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 Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 11:27 am
Andhaka leveled a look at Ifunci that was somewhere between condescending and derisive. The adolescent male barely qualified as a member of the pride, in his opinion, and the fact that Ifunci gave voice to his irritated him. While he was typically happy to be charming and curry the favor of the lionesses, he saw no need to coddle a young male who should soon be gone.
"If they have fought, and if one of them has lost, then that one is no longer Umholi, and therefore no longer one of ours." Though he was not native to the pride, he had made very sure to learn as much about it as possible as quickly as possible, to better understand and integrate himself. Between that and the months he'd now spent in the Bonelands, he was perfectly comfortable considering himself a part of it. "I also doubt whichever remains would look well upon our aiding the loser."
"But," he allowed, looking to Simosihle with all the respect his expression and tone had been lacking when he addressed Ifunci, "If it is your wish to divide and follow the vultures, I certainly have no right to stop you. And perhaps you will be correct, and may call me fool before the day is done."
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 11:57 am
"I'll go with you, Simosihle~" Came Ukushisa's voice. She was curious about the vultures, more-so than a majority of the group it seemed. At least a few others wanted to split, so maybe someone else would come with the two lionesses to investigate the circling. The vultures never did it without something dead underneath or dying, so it was worth a look, what with the two lead males missing and another lioness likely out birthing a litter.
Ukwazi's ears twitched as she heard a few voices she cared little about voice their opinion, but there was no need to dismiss it, not now. Folding them back, her eyes fell upon Andhaka. Even he suggested the pawprints a better option, but in the end it seems like even he, along with a few others, would suggest on splitting the group and investigating both clues in hopes that one of them would yield some answers as to what happened during the night.
Those words would have come out harsh. She knew that. She had failed the pride. Ukame's eyes dropped to look at the dirt, keeping them averted from those she considered her pride-sisters. At least mother wasn't among them so she didn't get to see the disappointed look Mcheni surely would have given her when she couldn't remember the direction she came from.
Moving herself over towards Ukame, the tan lioness sat beside her, bumping her head against the distraught Busisa's shoulder before holding her head up to address the rest of the pride. "It looks like we favor the pawprints, though there are few among us that want to see what those vultures are up to. Simosihle volunteered to investigate them and..." Tossing a less-than-pleased glance to her sister, "Ukushisa has already volunteered to go with her. Is there anyone else?"
[OOC]
Time to decide who you're going with. Andhaka, Ukame and Ukwazi to see where those pawprints go or Simosihle and Ukushisa to see what's up with the buzzards. Please bold in your post who your character(s) follow for this so I can keep things straight easier. <3
About 12 hours or so for this one and we'll continue on~!
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:28 pm
 Ifunci shrank under Andhaka's look, trying to make himself seem smaller than he already was. Well and truly he wasn't much bigger than the lionesses around him, and wasn't likely to grow much bigger in his final months of adolescence. Andhaka intimidated him, as did all of the other leading males of the pride. Ifunci had learned quickly as a cub not to be too boisterous, as the male cubs never seemed to get away with putting a toe out of line with some of the other females, but his passion for his family, for his pride, had prevented him from his normal, cooperative silence. Even he knew that the pride wasn't in the best shape. All Ifu wanted to do was help.
But the male cautiously allowed himself to perk up a little bit. Simo, one of the Omama, was going to lead a group towards the vultures! And the best part was that Andhaka was going the other direction. The young male didn't think it wise to be near his superior for a little while. Ifunci had always felt more at ease with his sisters and the other females anyways.
"I would like to go towards the vultures as well, if you'll have me, Simosihle." Ifunci dipped his head respectfully at the Umama, this time remembering his place. He wasn't the strongest of lions, but he was lightning fast and quick on his feet, built as a sprinter instead of a fighter. Surely he could contribute something.
Ifucni is going with Simosihle and Ukushisa!
