[ORP-Inqina] A Lesson In Caution [Done; Cubs/Juveniles]

[Lethrossen]

Umoya wondered briefly if she might not be as nervous as some of the cubs she spied. She wondered if it was visible on her face? She needed it not to be though so she tried to reign her nerves in. She'd offered up a weak and slightly mortified smile when she caught Buna staring at her, though after a minute she'd worked herself up into a need to prove myself mentality. This would… all be okay!

She nodded hello to Ulaka when she finally came close, gaze floating over all of the cubs. "Okay." She thought Ulaka's logic was fair so far, nothing to disagree with or any reason to do so. Umoya moved along through the cubs, pairing them up as she went. "Form pairs guys, that's right. Yes very good, if I see any problems don't think I'll reassign the pair myself!" She watched several young ones as they chose partners, encouraging the older cubs to pair up with the younger ones but not necessarily enforcing this.

When she got to Ukame She leaned down, talking in a whisper so the others around them wouldn't hear. "Ukame, you're looking so strong! Would you like me to help you find a partner?" Ukame, like a number of the other cubs, seemed very nervous. Though most of the other cubs had siblings or friends to pair up, where Umoya was sure Ukame did not. When Ukame was settled Umoya continued supervising the pair ups. She overheard Kokumo and Duma speaking about elephants and found herself excited. "Spotting an elephant is indeed lucky!" She chirped, grinning. Umo had yet to grow tired of spying elephants, from afar or from up close. Umoya let herself fall towards the back of the line, carefully watching over the cubs but also unable to help her gaze wander a bit.  

[Quaji]

Ulaka's roar had startled her, her eyes widened as she looked around quickly. Usually the adults roared for danger and she was looking for it though Ulaka's words that followed let that worry slip away for a moment.

At least there were a few familiar faces. Namely one though. Ukame's face lit up as Umoya made her way over to her. In her hesitation she had completely missed the lioness' presence. Her previous frown became a grin and her ego inflated as her physique was commented on. Strong. Maybe someday, but at least she was getting there! She nodded quickly, her paws still slightly awkward as stayed closer to Umoya than to the anyone else. "Yes please.." She replied, her voice low and quiet to match Umoya's.

While she looked to Umoya, something caught her attention in the corner of her eyes. Her ears went back as through the grass she made out as shadow..."Umoyaaaa...what's that?" She asked quietly, mistaking the rocks nearby for what they looked like to her: a laying wildebeest.  

[Annchen]

Since Duma and Kokumo were already standing next to each other there was no need for any of them to look for another partner. She didn't mind getting to play big sister to him for this outing. It was hard to stand still, especially when Umoya said spotting an elephant would be lucky. Oh, she really hoped they'd see one! She looked around as pairs were formed and some cubs were sent home. Mhisani's litter were among the newest and smallest, and she wondered how they'd cope with all the walking.

They had walked for a while, and mostly kept out of trouble, when Kokumo happened to take a few steps out in the taller grass, not yet flattened by the paws of those walking ahead of her. She stepped on something smooth, and kind of large. That was hissing at her. Her eyes widened as she took in the long scary thing that was crawling all around her front paws.

"Snake," she shrieked, and backpedalled until she hit the cub walking behind her "Ew! I think... I think it pooped on me!"

((31-35: An actual snake (Steer clear! Or not to cause trouble. Species is up to you!))  

[Kaelyndra]

Wouldn't have been an issue, unless a certain young cub hadn't promised his sister that he'd pair with her for the Inqina. At first, he decided to assume Badriya had simply found another partner. Then, the guilt began to eat at him. Though Duma followed Kokumo well for a few strides, it quickly came clear that he was lagging behind.

"Badriya!" He hollered behind him, careful not to lose Kokumo, but clearly not prepared to keep pace with her.

As a result, he was thankfully clear of the orange-cubs flailing limbs when she flew backwards. The warning of 'snake' for all intents and purposes was plenty enough to keep him very clear of the spot Kokumo had been. His eyes searched frantically along the earth for the glint of scales, then darted over his shoulder to look for his sibling.

