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 Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 1:09 pm
The affectionate rubbing was appreciated, reassuring him of a rather unsure situation. He was a rogue, a newcomer, to a pride that Njalo had told him very little about, but any pride was better than living in the unclaimed lands were just waking up was as large of a blessing as you were likely to receive for the day. Even so, this land didn't look much better, but at least there seemed to be lionesses here so there had to be a reason they stayed. Good enough for him.
Bangizwe took the chance to look at his body and couldn't help but laugh at what he saw. Blood trickled out of wounds, staining his pelt a dark orange-red, similar to that of a setting sun. Wincing as he shifting, Bangizwe let a small string of curses slip from his mouth. Those were definitely going to scar. Not to mention there were bites that needed tending to and the fact he would probably wake up covered in bruises. Hell, he wouldn't be surprised if one of those damned rot-eaters hadn't broken something and he was just in shock from the experience. Every inch of his body, from his tail to his nose, ached. It all ached. Fatigue and pain were beginning to set in as the gentle rainfall kept his pelt cleaner than it would have been otherwise.
"Heh, I've seen better days it seems," He finally responded in answer to the Umama's question with a rather lop-sided grin. Maybe the attempt at humor was to lighten the darker mood or to try and reassure the two lionesses that he was still able to fight if needed. Was he able to fight though? Probably not, well, not that well, but he could probably manage for a few minutes.
He wasn't sure what an Umama was or who Gakere was yet, but the golden lion was sure he would find out shortly. Glancing up from the two, he spotted a few other lionesses, as well as one male. Some were approaching, the others were standing back, maybe waiting for something? Bangizwe's body tensed, causing the large male to wince yet again as the slices in his pelts oozed red again, unsure if they were part of the same pride and if so, what kind of welcome he would receive.
[OOC Information]
The rest of the group may now approach Bangizwe, Njalo and Simosihle.
Congratulations! We're on page 5 now. There will be a total of two extra prizes added to the final prize pool.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 1:22 pm
Having made sure her sister and Esasile were safe from the elephants, along with the cub, as with the rain's gradual lessening Ilanga had seen the rest of the lionesses coming back together. Just as she was checking to make sure they were all accounted for she spotted a certain grey female. Along with two shapes she as yet could not quite make out,
Simo!
Launching herself forwards she raced across the muddy ground, a spray of water and mud following her progress. With a low roar she called out to Simo, half in relief to see her safe, half a warning to the strangers she did not recognise that the Umama was not alone.
"Simo!" She called as she got closer, slipping and sliding to a stop near her friend, trying at on em o both check Simo over for injuries, she was covered in blood and mud and cuts! And trying to give the strange make, for he was indeed a rogue lion, the evil eye in warning.
It was only then that she saw the third, and final figure and instantly recognised the bongo-hued lioness. "Njalo?" As stunned as Simo had been earlier Ilanga could only stand, caught between utter confusion and delight to see the smaller female back home. How was she here? Who was she with, was he safe or was he the one who had hurt Simo? Was Simo ok? Or as ok as could be hoped for given her battered state,
"Simo...." The golden Cinga chuffed softly, worried for her friend and yet unable to wrap her mind around the situation.
"Did he hurt you?" She asked, turning to show her fangs at the stranger, tail flicking. The only reason she did not charge was because Njalo seemed entirely unconcerned. Though Ilanga wasn't completely convinced Njalo might not act that way with a stranger anyhow, she was too sweet and innocent....
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 1:55 pm
Movement was slow and still awkward, the dizziness had subsided a good amount but was still just clinging on. Her leg was sore, but overall Umoya had a lot of hope for it. She was drenched right down to her bones, or so it felt.
Much was going on and she felt useless, maybe even a hindrance. The feelings kept her quiet, subdued. She was Esasile had managed to gather the cub up, glad that they had found him. Glad most of all that their group was finally coming back together, as a whole.
