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 Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:25 pm
Mana paced outside of Nyoka's den, awaiting her permission to enter. Usually they walked in the mornings and held discussions, though it wasn't a schedule set in stone or anything like that. Too much routine could be dangerous if a person had enemies. Mana was unsure, still, if Nyoka actually had enemies or if she just had a healthy case of paranoia, but he saw nothing wrong with taking precautions either way. Caution had kept him alive until he reached Nyoka and the 'Nera, after all.
Just the same, Mana couldn't help feel a little anxious. Nyoka was not in the habit of explaining herself in her summons, which made sense, but Mana wasn't sure why he'd been summoned. In fact, he had no idea what she wanted with him at the moment, and that made him nervous. It didn't occur to him that he had done anything wrong, but arbitrary decision-making and punishment was a prerogative of rank, and the fiery-coated cheetah would not have disbelieved it if someone told him Nyoka could make arbitrary decisions to punish those who served her, with or without reason.
At a sound he stilled his movement and his ears moved to an erect position. He listened carefully until he could determine the source of the sound and realized it was nowhere near him, and was simply the sound of someone with heavier feet than his walking. His nerves were truly on edge if his senses were that keen. He hoped Nyoka called him in soon, so that he would just know what was wrong.
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Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2010 2:51 am
After laps to her daughter. A nice prim white.. did she slowly get up from the depts of her den. It was big.. and led down in to a spiral chamber to the under ground spring below. Where she dipped her cubs in often. But bathing them herself was also an option. She like Aija come about and care for them when she left.. And only now that they were a bit bigger did she leave.. And let Aija come and go. But her royal children.. were something to look after. Plus. Aiji's den was RIGHT next to Nyoka's by only a few feet off. One looked like her completely.. and the other had traces of a father that no one would know. She huffed. Looking at the boy sleep. He was a looker. He looked like her so much. Both did.. but the boy just had tid bits of his father that URKED her very core. After licking often.. she rose.
She had sent for Mana.. She needed to have a talk with him. When her prim was not around. She needed to be guarded at all times. Amongst others at all times. It just so happens that Mana was 'leaving' her way too often now. To 'gather' information.. and somehow. That left her with very little time without someone. That was ticking her off... Pyao was innocent.. but a womanizer and him stroking her ego every now and again was fine. But Mana was different and could easily blow off looks and get to the point. The pride. Without talking in a seductive manner. It took a few good strides of grace to get in to closeness to where mana was. Eyeing him.. as she came face to face with him. Her tail curling inward...and outward with every thought of speaking down to him. But didn't.
"Lets take a walk."
As she walked pasted him.. and walked up the path to the top edge of the crater. To over see the whole pride. This time. Knowing very little members that were allowed on the rim of the pride. The crater could be seen as a whole. A large lush area with a big tall rock in the middle... A river passing through it.. Just barely. Only ONE way out.. ONE way in and it was two in the same. She knew whom went out thoughs walls.. and whom didn't. A wall guard was in place for that reason. Taking a few quick steps and a jump to get to the edge. It was about 5 feet wide. Not too big not not a place where you'd want to get thrown off the edge for.. And enough for her to lay and still be watching over her pride. Now... she wanted to walk with Mana on this rim.. where easily she or he could push one another off. But who will? Taking a step before waiting on him. With two.. it would be a close call.. but Nyoka was graceful.. She could do it.. But would probably have him follow behind her. Knowing him somewhat graceful but may not be enough for the rim.
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Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2010 9:43 am
"If you like," Mana replied simply, falling into step beside Nyoka until their path narrowed too much for them to walk abreast, at which point he naturally fell back.
He wasn't sure why he always made that sort of response to Nyoka, for his wording implied that he had some sort of say in the matter, like he might have disagreed and they might have done something else. He had no choice in the matter, and even if he had, he was content to do as Nyoka wished. It was a matter of pride, he decided. Being completely loyal to a person didn't mean that he had to lose all dignity and self-respect. He was not that sort of a cheetah. So it was a token nod to his own need to feel independent, and meant nothing in the long run, except that it assuaged his ego.
