He had listened quietly as Kimondo continued on. He knew there was more. Meshach rose quietly to his paws as his name was called to stand with the others before their queen. He nodded a greeting to the other three as they got into position.
“Congratulations,” he murmured to Orion. Meshach closed his eyes, remembering Uchanjaa. The lion who’d stood beside him when he’d first tried to rouse the pride against Shangyue as he took the throne. He would always remember the brave lion who’d stayed despite the risks. If they’d had a chance to know each other better, he would have been happy to call Uchanjaa friend.
He smiled, sweetly, but sadly as the queen turned in turn to him. The lion bowed his head lightly.
Her attention was quickly drawn back to the white lioness standing before them all. Indeed her words perked her interest and held on to her. A smile passed over her muzzle. Her eyes went wide as her father was called to stand before the queen. His attitude saying he may have known this would happen. The dog! He hadn’t told her anything!
Despite that, she could barely contain herself to her seat. Meztli sat riveted on every word that was said. She listened intently as the queen spoke about Orion. Some of the names she used were familiar to the young lioness from the stories her father would tell. She applauded the Mwezi’s first knight. In a way it was weird to hear the same stories she’d grown up on told in a different way. She was impressed the queen included those who had given their lives. Then it was Meshach’s turn and she waited, breath held.
Ecavi
Posted: Sat May 20, 2017 10:00 pm
"A friend, right," Iki muttered as Kimondo began to speak again. She wasn't certain where this was going, but she saw her father being acknowledged by the Queen as a Knight in the newfangled Order of the Stars, whatever that meant. It was good that someone recognized that her quiet father was worthy!
However it didn't stop there, as her grandfather, her cubhood hero, was also acknowledged in the Order of the Moon. This obviously had to be even more important that the stars, for were they not the Mwezi'Johari and was the moon not the Eye of the Great Lion?
"Grandfather," the black lioness whispered, tears clouding her eyes.
"Thank you, my love," Caritas murmured to her mate, leaning against him happily. She was indeed honored, but mostly that he'd chosen to be with her tonight. She'd known changes were coming, and this was a good one.
However, the next announcement took her by surprise. It was...an excellent idea, to create a way to formally recognize those heroes of the pride, and all the names called thus far were certainly worthy of that recognition. It was a damned shame that both Umepatwa and Uchanjaa had died for their beliefs, one of them at a tragically young age, but at least their names were now assured to live on.
There was no way Halili could have stayed away from this gathering tonight. She had considered it, but just as she had chosen to honor Orion's decision, so the lioness also determined that she should make that support public by being here. And to see that he was the first lion honored-! That would certainly leave an impression.
After everything he'd been through, Orion would be returned to the High Class he'd been born into, and Halili found that fitting. Herself, well, that was a different issue entirely that she'd have to come to terms with at some point in the near future. In the meantime, she was trying not to cry.
The Slave hadn't expected how Kimondo's public announcement inducting Uchanjaa into the Order of the Moon would twist her heartstrings. Her father had been so strong, so honest, so honorbound...and he'd died for it. Perhaps if she'd chosen differently, years ago, he might still be alive. It was a regret she'd always know. At least the pride would now recognize and honor that sacrifice.
Damnit. Those were tears dampening her cheeks.
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 7:47 pm
Pueo was late and the lioness knew it. Guard duty had taken a confusing turn when she had showed up for her shift only to forget that today wasn't her shift. Her brain was all kinds of jumbled after a run in with a certain male and she was still trying to figure out the answer to these strange feelings. Of course it wasn't love but could it have been attraction? She wasn't sure but it annoyed her for her to have this get in her way of her work. She took her guard duties quite seriously.
Quietly the female slinked in to the crowd and took a seat listening in to conversations to help catch her up to speed. The queen was here so what ever was going on must have been important. Was this something to do with the over throw of the previous leader ship?
Pueo couldn't keep focused.
Tatkret also managed to show up quite late. She hadn't been paying attention and was sure she'd be sorry if she missed this. She followed the path a white lioness cut through the crowd to get as close as possible hoping to catch what was going on if possible.
"What's happening?" Tatkret whispered to no particular lion.
Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 8:06 pm
She felt bad for being late but she had showed up just in time it had seen. She had slunk into the back of the growing crowd and listened as four priests were announced and she gave a smile and a nod. She knew there was going to be more but took the moment to look around for a familiar face. One that wasn't family.