Her gaze roamed over Simo worriedly, eyes wide. What had happened her? She eyed the rogue suspiciously, frowning.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 1:56 pm
There had obviously been a commotion other than rescuing the cub from the elephants large feet. Though relief continued to wash over her, Kinga's eyes narrowed as she looked at the scene in front of her, moving forward to meet the group. There were faces she didn't recognise... One whose name perhaps she'd heard of. Simoshihle was okay, thank goodness. One of the group had noticed that she had disappeared a little while ago. As Kinga was still relatively young she found she was often forgetting names or trying desperately to remember relatives of those in the pride. For now she was quiet, although the presence of a strange males sent the fur on her body standing on end.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 2:00 pm
From the look of their punished bodies, all three had seen better days. A dull but persistent throb pulsed through Simosihle's muscles, and her badly bitten haunches made standing in one spot uncomfortable, but she resisted the urge to fidget. Every tooth mark in her leg stung with the mud that seeped into the fresh wound. The only one who seemed undisturbed by her injuries was Njalo who seemed not to notice her own limp as she favored her front right paw.
For some strange reason the lioness had always been slow to feel pain, but Simo knew from experience that in a few hours Njalo would feel the wear and tear as much as the rest of them. For now she seemed happy to curl and weave between "Bangi" and herself as if in an effort to expend her doting attention between them equally.
At least until a new face arrived anyhow.
Ilala! Leaving the pair behind, the bloodied female hurried to pperform her same, spinning, circling dance around the Cinga. Nuzzling and rubbing against the tan female as she bumped her head beneath Ilanga's chin affectionately, answering questions not meant for her obliviously. He is Bangi! And "He" would not hurt Nja! Silly Ilala!
Humming in quiet amusement at her friend, though her gaze lingered on the rogue, Simosihle shook her head gently at Bangi. Hard to tell with all the mud and blood Njalo was nice enough to wipe on you, she's nothing if not generous, though I'm sure you've already figured that out.
I should let them know.. I'm okay. Simo offered, before finally forcing herself to break away from the male, turning to pad closer to where Ilanga was being assaulted by the ever over exuberant Njalo and others were likely to soon join. Njalo calm down. Don't worry Ilanga, I'm okay.. I let my guard down and was attacked, but Njalo and her friend chased them off.
From where she curled around the Cinga, Njalo puffed. Proudly proclaiming, Nja chased off a nasty lion trying to chew up Simo! And Bangi beat up two hyenas and a lioness! Nja knows he's a rogue, but he's a good fighter and he hunts almost as good as Nja aaaaand he's comfy to sleep on! Can we keep him?
Now her gaze shifted toward the Umama, breathless but hopeful. Please Simosihle?
Njalo only ever used Simo's proper name when she wanted to be taken seriously.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 2:04 pm
The cub had been secured, and she was sure he'd hear no end of the tongue lashing his mother was sure to give him. Never mind the tongue lashing the Umama would give him when this was all over. Imvula let out a sigh, shaking mud from her coat and wishing the rain would wash it away faster. She'd fumbled getting the cub back to the group, but she'd at least gotten him out of TOO much danger.
She looked up at the commotion, then followed the others, pausing to make sure Umoya was keeping up. When she spied Simo, she started to hurry towards her...
Then stopped. There was a rogue male standing there, covered in blood. Who was this lion? What was his involvement? Simo was also covered in blood, but as she drew closer, she saw multiple paw prints in the mud. And some were hyena prints... She bent down and sniffed one, though it barely did any good in the rain. The lioness' lips pulled back in a snarl. "HYENAS." The word was spit out with as much disgust as the word 'snake' had been earlier. She looked up at the bloodied male, and Njalo not far. When had she appeared...? "You saved Simosihle... You have our thanks and gratitude." She paused. "Well, my gratitude, at least." She then smiled at the freckle-faced lioness. "Njalo, it's a pleasant surprise to see you!"
