Kuhasa was supposed to be on his way out of the Ithambo'hlabathi lands but it was slow going for the already lame lion now dealing with added injury. Not to mention the harsh treatment of his bad leg, which ached worst of all. Figuring he was far enough away from the main pride, he had settled in by the river to take a break and, with any luck, wait for Zahif to find him. The scaly b*****d seemed rather quick in gathering the local news and he was the only hope the now-rogue lion had at leaving at his own pace.
Zahif did indeed hear about Kuhasa's loss and wasted no time in heading downriver to see if his fuzzy pal was smart enough to stay near the water. With no idea how the fight had gone except that it was a loss, he wasn't sure how far he'd have to go to catch up. Logic said shame would compel Kuhasa to get the hell out of the territory as soon as he could, but something else told the croc that he would be waiting for a bodyguard and an excuse to linger.
And he was right.
"So, this is it, huh?" Zahif remarked, floating lazily over to the water's edge near the resting lion. Kuhasa, who seemed to be dozing, gave a gruff affirmative noise but didn't open his eyes. Zahif shook his head and crept out of the water a ways to assess the damage. The lion's face was bloody but nothing vital was hit, his breathing was rough but strong and he was clearly favouring the bad leg..
"Not too bad," Zahif grumbled.
About this lil ORP
This has been set up mostly as a chance for Kuhasa to say goodbye to Amakhaza, Safura, and anybody else who would actually want to see a losing Inselelo off! He knows that he is unwelcome now but he is using his crocodile pal as an excuse to stick around, hoping nobody will try to confront him while someone so toothy is on his side.
Abaholi owners (and Inselelo owner!) have been quoted so they know he's stuck around a bit. You're welcome to join in and make cranky faces (or worse) over his continued presence, I can't stop you if that's what the dudes would do when realizing Kuhasa isn't gone yet. ;3 Bazazi, Kuhasa's replacement, won't be in this RP. He doesn't care.
Tanakako
belloblossom
Meepfur
SilverLutz
oo DeD
Puhterodactyl
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 5:16 pm
Kwanele had heard her father's fight from a distance and heard that he had lost not long after. Though she had not grown up especially close to the male, she did have at least some amount of the affection a daughter would have for her father. Walking slowly and trying to be as obvious as possible (to not alarm her father into thinking she was a male come to further run him off) she figured she should at least bid him farewell. Would she miss him? She wasn't sure, not many lionesses seemed to miss their fathers once they were run off, but time would tell, she figured.
Now that she was near her father and his scaly friend, what should she say? 'Sorry you lost?' 'I'll miss you?' ... 'Good luck?'
With her ears and head low, she shuffled her feet.
"Hello, father... I came to say goodbye."
Ecavi
I'll prolly toss Sayilmaz in here just to watch awkwardly from a distance for a chance to see his future. ninja
Amakhaza had heard about Kuhasa's defeat. Not from the lion himself, but from the other females. Via gossip. Which had infuriated her, being a lioness who hated such idle chitchat. Ears pinned flat to her head she had instantly turned and stalked all the way across the prideland to where the male was skulking. Spotting her dark daughter ahead of her she frowned, but was pleased at least one of her brood had thought to say good bye. Amakhaza had been born in the pride, but she had always done things her own way and she had never seen a reason to conform.
It was not going to start today,
Stalking right by her offspring she marched up to Kuhasa and bit him on the shoulder, hard enough that he would most certainly feel it, but not too hard that it would cause damage.
"Why did you loose?!" She snapped, pale eyes all afire as she scowled up at him. Yet behind her angry tone was something he had never seen on the fiesty and argumentative lioness's features before.
Pain.
Amakhaza was not a cuddly lioness, but Kuhasa had been special to her. A friend as well as the father of her first litter (and she desperatly hoped, her second too though she had yet to confirm that). To know that he was now leaving.., it ached somewhere inside her and she didn't know how to get it to stop. It was not a sensation she was familiar with, nor one she enjoyed.