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 2:40 pm
Bemfola growled at Njalo, however was unable to continue being grumpy with such a bubbly lioness coddling her. Flicking her tail in mild annoyance, she turned her head away but grunted at her in an agreeing tone. There was way too much going on for the lioness. She had absolutely no idea where to draw her attention so she decided to attach herself to Nja. It seemed like the safest route for her in the situation they were currently in. If everyone decided to become too annoying she could easily make her way back to the pile where they slept or she could just as easily look for a hare or two to hunt. “I will follow after Nja and follow the pawprints.”
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 10:41 pm
However politely worded, Andhaka's statement about how, a defeated or dead Umholi was no longer an Umholi of any importance to the pride, left Simo gravely wounded. Perhaps as an Umholi, Gakere would no longer be of any particular interest once he had outlived his usefulness, but as her half-brother it still mattered very much to the lioness personally.
The cycle of young replacing old and strength overcoming weakness as as old as time and she was no stranger to it in the Bonelands, but that didn't mean the Umama wished harm to her brother. If it was Gakere's body the buzzards circled, she had every right to know.
Lifting her head proudly as she stared hard at the Inselelo, who undoubtedly would have made out quite well if both Abaholi were injured or worse, the grey female sniffed indignantly before walking past him. I would have called you a fool anyway...
A single ear flicked towards the friendly voice that called out to her, turning her gaze towards the rust colored Ukushisa. Unprepared for company, but accepting of it all the same, she offered her unfamiliar sister a humble smile. If nothing else it would give her a chance to get to know the Busisa better. I would like that.
Of course, she immediately wondered if she should have discouraged Ukushisa with the Lusizi asked to join shortly after. Simo recognized him as the youth Andhaka had sneered down his nose at and sighed softly. It would be better for him if he stayed out of the Inselelo's mane, not to mention the Umama had decided that she was fond of anything that irritated the male. I don't see the harm in it. You can follow us, if that's what you choose.
She was antsy to get moving.
If Njalo had noticed Bemfola's initial displeasure in her company, she had mastered hiding any visible sign of it. Instead of being put off by the grumpy Umzingeli she only seemed to pour more of her goofy charm into cheering Bem. Sliding her forehead beneath her golden chin, her whole body wiggled with delight when Bemfola decided that she too would follow the pawprints along with the small group that was already amassing.
Dancing away a few feet Njalo gazed at the other with sparkling eyes filled with eagerness. One would have thought the pride was going on a treasure hunt instead of a possibly bloody brawl by the way she acted. Weaving between the other lionesses and adolescents, but always returning to Bemfola's side as if expecting her friend to eventually follow her. Hurry Bembem! We have to follow before they get away!
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Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2015 7:58 am
"As you say." Andhaka accepted Simosihle's displeasure with no argument, only a dip of his head. He had misstepped, and knew far better than to argue. He would only dig a deeper hole for himself with the Umama if he tried. He would have to take greater care in her presence in the future.
Fortunately, none of the others seemed bothered, or if they were, did not express it. He had the larger group, at any rate, with Ukame, Ukwazi, Njalo, and Bemfola thus far choosing to follow the pawprints. "When you are ready," he said, his gaze lingering on Ukame, "We will go."
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Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2015 9:54 am
Kinga was happy to see her mother and other siblings join the group, and after greeting them affectionately, began to ponder her next course of action. Kinga looked at Andhaka with carefully narrowed eyes. The female had always been rather wary of him. It was perhaps because Andhaka had defeated her father and taken his place as Inselelo, perhaps because there was just something else she saw in him she wasn't certain of. Her father's leaving was something that had happened when she was a cub but she still had a sense of loss hidden somewhere within her. It wasn't like she was entitled to have a father in the pride, but what little memories remained were pleasant, if distant and blurred.
"I'll go with Simosihle and Ukushisa, and see what those buzzards are after." Her voice wavered slightly - big changes could bring trouble, and there had been a sense on unease in the pride since Surtak's disappearance. She dipped her head politely, hoping that if some of her family came with them, she could protect them if necessary. Eyeing up Gabedi, she smirked gently. Well, he certainly didn't look like he needed protecting, he was seemingly growing bigger by the day. With her family here, her panic was starting to wane a little, though the obvious concern in the group lingered.
