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Kuza had been content to stay silent as the discussion continued, but the sudden call to go back to taking slaves drew a dark snarl from her, as for the first time true rage filled her and she whipped her head round to Kosuke, lip wrinkled to show pearly white fangs.

"That is in the past for a reason. I suggest you speak no more about it, or you and I will have an issue." Few things could truly throw Kuza's temper, but the subject of slavery was one of those rare things.

Tswana, for whatever reason, hadn't exactly expected to be spoken to during this gathering. Even if No hadn't been speaking directly at her. She was glad Ukuba spoke first, because he was definitely the best talker among them. Unless Sjari suddenly spoke up and proved himself extremely eloquent, somehow. Somehow she didn't doubt that possibility, but... it was unimportant now.

We will always be grateful... Tswana wasn't so sure, because this alliance could still go a few ways. But they had been here a week now, and aside from the first day, there hadn't been any issues. Having had the chance to see how the first group was doing also did wonders to restore her 'faith' in the firekin. They had all seemed well and healthy, and though the second's group arrival may have shaken the alliance... She honestly figured she had no reason to doubt them anymore.

It would be childish or foolish to simply echo what Ukuba said, so all Tswana could do was nod in agreement.

But then something caught her attention, and she looked at the apparent commotion a lion had cause. "Slavery?" She echoed, not because she didn't understand what it meant. She had no idea this was a part of the firekin's past, or ways. Did the firekin take slaves? Her ears laid back at that, and she looked back up to the regents, seeking some better explanation on what was going on.

Moto'spaki's ears perked at the words of Kosuke, and he turned to gaze at the other lion. He was sure he wouldn't be the only one. Slaves? Memories of his cubhood before the split came back, with the slaves. His family had them, and his own slave had been his best friend. Something he would never admit, really. He still missed her at times.

How soft a cub he had been. "Slavery is in the past." Perhaps he was still soft. But slavery just... went against his morals, in a way. It had been effective in giving the firekin a name, but it also made them cowards, in a way.

Now that was an interesting idea. Kalama smirked, looking at what went on with interest. Slavery, back? She sort of liked that idea. She hadn't been born lost before the split, and truly remembered little about slavery, but the idea of it fascinated her. What better way to show themselves superior? To inspire fear in others? They just had to be smart enough to not take too many slaves, so they would never be a problem.

Sometimes Yayuka was reminded he was actually kind of young. When he was born, the firekin had already split and stopped taking in slaves. He had heard of it, yes, but had never felt afraid of it. Perhaps, if anything, he would have hoped to have been whisked away, then found a way to get out of slavery and prove himself a firekin.

The idea of taking slaves when he was barely a firekin himself was foreign to him. But, fearing he didn't yet have a voice in this pride, he remained quiet.

It seemed there were some in the pride who had forgotten, or never learned their lessons from the rebellion. For a brief moment, she let her conversation with the Hongshan fall to the wayside. Not something she appreciated doing, particularly considering she was hoping the announcement she had would be a high point of a relatively dark discussion.

But the moment slavery hit her ears, a spur of rage flushed through her chest. A low growl echoed, and the edges of her fangs showed. The black cat loomed forward, stepping slowly upon her rock until she was directly angled with Kosuke. Her dark eyes bore down. "Slavery? You suggest a thing in my presence? Have you forgotten it is a slave who stands before you? I suggest you do not invoke my ire, boy. I am diplomatic when I wish. I will be considerate, when I wish. But do not doubt that my blood runs as hot as yours, and any further on the subject and you may soon regret those words."

She turned towards the pride at large. "You may have your slaves the day I'm a corpse. Until then, there will be no such discussion. We do not need slaves to be strong, and we do not need to show cruelty to be respected. Will we rend any who stand before us? Most certainly. Will we leave prisoners of the Nergui? Most likely not. But we do not enslave, and we do not kill needlessly. That is the mark of a strong pride. Only cowards kill out of a desire for something they could not win with strength alone."

Her nose crinkled, the very subject bringing a distasteful sense to her. If she had been agitated before, it paled in comparison. She wasn't surprised some of the former firekin still had such desires- but the notion that they'd think she'd somehow agree to it rankled her. "In either case, such a thing will be in the hands of those sent to the front lines. But do not mistake me. If anyone, brings trouble to our lands without the proper authorization they will be held responsible. If I hear of one slave taken, I will take from you. Do not test me."

