Post by Sinyaa on Sept 23, 2006 19:38:07 GMT -5
Characters: Zira, Khamsin, Sytobi, Sanura, Maafa, Bhat, Gi, Thandiwe, Kovu, Kunguru
Methodically carrying each of her newest litter out from the cavern to the grasses in front of the cave, the older siblings in tow, Zira scans the horizon. Opening her muzzle in a summoning roar, the Queen waits for her pride to arrive, her tail flicking about in anticipation. Today is the day. Today, Mbaamwezi shall be reborn, stronger and deadlier than before.
Kunguru hearing the roar quickly flies in the direction of it as he heads for the spot where he spots Zira and the cubs and glides over to land on a ledge above the cave enterance to watch.
Bhat had been napping, stretched out along the limb of a long-dead tree, when the grunting call reaches her. She awakens with a start, claws extending and digging into the bark of it, and slips off, stretching, taking her time before she heads towards the sound.
Broad paws carry Sanura towards the long awaited roar, her own maw stretched by a yawn. The young lioness slinks in from the surrounding area. Tired eyes flick over her near pride mates. A thin smile wriggles lazily across her black lips as she seats herself among the gathering, shoulders rigidly formal with the rest of her lanky posture.
In response to the roar - or perhaps just from good timing on her part - Khamsin pads out of the grasses, slowing to a halt not far from the Queen. The cuts on her shoulder are liberally coated in the same sand which clings to her pelt, the smell of blood and even of the lioness herself buried deeply beneath the scent of wind-blown dust.
From up above, another peers down over the clifftop, a low chuff given in response to the queen's call. Moments later, Sytobi appears slinking down the steep path towards the pridal cavern, a cub or two in tow behind him.
Not far behind is Maafa, called from her sleep by the roar. The tatters that are her ears twitch forward slightly as she approaches, using her usual low gait. What's this?
One pale, brown-rimmed ear perks and swivels toward the familiar sound of the Queen's throaty voice. Yes, Thandiwe knows what /that/ noise means. She rises onto all fours and flexes her claws as she stretches, bending her back until she feels the tension begin to melt from her muscles. Soon, she too has joined the steady trickle on its way to the congregation.
So much noise; tiny ears lain back against his skull, the darkish cub utters a small complanitory noise of dismay, eyes opening breifly wide in an expression of 'why is the world so LOUD?', before they lazily droop a bit. The small lion-child is far too interested, at the moment, in sleeping, and eating, to actually pay much attention to the activities about him. Kovu's head droops slightly, chin finding his paws as he ponders another nap..
Zira still bears the signs of a scuffle from the previous night, her cheek marked with four clawed gouges, serving only to make her look even more formidable as she climbs onto a low rock to observe her pride. As the other leonines filter into view, Zira prepares her address to the crowd. "Our pride is at a turning point. There are many who would like to see the Mbaamwezi return to the lifeless lands they were before. We must rise to meet this challenge head-on, and show our enemies how foolish they were to trifle with us in the first place. I, as Queen, must embrace you all as vital, integral members of my pride. None of you are worth less than any other. Without huntresses, we would starve. Without guards, our defenses would suffer. Without spies, we would be left in the dark. Today, the Mbaamwezi will become greater than ever." She pauses, considering each of those present for reactions.
Topaz eyes shift, briefly cast aside to leer at approaching beasts. The haughty lift of her chin carries her gaze back to Zira and her cubs. Round ears flick, then perk towards the Mbaamwezi queen as she begins speaking.
Predictably, the scout doesn't show much of a reaction at all. Amber eyes remain steady as they too consider the gathered pride. Observing, but whatever mental notes Khamsin takes don't show in her expression. It isn't long before she returns most of her attention to Zira, waiting for the Queen to continue.
Sytobi settles against a nearby boulder, somewhere off behind the bulk of the group. His tail twitches and lashes to and fro in annoyance as a cub attempts to 'catch' it. Ignoring the little one's playful antics, he tilts his head upward, turning his attention to Zira...
Maafa listens attentively, though her head remains low over her chest and throat.