Kodoa indeed, tended to stick with his sister, and this instant was no different. It was better, her perceived, for his family to be split equally than Kinga to go off on her own. Though she would be with other pride members, and could certainly hold her own, they often worked as a pair. Kinga would be the muscle and Kodoa the brains, so to speak. He would certainly miss that double-act when he left. His departure was rapidly approaching, and he felt he owed his birth pride something before he was to leave. If he could help in any way, perhaps he would feel more fulfilled. He nodded towards his plainer sister with a serious look. "I too, shall go with Simosihle and Ukushisa." He knew that buzzards more often than not, meant a dead body, but would it be Gakere?
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 11:13 am
The soothing calm tones of the Umama's reply helped easy the younger's distress and some of the fear bled form her stance. But just as quickly with the Inselelo's cold comment. Swallowing a small chirp of alarm she wriggled her way through the mingling crowd behind Simo, making sure to stick close to the silver female. Though her head continued to swivel anxiously, looking for her twin.
Suddenly she realised severla of the group were starting to split up and she turned a quick circle on the spot, her distress deepening with the added pressure of the general confusion and argumentative comments flying back and forth. Finally she slid back to Simo's side, attaching herself to the taller lioness.
"I... I'll go with Simosihle and Ukushisa." She managed, hurrying her steps to keep up with the Umama.
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 12:41 pm
Mhisani shot the red male a dark look, not liking his personality. He was, as she saw it, far too abrasive toward the adolescent males. They would be leaving their home and family soon, did he need to be so rude to them? But she also agreed with her daughter that splitting up wasn't quite so good an idea. She gave a bow of her head, stepping toward the red male. "I'll go with the group following the paw prints." Part of her wanted to keep an eye on Andhaka, not wanting him to take the confusion as an opportunity for anything.
Zola didn't so much vote, but followed her mother over to Andhaka. She couldn't really fault a lion who had a tenuous position his attitude, personally. She could also understand his position about being grumpy toward the adolescent males in particular - They were a threat to his position, always, and if the pride was going to restructure... He'd want to make sure there was little to no competition for power. Personally, she anticipated it, as like her mother, she didn't want her future children to be related to possibly the only males they'd be able to breed with.
Isasa, too, followed the red male. She wasn't keen on Inslelo, but she recognized his leadership above the opinions of adolescent males that would soon be leaving. "I, too, will go with Andhaka. He at least has his full mane." She shot a look at the adolescent males. No male worth his weight in food would be afraid of a male that didn't even have a whole mane.
Gabedi's fur rose slightly, but he made no move to call Andhaka out on the look he'd given Infunci and his words about whatever Umholi lost. He didn't like it, but he had no right. Not now, at least. Maybe one day he would, when he was much older and larger, but not now. He did, however, give in to the grin that spread across his face at Simo's words. She, at least, had a position that allowed her to call him out... And the adolescent found he respected that greatly. "I will go with Simosihle and Ukushisa to check the vultures. If there's an injured lion there, the more of us are there to save them, the better." He then dared to take a step further, verbally. "Even if it's a defeated Umholi, it would reflect well on us if we helped him get back on his paws before sending him away with good words from us. He wouldn't have to stay LONG, or even fully recover, before he got sent on his way... Just enough to not die while we did nothing."
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 12:43 pm
"Alright, I think it's pretty well decided who's going with who." At least the groups were relatively equal in size, though it seemed like a majority favored going after the buzzard instead of following the pawprints, but there were still enough interested in the pawprints to warrant two groups forming. Not that Ukwazi could blame them though. At least they'd know they'd find something, even if that something might be a skeleton. Frowning though she looked towards her sister who just beamed as two more joined their party. It wasn't uncommon they saw differently and this was one of those times, but with this panic...she had hoped they would stick together
The Umzingeli nodded to Kodoa and Kinga. That made..five, six now? A good number, enough to fight off almost anything though almost all of those were just adolescents, two of them males who were still growing into their manes. There was a slight frown on Ukushisa's face as she turned to nod to Simosihle. "I think we're about ready to head out. If anyone else wants to join up, well...they can see the vultures from here." It seemed like everyone who had chosen their path was ready to head out.
