[ORP] Dangerous Talk [Done: for pride members]

[Tanakako]

Despite her preoccupation over the whereabouts of either her twin or Simo, she couldn't help but listen to the conversation. The raised voices and snarls made her tremble and she lowered her head across her forepaws, already img being as flat to the ground as she could possibly get.

Of course the situation worried her. She'd always assumed she would carry Gakere's cubs one day. Now both he and her future had been lost. Andhaka scared her when she met him before, they day they had discovered where Gakere's and Surtek had gone. She didn't know what to do, and it was sounding increasingly lie no one else did either.....

Making a soft sound of distress she shifted. If only Gakere would come back. He had to be out there somewhere, she couldn't believe him dead....

 

[Kaliforneum]

Thola sat in the tree above the squabbling lions, amused by their squabble. A few of the other vultures in the area had mentioned the pride, and had told her that sometimes a vulture made and alliance with the pride, guiding the large cats to water and food in exchange for safety and a fully belly. The Bonelands were a rough place to live, and the idea had very much appealed to Thola. But none of the lions of the pride had impressed her yet, and so she had been content to simply hang around, learning their ways.
The lions seemed awfully foolish to her. They seemed to be complaining about their lack of males, and yet Thola could see plenty of them around! Never had the vulture seen females be so choosy over their mates. This one too young, that one didn't have the right colour, bah! How confusing.
Silly lions, yes! You have plenty of males, no? Here in the pride, out the lands, hmmm?" She squawked. Lions were everywhere, at least from her point of view. Thola was able to see from high up in the sky, whereas these cats were stuck on the ground.  

[Annchen]

"I don't know what would be worse," Kokumo said and made a face, "A half grown cub or one of the Ahluke. They behave like females, but I don't know... Without proper Abaholi in charge they might get ideas."

It was impossible to tell why the lions had decided to take an oath of celibacy. Some seemed utterly uninterested in females while others might just be afraid of leaving. The problem was, the lion they had sworn that oath to was most likely dead. Would they still honor it, or would the pride end up in even more of a mess soon?

"Nolaka is right," the orange female agreed after mulling it over in silence, "He has got a proper mane so there's a better chance of strong offspring from him. If we're picking one of the two he's the obvious choice."

---

"It's just plain wrong is what it is," Buna grumbled, but it was impossible for anyone other than the brown female to know what was wrong this time. It wasn't unusual for Buna to behave like this in the face of the new and unknown after all.

At the unexpected opinions from up in the tree she turned towards the vulture and showed her teeth in a silent snarl. Vultures, another new "invention" that Buna had yet to come to terms with. As of yet she didn't voice her opinion in favor of any of the Inselele.

---

"I still think we could keep both," Jagazi said surly. She was annoyed that no one had picked up on her excellent suggestion. She recognized that it might look a bit childish that she kept defending her own father, but she couldn't stop a pout from forming. No one took her seriously and it was unfair. The comments from the vulture up in the tree was actually a welcome distraction.

"We can't just take anyone, silly," she called to the bird, "The strongest males should be leading the pride, and if a stronger one comes along he'll defeat them and take their place. No one would want to have cubs with a weak one. Why would you want weak cubs?"  

[Neon Fly]

The dead Acacia tree where the group of lionesses had begun to gather seemed to stand as a metaphor for the mood of the pride of late. Fragile, ready to break.

Even Simosihle wasn't immune to the dour mood that had settled over the Bonelands. Though her shoulder had finally healed from the altercation with the hyenas that had brought Imbali--now their newest Cinga which had opened a whole new ball of dung among some of the young hopefuls--she was still no closer to understanding what had happened to Gakere and now Njalo's disappearance only made things more difficult.

It wasn't uncommon for the plucky lioness to wander occasionally for a few days here or there, but not an entire month. As much as Simosihle hated to admit it, the bubbly Umzingeli was one of her closest friends. To lose both her half-brother and Njalo at the same time was almost more than the Umama could stand. Luckily, she hadn't been forced to bare the burden of her grief alone. Settling beneath the tree her dark gaze slid over her shoulder to the giant following several paces behind her.

Machozi. Njalo's son. Cabanga to the red pelts.

Not only did they share a mutual concern for Njalo, but equal grief at the loss of Gakere who had been half-brother to them both through the respective parents they were both offspring to. Since discovering his mother's absence Machozi made a point to visit more frequently, though his station within the desert pride and his promise to Gakere prevented him from chasing into the roguelands in search of his mother. There was no doubt they found solace in the company of one another.


