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 Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 3:14 pm
 Leading the way back to the den Kivuli pointed out a few interesting things to keep Nalani's attention as well as help her remember the way to her new den. The den had seemed empty as of late as his and Maua's children had grown to adulthood and had taken dens of their own or struck out in the world in various situations. It would be nice to have a cub around again, possibly two if Maua had managed to find any within the forest. "This is your new home." He stated as they stepped into the den. "My mate, Maua, should be returning soon, she too was in the forest searching for any other lost cubs." While he still wasn't sure what Maua's true motives were he hoped that if she did find a cub that she would treat it fairly, or else he would need to step in. "Go on, have a look around." Sitting down he let out a yawn and allowed Nalani to search about her new home. Nalani followed the male without question or hesitation. He had after all saved her from that tree she had gotten herself stuck in that tree. When they reached the den she looked around with wide eyes. It was huge! The dens that had stayed in when they traveled as a group to the pride had been small and not that great, but this den was the most impressive thing she had ever seen. With Kivuli's encouragement Nalani began to search the den, only to find out it was much bigger than she first thought. She kept looking back at the large male to make sure he wasn't going to suddenly leave her like her previous keeper had all the while sniffing about, looking at a few interesting object scattered about the den.
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Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 4:16 pm
 Maua was delighted as she made her way back to the den she shared with Kivuli, she had made sure to spend the appropriate time outside the forest of course...giving her new charge plenty of attention an ensuring that everyone saw her with the young cub. Everyone who was important anyways.
She had cooed at the cubs found by others - made the appropriate chit chat with the other lions who had searched and then inquired on her mate. Someone had told her he had been seen heading for the dens and Maua knew that he would of course take his cub back to the den for a rest. Wouldn't he be surprised when she showed up with one as well? It was almost to good to be true really and she was beaming as she stepped into the den with the young male behind her. "Kivuli dear..I'm home" She sung out in a pleased voice "And I've brought someone for you to meet!"  Lochan had paid attention when Maua introduced him to the other lions, memorizing their faces even though he declined to actually speak with any of them. Maua hadn't seemed to mind that he was quiet and for that he was thankful.
He paid even more attention on the way to the den, he didn't want to get lost and loose hi way now that he had once more found someone to keep an eye out for him. It hadn't worked out so well the last time but ...maybe this time would be different? In any case the den they finally stepped into was far far larger then any other he had been in - even with the large male and the other cub. He knew the other cub of course - they had been abandoned together, he even liked her fairly well and was pleased to find he wasn't going to be alone in this new home.
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Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 5:39 pm
Kivuli watched with amusement as Nalani scoured every inch of her new home, inspecting whatever she came across with fascination. Just when he was about to ask her a question Kivuli heard Maua's voice ring out from the entrance of the den. Immediately he was on his feet, padding over to her and seeing the cub she had in tow. "I am glad to see you are safe." He gave her a loving lick on the cheek, and then turned his gaze to the cub beside her. "Welcome to your new home young one. I am Kivuli and I'm sure you already know Nalani," he glanced over at he grey and blue cub who was now walking over to them. "Nalani, this is my mate Maua, she is going to help raise you and..." Then he realized he didn't know the other cubs name. "What is your name?" He addressed the male.
Nalani had been a bit distracted when Maua and Lochan first arrived that she hadn't made her way over. But as she heard Kivuli speak to another her curiosity got the better of her. Padding over to the others, Nalani spotted Lochan, she knew he well enough considering they traveled together for some time to get here, but the female she did not. Maua was so beautiful and Nalani stared at her in awe for a few moments before giving her head a shake and remembering her manners. "Hello Maua." She smiled widely at the female and then turned her attention to Lochan.
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Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:37 am
"Of course I am safe," Maua assured her mate "There were enough lions trampling through the woods today that anything threatening surely tucked tail and ran, you needn't have worried so," She told him with a slight huff even though she was secretly pleased that he had been worried for her - everyone liked to be worried after sometimes after all.
"He has not even told me his name yet" Maua informed her mate, though in all honesty she hadn't gone out of her way to pry it from his jaws yet either, she had figured he would tell her when he was ready and sitting on her haunches she nodded to the small grey girl who spoke up after a few minutes of staring up at her. It was certainly not the family she had expected to be looking after and any lion with half a brain would be able to see these two were adopted - but surely having two of them in the family - and that wasn't even counting the ones that her daughter had found - would place them in good stead in the King's eyes. he would have to seek out her daughters and see what they had ended up with as soon as possible.
Lochan's eyes went a bit wide as the large male came up to speak with him and he cowered away a little bit, the male seemed nice enough but...Lochan had learned early one that such pretenses could change fairly quickly...his scars and one ruined eye were proof enough of that fact.
