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 Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2016 6:36 pm
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Meshach's Return
The night was calm and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos that had gripped the pride only nights before. Shangyue was almost certainly still calling for death but as they were now, the threat was almost null. The Rebels had claimed a portion of the pride's land for themselves.. though it had started small and well-guarded, now it was almost impossible to manage. There were too many rebels to actively guard them all but now it would be foolish to walk in unnoticed and attack.
Ota was pacing near the center of their territory, sparing a glance now and then for the full moon above her. Tonight they would decide how to proceed, how to take back the pride once and for all.. and there was only one way to start that. The rebels had managed without a visible leader to this point but from here, they needed to be more organized. It was time to out herself as a driving force behind the rebellion, and it was time to bring Meshach and his family back to the pride. So, to that purpose, a meeting was called for all rebels. It was still early and the crowd was sparse, and Ota waited for the exiled prince to make an appearance before she addressed them.
Only a short distance from the pacing white lioness, Neema was sitting at attention with a dejected lion at her side. She had finally been able to get her young, stupid brother to see the light- and she had convinced him it was safe to come with her, to join the rebellion. What Ikwezi truly thought he would not say but if anybody asked Neema (and they certainly had since she brought a Royal Guard home to the rebellion), she would insist he was manipulated from the start and never intended any harm.
She sighed, watching the crowd.
"Cheer up, Ikwezi," she said, glancing to her brother with a smile, "Everybody has bigger things on their mind than you."
He grunted but said nothing.
Notes
The Rebels now control a significant portion of the pride's territory and are primarily acting independently of the King's rule. Some hunters still help provide for those who refuse to participate and many guards still maintain a patrol around the borders, but their focus is away from supporting the usurper King and on supporting the rebels and innocent members of the pride.
Now is the time for Slaves to join the rebellion, the rebels are finally able to offer protection.
Now is the time for Loyalists and Royal Guards to make amends. Join the rebels, their victory is almost certain now.
Now is the time for External Rebels to stop hiding on the borders and take back their place in the pride.
Do not bring Loyalists in looking for a fight, they won't win a fight here, even if they all came together. If they aren't interested in switching sides, they know to stay away.
This is a chance for the group as a whole to contribute to the plan to take back the pride. They may only offer support or commentary as the leaders of the rebellion discuss their options, or they may take a more active part.
To any reformed loyalists, this is an important meeting. Participation will help clear their names when the pride is taken back!
The Youth Rebel group founded by Umepatwa are holding their own meeting at the same time. A character may move from one meeting to another but they would not see all of each.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2016 7:33 pm
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 "Good Evening, Ota," Uchanjaa called as he came near to the pacing lioness. It was not at all surprising that he had turned up yet again at a Rebel meeting, though aside from the ambush-turned-rout, he'd done little since nearly killing Shangyue. The reddish-brown lion grimaced slightly at the thought. If he'd succeeded then, Halili would still have hated him, but perhaps the rift between them would've healed by now.
He almost wished that she would come. The Guard recognized the young black male - Ikwezi, his name was - as a Royal Guard. If Neema had forced him here, there was more hope for the pride than Uchanjaa had feared.
 The time for hiding had passed. Caritas was proud to be a part of the Rebellion, prouder still to have been involved fairly early on, witnessing the birth of Shangyue's oldest children of the High Class. Well, none of them were children anymore, not a one of his litters. But they were all so young in comparison to the Midwife who'd watched them all being born. She was, after all, kin to them all.
"That's true enough, Neema," the older lioness replied, entering the conversation. "And I'm quite certain that a great many lions will be pleased to see you here, Ikwezi," she told the boy gently.
 A Huntress came up next, limping slightly. Her wounds were still recovering...which was, this time, something her victim could also say. Nyeusi hadn't expected to be attacked by Chunyue so soon after his sister's death, which had come quite quickly after their mother's. Still, she'd chosen - chosen! - not to kill the boy. After all, he'd come to the Hunter's Strike and he hadn't been a bad sort...just a bit misled by his parents.
