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 Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:14 pm
Uta 
All Nawiri could hope though was that this wasn't it. She had been luck to have lived to adulthood as it was, as so many sick cubs never made it with such weak and frail bodies. But she had no heiress in mind yet, and hadn't yet picked a king. No, she'd be fine she told herself, and so long as the rest of the pride didn't realize just how awful she actually felt then no one would need to worry. It was hard enough she hadn't found a proper escort or taken a king, but she wasn't ready yet. . . . They were still getting back on their paws and she was still quietly mourning the loss of her first love.
Yes, it was her duty as queen to choose a new King and begin bringing forth new blood but. . . . well. . . . . Everything had happened too fast, far too fast. She was hardly an adult, and with the war and secondary plague that had struck everyone. . . . well. . . Nawiri had been granted her position during a time of unrest. Self-doubt wasn't something she often felt but today she was feeling particularly low. . . .
She couldn't, wouldn't let her pride down. No. Now if only this fever would break she could better perform her duties and assist those whom were really sick.
The scent of water tickled her nose and the young female found herself approaching a small pool. It had filled up due to rains the day before, and looked inviting amidst the usual dry territory. Red and blue eyes peeked down at her reflection, taking a moment to regard her form. For the most part she was lucky - she often fought aches and pains and fevers, but she still had a sheen on her coat and other than looking a little tired looked healthy. How many members were smeared with blood, covered in vomit or wasting away from starvation? How many were struggling with every breath and fought just to live one more day. . . .?
Too many. And they didn't deserve to see a sulky or uncertain queen. No. It was time to put on a face, a smile, and continue on. It was what her mother had to do it was what she had to do and it was what the future heiress, whomever that might be, would also have to learn.
Lowering her head, the grey and black striped femme drank. She'd rest by the small pond for awhile before beginning her rounds. . . There were members to care for, to check up on, and new faces to better get to know.
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Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:15 pm
Talencia 
"But you deserve happiness!" came the predictable cry as feathers fluttered overhead. Piera swerved to come swooping back by. "Look what you are doing to yourself!" Elera gritted her jaw and kept pacing forward, looking neither right nor left. She stifled the rattling growl that threatened to emerge. The motherly bird might be annoying, but she was the only family the leopardess had. She didn't deserve to be treated like the annoynace she sometimes was.
"LIttle mother, I am not having this discussion again!" she proclaimed resolutely. "I am not going to join a pride or a coalition or a pack or whatever youc all a family of bugs." Her tail twirled in a semblance of amusement. Yes, Piera had tried to convince her to try joining a wild dog pack once. It had been out of desperation when Elera had taken a thorn in her paw, and the pack had been kind enough to allow her to stay for a time while she healed up. She had not, however, ever suggested anything as ludicrous as becoming a member of a group of bugs. Her sense of humor tended to flare up occasionally, but rarely with a smile. Merely that twirl of a tail to indicate the joke.
"But you are so pretty," came the next predictable outcry. How many times had they had this talk? It almost couldn't be considered an argument, but it did get old after a while. The twirling stopped and Elera heaved a heavy sigh. What would it take to get the feathery guardian to give the subject a break? Perhaps the storm yesterday had made the bird moody. No bird liked wet feathers. That could explain the particularly long dwelling on this pet peeve.
"I am not joining any group, nor taking a mate," she replied firmly. "Now would you please...," she trailed off, catching sight of someone ahead. The scent of water was of no draw, as the rains had left plenty of puddles to keep her thirst quenched. But to see another predator could mean all sorts of things. Everything from being attacked to the need to flee from the amorous attentions of an overzealous male was possible. She halted in her tracks and stood stock still, one paw just barely off the ground in mid-step. She examined the situation briefly, then focused on the other feline.
She was a lioness, drinking from a rather large puddle. She didn't look particularly warlike or threatening, which was a good sign for Elera. She looked.. well, she couldn't quite put her claw on it, but something wasn't quite right. Curious but wary, she moved forward again, padding softer now than she had been.
