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 Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2022 2:39 pm
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 INTRODUCTION
Through the efforts—and sacrifice—of the Bonelands, the threat of prolonged famine is fading. While meat has begun to fill their bellies, the road to recovery is long and treacherous as the dry season continues. What food there is leads the lionesses in direct competition with the other predators of the Ithambo'hlabathi. The pride currently rests in the center of their territory, conserving energy and strength for the mass migration in a few months time and the migration south to meet it.
While the lions feasted upon a fresh zebra carcass, Inselelo Einion returned to the pride, grievously wounded. Speaking with the Abaholi, the lionesses watched and waited with perked ears as the Imbiza worked to save the Inselelo's life. During the night, all of the Abaholi left with nary a work spoken to the pride. It has been three days since they departed and the remaining lions wait, greeting each dawn with gazes to the southern horizon, watching, waiting for the Abaholi's return. It was one such dawn that rumors began circulating.
"Tawa'shilah has returned," one whispered to another. "He defeated Einion, sent sent back to issue a challenge to the Abaholi."
"Nonsense," exclaimed another. "He is just one lion. He should have simply taken Einion's place if that was true. No doubt we will find his corpse once the Abaholi are through with him. A shame, I feel for his daughters."
Last ORP:
Growing Concerns - The pride discusses the growing famine and what can be done. |
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2022 2:53 pm
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Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 7:16 pm
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The tuft of Emeka's tail brushed through the dry dirt once, then twice, in a slow and thoughtful motion. She had placed herself near the edge of the cluster of trees--close enough to have an ear on the chatter but not close enough to be completely engulfed by the conversations. Age and time seemed to have brought a color of austerity to the lioness's demeanor. The recent events especially seemed to have drawn strong opinions from the Imbiza. Her presence at the gathering seemed pointed and intentional.
Since her accident, Emeka seemed to put effort into proving that she was still a beneficial part of the pride despite the missing leg--into proving that she was still worth her weight, without pushing the boundaries of her capabilities. Plus, even she had to admit that there was a lingering curiosity as to how all of this would unfold.
Surely the Abaholi would have returned by now, no?
The dark lioness wrinkled her nose. She commended Tawa'shilah. The actions that he had taken were respectable ones. It was a shame that the challenge would have been so one-sided against the three Abaholi. Maybe he would at least give them a run for it. There had always been something about the Abaholi that nagged at Emeka's hide. Maybe the fact that it had taken three of them to claim their rule, and that they left their predecessors standing. Well, she felt fine about Umkhombo (perhaps it was the comfort of having old blood around), but the other two? Especially the paler one? Well. Maybe a solid challenge would finally settle her feelings about them.
The Imbiza chuffed and turned her eyes to the Edna that stood post. Her tail twitched again. Those boys certainly liked to keep a crowd on their toes with anticipation. |
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Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2022 12:37 pm
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Zanele wasn't a blood member of the Bonelanders and while the males certainly made a fuss of her arrival, a clear distraction to the current dire situation they found themselves in, the lionesses had made sure she knew her place among them. She slinked by the group of experienced females who were chatting comfortably among one another until she laid down beside the social group which became suspiciously hushed in their new found company.
Unsurprisingly the elder lionesses climbed to their paws and moved further away in their clear disinterest to her presence among the pride. While she tried not to look disheartened as she watched them pad casually away, inside, she was. There was no easy way of gaining their favour and being the youngest child of an abundant litter of girls, knew how hard she must work to be noticed.
In their next hunt she would have to show them she could pull her weight... She looked up, squinting at the silhouette of a male watching over them, perched high above at a vantage point before she thought if she wasnt going to be included she best make herself look busy by licking her legs and paws.
Her ears twitched frequently in antiscipation, like the rest she was eager to hear news of any kind, whether that be of Einion's recovery or the return of the Abaholi. |
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Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2022 5:51 pm
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 Igritte let out a small huff as she listened to the rumor mill at full throttle. She was keeping her distance but well within earshot so she could pick up anything that might hold some merit. She was content with just listening until it got noticeably quieter, and she flicked her gaze over when a shuffling began. A knowing look passed over her features for a brief moment, but she shook it off and stood, walking the distance to set herself comfortably near Zanele.