There was time for him to repent that association, and even to claim some leniency after Umepatwa's death. But that time was running out, especially if he didn't put in an appearance tonight. She hoped, for his sake, that he did come. The Great Lion was already sorrowed by Chunyue's actions, but his presence here could do much to forestall punishment. |
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2016 9:44 pm
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This was undoubtedly a moment of triumph for the banished prince. Meshach entered proudly with his head held high and his scars worn with pride. Despite the many years it had taken, he had almost achieved his goal. It was only a step away. Ironic, he though glancing around the area designated for the meeting, that his banishment had been witnessed by the whole pride. Now upon his return, there was hardly a one to see him. Silly, he thought to himself, they will come soon.
He had brought the whole of his group that had been hiding with him on the borders of the pride for some time. This included his mate, Runa, and their first litter of now adult cubs. Meshach spotted the familiar white lioness seer who'd helped guide his steps. "Ota," he nodded his head in greeting, his lips twitching at her pacing. Curiously he glanced at the pair nearby her. Ones he didn't know personally. How much the pride had changed. So many cubs born. He'd get a chance to learn them all. Provided he survived the next step. A heartfelt grin split his face as he spotted someone well and dear. "Uchanjaa!" The old boy had survived too! Which he knew from reports, but seeing was believing right?
Meztli held her head nearly as high as her father's. This was his time to shine. But that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy it too. It was her first, "official" time in the pride. She finally had the chance to join and see what her father had devoted his whole life to since before she'd been born. Her eyes darted around at the unfamiliar lions. For so long she and her family had had to hide. It was almost hard to shrug off a life time of conditioning about not being seen. She wish her twin was nearby. The only thing steady was the wide eye of the Great Lion watching them.
Her mother had not been doing well since the revelation. Manyara regretted that it had been from her. That didn't stop her, however, from attending the meeting. Her ears flicked as an unfamiliar voice called a very familiar name. She moved a bit closer and added her own greeting. "Uncle! It's good to see you here." Manyara glanced around to see if any other from her family had arrived. Nko surely would not show. Her pride and the humiliation would not let her.
He'd finally made up his mind. The rebels had the right of it. Argyros padded over to join the gathering lions. He was going to be a part of this by golly! The shy male found himself a place to sit and watched the others. Clearly from expressions and reactions some were well known to each other. Wistfully he wished he knew more of them. That's what he got for sticking his head in the sand like an ostrich. He'd fix that tonight if he could.
A rather fluffy lioness swaggered her way over to join the group. She hadn't had much of a chance to play a part, but she was definitely here to show her support. "Nubiti," she said to those who looked at her by way of introducing herself. The lioness glanced around for her mate, Batu. She knew he'd also helped keep communications open with a certain lion and pass information to him. Not seeing him, she turned her attention as a large group of lions arrived headed by a clear family in purple. So. This was him them? She appraised the male in front, noting with appreciation his scars.
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Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2016 9:59 pm
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 For the duration of the rebellion Jioni had kept her support of the rebels a secret in case her position might give them the upper paw in some way, shape, or form. She could brush elbows with some of the important lions in the pride to either eavesdrop or lure them into a false sense of security. Her assistance hadn't been needed, but now that the rebels had taken hold of their position, she knew it was time to show her true colors.
She padded into the clearing where the others were gathering and felt her heart soar as she spotted Meshach. He was scarred but had a proud air about him, which was good. He needed all the confidence he could get right now. The other lions gathered were familiar, if only by face and not by name. Still, Jioni bobbed her head in greeting to the group at large before turning her eyes to Meshach.
"Welcome home," she said, her voice soft. "It's long overdue."
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Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 4:23 pm
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Nyota'shuti would hardly have missed this gathering. Conflicts between rebels and loyalists came more and more frequently, and battle lines were being drawn. In fact, the rebels had effectively laid claim to a chunk of the pride's territory--as if daring any loyal to Shangyue to do something about it. Not that such was likely on a night the Great Lion watched, she reflected, eyes flickering up towards the full moon above as she walked. The rising tide of rebellion was a far cry from the night of the coronation, and while she would have rathered it sooner than later, it was here now.
Arriving at the group, a tingling chill went down her spine at the sight of Meshach. If increasing hostilities weren't a sign that it was time...this was. "It's been a while..." she greeted him, dipping her head to him and to the others in turn. "Your return is welcome, Prince Meshach." |
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Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 6:48 pm
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Ota stopped pacing when Meshach appeared with his small entourage, beaming as he came along and was greeted kindly by those he passed. This was the last thing they needed, they were safe and with Meshach home, they would get ready. The fact that the exiled prince had been actively hunted for so long, managed to evade them almost entirely, and now could walk in completely unhindered.. they were truly on the path to success.