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Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:17 pm
Uta Nawiri felt eyes upon her, and instinct caused her ears to twitch before her gaze looked up. She licked the excess water from her maw as she caught sight of a leopardess just above and beyond. Her mind raced as she tried to put a face with a name, but as far as she knew, no new members had joined. No, this female leopardess was not of the pride, but that didn't mean she couldn't be welcomed.
They were at the edges of the prides borders, though with how thin their numbers had become, Nawiri'chiwa knew that the scents and the border marks were very faint and difficult to discern. Still crouched before the puddle, the female couldn't help but smile at the pair.
"Greetings, stranger," she called out, pushing herself to a more proper sitting position. Her striped tail wrapped loosely about her paws as she examined the leopardess - she hadn't yet taken in to account the accompanying bird. "It isn't often we have visitors this far east," she added with a small chuckle.
Bad idea.
The chuckle turned in to a cough, forcing Nawiri to turn her head and fight for breath. It was unfortunate she couldn't just pretend to be normal and healthy. But perhaps she could blame it on a bit of dust kicked up from her travels. . . yes yes. No one needed to know it was due to her disease.
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Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:18 pm
Talencia Good, this wasn't going to be a fight. Elera relaxed some and came to sit in a mirror position of the lioness, with the water between them. She studied the figure opposite her thoughtfully, but without much emotion. It was mere curiousity. "Greetings to you as well," she replied, mimicking the formality the other showed. It wasn't mockery, and it wasn't stiffness on her part. It merely was a habit she'd fallen into that helped keep her safe, or so she thought. If she were to run into a loose and relaxed lion, he might be offended if she greeted him formally. Likewise a formal lion might take offense at a casual greeting. It just worked better if she followed suit.
Piera meanwhile had absented herself. This too was a habit to ensure safety, though it was mostly for the bird's safety. One never knew how hungry or unscrupulous other travelers were. Until they knew she was safe, it was best if the avian stayed out of sight, or at least out of reach. Elera was sure she was hidden soemwhere in branches overhead, watching and listening from her hidden vantage point. And probably silently urging Elera to ask to join whatever group this lioness was from. She held in the exasperated sigh at the idea and returned her attention to the lioness just as she began coughing. The leopardess' ears swiveled in vying directions. That cough didn't sound healthy, but she didn't look especially worried over having such a fit. Brows furrowed only just faintly, Elera vowed to mind her own business. She did not need to get caught up in someone else's problem. Not again.
"I'm Elera, and pardon me, but how far east is this?" She didn't keep very good track of where she was wandering. For one determined to be a rogue, she had a horrible sense of direction, and only a foggy memory of where her last few stops had been. If nothing else, this kept her travels fresh and new at all times!
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Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:19 pm
Uta Nawiri listened to the female before her, not at all worried or concerned about ether's intentions. They certainly didn't seem hostile at this point, and the leopardess while perhaps a bit reserved, was kind enough to respond to her greeting. It wasn't often that they were granted the company of visitors. . . . and it was rarer still for Nawiri to get a chance to join their company.
By the time said guests were informed of the pride and its self-quarantine, many took their leave swiftly.
Not that she blamed them. . . . She wouldn't wish the disease on even her worst enemies. And unfortunately, being so plagued made them a scapegoat to mistrust. Neighboring prides looked on them with suspicion and fear and outsiders didn't often choose to stick around a group of invalids. It didn't matter that it only affected lions and lion-hybrids. . . their life was far from easy.
Eyes lingering on the leopardess, Nawiri gave a grin. "Honestly I . . . I don't entirely know. We're east of the foothills and higher mountains, but you're still west of the Nile and many of its rivers. Where are you headed or where are you traveling from and . . I might be able to tell you exactly how far your presently are."
While the lions of the pride couldn't roam, and the Kitwana'antara was a small group, they did try to keep up with news of the world around them.
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Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:20 pm
Talencia Elera glanced to the side, trying to think. Where exactly had she been last? It had been a while since they'd run into any territory at all, actually. "I can't seem to recall," she began, when a fluttering of feathers above her announced Piera's arrival.