On the rim surrounding the pride Mana had to place his feet with more care, but he still walked without concern. He wasn't going to try the tricky dance which walking beside Nyoka would require unless she specifically asked it of him, which meant that she would have to turn to talk to him. A small inconvenience for her, but she had to have anticipated it when she decided on their route. As with the choice of activity, Mana knew he had no say in their destination or path either. A part of him acknowledged that it was emasculating, but he knew life was good, and he had nothing to complain about, and so he did not.
"Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?" he asked, tiring of walking in silence.
He was young and still impatient and impetuous when he did not remind himself to be otherwise. Sometimes Nyoka tolerated it with a degree of amusement and sometimes she did not. Mana was willing to risk it. The worst that would happen would be for her to push him over the side, and that was a fall he could survive without injury, he figured. It would also inconvenience her more than it would him, since she would either have to wait for him to join her again or consider their meeting ended prematurely.
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 3:35 am
Her walk.. was slow.. and gracious. Not looking back but ahead.. and up til she got to her destination.. her tail lingering on any part that she did touch when he was behind her.. She noticed that about him.. His young form.. But he was developing nicely.. but at the recent date. It wasn't the time to let him get away with anything. The youth needed to LEARN. From when she saw him waiting on her.. she knew that he was.. anxious? Maybe on what he was called on to her for. He amongst the three major males she spent her time around, was the only one she'd ALWAYS want around. To hear everything, to see everything, and to be every inch of her when she wasn't around.
When he spoke up.. she had just gotten to the place of her desire. At this destination at the heights.. It was thick enough for two. Slowly.. and gracefully she sat, looking over her pride..
"Yes." Her ears went back as she slowly looked at him. Serene in every sight. "Now sit." It was a command.. with no option. Unlike her normal speech.. when it came down to things she needed to get done. She didn't play.
Then looked back on the pride.. Watching.. This spot... she could see every part~ unless the other parts to the crater covered.. but that was only a small portion.
"I have missed you.. for some days now." Her voice was.. almost playfully serious. "Where has my right paw been..." Almost sounding like she really DID miss him.. but she did. But wouldn't admit it openly.. almost sarcastic.. but not. Everything could weigh at one end or the other with her.. and how she placed her words..may all her words up in the air on how she really felt. Even up high, she looked unafraid. Regal in every way.. Strong.. and unfearful. Though she was particularly not scared of heights.. since she found no reason to be when she was perfect in step with the crater's walls.
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Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 8:30 am
Mana joined her in looking at the pride, taking the liberty of seating himself beside her. He thought the invitation had probably been implied by her choice of location. After all, she might have picked a place where he would have had to sit apart from her. Below her or behind her or something. The fact that she didnt, Mana decided, meant that she didn't mean for him to do that.
"Yes, Lady," he said, smiling to himself. The command left very little in doubt when it came to what he should do with his hindquarters. Even if it came just as he was about to sit anyway. Sometimes he wondered if she ordered people to do things they were already going to do just so that she would be guaranteed their obedience. It sounded like a good idea to him.
Mana was not much fooled by Nyoka's way of making it seem she had missed him. Certainly she recognized his use as a tool, and liked him for that, but he wouldn't have bet that she cared much about him as a person. That was fine. Theirs was a working relationship, after all. If it wasn't, his life would be far more complicated than it was, and Mana was not one who liked to deal in complications.
"I hadn't realized my absences had been noted. Have I been remiss in my duties?"
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Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:28 am
She looked about the pride. Chest and head up proudly.
"You have noticed that you are .. my right hand. Do you not." She said in a very regal manner. "I rarely am seen without a male council member accompanying me. But even more rare that I am without your presence when I venture beyond the borders.. and on the walks we have. Of recent. You have been missing our walks.. " Almost stern when she said 'our'. Her tail flicking.
"But yet.. I commend you for being... more open with the ladies. But I don't like that you have failed to come back to my side." A bit annoyed at that fact. "You, Mana. Have been the link to my pride.. and have told me of what my eyes did not .. and did see. Confirming my suspicions.. As of late. I have lost contact." Then looking at him. Observing his face.. and his posture and general attitude.
"Recent times. I believe some rumors have been going about." Looking away from him as she scanned the area. More so scanning for Nanashi. Her mate. "Also. If you are to go out in to lands outside of the pride.. I suggest you bring someone along with you. For the very thought of you being attacked does not appease me. Beyond these walls.. I can not protect you at all times."