"Welcome home," she said, beaming as he greeted Uchanjaa.
Neema beamed at Caritas when she offered kind words to Ikwezi, giving him a playful shove.
"See, I'm not the only one who thinks so," she said brightly, chuckling and then turning her attention to the sudden burst of activity around the new arrivals. She was too curious to stay seated and ended up standing up, leaning around to get a better look at who arrived with Meshach. She recognized his daughter but not the other two.
Very interesting!
Ikwezi tried to smile at Caritas when she spoke kindly to him but he wasn't feeling very cheerful so it came out awkward and grim. He trusted his sister but he was so sure he'd gotten so far into the wrong side of all of this.. how could anybody actually forgive him? How could he forgive himself? His own mother was so torn up over what he and Nina did, the side they chose, that she ended up leaving the pride entirely.
It would make moving on harder.
He held his breath when suddenly Neema was standing at his side- nearly standing on top of him if it meant getting a better view. So it was beginning, then.
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Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:12 pm
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 Vocal as he'd been, Gyps was amazed that he hadn't been targetted by Shangyue. Was it because his mate was a midwife? Was it because Shangyue thought him no more dangerous than Nyeusi, but less annoying? He couldn't say. All he could really declare was that he was glad to see Meschach again. He couldn't recall, off the top of his head, if he'd spoken to the scarred lion before, but he still gave a nod and a "Welcome home."
 Behind her father, Fenghuan practically bounced. "Soon, soon we'll take it all back!" She was practically dancing on her toes in excitement, eyes glancing now and then to the glowing orb in the sky. "Look, the Great Lion is even watching!" She wasn't talking to anybody in particular, maybe her father. But she had the exuberance of youth to her as she all but bounced around.
 Kin watched Fenghuan, eyebrows up in surprise. He was amazed at how exuberant she was, how much she bounced about. "How does one lion..." He shook his head, turning his attention to the gathering lions. Meschach had returned, and with him others had come. There were some amid that he'd never seen before, either born in the time of exile to the external rebellion, or new lions who had joined the rebels from outside. He took a breath, admiring the number. "Shangyue was doomed to fall from the start..." When he told the story of Shangyue's fall, he would be sure to mention this.
 From the edge, another watched. Once bold and full of fight, she was now shy, afraid. After her encounter with Kin, Nina had run blindly. She'd wound up in the roguelands, where a lion she'd never seen before and would probably never see again consoled her, sending her right back with words of wisdom about signs and all that stuff. With some hesitation, she started to inch out, only to spy her brother. Her mouth opened and his name fell out before she could even stop herself or think about it. "Ikwezi!"
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Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 8:39 pm
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 The brown lion's attention was called, and held, by the younger and much-scarred lion. Aside from the obvious, it seemed that a rebellious life had overall agreed with Meshach. At least, he was still alive.
"Meshach," Uchanjaa offered, smiling. He might have said more, but then his niece also called to him. "Manyara," he said, turning to the lioness. "And will we be seeing more of your side of the family here?" the Guard asked her. It was a hard question, he knew, as Manyara and the rest of her litter had been born into the low class.
 The midwife offered another smile to the younger lioness and lion. The latter, especially, seemed nervous and she supposed he had good reason. Still, his presence tonight would count for a lot in the future.
The black female allowed herself to drift away from the pair and more towards lions her own age. For the moment, Caritas had little to add to the greetings that were flying. She also doubted that she'd have much to add to any decisions that were discussed, but she was here in support at least.
 Meshach, his kin, her grandfather, her cousin, even Shangyue's eldest high class daughter was now approaching, so there were lions of all ranks and classes. It was a good mix, which boded well for the future of the pride. Not to mention that this meeting was actually in pride lands - those held by the Rebels. Of course, there was still the biggest problem...
"When will Shangyue die?" the dark lioness abruptly demanded of the group. "Haven't we waited long enough to bring back the Great Lion's favor?"
Nyeusi glanced over towards the daughter of Shangyue again, to gauge the Apprentice's reaction. Her blue eyes widened in surprise, however, to note that what she'd taken for one lion was in fact two. Twins, clearly. Which suddenly gave rise to a great many questions...