As they approached the group of lionesses Machozi lingered several paces behind the dusty female who meant so much to his mother. Njalo loved everyone, but for the Umama, it went beyond love, he had spent much of his life watching his mother gaze at Simo with rapt admiration. She had looked up to the wise-beyond-her-years lioness. Naturally, knowing such a thing made him feel no small amount of guilt as his gaze followed the sway of her hips, enticed by the occasional twitch of her tail. Maybe it was wrong, but he could no more help his attraction than he could help the recessive color of his pelt which resembled neither Matifu nor Njalo'sasa.

As she sat amidst the ring of gathered females and glanced back at him, he felt the fur along his spine bristle with uncertainty. He had not come to conquer, only to council where it was needed for he and Simo both had concerns about what a lack of Abaholi meant for the pride where the Firekin were concerned--but staring at the bevy of beauties it was hard to think of reasons that made him ineligible for the position. Truthfully, it made him wonder what Gakere would have thought. They had both survived Matifu and it seemed--no it felt strange not to have a son of the great male to continue his legacy as one of the Umholi who resided over the Bonelands.

Of course, he also realized that it was these females right here who would decide the fate of the pride. An Uhmoli without the backing of his lionesses did not stay Umholi for long.

Since the beginning of the gathering both the grey lion and lioness had remained silent, listening and absorbing the concerns and conflict that echoed around the ring of of Busisa and Umzingeli alike.

Simosihle wanted to hear what everyone thought, even if she didn't particularly like or even agree with everything said. When she was ready to speak, she wanted to be certain everyone would be willing to do the same.
 

[Quaji]

The tan lioness' fur bristled as she saw a large male on approach. Even the fact he was tailing behind one of them only active Umamas did not stop Ukwazi from throwing him a cautious look. Anyone, anyone could try to seize control of the pride, it was only a matter of time until somehow word met the ears of the Lusizi that had been ousted by one of the Abaholi by a concerned mother or frightened sister. They would come back and then...then what? Would they let one take the pride?

Ukwazi's ears fell back as she glanced over the bickering lionesses. No answers seemed to be showing itself and they needed them before one of the males decided to take matters into their own hands.

Both of the Inselele or even just one of them. Let one of them lead and let a Lusizi lead. A new male.

All options put forward, but of course they could not agree on one course of action. It was not as though Ukwazi could blame them. This was the future of their pride, their home. This was not a decision they could make lightly.

"What about Ukuthula's cubs?" Chimed in a new voice. It belonged to Imbali, who had been silent up until now. "There are four, but two are male. One has the dark colors that seem to be preferred. Could they be raised to be an Umholi?" She was new, hardly knew the pride's way of life or even their language, but she knew how to say at least those words. Cubs were important and so that had been one of the first she learned. The dappled lioness nodded in greeting to the Umama, another familiar face and one that surely help decide this matter. She seemed to have the power to influence it anyways.  

[CaliWolfe]

Ukungcola's attention had drifted upwards to the top of the tree. "Yes... Silly vulture. Weak cubs would be the ruin of us all." She shook her head slowly. Her mind was still processing the talk of the red-pelts. True, they were strong lions, and they were "allies" in a way. It also had to be said though that Ukwazi's point rang true. If they saw that the pride lacked their Abaholi... "No." She said firmly. "No red-pelts."

She frowned slightly at the approach of one of the Lusizi. She supposed that there was nothing stopping him from coming to the meeting, yet that wasn't doing much to calm her. She doubted one with such a light mane as his would try and take control of the pride but stranger things had happened before. A hunting accident that made her sister and herself motherless. Now the lack of Abaholi.

"Cubs cannot lead." She spoke softly to herself. Who would lead them while the cubs were still growing and learning? They could be trained and groomed to become an Umholi but who would be in charge while that was underway?  

[Kaliforneum]

Thola flapped her wings, picking off a twig from the tree and throwing it down at Jagazi. Lions. So short sighted. Oh how the world would be if everything could see things from afar like the birds. "No weak cubs from weak males, hmm? A tournament! A tournament then! Make them all fight, yes?" The bird bobbed up and down excitedly. "Strongest males win, no? Strongest males strongest cubs!" Thola would love to see these lions in action. Plus, a tournament would likely require lots of food, and Thola loved nothing else more in the world than food.  

