[ORP] A Time to Celebrate - Feast for all Nchi members!

[NchiMahadhi Pride]

((OOC:: As with the prior ORP, it is expected that more or less every member of the Nchi is in attendance unless they're out hunting, are sick, [insert other reason here].

Rogues are welcome and any rogue who takes part in the ORP and wishes to join may count it as their JRP.))

The pride was abuzz with excitement. Early in the morning, all were gathered around the drum circle and encouraged to sing, dance, and be merry.

A feast worthy of the Gods themselves was presented. Every kind of hoofed prey, from antelope to zebra, and more exotic meals such as fish, fruits, and mint leaves. The banquet had been collected and delivered by the Goddess of the Lost, who stayed on the sidelines of the celebration along with the former Malenga, Kitambi. They spoke in hushed voices and neither looked particularly happy about whatever was being said.

At the head of the drum circle was the new Malenga, Nantale. Her smile was tired, but sincere.

Though it was not customary, her father, Mtembei, sat to her left. The pride's dedicated Umshayi was to her right.

Kirja, Ngoma, and Ndoto were praised for a job well done in leading the 'royal' family home. Neither of Kitambi or Mtembei's sons had been located, and though that was cause for grief from those who had known them, the gathering was meant to celebrate, not mourn.

In addition to the royal family and the three Nchi who had offered their time to help, a lion named Csoa and a hybrid they called Hanyu had returned with them.

Nantale led the entire pride in one of the customary dances and then nodded to her father.

"Attention, everyone!" Mtembei called. "Pay attention, please! The Malenga has something to say!"  

[Rainhowl]

This was a time for celebration and though he was not getting any younger by any means, the Kima'baba felt as spry as he did several seasons ago, upon returning to the pride. Unfortunately, he had been unable to go on the search, much to his own dismay, given he had been bound to the baboons to help tend an illness that was worming it's way around the troop. Now, however, the brown furred male was free to partake in the pride's celebrating the returning royal family and, in a way, celebrating the memory of the sons that had not been returned. It was both a joyous and somewhat sad occasion, but spirits were undoubtably high.

The baboons, those that were fit as a fiddle anyhow, even prepared fresh drums for the banquet - many had been started on to replace the drums that had been destroyed and swept away in the flooding that had ravaged the Nchi'Mahadhi lands so recently, but illness had caused a pause in production and given his sworn oath to protect and care for the providers of the drums, there was little the kima'baba could do than tend to them. He was glad to be back with his kindred and he was certainly hungry, the prey available for eating was both abundant and fresh.

He followed Nantale's lead in the first customary dance of the evening, his paws thumping in time against the dusty, well worn earth. It was only when the dance was ended and attention called that Jukka returned to his own drum and settled on his haunches, paying respect towards the Malenga.  

[~Kiana_Nala~]

Lalawethika was needless to say proud of his mother but his silent nature hadn't allowed him to get the words out but those closest to him could probably tell just by the aura he was giving off that he was. Tonight though he seemed to be less reserved and was moving his body with the beat that he was just beginning to understand. When Mtembei called for everyone's attention he made his way over to his mother and siblings, waiting to hear what was about to be said. Lala couldn't help himself but to stare up at the new Malenga and wonder what type of lioness she was and how she would contribute to the pride but he didn't doubt her abilities as after all, his mother did help bring her back and he trusted his mother's judgement. Only time would tell what the future of their pride would be like and Lala was of course willing to coast through it. Then again, he wasn't the type to really worry over anything.  

[I Lady Kiya I]

Umeme'lalio was glad for a celebration. There had been many things to be sad about, but it was time to let good things show over bad things. Though, it was sad that some had not all been located, but maybe they'd show up soon and things would be all coming together even more smoothly.

Umeme'lalio welcomed the new comers, and hoped they'd find this place just as lovely and great as she did. Her ears twitched as Mtembei announced that words were to be said soon. She smiled towards the front. Waiting for whatever was to be spoken. This was all very exciting.  

[Hopefolly]

Nantale moved as if to speak, but the words died before their time. She looked at the many faces of her pride and seemed to freeze. Those who were suspicious, observant, or both may have assumed it went beyond stage fright; that something else was at work. Those who were neither would think nothing beyond their malenga having the jitters.

Anyone could tell the lioness was nervous. Then she looked to Hanyu and Csoa, the newcomers, and found bravery in doing so. Before their eyes, Nantale went from nearly shaking to speaking to the crowd with the ease and grace her mother had.

"Thank you everyone for being here. I am deeply burdened by the losses we have suffered, as we all are... and should be. As you may know, I have lost both the brothers born with me. I have lost many others who were not, and sisters as well.

"There is no shame in mourning our sons and daughters, our parents, our friends... But today we celebrate and commend the courage and spirit of some of our own still with us, and others who have just joined us."