 "i'm coming," Nketa muttered balefully as she followed Antara. She didn't want to not be with her twin, not after so long, but she was very nervous about this whole meeting thing. There'd been a lot of lions at the last one - far too many as far as the formerly isolated twin was concerned. And this was shaping up to have just as many, if not more!
But...she'd agreed to come, so she had to be here. Nketa wasn't entirely certain why it had to be both of them or none, but she trusted that her sister knew what was going on.
And it would be good to see Meshach again. As long as he didn't get too upset with her. Which she hoped wasn't likely, since there were a lot of other people around. |
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Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 2:13 am
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Tu-Bana and Juno
"Do you see anyone?" Juno whispered to Tu-Bana, edging closer to him still. She had not been around so many strange lions in a long time and the last time she had...had not been a fun experience. Tu-Bana, she realised, had never been around so many in his life. She could feel the tension coming off of him in waves.
"These people mean us no harm," she continued in a lowered voice.
"Can't be too sure." He replied stiffly, eyes still snapping to every shadow that moved. "This situation is complicated."
Endor
Endor's smile faded a little as someone called out for death, glancing around to try and pinpoint who it had been. It seemed silly but he'd not really considered truly the consequences of their impending actions. Bloodshed made him feel queasy, not because he wouldn't fight if he had to, but because it would put them in a similar grouping to Shangyue, They would kill him and - potentially - his followers just as he had killed to get his crown.
He hoped, desperately, that the followers would come to their senses before this was all over.
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Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 3:48 am
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"Nina!"
The brother and sister cried out in unison but Neema was the louder of the two. She looked both surprised and pleased to see her youngest sister, positively beaming once the shock wore off. She hadn't thought to hope Nina was ready yet- she knew her sister would come around, would have to come around.. but she had been a harder lioness to approach than Ikwezi.
"I'm so happy to see you, little sister," she said with a sigh of relief, "I mean it."
Ikwezi offered a sheepish smile to Nina-dini, visibly relieved to have another sibling here-- especially the one who was in the same boat as him. She had been more truly dedicated but in the end, it might not matter how fervent or indifferent the support of the King was.. but that remained to be seen. He truly supported the rebels, had been a victim of fear and stupidity.. but the lingering fear of the rebels kept him quiet even now.
"I'm glad you're here," he said in a much quieter voice the Neema.
Ota watching the continuing flood of welcome from the crowd with a smile until she was distracted by the arrival of a pair of nervous looking twins. She knew they didn't exactly want to be the center of attention, but they had never been explained.. that was sure to come up before the night was over. Her ear twitched when Nyeusi's voice rose above the crowd, demanding to know when Shangyue would die.. and she looked around to see what others might make of her suggestion.
She knew what was coming, but she could never explain.
"I think.. we have a lot to talk about," she said, projecting her voice as best she could, "Before we do that, I should properly introduce myself."
Ota looked to Meshach, nodding for him to join her. They were never exactly a team but at this point, they all benefited from being on the same side and working together. The pride was finally united (or.. united enough to succeed).
"My name is Ota, I am a huntress from the lower-middle class. My mother is a daughter of Nkosazana, the rogue guard," she said, offering some context that might only be necessary for the more doubtful of those present who might question her motivation and her ties to the pride, "With the help of many of you, I've been working for a very long time to get us here, to where we are now. We're finally ready to take back our pride! I've called back Meshach, his family, and his allies so we can plan the next step.. so we can decide what is the best way for us to be rid of the usurper."
She glanced to Meshach, curious, as she was certain everybody else was, what his suggestion and plan would be. He was their most obvious rallying point now. He had fought from the very beginning.. if anybody got a first crack at this, it would him.
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Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 11:56 am
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Meshach
Even has he approached, more lions had already gathered. Meshach couldn't have been more pleased by the reception he got and greeted everyone in return. Even if he didn't know their names. "Thank you. It has," he replied to Joini. He knew without looking back among those following him were a pair looking for family within the pride. "See anyone yet Tu-Bana, Juno?" The male murmured softly over his shoulder at the pair. His daughter had convinced him, against his better judgement, that they should be allowed the chance to look for family. He knew if he was in their paws he'd want to do the same.