Finally seeing him in the crowd she made her way towards the male she had met when she was just an adolescent. "Hello Belial." She said warmly as she came up next to him and took a seat. She felt like it had been a while since she had set eyes on him but maybe that was because she was older since the last time she had saw him.
She realized her twin wasn't too far away as well and she gave him a smile. "Hello brother." She said softly.
She listened as he aunt began to speak again and returned her attention to the white lioness. She gave a proud smile as she listened to the names of four others be called off as lions who had done something in order to influence their fates within the pride. She gave a small nudge of Belial's shoulder. "Isn't this such a great ceremony?" She asked glancing at him briefly before turning her gaze back towards Kimondo.
Hodari was happily surprised when Liuhe and his friend actually came over to join her and her family and she smiled at their approach, sweeping her tail at her offspring to make room with her for the young Lords.
Young indeed, Realization dawning on her. Liuhe's my age for goodness sake! But true it was, they were all young lions, even if Kimondo was Queen, Liuhe a lord, and Hodari a mother. She shook her head slightly to clear her head of worries starting to surface and glanced about for Amabala. Her eyes finally found him, sitting surprisingly close, despite her not having noticed him before. Now that Hodari had taken up her job more readily, Amabala was becoming more distant and occasionally leaving the pride's borders. She always knew he would come back, so she never worried about it. Still, to have him nearby tonight, even when so much good was coming of this meeting, was immensely relieving to her.
Her ears perked up at Liuhe's question and she returned her eyes to him, smiling. "I haven't had much chance to speak with my sister, now that she's experiencing Queendom. Although..." She mind flitted to her last conversation with her sister, where Kimondo had asked something so great of Hodari and Hodari vowed to take on the role, should the circumstances pass. "No... I don't think that could be it." She murmured, half to herself, half to the others who may have overheard her answer. Finally, she shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't help you. I suspect in your asking it means you're just as lost as everyone else, hm?"
A bit of a clamor that resulted in Kasai's loud-as-ever speech caused her eyes to flit to Liuhe's companion, who was now engaged in conversation with her daughter. Her eyes shined with interest. Well, Kasai could certainly do worse than a Lord, not that rank mattered, of course.
"How have you been fairing lately, Liuhe?" She had asked, when her sister suddenly approached the empty space and addressed them all.
Hodari turned, ears perked and chest puffing out at the sight of her sister. She realized she couldn't very well leave to go sit with her sister now, especially not with the two Lords having come over to sit with them. She would go visit with her sister later, she decided, but in the meantime, smiled up at her sister, pride swelling in her chest and interest in her eyes as she, like everyone else, awaited the announcement.
While the decision of the Apprentice titles being abandoned and the various lions and lionesses did not directly affect Hodari, she glanced around to her fellow pridemates to try and deduce who was who. She didn't think to know any of those striving towards Priesthood, her job didn't usually allow the getting to know others outside her duties, except when she was accompanying hunters, perhaps. Maybe tonight, she would start seeking out others from outside her ranks and make even more friends.
Her sister than continued and Hodari turned her gaze back to her, listening with great interest at the lions and lionesses she called up to her and about the "Order of the Stars" and "Order of the Moon" that her sister created. Were they just honorary titles, Hodari wondered for those who had sacrificed much to help the cause? The Order of the Moon was surely a title for the dead, she thought, but what of the Order of the Stars? It had raised Orion's rank, surely, but would he have any responsibilities that came with his new title? Hodari wondered if Kimondo would say anymore on the new titles, but instead her sister turned to Meshach, so Hodari, too, turned her gaze to fall upon the purple lion's coat.
Meshach had been a key player in the rebellion, everyone who had been apart of the rebellion (or who had fought against it) knew that. What new title would he receive from her sister?
Yoru had turned from his family to look back at Belial, wondering if the lion would take him up on his offer and join him. His ears perked and his eyes looking a little more than hopeful (after all, going to face his glaring brother wasn't exactly something that Yoru was looking forward to) he awaited a reply, when suddenly, the topic of their conversation appeared.
Miyako sidled up against Belial's side and Yoru's ears tipped back. Even when she noticed him, she was still too preoccupied with her evident beau. Poor Belial, no wonder the lion was confused. "Miyako, we were just talking about-" But then his aunt came forward and began her announcements about some order or another.