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Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 6:44 am
Well, there it was. Out in the open. He was Nyoka's right hand. That cleared some things up, and definitely gave him the authority to carry out certain activities without concerning himself over whether he would be countermanded by others. It had escaped his attention that she was always accompanied by a male council member when she ventured out of her den, but now that she mentioned it, that cleared a few things up, too. He did wonder what reasoning had prompted that decision, but decided not to ask.
"I apologize, Lady. In the future I will not miss our walks."
It wouldn't be difficult for him to arrange to be available for Nyoka when she went out walking. It would be easier, of course, if she would pick one time of day and stick to it, but she was the boss lady, and it was her prerogative to do things in her own time if it pleased her, and it was his duty to be accommodate her will in any way possible.
Her next words confused him, just a little. Was she jealous? He knew better than to think she had any romantic interest in him, though being young and male it was a challenge to convince himself of that when she spoke thus, but it did sound to him like she was jealous of the time and attention he spent on other female. Reassurances were in order, he decided. He should not have needed prompting in offering them.
"If I have been more open with the ladies of the pride, you should know that it is not because I prefer any of them to you," he said, looking at her slantwise. "I take advantage of their abilities as entertainers, and not because I have formed an attachment to any of them. Also, as entertainers they see almost everyone and can provide a wealth of information to those they trust. Even if I am not physically at your side, I am still with you in my loyalties."
He hoped that sounded convincing enough. It was the truth, after all. He had sworn himself to her, and he was a cheetah who took his oaths very seriously. When Nyoka spoke of rumors his ears flicked toward her, wondering what she had heard and if it overlapped with what he had heard and had yet to tell her.
"Do you mean the rumors of Aiko's cubs?" he asked. "I am looking into those."
The idea of taking an escort when he left the pride's lands galled him. He was not someone who needed protection, and what it felt like, more than concern, was distrust. Perhaps he deserved a modicum of suspicion if his absence had really been so marked lately, but having an escort or companion was distasteful to him.
"I take precautions when I leave the lands, Lady, and while I know my proper place is here, I cannot help needing to stretch my legs. The time alone helps me order my thoughts."
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Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 2:43 pm
Her eyes watched as he spoke. She knew when a man was lying but Mana, much to her liking never showed signs of a fib. Then away to listen more to his reasoning of not being around. They were good to hear when you felt betrayed. Her tail flicked in a dangerous motion...
Contemplating what she should say and what she shouldn't say now that it felt like he was walking on a thinline. But like all males. They get tempted way to easily as well. But to those she liked, she was forgiving. Nodding softly. So he was taking in everything that was going on so far. He must know then, the rumors that were going about and had ailed her like a bad habit. She hoped that they were not but as she saw. She wished.. prayed to the gods that these children were of some other leopard look alike. Yes, she had convinced herself that it was but deep down. Especially the white one..
Her ears fanned back. He admitted that they were not his, she admitted to Nanashi that they were not his. So.. somewhat she looked over it with how many others were convinced. Maybe she was fretting too much or imagening. Though it was likely not.
"Mana, you may not have noticed. But, everyone is out to get everyone. Family is what matters and loyalty. But even family turns on you." Lifting her head up as though putting herself in a wise position. "Just like you listen to them, they will listen and watch you. Stalk you and learn of you no matter how bad or good you may be at hiding yourself as you lay in front of them. Waiting to be entertained. As you know, must of them go through vigorous training to learn how to kill and seduce. Remember that my dear Mana. Remember that." She squinted her eyes and watched the den in question.
"But I trust in your judgement and to not fail me." Sighing softly as she then looked about and watched the workings of the pride. "With that being said I also am highly concerned of your health." Looking at him seriously. "And safety." Voice went up and soft through what she was saying.. It was high importance to her. "That is also why I have to be accompanied at all times- here. If you can find at least a 'runner'. Not sure, a small animal that would at least be YOUR messenger. Then at least we can know if your hurt or need back up. Maybe I am too much a mother then in that regard..." Then back to the pride. "I am pleased though of your loyalty and hope that you can show your worth every time I speak with you. If the entertainers help you that much."