"I know, we had just crossed that little tributary, and," she began, when a highly alarmed Elera leapt at her and pounced both paws carefully over the small bird. Her eyes were wide, tail vaguely fluffed. What had possessed the bird to reveal herself so quickly? Who knew how this lioness felt about edible companions?! She cast a quick look at the monotone female, ears swiveling in wariness. Piera struggled and made muffled noise beneath her large paws. "Shhh!" she hissed at the bird urgently, casting another suspicious look at the lioness.
Now how exactly should she explain this? "I.... ah...," she fumbled, growing more irritated with herself, with Piera, and with the situation. Finally she gave up with a grumbling growl, removing her paws from the bird with a sudden huff of breath. Facing the lioness squarely, she stated clearly, "I have a bird as a friend, and I will have to fight you if you insist on eating her." There, all out in the open. Much easier than heding around the truth or keeping secrets. Even if it did put them both in real danger.
Once more she crouched, coiling herself to brace against a possible lunge or other aggressive move on the lioness' part. Healthy or no, the other female still outweighed her most likely, or was more powerful. There really was no telling how it would all end up. Wary and ready, she waited for what would come of this particular revelation.
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Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 7:44 am
Nawiri did start when the leopardess made the sudden pounce on the approaching avian. Her own body tensed out of surprise, ears forward and eyes wide as plates at the leopardess. What on earth had that been about!? Had the leopardess been hungry or . . . well . . . no, because the avian was merely struggling amidst her paws but not being harmed. The grey female said nothing and made no move, patiently waiting for Elera to come to her senses or at least calm down. . . .
After a series of grumbling, growls and suspicion (all of which Nawiri found somewhat amusing) the leopardess finally seemed to settle. Well, maybe not settle, but at least faced her. The bird, she noted, was unharmed but the leopard seemed quite agitated and annoyed. The mistrust and uncertainty within her body language was obvious, but if it was Nawiri she felt threatened by it was laughable. The young queen had no intention of reacting poorly to the arrival of the bird or the admittance of her as a companion. Unfortunately though, Elera didn't know Nawiri and thus her actions were completely justified.
Shaking her head, the queen offered both Elera and Piera a smile. "I have no intention of eating your friend, I assure you. In fact, we have many avians within our pride and don't make it a habit of eating the companions of others. You are both welcome and safe."
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Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 2:36 pm
The lioness' slow, steady, gentle attitude was beginning to sink on on the brash leopardess. She slowly uncoiled, gazing at the other female with a dazed expression. Really, she had yet to meet anyone as soft spoken and calm as this lion. It made her curious, despite her wary nature. "Sounds... like a nice place, your pride," she hazarded.
Piera came to settle atop her head comically. Unaware of the amusing picture they made, Elera ignored the bird's presence and continued studying the odd lioness. Logic told her that if she was not well, as the cough seemed to indicate, she should have been all the more wary and snarly with a stranger. Puzzled and intrigued, she sat herself down more comfortably, attention trained firmly on her new acquaintance, clearly trying to work something out.
Piera was miffed at having been trapped by hot, muffling paws like that, and was tempted to give Elera a good peck on the head in retribution. The direction of the leopardess' gaze and the tilt of her head alerted the bird, though. Something was going on in that head, and it wasn't something she wanted to disturb. So instead of scolding her charge, she kept her beak shut and held herself still, not even ruffling a feather. She might not be Elera's actual mother, but she had a mother's instinct, and that instinct told her that this moment could be pivitol to the future being secured. Waiting, the bird very nearly almost held her breath.
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Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 10:35 am
Nawiri's expression didn't change at all as she studied the leopard with the bird upon her head. Silly a sight it might be, she wasn't about to giggle, even if she felt tempted to! Eyes brightening despite how ill she'd been feeling, the striped paw queen was only too glad to meet the passing stranger.
There was opportunity everywhere, was there not? Even if Elera moved on and continued on her journey, at least Nawiri could take comfort in the fact that she had been able to meet the stranger. If Elera wished direction on prime hunting grounds, or the best way to continue her trails, Nawiri could provide such information. And certainly, if the female was weary, hungry or thirsty, once again these were things her pride could assist with. Kindness had never hurt, after all, and perhaps someday such kindness would be returned to the pride plagued with disease.