Spying a dark shadow he thought might be Badriya's bald head, Duma hollered out, "Over here! Stay to the left!"  

[Hopefolly]

Badriya was too old for tantrums, too young to cope. Every affront to her, whether intentional or not, she felt an unforgivable slight. When her brother beckoned — too little, too late — she did the opposite of his instructions. He said over there, she stayed where she was; he said go left, she careened right, around the forest of legs and paws, wending through her equally youthful peers.

Had Badriya not been determined to put as much distance between her brother and herself as possible, she would never have ended on the outskirts of the group to notice the elephant. He stood far enough away Badriya couldn't see his eyes but as small, beady specks, yet close enough his sheer size was awe-worthy even then.

Without warning, and being mindful to avoid as much notice as possible, she started for the mammoth creature. He snapped another branch off the tree to harvest the leaves scattered across and seemed not to notice the approaching lioness.

((Anyone can feel free to notice Badriya's plan / be aware of where she's going. It's unlikely anyone would miss an elephant if they looked in that direction, after all. XD ))


 

[Talencia]

Kayode was very relaxed about the whole affair. After all the excursions with their father, this sort of thing seemed rather geared toward the babies. They certainly needed it, of course, but it was rather boring to the nearly-adolescent. More on his mind was that his father was missing. It niggled at him like a claw that wouldn't come loose when it should. He mentally chewed at it, his outward expression reflecting his concern.

Why would he take all that time with them, then just disappear? It made no sense, and it made him itch to leave on his own attempt to find him. He wasn't quite old enough, though, and it made his tail lash with impatience and frustration.

At the call to pair up, he paused to look around for a younger cub to take as a partner. It made sense for him to pick any of the younger set, whether they were a sibling or not. That way should something happen... like seeing a snake, he added mentally as someone shrieked, he could be there to help. He was momentarily distracted by the noise and dust cloud of a handful of zebra in the distance. Crazy hooved creatures. He resumed peering over the heads of assembled cubs, looking for one who wasn't paired yet.  

[Jovi of Shadows]

So far Neze was doing a good job of heeding his mother's advise. So far. Though her last instruction before they'd left needled him a little bit. Like he'd talk back! He wouldn't. Probably. Before that sour note could drag him down he'd sought out his half-brother Khanyo, and the two paired up together. He wasn't doing a good job of paying attention to much else going on around him, though that was mostly due to his eyes being glued to a few zebra that had gotten his attention.

Khanyo was enjoying himself. The constant outings with his father tempered down the excitement and anxiety that likely would have accompanied this outing, and the young male was left feeling pleasantly relaxed. Like his half-brother Khanyo had also spotted the zebra, they're striped pelts interesting to trace. "Are they black with white stripes, or white with black stripes?" he mused aloud, unable to tell the difference himself.  

[Zosie]

Kinga looked around at all the other cubs and juveniles, and then finally to Umoya, with a firm but nervous smile. Her and her brother were probably the youngest cubs there, and even though Kinga was a large female, she was still rounded and looked a little squished compared to the lankier juveniles. There were lots of things around that the other youngsters were pointing out, and it was only then that she noticed how much was in the outside world, and how much of it was scary without mother. Not that she was scared though, but maybe Kodoa was. She glanced at her brother with a grin. "You okay?"

Kodoa was even more nervous than his sister, but kept his eyes wide open trying to take everything in. He stood slightly behind her, brushing her hindlegs with his forepaws gently. "Yep, a little n-nervous but I think everybody must be." He squeaked. "Have you noticed we are the youngest cubs? I mean, even though we're- you're biggish, we are still the youngest looking and smallest."

Kinga nodded. "Well noticed!" She couldn't help but mother Kodoa, her other brother seemed just as protective of her, so he would have had none of it.  