Thandiwe is young, but not so young that she doesn't understand the gravity of the Queen's words. As her tail coils around her paws, its tufted tip flicks once - as if in agreement. Her garnet eyes rise to Zira and her rock, but still the cub remains perfectly silent.
Kovu utters another, sleepy half-squeak of noise; ears slowly lifting, yet eyes closing. Its just his momma talkin', the boy is allowed to be sleepy when its just her! Head having fully reaches his paws, he dozes there sleepily, little tail wiggling a bit behind him. He has no real input to add; except that if he could talk, he'd be scolding them all. Can't they see he's tryin' to sleep? And what, in life, aside from food, is more important? Nothing! Eat and Sleep! That is life!
"First, there are changes to be made regarding ranks. To further emphasize their importance, huntresses will now do more than simply hunt for the pride. Should I need some service accomplished, they may volunteer to do these extra duties as 'reserves' of the pride. There is also a new rank in the hierarchy, that of an advisor; a second-in-command, if you will." Zira turns to lock eyes with Khamsin, offering a slight bow before she continues. "Khamsin will fulfill this role. As she was previously a skilled spy, I shall ask her to teach one or two new scouts for the pride. Those interested in becoming an apprentice should speak with her." A similar bow is offered to Jemadari as well. "Though his promotion has already occurred, Jemadari is to be recognized as well in becoming a mercenary."
Another smile worms into life upon Sanura's maw, though her presented posture remains a steady, respectful one. The lioness unsheathes her claws and chuffs a recognition to both creatures' honor, though it's clear her main attention remains with the male due to the more than approving glance he receives.
As Zira addresses her, Khamsin bows her head in return, acknowledging the honor she is given. Amber eyes regard the gathered leonines as the Queen speaks of apprentices, passing in turn from each to the next. Considering them. Gaze lingering, ever so briefly, upon Gi. One ear angles forward to the cub, remembering their last encounter, before the lioness continues her sweep of the pride's members.
As usual, the maneless one lingers on the outer fringe of the crowd, participation at a minimal, but his attention piqued nonetheless. Narrow eyes seek out Khamsin momentarily as the proverbial spotlight is cast upon her. Yip-pee.
Maafa glances to Khamsin and Jemadari as they're both addressed, and she notes these new changes in her mind. However, she says nothing, simply listening.
Kovu remains otherwise asleep; managing to nap despite such important words being said.
"Second, there is the matter of the new generation." Zira steps down from the low ledge in order to pluck the sole male cub out from between his sisters, returning to the rock and placing him between her paws. "To symbolize our rebirth into greatness, I now pronounce Kovu as the Mbaamwezi heir. He, and all Outlands offspring, shall be trained into true greatness through our pride's collective efforts." While most of the pride looks at the cub with approving gazes, there is one who looks on in envy. Already gangly and scruffy as a juvenile, Nuka observes the newly-dubbed heir with sad jealousy. "To further celebrate his title, I shall now select a betrothal for the young prince. Sytobi, bring your cubs forward."
Bhat has settled herself at the periphery of the group, watching Zira's cubs with quiet but intense interest.
Gi, settled by Sytobi, doesn't attempt to touch him-- she's got no wish to be swatted. She -is-, however, alternately playing with a matted tuft of grass and watching the cubs with her googly-eyed gaze.
An ear flicks back thoughtfully as Sytobi's gaze shoots back to the queen and heir, then to the four girlcubs scattered about him. 'You heard queenie' is what his wordless gaze seems to suggest. Rising from his haunches, he makes his way slowly through the splitting crowd, plucking the totally-zoned-out Gi up by the head on his way. The other three follow, either bounding excitedly before or behind the lion..
Turning to the named heir, Khamsin looks at the cub for a long moment. As she does so, she also notes Nuka's expression without appearing to, filing it away for later consideration. That one, she'll be watching closely. Kovu himself, she neither approves nor disapproves of; not at this early stage. Amber eyes shift to track the approach of Sytobi and his daughters with mild curiosity.
An indignant squawk utters as he's lifted, before Kovu lets out a plantive 'waauuu' at his mom; aw, C'mon! It was the nice happy dream about being all nice nad happy and warm! So what if that's all he dreams about at the moment! Oh, wait-- Paws. Mmm. Paws are good. As he's set down, nestled betwixt Zira's paws, he opens his viridian eyes and looks up sleepily, yazwnng at all the nice people watching him.