Sensing that he would be forgotten about by the two lions before him, Yoru sighed. "I'll leave you to it. See you around, Belial." He said, retreating into himself and moving towards his family. The King of Sulkiness had returned.
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Yoru is grumpy that his twin isn't paying him any attention xD
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 9:14 pm
She gave a frown as he left without saying goodbye to her. That was rude of him! Usually he was always so open towards her she wondered why he had left, was it because she had sat away from him? Had she insulted him perhaps? He was being a bit sulky though. She wondered why that was. Without saying anything she had recalled him saying something about them talking about..... about what? She turned her attention back to Belial.
"What were the two of you talking about before I interrupted?" She asked him curiously.
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 9:32 pm
Thula had been about to speak when the Queen herself showed up and made the announcement. Sharing of ranks, the words brought a smile to her face. The changes in the pride would strengthen them, at least she hoped. Watching the four High Priests she swelled with pride. It was the next part of the announcement that held her. Knights of the Mwezi'Johari and Order of the Moon.
Then she turned to Ukulwa's mate, "I'm Thula. Umgiyo's mate." Getting in a small thing before Kimondo started speaking again. She did not want to interrupt or miss anything. Part of her was still hoping that maybe she might be able to apprentice under one of the High Priests, mostly Caritas.
Still she looked for her mate, where within the Great Lion's gaze was Umgiyo anyway.
He gave nods to both the males who ended up joining them. Happy to see more lions he recognized here. At least he knew Liuhe. Though his gaze shifted between Hivyo and then up towards where his aunt might be making an appearance. Think and she shall appear, just the smallest of chuckles before putting on a straight face. Though he looked back at Kasai, hoping that no one else might hear her and have her too loud during the announcement.
"Kasai." Galdric said in hushed tones. His over excitable sister. Though he didn't know this male so he spoke just a little bit louder than a hush, "Galdric, you are?" Directing the words at Hivyo. Cautious of the male and his banter with his sister.
Then he turned back his attention to the Queen and listened again. Fancy titles for the living and the dead. Looking about his gaze caught that of Pueo. The lioness he was currently trying to gain the affection of, well he was pretty sure he got it already but he didn't want to say it out loud in case he cursed it. Maybe she would see him trying to give her the 'please come over here, this is my family' eyes. Wait... was that too soon to introduce her to his family. Was there a time limit?
Of course his mother would notice him sweating, would Yoru see it too as he made his way here? Why wasn't he bringing Miyako and the male he had been talking to who Miyako was now speaking to. Too many questions in his head was enough to make him feel like he was having a small meltdown. Galdrics expression didn't change from the stoic tone it held, just his eyes said, 'help'.
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nessiaing
Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 10:33 pm
Kasai's silver eyes flashed with merriment when her own markings were complimented. "I got these ones from my dad. The wings are all my mom's though, as I'm sure you can see." She grinned at the other.
She paused briefly, to turn her eyes to the queen, her aunt Kimondo, as the announcements were being made. She was listening with such rapt attention that she almost didn't notice Galdric was speaking to her. She turned to her brother with perked ears and a tilted head.
"What's up, Gal?" She asked him, only to find him looking... strange. Unlike himself, though she hadn't a clue what his usual self looked like, since they spent so little time apart. He went on to asking the stripey-lion his name and Kasai looked back at the dark-maned lion.
"Oh yeah! I'm Kasai, by the way. Dunno if you knew that, but that's who I am." She chirped. "Say, what is it that Lords do? I know that Hunters hunt and Guards guard, but what do you do?" It was her first time being introduced to anyone who might be in the nobility, save for her aunt, of course. And this stripey-lion was nice, she had decided. She would find it quite interesting to befriend him, if she had further opportunity.
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Posted: Wed May 24, 2017 12:12 am
DavyJnah
Pueo was doing her best to not pay attention to the male. She had a lot of stuff to sort out about what made her cheeks glow still. She'd never felt bashful about being around some one else or really embarrassed ever. This was a new sensation for the lioness and she hadn't decided if she liked the feeling or not just yet.
