' to speed the whole process up? You shoulda shared with me!" One forepaw is lifted to gently stroke Amahl as he leans against paw, the gesture meant to be calming. It's OK, we're home. "Sev.. er, six. We have six." And pride is obviously evident in Waset's tone, her head held slightly higher. It isn't the number of cubs she's proud of - no doubt she'll be driven crazy when they're all wandering about getting into trouble! - but the fact that she has /living/ cubs. She may not show it, but the memory of the firstborn.. the one born dead.. haunts her. The poor thing never got a chance at life. "And these," She says, turning to nod at their three escorts. "Are Lady Khamisa, Kisehemu and Anyu of Kivuli. They've been a great help to us, and are our guests until they see fit to return to their pride." The three are thus given a warm smile from the barbary queen. "This is Queen Ukomobasi," She says, her head tilting to indicate the white queen. "The mate of King Aitan.. King Elimnyama's brother." -- Khamisa dips her head politely to Ukomobasi. "A pleasure, Your Highness. And," A glance to Waset and Elimnyama, just to confirm by their expressions that Kale'Kizuka is new to them. "Congratulations." With a quick bob to indicate the small cub that Ukomobasi holds to her. Looks like the Tynians are going to have their paws full with little ones, aye? Khamisa shifts aside, standing next to Kisehemu, giving the other two Kivulians a small smile as she falls silent again. -- "Takiyah!" Waset beams at the former Lady as she arrives, tail lifting in greeting. "Thanks.. it was a bit of a trip. It's good to be home again." Boy, is it ever.
At this point, Anyu wishes silently that she was more outgoing. She always thought she was; talkative and bold. She was atleast when she was younger and now look at her-she's finally away from home with new lands to discover and inhabitants to meet and all she can seem to do is smile so that her cheeks bunch up on either side of her face and stare safely down at the cubs. They don't expect her to do or say anything and vice versa! Though her ears twitch as the white lioness begins to converse with the others. Even Khamisa (whom she has only met briefly before this) and Kisehemu seem to find their way around this particular situation with ease. All she can do is dip her head politely toward the other Queen and mimick the words of the Lady at her side. "Your highness.." she says almost too softly and her ears pull back bashfully. A powerful yawn pulls at her jaws and Anyu shakes her head to hopefully rid herself of any exhaustion. She's ready to curl up and nap but..oh screw it. "I hope you won't find me rude but would you excuse me? I..erm..find myself a bit tired from the trip." There. Said. Anyu smiles at the group with both brows raised. To them, she must be a little on the odd side but pridal living and all of its aspects have never been apart of her life until just recently.