"You have to go now....." She added after a moment of angry staring, her voice almost breaking, softening as the reality of his departure hit her. "How could you...?" This last was said in a near whisper as the fiery, stubbon and often snarky lioness was forced to blink away the begining of unwanted and unexpected tears.
Kazi had been caught unaware when Amakhaza had suddenly got up and stalked off. She had never volentarily left him behind before, not without taking someone else with her as her helper. But he had never seen her like this, so obsessed and so focused on something that she had clean forgot about him, and more importantly, forgot about her condition. Though flightless, he could hop and glide short distances and had managed to get up onto her back as she stalked away. But she had given him no time to settle and he had spent the entire walk with his wings soread wide, trying to stay baalnced without digging his claws into her. Which he knew would only get him snapped at. He had figured out from her muttering on the way just what had disturbed her, so when they got close to Kuhasa, Kazi hopped off her back to give the two lions some privacy. Walking awkwardly across to where his mistress' daughter stood he bobbed his head to the young female. He had watched the litter grow from tiny squirming bundles of fur into these impressive young lions and he was so proud of all of them.
Reaching out with a wing to brush against Kwanele's leg, he looked up at her. "Are you ok?" He asked quietly, so as to not draw the adults' attention.
Sorry for re-quotes!!!! IPad hates gaia and images.
Puhterodactyl
Ecavi
So sad he is leaving!!! TTOTT
(Will add babies soooon)
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 7:11 pm
Kukhona had been as surprised as Kazi to see her mother disappear so suddenly at the news of Kuhasa's loss. She had followed after the others, though trailing quite far behind even the lame bird as he hopped along to catch up. She could see the familiar form of her sister up ahead, but she found herself hesitating on her approach.
Most didn't think much about their father around here, only the fathers of their cubs. Look to your mother, that is what they were supposed to do around here.. but watching her mother, knowing how much her father mattered to her.. Kukhona felt an overwhelming sadness, knowing he had to leave.
Umama Nenkani was surprised to find she wasn't among the first to know what happened to the pale Inselelo, but the fact that he hadn't gone far yet must have come quickly. He had already been found by one lioness known to favour him and some daughters.. and it didn't look like any of the Abaholi were here yet to chase him off. The old lioness was relieved. She still remembered the day her hunting party had found him, it was too bad he was so pale.
She walked up beside Kukhona and gave her a friendly nudge.
"Few get the chance to say goodbye to their fathers," she said, "There's no shame in taking advantage of this, dear."
Zahif had gone back around Kuhasa and into the water to stand watch in case anybody came to disturb him while he rested.. but the lions who came were not the ones either expected. With a toothy smile, Zahif splashed some water at Kuhasa to wake him up and let him know what was coming.
Kuhasa opened his eyes wearily and saw Kwanele headed his way. His daughter with Amakhaza, one of two he had been embarrassingly disappointed over just because she looked more like his brother.. it seemed silly now. He pushed himself up into a sitting position and made some vain effort to clean himself up but until his face would be bloody a while yet.
"Thank you, Kwanele," he said, offering a somewhat awkward smile-- and then catching sight of Amakhaza's fast approach. He barely had time to brace himself before she was on him and scolding him for daring to lose a challenge. As horrible as it was to see her like this, a part of him was just glad he got to see her again at all.. so he couldn't help but smile.
"I know," he said, "I'm sorry."
Puhterodactyl
Tanakako
Ecavi
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Tanakako
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Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 1:50 am
His smile only seemed to make her more irate, as she slapped him hard on the same shoulder her teeth had just abused. But her claws stayed sheathed, proof that she was more upset than mad at him, despite her display.
"I'm sorry?" She shot back at him with hot fury, the fur along her spine bristling for a moment. Suddenly she stepped into him, burying her face in his thick mane. Her next words were muffled by his hair, the anger leaking away. "Stupid, stupid male." She cursed at him, the fight draining from her as she leaned into him heavily, eyes squeezed shut tight against the prickling sensation there.
