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 Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 2:28 pm
((Wanted to rp a bit. :3 If someone wants to join after I've made a couple posts (give me atleast two or three first please) they may, otherwise it'll just be a little self rp I do over the next few days))
 
-It'd all been explained to her... Even an apology or two been had. And she had watched as other females fell so easily into place. How they'd gotten so many girls... she couldn't know, she remember very little from the day... even less from the trip.
But something about the whole thing had the usually chipper lioness shaken to the core. She'd always been one to smile, to insist everything would be alright. But was it even true? These events... they transpired to convince her otherwise. Stolen from her pride, whisked from her family without a word. Were they worried? Did they cry?
Sitting softly in the shade of a tree she began to.-
-The days as of late had been tough... The frightful event of their capture.. the constant nagging worry.. the disappearance of Miki. Gods how she hoped she was safe.. escaped and free unharmed. Perhaps even back home. But it had kept her mind and heart busy... as she picked up her place in the world like usual, trying to hide away the fear she felt to comfort those around her.
She hadn't been stupid enough to try and fight against their captors when they'd awoken.. and truth be told.. she didn't really even think about it now. Neema wasn't one for planning or leading. She was a fixer, a comforter, a healer of wounds. So as she saw her childhood friend shedding tears beneath that tall tree, she swept in, pressing her shoulder to Vika's cheek, words whispering in a soft hush.- "Oh Vika... Vika darling."
"You don't cry. Please don't cry here..."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:45 pm
-Vikasini stiffened subconciously at the touch, but melted almost immediately into the ebony pelt as she recognized the familar voice. Had Neema not been here... had she been all alone in this venture who knew if she would have made it. Voice escaping in a soft whimper she lamented softly.- "I cannot help it..."
"I... just don't understand."
"How could this have happened? Why did it happen?"
-Saying Vika had grown up optimistic was an understatement. Between her urge to cheer up her family and a lifetime of fairytales she'd come to believe deep down that things were good, people were good. Her mind simply could not wrap around the events of the days before. There was supposed to be goodness in everyone and everything. But right now... at this moment the pale lioness couldn't find it. And that scared her.-
"Now now...." -Her voice crooned, green eyes lulling shut. She was silent, breath falling in soft rhythm on her friend's skin as she listened to her pain filled words. She couldn't answer the questions, had in fact wondered too what twist of fate or blight on the gods they'd done to place them in such a situation. But it didn't matter right now, her head coming to rest above Vika's, the gentlest sounds of a purr touching her throat.-
"I don't know for sure... but not all is bad."
"Miki is safe at home.. And they didn't really hurt us. They could have done so much worse."
-Her tongue began to groom her friend's forehead, soft words escaping now and then.- "The women here before us seem to be healthy enough.. happy enough."
"The sun is warm, the grasses plentiful."
-She rattled on softly, anything good she could think of, taking up a game that Vika had often played herself.- "And above all else.. they let us stay together. That is a blessing all of it's own, don't you think?"
-It was working somehow, the subtle rattle and warmth. And her words were true... She didn't speak, but the tears began to dry, a subconcious purr of her own softly beneath her breath.-
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 9:44 pm
Aali slowly moved towards the two females huddled together beneath a tree, they were his. He had seen how close the two were and when the time came to claim females he had wanted them together. He felt badly for their third companion had escaped and he was sure the two before him felt the loss deeply. They looked close, like a harem all on their own and it made him feel tense...guilty.
He pushed the guilt away and thought of the pride, the pride needed these females, he needed them. He hoped Taja would follow him, certainly she would want to see others familiar to her? He wanted his harem to all get along like sisters, and he wanted them to get along with him. He was so used to his sweet Aysel she was clever but she knew when to speak her mind and when to hold her tongue. It had been easy to love her and in turn gain her love and trust, but he knew he had hurt the three females he had captured...their trust would be slower in coming.
"Ladies..." He murmured as he came closer and sat a few paces away from them. He had noticed with Taja that sitting a little away made him less intimidating. He had avoided Vika and Neema wanting to give them time to adjust, but now he wished he had apologized a bit more and explained more as well. Once he had explained to Taja she had opened up a bit...with luck these females would as well.