"The bees are certainly buzzing louder than usual, aren't they?" She murmured, her voice lacking projection but hopefully loud enough for the younger lioness to hear. As to emphasize her point, her gaze slid to the group, who had certainly not ceased their banter entirely. "Any idea what the fuss is?" she added, as an afterthought, hoping that maybe the younger lioness might have more information than she did.
Ritte was new, and she utterly breathed it in her lack of understanding what all the buzz was. Names in hushed tones held little recognition, but being around to put names to faces would certainly make all the difference if she wanted to stay here. |
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Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2022 8:03 am
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 Zwa'khala wasn't one to participate in the rumors, but that didn't stop her from listening. She had taken up a position well in the middle of it all, her ears swiveling to catch every little word around her, as she didn't bother to hide the fact that she was, in fact, listening. Most were used to her quietness, and as an experienced umzingeli, her presence wasn't shunned. Still, that didn't stop her from feeling irritated and anxious. Zwa'khala wasn't a fan of change, and some of the rumors circulating made her feel uneasy. It shouldn't take the abholi three days to confront a single lion. It just shouldn't. The more she thought about it, the more irritated she became, and eventually she rose to her paws to stretch and throw an anxious glance at the enda standing vigil. Nothing.
Zwa'khala gave herself a shake as she padded slowly away from the main cluster of rumors, having taken as much as she could for the time being. She was a tradionalist at heart, and she had mixed feelings about the current abholi and the situation the pride had been thrust into as of late. But she still abhorred the idea that something was not going as expected. They should have returned by now.
She found herself towards the outer bough of the acacia tree's reach, where she let her body slump back down into the dirt as she stretched her back and legs. These anxious feelings were making her tense, and the large lioness longed to do something about it. Anything to take her mind off her worries. A tussle, a hunt, just not this infernal waiting game that had her on edge. |
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Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2022 7:23 pm
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(i'll add images later)
A rare site indeed. Liyana spotted Umfana not to far away and approached him, her scars upon her face having mostly healed, though would always be of notice. She was just pleased she hadn't lost her eyesight. She watched as his shoulders sank slightly from his lofted perch and wondered what thoughts ailed him, probably the same that the rumor mill was passing around. Where were the Abholi? Why Hadn't they returned to them by now.
"I'm sure all is well brother......" She didn't believe the words that escaped her lips though. If it was, word would have been sent back by now surely. She wasn't going to let doubt get the better of her though. She had climbed part of the rock formation to stand somewhat distanced from him. He was her family, but she wasn't sure she'd call them close given they lived such lives that kept them moving and often distanced.
Avani, much like Umusa, was airborne, hoping to catch a glimpse of the leaders return. Her position was further away from the lions and the other avians, she hoped if they were spread enough apart in the air one of them would be able to spot them sooner than later.
- - - -
The look was all over Hesper, she was losing her son. While his external injuries seemed to be healing, there was more to what ailed him she feared. Though there was one wound in particular on his neck that seemed to be a major concern to the healers and she wondered if he would pull through. She was so proud of him, he fought off a challenger proudly, although clearly he lost the battle but still had his life. Much could be said of that, at least to her.
She was sort of sitting off to the side, alone to her thoughts. Listening to the rumors flying about the other Inselelo and of course their Abholi's absence. How could one, even a large lion such a Tawa, hope to defeat all three Abholi? Einion had to have injured him in return, if even slightly? He wouldn't be up to full strength, how could he possibly hope to defeat all three Abholi. While it was only a minor thought, because of all the gossip, her main thoughts were on Einion. She didn't want to bother the Imbiza while they were working on him so here she sat, listening to the idle gossip.
- - - -
Nonhlanhla and Khethiwe weren't too far away from some of the chattering lioness's. "What do you think Nonhlanhla?" Khethiwe said softly looking towards the older lioness. She wasn't trying to show it, but she wondered why her father hadn't returned yet. Though they could just be held up by the distance traveled. Surely after a fight, even a short lived one, they'd want to rest and then travel back to the pride.