While she'd noticed that Mcheni was missing, concern for others had pushed thoughts and curiosity about it from her mind.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 2:24 pm
"Njalo...." The Cinga half purred, half chastised, as the blood-splattered and limping lioness draw close. The urge to search her for injuries was almost as strong as it was with Simo, Njalo seeming at least on the surface somewhat less mauled about than the older Umama, but almost instantly the worry that had been curling in her eased as the smaller female twined about her, smearing them both in even more mud and transferring a quantity of blood and goop onto Ilanga, not that the golden female cared any how they looked. It was their collective wounds that concerned her so much, and the presence of a strange male.
"It is very good to see you back, Nja." She purred softly, unable to keep hold of her anger at the situation in the face of such warmth as Njalo perpetuated. Heaving a much relieved sigh she bent her head to return the affectionate nuzzling, licking at one dark ear. Looking up as Simo at length padded over she performed her own, though more careful, entwining with the grey lioness. Licking at both females in turn. Trying to reassure herself as much as both of them that everything was alright, she finally examined Simo's wounds, though did so unobtrusively.
However Simo's words made her look up, eyes wide. "By who? Are any bad?" Meaning the wounds both Simo and Njalo carried. She would be sending Njalo to a healer as soon as possible, since she didn't trust Njalo to tell anyone if she hurt especially badly. But Simo would likely know how bad her own wounds were.
"Bangi? ... He did, did he?" She looked up and over at the stranger, assuming it was the male Njalo was talking about. Coughing slightly, aware that she had been ignoring him somewhat in her concern for her pride-sisters, she looked him over. "You have my thanks. Do you need someone to see to your injuries also?" She offered, after all if he had indeed saved Simo, it was the least she could do to make sure he didn't die in return.
Njalo's hopeful question made Ilanga smile, though she wisely left that discussion to Simo.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 2:49 pm
 Esasile, cub held firmly in her mouth, she moved more slowly towards the rest of the group. both for the cub's sake and to make sure Umoya would have help if she suddenly lost her footing.
She was happy to see Simo and the missing Njalo. But the strangers...well she supposed they had helped. She knew those pesky hyenas had been hanging around somewhere.
Esasile placed the cub on the ground, putting on of her paws gently on his tail so he couldn't bolt away. "Well we've found our runaway." She told Simo, purple eyes glancing at the strangers in interest. "And it seems we've found a guest as well." The question went unasked, but Esasile didn't think it needed to be voiced. Who was Njalo's new friend, and what was he doing in the Bonelands with her?
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 3:06 pm
 Kokumo was relieved that they had finally found the cub, and luckily without anyone getting squished by elephants. Lots of work for a luzisi, but she wouldn't have wanted her own cub left for dead, not even if it was male... She looked around, trying to count heads while the group slowly gathered together again. It was no use... Even with the lighter rain she kept losing track of how many they were. It didn't help that they'd found more than the cub they'd been looking for.
Nja was back, and she had a boyfriend, and she wanted to keep him? Was that right? Kokumo wasn't sure since she only heard the very end of what she assumed was an explanation. She eyed the male and noted the promisingly dark mane. There was no telling his intentions however, so she subtly positioned herself between the strange male and the newly rescued cub.((Busy, busy RP while I was busy with work...))
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 4:07 pm
Drawn together with contemplation Simosihle stared with no amount of gratitude at the freckle-nosed female. She wasn't exactly pleased to have been put on the spot, not least because she had no idea how to answer such a question. This sort of thing had never happened before.
Males came in and took over from the males who had been strong enough to ride in the Bonelands previously. Sometimes it was for the better, but not always. Still, it had always been the way things were done. How did they go about attracting new Umholi when there was none to overthrow? Not just new lions, who were a dime a dozen in the roguelands, but a new Umholi?
Tilting her gaze from Njalo to Bangi, her mouth formed a soft frown at the corners when her stomach suddenly felt like the time Nikon had dared her to swallow a dozen live grasshoppers. She didn't know him from the rogue that had attacked her. How could she trust him to do right by her pride sisters?