The seer nodded to Andhaka, finally finding the courage to rise onto her feet. "I'm ready to go now. I..I think I'll start to remember if we start walking." Sitting around wasn't doing anyone any good. With mother and Mvua not there and Ukushisa going a different route, Ukame looked to the Inselelo for help, almost guidance. She knew others were expecting things from her and that just wouldn't be possible, not yet anyways.
It was time to get going.
[OOC]
!! Alrighty, to keep things straight with any future rolls, please place in bold at the top of your post if you're pawprints or vultures. If you have multiple characters with different ones, put it above their part or list names: vulture/pawprint at the top.
If you haven't picked or are just joining in, just pick an option and jump in. You'll just have lagged behind a bit, no big deal. <3
ex. Ukushisa: vultures, Ukwazi: pawprints, Ukame: pawprints
For pawprints: Roll 1 6-sided dice per character in your post.
1 = The silence is almost eerie. Only the hum of insects and the chatter of the other lions fill the air. There are no birds, no herds...Weird.
2 = You lose sight of the pawprints! Oh wait, there they are.
3 = You find a small bit of blood on the ground. It's dried and could be anyone's though.
4 = You find....a snake, ahhhh, it's a snake!
5 = You spot a vulture nest in a tree, good job! Maybe the pride can collect chicks later.
6 = You find a small bit of blood on the ground. It's still a little fresh, but it could be anyone's though.
For vultures: Roll 1 6-sided dice per character in your post.
1 = You're too intently watching the vultures. You trip.
2 = You hear nothing out of the ordinary, but you fall behind a little.
3 = You hear a sound...a hyena?
4 = You smell blood, a lioness and a hyena. No, multiple hyenas.
5 = You find an interesting shaped rock. Like for real, it looks like an elephant. Oh wait, it is an elephant.
6 = You smell blood but hear nothing out of the ordinary. You fall behind a little.
Simply roll, and if you want, you can use what you rolled as a little prompt for your post. You may roll as many time as you want, but you have to fill out each post. Once both groups have each collectively rolled 15 or greater, the plotline will continue.
Exception: 24 hours has passed and we haven't reached the roll goal. I will continue the plotline regardless then.
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CaliWolfe rolled 1 6-sided dice:
2
Total: 2 (1-6)
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 1:14 pm
Joining: pawprintsUkungcola was late. She was calm and walked slow as need be to avoid increasing the pace of her heartbeat any more then need be.
She had heard the cry of something happening but had initially dismissed it as nothing to be concerned over. It was only when she saw her fellow pride mates approach the scene that it had sparked the brown female's interests and she began to inch her way closer. She had arrived just in time for everyone to split into groups. One heading in the direction of the vultures, one following a maze of paw prints along the ground.
Silently she slipped in with the latter of the two and began to use her eyes and nose to tell where she was going. 'Who are we looking for?' She briefly wondered before shaking the thought away with a swoosh of her tail. Whoever they were looking for, whatever reason it was, had to be important. Besides, she was certain she'd catch on within a few seconds.
For a moment her eyes betrayed her and Ukungcola was left to stare at the dirt, not noticing anything at all. Where did the foot prints go?! She panicked slightly, her heart accelerating as she madly looked this way and that. Her fur then relaxed and she breathed out a sigh. Oh, silly her! There they were right in right of her all along! She smiled faintly at her own silliness.
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Meepfur rolled 1 6-sided dice:
2
Total: 2 (1-6)
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 2:49 pm
Pawprints
Andhaka had already spoken his opinion on potentially helping a defeated Umholi - was it that hard to grasp that whichever Umholi was left would most likely not want them aiding the former friend who'd turned on and fought him, possibly with the intention of killing him? - and repeating his position, particularly to yet another adolescent male, would have been a waste of his breath and time.