"But if you wish me dead, you are more than welcome to try. This slave has done far more in her lifetime than fell several regimes, after all." She paused for a long moment. "And I hope that ends the matter."

[[/will move Hongshan announcement to next posting!]]

At the mention of slaves, the three siblings ears fell back. They had heard stories of the old times, when there were slaves here, but it was a time long passed that had to remain there, the past. Ryujin huffed, and as he watched No leap forward, he almsot felt a pride in his chest, it almost appeared a likeness of himself defending, and truly, that was what it was after all. Those here, all firekin, were the three siblings family after all, and though some held ideas not stomached by others, he knew what was just would come to pass.

"We should what the past had taught us, to grow and better for the future that awaits us," an old voice spoke. Karana'Mzaana stepped onto the sands where others gathered, and she took a moment to see if Fia was among them. "Yes, that past is a part of us, as a pride, but the history, and let it be left in memories and on the rock that we keep our history on, and move forward how we can." She spoke as she walked slowly, almost feebly to try and be close to No hoping Fia would be near her. "Let our legacy, our story be told with strength and determination, cunning and also intellect."

Rellik stood silent listening, looked to her older son, then back to No and the mass here. She wondered if there was a way to send word to the band of lions she had traveled with before coming here, to see if they knew of any movements of this opposing force. But, she would have to see what was imposed for action first.

Mwako'Damu heard mention of sending birds forward, he could send one to any ally, family that resides outside the border. He could send word to his sister, and perhaps, in a long shot dream of hope, perhaps she would return with their brother as well.

So much was happening, and yet, still, the group of lions that arrived together and stood apart from one another waited then in silence, waiting and watching.

The talk of slavery didn't sit well with the red lion, his blue eyes narrowed in irritation. His anger grew and could have possibly rivaled his mother's at the attitudes of the other lions. How dare they. Did they not understand that it was something that could weaken them? He stepped forward, claws extending and retracting as he struggled to keep a control over his emotions. "Slavery promotes laziness," he began slowly, eyes flickering from No to the rest of the crowd. "It does not make us strong, it does not benefit us," he paused shaking his head.

"It is a thing of the past, of the old regime and I will stand beside my mother that slavery is not an option or something I will condone," he growled. "To accept slavery once more is to welcome weakness into our ranks. We are strong without them and will remain strong. We have our strength, our pride and our heritage. We cannot soil it again."

Aodhfin gave his sister a small smile in return and gave her a soft headbutt. "as best as i can be. though i am itching to spill the blood of those who attacked and killed one of our own." he spoke in a low voice so only she could hear him. though when he heard someone speak of taking slaves again, Aodhfin flicked his ears back and it was clear he was now very angry. but he calmed some No put the one who spoke of slaves in their place and was glad for it so he kept his mouth shut as others agreed with No. but it didn't stop him from giving one low rumbling growl in annoyance and frustration while keeping silent since others seemed to manage to speak what he already wanted to say.

Huojin's tail lashed about in frustration and anger. he did not like the idea of someone wanting them to take on slaves again and was please when the idea was shot down by his grandmother No along with others. huffing, he moved his way over to sit by Nuria since he felt he need to move around to get rid of the pent up anger and energy he had.

As the words all flew back and forth, most of it decrying against slavery, Rashmi spared a glance at Kosuke and all those she'd come to know as family, before getting up and padding to another spot. She needed a moment to think for herself. Somehow, she found herself sitting next to Yayuka. She wasn't sure what had drawn her to him, though - Maybe it was those markings, so fiery in coloration. Regardless... She let out a sigh. "I'm sorry about any kind of impression my family may give... Some of them are old enough to remember those days..."

Kosuke simply glared straight into No's eyes, every bit of defiance present. When her attention was elsewhere, he turned to his father and brother. "The pride's grown weak and it's become a disgrace..." He spared no more words on the matter, rising and stalking away. After a moment, he returned, pushing Sinbad with his shoulder. "Come on, you, I'd say it's my turn to watch you, so Ali can go find himself somebody to cozy up to!"