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Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 7:41 am
Mana's blue eyed gaze flicked to Nyoka's flicking tail. He had learned to recognize that gesture as one which heralded danger. He knew he would have to tread carefully here, or risk provoking Nyoka's anger. Displeasure was one thing, but anger was another, and anyone with half a brain would rather deal with the former than the latter.
"I understand the dangers of betrayal," Mana said, thinking of the results of his own betrayal of the leaders of the Mizimu. His paw had healed and the scarring wasn't nearly as extensive as it might have been, but it was a daily reminder of the dangers of disloyalty. It also served to remind him that no one was quite what they seemed to be.
"Aiko knows what I am," he said. "But I think she is the only one who truly knows, or even suspects. If I hold any interest for the others, it is likely because I am unusual because I do not avail myself of their sexual services."
He wanted to say something to the effect of how young the pride was, and how it was unlikely the entertainers had yet had time to be trained in assassination or seduction. What skills they had, he guessed, were ones they had possessed before coming to the Kuroi'Nera. Besides, who here would train them? He kept these thoughts to himself, however, for he would prefer not to be the one to disabuse Nyoka of her notions of the deadly nature of her entertainers.
"I will do my best to keep you informed of my doings, but I don't wish to become a nuisance, telling you of my smallest actions. You have more important concerns, I'm sure. Your cubs, for instance? How are they faring?"
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Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 3:06 pm
"Then I know you dare not betray me." The sentence seemed dark but it was intended to, more dangerous. Their was a line she made with it. Spotting Dysi's cave not to far off. It ailed her just a tad. He had left her.. in the night. He hadn't come back to their cave, but it was for the best. Nanashi saw it to be so. Looking down.
Aiko, a beautiful cheetah indeed and the unrelently smell of betrayal following her for some reason. Nyoka had 'feelings' about others. They were usually right but she didn't act on anything since Aiko hadn't done anything yet. Except being top of the entertainers and moved on to being a geisha probably in the near future. Even nyoka had to soon show her the ways of being a full-fledged geisha. One that would be of use to her if she had left the pride. Loyalty. She daunted on it as she thought on Aiko. Her cubs. She had heard that she had turned rather protective of them.. and avoided her at all costs. She shook her head. The many thoughts she had she couldn't say, for now.
Hearing his words as it interrupted her thoughts. Adding on to the more lurking ways.
Nodding in agreement. "But if you turn your back on me. I will not hesitate." She said. A statement that probably couldn't be talked down to. She was extremely careful because she knew of the dangers and the betrayals because she was part of one. The master mind of her adopted father's death, without ever lifting a paw to him.
"Those...things." She started.. almost in disgust as she spoke. Even hurt. Gulping. "My children, they have been faring only because of the Nanny Aija." Closing her eyes and sucking in air from her nostrils. Trying to compose herself. This walk and talk has been quite straining on her only because of the many thoughts that had been swirling through her mind. "That, and the fact that they look to me with such innocent eyes torment me even more." He probably wouldn't understand that large problem she had gotten herself in to. The web of love that was sown for so long. "They are not Nanashi's cubs. That has been the hardest part but since they have been accepted by him minorly- then they are allowed to stay at the den. Otherwise.. I must wait for them to even be of use to really look at them. For now, it will be safer for the nanny to watch over them." The real underlining reason was because her body did not give them milk. She had strained herself so much during the pregnancy that she didn't have what it took for them to survive anyways. It was only because Aija had warmed to them that finally she was able to produce for them but she wouldn't admit to that. No.
"I on the other hand will be scoping my pride." Looking to him with a very soft smiling yet strong face but on the inside.. she was in pain. "This walk has been good.. I will see you then in two days time for another, but tomorrow- you will walk beside me for I have matters to attend to. Like. The hybrid. "
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Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 8:41 am
"I have neither cause nor desire to betray you," Mana pointed out, repeating himself. "I swore myself to you, and I am yours. Any betrayal on my part would be less a case of daring than one of brain damage, in which case I can only hope you'd kill me."
He was perfectly serious about that. The idea of living as a cripple was probably his worst nightmare, but the idea of being nothing but a body with a non-functioning mind was a close second. He had a lot of nightmares, and although some of them had helped him come to terms with himself, those two remained prominent and disturbing. Death would be better, he had decided.