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 6:31 am
-A voice that would soon become familar touched the couple, causing Neema to lift her head from Vika's, shifting just a little subconciously, so that her body stood mostly between the lioness and the lion. She was completely uncertain of him, hence the hesitation. He was a sultan... something like the king of the pridelands, seemingly respected by the others of the pride. And he'd requested both her and Vika together... so that spoke something of kindness.
And despite the knowledge that he hadn't done so since... the image of his attack on Vika still stirred a little worry in the dark lioness.
They were his... possession now? Neema wasn't quite sure how she felt about that herself... it wasn't much different than giving of herself to play mother to a hoard of siblings and friends. But Vika... If he tried to break that 'toy' she'd surely have something to say about that.
Her voice was weary, but unhostile as it lifted.- "Is there something you want?"
-She couldn't say she was afraid of HIM, nor did she shrink away. But Vikasini was thankful for the security of Neema's warmth against her as she noticed his approach. Her eyes stole quick glances. He didn't look like any male from her pride. But she did recognize something she often saw in the pridelands. A softness in his eyes, maybe even a twinge of remorse if that was possible? Shifting to face him better, though her cheek still remained firmly rested against Neema's chest, she said nothing, giving a soft rumble of recognization however. He didn't appear to come on any trip of ill meaning. And yet... wasn't that how their first meeting had seemed?-
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 6:17 pm
 The third of the Pridelanders' group that had been captured was indeed trailing behind the sultan, a few paces behind the male. It would be the first time that she spoke with any of the other captured females since the raid itself, and she still wasn't sure who they were. Lela was among them, she knew from Aali, but had it been Lela's stepsister or the other females that were caught too?
Soon she had her answer, as a pair came into view ahead of the leading male. One a soft and pale yellow with a clay shade of red for a back stripe, and the other a deep black with white accent markings. Both she'd recognized in passing, but did not know personally up till now. As she stood behind the sultan, slowing to a stop, she looked back at the two and for a moment wished that she and Lela had been kept together too. She was glad that these two had one another to comfort themselves and to help each other adjust to the new changes, at least. She was feeling a bit less afraid, but she had taken to trying to stay around Aali for the time being (It might have been comical, one really just had to think of a kitten tailing it's mother as it first learned to walk, but she hadn't been there long enough to follow him many places.), while also unsure of how close she should allow herself to get.
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:42 pm
Well her greeting certainly left a bit to be desired, but at least she wasn't attacking or raging at him. He peered at Vika and frowned slightly moving a bit closer. "Yes...I wanted to see if you were alright, and maybe spend some time with you both. I'm certain you have questions? I didn't wish to smother you both, but as your Pad I think it's time to invite you into the den and ensure your adjustment moves along..." It felt strange for him an apology danced on the tip of his tongue, but he could only apologize so much.
He focused on Vika a bit closer and tilted his head. "I hope your head isn't bothering you, I am sorry for our abruptness..." He held back a sigh, there the apology had come out. He couldn't help it he felt like a cad for the swift underhanded way they had snagged the females. Still half of him was proud, the pride was filled with captured females the raid had been a huge success and the well being of the pride was looking bright.
He glanced back and smiled as he saw Taja coming up he lightly moved his paw out a bit beside him as if inviting her to sit at his side. He was fond of the purple beauty already and he felt protective of all four of his females, but Vika looked so painfully timid that he wanted to reassure her most at the moment.
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:25 am
-Neema's eyes shifted momentarily from male to female as she noticed the approach of the purple hued female. Another possession... acting quite well she would assume. Following the sultan around silently.
She couldn't begrudge the other female however for trying to take things as easily as possible. Perhaps they'd have to talk soon... band together.
Words drew her eyes back to the male however, listening softly. She was torn really... The thought of a den... someplace warm and safe in this strange new land appealed to her senses. But what would happen in that den? What was the price? Of course her mind flickered to the worst, images of 'their Pad' forcing Vika to pay their price for their comfort. Tiny precious creature a vessel for his lust and seed.