But Njalo trusted him and had made it back to the Ithambo with him in tow without incident. Well.. as far as she knew, time would tell how true that was if her friend didn't become heavy with cubs.
Of course, Njalo would have entrusted a very sincere looking wild dog to watch her cubs without eating them. Her judgement was not without flaw.
But, Bangi had rescued her from the immediate threat of several unsavory characters with Njalo's help.
Of course, he could have had ulterior motives for that as well.
But, they had no Umholi. No. Wait. According to Ukwazi they had one Umholi.
Andhaka.
Silently bristling at the thought of the red pelted Inselelo, she made up her mind. If he would stay, if he even wanted to be Umholi--and she expected she would have quite a bit to teach him on their way back to join up with the rest of the pride--then she would support him. With her help he would become a far superior Umholi to Andhaka. Njalo.. you know he's a rogue.
Simo began, watching the Umzingeli's head dip with what she already expected to be a disappointing answer. Regardless, she continued. That being said, I've seen my fair share of rogues today and he's certainly a cut above the rest, isn't he? Brave. Strong. Considerate even, which is a nice change of pace..
It was undoubtedly a dig at Andhaka's less than pleasant nature towards Ahluke and Lusizi as well as his callousness towards the loss of Gakere and--to a lesser extent--Surtak. Her gaze returned again to the golden lion. Had she mentioned handsome, or was that a given? Shaking her head to clear her mind of distracting thoughts she offered Bangi a look she prayed was as aloof as she tried to feel, despite the growing nervousness. If you are interested in taking a position as one of the lead males in our pride, I.. I mean.. I as an Umama, not.. me personally, god forbid she spoke out of personal gain, would support your right to the claim, Bangi..
Yaaaaaaaay!! Squealing with joy, Njalo left Imvula where she had been curled around the lioness in cheerful greeting of her sister after being so warmly welcomed by the other. Ilanga had already moved away to examine Simosihle's injuries leaving her free to harass one of the other lionesses with her affection.
Now though, she leapt at Bangizwe with her forepaws in the air, using a surprising amount of restraint as she landed on him, cuffing her arms around his neck and shoulders. With a rough tongue, she licked his face, tenderly cleaning the few wounds there. Simo says you can stay Bangi! Say you'll stay! We have no Umholi anymore and Nja thinks you would be a good one and I bet there are lots of Ithambo lionesses who would give you cubs!
Like an excitable jackal cub, Njalo released the male but danced around his forepaws, bouncing up at him to bump her forehead beneath his chin and nuzzle his throat. How the hell the rogue had put up with her for so long without running away was beyond Simosihle, but it certainly spoke volumes of his tolerance and patience. More desirable traits checked off on her "perfect Umholi" list.
Njalo tone it down a couple notches, will you? He'll never accept with you climbing all over him. Though anxious to hear his response, the Umama turned her gaze to Ilanga coolly, shaking her head at the Cinga's concern. Some rogues.. I didn't recognize them and those two hyenas from when Imbali was rescued.. they followed me out here, but my wounds should heal fine. Don't worry.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 4:21 pm
The lioness looked sharply between Simo, Njalo, and the new Bangi. Another Umholi? An Umholi other than Andhaka? Esasile felt herself smile a little bit. This male had indeed shown he could fight, and his darker mane would satisfy those silly female who were intent on keeping the mane-colour stigma alive.
"I would also support you in this, Bangi. I'm sure there are many other females who would." Females who weren't happy with Andhaka being in charge.
