A Brief History of Kivuli

[Msasi]

Before I post the log, yes, I know some of the events may not be totally accurate the way Khamisa relates them. But I do not blame my faulty memory, oh no! Khammy is just young and all these stories have been passed down verbally from generation to generation.. so it only makes sense that she doesn't have all the facts.. or that they are not totally accurate. That is my excuse, enjoy ze log. XD

Involved:
Khamisa, Female Adol. Lioness, Princess of Kivuli
Ankarri, Male Adol. Lion, Foreign Dude
Kiet, Male White Lion, King of Kivuli

Logfile from Sunrise.
4:52 PM 5/21/2006

~*~ Kivuli - Lake ~*~

Ankarri has arrived.

A wind blows across the plains of Kivuli, bringing with them the sweet scent of promised rain. Dark storm clouds loom in the eastern sky and coming steadily closer, low rumbles of thunder echoing across the lands every few moments. Already the front stretches of the clouds - light, wispy forerunners to their menacing storm cloud brethren - are beginning to filter across the sun, casting Kivuli into shadow for a few moments.. and then sunlight again, though it will not be long before the clouds block the sun completely. The local herd beasts are already gathering together, huddling as they await the onslaught of the storm. But.. there is one creature moving across the ground that doesn't seem all too bothered by the threat of rain, not even as a strong gust of wind threatens to knock her almost clean off her paws. The petite and delicate Kivulian Princess, Khamisa, is wandering along casually towards the lake, seeking to quench her thirst. Rain? Pfah! Let it rain. Khamisa doesn't bother to worry about such unchangeable things as the weather.

Staring upwards, Ankarri frowns and sighs. Rain, he had hoped he'd find someone before the rain startedto pour down, but the chances of that are getting more and more slim. The pride has probably sought shelter at this point and barging in on their shelter might not leave a good first impression. Ankarri walks around aimlessly, glancing about, still having a vague hope someone of the pride is still out in the open and approachable. However vague the hope was, it didn't let him down, as Ankarri spots a feline creature in the distance, heading for the lake further ahead. Ankarri sets direction towards the lake as well, a quickened pace to catch up with the one ahead of him.

Khamisa reaches the lake shore and crouches at the water's edge, lapping lightly at the surface until she has had her fill. Licking a few stray droplets of water from her muzzle, Khammy glances skyward as thunder rolls in the distance, though she seems all together unbothered still by the threat of rain. Pushing herself into a standing position once more, Khamisa makes to head off beyond the lake.. but she pauses as another gust of wind brings not only the scent of rain, but the scent of a male that she is not familiar with. The young lioness turns around, spotting the approaching male. Though slightly unnerved at the presence of a stranger, Khamisa watches his approach quietly, adopting what she hopes is a casual, but regal, stance.. like those she has seen her mother take. And she waits.

As Ankarri gets closer, he slows down and hesitates to move closer once he notices and recognizes the regal posture. One of the prides' royalty? Not someone he'd have expected not to have sought shelter at this time, but nevertheless, Ankarri adopts a regal and, unfortunately, somewhat arrogant stance himself, not that he has any standing in these lands whatsoever, but because he used to have it where he came from and hasn't gotten used to the thought of being reduced to a mere rogue lion yet. He calls out to let her know who he is and what he wants, "I, Ankarri, greet you. I have come to these lands in the hopes of joining the pride, which resides here, for now, I merely wish to speak if you have the time for it." he stands where he is, awaiting her reply.

The young lioness' ears shift forward slightly, blue eyes watching the foreign male curiously. If there is any aorrogance in his stance, it goes unnoticed by Khamisa.. but only because she, in trying to imitate her mother's own regal posture, is hoping that she isn't coming off as looking just like a child trying to imitate a parent. Unfortunately, her smaller, more delicate stature can be quite a curse to others thinking you're younger than you are.. much to Khammy's dismay. "Greetings, Ankarri," She replies politely, giving a very faint bob of her head in greeting. At least he /speaks/ properly.. which Khamisa herself finds a bit odd for someone who is nothing more than a commoner to her. "I am Princess Khamisa.. and you are in the lands of Kivuli." She gives her title, not out of arrogance or desire to prove 'oh, hey, I am better than you because of my lineage!' but merely because she has been taught that it is proper, and it is a source of pride to be daughter to the ruling pair. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I do not have the authority to grant citizenship in the lands.. but if you wish to speak to me, I can pass on your information to my father, King Kiet."