Nonhlanhla looked over at the younger lioness. "I personally don't like to take part of idle gossip. Surely they'll return soon though." She could hardly believe that Tawa would be able to take on all three Abholi at once. Though she wasn't going to openly say anything, still, she commended him on how he allowed the beaten Iselelo to return to issue his warning to the Abholi. It showed a lot about Einion, that he was able to take on the former Inselelo and return, with such terrible wounds, to tell their leaders Tawa was coming for their role. It meant that Einion had done his job and done it as best he could. It happened all the time that Inselelo's were defeated, why they went through them so often. But this one came back to issue a warning. Made her sort of warm up to him slightly, though she still held firm to her standing that they were easily replaced.
Khethiwe frowned, she wasn't sure if that was the exact response she had been hoping to hear, but agian Nonhlanhla was older than her and had seen many things so she respected her words and gave a small nod. Looking over towards one of the newer lioness's she gave Nonhlanhla a nudge. "Listen to this one.." What was all the fuss about indeed, she gave a small smile. Though she was new to the pride so of course she wouldn't know.
"The buzz is that an official challenge has been made against the leaders of the pride and they went out to meet it and have yet to return." Nonhlanhla wasn't against stating facts though.
- - - - -
Nokuthula spotted the young busisa as she tried to 'fit in' if it were. She, more than anyone could understand on some level what she must be going through. She had left the pride and come back. She had been an Umzingeli before her departure, but ever since her return she was considered a Busisa. Though she knew that as she had history here, and lots of family, her position was easily remembered. This new adolescent had yet to prove herself, so it made her a sort of pariah. The silver and while female gave a soft smile and approached her. "Mind if I sit?"
- - - - -
Siti'osei spotted Zwa'khala sitting off, sorta by herself, and figured she'd go over and join the female, if she allowed it anyway. "You seem.... troubled? I don't mind sitting and listening if you'd like to talk?" She offered. She wasn't much for gossip and really didn't do a whole lot of talking herself, but if another wanted to unload on her then she was all for it. There was much she had lived through and much that she hadn't, she wasn't old and she wasn't young. She just sort of took life as it threw things at the pride again and again. Finding a way was just something she did.
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AstoriaFallen
AstoriaFallen
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Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2022 3:26 pm
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It had been three days. Three days, and no one had seen hide nor hair of the Abholi. Nike was at her wits end, pacing back and forth behind the main group of lionesses. Her claws dug into the dirt as she walked, the ground churned up as she'd been at it for quite some time now. The other lionesses were whispering low to each other, but occasionally a voice carrying on the wind made her snarl. Nike's tail lashed back and forth until she finally had enough and pushed her way through the crowd, moving to stand closer to where Umfana was keeping watch atop a rock. She didn't join him up there but stood at the base, staring out resolutely to the horizon.
"If they don't return by the time the sun is at its highest, I'm going to find them," she growled. Traditions be damned, they were her friends! She'd arrived with them and if they were out there dying, she was going to go join them. They'd battled together long before they'd become a part of the Bonelands and if they were in trouble, she would help. Perhaps they would have to admit defeat and never return, but at least they'd leave together, as they'd arrived.
---
Moving through the females and passing along gossip was Umlotha, a grin on her face and her ears on a swivel. This was exciting, wasn't it? The pride wasn't in quite the dire situation it had been in the past few months so a bit of gossip and a former Inselelo-turned-Ahluke making a stir was always welcome. Umlotha hummed softly as theories flew through the air, some lionesses agreeing while others denied what was being said. No one knew for sure which was why it was so exciting!
Spotting one of the Imbiza, Umlotha made her way over towards her. Surely whoever was going to appear over the horizon would need to be tended to, whether it was their three Abholi or perhaps one new one. If Tawa truly was the one to show up she'd be very impressed and perhaps a bit suspicious.