Still it was probably best not to antagonize the large male and bring about an attack because over something as simple as answering a question "Lochan" He mumbled in a quiet voice not quite holding the larger lions gaze.
Maua upon observing the cubs reaction exchanged a look with Kivuli, eventhough he wasn't purple Maua did feel bad for the little cub..he'd obviously been abused and then brought to a strange land and abandoned there...it would be enough to make anyone a little bit afraid. She licked the little male on the top of his head in comfort. "Come now..the both of you have nothing more to worry about, Kivuli and I shall ensure you are safe from now on"
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 8:25 am
Kivuli waited in silence for the cub to answer his question. He was a very patient lion so if the cub didn't feel like sharing his name yet then that was fine. But then he spoke, quietly, but it was loud enough for Kivuli to hear him and the big male smiles at the cub. "Welcome to the family Lochan," his eyes swiveled to Nalani. "and Nalani as well. Feel free to look around, this is now your home." It was so good to have cubs to watch over again, even if they were not his own flesh and blood Kivuli knew he would raise them as if they were. "Are you hungry? Or perhaps there is something else you would like to do." He spoke to the two cubs, though he knew Nalani had already eaten a bit when they had first left the forest.
He looked up at Maua, with a smile plastered upon his maw. "Did Gali and Razeila make it out alright?" He needed to make sure his whole family was safe before seeing to other things, like their duties which had been put on hold in order to find the lost cubs.
Even though she was horribly distracted by the idea of a new home, new family and a place to still explore Nalani sat waiting for the adults to finish talking. She may be young but Nalani knew to be respectful to those that took care of her. Still she couldn't help but keep glancing about the den and occasionally staring at Maua, even though she knew it was rude to stare Nalani couldn't help it the lioness was so beautiful, she had never seen any like her in the rogue lands. When Kivuli asked the questions to her and Lochan she merely shook her head. There wasn't anything specific she wanted to do really and while she was a bit hungry she had also recently eaten, but if Lochan wanted food then she would likely eat again as well.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 8:55 am
"They are fine" She assured Kivuli as he asked after they're other children of course having everyone together again had only underscored the ones who had been missing - Nyota and Pur. Zamba didn't count he was a bachelor male and Maua was used to his absence..but Pur had always been around and Maua found herself missing he second daughter. Nyota was a mistake Maua was determined not to repeat.
Of course that brought to mind the news Maua had yet to share with Kivuli. She was only slightly guilty about that - she herself had just decided it was true and then this cub search had come along, she'd been somewhat worried that he wouldn't let her wander around in the forest if he'd known. She'd tell him she decided..as soon as an opportunity arose. Of course first she had to handle these two new adoptees. "It would probably be good for Lochan to eat" Maua stated "He hadn't had anything since we left the forest" Of course she'd jut returned with him so that was a given.
The little cub Kivuli had found kept staring at her, which wasn't really a problem with Maua..she didn't mind the attentions of anyone when it came right down to it and she smiled prettily at the cub for a few moments before turning her attentions back to Kivuli
Lochan glanced between the large lion and Maua, so far it didn't seem like either of them were dangerous and clearly the big male hadn't hurt Nalani in the time he'd been watching over her - so..he was probably okay. Hopefully.
In any case both Maua's assurance and Kivulis continued patient nature was letting him relax just a little bit and he swiveled his head so that he could better see Kivuli before answering a bit shyly.."I am a little bit hungry. There were only bugs in the forest..."
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 9:07 am
Of course they were okay, but he just wanted to make completely sure that they were. He noticed that for a short moment Maua seemed to be distracted, perhaps it was just the thought of having to raise non-noble cubs that was bothering her. He would ask her about it later, for now there was a hungry cub to deal with, and then eyes turned to Lochan. "Well we can't have you going hungry, so let's fix that. The hunting party came back recently with a kill." He gave his muscles a quick stretch. "Wait here, I will be right back with something for you to eat." And with that Kivuli slipped out of the den.
"Eww you ate bugs." Nalani said with a bit of a laugh. Honestly though if Lochan had she couldn't really blame him for doing so, she had been starving when Kivuli had found her and was grateful for the meal he had provided her when they first came out of the forest. Still eating bugs was disgusting and she would have only done so as a last resort type thing. Her eyes followed Kivuli as the large male left the den to go get some food and for a moment Nalani considered running after him, he had been so kind to her and now Lochan so far that she didn't want to be left alone, even though she wouldn't be alone. But she stayed put, and then after a few moments got up and started exploring again.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 9:21 am
Lochan watched as Kivuli left and then turned to scowl at Nalani "we I wasn't going to sit there and starve like a stupid git" He snapped at her in irritation. There was nothing wrong with eating bugs...they were just another source of food like anything else right? He was pretty sure that he was right and looked to Maua for confirmation "Bug are fine right?"