Khaleesi had heard about her father loosing his challenge. She knew it was normal, had been told often enough as a cub growing up the daughter of an Inselelo. But even though she had tried to harden herself to the inevitable, she still felt a tightness squeeze her chest. And apparently she wasn't the only one. Kukhona and Kwanele were there ahead of her, and she knew her brother was trailing behind. Drawing up near her siblings, she watched their mother attack, and then almost collapse against, the big grey male. Typically Khaleesi was a rebel, chaffing under her mother's expectations and 'tough love' approch to training her daughters. Khaleesi was the palest, and had been her mother's favourite. Though in this family, such a title was not to be aspired towards. Amakhaza was a tough lioness and expected her cubs to be successful and admired. She had high expectations for all of them, but especially so for the palest of them. Khaleesi had responded by acting out, disobeying the older female and generally being as awkward and troublesome as it was possible to be without earning herself too much punishment.
Today however, she saw a side of their mother she had never really seen before, and it made her rethink at least part of her attitude. If only temporarily. Sighing roughly she looked at her siblings, then at the two adults. Amakhaza looked stressed, and Kuhasa looked beaten up. Khaleesi felt her chest tighten. This would be the last time she saw him.... She didn't know how much his loss would affect their mother, as it was clear the pale lioness was far more attached to him than Khaleesi had ever suspected.
Kosan had trailed behind all his sisters and his mother, having followed the family mainly out of habit than anything. The young male was naturally quiet and tended to keep to himself. A lifetime of being the afterthought had certainly left its mark on the adolescent. Looking up he saw his mother strike his father and winced. He knew how sharp her claws could be, though they were nothing compared to her scathing tongue when she got going. He knew she meant well, she told him off for his own good, just as she drove all her cubs hard in training. She wanted them to be the best, to be successful, and that required a firm paw. She could be loving too, and he had many fond memories of curling up with his siblings and drifting to sleep with her softly singing.
Today, he could see her sorrow under the hot anger and knew his father's departure would be hard on her. It reminded him that his own departure was imminent. She had been especially hard on him lately, criticizing his hunting skills, his stalking skills, and even his grooming.. But he knew why. He would be leaving soon, leaving the pride and her. And she wanted him to be as prepared as he could be. Just as she wanted Kuhasa to be safe. An impossibility out in the roguelands. Sitting down he waited quietly. He would speak to his father, but only after everyone else had their chance. Kosan was the boy of the litter after all, he knew his place.
Ecavi
Puhterodactyl
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 11:52 am
Kwanele balked at her mother breezing past her without a glance but looked down to the small Kazi and nodded her head slightly. It had been difficult at times growing up with her mother's scorn for nothing more than her coat color, but the adolescent tried to make the best of things and still loved her mother if only out of obligation.
She returned her father's small smile and slunk over towards her siblings. She had always been a bit of a kindred spirit with Kosan, as the other "dark" cub in the litter, but at least she was sure of her future because she was allowed to stay in the pride. She searched her sibling's faces, wondering how they felt about the situation, too.
One of the Inselele had followed the deposed Inselelo and his family, if only out of curiosity and to get a peek of what his future might hold for him. Sayilmaz had not spent much time in the pride before Kuhasa was challenged and bested, not giving them much time to build any rapport, but he had no negative feelings towards him either (at least he wasn't some ex- Burkuteshti). He wasn't meaning to chase him further off– he knew Kuhasa would follow the order of the pride– he was just... curious.
The reddish male loitered far enough off that they still had their privacy, though he caught an occasional word drifting over on the wind. He hoped his presence wouldn't bring the scenario to a premature end, but it gave him much to ponder about his future in the pride.
Ecavi
Tanakako
Anyone can interact with Sayilmaz but otherwise he'll probably just be Hamlet-soliloquy-ing over by a tree or something lmao
The young male had been familiar with the adult and his crocodile friend since he had met him by chance when he was but a cub and now he was a young adult and about to depart from the pride, much like Kuhasa, but without having gotten beat. He had never really talked to him before but he knew Zahif a little bit.