[Ithambo hlabathi]

The land was beginning to slope more abruptly, and in the front of the group, the shoreline of a lake was visible. Hundreds of long-legged flamingos stood as bright splashes of color as diverse of the lions of Africa. Despite a relatively warm night, steam wafted around the legs of the great birds and rose towards the moonlight.

Ulaka paused by an old, gangly tree whose foliage was clinging to last hope as it browned. A look back over her shoulder showed the already-weak organization of cubs was already showing severe disarray.

"Umoya!" she hollered towards the lioness taking up the rear. "Get our strays!" Any cub or juvenile who chose to look back would see that several cubs were in various stages of venturing from the group. Some were hesitant, ears perked forwards, and one or two cubs had bravely waddled off after Badriya to get closer to the elephant.

-

Hearing the commotion, the zebra raised their heads. One of the herd-animals stomped its foot in warning, breath loudly coming out of its nostrils. While they were smart enough to realize their hunting was unlikely, it never hurt to let juvenile lions know they'd be trampled if they decided to harass the striped beasts.

The elphant was not so lucky as to be left alone. At least three cubs were headed in his direction, Badriya included. The goal so far seemed to be to sneak up on the behemoth.

-------

Your cub may either:
arrow Behave themselves and continue to follow Ulaka down to the shoreline. Upon moving towards the shore, your cub may:
- Stick close to Ulaka
- Head for the water
- Anything else you deem IC
arrow Opt to veer off the path after Badriya and follow her to the elphant. Upon heading for the elephant your cub may:
- Charge in: roll 1-20; if the result is 1-5, you are miraculously unnoticed; 6-20, obviously, the elephant notices you.
- Sneak: roll 1-20; if the result is 1-15, you remain unnoticed; 16-20, you are not very sneaky and the elephant notices

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Annchen

Lethrossen

Hopefolly

Jovi of Shadows

Quaji

Zohwhee

Talencia

 

[Zosie]

Standing in awe of the bright flock of flamingos, Kinga noticed how beautiful everything was. Then, at Ulaka's shout, she noticed something large and more impressive. Several of the other cubs had noticed it too and were waddling off towards it. Her eyes widened in curiousity and she inhaled sharply. "An elephant!" Her little mind did not yet comprehend how foolish it was to sneak up on an elephant, but the others were doing it. Besides she was the daughter of a crocodile slayer and she wanted to do something equally as impressive, then she'd turn out strong like her dad! She looked from her brother to Badriya and back again, then she made her decision and opted to sneak up on the elephant with some of the others. She doubted her brother would follow so kept one eye on him, she didn't want anything bad to happen, but then again Umoya was there and would take care of him. Besides, she seemed to remain unnoticed, for now.

Kodoa felt panic in his stomach as his sister vanished from his side. He hissed at her quietly. "Kinga, what are you doing?!" He watched her try to stalk the elephant for a few moments and was torn in his decision. He did not look or feel as strong as his sister, and maybe he wasn't as brave either. It was very tempting to try and act strong like his father, but a quick look at the situation uncovered several likely negative outcomes. He debated going to fetch Kinga, but she was determined. Instead he moved forward closer to Ulaka, and kept moving, his bright blue eyes glancing at his sister in fear.  

[Annchen]

Kokumo's heart raced, but she could no longer see the snake. She looked up as Ulaka called, and cringed a little. She'd held up the line of cubs, and she wondered if she was one of the "strays" in need of gathering. And where had her little walking buddy gone? When she looked around to see if she could spot Duma, she saw that several cubs had started to wander off.

When she raised her gaze she could see where some of them were heading. Elephant. Wow. Seeing one meant luck. However, she wasn't sure sneaking up on one would be very lucky... She hesitated with one paw in the air. She'd promised to behave and do as she was told. But, elephant... And what if the younger cubs did something stupid? They were already doing something stupid. And what if something happened and she missed out on it...

Kokumo finally started to move again. She followed Ulaka and the disorderly line of cubs along the shoreline, but she was looking back more than she looked where she was going. Just in case. Why couldn't the cubs be larger so she could see what they were doing over by the elephant?  