Thandiwe brings up the rear - as usual. Her gaze flicks briefly to Nuka and, slowly, the corners of her mouth crease into an uncertain frown. Zira was right to have passed him over, of course; anyone with /eyes/ can see that. But there's no ignoring the awkward twinge in her breast. Stupid empathy.
Zira picks Kovu back up to return him to the warmth of his littermates' company, her actions much more affectionate and motherly towards this male over the other - which doesn't go unnoticed by Nuka. His vibrant green eyes, his chocolate pelt, his dark fur tufts...to Zira, he is strikingly reminiscent of two prominent figures in her life, especially his father. And if she's lucky, he'll have the cunning intelligence to rival Scar in addition to inheriting Sharvi's strength and skill. Turning to watch the young females approach with a subtle smirk, Zira begins to pace back and forth in front of them, considering each carefully. She has been watching them for a while now, and these final considerations are practically more for show than anything else, merely comparing her mental notes against these last considerations. Too annoyingly playful, too disinterested in pridal matters, too...spastically empty-headed. Finally, the Queen ceases in her pacing, lifting a forepaw to hold the chin of the selected cub, examining her physically as well. "You're quiet, but not aloof. No...you're calculating. Kovu will be a strong-bodied king; he will need a strong-minded queen to complement him. I believe you shall be a suitable betrothal, Thandiwe."
Gi squeals when she's picked up, flailing for a moment or two-- she's dropped her grass!-- but falls quiet as she's carried forward with the rest, squinting at the ground. Where -are- they going? Well, maybe there'll be -better- grass, wherever it is! She glances up, and this time catches Khamsin's gaze on them. She stares back for a moment, and then she's dumped down the rest and turns her attention to the younglings behind Zira. So tiny! Are they edible? Hard to say. Oh well, grass again. Ooh, and a dead bug. She peers up again, though, when Zira, making her selection, speaks.
There is no judgment in Sanura's placid expression as she watches the proceedings. Her eyes follow the tumbling cubs and the prowl of Zira's movements, who observes each of them like fresh cuts of meat. And still Sanura remains incurious as the selection is made.
Sytobi stands attentively before Zira, dropping the squealing youngling with a simple drop of his lower jaw. The male says nothing as his very own children are so scrutinizingly examined by the queen - like mere cuts of meat. Instead, an apathetic gaze is shifted between the four younglings, considering Zira's words as she notes each.. more or less agreeing. A thin brow is lifted as the queen makes her final decision. Yes.. a good choice indeed.
"My Queen," Thandiwe murmurs hoarsely, no fear in her eyes--no nothing, in fact--as she stares up at Zira from beneath her lashes. She can almost feel the burden being set upon her shoulders, but she keeps them perfectly squared and her head held high. Every breath is carefully measured despite the erratic beating of her heart which is, at this precise moment, faster than she can ever remember. "My family is honoured."
Maafa blinks a bit. Betrothal? Pridal living gets stranger and stranger to her. Then again, she supposes it's a fine way to avoid bad pairings, such as her own mother and father. Had they been assigned mates, perhaps she would have a fonder childhood.
At Thandiwe's response, Zira is reassured that her decision was a good one. "Already so proper, too...I am impressed, Thandiwe," the Queen compliments with an approving nod, pulling her paw away from beneath her chin as she turns to pad back to her own cubs. "Let this ceremony instill all of you with a pride and loyalty like never before," Zira says in conclusion, addressing the older leonines. "When our enemies come, let us unite in our new order and defeat them swiftly. We shall rise again, my friends, and more powerful than ever!" she finishes with an inspiring roar.
With a soft, approving utterment, Sytobi once again retreats to the rocky outcropping.
The girl-cub's response is noted with a touch of approval to Khamsin's expression. The lioness nods, the motion accompanied by a soft chuff, in agreement with Zira's words. Otherwise remaining still and silent, as she typically does.
Thandiwe glances over her shoulder at Sytobi's retreating shape and wills her ears not to droop. Father will be Father.