Ankarri gives a soft nod back once she finishes talking, deciding to move slightly close so they don't have to call out to each other. Ankarri didn't want to alarm her and it would only be polite to inform her of his intentions before approaching one of royalty. Once he has gotten a bit closer, he sits down when they're in conversation range. "Greetings Princess Khamisa, likewise, it is a pleasure to meet you" Ankarri looks skywards as the first few drops of rain starts to fall and then back to Khamisa. "I do not seek citizenship straight away, although that is ultimately my goal. I wish to learn of these lands, Kivuli, its history and your family's history. Perhaps you could also tell me where to find King Kiet?" Formalities, first and foremost. Ankarri isn't too practiced in them, since he's still very young and no longer has someone to learn from, but he figures he should start with the obvious.

Khamisa's tail curls lightly about her paws, focused on Ankarri.. until a large, cold raindrop decides to land upon her nose. Snorting softly, the lioness glances heavenward for a moment, flicking an ear at the darkening skies. And then, recalling her manners, she returns her attention to the young male across from her. There is a mixture of interest and wariness as Ankarri speaks; to learn about the history of the pride and her family? Khamisa has soaked up such information since she was a cub. She loves the history and tales of the pride.. and it's interesting that a complete stranger would show up and wish to learn such. But at the same time, it's also a little odd. Just why WOULD a stranger be interested in such things? Just curiosity.. or something more sinister? She files away her wary thoughts for later.. besides, it will be up to her father to determine such things.. before nodding lightly. "He is out on patrol with my brother right now," The Princess replies. "So I cannot say his exact location at this moment. He comes to the lake in the evenings, though. Usually, anyway..." She trails off momentarily, glancing to the stormy skies. Obviously, with the storm, the King's routine could change. "..He may be heading for the pridal caverns, though, what with the storm approaching."

Ankarri nods slowly as finishes speaking. "If I'm lucky, I might catch him before he heads for the caverns then. I wouldn't want to intrude in your shelter as a complete stranger." he offers a smile. It just wouldn't be proper etiquette to do such a thing without being introduced to at least the rulers. He doesn't mention where his interest in the history of the lands and the royal family comes from, but he figures they'll ask about it in time. "As much as I'd love to continue our conversation, it wouldn't be fair to keep you here in a weather like this, I assume you were about to head back for shelter before I approached. Although if you would be as kind as to inform king Kiet that I would be most interested in speaking to him, I would be very thankful." Little does he know that Khamisa doesn't actually mind the rain and just assumes she'd rather get to shelter before getting soaked.

Khamisa offers a small smile of her own in response, which, after a moment, gives way to a more amused smirk. The assumption that she would seak cover - be it because it's the smart thing to do, because she's female or because she is of the royal family - doesn't bother her at all.. though it might have annoyed more 'touchy' leonines that Khammy knows. Giving a small shake of her head in the negative, Khamisa smiles. "No.. a little rain doesn't bother me. It feels good, actually." Sort of like a bath without having to swim.. and the rhythmic pounding of raindrops against the body is relaxing. "Though if you prefer to seek shelter, I could show you to some comfortable accomodations not far from the caverns."

Ankarri offers a chuckle. "Oh, I only assumed you would prefer shelter before the rain since most do so, but then again, we're all different in one way or the other." he then considers her offer and nods. "Perhaps once you plan to return to the caves you could show me, as for now, I wouldn't mind just talking, I can live with the rain as well, though I can't claim I'm exactly fond of it." he smiles at that and then decides to to speak again, "Unless you have a few questions of me you would like me to answer, perhaps you could tell me a little of this place?" he suggests and awaits her reply.

Khamisa smiles, tail giving a twitch of amusement. As the storm clouds finally pass across the sun, casting the land in full shadow, the rain begins to fall in a quicker pitter-patter. She doesn't flinch at a sudden flash of lighting, instead keeping her focus on Ankarri. "I don't mind.. although I must say that it does feel a bit odd that a stranger comes onto the lands and suddenly wishes to know all about our history and the history of my family..." Inwardly Khammy hopes she succeeds in keeping any tones of accusation out of her voice, for so far the foreign male hasn't made any aggressive moves and she'd hate to come off as trying to make it seem like she's wanting to accuse him of coming to Kivuli to try and.. oh, who knows.. take over the pride in evil fashion or some such. But she thinks it best to at least attempt to put her wariness to rest before yammering on about Kivuli.