However, Tatkret who had been lingering very close to the white lioness noticed the direction she was avoiding and noticed the dragon marked boy. While the lioness lacked the understanding of the situation at paw she could tell a friendly gaze when she saw one. It was directed at Pueo. The pink lioness took a breath to with hold her smile and prodded the white lioness.
"Hey, that lion looks like he wants your attention." She gave a sweet endearing smile to the pale lioness.
Pueo felt a shiver go up her spine when the other lioness tapped at her with her paw.
"Is he looking this way?" She was doing her best not to look at him and that was now painfully obvious.
Tatkrets expression fell to something more flat.
"Yeah. You should go over," What the heck had she stumbled upon? Maybe this was going to be too much trouble to get wrapped up in.
Pueo took a deep breath not wanting to explain the situation to this lioness. They were strangers after all. It would come off strange if she kept ignoring him so the pale lioness turned her head to look in his direction.
Very reluctantly she padded off to go be friendly.
"Funny running in to you here," She managed.
Tatkret was right behind her. She hadn't meant to originally follow this lioness but now she had to find out what was going on. Plus it seemed like most of what was happening had happened. Might as well go along for the ride.
Posted: Thu May 25, 2017 4:31 am
"No, she didn't tell me anything, either," Liuhe answered Hodari thoughtfully, wondering if this meant whatever Kimondo was up to was a bigger deal than he first expected.. there was no reason to share information with him or her sister, but she often did.
He barely managed a smile when Hodari asked how he was doing before Kimondo took the stage and he became fully focused on what she had to say. Hivyo, on the other paw, was not so attentive. When there was a pause, he addressed Kasai and Galdric in a hushed voice.
"My name is Hivyo," he introduced himself, "When you put it that way, Lords don't actually do very much actually. We let everybody else do the hard work and find our own ways to contribute, or not."
It was a pretty selfish rank to explain, and Hivyo was being generous suggesting they found their own ways to contribute. Many didn't bother and truthfully, Hivyo was one of them.. but he knew Liuhe was taking advantage of this luxury by giving himself the time to deal with some personal demons. Hivyo would likely be dragged into hunting or something later, when Liuhe was ready.
Liuhe, still attentively watching the front of the crowd, gave a hiss and swatted at Hivyo to get him to shut up and pay attention again.
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Posted: Thu May 25, 2017 5:21 am
Kimondo's smile held fast, even faced with Meshach's sad expression and his bow. She had saved the best for last, and though she wouldn't say it out loud, she was sure there were many who would agree with her. Trying to explain Meshach's contribution to getting the pride where it was now in a concise manner was going to be a challenge, but she was ready for it now. So she turned to face the crowd.
"Meshach," she said, "From the very beginning, you fought back. You were chased out of the pride for your trouble but you never left us and you never stopped fighting. You never gave up on seeking justice for our lost King and Queen, and you never gave up on freeing your pride from the reign of their murderer."
She took a breath and turned back to Meshach.
"I name you knight of the Mwezi'Johari, in the Order of the Moon," she declared proudly, "The Great Lion watches over you, and we are all in your debt for everything you have done for us. You will be elevated to the High Class, and be known as one of our greatest heroes."
Orion watched from the sidelines as Meshach was named a knight of the Order of the Moon, finding it much easier when it wasn't him and someone he truly felt deserved it. It was luck only that had his contribution turn out to be so important, but he was beyond being able to argue about it now. He had accepted. He and Halili were no longer slaves, however he had done it.. he had drawn the eye of the Great Lion to them.
Smiling, he looked upward to the bright, full moon.
magnadearel
Posted: Thu May 25, 2017 10:30 pm
So a former royal guard had ascended to knight. Pueo had to give credit where credit was due that was quite impressive. She'd missed the announcements earlier but being here for this was pretty amazing. Pueo had been born during Shengyue's rein so she was a little more indifferent to the aftermath then some were. If the pride was happy then so was she and if the great lion willed it then it was good was how she saw it.
The white lion couldn't help but smile feeling it was appropriate. At least she hoped she wasn't being weird.
Tatkret had also paused to pay attention. It was quite an impressive achievement for some one of the old rule to be promoted like that so she also had to give him credit. Tatkret had been young when Shengyue had taken over so most of her life had been under that rule but like Pueo, she felt relieved that the great lion seemed to be giving his blessing. Her out look was generally positive.
