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 Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:55 pm
Nyota headed through the Savannah pondering all the things that had happened recently. It was a beautiful morning; the wind whispering through the grass and trees, birds calling in the distance, the low moans of the herds as they grazed... it was everything he could ask for, save the nagging thoughts that Misae had imparted to him earlier that day. As Nyota walked he allowed himself to ponder these, but when he grew closer to what he knew was the Sky Clan's current location, he turned his thoughts more outward. There wasn't time, at the moment, to think about his daughter's plans.
Near enough to see some lions moving about in the distance, Nyota stopped. Tsi had said that she would meet him here, but wasn't certain how long her talk with Taika would last. Earlier that morning, when he'd slipped off to track down the wayward daughter, Misae had done the same to find her friend. They were both a little curious of this "toy" Taika had brought home with her, but he wouldn't find out about that until later.
After a few moments waiting, Nyota wondered if he shouldn't simply approach the leader on his own. He'd been give then name, a Tawa'di Kanati, and a general description of the male. Though he'd not questioned it at the time, Nyota wondered slightly why a male was in charge, if females were typical the clan leaders. Perhaps it was just a Wolf Clan thing, came the argument, even as Nyota's paws padded him forward, further towards the clan's group.
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Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 2:23 pm
The old lion had settled himself onto one of the larger rocks that laid on the lands that the Ela'wadiyi called home. His brown fur was soaking up the warm morning sun; he would only be able to do this for a short while until he would need to move into a colder part of the grasses, as he could only take so much eat. It was hard work, being old!
His nap had been interrupted twice before, but he was getting used to the growing activity. Deep down, it did feel good for it to be busy again, as that meant that the pride was growing. Sure, not heavily, but at a healthy, steady pace. Something that everyone could handle, the old and the young. Well, him being the old one of the bunch, now that the Sky Clan's leader had passed on some moons ago.
His ears twitched as the grasses rustled around him, simply something of a breeze. Grumpily, though, he decided to open his eyes and take a check of the area surrounding him, just to make sure it wasn't something more dangerous then the breeze, or a wandering beast. His eyes strained to see, but as they were not as good as they were in younger days, he didn't notice anything particularily interesting. Just some movements, here and there. Slow enough to not cause any alarm.
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Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:25 pm
She was late. Late, late late!
It hadn't been her fault though; not entirely. Fact was, however, that she was late and she could practically hear Wally laughing at the irony of the situation. So thus was why the small, white pelted female rushed through the grass, taking little notice of where she was going. It was all Taika's fault. Taika and that.... new toy of hers (Tsi'hilu couldn't wrap her mind around what the female waterbuck wished to accomplish by bringing that male over, alas, that was something she'd worry about much later.
As it was, it was hardly surprising that the pale lioness tripped on a root in her rushing need to just GET to her destination and PLEASE let the gods hope neither male had come in contact without her present! She made quite an impression, entering Tawa's resting clearing with a loud 'eep', followed by a crash of her body on the floor, her head inches away from the rock the elder had been sunbathing on, "Ow..." the word was so soft it was barely nonexistent, however, her previous 'eep' must've rung loud enough to reach Nyota's ear, the fear in the timbre of her voice evident at the time.
Looking up, she came practically face to face with the older male, and Tsi'hilu shrank down slightly, "Sorry," she whispered, "I.... tripped, and I'm late," except poor Tawa probably had no idea what the young huntress was talking about. Youth these days!
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Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:39 pm
Nyota, slinking through the grasses, had just managed to locate he whom he thought was the lion he was looking for when he noticed something else streaming through the vegetation. That something proved to be his own mate, tearing in from the otherside as, from her own words, she seemed to have realized how high the sun was in the sky. He chuckled lightly to himself, for he knew she hadn't been hurt and stepped into the slight clearing himself. "Not so late," He responded with a bemused chuckle before Tawa'di had the chance. Nyota bent his head to put his nose to her neck, guiding her from the cowering position. No matter how much "above" them the elder was, there was no point in all that.
Tsi's newfound mate gave her a lick upon her ear then turned to bow his own head deeply towards the other male present. "Sorry to disturb your nap, Elder."