Ankarri nods and glances downwards a brief moment before returning his gaze to the Khamisa, his regal stance dropping a brief moment as he speaks "I see. Well, I must admit, my interest is not a random one. My past, you see, is the drive behind the interest. I wish to know how the rulers of this land rules, how they view and treat others, until I know this, I do not know whether I can accept them as my rulers. I can only hope this hasn't offended you, I mean no harm, it's just that I have seen how my parents ruled over a land once called Kishada and got themselves and many others killed as a result of the way they ruled. I cannot live to see such happen again, I do hope you understand." Ankarri sighs softly and takes on the regal stance, this time without arrogance, again. "But such is the past and by asking about the history I show I've learned from my parents' mistakes, or at least try to." A sad change of topic, but he had to tell it sooner or later.

Watching the male through the rain, Khamisa's ears cant forward and then, slowly through the brief telling of his tale, slip back towards her skull. She was curious to know why a commoner would wish to know their rulers and not just accept their rule, why a commoner would be so interested in the history of such a grand, old pride as Kivuli. And now she has her answer.. and it's a bit of a confusing one. He isn't a simple commoner, but royalty himself.. or, former royalty, as the case may be. And that doesn't fit into the 'way of the world' that Khammy has been taught; she grew up learning that there was royalty.. and common folk. And that while she, as royalty, should love the commoners of the pride, that they were on a lesser scale than she. And so Khamisa is not quite sure just where Ankarri fits into that. "Oh." A simple response, lacking eloquence.. but for the moment, it is all Khamisa's brain can come up with. Blue eyes drop momentarily to a puddle being formed by the rain between them, giving herself some time to piece together her thoughts. When she again lifts her eyes to the male, her gaze is steady. "Well, if it means anything, Kivuli has been a good, loving pride for several generations. Founded by my great great great grandfather.. and though we have seen some dark days in all that time, my parents continue on with a tradition of wise, good-hearted rulers."

Ankarri isn't even sure where he fits in, himself. Perhaps he doesn't fit in, perhaps he was supposed to have died there with his pride with all the other royal members, but he didn't, he turned his back on them and hasn't regret it. He wouldn't die because of their stupidity, it simply wasn't fair, but while he's alive, he has lost a lot. Is he still of a royal family or is he nothing but a mere commoner at this moment? He can't tell, but the way he sits, stands and walks suggests he was at least raised as royalty. On a brighter note, it seems he managed not to insult Khamisa and nods to her "That is good to know. A pride, which has stayed around for many generations is usually a good sign." he smiles at that, although also knows she may regard her parents for more than what they are. Would he not say his parents were doing the right thing a mere week before the slaughter? He likely would, and as such, Ankarri has to meet Khamisa's father and mother personally before making up his mind. "But now you know why I wish to learn." he says and adds "...and aside from that, I find history quite interesting." he offers another smile to shift the focus from the negative part of the topic.

True, that. How could she not see her parents in a good light, given that they are her parents and have only shown herself, and others, love? And yet, history makes some out to be great figures.. what was perhaps a noble, good King is made out to be something of a god. The telling of pridal histories is always skewed slightly, for how can one give an accurate description of an individual they have never met.. events they never took part in.. when all they know of the subject has simply been passed down by word of mouth from one generation to the next? For all he knows - and even she knows - the history she could relate might be horribly wrong. But alas, such is as it is. The young lioness offers Ankarri a small smile, head dipping in acknowledgement. "As do I," She responds warmly to his last statement. She always has, has enjoyed learning and listening. She may not be as physically fit as others her age are.. and she may always be a small, delicate sort of thing whose hunting skills are less than spectacular.. but her knowledge, at least, will make her useful about the pride. Giving her pelt a brief shake to remove it of building water, Khammy regards the foreign male with a curious tilt of her head. "Is there anything specific you wish to know?"

[continued]

[Msasi]

Indeed, things can be told that aren't true, but by meeting her parents, Ankarri should at least get an idea of how the rulers of this land are like. He'll be there to experience it firsthand and as such, he'll get information from the most reliable source around, namely himself."No, nothing in particular at this moment, really, just start whereever you're comfortable with telling. Questions might appear underway and I can always ask then." As they leave the topic of Ankarri's past behind, he seems a little more at ease. It was mere weeks ago and while he did all he could to warn them, he still he feel a little guilty about it. It's not easy seeing everything you ever loved and had crumble and disappear, being one of the few, if not the only one, of his pride to survive. But Ankarri seems to have forgotten the topic for the moment, eagerly awaiting to learn of the history of Kivuli.

