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 Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 4:21 pm
It was not easy being queen, especially in as tumultuous of a pride as the Kitwana'antara. Politics, drama, grief, stress, it all could be found within their borders. Oh, she tried. . . she tried so hard to keep everyone safe, everyone calm, everyone happy. . . . but it wasn't easy. The viziers were putting particular pressure on her shoulders to find a king. The hope that Kiwi'lan might return was all but scrapped, and though she tried to hang on, instead of worry and grief, all the lioness felt was an empty hollowness. Perhaps she should not had asked him to be King. . . . perhaps he had been most unhappy.
But more and more, Nawiri'chiwa knew that she would have to fall back in to tradition soon. She sent others, like Sliabh, out in to the world to bring back new life. . . . She kept the traditions of her mother, of her father, of the pride to teh best of her ability and yet. . . the one thing she continued to deny the Kitwana'antara was a true King, a good king, and life anew. Her father had been nothing but supportive of her, as had her sister, but. . . . . She had her duties too, and it was time to tend to them.
Or would be, soon.
Heaving a small sigh, the lioness curled her tail loosely about her tail. Now was not the time to think of such things. The Head Hunters had mentioned unusual herd movement, which meant a possible change in how often the pride would be fed. There was worry about various families who had lost loved ones, the lions that pleaded for death as they suffered, and of course, those that resented their lot within the Kitwana'antara.
No.
She had a million things on her mind, but she would not dwell. She was supposed to be meeting with a newly joined member, Mith'ando. He had been accompanied with the Goddess of Blood. . . A meeting had been scheduled for this day, for this time, so it was the lioness waited patiently just outside. Any stress she felt could be dealt with after this meeting.
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 4:37 pm
It was this last job that he'd opted to choose as his main duty, as he was large and healthy... or... he had been. Several days after the ritual, he'd begun feeling off. It wasn't a terrible problem, and for a time he brushed it aside, too caught up in the pride's workings to pay any attention. But he'd spent time pacing alone, able to listen to the warnings of his body in the silence of being alone. What it told him was sobering, but to be expected.
He was falling prey to the disease of the Kitwana'antara.
It wasn't bad enough to keep him from anything, not yet. But he was without a doubt infected. He often found himself warmer than the light exercise warranted. He tired faster than he'd ever before, save when a very very young cub, wobbly on his paws. In one way it troubled him, but moreso it brought an odd comfort and reassurance. It meant one thing he'd not had before. He belonged.
So when the queen called, he knew that whether she approved of his visions or not, she would have to accept him as a member of her pride. There would be no sending him away, as he'd privately fretted, deep within his thoughts. He was here for life... and for death. The notion did not bother him at all, for it brought a finality and consistency to his future.
Approaching the queen, he paused and gave her a deep bow, his shaggy mane masking his face for several long moments as he held the bow. When he rose, he met her eyes steadily as he spoke. "I am honored to meet you, my Queen," his deep, soft voice rumbled pleasantly from his chest as he gazed at her solemnly. "I am Mith'ando."
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 5:05 pm
The lioness had let her gaze fall upon the form of the stranger, recognizing him without really knowing him. They had met very briefly during his initial arrival, but with the stress of the foreigners and, of course, the general anxiety of dealing with the pride on a daily basis, she had not found time to properly welcome some of the new faces.
While she had found joy in the robust growth of the pride -- how far they had come since her mothers death! -- she did regret the timing of some of the newer faces. There just wasn't time enough to properly sit down like she might have done when the pride was smaller, when there were less demands on her time. So it was, when she studied the grey lion during his approach, she felt fairly confident this was the one she was to meet.
Mith'ando.