"Ready to patch up whoever returns?" she asked Emeka, giving her a little grin. "How's Einion doing?" She wasn't really asking after him out of concern, more out of curiosity. He'd been beaten after all and was only here to heal before leaving. He was no longer of any interest to her. If anything, he was a litmus test to try to guess at how the Abholi would fair against a presumably back to fighting form former Firekin.
[quote=" |
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Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2022 10:51 pm
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The titter of conversation all around was music to her ears. Most talk was hushed and soothing in their susurrus; occasionally, a yowl would sound out over the din, only to be quickly swallowed by murmurs once more. Clearly, everyone was on edge. While she certainly didn't feel the same way, Zahara couldn't blame them. It was exciting, getting new males in the pride, right?
Probably more exciting than it was supposed to be. The lioness' bicolored eyes scanned the crowd for those of a more traditional mindset - and smirked, just a little, at the scowls she found there. An inselelo sent back, bearing a warning? The entire trio of Abaholi sauntered off to meet his challenge? And yet to return?? The scandal of it! Zahara wanted to laugh, but held it in. Only just, though. Her mirth was certainly palpable, especially to the bit of conversation she had decided to hone in on.
Soft pawsteps carried her to Zanele's side, and she smiled at the youth before plopping somewhat gracelessly nearby. She favored the adolescent, and nearby lionesses, with a lazy blink of greeting as the dust raised by her sudden descent settled into her fur - and a wink at Nokuthula. Zahara hadn't bothered asking. Why would she? The ground was free. "They're right, you know. Those particular bees have a lot of buzzing to do today. Never you mind it - they'll come around. An' if they don't..." She chuckled, tail lashing a little harder than she intended. Sometimes the ladies could be cruel, especially if you weren't perfect or traditional - or if your dear old Dad had gotten himself on everyone's dung-heap somehow. "Well, their loss then, eh?" She grinned it away, same as she did every time.
Mokosh broke her gaze from the Enda at last. She couldn't help her quiet groan when his shoulders slumped - no news. No sign. Though she didn't know any of the Abaholi personally, they were strong and capable. They had daughters here, and friends; if that Nike was any indication, anyone threatening the three of them would have hell to pay from the lionesses, as well. In spite of herself, she hoped that they were alright... But three days gone? Three days, for one challenge? It was plain that something wasn't right.
Seemed like they had only gotten through one crisis only to find themselves up to the ears in another. And this one was no less painful. Mo turned from watching the watcher to make her way to another - one who was easy to find, with a pelt as distinct as that. She also didn't know Hesper personally, but they had shared some small words when she arrived with her son. Back then, Mo had wondered whether she would leave with him. It was startling to realise she may not get that chance.
"I'm so sorry, Hesper," Mokosh's words were barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you. I just wanted you to know that, if you need anything at all, it would be my pleasure to help." She knew what it was like, losing a family member...and even then, she imagined that losing her sister was a pale pain compared to the loss of a son.
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Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 9:53 am
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The enda's ear swiveled to catch the chatter of lionesses, the words spoken by Nike that were seemingly said to none in particular, perhaps only meant for herself. There was a palpable tension in the air, like a string pulled taught, ready to snap. It would not be unlike her for Nike to be the one to break it if her words were to be believed. Umfama spared a moment from his vigil to give his sister a small, uncertain smile before his attention was called back by Umusa's calls. Stepping forward, he rose only to the edge of the small rock formation, only inches higher than he had been before, searching for what had alerted the vulture that still soared in the skies above the gathering of Bonelanders.
"There's something coming," he announced to the grouping. Umfana's brows knit together as he squinted into the early morning light. Something wasn't right. Two cries from Umusa were not the three he had been listening for, those to mark the Abaholi's return. He waited, with the lionesses, and watched the horizon as two specks, bodies he presumed, drew closer, their silhouettes obscured by the distance between them and the Bonelanders. Had one of the Abaholi been slain?
[ Event! ]
- You may optionally roll 1 10-sided dice per lion you have in your post.