Maafa lifts her head slightly to emit a responding roar to the queen's. It seems the pride is moving in interesting and new directions. She looks forward to seeing how it develops.
Methodically carrying each of her newest litter out from the cavern to the grasses in front of the cave, the older siblings in tow, Zira scans the horizon. Opening her muzzle in a summoning roar, the Queen waits for her pride to arrive, her tail flicking about in anticipation. Today is the day. Today, Mbaamwezi shall be reborn, stronger and deadlier than before.
Kunguru hearing the roar quickly flies in the direction of it as he heads for the spot where he spots Zira and the cubs and glides over to land on a ledge above the cave enterance to watch.
Bhat had been napping, stretched out along the limb of a long-dead tree, when the grunting call reaches her. She awakens with a start, claws extending and digging into the bark of it, and slips off, stretching, taking her time before she heads towards the sound.
Broad paws carry Sanura towards the long awaited roar, her own maw stretched by a yawn. The young lioness slinks in from the surrounding area. Tired eyes flick over her near pride mates. A thin smile wriggles lazily across her black lips as she seats herself among the gathering, shoulders rigidly formal with the rest of her lanky posture.
In response to the roar - or perhaps just from good timing on her part - Khamsin pads out of the grasses, slowing to a halt not far from the Queen. The cuts on her shoulder are liberally coated in the same sand which clings to her pelt, the smell of blood and even of the lioness herself buried deeply beneath the scent of wind-blown dust.
From up above, another peers down over the clifftop, a low chuff given in response to the queen's call. Moments later, Sytobi appears slinking down the steep path towards the pridal cavern, a cub or two in tow behind him.
Not far behind is Maafa, called from her sleep by the roar. The tatters that are her ears twitch forward slightly as she approaches, using her usual low gait. What's this?
One pale, brown-rimmed ear perks and swivels toward the familiar sound of the Queen's throaty voice. Yes, Thandiwe knows what /that/ noise means. She rises onto all fours and flexes her claws as she stretches, bending her back until she feels the tension begin to melt from her muscles. Soon, she too has joined the steady trickle on its way to the congregation.
So much noise; tiny ears lain back against his skull, the darkish cub utters a small complanitory noise of dismay, eyes opening breifly wide in an expression of 'why is the world so LOUD?', before they lazily droop a bit. The small lion-child is far too interested, at the moment, in sleeping, and eating, to actually pay much attention to the activities about him. Kovu's head droops slightly, chin finding his paws as he ponders another nap..
Zira still bears the signs of a scuffle from the previous night, her cheek marked with four clawed gouges, serving only to make her look even more formidable as she climbs onto a low rock to observe her pride. As the other leonines filter into view, Zira prepares her address to the crowd. "Our pride is at a turning point. There are many who would like to see the Mbaamwezi return to the lifeless lands they were before. We must rise to meet this challenge head-on, and show our enemies how foolish they were to trifle with us in the first place. I, as Queen, must embrace you all as vital, integral members of my pride. None of you are worth less than any other. Without huntresses, we would starve. Without guards, our defenses would suffer. Without spies, we would be left in the dark. Today, the Mbaamwezi will become greater than ever." She pauses, considering each of those present for reactions.
Topaz eyes shift, briefly cast aside to leer at approaching beasts. The haughty lift of her chin carries her gaze back to Zira and her cubs. Round ears flick, then perk towards the Mbaamwezi queen as she begins speaking.
Predictably, the scout doesn't show much of a reaction at all. Amber eyes remain steady as they too consider the gathered pride. Observing, but whatever mental notes Khamsin takes don't show in her expression. It isn't long before she returns most of her attention to Zira, waiting for the Queen to continue.
Sytobi settles against a nearby boulder, somewhere off behind the bulk of the group. His tail twitches and lashes to and fro in annoyance as a cub attempts to 'catch' it. Ignoring the little one's playful antics, he tilts his head upward, turning his attention to Zira...
Maafa listens attentively, though her head remains low over her chest and throat.
Thandiwe is young, but not so young that she doesn't understand the gravity of the Queen's words. As her tail coils around her paws, its tufted tip flicks once - as if in agreement. Her garnet eyes rise to Zira and her rock, but still the cub remains perfectly silent.