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Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:59 pm
Mmmn, what to think about. Tawa'di knew that there was much to think about, but he just didn't feel like it today. Thinking that, though, made him feel like he was back to being a cub. Truth was, he had too many duties to shirk off and just sleep, but he just didn't want to. So if anyone asked, he decided he would just mention how there was this ooone ache in his back... At least age was good for something!
The elder slowly raised his head, hearing the eep before the crash of a body on the earth. Curious, he turned to notice that it was Tsi'hilu, and an unknown stranger next to her. Well well, seeing how he was acting towards her was easy enough to guess just who he was. At least a friend, and if not, more.
The old lion smiled, offering a nod to the pair of them. "Late morning to the two of you." He stretched out for a yawn, giving his joints a chance to crack and release pressure before preparing for the remainder of the day. Perhaps these two would be the opening of the business day. "Is there something I may be able to help you with?"
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Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:17 pm
"Yes, uhm," the female pushed herself to her feet, fluffing her pelt out, apparently ruffled from her previous excursion; whatever she'd been doing before coming to meet the two males, it was apparent had been slightly mind breaking, at the very least, "Forgive my lack of tact; I was tending to some previous engagement," she coughed lightly, eyeing Nyota in a way that voiced just where she'd been before addressing the elder.
A pause followed as the female tilted her head, "Did we disturb your sunbath? We're sorry; we were just rather anxious to talk to you," thankfully, she'd calmed down from whatever frenzy had previously hit her, and instead of continuing, she motioned briefly towards the male beside her, "I wish to take Nyota as my mate, and thus, he wishes to join our pride; we come to ask permission," she smiled then, remembering what little her parents had taught her, so long ago, "My parents... did not make it through the plague, that I'm aware of, so we come to you."
There were rituals, she knew, but of course, having been separated from the Clans for so long, she didn't quite know the process. Instead, she took a step back and allowed Nyota to speak for himself, content she'd given the appropriate introduction.
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Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:46 pm
Unlike his mate, Nyota had never been apart of a pride or clan or anything with truly ritualistic greetings, save the way he'd been raised. Even thinking back to that, he doubted this aged lion would much appreciate a soldier's stance and bark. So, instead, he kept himself relaxed and swallowed his pride to ask for the permissions he knew he needed. That voice inside his head that wished him to rebel against all of this was politely, but promptly, stifled. He nodded to Tsi, then let his eyes roam to the male before them.
"Nyota'Visima," He nodded another greeting to the Elder, as a way of introducing himself. "I'm afraid I'm not very well versed on the ways of your people... but I am willing to learn what there is to know. I won't pretend that joining your pride was something I've longed for or ever truly intended to do but..." He took a moment to look at Tsi, and it was amusing to note that he actually wasn't intentionally for effect. "well, there are things here that I would be hard pressed to do without."
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Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:13 pm
Tawa'di puased for a moment, taking in the little bits of information that Tsi and this outsider fed him. He wanted to let his mind remember this moment, since it might be needed just in case anyone questioned the elder about it. He offered a nod of understanding first towards Tsi, and next to this Nyota'Visima.
"Aaah, I see. Youth, so quick to be honest to their elders," the nvwati chuckled to himself. "Well, I see then! Quite interesting I may ask. I'm sure the two of you have quite the tale to tell me, I'm sure." He waved his paw for a moment before continuing, "Though I'm sure that no matter what I say, feelings last even after bones turn to dust. You are welcome here, Nyota, by my word. We are always welcome to those that are willing to shift to our traditions and culture."
He shifted his weight around before pushing himself up into a sitting position, making him seem quite tall as he was still on the rock. With a bit of grunting and time, he lowered himself to the earth, so that he stood near the pair. His body was a bit smaller then Nyota's, but he had never let his size intimidate him. To Tawa'di, the mind was everything.
The old lion peeked around at the male's body, as if investigating his form, but in truth, Tawa'di was just poking a bit of fun at him. Life was too boring without making some of the young ones nervous about nothing.
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 2:41 am
She smiled at the older male, the stretch of her maw radiant; she'd expected no less from her pride, really. They'd made it obvious to her, ever since birth, and they welcomed those willing to join, learn and stay with open arms. Still hearing Tawa'di voice her thoughts was an incredible relief, and the lioness found herself letting out a breath she hadn't truthfully been aware she'd been holding, "I will glad tell you the story at some point, if you wish to hear it, but... I also came to ask you a question."