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Posted: Thu May 25, 2017 11:24 pm
Kupa watched with a proud grin as her father went to stand with the Queen, knowing full well what trials and tribulations he and her mother had gone through during the troubling times. Their whole family, really, had been quite steeped in the rebellion and overthrowing the tyrant...although she had been one of the ones to lay low. Being in the spotlight wasn't her thing, nor were conflicts. It was better for everyone that she had stayed out of it, she was sure. That didn't dampen her respect for what her family did do, though, and pride swelled her chest as her grandfather also was given a special title.
Iki's tearful word caught her attention and she turned to give her sister a fond bump, nuzzling her head against her neck. The queen wasn't done then, though, and as Kupa lifted her head once more one more lion was called forth to receive the great honor of the new title. Meshach, another worthy lion, and the only living one to gain the title.
"How wonderful," she said with a happy smile, tail flicking back and forth in delight. "All that hard work and the Great Lion has seen their sacrifice rewarded."
Posted: Sat May 27, 2017 10:22 am
Ukulwa wasn't convinced that the lioness was so down to earth not to know he own self worth, but it appeared to be true. "Ah, so romantically said Thula." She mused softly and sighed. That was when she noticed her mate had made himself present. "Jitu, how are you doing my love?" She queried him and leaned against his shoulder. The contact was enough to make her shiver with joy, the light of her life stood beside her.
"He most certainly is a sturdy fellow, always has been." It was clear the lioness was incredibly proud. Her golden eyes didn't stay peering at their little group much longer though, she was soon drawn by the moonlight white lioness that had appeared, presenting herself before the group and began with a burst of 'good evening'. She could almost feel the hush work it's way around her as the Queen spoke, it was amazing.
Oh? And she was making such a change, the change made immediate sense to her. Apprentices for so long? That seemed exhausting and unrewarding. The news didn't cease there, knights of the Mwezi`Johari! Her golden eyes widened as she watched with increased anticipation of the lions that came forth - also amazing.
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Posted: Sat May 27, 2017 10:28 am
Wide eyed Belial watched as all of a sudden he appeared surrounding by he family of the lioness he had be courting - how many of them were there? When the offer was laid out on the table from Yoru he wondered how much of that offer was actually for himself, the thought made him smirk. "Sure.." He was about to agree to what could have been an extremely exhausting idea when he spied the lioness he was here to chase after. "Miyako." He breathed out the name softly as she came into view. It was the first time he was seeing her full grown and heck if she wasn't the most beautiful lioness there.
"Hello Miyako, I've finally had the grace of meeting your family." He said with a smile as she approached "I believe I've made a friend in your brother Yoru, couldn't you agree?" He queried her brother lightly in hopes that he wasn't reading the room wrong, but anything was entirely possible. Given the way most lions might react to a previous Shangyue supporter he was amazed to find an honest friend these days. Today he felt differently about that and was prepared to encourage the friendship between them.
That was when the Queen made her appearance in the corner of his eye and he made darn sure to become silent and simply listen. The Queen had been his saving grace that allowed him to stay and ironically when he gave himself back to the pride he was graced with meeting the most recent love in his life. He had silently thanked the Great Lion that day for allowing him to meet Miyako, for allowing him back into the folds of the pride and for letting him think he deserved both. Closely he listened to what Kimondo had to say and was amazed at what she was stating - new leaders? Then there was the new knight class. Still as a statue he became engrossed in what she was saying.
"A friend, right," Iki muttered as Kimondo began to speak again. She wasn't certain where this was going, but she saw her father being acknowledged by the Queen as a Knight in the newfangled Order of the Stars, whatever that meant. It was good that someone recognized that her quiet father was worthy!
"Thank you, my love," Caritas murmured to her mate, leaning against him happily. She was indeed honored, but mostly that he'd chosen to be with her tonight. She'd known changes were coming, and this was a good one.
There was no way Halili could have stayed away from this gathering tonight. She had considered it, but just as she had chosen to honor Orion's decision, so the lioness also determined that she should make that support public by being here. And to see that he was the first lion honored-! That would certainly leave an impression.
She felt bad for being late but she had showed up just in time it had seen. She had slunk into the back of the growing crowd and listened as four priests were announced and she gave a smile and a nod. She knew there was going to be more but took the moment to look around for a familiar face. One that wasn't family.