He was certainly not of the Kitwana'antara blood, a rogue who had (peculiarly enough) taken it upon himself to join their pride. Such a risk, such a blessing, all mixed in to one. . . Nawiri'chiwa couldn't help the smile that formed on her features, even at the thought. Every new member had her complete and utter gratitude, as (with lions in particular) there was no guarantee they would live long. "Mith'ando," she greeted warmly, lowering her own head to bow back at the stranger. "Surely the honor is all mine." She spoke sincerely, turning her eyes back up to the stranger. She truly did find it an honor, for what strength must it take for a rogue to join their diseased pride. "Please, though, you may call me Nawiri'chiwa if you like. There's no need for formalities, as we're all in this pride together." She encouraged, rising slowly to her paws.
Glancing around, she gave a nod toward her den, encouraging him to follow. "I trust you have been acclimating well to the Kitwana'antara? I do hope it has been finding you well." And that was the truth! While there was no guarantee on whether a lion might get touched with Pestilence's blessing, every new face was welcomed and embraced. As this was now Mith'ando's home, she truly did hope he did not regret his decision to join.
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 6:52 pm
"Indeed it has, my lady Nawiri'chiwa," he replied, moving with her into the den she indicated. He wondered briefly if this was a meeting place, or her own private home. It was quickly obvious, however, that this was her sanctuary. Though he looked about himself politely, his eyes were all for her. She was younger than he'd expected, now that he had time to consider her. She had held herself with such dignity at their previous, very brief meeting that he'd been left with the impression of a much older lioness. Perhaps it was also due to the aura of weariness and weight of office that seemed to drape about her shoulders. It stirred in him a moment that she needed more solace than a den alone. But other matters pressed such thoughts to the back of his mind.
"I do not know if you have been told yet," he began, settling into a comfortable position for speaking quietly, his voice low and soft, "but I came to the Kitwana'antara with a purpose. I traveled far and long, searching for you and your pride." He bestowed a sudden, warm smile upon her, one of joy that told of the happy resolution of his long search. "It is due to the graciousness of the Lady Veri that I found you." His thoughts flickered to the den of cubs he now parented as well, an odd expression of amusement, fondness, and trepidation flitting across his features. He was not yet used to being a father, and was finding it a most challenging job.
"I came here because I was drawn," he continued, "but also in hopes that you would accept me." He spoke the word "you" as a collective, but his eyes looked deep into her own, as if searching and hoping for that very acceptance from her specifically. "There aren't many places that would willingly keep me among them, and I hope I was not premature in performing the ritual of joining." There was hope and regret mixed in his voice, indicating that what was now done could not be undone.
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:14 pm
Nawiri settled herself comfortable before the other, her tail loosely wrapping around her paws. Though the walk to the entrance of the den to the back of it wasn't long, her joints protested the movement rather severely, and her muscles ached at the demand. It was but habit now to dismiss the ache and pains of her body, and she was quick to look upon the grey lion as he spoke.
Her ears pricked and focused on Mith'ando's words as he began to speak of his tale. She could not remember if there was a reason for him being here, outside of his arrival with the great Goddess of Blood. "It is rare that a healthy outsider might be called. Did you hear of us through rumor and story?" She questioned curiously, wondering what the outside world thought of their pride. Unlike Mith'ando, the only land Nawiri had ever laid eyes upon were that of the small pride. She had never once stepped outside of the borders, never once witnessed the great sights of a world so much larger than she. . . So what did others think of her family, of her inherited lands?
Many feared them, others still thought they should simply rot out and die. It was easier said than done when one did not live within the pride; when one did not see how desperate the pride sought to live, even when so sick. So what had drawn Mith'ando near?
"Believe me when I speak on behalf of the prides gratitude to have you partake in our rituals. To side with the sick and dying, to . . . help those who cannot always help themselves . . . it is a great honor, a great blessing. There are few who take such a risk. You have not come here in vain, Mith'ando," she spoke, a gentle smile on her face, despite the gravity of her voice. It was truth -- he was one of them now.