"It is a wonderful pride," she stated proudly, unable to hide the affection and fondness within her words. "It has been the only home I know, but I love it and all its members dearly. The Kitwana'antara are a very accepting group, of all species and strangers a like." Clearing her throat, turning her head as another small cough appeared, the lioness looked back to Elera with a small smile. "Unfortunately though . . . we are a small group and some . . .many . . . of the lions aren't well." It was here her smile faultered, though her words were sincere. A sadness entered her gaze, and she glanced away from Elera.
"We rely heavily on non-lions such as yourself, and your feathered friend, though I'd like to think even if we weren't of poor health we'd be just as open and accepting. I assure you though, you are both safe. . .and immune." Nawiri never enjoyed bringing up such unpleasantries, especially so soon after meeting an outsider. Often they were driven away . . . but . . . the queen would rather be honest from the very beginning.
"If either of you are in need of food, drink, or rest my pride can provide before you continue your travels." Nawiri figured she'd best get her offer of hospitality out of the way now, before the leopardess recoiled and possibly ran as far away from the borders as possible. It wouldn't be the first time and Nawiri'chiwa couldn't blame them if they did!
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Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 8:56 pm
For just a moment her sarcastic nature made her roll her eyes as the lioness launched into the predictable gushing about her pride. The rough-tipped talons on her head squeezed slightly in stern warning as her head began to tip in a gesture of exasperation at the expressed enthusiasm of the lioness. Why were these felines always so wrapped up in their prides? Pride indeed, that was the perfect name for it. Their pride was evident indeed.
But the expected spiel took an unexpected turn. The lioness' face grew grave, even sad. What was to be sad about?! She had her perfect, wonderful pride! Elera supressed a snort of superiority, and shortly was very glad she had. She tuned in more attentively to the words spoken, and became aghast. The lions were all sick? Ha, that meant she had been right, that cough was not normal! But the realization that the entire pride was sick brought shame for her attitude. Which tripled when this brave lioness also offered she and Piera shelter, food, and water from the pride if they needed it.
Her self-righteous bravado seemed petty and selfish in light of what this feline went through and was offering. For once in her life, she could see nothing to scorn in either the lioness herself, nor in the group that formed the pride. For once in her life, they had the right to claim they had things worse off. And yet, if this lioness was any indication, they did not dwell too much on it. Only to the nuances of what was needed. And what was needed were... non-lions to help.
It was strange, coming across a truly compelling reason to stay in a pride or coalition. Piera was always bugging her to do so, but for all the wrong reasons. This... this felt more like a right reason to stay. They needed help, and she was healthy and able to do what needed doing. She was a good huntress, and strong as well. She eyed Nawiri assessingly. On closer inspection, she looked more likely to be blown away in a puff of wind that to be able to stand up to even just a single attacker. And it was clear she expected Elera to run away.
What made her trust Nawiri's assertion that non-lions were safe from this sickness, she couldn't have said. She didn't bother to consult with Piera, as her opinion could be safely assumed. Still, this was a very large concession on the part of the leopardess. To stay in one place, after being so determined to stay freelance and footloose was not something she took lightly. But neither was the need expressed in the lioness' simple explination.
"If you could use the help, and if you don't mind," she cleared her throat, clearly ill at ease with doing this, but sincere nonetheless, "I think maybe we'll stay and help." There. She'd done it. Probably the first selfless thing in her life. It didn't come easily to her, but it seemed right, and chimed clear and true in her heart. Eased by the reassurance of her inner serenity with the decision, she gave Nawiri a weak half-smile. "Though I'm not very good at staying put." It was half-joke, half-truth. This was definitely going to be a challenge.
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Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:49 pm
To say Elera's declaration of commitment surprised Nawiri was quite the understatement! She had never met an outsider that so swiftly came to such a conclusion! Oh, some lingered to recuperate but most of them eventually moved on. Why bother with a group who was so plagued and so restricted?
And yet . . . Elera seemed genuine enough. A healthy and strong leopardess could do much good amongst the Kitwana! Eyes wide, Nawiri was quiet for a moment before finding her voice. A warm smile broke through her features, her delight at the prospect very hard to disguise! And yet . . . . "If . . . if this is something you truly want, you are more than welcome to stay. We could desperately use any aid you wish to give. Please forgive any surprise and disbelief, but it isn't often we are shown such generosity from strangers and if you wish some time to truly consider what you offer, you are welcome to take such time, or change your mind."