She was snapped out of her worries however as the other lioness shifted against her, she caught the words of apology and was surprised by the expression she saw on the male. Perhaps... she was worrying a bit much. Her voice lifted softly, neither confirming or protesting, she wanted to talk to their Prideland sister before she made the decision. See for sure what had happened to the other female upon entering his den.- "Thank you for the offer. A den would be lovely."
-She felt stronger with the ebony lioness' warmth radiating on her, but she was also transfixed on the soft expressions and words that were falling upon them. They were... nice. Checking on them... letting them be for awhile not to smother them. An offer of a home.
As his attention turned direction to Vika, her eyes shyed away softly, though the tiniest hints of a nervous smile could be seen creeping across her maw. She'd always hated when people worried about her... when she'd caused anyone else any suffering or discomfort.- "It doesn't hurt." -She piped up to try and sooth his worries.
Lifting her head from her friend, looking more closely at their fellow 'sister', she nodded at Neema's words, a question touching her mind. He'd said it was okay... so the words slipped out sheepishly.- "Why... why do you need so many?"
-She's been waiting all her life for a prince... and those princes in the stories never had FOUR princesses.-
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:54 am
Taja watched the girls quietly, aware of their gazes as they found her respectively in turn. She could only guess they must have a dozen questions, as she did, and she hoped for a chance to speak with them in private before she spoke to Aysel, to answer what concerns of theirs she could and pass on the advice to speak with the Sultana soon. They were going to have to bond even if it hadn't been Aali's wish already, the pride's way, because they'd need each other's support to get through this.
She offered what she hoped was a reassuring look to the two, glancing at Aali again as she seated herself, as if to silently communicate that he had been very kind to her, rather than forceful or cruel. He'd only even touched her once since the raid, and that was just before coming here, and that only to give her a gentle nuzzle.
She knew she'd been right, these two girls were indeed very sweet, and she was glad that Aali had shown them the kindness of keeping them together. She was also relieved to see that Miki had gotten away. She would rather they not be caught at all but she thought from what little she had seen of the trio-- the storyteller's daughter would have had the hardest time coping, much like Lela.
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 9:05 am
Aali chuckled at Vika and moved a bit closer to lay down. "Well I thought you might have questions...I spoke with Taja and I didn't want you both worrying so I've come to answer any questions you might have. As for why each Pad has a harem, females are treasures...each one adding to the prestige of her master. Each new female capable of hunting or cubsitting or storytelling."
He glanced at Taja and then to Neema, she seemed so wary of him and no doubt with good reason. Finally his sapphire gaze turned back to Vika and he tried to explain differently. "Taja told me that in your Pride a single male and female will raise cubs, or even a single female...or a single male...such a thing is strange and unheard of to us. How could one alone possibly provide for each cub? Give each cub the love and attention and food it needs? We have always had the harem to nurture and love, many mothers to care for each cub. Females living together as sisters drawn together towards the common goal of pleasing their pad instead of torn apart by jealousies..."
He smiled softly hoping his explanation had been grasped, but of course it was all new to them. He found their ways strange and no doubt they would find the prides ways strange as well...he just hoped they were able to adjust. He realized right away that it was for the best that Neema and Vika had been kept together.
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 4:45 pm
((Lordy... I never imagined she'd be so tough. XD I swear, she really WILL slide into place happily enough ))
-Aali's settling of himself further comforted Neema, and it was visable the subtle shift back, no longer shielding Vika as tightly as she had been. He was here to talk, and she would listen. The words however tickled her, bringing forth a mirth quite uncommon in the ebony female.- "Contented members of a pride seem to do those sort of tasks in my experience. So why does it sound so much more like a slave relationship when you mention it?"
"Pray tell, while the women work, what is it the Pad's are doing?"
-Her attitude was soon qualled however as Vika's face contorted in discontent, and her ears fell like a cub chided. Despite her venom, his words about family did sound nice. Rather like her own family had been, but larger and with the benefit of a male.-
-Treasures.... that was a lovely thought. Romantic in a way that the shy lioness would likely not be able to voice. She was in fact.. beginning to feel more comfortable, settling in for a conversation when Neema's outburst surprised her.