But the way he spoke did cause the lioness some alarm. She could not quite understand why he would be unwelcome in other prides. He was a handsome lion, large, presumably healthy upon his arrival, intelligent, and he certainly had manners. . . So why would he be so rejected? Was there something wrong with him? Something. . . .off that she could not physically see? "Forgive my boldness, sir, but I would be curious to know why you might think you would be unaccepted among us? Is there a reason others would turn you away, something I would do best to know about?" She frowned slightly, though it wasn't in anger or despair; simply the lioness trying to figure out what shadowed the lion that would keep him segregated from joining other groups . . . .
Did he have a shady history?
Did he possess some great secret?
"I promise you, no matter what truth you might speak, you are one of the Kitwana now." They would deal with issues, no matter how questionable, as a whole, as a group. The pride often hadn't the luxury of dismissing or exiling the most heinous of creatures. . . so they dealt with problems or upsets together, as best they could manage. Surely, whatever Mith'ando was hinting at, could not be so terrible. . .could it?
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:38 pm
Her assurances were welcome, but premature. She hadn't yet heard the gift, or curse, that he brought with him. Oh, he'd keep his visions to himself, if asked to, thus not making them a pridal issue. But for good or ill, they still existed. The less others were willing to accept him for it, the less comfortable he'd be here. He drew a breath to say something about it, when she astutely asked him about it. His expression became wryly amused. He did not steel himself to tell her, nor hesitate, but answered her promptly and plainly as he could.
"Since I was young, I have had visions." He paused to see if she recognized the expression, if she was familiar with seers and their odd ways. "It is the nature of these visions that answers both your questions." He paused to collect his thoughts, then pressed on. "What makes me unwelcome in some prides is the same thing that has led me to you. My visions show me the moment of another's death, and the circumstances under which it came to be." He let that sink in for a few heartbeats before continuing. "Over time, what I thought to be random strangers began to resolve into something more. I began to recognize those with those who died, or family traits of generations." He refrained from saying he saw those, too, die.
"I came to realize that those in many of my visions were all from one pride, a pride that saw much death from disease, rather than war or neglect." He suddenly looked a little shy of his next statement. "Since I realized others were wary around a lion who could foresee their death, I thought that perhaps this pride of disease but love might accept me, even with my visions." He gave her a faint, self-conscious smile. "I could tell there was love here, because of the sorrow and tenderness on the faces present when members of the pride died," he explained, for once feeling a little lame. "I just... thought... I might belong here." He ducked his head sheepishly, a rather comical sight for such a big lion.
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Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2012 12:08 pm
Nawiri'chiwa knew of seers, as the Kitwana'antara possessed a handful who were blessed -- or cursed -- with such visions. There were many ranking members within the pride who knew of such gifts, and in some cases there were historical members, long since passed, who were granted such dreams. The queen herself did not know much about the ability, but the informants of the pride had spoken of some who were like Mith'ando.
"I have heard of those who were granted visions. In fact, history states we've had some among our ranks before. . . and may yet have some among us now." She spoke thoughtfully, not willing to break the confidentiality of her of her knowledge or the names of those she had come to know. But at least there was a planted seed that Mith'ando was not necessarily alone. . . . at least when it came to having visions.
More fascinating, really, was the knowledge of what he saw. The future. Not just any future, really, but the death of another. The truth of such a thing was absolutely astounding, amazing really. He could . . . he could see the death of another before it happened? Could he control these visions or were they purely random? How detailed were they? What all exactly did he see? No, no . . . . Though she had questions, she was not going to suddenly interrogate him for her own curiosity.
Besides, he came looking for acceptance, and she hadn't said a word! Giving a small shake of her head, the lioness smiled once more. "I do not know much about the visions you are granted, but let me be the first to say that the stance I held before your admittance remains. While perhaps it is . . . uncouth of me to say such a thing, I cannot but help to believe that your gift was nothing but a blessing all along. I can't imagine it being easy to bear such visions alone, to face the rejection of other prides, or to see such dark fates day in and day out, but it lead you here. It brought your paws to our pride, and that alone is miracle enough."