[Tanakako]

Dania looked up as two more joined, her heart lifting to see the Umama. Though a double-take was required when she saw a full grown male following along behind. They looked confusingly alike and Dania wondered if perhaps he was Simo's brother, or her son. Having only really met the Umama personlly very recently, she wasn't sure of the lioness's family relations.

Still, her nervousness over the big male wasn't strong enough to squash her desire for a little reassurance. Still on her belly she crawled carefully around the many bodies layig, sitting and standing all around until she was close to Simo. Eyes wide and ears pressed low she paused before shifting forwards, not daring to make a sound incase she disturbed the conversation, but hoping the Umama wouldn't send her away again.

Neon Fly

 

[Meepfur]

Nolaka looked distinctly smug when Kokumo agreed that she was right, tail curling In and a small smile gracing her features. "We can't keep both, Jagazi," she asserted, "Not when one of them has a white mane."

The smugness quickly departed, though, on the approach of Simosihle and Machozi. Nolaka narrowed her eyes and flattened her ears, but did not move to rise. "What is he doing here? Shouldn't he be off playing with the red-pelts?"

Beside her, Ukuthula stiffened, blue eyes lingering on the grayish male accompanying the Umama. She stared, suspicious, even as one ear flicked in Imbali's direction when the newcomer mentioned her cubs. "That is not how it is done. If Umkhombo wants to be Umholi, he'll have to win the right."

Thula considered it further and added confidently, "He will be strong enough. But that doesn't do us any good here and now."  

[Andranis]

She scowled. "And HOW, exactly, is our dark-haired Inslelo much different from a Red Pelt? His fur is as red as THEIRS is... And at any rate, if we DID take one of the Red Pelts as a new Umholi, who says he would even be red? They throw out anything that's NOT red, black, white, orange, or grey when it doesn't even have a full mane yet." She started to pace again. "That tells ME they're far stronger than somebody who isn't kicked out until their FULL mane is in. Plus..." She paused, lifting a paw high. "They're huge, they're specifically born and raised to be strong, since they only let WORTHY lions join their ranks... That would provide good stock for a while, at least." She took a seat again. "I say, we make Andhaka lead Umholi, and then invite the Red Pelts to send a male with a good dark mane to be Umholi under him."

Mhisani let out a slightly bemused huff at Imbali. No ill will was meant by the puff of air, though. "How is waiting for a cub to grow up much better than making an adolescent fight for his right to be in the pride?" She then scratched her throat again. "Though, it makes me ponder..." She glanced at the dark-backed lioness, then at nobody in particular. "Make Andhaka the main Umholi... And one of Jasiri's sons Inslelo, if he so desires to fight his father for the position. And if he so chooses to, he can later fight Andhaka for the right to be second Umholi. The thing that has me suggest one of the young males still in the pride, is that he will know every inch of the lands we occupy. He'll know every hiding place, everywhere a threat might be, and he'll know it far better than somebody who'se come from outside. If the threat's too great for just him, such as two rogue males wanting to take over, he can then report directly to Andhaka and they can fight it off together, instead of the threat picking off first one Umholi, and then coming in to pick off the other."

Zola prepared to add her own opinion, but it fled from her mind as she noticed Machozi approaching. She shifted uncomfortably, a frown on her face. "Machozi... You shouldn't be here. This is a matter for lionesses, not... Um..." Not eunichs. She didn't think much of the males who hung around the pride when they should have left, but the ones who didn't even contribute anything beyond what a lioness could easily do? At least males who stayed on as Enda or Cabanga were doing something that, to her, felt like it brought some form of prestige. Ahluke... To her, they were no better than a eunich, something her mother had told her about - Sad, sad males. As far as she knew, though, Mhisani had no real opinion beyond neutral about Ahluke. That said... Machozi's presence wasn't welcome even to her.  

[Neon Fly]

As the group began to fall into silence and numerous pairs of eyes swayed in her direction and that of the giant casting his shadow over her from behind, the Umama recognized this as her moment to make her voice heard.

Offering Imbali a small nod of acknowledgement and a gentle smile as her eyes passed over the group she was pleased to see their newest addition amongst them and making an effort to offer helpful suggestions. Perhaps it was bias, but Simosihle would have rather seen Gakere's youngest sons take over the pride some day, rather than have it fall into Andhaka's paws. Unfortunately, Ukuthula spoke the truth. They were still too young to promise a solution to the immediate problem.

Paying the chatter of the vulture above no mind she began softly, offering Ukuthula a kind expression, Your children are beautiful, Gakere would--will be proud.