"I'm sorry your friend is leaving Zahif." He said to the crocodile with a solemn tone. "I can understand how you must be feeling. I have to leave my family soon, so I guess I can relate?" He was sure the croc didn't exactly want to hear his sorrows either.
Quite a number of Kuhasa's cubs were here to see him off and he hoped his family would do the same when he had to venture forth from the pride, forever.
Ecavi
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 5:16 pm
Kuhasa winced when Amakhaza struck him but he kept on smiling. If he didn't smile, he might not be able to keep it together. He was in no state to challenge anybody to win his place back and he wasn't even sure if that was something he could do even if he wasn't just a giant fuzzy ball of pain.
Sighing, he nuzzled against the silver lioness, pulling her closer and holding her there. When everything was said and done, he was probably going to miss her the most.
Only then did he realize how big of an audience they had. Sayilmaz immediately stood out in the crowd, even as he kept a respectful distance from the surprisingly large goodbye Kuhasa was getting.. but he didn't seem to be intent on intervening so Kuhasa fell back on his usual plan where the other males were involved: just ignore him.
Kukhona looked over at Umama Nenkani and nodded silently.. but still stayed just where she was, watching. It was difficult to take in the whole situation, but for now the best course of action seemed to be letting her mother have her moment. She looked around and saw Khaleesi and Kosan coming up from behind, immediately moving to go stand with her sister.
"I- I didn't think it would really happen," she confessed finally. She was still so young, her father had just always been there. Even watching all of the recent changes in the Abaholi, it just seemed like Kuhasa would always be there.
Tanakako
Nenkani watched as Kukhona retreated to a sister rather than approaching her father, but she understood why. Umama or not, she had no intention of interrupting the on-going goodbye either. She would wait her turn, if she got one. When she looked around she was more surprised than anything to see that there were a few stray males around, once who were not related to the Inselelo.
She smiled and made her way over to Sayilmaz.
"We found him on a hunt, too, you know," she said, taking a seat beside the now second-newest Inselelo, "I don't suppose you're here to chase him farther out if you're all the way back here.."
Puhterodactyl
Zahif spotted a familiar youngster headed his way, noting just how big he had gotten since the last time he'd gotten such a good look. He moved away from the crowd now gathered by Kuhasa and met Buyisiwe by the water's edge several yards away.
"He got comfortable here," he said, glancing back to Kuhasa before looking Buyisiwe up and down, "I suppose you never get the chance, do you?"
AstoriaFallen
Ecavi
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AstoriaFallen
AstoriaFallen
Winter Wolf
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Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 7:49 pm
Ecavi
That was totally understandable though, he had been in the pride for a while but perhaps that had made him complacent? He wasn't going to judge the situation and how it turned out or anything. It was a common occurrence in the pride, males getting beat and having to leave as a new one takes over.
It was so common it was normal. Though he had seemed to have left a pretty good mark on members of the pride. He would be missed.
He gave a small frown, "No. I have to leave soon as well. Hopefully my family shows up much like his are here, though we shall see soon enough."
Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2017 2:53 pm
Safura had been so pleased when her belly finally started to round in that tell-tale way. It had taken a few attempts, but now she was finally going to have her litter! She could hardly wait to tell Kuhasa, but when she tried to come forward to tell him, she couldn't find him anywhere.
It was only later that she discovered that he had been challenged by another male and had lost. Her fur bristled at the notion of him leaving as abruptly as Andhaka did after his fight and she sought him out immediately. She had to tell him to wait, at least until he saw how beautiful their cubs would be. Or, if by some tragedy, any of her litter were males then she wanted them to leave with their father.
She found him surrounded by others. Amakhaza and her litter of now adolescents seemed to be the majority of the group, but she noticed some stragglers nearby who were not as affectionate with the now former Inselelo. Not letting the crowd daunt her, she approached Kuhasa, who was snuggled up to the silver female. Her tail twitched and her expression showed something between disdain and sadness.