[Kaelyndra]

(( I will be posting on Saturday (the 12th) in the evening. ))

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Lethrossen

Hopefolly

Jovi of Shadows

Quaji

Talencia

 

[Talencia]

Kayode, being the jaded and experienced male raised by his father to survive the big wide world, was finding this jaunt rather... well, boring. He strolled next to a random cub, flicking his ears briefly towards the elephant and zebras. Neither interested him overmuch at the moment. The zebra might have if he'd been hungry, but not with cubs around. He was more than happy to follow directions and head for the water.

He'd at first been certain he'd hate the water, after having been tossed in without warning when he was a cub. However, the continuing lessons that their father had enforced had cured him of any fear or hatred of the wet stuff. He came to realize his father's methods, and that the water was neither bad nor good. It simply was, as many things in nature were. Still, he'd have to keep an eye on the smaller youngsters, the ones without such a carefully attentive father. Or, for that matter, his sisters, who had also not benefited from the now-missing male.  

[Hopefolly]

Sneak: 13 - Remains unnoticed.

Badriya's cursory glance over her shoulder determined there to be several cubs following, the nearest of which was Kinga. She mouthed two words to those pursuing her: Go away. She didn't want to share the blame, both for her benefit and theirs.

The more lions in a row, the more likely the elephant was to notice. But he hadn't yet, or else he didn't find the situation to be one of exigent circumstance. He was a young bull, mostly grey with black dots and stripes near his feet. A keen eye might notice he kept glancing in the same direction, in the same place. Whatever had intrigued him wasn't so thought-provoking to affect his appetite.

Badriya kept going, careful to keep to the side near the trees and bushes, cautiously far from the zebras. Those still following in tow, depending on their distance, might have noticed a glimpse of gray between the leaves.  

[Ithambo hlabathi]

The train of cubs shifted, its heavy half moving towards Ulaka. Annoyed, the flamingos started to coo and caw and shuffle in their warm-water home. An eavesdropping cub might be able to hear the rumor-train start. Some of the flamingos recognized their congregation and others did not.

Standing by Ulaka, just the tips of the elephant's ears could be seen. The ridge blocked out the other cubs and most of his body; the surrounding trees took care of the rest.

The ridge did not, however, block off the scream.

The fur on Ulaka's back rose immediately, her body growing tense and rigid. "If that elephant stepped on someone's leg, I swear..." Ulaka murmured under her breath. Then, voice heightened and sharp, she snapped, "Stay here," to the cubs by the old tree and then broke into a gentle jog and made her way up the ridge.

No one made it all the way to the elephant.

The glimpse of grey from between the trees quickly became a blur of grey outside the trees. It dropped, heavy and rocklike into the line of sneaking cubs. In his leap, the leopard's backleg hit Kinga, sending the cub rolling. The leading cub was not so lucky.

The leopard's front paws struck into Badriya's back, pinning the juvenile. In the time it took the cub next to her to let out a terrible wail, the leopard's mouth had latched around Badriya's skull. A few drops of blood speckled the screaming cub and then the leopard was gone.

His tooth had pierced one of Badriya's eyes, and it was this hold that allowed him to twist around, as quickly as he had dropped, and haul both her and himself into the adjacent tree. He didn't stop at the thick, low branches that a lion might pull themselves onto. No, he kept going until he was so high only the elephant's trunk could safely reach him and a fall might break bones or kill a lion.

The elephant, for all intents and purposes, had noticed.

------

(( We have some smart cubs, I see.

While lions can climb trees, they are not physically designed and will be at a severe disadvantage if they try to reach the leopard. Keep this in mind when creating a reactionary post!

The elephant is still there, and may be reacted with. He's being played by Hopefolly, since she rolled for her cub noticing him in her post. ))

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Annchen

Lethrossen

Hopefolly

Jovi of Shadows

Quaji

Zohwhee

Talencia