- If you roll a 10, the lion who rolled it is able to make out the color of one approaching figure: pale sand.
[ OOC Information ]
I will be posting again in 48 hours.
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AstoriaFallen rolled 6 10-sided dice:
8, 7, 9, 10, 9, 1
Total: 44 (6-60)
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Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 10:37 am
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[Rolling for my 6 (posted another separate because she had a reply to respond to after I rolled XD
Liyana spotted the pale sand colored figure-]
Liyana's eyes tore from her brother's stance towards the approaching figure's. Looking she caught a glisten of pale sand in the sunlight. "One of them appears pale in color..." Her voice was low enough that it was likely only Umfama would hear and her gaze went to the sky for Avani, to see if the avian might be trying to go closer but she was staying near the group of lions, making circles. None of their Abholi were pale in color.... Something had happened indeed.
Quaji she's not really talking TO him, more at him or to herself
- - - - -
Hesper knew this was the life of the bonelands, and had warned Einion of it before they had arrived here. She had never imagined he would end up gravely wounded as a result though, she figured he'd do a term or so and then eventually leave to start his own family. She was realizing he may never have that chance now. Ears swiveled slightly and she turned to look at the silver lioness. "Thank you for your words." She really didn't have much else to say. Even when Umfama spoke of figure's approaching, she was more focused on the health of her son.
------
Nonhlanhla and Khethiwe looked towards where Umfama was staring and Khethiwe, having better vision being younger, made out two? figures. "It seems someone may have not made it back?" Her voice was only low enough for Nonhlanhla to hear because she wasn't about to speculate and cause a stir. Nonhlanhla wondered who might have fallen. Since Tawa had been the one to issue the challenge, but her gaze shifted towards Liyana who seemed to have a mildly concerned look upon her face. "I don't think something is right."
-----
Nokuthula sat up to look where everyone was looking when Umfama called out and then returned her gazed towards Zanele, "I suppose this is a lot of excitment for you all at once huh?". Maybe in the future she'd ask her where she had traveled from.
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AstoriaFallen
AstoriaFallen
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Jovi of Shadows rolled 1 10-sided dice:
2
Total: 2 (1-10)
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Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 11:56 am
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((Zwa'khala notices nothing. xD))
Zwa'khala flicked an ear and raised her large head to from the sand to regard Siti'osei as she approached. It took maybe a moment longer than normal, but eventual Zwa shifted to make room for the other female and offered her a small bump from her forehead in greeting. Zwa was a very physical lioness, and didn't think twice about the gesture. "It's nothing no one else is feeling," Zwa sighed and gave her head a shake. "I just wish this waiting was over, it has me feeling so tense." Still, she was thankful for Siti's company.
Almost if on cue, the vigilant Enda's voice cut through the gossiping, and Zwa was on her paws in an instant. "Is it the abaholi?" she was quick to ask, to no one in particular, but her voice conveyed her eagerness. She may have mixed feelings about the trio, but she was more worried about things changing on her than she was about anything else.
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ChexaRain rolled 1 10-sided dice:
6
Total: 6 (1-10)
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Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 1:25 pm
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SilverLutz rolled 2 10-sided dice:
7, 3
Total: 10 (2-20)
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Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 6:14 pm
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Nike's eyes were burning with how long she was keeping them open staring towards the horizon, willing the Abholi to return. Umfana's call forced her to blink and she took a few steps forward as if that would help her pick out the specks, shimmering slightly due to the distance that still separated them. Despite being too far to distinguish much about them, she could clearly see there were only two.
Two.
Who had fallen? Unease gripped her as she continued to stare silently, the only movement her tail flicking back and forth in short, jerky motions that betrayed her mood.
---
"Oh?"
Umlotha turned as the call came from the Enda that someone had been spotted. Or a few someones by the look of it. Turning her gaze to the horizon like the rest of the pride, the large female waited to see who would emerge from the distance.
"Well, well, well," she murmured with a little grin on her face. "Time to see how things shake out." She sauntered forward a bit, knowing that her place in the pride would have her receive whoever was coming their way.
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