And it truly was. It was destiny, pure and simple. How could one not see it? The fact that he saw families, saw their pride even before he knew of their existence! Saw families that were now tangible. . . Surely the Great Lady had sent the lion to the Kitwana'antara for good reason. Even if he kept his visions a secret, did not wish to share, he was finally here among them. He was finally home. "The worry and fear of rejection, of being judged, of being turned away. . . . I promise you, you will need not worry about that here. Such trials have only, if I may be so bold, prepared you for what the Kitwana often face from outsiders."
How often did strangers turn away their aid, even with promise that the quarantined lands were quarantined? How often did scouts bring back news that they were looked upon in disfavor? Hadn't even one of their hyena's been reprimanded for wanting to bring life -- life that would stay healthy, that would not grow ill -- back to the pride? It wasn't easy living in a community of the sick and, seemingly, of the damned. . . . but they were all brought together because of it.
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 5:17 pm
Mith took in her words solemnly, eyes held steadily upon her own. As he listened to her words, he watched her facial expression. Further, he observed what inner stirrings of her thoughts that she allowed to be visible. Needless to say, the whole of her sentiment was a vast relief to the large grey lion. Muscles he had not realized were tensed now relaxed, and a tightness around his eyes smoothed away, so that his eyes shone warmly at her.
"That is welcome news," he rumbled softly. "Yes, it can sometimes be a burden, but...," he hesitated, wondering how much of himself it was proper to share with a queen. With a faint shrug, he set aside concern for subtle rules and opted to simply be himself, sharing as he felt comfortable. "Not all visions of death are distressing or dark. This was one reason I sought your pride... our pride," he amended now, with a smile that bordered on shy, "because though there were many deaths, I was struck with the gathering of loved ones around the one perishing. I have witnessed cubs snuggled close as their eyes close forever. Mates speaking what could only be words of love and comfort to their dying spouse. Youngsters honoring the aged and ill with their respectful presence." He paused for breath, taking in a deep lungful. It tended to make him feel intensely emotional, as odd as that was for such a stoic lion. The affection and dignity shown in his visions was very moving.
"I have seen so many other deaths, in other places, that give no consideration for the feelings of the dying, or any respect for who they have been in life. It pains me, just as what I saw of Kitwana'antara filled me with comfort." His voice softened, deepened. "What you have fostered here is a wonderful thing, my lady," he told her sincerely. "I thought to become a part of it, to perhaps make a difference by offering to those who wish the knowledge of the manner by which they died." He cleared his throat, and gave her an uncertain look. "That is, if you will so allow it, my Queen." With these words, he bowed deeply, offering her his devotion to whatever she decided.
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Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 9:49 pm
Nawiri'chiwa listened to his words, surprised at his quiet admittance. It was such an unusual perspective, one that was not often thought about, or acknowledged. What would it be like to see death on a, perhaps, daily basis? While it might bring nothing but fear to some, from the way Mith'ando spoke, it was almost surreal. To hear him speak about the pride, it's traditions, it's unique experiences with dealing with pain and loss on a daily basis. . . . It was beautiful, really.
To hear Mith's words, the emotion within them, the admittance that he found comfort in his visions, was beautiful. So many looked at the Kitwana'antara as if it were some sort of montrosity; that they needed to be culled, destroyed, for keeping life alive in a place that brought so much suffering. To hear that one lion among so many actually found a desire to be part of the pride, even with all the death that it wrought, was such an extreme change. Never had she expected to hear such words, especially from one not born of the pride.
For a long moment, the grey lioness did not speak. The words Mith'ando spoke had touched a chord with the queen -- had given her affirmation that often was so lacking. All people could see was the shadows that lay in the pride, and so many refused to remember that to find shadow, one must always need light. And there was light within her pride. . . within their pride.
"Your words honor me, sir," Nawiri'chiwa finally spoke, her own voice thick with emotion. This was a peculiar instance, for none (as far as she understood) had ever been able to see death or the futures of those who would find it. "But it is heartwarming to hear that our way. . our life . . moved you in such a manner." She offered a small smile, genuinely pleased that Mith had sought them out. "The gods were kind in guiding you to our borders."