Her threats didn't frighten Mana overmuch. Her reaction to his question about her cubs, however, was unexpected. He didn't know the circumstances surrounding their conception, but he did know that her attitude toward them was hardly typical. He'd never heard a mother refer to her cubs as things before.
"Having a nanny is a good idea. She can keep the cubs from interfering with your duties. Motherhood is a large burden for someone who must also lead a pride." Yes, he spoke of Nyoka as though she was the leader, even though Nanashi was nominally the boss. "I think you're doing the right thing, for what it's worth."
He recognized a dismissal when he heard one, and he had definitely heard one when Nyoka stated that she would see him in two days for another walk and that tomorrow he would accompany her as she dealt with pride matters.
"It is my honor to walk beside you," he said. He didn't ask about the hybrid, but he did wonder. That would have to wait until tomorrow, however. "Shall I leave you or walk with you back to your den?"
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Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2010 12:45 am
"I wouldn't hesitate." Bluntly said.
She was quiet on the manner of her children, taking in his gestures slightly out of the corner of her eye. The children.. they were not hers.. yet she couldn't just pass them off as another's. Staring out as she slowly started her walk. "Thank you. Yours words are welcoming to such hard decisions. I don't think having them around while I'm always out and about. Besides. Somethings can't be changed.. but their hope would be in a Nanny.." Stating. Deciding finally that she would find a nanny and she had a few in mind.
Looking over to him finally. Her prideful face and her head held high. "Do you think I would walk alone to my den." Her voice softly gesturing that such a thing wasn't even to be thought of. She ALWAYS had to have an escort. "Your loyalty.. has proved itself once again. Unique and soothing." Her tail flicking... thinking and pondering and it reflected her whole body gestures...
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Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 7:30 am
Mana nodded. He could understand when Nyoka decided to be subtle, but he preferred when she was blunt. It made things easier on him. And so if she said she wouldn't hesitate, he didn't doubt it, in part because he didn't have to worry about interpreting any sort of veiled threat. There was no veil in this statement.
He listened attentively as Nyoka spoke about maybe procuring a nanny for her cubs, trying to hear what she wasn't saying as well as what she was. What he guessed was that there would soon be a need for a nanny for the cubs, and that this person would have to meet with Nyoka's approval. He hoped he wouldn't be expected to fill in until such a person was found, because he disliked dealing with cubs.
"I did not, Lady," Mana said, allowing himself a small smile. "I only asked to be sure. And if I am able to soothe you in any way, it pleases me."
He waited for her to make the first move for her den. He would follow her a step behind and to the side, as was appropriate for someone of lower rank.
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Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 9:44 pm
Chi Sohma "Anything to sooth me?" She turned her head.. stopping and flicking her tail. "Find me a nanny then..." Slitting her eyes. "Maybe then would I not shove the kids at you." Softly she chuckled.. Turning the other way and lifting her head. Oh, she was merely joking for she had a female already in mind. Not her best friend Gelle~ but she knew another that bugie brought in. Maybe even the hybrid.... One that would make for a perfect nanny. She didn't much care though- anyone that would take the job. Even if she beat them, it didn't matter. She just... DIDNT want them at all. Not even Bian that looked so much like her. Thoughs spots.. cute. But they ... their blood. She even shuddered at it for a moment. "Ease up Mana.. I already have one in mind." Turning and facing him finally. Bowing her head just ever so slightly. "Thank you for walking with me. I expect it soon~ as you know. I also have some other things that we need to discuss but. That would have to wait another another night. Tomorrow. the hybird. I'll meet you there early morning."
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Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 9:45 pm
Mana's expression was nothing less than horrified when Nyoka said that he could be of use by finding a nanny for her cubs. He would do that, of course, if that was what she wished him to do, but it wasn't all that easy to find nannies, particularly not with the restrictions about bringing people back to the pride. It just didn't do much for trust to interview a person, then take them somewhere either blindfolded or unconscious. Not that the nanny would have to trust him, but how willing would they be if they were taken in such a way? It was one of the things he would have questioned about Nyoka's ways, except that she seemed able to make it work. And in any event, it was a moot point. She was making fun of him. He grinned in relief. "Thank you, Lady. I will see you tomorrow morning, then. Until then." He sketched a bow, quick but not without respect, and then set off at a jaunty pace, his feelings of unease eased.
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