Nantale turned her head to the trio that had found her family, indicating the entire pride should do the same. "To Kirja, Ngoma, and Ndoto, my sincerest thanks for your efforts. And the Goddess Mwokoti who was of great instance, thank you the same. Finally, to my companions, Csoa and Hanyu. They are members of our former neighbors, the Mtaishi, and not without their own losses. Yet they were diligent in helping me reunite with my parents."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "I... I ask for your patience with me as your leader. Things will be changing in the pride and I know all for the better. I will be meeting with the umshayi, my mother, and others to discuss these matters. I will be glad to hear out any opinions and ideas later so that we may work together to keep things as ideal for everyone as they can be, but first, please allow me to meet with them."

And finally, Nantale said, "Eat all that you would like and enjoy yourselves."

Trembling a little, she stepped away from her place at the head of the circle and went to join Csoa and Hanyu.  

[SilverLutz]

Ah, his first celebration in the pride! Ndoto was thrilled beyond all measure. From the moment he woke up, he was humming and whistling happily everywhere he went. When he finally reached the place where the celebration was being held, he let loose a loud laugh of delight. Finally, he thought, the place where he fit in. No one would look at him funny for singing.

The new Kongwe danced with his pride as best he could, following the movements of Nantale. He wasn't the best out there, of course, but he made up for it in singing with the song. His voice was his instrument, his dance movements. It made him feel a bit better about himself, since he felt like a fish out of water when trying to dance. Thankfully the group dances were simple.

After the dance, he took a respectful seat as the lioness began to speak. He bowed his head slightly in her direction as she thanked him and the other two that had joined him in their hunt, aiding the Goddess in her quest. It really hadn't been too much of a problem, since he had just spent the better part of a month wandering the rouge lands trying to find this pride.  

[Kaelyndra]

Hanyu was an attention hog, everyone new it. Yet, when it came time for all eyes to be in his general direction, he felt horribly uncomfortable. It seemed that fame was not for the hybrid.

Csoa, however, remained as calm as ever. Hanyu was having a hard time thinking that Csoa hadn't hit his head when he was born, and lost all sense of anger. Always willing to help, never lost his temper, wasn't afraid of a bunch of leering crowds, he almost wasn't for real.

Hanyu realized, almost too late, he'd been staring in Nantele's direction, lost in thought while he waited. He saw her head raise, and then she was talking as though she hadn't been the lost, injured Queen that he and Csoa had rescued. Hanyu was dumbly mesmerized.

"Uhhh," was his open-mouthed statement as Nantele made their way back towards them. Hanyu had sat with the rest of the pride not so long ago, listening to another speak. It felt weird to be here for a different reason, and to no longer be here merely here for a visit.

Csoa seemed to understand what was going on -- man he really had to stop doing that -- and touched Nantele's shoulder with his nose. "You can lean on me."

Feeling they were trying to be supportive, Hanyu quickly added. "There's a really good piece of leg--" which he'd sort of. . . set aside for himself "--Do you want to share it with us?"  

[Hopefolly]

Nantale couldn't have looked more grateful. She didn't hesitate to take Csoa up on his offer, leaning heavily against his side. How much they might resemble a portrait of young love to wandering eyes did not cross her mind. These males were like surrogate brothers, and having lost her real ones, she needed them. They didn't lessen the loss, but they took some heavy weight off her shoulders.

A ghost of a smile played across her face. "No thank you, Hanyu."

Not far off, the Goddess Mwokoti vanished. Only then did Kitambi head for her daughter. Mtembei met her half way and they brushed their foreheads together, purring. There was no question at all the former malenga was still very much in love with her mate, and these trials had only made that bond stronger. She would mourn her sons tonight. For now, her daughter must represent the family with even more integrity to honor their memory.

Nantale did not need to be told this.

"I should talk to them," she mumbled to her mother when Kitambi reached the trio of friends. 'Them' meaning everyone as individuals, instead of addressing them as a pride.

Kitambi nodded in approval.

But Nantale felt sick to her stomach when she thought of wending through such a crowd...

Mtembei could sense his daughter's distress. She didn't want to brave all these lions without her friends with her, but it would seem to be unorthodox to let outsiders tag along for that. On the other paw, having her dad follow her? That wouldn't look bad at all! They would just think him overprotective.

"I'll go with you," Mtembei volunteered.

Father and daughter started into the crowd. The new malenga nodded her head to anyone she passed, and stopped to speak with those that wanted to.  

[Rainhowl]

Despite the air of sadness that clung to the fringes of the celebration, Jukka was truly happy - at least for the moment, he'd go back to being a busybody worry wort when the celebration was over, but for now, it was a time to be joyous and he'd not deny himself or any of his comrades that simple pleasure. He had listened to the new malenga's speech and acknowledged the two males with a slight bob of his head, but now was not his place to speak and he was respectful to those who headed the pride. Her speech was heartfelt and he felt a pang in his chest as he recalled those lost.