"Though I must confess, I am not sure how Andhaka will react. Though I believe two Umholi will be in the best interest of the pride, who knows how our current leader will take to the idea. There is a possibility it may not be a pleasant confrontation." One that Esasile was still willing to go through with. Another option had opened up, one that didn't involve Andhaka, and the older lioness was definitely going to take it. At her age, she would only produce perhaps two or three more litters at best. She would rather die than let one of those litters come by Andhaka.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 4:46 pm
Flicking her ears to and fro, looking between her pride sisters, Imvula couldn't help but smile. They were in support of this new male! Well, at least three were, though she wasn't sure how others would count Njalo's vote. She then covered her mouth with a paw, letting out a loud and fake cough to draw attention. "Should we be forgetting about what got Nguvu made an Inslelo, when there were not yet any? He fought and killed a crocodile, protecting us and the pride's cubs, before he even knew we were there. I would say this is somewhat similar circumstances, potentially far greater. He fought off hyenas and rogue lions that were attacking one of our Umama. I would say that if anything would make him qualified to be an Umholi, it's that." Did he even know he had anything to gain before he jumped into the fray?
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 4:47 pm
The sun-hued female watched as her friend considered Njalo's typically brazen request. Poor Simo, Ilanga had no clue what she would have done in the Umama's place, but what ever her choice, Ilanga would be more than happy to back her on it. After all, she didn't know many who were as trustworthy and as reliable as Simosihle.
Grinning at the decision, Ilanga watched her bongo-coloured friend with wry affection as Njalo proceeded to jump all over the poor male. "Well. If he is as patient as he seems, I think him a fine candidate myself. It is fair obvious that he can fight, and well at that. A fine specimen to become Umholi." She nodded in agreement of her sister's words, glancing over at Imvula with a warm, soft smile of affection, of any of the pride it would have been her sister who recalled such a thing. "Besdides which we have never only had just one Umholi. There is honestly not much Andhaka can complain of. Certainly he alone is not enough to protect us, even with Jasiri's aid." Glancing over at Esasile she shrugged. Andhaka may fuss but he didn't honestly have any grounds for complaint. It was pride traditon after all.
Turning to look over Simo again, noting how her friend was limping and clearly starting to stiffen after her harrowing fight for survival, Ilanga shifted round so she could press her flank against that of the silver Umama's, encouraging Simosihle to lean on her, her voice quiet in order to not attract any further attention. Sensitive to the fact that Simo may perhapse want to keep the extent of her wounds a secret.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 5:08 pm
Bangizwe watched the lionesses speak around him. Terms and things he could only assume were names were tossed out and to say he was lost in all of the talk was an understatement. Partially thanks to Njalo speaking to him on the way to the pride that he even understood the language being spoken. They spoke about him from what little they had seen of his personality and were making judgement on it, for what...to become Umholi? Whatever that even was.
Still, Njalo seemed pleased with the silver one's support of making him this Umholi thing, which meant it was hopefully a good thing, especially with the awkward hug and blatant affection he received right after. Further explanation would be needed, but apparently him fighting was a good sign of a good Umholi and from what Njalo had said, it meant he could stay and sire cubs among the lionesses in the pride. All of which sounded fine to him all-in-all.
"I'll definitely listen to what an Umholi is...but could we find somewhere to get out of this rain at least? I'm sure that little guy doesn't like being out here." He tossed his head in the direction of the cub that was being so safely guarded by the females that were all but surrounding him now. "And these wounds are beginning to sting worse than before, so having them seen to would probably be a wise idea. I can't imagine you two are much better off." He glanced to the Umama and to Njalo with a worried look on his face. They put on such a face to stay strong for the others, but they were wounded, just as he was. Well, one of the others had asked about his wounds so he figured it was probably something worth bringing up.
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Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 5:36 pm
Esasile chuckled at Bangi, placing a paw on top of the little cub's head and mussing his grey tuft. "No, I think this little one is ready to go home and have a proper bath, hm?" The lioness smiled down at the cub, who stared up at all the lions around him with sad blue eyes. Both she and the cub were completely covered in mud. Umoya was still recovering from her snake bite, Simo, Njalo, and the new male were cut and bruised, Zotikos had burns from the sudden fire, and everyone was soaked to the bone. They were, in her opinion, quite a sorry sight. It was definitely time to find shelter and get out of the rain. This venture had been an eventful one, and Esasile was quite ready to head back and sleep. Once everyone's injuries were tended to, of course. And hopefully there would be food as well.
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