Better yet, he wished to use his vision for the pride? To let those know of their fates, know of their futures? Blue and red eyes looked thoughtful as she considered the possibilities. . . . What might he see? Would any wish to know? Then again, it might be a comfort to those who were young. To familise who might wish to know if time was short, if they were truly diseased.
But would that be sacrilege? Would Pestilence frown upon such a tactic? Dipping her head, the lioness spoke. "I think that would be a blessing, a boon, for those who might wish to know their fates. . . or at least whether or not they might be old or young before death seeks them, if they do not wish the details." She knew she should run it by the council, get their opinions, get their concerns. But no matter what, Mith'ando would have these visions. She didn't know much about how one controlled them, but they were with him. . . . no matter what the viziers might say.
"My friend, you have no need to ask me whether or not you might use your abilities. They are yours and yours alone, though I appreciate your thoughtfulness." There was potential kick back if the gods did not approve, if the pride would come to object. Still, there was no real way to stop him from speaking even if there were objections. "I grant you the freedom to use your gifts however you wish, whenever you wish. You do realize, though, that rumor will spread? That even if you keep what you do quiet, once it becomes known to one, I fear it will become known to all. And there might be. . .will be, if I could guess. . . some objection from those who do not understand, who might be afraid." Some who might fear him, some who might fear what this would mean for the pride. She did not wish for this new one to be ostracized so swiftly upon his arrival, but. . . what else could be done? She didn't want him looked upon strangely, but she did not want him to have to keep his visions secret, either.
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 12:37 pm
Her response to the news of how he felt about his visions, the pride, and his offer, sealed his heart as the disease had sealed his fate. He was home, undeniably and without regret. She welcomed him and his abilities, bringing joy and fulfillment in a rush. His eyes brightened, glistening faintly as with tears unshed. Her words of caution were well-heeded, however he felt strongly that if the queen accepted him, the majority of the pride was likely to as well. It wasn't as if he was unused to disdain, suspicion, and outright dislike. He'd dealt with it before, and he would continue to deal. Doubtless there would indeed be those who chose to spurn him for his ability alone, but he was a wise lion. He did not need to please every individual he met, nor did he require every pride member adore him. No, it was enough that some of them accepted and liked him. To his estimation, starting with the Queen was a promising start for certain.
"With your permission," he answered her softly, "I will not mask this from anyone. Should rumor grow beyond the truth, perhaps making it known to the pride as a whole would be wise." His tone was sober and completely without haughty pride. He did not wish to advertise for the fame or notoriety. Rather, it was clear his desire was for the well-being and benefit of the pride itself. "It would allow me to assure those who distrust my visions that I will not speak of what I see unless bidden to, nor will I intentionally look for a vision about an individual unless asked by that person." It sounded so cold and legalistic, but sometimes such formalities must be addressed to prevent further trouble.
"For now, I am aware there is a possible threat to the pride." He angled her a shrewd look. "I'm sure the help of the fiery ones is welcome, but not to be leaned on too much. So I will not trouble anyone with my visions until the pride is safe once more, if it pleases you." His brows quirked in inquiry, seeking her approval. What he wanted in truth was to see her smile again, as it lit her whole being with sunny warmth, wiping away the shadows of worry that she clearly was used to bearing.
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Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 12:59 pm
Talencia ((I feel that's a wrap for this RP. We can go over details OOCly. ))
Nodding, the lioness gave no objection. She was especially pleased that the male seemed to understand the tentative position the pride had been put in; there were anxieties and concerns everywhere, until they could confirm that the Nergui were no longer a threat, things would be . . . tense. Smiling gently, she gave the male a low bow. "I do hope that this trouble will pass sooner than later, but I truly appreciate your discretion, as well as your free admittance. Truly, the Great Lady has blessed this pride with your arrival."
And wasn't that the truth. "We have much to discuss..." And with that, the lioness slowly rose, ready to continue the conversation with this Seer and what it would mean for the pride.
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