Looking forward again, he spotted a lion that was somewhat familiar. It looked like family. Perhaps Yavin's son? He nodded with a grin to the tan lion. So many new lions.He'd grown too use to a small group where everyone knew everyone. That was long past. He'd have to learn fast. A blue lioness with a shooting star across her side caught his attention next. The use of his old title made him flush. "Indeed it is Lady. However it's Prince no more, just Meshach." He smiled, showing he held no claim to the throne, although he was fighting for it.
He bowed his head as he finally reached Ota. "It is good to be home Ota. Thank you." He turned to gaze over those gathered. Yes the pride was turning. It had been a slow turn but the trickle had finally become a torrent. This time they would succeed. His lips twitched as a loud young voice drew his gaze toward a pair of matching lions. One brown and one red. It'd been the red female he'd heard. "Yes we will!" He assured the pair. He had no intentions of failing this time. Meshach caught sight of a familiar black-n-white lion; seeing the male heading toward a female he nodded his head in recognition toward Batu. Another young lioness caught his attention. She was familiar only because of her twin, Shangyue's real heir had lived with him for much of her life. Meshach gave a respectful nod toward Antara for the bravery she'd shown.
Meshach also heard the cry for Shangyue's death. It saddened him, but he could understand they might feel more resentment having lived under his rule for so long. "If you want another slaughterer king on your throne, then I am not the lion you seek." The purple male stated loudly over the crowd. On this he was set. It would not be one blood feud after another. He moved up beside Ota where he was clearly visible. His eyes scanned the crowd then glanced toward Ota.
"It is my plan to challenge Shangyue," he wouldn't, or couldn't, name a title to his nephew who had no such right to it. "I do so as the Champion to the next king or queen. My mate is Runa, a lower-middle class. By that fact, I am ineligible to become king." He wanted that fact clear from the beginning.
Meztli
Meztli kept alert in case a loyalist had indeed squirmed their slimy way in. However, only fond greetings were proffered her father. She smiled as he returned those greetings. As noble as ever. Her eyes widened as one even called him Prince Meshach. He hadn't been kidding!
The dark female moved off to the side. Making herself a bit separated from the group; it was to give those who might be a bit shyer approaching Meshach a chance to talk to someone of the family. She settled herself and looked around at the wide variety of lions here. There was so many! It surprised her that her father's uncle hadn't been brought down sooner.
Manyara
Manyara was slightly tickled to spot a young male arriving with Meshach's group. He stuck close to one of the females. She was pleased that she'd taken the time to explain things to a small curious cub. Look at what a lion he'd grown into. He was surely a good catch for the lucky lioness. It was clear he knew what side he belonged to. "Well done," she murmured to him as he passed, heading toward someone else in the crowd. And it was getting crowded. Manyara was mildly surprised. She'd known the more and more of the pride was discontent with Shangyue, but she hadn't realized this many.
Her eyes gazed sadly at Uchanjaa. She bit her lip softly at his question. "I don't know. Mother is...." Broken would have been the word she used. The one proud lioness sulked in her den more often than not. Manyara doubted Nkosazana would ever have been welcomed here. She closed her eyes against the tears that wanted to spill out. "I am here for them all Uncle."
She gapped as Ota stated she was a granddaughter of Nko. When, how had that happened?! She had been so involved with her mother, that she hadn't been able to keep track of her siblings. Manyara smiled at Ota. Family was family.
Argyros
Argyros was slightly surprised to find his brother among those returning from the roguelands. Particularly in the middle of Meshach's group. He eyed Boinedal as the purple lion came to sit beside him. It pleased him to find out Boinedal had chosen this side., but.....
"Holding out on me brother?" He nodded toward the female who his brother had stuck close to. A grin played at the corners of his mouth as he tried to keep a straight face. "Does she have a sister?"
Nubiti
Nubiti purred at Batu when he reached her side. "Your friend sees you." She nodded back toward Meshach. "You'll have to introduce me some time." The lioness gave her mane a practiced flip as she took a look around. There was quite a few here now. That was good. Numbers were on their side. Shangyue would fall if they all worked hard towards it.
Afrim
Afrim settled down in an out of the way spot. So many here seemed to know each other. He felt distinctly alone in the large group. Hopefully he glanced around for someone he -might- know. Despite growing up in the pride it suddenly felt like these were all new lions to him. It was so strange.
mouselet
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