Khamisa nods, glancing away and frowning in thought. Well then.. where to start? The beginning seems to be the most logical answer, of course.. but perhaps with the reasons he wants to meet her parents, it might be wiser to start with the moer recent generations of Kivulian rulers? But no.. she decides that starting in what is, effectively, the middle of the story is too hard; exactly /what/ would she start with, and how would she explain current events if they were affected by the past? No, the beginning is the best place to start. Giving her head another shake in the rain, the petite Princess settles herself into a more 'storyteller' pose.. and looks to be quite in her element, even with the rain. "Well, Kivuli was founded long ago by my great great great grandfather, Ewali. Along with his mate, Nakita, Ewali settled in these lands and called them Kivuli. It was a small pride at first, but it grew quickly. Not only did Ewali have children of his own with Nakita and a few other lionesses, but he also adopted a number of orphan cubs and as those cubs grew up, they lingered in Kivuli for the most part, taking on mates of their own and having their own children.. and so Kivuli became a family of much more than simple blood relation.. but relation of the heart, thanks to the many adoptions of those early years..."

Seeing as Ankarri likes storytelling, he doesn't mind that Khamisa starts at the very beginning. From what she's told so far, Ankarri seems to be pleased. At least accepting orphans into the pride shows that previous generations was kind of heart. The orphans might not have survived if they hadn't joined the pride. As Ankarri sits and listens, his fur gets quite soaked as the water builds in his fur. He shakes it off once in a while as subtle as he can, really wishing he had been able to found Khamisa and get her to tell the story on a better day than this, but nevertheless, he doesn't seem to mind too much. He gives a gentle nod to Khamisa and speaks "I see. Please go on." An odd sight they would be to others, having a conversation when the rain is pouring down in the middle of Kivuli, looking as if this was a perfectly normal day like any other.

Yes.. it probably /does/ look a little odd, doesn't it? But Khamisa seems to be perfectly at ease with the rain and her position as storyteller and is thus not much bothered. Her tail gives a faint flick as she frowns, trying to recall some of the finer points of that generation. "There was a takeover by two males at one point.. and then Kivuli suffered a drought near the end of Ewali's life; it was only moments after he passed to join the Great Kings that it finally began to rain." Khamisa herself finds that detail a little.. fantastic. As if she's not quite sure if it is truth, or just a small detail invented by some past storyteller to make the end of the tale a little sweeter. But the lioness continues, deciding that now is not the time to give the matter much thought. "After Ewali, it was his daughter, Samawati, who took the throne with her mate, Mguuyasiku. The pride continued to thrive through their rule.. and their eldest son, Sodawi, became King after them, alongside his mate Salinaka. Their other son, Kiapo, went on to start his own pride.. our neighbors, the Tyne. But it is with Sodawi's line that a direct lineage is broken. Sodawi's daughter, Lyraiki was to take rule of Kivuli after her father, but for reasons I am not aware, she never did. Or never showed interest. And before another heir could be named, Sodawi - who was still King at the time - was killed.""

Ankarri didn't notice the small pause when she mentioned the rain began after Ewali passed away, since he has most of his attention directed at hearing what she's saying, which can be a little hard with the rain pouring down and the distant sound of thunder roaring across the skies. He doesn't seem to miss any of it though and looks surprised. "He was killed? But why and by whom?" he asks and remembers she told him there was some darker points in Kivuli's history earlier. This must be one of them. With the king dead and no heir, it surely couldn't have been an easy time for the pride. Then again, if someone found out the king's only heir wasn't interested in being a ruler, that could have sparked a few ideas into power hungry individuals, at least that's what Ankarri believes happened, but maybe the story has another twist and he waits for Khamisa to go on.