"Thank you for upholding your end of our bargain. Your legacy will be remembered through my cubs and through the others whom were so lucky to have you while you were with us." She said curtly. Her gaze rested briefly on the crocodile that Kuhasa had been known to keep as his companion. "Surely with your friend here, you can stay a little longer?" She asked tentatively. "It would be unfortunate if you were not here to see your last litter in the pride." She shook herself. She needn't beat around the bush simply because there were others here. "And if I am to have sons, then you ought to take responsibility of being their father and take them with you." It wasn't apart of their original agreement, but when she had first approached him, she thought she might be one of the first to gain his cubs. She had no idea that it would end up being quite the opposite by the end of his time in the pride, but she wasn't about to lose the chance that some of her cubs might have a better life if they were to leave with their father.
Kgabu normally had so much to say. She was a very opinionated youth which stemmed from the lionesses she hung out with. She liked knowing things and if that meant that she engaged in gossip, something that her mother did not take heed from, then she would do so. If it was any other male than her father having been kicked from the pride, she would have been talking to every lioness, and perhaps lion, about what they thought of it and what she thought of it too.
Yet, the lion who had lost the challenge was her father and suddenly Kgabu didn't have anything to say at all. She trailed after her mother and siblings to go say goodbye and watched mournfully as her mother displayed affection that was rarely seen in any case. She glanced around at her siblings and her gaze resting on Kosan and finally, Kgabu had something to say.
"Kosan?" She asked her brother, which was a rarity in itself, because she hardly gave him the time of day. "Are you leaving with Father?" The question had been prompted by Safura's request, a well-known gossip herself and so someone Kgabu was familiar with. If Safura wanted her sons to go with Kuhasa, would Kosan be leaving with their father too?
Tanakako
Puhterodactyl
Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2017 3:48 pm
Normally, Kuhasa might have felt the pressure to be less openly affectionate with Amakhaza, especially when Safura approached.. but it didn't matter so much now. And if he was honest with himself, the lionesses here were the ones who mattered most to him. Nenkani, the lioness who'd offered him a home and introduced him to the pride. Safura, the first, most stubborn and possibly most charming lioness to approach him. And Amakhaza, something entirely unexpected.
So he stayed right where he was as Safura addressed him, but smiled at her when she confirmed that they had finally been successful in producing cubs.. even if he wasn't going to get a chance to see them, now.
Then she said something entirely unexpected. He should stay, see his cubs, and take his sons with him. He had already thought to ask Kosan if he wanted to come along, but he was his eldest son and the only one already approaching the time when he would have to leave. If it wasn't too embarrassing to leave with your father when he'd been chased out, that was. He hadn't expected that the mothers here might be willing to give up their sons early, but ultimately it wasn't that surprising.
And there was no point arguing over if she really meant it or why.
"I'll be following the river with Zahif," he said pointedly, still smiling, "I can't stay this close but I won't be able to go far without taking a break. If you happen to find me, I'd be happy to take responsibility for our sons."
He gave Amakhaza a nudge.
"And our son, if he will come," he added.
belloblossom
Tanakako
Zahif was trying to focus his attention on the brave lad who had confronted him so long ago but he was catching bits and pieces of conversation around Kuhasa that suggested their duo could become a rather exciting little group before they actually escaped the Bonelands.
He looked back to Buyisiwe, grinning in response to his frown.
"When you leave, it will be a happier occasion, will it not?" he asked, "You'll have a chance to go out into the world and see what you can make of yourself."
He only followed so much of the culture around the place but he knew there were high expectations placed on the sons here, but it was broad and vague and by design could not include their home. He wondered how many aimed to return here and challenge for a place, and how many were glad to go.
And how Buyisiwe looked at it.
AstoriaFallen
Kukhona watched silently when Safura appeared, apparently carrying another set of siblings for them. She didn't get a chance to absorb much of the conversation going on between the adults before Kgabu was suddenly there and asked Kosan a question before there was even a chance to hear what Kuhasa might reply.