He was not yet hungry, despite the vast array of meats offered before him, a feast gathered by the goddess who had blessed the pride with her presence and assistance. They looked awfully tempting, but he would partake later and would certainly enjoy his fill. For now, his attention was drawn towards Nantale and Mtembei mingled into the crowd.

"Nantale, Mtembei." He dipped his head respectfully towards father and daughter as he greeted them. "Your speech was most excellent, Nantale, and congratulations on your new position as malenga."  

[SilverLutz]

Ndoto moved over to where the food lay after the speech, deciding that now was as good a time as any to indulge. He ate his fill and even tried some of the fruit, finding it rather pleasant. He had never had something quite as sweet as that before, and he could see himself becoming quite attached to it.

After moving back to the crowd, he noticed that Nantale and her father were moving through the lions. They paused to speak with one of the members close to him and, deciding he'd wait his turn, sat down to wait for her to finish. She hadn't been very talkative on the way back from the caves that they had found her and her companions in, but that didn't mean he couldn't try again!  

[Hopefolly]

Aside from a bow of his head, which was plenty polite and acknowledging -- and respectful, too -- Mtembei did not do or so anything. In fact, if his daughter looked comfortable enough, he might find his way back to Kitambi. He could feel her judging stare as backlash for coddling their daughter. She meant well, and if Nantale had not been more her mother than him, she would not be coping well at all. The females of his family were much tougher than their male counterparts. It was for selfish reasons he couldn't leave his only girl and, to his knowledge, only surviving child to drown in small-talk infested waters.

He was proud of the smile she managed for Jukka. Nantale's voice was quiet, but warm. The Nchi had been appointed a very caring queen indeed. "Thank you, sir," she said. Her position in the pride did not excuse her from giving others their dues, and she had been briefed on who was who at the present time. She knew the kima'baba when she saw him.

"If there's anything I can do for you... I know I have a lot to make up for, so please let me know..."

Aurrie Beaues

 

[Rainhowl]

"Likewise."

It would have taken a blind lion to not notice the new malenga was nervous, yet there she was, mingling with the crowd and offering assistance. He admired her and though this would be a new chapter in her young life, he was sure she'd have the strength and perseverance to carry on and lead the pride well.

"If you should ever find yourself in need of help, don't hesitate to call on me. I may mostly work with the baboon troop, but I learned much in the seasons after illness swept through the pride, before Tarina, Zima, and I returned. I'll gladly be of assistance." He spoke, of course, of the period of time when he and the other two - who were not blood sisters, yet sisters none the less, were taken by his father, the former kima'baba, and raised in rogue lands. Times had been tough, but they survived and it was the death of his own father that had prompted them to return. Just thinking about those hardships made him all the more grateful to be living amongst the pride he had been born to once again.  

[Hopefolly]

"I'll remember that, thank you," Nantale said to Jukka. She didn't notice her father had left her side and was heading back to Kitambi.

Good thing, too. She would have been much less at ease had she realized it. As it were, she chatted comfortably with the pride members after Jukka, but before Ndoto.

"Ndoto, are you done eating already?" The small talk sounded a little forced, but that was not to be confused with carelessness. Nantale's mother had not been too good at idling either. Diplomatic speak she could do. "If you need anything at all, my family owes you a favor..."

SilverLutz

 

[SilverLutz]

Ndoto waited for his turn and, when Nantale reached him, he bowed his head in respect. He had led a small group of lions to this very pride, and that had been nerve-wracking at times. He couldn't imagine what it must be like to suddenly find himself in charge of a whole massive pride like this. It took a special breed for that, and he hoped Nantale was ready for the task.

"Your family owes me no such thing. It was my honor to find and escort you all home," he said with a smile as he lifted his head. "While you've been away my brother and I led a small band of lions here after hearing about what this place is all about. It's exactly the place we've been looking for as we were kind of misfits in our old pride. So...I think of it more as thanks to you and your family for ruling such a magnificent group of felines."

Hopefolly

 

[Hopefolly]

Nantale expected no less than humility from every member of the Nchi. "Thank you, Ndoto. But you should thank my grandmother -- in spirit." Nsundu, the lioness responsible for rebuilding the pride, was not dead, simply on hiatus from her duties indefinitely. She traveled the world with her dearest friend and Nantale wasn't sure any of them would see her again.

"Enjoy yourself." The pride could celebrate without her. She was not much good at parties, not with so much work hanging over her head.

Now was the ideal time to get a look at the land, to see what had changed, while everyone was gathered here.

"If you'll excuse me..." In the end, it was Nantale that excused herself.

As expected, the celebration did continue without her there, for many more hours and filled with many more dances and songs.