As Neema fell silent Vika's soft voice lifted.- "The pridelands is full of many different types of families. But I think the variety is good.. Your way doesn't sound so bad though. It sounds alot like Neema's family.. well minus the dad."
-Paw drawing softly across the ground, she mused in a soft whisper, continuing Neema's game from earlier.- "I believe that was always what we wanted anyway, wasn't it? To all find our princes and raise our families together?"
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 6:59 pm
Taja wasn't so surprised at Neema's outburst. Was it because she was friends with the outspoken Lela, who would have said and asked the same? Or was it because she too had wondered all these things? Either way she knew that it was something Neema would have to come to terms with in her own way, but she'd help ease the burden if she could. She wished to say something then but, per what had been explained to them she wasn't sure if she was allowed to speak out of turn with the other girls of the harem, or if she had to have his permission since they were technically in a public place where others could hear. She glanced at Aali, flicking her tail against his, out of sight of the girls to get his attention. Looking back towards Neema and Vika once she saw his discreet nod ((ooc: I had permission from Roxy for this. :])) she spoke up.
"Aa... I know how you must feel, so please forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn, but it isn't that much different than home, in a way... is it? Mothers and sometimes older daughters or sisters all take part in raising the new generations of cubs, the males, for those that are lucky enough to have mates, or those that need them, protect... I have seen the love he has when speaking of his first mate, Aysel, and it seems genuine to me, as well as the other way around. Aali has been very kind to me since we arrived, a perfect gentleman, even when alone." There she tried not to let her ears fall, though it was natural to have a shy reaction as she thought back to the fact that it was her first time being alone with a male other than her father or a brother, or his kind words.
She spoke no more firmly than Vika had, not being one for confrontation herself, but she did speak with confidence, hoping to make things easier to accept perhaps. She didn't want to see any of the captured females, especially not her Prideland sisters, hurt for feelings that they had every right to have but should be careful to express. She did not want to see them angry and upset, either, and that was what she hoped to alleviate some.
"At first I felt as you do, my mother and father were dedicated solely to one another, so it was hard for me to understand this place, or it's ideals. Is the ideal really terrible, though, or simply different? She says it best, I think..."
Taja paused to look specifically at Vika, offer a small smile.
"It doesn't really matter how a family unit is comprised, as long as they care about each other as a true family, as long as the cubs are cared for and protected, and there is a bond and genuine love between it's members. Tai and Lela's mother taught me that 'True family' can not be restricted to a single structural type... We would still be cared for, and I'm happy that there will be others from the same place as I. I... don't mean to speak so boldly, again, please pardon me if I have offended you at all, but I do think that it is worth giving a second look with an open mind..."
Well, that was how she had come to see it all, at least.
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 7:19 pm
Aali was annoyed at first a tint of anger hinted in the way his muzzle scrunched. How dare this female talk to him that way after he was trying so hard...still he felt mildly guilty. He couldn't blame her for being angry even if she had lashed out he knew better. She was in a new strange place against her will and he was asking much of her to change her whole view of the world. Slowly his indignatiton faded when he felt the flicker of Taja's tail he moved his head slightly in a nod. His shoulders tensed at first expecting some question or similar angry retort from her, slowly he turned and looked at her started at first and then with a slow smile. She really was fitting in, understanding, opening...just as he had hoped.
Her support restored him fully to his good spirits and he looked back at Neema patiently ready to answer her outburst. "I know how it feels to you, but I don't want you to feel enslaved...I hope someday you'll come to think of this as your home...and the harem as your family..." Of course he knew that when a female rebelled...well Kajira were in essence slaves, but some things couldn't be helped and each kajira was passed from male to male until one was found that was properly suited to take care of her. They did try...
He looked back up at her seriously and frowned. "As for the Pads we guard the territory and train, we hunt and protect our harems, and of course we provide our females with their cubs and love and affection." Another slight jab of guilt went through him, he had after all promised Aysel long ago that she would have harem sisters and cubs of her own...it had been too long. Still he wouldn't fail her these three females would be joining the den and Aysel would have them as company, and now that things were settled at last with luck cubs would follow.