"A poisonous snake, I believe," Khamisa replies. "It was sad news for the pride.. but not without it's honor. He had saved a young leopard cub from being bitten.. and in the end was bitten by the snake himself. And though they may not be large, the poison from some snakes is enough to kill a lion five times over." Standing briefly, Khamisa gives her pelt another quick shake.. and she is pleased to note that the fall of rain isn't getting any heavier. Though that will most likely come much later.. judging by the even darker clouds just visible on the horizon. "But.. with Sodawi dead and his daughter unwilling or unable to step up, the rule of the pride fell to Sodawi's cousin, Feleti.. who had no doubt never expected to be ruling the pride, as she wasn't even considered 'proper' royalty at that time.. holding no title and all. Her mate was the barbary lion, Cairo. There were those that did not like Cairo and protested his rule.. at least at first, and that could be attributed to the fact that they were still mourning Sodawi. But by the time Cairo and Feleti presented the pride with the next generation, all seemed well. Unfortunately.. in the neighboring pride of Mbaamwezi, a monster had just become King.. a massive barbary lion named Mviko. And his fate would be linked to those in Kivuli around this generation.. he would cause the royal family nothing but pain for many long seasons. He attacked the young Prince Anubis, and his friend Sakitu.. he cubnapped a couple of the Princesses.. and eventually Queen Feleti herself."

Ankarri hmms and nods. Well, his guess was wrong, Ankarri had suspected Sodawi to be assassinated, but this wasn't the case. He died a noble death at least. At the mention of the next generation, Ankarri frowns slightly and comments, once Khamisa is taking a pause, "Did he have a reason to do those horrible things? My former pride was young in history and we rarely dealt or even spoke to our neighbouring prides, now I fear I may be thankful for that...cubs shouldn't be involved in war..." he shakes his head softly "Are you still at war with that pride to this day?" he asks curiously and then allows for Khamisa to continue, falling silent as he merely listens once again. It's a load of information he's getting and he may not be able to remember every detail of it, but perhaps he could get the story told again sometime, she doesn't seem to mind telling the story.

Khamisa's ears perk at the questions. "No real reason other than hated, I'm afraid.. and perhaps a bit of insanity." Khammy herself never knew Mviko, but she has heard of his dealings and what he looked like enough that it nearly makes her shiver. "He was larger than any lion, powerful.. and, despite his size, fast. A real terror. The pride was in chaos for a time, with the Queen and a Princess or two missing. Prince Xian and Prince Anubis had run off. The King became very ill. For a time, the pride was very weak. But Xian and Anubis returned, and the Kivulian males went into Mbaamwezi to save the lionesses. The Mbaamwezi pride disbanded eventually.. all that live there now are rogues.. and Mviko himself was thought dead. Life was peaceful for a time once more.. and then King Cairo was forced to leave Kivuli to fight a battle in his homelands. Xian, the heir, was made King during his adolescence.. and upon becoming an adult, he took Nyesha as his mate. But when Nyesha was pregnant, she was kidnapped by the former King of her own lands and held hostage.. and there she gave birth. A war was raged between Kivuli and Nyesha's birth pride, until the Queen and her newborn children were returned safely. And again, peace reigned in Kivuli. For a time." As for Khammy retelling the story at some point.. she would no doubt be more than glad to. History is the girl's thing, after all!

Ankarri attempts to gather all the names, events and information in his memory, but some of the details slip repeatedly. The reason he asks questions in between her pauses is for him to have a better chance of rememberring it. While the story doesn't seem over just yet, Ankarri looks over to Khamisa and asks, "Perhaps we should start moving towards shelter? Darker clouds are approaching and the rain will likely get heavier soon. You can go on with the story as we walk." he offers a smile at that and remains sitting, waiting to see if she gets up to start walking or not. The wind is getting stronger and Ankarri is starting to feel slightly cold, if the rain was to get heavier, he might just end up visibly shivering as the wind crawls under his soaked fur and chills him. He'd rather avoid that, hence he decided to try and persuade Khamisa that now is a good time to seek shelter. Not to mention he'd have a hard time keeping track of the story if he was freezing.

Khamisa doesn't much notice the rain, other than the times when it soaks into her fur enough to make her have the urge to stand and shake it out. So she seems a little startled at the suggestion to take cover, though one glance at the darker cloud moving in - and an ominous roll of thunder - convince her that, yes, perhaps that WOULD be a wise course of action. Giving Ankarri a brief smile, the young lioness stands, shaking out her coat. "Sure.. this way..." She begins to move off, waiting until the foreign male is on his feet and close enough for her to continue the story. "Though no one was aware of it at the time, the young heir, Malik, was growing up in a way most unsuited for a Kivulian ruler. But everyone was distracted.. the Queen died of sleeping sickness, leaving King Xian brokenhearted. And then, when Xian went off to Kimondo where his brother Anubis ruled - they battled and killed Mviko, who had attempted to overtake Kimondo or something along those lines - Malik, and his brother Ramses and his sister Uzuri, tried to take over Kivuli and turn the pride evil. Luckily, Grandpa Xian returned and Malik died of some unknown reason.. Ramses vanished.. and Uzuri jumped off the cliff to her death. And once again.. Kivuli was without an heir."