Tsi'hilu hesitated then, not due to doubting the idea she'd had in her mind, but rather, it seemed she was trying to put said thoughts into words that would sound good. It was obvious she wanted to phrase her question correctly, "As you know... I am true to the Wolf Clan?" a pause as she blinked, "However, was taken into the Sky Clan when found; none of us know of any survivors of my Clan and we all thought it best for me to not remain alone. I was in need of others. The Wolf Clan was a very small Clan..." another pause, content with what she'd said so far at least, "I have Nyota though, and would like to follow in my mother's footsteps, like she had once wanted me to, back before the plague."
There, she'd said it. Rather eloquently too, to boot; Tsi'hilu was rather proud of herself for that, yet the feeling lasted only seconds before confession marred her features, her eyes resting on her new found mate's body, "Does he have to adopt our name? Waya, I mean?" there was a childish air to her as an idea suddenly struck her, and the female could do little to hide the happy sweep her tail gave over the grass, once before settling around her legs neatly, "Can I paint him?" her ears had perked up, founding almost like a child that was asking a parent if she could, in fact, stick her hand in the cookie jar and eat some of them right before dinner.
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:50 am
Nyota couldn't help an amused smirk at his mate's questions and enthusiasm. It was a gentle sort of amusement, the kind given to those you'd never correct, no matter how silly they got; a protective sort of amusement. He shook his head slightly, instead concentrating on the smaller male that was circling him.
He hadn't lived the life he had without knowing when another was trying to make him squirm. There were a lot of things he was lowering his pride for with this--never before would he have ever considered asking another adult's permission for anything, especially not to stay with one he chose to... but he would not squirm for Tawa'di. If anything, Nyota's chin rose a little higher at that, stance solid under the scrutiny. He didn't correct that he thought a youth's honesty to actually be a strange thing; in his experience, Youths were more liable to lie and see if they could get away with something than to tell you the truth the first time around. In this case, such a statement wasn't likely to win him any favor, and thus Nyota kept the observation to himself. "If its a tale you want, Elder, I could try.. though Tsi'hilu would perhaps be better at it. I've little tongue for stories, unless you're fond of poetry."
That wasn't something Nyota had ever or would ever be ashamed of. Rhythm and Rhyme were two of his most beloved capabilities and he would not forsake. "But thank you, for the welcome. I'll try to learn what I need to know; we thought, even if we were to split off as the Wolf, rather than stay in the adopted Sky, to stick around for a time, that I might continue to learn the things that Tsi would not be able to teach."
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 12:58 pm
Tawa'di stopped moving around Nyota quite quickly, as he settled himself down next to his rock to listen to the cloud child near him. Her concerns with her birth clan, and how it was all but diappeared. Nothing could completely disappear, until it was washed away from memory of all who knew it. And while the clan was still alive in the minds, physically there was nothing there to reinforce this belief. But here, Tsi'hilu, wanted to bring back what the clan was missing.
He turned his attention momentarily to Nyota though, giving him a very deep nod of approval. "I am sure there will be another time that the two of you can fill me in on your meeting. It is not required, of course, but one such as I can be quite nosey, the older I get, and stories are something that she always be passed around, not just down." He shook his head a bit with a grin, fluffing out his mane to fall on his shoulders more comfortably. It also did make him look just a bit bigger, even if that bigger was more round.
"Tsi'hilu," he began, turning towards the while adult. It was her turn now, for a little bit of interrogating. He held a bit of a stern feeling in his voice, wanting her to know that what he said was important. "You have a large task in front of you, asking to bring back from the shadows of the plague your clan of birth. You would become the leader of the clan, looked up to by others. A leader, in not just physical strength, but moreso emotional strength. You also would need to remember as much as you possibly can of the rituals and traditions that are specific of the Wolf Clan. You will need to prove yourself, instead of just learning it, as you You need to test yourself to see if you are worthy of being the head of the Wolf Clan."
His face softened as he finished his little speech, nodding his head a bit as he waited to see what the girl would say in reply to his request.
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 1:23 pm
She'd been expecting such an answer, and where long ago the small lioness would've no doubt winced, murmured an apology and left, she now stood straight, her head lifting in the air as the elder spoke (it was oddly amusing to note that despite the fact she was standing as tall as her body permitted, she didn't quite even reach past Nyota's jaw). Long gone where the days Tsi'hilu had remain silent; she'd promised herself that while she was alone; she nodded curtly to Tawa'di's words, her tail giving one swish before it curled regally over her legs, "I'm willing to work for it; it was my mother's wish. And mine too. I'm willing to remember, and do what I must to grant said wish."