Aali smiled at Vika "A Prince? We have a tale of A prince and how we won twelve beautiful princesses...perhaps I'll tell you sometime. We tell stories at night when we gather, all kinds of stories."
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:11 pm
-The words of the purple lioness, Taja was it?, were comforting. And Aali's words, despite the intital uneasiness that accompanied the frown that pulled across his maw, were equally helpful. Her eyes in fact widened until her mouth parted in a tiny "o" as he spoke of stories and storytelling times. Her eyes flicked to Neema, like a child asking for permission before a treat. She didn't wait for an answer however for words to slip from her, forming soft hints of a smile.- "I love stories. Our best friend Miki used to tell them to us everyday."
-The answers from both were sufficent enough, for truthfully, they didn't ask too much of one. She imagined there would be more things in the future she might disagree with more, such as the WAY they went about getting females, but they were things not for today. And truth told, Neema hadn't missed the fact that her goal had been achieved with some help from the other two. Not only was her friend no longer crying, she actually seemed contented.. perhaps even excited? And it was true... living together as a giant family had been their dream.. but was it the same without Miki there too?
Sighing, an almost silent sound of relief, she shifted away from Vika, allowing the lioness to step closer towards Aali as she spoke. And though her ears stayed back, still feeling slightly foolish by how snappish she'd been, Neema attempted to sooth things.- "It isn't going to help any of us to be difficult or arguementative. So I suppose the best thing for Vika and I is to try and learn to live here."
"I will try my best." -She offered softly, sincerely. There was no turning back now and Taja's words had soothed her some. You had to make the best of what life throws at you after all. Vika had taught her that long ago.-
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 9:16 pm
When all parties seemed to relax following her words, then Aali's, so did Taja. She had been worried that her intentions might only further upset her harem-sisters, and she certainly wouldn't have wanted that anymore than for Aali to continue getting agitated. She exhaled softly and smiled the same, a small one, watching the three interact. Her ears too perked at the mention of that particular story, it was not one she was familiar with, but it sounded very interesting. What rich tales a pride like this must have, surely it was a pride right out of a story about far away lands. Taja closed her eyes and could just remember being a cub, gathered for the late morning stories with Miki's mother, when they had all been closer to that size.
"I'm looking forward to hearing some of the tales as well... Kairi used to tell Lela and I stories as well."
They were not so different, these two females and herself, as she suspected. Only she had been separated from Lela too, and before that Kairi had not decided to join them on their journey. Now she was glad for it, sure she wouldn't have been happy here. She was far too free and independent.
Her eyes opened again and an ear flicked to shake away a passing bug. Vika, she committed the name to memory, wondering now about the other female's name now, and if she should wait for a cue to introduce herself or if Aali intended to.
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 11:29 pm
Aali nodded at Vika and looked at her uncertainly for a moment. "I am sorry Miki got away...I'm sure your happy that she escaped, but I can't help but feel as if we lost your companion. I am sorry you have to miss her." He nodded softly and looked back to Neema glad that she like Taja had agreed to try.
"All I can ask is that you try, and I in turn shall try and make this a home you can enjoy. I hope someday you can grow to feel loyalty here, as if this were your home...and love..." He murmured the last word softer and trailed off. He hadn't ever asked for love that wasn't something that males asked for, yet when aysel had given him her love and loyalty he had been happy beyond the ability to express proper words. Finally he worked up the ability to tell her that he felt the same, that he loved her. Now he already felt the stirrings of that familiar emotion for his three lovely ladies. He admired Neema's courage and dedication to her friend as well and her willingness to attempt to make the best of things touched him. Towards Vika he felt protective and kind towards he couldn't wait to watch the expressions on her face when he told her a tale. Then there was Taja she was gentle but a cunning mind and he respected her as well for her willingness to be open minded. He knew better then to try and hold back his emotions yet he didn't want to trust too quickly, let them adjust and perhaps in time they too might come to feel something for him.
"You may call me Aali, when we are among the other Pads I would prefer if you addressed me as Sultan Aali." He smiled softly and glanced at Taja "Taja will be your other harem sister, and Aysel is my Sultana she will be your other harem sister...and I am certain she will be the best to help you adjust to all this."
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