Her speech wavered momentarily as conflict in her choice of words was made clear in the pained furrow of Simo's brow. She still wasn't yet ready to accept the Umholi's demise. I admit I'm envious and though I would gladly welcome them, should one or both decide to battle for their father's position when they come of age, I agree that for the moment depending on them is not a viable option to our current problem.

All the recent talk of color came as something of a surprise to the dusty lioness' ears, especially from those of the younger generations. That fight had faded in intensity since her mother's day, but it seemed strife within the pride rekindled old superstitions. Light versus dark had never been an issue Simosihle had taken much stock in. She certainly didn't care to encourage it now, choosing to ignore it as her earthy stare dropped to the cowering Dania. Gently ushering the single twin close to her side for comfort.

Someone in the group had mentioned taking one of the red pelts as an Umholi and though her initial instinct was aversion, Simo had to admit to herself that she would have rather taken a true red pelt over Andhaka any day. A sharp look sliding across the circle towards Nolaka at her antagonistic jab at Machozi. Umama or not she didn't take kindly to her niece's tone, particularly considering her current infatuation with the Inselelo who had gone about rubbing her the wrong way.

A mistake he was likely to continue paying for as long as he remained in the Bonelands.

I believe the only one playing with red pelts here is you, dear niece. Though she would have liked to forget Andhaka's existence entirely, Simosihle reluctantly made her opinion known, if it influenced others, so be it. We need new blood to sire cubs, of that there is no doubt, but I would bare the cubs of an unproven rogue before I let that disrespectful, self-serving Inselelo Andhaka anywhere near me.

There. She had said it. However inappropriate it may have been, at least they knew where she stood. Lifting her chin high with a lioness' regal dignity Simo continued. I am not any particular fan of the red pelts, but Isasa has a point. If we accepted a red pelt from the desert pride he wouldn't necessarily have to be red. Machozi could be of use in helping select one of their stock that would be best suited to joining our pride.

Behind her Machozi drew a tight breath of discomfort. He wasn't entirely certain that taking a red pelt, even a discarded one was such an excellent idea, but he held his tongue. If that was what they wanted, he would certainly do his best to oblige.

Machozi is the son of Njalo'sasa and the late Matifu, also sire to Gakere. He was chosen by Gakere himself to serve as Cabanga amongst the Firekin and has been living with them since his mane only just started coming in. He is here today as a favor to me. I would appreciate it if he was shown proper respect. Shooting both Nolaka and Zola meaningful stares, she turned a glance toward Njalo's son, hopeful for his support.

Resisting the urge to frown at Simosihle as the conversation turned in his direction, Machozi offered the group a polite bow though he neither cowered before the females nor did take the bait of their antagonistic jabs. Even so, having grown up amongst the Firekin, he would have rather faced one of their most battle seasoned warriors head on than be stuck under the scrutiny of the lionesses of his homeland. I apologize for the intrusion. I came seeking my mother, but Simosihle asked me to join her here today and I thought it rude to decline her request.

Resisting the urge to fidget, the slate male continued calmly. I've lived amongst the red pelts long enough to know that they don't tolerate weakness well. If they come to realize that the Bonelands pride is without leaders they will feel inclined to act. The best you could hope for is that they simply inject several of their own as Abaholi until things can be sorted out here, but at worst.. they will either completely usurp these lands as their own and eject you from them or possibly take the one certain water source the Bonelands has that we currently share with them and cut ties with you all.

Granted, Machozi would have a lot to say before he allowed that to happen, his ears pinning in distaste of the thought. They weren't intentionally a cruel lot, but they would do what they felt they needed to ensure their own survival, just as any other pride would. No less could be expected of them. Just the same, the Bonelands would always be his home and his loyalty, first and foremost, was to those of his birth pride and his mother.

It isn't my decision to make and I'm not familiar with the Inselele here now, but I believe it would be best not to involve them in the choosing of new Abaholi. Flicking his tail against the ground with a pensive expression the Cabanga glanced at Simosihle before addressing the entire group reluctantly. But.. if an Umholi from the red pelts is what you desire I will assist you in making the transition as smooth as possible.

Andhaka wasn't a name Machozi was familiar with, he wondered what the Inselelo had done to get on Simo's bad side. Of course, in the end, did it really matter? He wondered what his mother would have thought of all this. Uttering a silent prayer for her safety as it dawned on him suddenly that he missed her deeply. Whatever you decide, it would be best to do it quickly, time is against you.