Kovu utters another, sleepy half-squeak of noise; ears slowly lifting, yet eyes closing. Its just his momma talkin', the boy is allowed to be sleepy when its just her! Head having fully reaches his paws, he dozes there sleepily, little tail wiggling a bit behind him. He has no real input to add; except that if he could talk, he'd be scolding them all. Can't they see he's tryin' to sleep? And what, in life, aside from food, is more important? Nothing! Eat and Sleep! That is life!
"First, there are changes to be made regarding ranks. To further emphasize their importance, huntresses will now do more than simply hunt for the pride. Should I need some service accomplished, they may volunteer to do these extra duties as 'reserves' of the pride. There is also a new rank in the hierarchy, that of an advisor; a second-in-command, if you will." Zira turns to lock eyes with Khamsin, offering a slight bow before she continues. "Khamsin will fulfill this role. As she was previously a skilled spy, I shall ask her to teach one or two new scouts for the pride. Those interested in becoming an apprentice should speak with her." A similar bow is offered to Jemadari as well. "Though his promotion has already occurred, Jemadari is to be recognized as well in becoming a mercenary."
Another smile worms into life upon Sanura's maw, though her presented posture remains a steady, respectful one. The lioness unsheathes her claws and chuffs a recognition to both creatures' honor, though it's clear her main attention remains with the male due to the more than approving glance he receives.
As Zira addresses her, Khamsin bows her head in return, acknowledging the honor she is given. Amber eyes regard the gathered leonines as the Queen speaks of apprentices, passing in turn from each to the next. Considering them. Gaze lingering, ever so briefly, upon Gi. One ear angles forward to the cub, remembering their last encounter, before the lioness continues her sweep of the pride's members.
As usual, the maneless one lingers on the outer fringe of the crowd, participation at a minimal, but his attention piqued nonetheless. Narrow eyes seek out Khamsin momentarily as the proverbial spotlight is cast upon her. Yip-pee.
Maafa glances to Khamsin and Jemadari as they're both addressed, and she notes these new changes in her mind. However, she says nothing, simply listening.
Kovu remains otherwise asleep; managing to nap despite such important words being said.
"Second, there is the matter of the new generation." Zira steps down from the low ledge in order to pluck the sole male cub out from between his sisters, returning to the rock and placing him between her paws. "To symbolize our rebirth into greatness, I now pronounce Kovu as the Mbaamwezi heir. He, and all Outlands offspring, shall be trained into true greatness through our pride's collective efforts." While most of the pride looks at the cub with approving gazes, there is one who looks on in envy. Already gangly and scruffy as a juvenile, Nuka observes the newly-dubbed heir with sad jealousy. "To further celebrate his title, I shall now select a betrothal for the young prince. Sytobi, bring your cubs forward."
Bhat has settled herself at the periphery of the group, watching Zira's cubs with quiet but intense interest.
Gi, settled by Sytobi, doesn't attempt to touch him-- she's got no wish to be swatted. She -is-, however, alternately playing with a matted tuft of grass and watching the cubs with her googly-eyed gaze.
An ear flicks back thoughtfully as Sytobi's gaze shoots back to the queen and heir, then to the four girlcubs scattered about him. 'You heard queenie' is what his wordless gaze seems to suggest. Rising from his haunches, he makes his way slowly through the splitting crowd, plucking the totally-zoned-out Gi up by the head on his way. The other three follow, either bounding excitedly before or behind the lion..
Turning to the named heir, Khamsin looks at the cub for a long moment. As she does so, she also notes Nuka's expression without appearing to, filing it away for later consideration. That one, she'll be watching closely. Kovu himself, she neither approves nor disapproves of; not at this early stage. Amber eyes shift to track the approach of Sytobi and his daughters with mild curiosity.
An indignant squawk utters as he's lifted, before Kovu lets out a plantive 'waauuu' at his mom; aw, C'mon! It was the nice happy dream about being all nice nad happy and warm! So what if that's all he dreams about at the moment! Oh, wait-- Paws. Mmm. Paws are good. As he's set down, nestled betwixt Zira's paws, he opens his viridian eyes and looks up sleepily, yazwnng at all the nice people watching him.