[continued]

[Msasi]

~*~ Kivuli - Dark Mountain Tunnel ~*~

Ankarri has arrived.
Khamisa carries Ankarri with Khamisa.

He looks quite relieved as she decides it's a good idea and gets up, Ankarri gets up shortly after and shakes his fur a little bit before following Khamisa, glancing back briefly to look at the darker clouds behind them and they walk towards shelter."I thought you said that lion was dead?" Ankarri comments at the mention of the large barbary lion, a mildly puzzled look appearing on his face as he looks at Khamisa. "and how was Malik unsuited to be a ruler?" Ankarri notices they're nearing a cave and seems to be quite happy about it. The rain has turned slightly heavier as they've walked, but it's about to get worse still, so getting to shelter probably wasn't the worst idea.

Indeed, the rain IS getting heavier.. enough so that Khamisa is glad that they have sought shelter, for even SHE isn't comfortable in very heavy downpours. Once in the relative dryness of the cavern, Khamisa gives her body a hard shake, sending droplets of water flying. She then settles near the entrance, watching as the storm sweeps over Kivuli. "They only /thought/ he was dead," She corrects, blue eyes glancing back to Ankarri. "Which was a mistake of theirs.. they thought he was dead and let their guard down. As such, Mviko was able to strike with the element of surprise down in Kimondo. Fortunately, Grandpa Xian and his brothers were able to defeat them.. and the lands have been peaceful since." Although she likes the rain, Khammy is somewhat not fond of just wet fur, and so she takes a moment to groom the fur down her chest and one of her forepaws. An ear twitches as Ankarri speaks again, and Khammy looks up, blinking. "Malik was evil.. that is how he was unfit. Trained by a killer, he was." Though Khamisa herself isn't aware of the name of that killer.. or that the killer is her beloved Uncle Ronan. "He and Ramses and Uzuri were taught that Xian and Nyesha were evil, and that the pride would do better under a stricter rule. Brainwashed, I guess.. and so unfit for the ways of Kivuli." She is quiet a moment, her tail flicking thoughtfully. But she continues after a beat, not giving voice to her thoughts. "So.. again there was no heir. My mother, Queen Saibh, was chosen from Grandpa Xian's last litter of cubs with Kieleaji. But my mother was a rogue, planning a life with a lion she had met out in the rogue lands.. my father, Kiet. They.. were not eager to become King and Queen, both having preferred the life of rogues."

Ankarri gives his body a thourough shake aswell once they get inside the cave, already feeling much more comfortable than when they were sitting in the rain. Now this is a proper place to listen to a story, at least in his mind. He ohs as she mentions they only thought Mviko was dead and frowns. He nods as she continue the story, finding it odd that two lions, who'd rather be rogues ended up being king and queen. "How does your parents feel about being king and queen these days then? Do they still long for the life as a rogue? Not that I can understand why...a rogue seems so...lonesome, although in their defense, they did have each other I guess." he shrugs a bit, wondering why anyone would prefer the life of a rogue rather than a king. Less responsibility? More freedom? Perhaps.

Khamisa smiles slightly. "They don't seem to have a grudge against becoming King and Queen. They took their positions because it was either live the life they thought they wanted.. but my mother's entire family, her entire birth pride, would have suffered, for there were none of the royal bloodline to carry on. The pride might not be here today, had they not made the choice they had." Khamisa glances out to the rain, silent a moment before she continues. "My parents have had a peaceful rule.. though littered with challenges. One of their lionesses tried to turn them against each other right after they became King and Queen. And my siblings and I were only hours old when we were forced to abandon the lands due to harsh, cold weather that chased all the prey off. I spent my early days growing up in the rogue lands.. we didn't get to move back here until I was almost out of cubhood. My brother, Mizuka, is to become the next King. As for if my parents still wish for the life of rogues, I wouldn't---" But Khamisa is cut off. Approaching the pair from the other entrance to this cavern tunnel is the local King, Kiet. The white lion is soaked and his brown eyes are focused on the young pair. "Sometimes," He answers casually, his pace a slow, regal walk.. which looks almost out of place when taking in his wet and bedraggled apperance. "But I do not regret the path my life has taken." He pauses, several steps away from the adolescents.. though Khamisa quickly closes the distance, pressing her muzzle lovingly against the King's. "Father!"