It was what was expected from her, after all, and she was no longer a child. She had to prove as much, and as far as Tsi'hilu knew, she could do it; she had half an idea of singing something along the lines of 'I'm on top of the world~~ and the only reason I can find, is the love that I found ever since you've been around~~' but something told her that it'd ruin the serious moment, and so she pushed the song to the dark, black chambers at the back of her mind.
She'd have time enough to voice such feelings later, "I will," her mother, had she survived, would have been so proud of her. It made some sort of warm feeling pool at the base of her stomach and thus, there was nothing she could do to hide the small ghost of a smile that phantomed over her maw after she'd said the words. It made her feel almost as if she'd taken a weight she'd never known she'd carried off her shoulders.
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 2:08 pm
Nyota eyed his mate with pride, a smile on his maw for the strength she was showing. The lioness he'd first met, so long ago, wouldn't have had the guts to stand up and take responsibility as she was doing now. The change was a shock, not necessarily unpleasant in venue, but a shock still. In fact, it was rather welcome. He remained silent and let her have her moment. Slowly he settled on the ground as well, feeling more than a little silly just standing up as he was. All in all, this part of the matter was between Tawa'di and Tsi; he would be nothing more than another member, of course, as it should be. Considering this, Nyota kept his mouth shut and simply listened.
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 3:02 pm
Tawa'di offered a very deep bow of respect to the lioness before him. He wanted her to recognize that he fully respected her wish, and heard her acceptance into this trial. Now he could be a little less stern with her, and much more friendly. "Please, though, if you run into any problems, feel free to come to me and ask. I am here only to help those that seek it. I'm sure that you will do well in your task, and others will notice you for it."
He felt that she was up to the trial at hand. She had not shown any fear when answering to his call, and she was definately not the Tsi he had noticed when she was just a cub. Hard times could change a soul, but also some encouragement and support. And he was sure, with a glance towards Nyota, that she would get the latter two as much as she needed. Good, she deserved it.
"Now, regarding your other questions..." he teased, giving a wink to Tsi'hilu. "The last name is something that you two shall decide on." He swished his tail behind him, giving a moment for them to both think about it in their own minds. "Though, in the future, if there are any children, they would take your surname, Tsi'hilu, as tradition has always spoken. And on the matter of the tattoos..." He gave a long look over at the brown male beside Tsi'hilu, taking a new interesting in his coat markings. "I believe you can, if you want to." He paused, contemplating over a though. "Just as long as you sign your name on him somewhere," he joked.
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 3:21 pm
Relaxing slightly into a less formal pose, Tsi'hilu offered the elder a smile, "Thank you," she meant the words from heart; for the vote of confidence he offered her... them. For everything, really. That much was obvious, "We'll come through; we always do... we're rather persistent little individuals, since the plague never did us in."
Upon Tawa'di's last few words, the petite white lioness had the grace of looking almost sheepish for a moment, her ears flopping to the sides of her head, as if she really had thought about signing her name for all to see. Maybe it had in fact occurred to her; either way, Tsi smiled awkwardly, swiftly regaining her previous pose, "We'll go talk about it now then, and ponder what to do and where to go from here," she bowed her head to him before reaching up to n** at Nyota's ears ever so lightly, "We're sorry to have disturbed your sunbath, and again, thank you."
This done, she prepared to leave the Elder to his other duties; she had her answers, and so did Nyota, after all. All that was left was for her to do something thinking and some remembering, "We will remain here till we are both sure we know what we need to know, then," despite the serious tone in her voice, there was nothing that could have hidden the glee within the female's green orbs. She kept eyeing Nyota out the corner of her gaze, watching him, amused and happy.
Then again, this might have had to do with the fact her mind was chanting 'Makeover! Makeover! Maaaaaakeover!!' quite insistently, over and over again. It was all she could do to not sit on her haunches and clap her paws; there was something about makeovers that all females loved, no doubt. Tsi'hilu figured it was probably some deep, buried instinct or something, as she turned to leave, pausing to wait for Nyota.
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