Maua blinked - Kivuli left for five seconds and already she was having to deal with sibling spats. Cubs...so troublesome sometimes and she put a paw in front of Lochan who looked like he might decide to take a swipe at his new sister. "Now children that is no way to talk to one another" She scolded them both though it was likely useless..all siblings fought from time to time.
"And bugs are...well they certainly won't hurt you" She finally stated though she herself probably wouldn't eat them even if she was starving. Nalani seemed to have lost interest in the conversation thankfully because she wandered off to explore. "Why don't you go look around too?" She suggested giving Lochan a small push with her paw further into the den.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 9:30 am
Nalani rolled her eyes at Lochan but that was all she was going to do about that. There was exploring to be done and she really didn't feel like fighting, in fact she hadn't said that thing about the bugs to be mean, it just kinda slipped out before she could stop herself. They had both been in the same situation so she understood the need to do whatever one could to survive until someone found them. So she continued to explore and pretended like that small almost fight never happened, because really it hadn't, Maua had seen to that.
Several moments later Kivuli returned to the den, a large Zebra leg held in his maw. It was fairly easy to lay claim to such a large piece of the kill considering they now had two cubs to feed. He glanced at Maua as he entered, she looked troubled but he couldn't exactly ask her about it this very moment. So he padded to the back of the den, motioning for Lochan and Nalani to follow him and then set the zebra leg down in a small alcove that they often used to eat in. "Eat up, there's plenty to go around."
After a moment he turned and padded back to Maua, leaving the cubs to eat if they so chose to. Giving his mate a nuzzle he sat down beside her. "There is enough for you to have some if your hungry as well." They had both been in the forest a good chunk of the day and she might very well just be hungry, that could explain the look he had caught from her earlier. But just to be on the safe side he asked. "Is everything alright?"
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 9:52 am
Lochan had somewhat stubbornly gone ahead and joined Nalani in exploring the back of the cave. It was a far larger home then they had ever had before and so there was quite a bit to explore. 'Do you think they'll let us go out to play tomorrow?" He asked Nalani deciding that it would be best to simply forget about the earlier spat like she apparently was content to do "Maybe we can find out who took in the other cubs we were brought here with.."
Of course it was about the time that he made that comment that Kivuli reappeared and Lochans stomach rumbled at the smell of the meat. without much more thought on the matter he scurried over to eat.
Thankfully Kivuli was back and Maua gave him a relieved look - now if the cubs decided to kill one another he could deal with it. Of course the look might have been a bit too relieved because he seemed to be wondering if she were troubled with something.
Which she was...so just hadn't meant to let on so quickly. Returning his nuzzle she eyed the food - she really ought to eat. "I'll wait till the cubs are finished" she responded absently before looked back to her mate "Yes..of course, the cubs had a bit of a spat over eating bus but they seem to have forgotten it now" She responded off handedly and then fell silent for a few moments. Kivuli would now that that wasn't all that was bugging her of course - he knew her far to well for that and before he could say anything else she leaned against him. "Do you..think we'll have enough room here for these cubs...and our own when they arrive?" She asked him in a sly tone wondering if he'd pick up on the implications.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:05 am
Nalani had been about to answer Lochan's question when Kivuli arrived with food. Following him to the small room of the cave Nalani watched him go before looking at Lochan again. "I'm sure they will, they both seem really nice." Of course their previous caretaker had seemed nice too and look what happened with that. At least here they were in the safety of a pride so if something did happen there were plenty of other lions around. Though something told Nalani that would not happen again, Kivuli was far too kind to do that. After a moment of hesitation Nalani also started to tear into the meat, though she certainly wasn't as hungry as she had been when Kivuli had first found her.
Kivuli let out a bit of a chuckle as she explained how in the short time he had been gone they cubs had had a spat about eating bugs. "Cubs." He said with a slight shake of his head, there would always be random and seemingly nonsensical fights as long as there was more than one cub around. That was one of the greatest joys of cubs too, the random things that they often said that made one shake their head and sometimes laugh.