Tanakako

Long

Meepfur

Post

Andranis

Is

Quaji

Long

 

[Meepfur]

The relaxed air she had previously held vanished in a moment, and Nolaka rose swiftly to her feet, lips curling in a silent snarl. "I have played with no red-pelts, dear aunt, and I will not see one invited to be our Umholi. If they wish the privilege, let them earn it like any other by challenging for it and proving they can do more than play-fight!"

"Color is not what makes a red-pelt. By that logic, Ukushisa here would be one, would she not?" The young lioness cared not at all that it was an Umama she argued with, or her own sister; all that mattered was that she was right, and always was. "We know him. We have for months. He proved himself when he defeated Nguvu, and has served his purpose ever since. He is strong, he has a proper mane, and has more brains in his head than Nguvu and Jasiri combined."

"But do not mistake my preference for affection," she added, after noticing a look from Ukuthula. "He is the best of the few options that we have."

Her dappled companion, who had dipped her head in acknowledgement of Simosihle's assessment of her cubs, let Nolaka have her tirade. She and her friend agreed in most things, and this was no different. Casting another look at Machozi, slightly less suspicious than before, she submitted, "I agree with Nolaka. And with...him. We need to make a decision before it's made for us."  

[Tanakako]

Gratefully Dania shifted closer to the silver-coated Umama, taking comfort from the acceptance the older female offered, and from Simosihle's easy, confident manner.

Settled quietly at the Umama's paws Dania could finally concentrate on the conversations going on around her. The angry, raised voices made her pin her ears back worriedly. The sudden explosion of violence as Nolaka sprang up produced a very strange reaction in the usually timid female. Dania snarled savagely, dashing in front of Simosihle, though she was still crouched low on her belly in a submissive posture, ears flat back against her head and tail lashing.

"The Inslelo did not challange for Umholi while he could. I certainly do not wish a coward to take over just because there is no one left to fight." Her words spilled out over her low furious growling, lips pulled back to show her fangs as a warning in case the other female approched any closer.

Neon Fly

Meepfur

((I'm blaming this on having spent the whole week watching Lion programs. Its 'Big Cat Week' on TV.... lol )  

[Meepfur]

At first cursory glance, the gathering of females did not seem particularly notable, and if Andhaka had not taken a second glance as he passed by some distance away, he would have let them be to gossip or do whatever female thing they were about. But there was a markedly larger, distinctly masculine form among him, and that was more than enough for him to alter his course and approach. Even then, however, he did.not rush. There was no commotion that he could see, but what he could see was that the stranger was somewhat similar to the gray of Simosihle in coloration. Interesting, and sufficient cause for care in how he approached the matter.

The red male strolled towards the gathering, and was nearly close enough to speak by the time Dania confronted Nolaka. Also interesting. Another few steps, closer but not infringing on anyone's space, he said, "My apologies if I am interrupting. I couldn't help but notice that we have a guest."

His tone, posture, and manner were all perfectly civil, with nothing hostile or aggressive about his air. He sat down as he studied the unfamiliar male, showing that he offered no threat to any gathered. For the moment, he simply assessed.  

[Andranis]

The snort she let out was a mix of bemusement and frustration. "As I recall it, they were first mentioned as DESERT lions, though, not RED PELTS. Red's just their most common color - There's plenty in their pride without red and they get along just fine there. It's the brown-coated ones they kick out." Which were the ones that seemed to be of interest. She then looked over as Andhaka approached. "Well, speak of the red-pelted Inslelo..."

The young lioness shrank under the Umama's words. "Oh, I meant no disrespect, ma'am! I didn't know!" She looked at the grey male. "I didn't know his reason for remaining around." She then glanced over at a new voice. Andhaka... She was afraid to mention if he was unwelcome, now somewhat fearful of a tongue lashing from an older lioness. She flicked an ear at Isasa's words, wondering on the point she'd made - While the lions of the desert had red pelts dominantly, they weren't all red. Some were white, others black, a few orange.. A tiny number grey... And those that were anything else were sent away. But the distinction her mother had made was they were DESERT lions, so there was that...

While Isasa and Zola had reacted closer to neutral and pleasant, the tan lioness was the first to curl her lip at the Inslelo's presence. "Machozi is welcome at the moment. As far as I am concerned, YOU are not." She got up and moved further away from him, still far less than pleased with his personality. She didn't fault him in her sons being run off... That was a matter of tradition. But she couldn't get past his attitude. "I would rather lay with a desert lion."