He ignored Gabedi entirely, turning his attention to his group. He shrugged off the irritation he had allowed to get under his skin and replaced it with his more characteristic pleasantness. "If you recall anything, let us know, but try not to pressure yourself. It is counterproductive."
Focused primarily on the lionesses, he lost track of the pawprints momentarily, but quickly found the trail again.
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Zosie rolled 2 6-sided dice:
1, 1
Total: 2 (2-12)
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 3:00 pm
Kinga; vultures, Kodoa; vultures
Kinga continued with the group, keeping a close eye on the circling avians in the distance, and the feeling of dread bobbing about her stomach like driftwood caught in a river. She wasn't sure what to think, and was on guard in case anything out of the ordinary should happen, though the feeling in the pride was pretty bizarre to her, already. The adolescent was keeping too firm an eye on the vultures though, it seemed, and her foot managed to skim a rock and throw her slightly off balance. Kinga's legs splayed a little as she regained her stance and felt her brother slam into her from behind. "Ouch!"
Kodoa was following Kinga, keeping his eyes on the scene too. The vultures were in the air, and therefore not too near their "prey". Perhaps this meant someone was just gravely injured. Perhaps they were waiting for someone to die. Suddenly his sister tripped, and the chocolate coloured adolescent fell straight into the back of her with a thump. "Ack! Sorry Kinga!" The problem with focusing on the little details, it seemed, was that sometimes you could be distracted.
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Andranis rolled 4 6-sided dice:
3, 6, 4, 4
Total: 17 (4-24)
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 4:09 pm
Pawprints
Die 1 - Mhisani
Die 2 - Zola
Die 3 - Isasa
She gave the red male a cold look, then started to walk. The pawprints were hectic, a mixture at first of multiples from lions coming and going for this or that - Most likely a short search for water, or to find a private place for a moment. As she padded along, the tan lioness found dried blood, but it was hard to tell just who it belonged to. For all she knew, it could be the blood of a lion's prey, or the prey of a smaller animal like a jackal. She continued on, opting to ignore the blood for the moment.
Zola had slightly more luck than her mother, finding fresher blood. But like the blood her mother'd found, it was hard to really tell who or what it belonged to. As she left it be, she shot a glance at Andhaka, frowning just a bit. She was starting to like him less and less.
Isasa opted to ignore any looks going around or displeased feelings, instead following the paw prints. She found no blood, though, feeling displeased with herself. As she stepped, something moved next to her paw, causing her to look down.. And promptly jumped back with a startled cry. "SNAKE!" She didn't care if it was poisonous or not, it was a danger to the pride's cubs! She hissed, swatting a rock at the legless reptile.
Vultures
Die 4 - Gabedi
He rolled his eyes at the older male, padding away. The vultures were his own focus, something worth checking out and looking in to. As he walked, he quietly hoped a snake bit the rude jerk. He was getting lost in thought as he fantasized about being the size of an elephant long enough to chase out some of the other males and change the pride... But that was just fantasy, and not likely to happen. He was pulled from his thoughts by the smell of blood, looking down and investigating. His ears suddenly went back as his hackles rose. "I smell lion blood! And hyenas!"
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:21 pm
Pawprints
Andhaka was well aware of the looks he was getting, but he let them slide off without comment or acknowledgement. Most of them were coming from the children of the Inselelo he had replaced, and their mother. He wondered at it, as in his understanding such a sense of family was not typical among the pride - except among the lionesses in general - but he had greater concerns than injured feelings. Let them give him dark looks and distrust him if it pleased them to do so, in spite of the months he had performed his duties of keeping them safe, of obeying Gakere and treating them - with the exception of addle-brained adolescent males - with courtesy and respect.
He kept a watchful eye as he stalked along after the pawprints, staving off brooding thoughts with the task at hand. A cry from one of the lionesses had him springing in her direction even before he had processed the word - snake! - but she was smart enough to fling a rock at it rather than attack it up-close.
"It didn't get you, did it?" Andhaka looked from Isasa to the creature with flattened ears, trying to make out the shape of its eyes.
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