Thandiwe brings up the rear - as usual. Her gaze flicks briefly to Nuka and, slowly, the corners of her mouth crease into an uncertain frown. Zira was right to have passed him over, of course; anyone with /eyes/ can see that. But there's no ignoring the awkward twinge in her breast. Stupid empathy.
Zira picks Kovu back up to return him to the warmth of his littermates' company, her actions much more affectionate and motherly towards this male over the other - which doesn't go unnoticed by Nuka. His vibrant green eyes, his chocolate pelt, his dark fur tufts...to Zira, he is strikingly reminiscent of two prominent figures in her life, especially his father. And if she's lucky, he'll have the cunning intelligence to rival Scar in addition to inheriting Sharvi's strength and skill. Turning to watch the young females approach with a subtle smirk, Zira begins to pace back and forth in front of them, considering each carefully. She has been watching them for a while now, and these final considerations are practically more for show than anything else, merely comparing her mental notes against these last considerations. Too annoyingly playful, too disinterested in pridal matters, too...spastically empty-headed. Finally, the Queen ceases in her pacing, lifting a forepaw to hold the chin of the selected cub, examining her physically as well. "You're quiet, but not aloof. No...you're calculating. Kovu will be a strong-bodied king; he will need a strong-minded queen to complement him. I believe you shall be a suitable betrothal, Thandiwe."
Gi squeals when she's picked up, flailing for a moment or two-- she's dropped her grass!-- but falls quiet as she's carried forward with the rest, squinting at the ground. Where -are- they going? Well, maybe there'll be -better- grass, wherever it is! She glances up, and this time catches Khamsin's gaze on them. She stares back for a moment, and then she's dumped down the rest and turns her attention to the younglings behind Zira. So tiny! Are they edible? Hard to say. Oh well, grass again. Ooh, and a dead bug. She peers up again, though, when Zira, making her selection, speaks.
There is no judgment in Sanura's placid expression as she watches the proceedings. Her eyes follow the tumbling cubs and the prowl of Zira's movements, who observes each of them like fresh cuts of meat. And still Sanura remains incurious as the selection is made.
Sytobi stands attentively before Zira, dropping the squealing youngling with a simple drop of his lower jaw. The male says nothing as his very own children are so scrutinizingly examined by the queen - like mere cuts of meat. Instead, an apathetic gaze is shifted between the four younglings, considering Zira's words as she notes each.. more or less agreeing. A thin brow is lifted as the queen makes her final decision. Yes.. a good choice indeed.
"My Queen," Thandiwe murmurs hoarsely, no fear in her eyes--no nothing, in fact--as she stares up at Zira from beneath her lashes. She can almost feel the burden being set upon her shoulders, but she keeps them perfectly squared and her head held high. Every breath is carefully measured despite the erratic beating of her heart which is, at this precise moment, faster than she can ever remember. "My family is honoured."
Maafa blinks a bit. Betrothal? Pridal living gets stranger and stranger to her. Then again, she supposes it's a fine way to avoid bad pairings, such as her own mother and father. Had they been assigned mates, perhaps she would have a fonder childhood.
At Thandiwe's response, Zira is reassured that her decision was a good one. "Already so proper, too...I am impressed, Thandiwe," the Queen compliments with an approving nod, pulling her paw away from beneath her chin as she turns to pad back to her own cubs. "Let this ceremony instill all of you with a pride and loyalty like never before," Zira says in conclusion, addressing the older leonines. "When our enemies come, let us unite in our new order and defeat them swiftly. We shall rise again, my friends, and more powerful than ever!" she finishes with an inspiring roar.
With a soft, approving utterment, Sytobi once again retreats to the rocky outcropping.
The girl-cub's response is noted with a touch of approval to Khamsin's expression. The lioness nods, the motion accompanied by a soft chuff, in agreement with Zira's words. Otherwise remaining still and silent, as she typically does.
Thandiwe glances over her shoulder at Sytobi's retreating shape and wills her ears not to droop. Father will be Father.
Maafa lifts her head slightly to emit a responding roar to the queen's. It seems the pride is moving in interesting and new directions. She looks forward to seeing how it develops.