But Nawiri hoped that both leopard and avian would stay. The more members the better! "As for staying in one place, if you prefer to roam we have need for scouts and bards or others who prefer a more foot-loose lifestyle. We can find a place for you within our home, this much I am certain."
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Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 5:29 pm
Elera's face heated to flaming as the soft-spoken lioness seemed so taken with her 'generosity'. It was nothing like generosity, and not only Elera knew it, but so di Piera. She gave the leopardess a sharp peck to the noggin. Elera ducked her head with a grunt of pain, dislodging the raven into flight. Gruffly, with a flashed glare of resentment after the bird, she corrected the lioness. "It isn't generosty that drives this decision." She pondered how best to put it. Shame? No, that made it sound positively horrid of her to join. Embarassment? Almost as bad.
"Call it sympathy, if you must," she finally concluded. It was close enough to her true feelings. She felt for the plight of what seemed, from this one individual, a very good-hearted pride. She cleared her throat uncomfortably. "I'd rather you not tell me I might change my mind. It's better if we leave it decided." She was a little afraid she WOULD change her mind, given the chance to re-evaluate such an uncommon decision as this. Hadn't she just told Piera she would never join a pride?
The mention of the loose regiment for ranks did loosen some of the constriction at the thought of being part of a pride. Well, at least it was likely she'd find a place in the pride that suited her... quirks. She faced her new pride-mate and stiffened her stance, straightening her shoulders and lifting her head. "I'd be proud if you'd show me my new home, miss.... miss...," and she stumbled to a halt with a blink.
"Why, I don't believe I caught your name!" The stunned look on her face was utterly complete. Here, she'd gone and committed herself to a pride on the word of a nameless lioness! "Ah, and perhaps you could tell me the name of the pride while you are at it?" Her demeanor became sheepish, whiskers quivering and tail waving slow amusement behind her.
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Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 8:57 pm
Nawiri's smile didn't wane even while the leopardess told her it wasn't generosity that made her decide to join. Sympathy, pity, it was all the same to her! Her intent wasn't malicious and she would be a valuable asset to all within the Kitwana'antara!
Oh, the Goddess of Pestilence was indeed smiling down upon them today! Obviously things were getting better. . . Perhaps her mother's sacrifice hadn't been in vain. New members were suddenly finding it in their heart to join, and that meant their lifesytle, their home, wouldn't yet to be lost to the world.
All thanks to the Goddesses generosity, of course!
"Very well then! It is decided, albeit a bit informally here. There is a small ceremony to be performed to officially acknowledge you as a member, but that can happen later, after we get you settled!"
Of course, as the brown leopardess suddenly brought up the prospect of names, Nawiri's eyes went wide. Oh . . . . Oh how could she be so thoughtless! "Gracious, I completely misplaced my manners!" Bowing deeply (but sincerely) before Elera, the dual-eyed female smiled up at her. "I'm Nawiri'chiwa, Queen and healer of the Kitwana'antara. Truly, it's been a pleasure, and I can happily give you a tour of the lands, if you wish." Who knew how long Elera had traveled without food or drink or shade . . .
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Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 9:08 pm
Elera felt the blood that had so recently flooded her face drain away rapidly. This was... the queen of the pride? She half expected Piera to peck her on the head again in reprimand for her previous attitude. This... this was astonishing. How had she managed to meet, be rude to, and then be accepted by the leader of the pride itself? It floored her even further than she already was.
Clearly this had been fated. Had to be! How else could she possibly have just been telling Piera that no no and no she would not join a pride, and now suddenly she became a member of one? Her head whirled, but she had enough sense to drop to the ground in willing subservience to her new queen. "Forgive my manners, majesty," she said with great embarassment. "Thank you for taking me in." It still felt odd to think of herself as a member of a pride, but then, life changed, and sometimes at a rate that defied understanding. It seemed the gods had decided it was time for hers to change.
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