Kiet has arrived.

Ankarri simply listens to Khamisa as she answers his questions and elaborates further, although as he hears someone he hasn't noticed yet speak, he looks surprised and even moreso once he realizes it's not just a random lion, but the king himself. Not feeling quite ready and somewhat unprepared, Ankarri shifts nervously for a few moments until he can get ahold of the situation, adopting a regal stance himself, staying where he is, although in the king's presence, there's no trace of arrogance to be seen. He gives a deep nod to Kiet in respect, gathering his thoughts, wondering where to start. "I was interested about the history of Kivuli and Khamisa was kind enough to take the time to tell me about it." he explains, letting the king decide which way this conversation is to take from there. He doesn't want to come off as /too/ eager to want citizenship, so he'll wait a bit before bringing that up.

The white male nuzzles his daughter warmly before directing his full attention to Ankarri. Kiet isn't one of those Kings who instantly goes totally suspicious and starts to threaten a strange male.. though he is a bit wary. A strange male on his lands.. sitting around with his little girl? That is often enough to raise the suspicions of any father, much less a King. But he allows Ankarri to explain his presence - glancing sidelong at Khamisa as the girl nods in agreement to the adolescent male's words - and then gives him a small smile. "I see.. not often that we get random strangers coming onto the lands just to hear the story of our history..." Khamisa, who shifts her position so that she is stand somewhere off to the side, but between, Kiet and Ankarri, and glances to the white male. "It's OK, Father. I don't believe he's here to use the information against us." Kiet glances to Khamisa, looks at her for a second, and then glances back to Ankarri, staying silent to allow the younger male to speak.

Ankarri just remains quite silent until he's fairly sure he's the one to speak. At least Kiet didn't wander in on the two and started suspecting the worst straight away, that wouldn't have improved his chances if he ever wished to join this pride. Fortunately for Ankarri, Kiet seems less paranoid than most at the moment. Ankarri nods in agreement with Kiet "Yes, Princess Khamisa said the same thing to me earlier." he made sure to remember Khamisa's title this time, fortunately, they didn't seem to notice he forgot it before. "And there is a reason for me being interested in the story of Kivuli. I merely wished to make sure it didn't resemble the history of my former pride before I expressed my wish to join your pride. I do not wish to experience what happened to my former pride again."

No, it's not in Kiet's nature to jump to conclusions. He prefers to have all the facts laid out in front of him and draw his own, solid conclusions about things. Taking a few more steps forward, the white King seats himself, hardly paying attention to the storm raging outside. "I see," He says as Ankarri finishes speaking. "I take it then that what you experienced wasn't of the good experiences variety? If that is the case, I hope what my daughter has told you has been enough to at least suggest that Kivuli is a land of goodness and decency." There are a few dark spots in the pride's history, of course.. but with such a long history, that seems only normal. Khamisa has settled into silence, allowing her father and Ankarri to speak without interruption. Her blue eyes shift between Kiet, Ankarri and the storm outside, her tail curled lazily next to her.

Ankarri shakes his head to Kiet and elaborates on the topic "I'm afraid I can't claim it was of the good sorts, but it taught me a lesson and it opened my eyes. You see, I was born into arrogance, being taught that lions were superior to all other creatures and they were our...slaves, so to speak." Ankarri doesn't seem particularly proud as he tells this, but figures that the less he has to hide, the less suspicious they will be, it all comes down to whether or not they choose to accept him or not after he's done with his story. "At some point, a mere month ago, my parents, the rulers of Kishada, decided to this belief that lions were superior to extremes and in their arrogance, they sought to convince every creature in the land of this belief. Naturally, some didn't quite agree and my parents' response was to send lions out to harass or even kill those who disagreed. That's where I stopped being blinded by the way I was raised, that's where I tried to reason with them that this was too severe and not right. They didn't listen, they continued and the other animals were enraged, banding together one night to get rid of the disease the land had been infected with...us. My pride was overconfident, truly believing in their superiority to the other animals, convinced they could defeat everyone banded together against them. I turned my back on them that night, leaving them behind. I saw them fall in battle, I saw them pay for the arrogance they wouldn't let go off and then Kishada was no more." he pauses, having forced himself not to break from his regal stance throughout the story, even though it pains him to retell it to such detail, but he most do so, he left that night because he learned a lesson, a lesson others might learn from as well, so he must tell it. After a brief pause, Ankarri adds "Fortunately, Kivuli's history doesn't resemble that of my pride in any way...""