"Of course it will be big enough, we have one of the biggest dens available, and there's only two of them - " And then the second part of her question registered. His eyes widened, smile crossed his maw and he looked down at Maua. "Truly? We are to have cubs again?" Oh this day just kept getting better and better! Then he had a moment of concern. "You shouldn't have been out there in the forest, you should have been resting. Have you eaten today? Should I get more food?" All the sudden concerns of being a father again were flooding his mind but Kivuli was by far the happiest lion in the world right now, and their cubs would play and grow up with the ones they had found. Pushing his head into hers Kivuli let out a loud happy rumble. "This is wonderful news Maua." He would see that her every need was taken care of, that her duties were lightened and anything else that was needed to be done well he would do it.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:17 am
Lochan chewed a mouthful of food for a moments before glancing back out towards the adults, he could see them just barely through the entrance back into the main den, they seemed to be talking about something so he turned his attention back to Nalani "Yeah...I suppose they do, In any case they seem better then that other one. She was nuts" He remarked before pulling another bite of meat off the zebra leg.
At least Maua and Kivuli seemed like they love on another he mused..and were relatively stable, at least he hadn't seen them do anything yet that made him think they were nuts which was a definite step up.
"Truly" She confirmed with a smile before rolling her eyes slightly "I'm not that burdened by it yet I was perfectly fine out in the woods, it was too great of an opportunity to miss and I knew you'd kick a fuss about it if you knew I was expecting" She told him "Don't worry Kivuli dear..we did just fine the first time around I'm sure this time will be no different, try not to fret to much - I haven't told any of our children yet but other then these two they are all grown with they're own lives now." She paused "Gali was spending an awful lot of time with that new male I brought into the pride a while back.." She added as an after thought.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:29 am
Nalani nodded in agreement. Their previous caretaker was nuts, but at the time she was all they had. Taking a couple more bites of meat Nalani found herself full again. So she took a few steps away from the feast and laid down. They still didn't know much about the pride they were in but hopefully tomorrow they would. "I wonder what they're talking about." She mused, though honestly Nalani didn't care too much. She was safe, well fed and starting to get tired. Laying her head atop her paws she watched as Lochan continued to eat though her eyelids were getting increasingly heavy.
Well that was true, if he had known before they had gone into the forest he would have insisted that she stay behind and avoid any dangers that may have lurked within the trees. It was just the was he was. Kivuli smiled widely. "It is hard not to fret when I care for you and your safety, and that of our unborn cubs." Besides it was quite normal to worry about things, especially this and while Maua was playing it cool now he knew that soon enough she too would be fretting about things, much like she had the first time around. "I'm sure they will be excited to hear more siblings are on the way." Hell he was so excited he wanted to run out of the den and yell the news for all the pride to hear, but he restrained himself knowing it would be best to inform their other children first.
Maua's next statement made him pause for a moment. They had already had two disappointements with their children running off with non-nobles, but Gali spending time with one of the pride newest arrivals was not a bad thing. He had met with Kamau, only briefly, but he seemed like a good lion and was of noble color and rank. "She is a responsible adult, I'm certain if anything happens between them it will not be rushed or accidental." He wanted only the best for all of his children and should Gali choose a life with Kamau he would not stop her as long as Kamau treated her right.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:58 am
"Adult thinks most likely" Lochan answered Nalani but when he didn't receive and answer after a few more bites of food he glanced over at her to see she'd fallen asleep. Ah well. Turning his attention back to the food he continued to stuff himself until he simply couldn't hold any more before going over to curl up next Nalani, with his belly full he was finding himself sleepy as well - which he supposed wasn't all that surprising. He hadn't slept well in the forest - it hadn't been safe and he could never find a comfortable place to sleep. here beside Nalani however - knowing that Maua and Kivuli were close by he didn't have much of a problem and soon drifted off.
Maua gave Kivuli a warm look and butted her head up under his chin "I know, it's just the type of fellow you are" She told him in pleased tone, that protective nature was one of the traits she'd always found endearing in Kivuli - even when it was also bothersome.
"I hope so - I wish Pur had returned already" She stated quietly before sighing slightly "And that Zamba would take a que from Gali and think about settling down as well" She continued on - she didn't mention Nyota. That was a pointless argument that never seemed to go anywhere.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 11:05 am
"I'm sure she will return home soon enough." Pur had been gone for some time now, but cubs were a huge responsibility and their daughter would need to stay out in the rogue lands until hers were old enough to survive without her. "Zamba will settle down eventually, he has his eyes on a place within the war council right now. I'm sure if the right girl came along he will consider settling down." He paused a glanced towards the back of the cave, where he had left the two cubs to their meal. The smile that was on his maw grew wider as he spotted them sleeping together. "Look, they're asleep." Head swiveled about to look at Maua. "You should get some rest as well, it's been a long day." And even though it wasn't night yet he was certain that she would be tired, even he could use a bit of a rest as well before tending to some late day duties.
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