Both King and Princess iisten in silence to the foreign male's tale. Kiet, older and more experienced in the ways of the world, frowns.. but gives no other obvious reaction during the course of the tale. Khamisa, however, stares at Ankarri in wide-eyed horror.. not horror directed at /him/, but at the situation he came from. White-rimmed ears fold back against her skull, and her mouth hangs open slightly in a slightly unPrincess-like way. Khammy has grown up being taught that, as royalty, she is above commoners. But not in such a way that she should think them dirty, filthy things.. for commoners make up the pride and make the pride what it is. The only thing separating her from them is lineage. But to think yourself superior over /all/ creatures.. and to actually wage a war as such. It's almost too much for her young mind to handle. She remains silent after Ankarri is finished, but Kiet nods slowly. "A tough decision on your part that must have been," He says. "But a smart one. You have a wisdom beyond your years to see beyond what you had been taught growing up." A flash of lightning distracts Kiet for a moment, but his gaze eventually finds its way back to Ankarri. "Yes.. fortunately, Kivuli's history is one of greatness, for the most part. Every pride has their dark days.. but none that I have ever seen the likes you have described what went on in yours."

Ankarri glances into the ground for a moment and sighs. "I don't know whether or not it was wisdom. All I know is that...it didn't feel right..." Ankarri nods and comments, "I believe the reason you don't see prides like my former one around is because they end up destroying themselves within a short period of time. Had I not strayed from the path my parents set before me, I would have been killed alongside my pride and few would have known what had happened there and I doubt anyone would know in lands as far away as these." Ankarri takes a deep breath, trying to avoid looking at Khamisa after seeing how shocked she looked, it somehow makes him feel more ashamed of his past, instead he tries to focus on Kiet and finds a bit of comfort in him approving the choice he made. "Now you know my past and my reasons for asking about Kivuli's history, while it may seem strange that a random stranger asks about the history of your lands, I found it vital to know before I, Ankarri, asked for citizenship..."

Kiet nods in understanding. "Well, then apparently you came to the right place. Or, at least, came upon the right member of our pride." The King momentarily glances sidelong at his daughter, who is now staring at her paws and frowning in thought, before returning his attention to Ankarri. "I'm sure there are other creatures.. and other prides.. who would have been much more suspicious of your desire to learn of the history of a pride." Thunder booms outside, enough that Kiet can actually feel it in his paws as it echoes against the earth. "For now.. it's getting late. And the storm isn't letting up any. Ankarri, you are welcome to join us in the pridal cavern.. it's dryer and warmer there, and there is food.. and once the storm lets up you may explore the lands, if you wish, and take a few days to determine if this is the place you would like to settle."

Ankarri glances at Khamisa for a brief moment as he is offered to stay in the pridal cavern. He can't quite make out Khamisa's reaction to all of this, is she disappointed, mad, shocked? Should he have told her earlier, shouldn't he have told her at all, but just her father? Ankarri is puzzled and glances back to Kiet, I would be honored." he says, although something deep inside him just wants to remain in this cave alone and think about what's happened today. But he can't just pass up this opportunity, an invitation to the pridal cavern, what wouldn't they think of him if he declined? He waits for Kiet and Khamisa to get up and prepare to leave before getting up himself.

Khamisa nods, giving the male a small smile before turning to lead the way up out of the tunnel and to the pridal cavern itself. Kiet has had a long, hard day - like any King, really - and is looking forward to nothing more than curling up alongside his mate and sleeping good and hard until it is time for his next patrol. Khamisa, after several moments, lifts her head.. and also offers Ankarri a quick smile. She isn't quite sure what she feels exactly - pity? maybe? - and she has just spent the last few moments trying to imagine herself in just such a situation. Unfortunately, she just cannot picture having to turn her back on her pride, watch them die and just walk away. She falls into step behind her father, though she walks slower to allow Ankarri to keep pace. "If it's not raining tomorrow, I'll show you around the lands," She offers. "Kivuli's really big.. the largest pride territory in this region, my Father has said."

Ankarri has disconnected.

[Fin!]