"Kosan!" she said, looking at her brother and other sister, "Can you really do that?"
Did.. did that count? Or, did it really matter how or when you left? If he waited to be chased out now, it couldn't be his own father to do it.. and with all the recent changes, it wouldn't even be any of the Abaholi they had grown up with.. that was, somehow, an upsetting thought.
Sayilmaz hadn't meant to attract any direct attention or to take any from Kuhasa especially, but he wasn't opposed to speaking with the Umama. He raised his eyebrows in surprise when he learned of how Kuhasa came to be Inselelo before him.
"So perhaps the quickest way to a lioness' heart truly is through her stomach?" he said, jokingly. The lion shook his head at her question.
"No, I've only come because I'm a bit curious. It's sort of an opportunity to look into my own future, in a way." In the back of his mind he hoped he would also be allowed to leave with his life.
"I hope I have as many friends and children to see me off when I go..." He trailed off. It was a sad moment, certainly, but it was a functioning process that kept the pride in strong numbers, capable health and the threat of inbreeding much further in the back of their minds than many prides had to contend with.
Kwanele nodded to Kukhona. The idea had always felt surreal to her, too. Having Kuhasa in the pride was always an object of comfort, though she had never sought him out for anything a daughter might need of a father. The lioness was surprised by Kgabu's question, though she presumed she ought not to be. Yes, Kosan would have to leave too. But to lose them both at the same time felt like an awful lot. However, she kept her opinion to herself. It was already a hard enough decision for her brother to make and a difficult circumstance all around... But she wondered if she would miss her brown brother more than their silver-and-white sisters would.
Tanakako
Ecavi
Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 3:10 am
Amakhaza resisted his paw about her shoulders for all of about.. three heartbeats, trying desperately to hang onto her dignity, or what was left of it. But then she gave in with a rattling sigh and let herself press deeply into his fluff, her claws finding their way to his thick mane and burying themselves there, holding on for all she was worth. She would have preferred there not be an audience for her weakness, but for once she decided the effort of keeping up appearances simply wasn't worth it. Other lionesses deserved to say goodbye and there was no way in hell she was letting go just yet. So when Safura arrived, Amakhaza simply gave her a tiny nod of greeting and went back to hiding in Kuhasa's fur.
Kosan was surprised to be addressed by his third sibling, but he looked down at her with a polite expression. he was already bigger than any of his sisters, and his mane was coming in. He would probably end up near the size of his father, he figured. Though their mother was no skinny stick of a lioness either. "I do not know." He offered in response to her question, looking over at Kuhasa briefly before returning his gaze to Kgabu. "If not with him, soon, anyway." He added with a soft sigh. He knew that if he didn't leave on his own, his mother would kick him out before he could disgrace her and his sisters by hanging about too long.
Turning back to Kukhona he smiled a little for her, as he could see her concern on her pretty face. "I don't see why not..." he replied after a moment, then looked more thoughtfully at his parents. It did make sense. Kuhasa and his crocodile friend could provide some protection for him while he found his feet out there in the wild. Not that he assumed Kuhasa would let him linger too long, but it would be something... and he wouldn't loose his entire family all at once. Something in his chest shifted at the thought. He would never see his mother or sisters again when he left, but even so, he was determined to make them proud of him by being a successful male. Finally he nodded slightly to himself. He would request to go with his father. Much as Safura was demanding for her own sons, should any be born. Then, before he could do anything with his new resolution, Kuhasa himself spoke. Kosan's eyes went wide but he felt something like relief. He would be able to stay with his father, and maybe Kuhasa would be able to add to his training while they journeyed... Teach him how to be a successful lion beyond the pride.
Amakhaza finally roused herself, pulling her face out of Kuhasa's thick mane with some reluctance as she looked up at Kuhasa, then back over her shoulder at her son, who stood with three of her precious daughters. "I think... that would be a good idea." She said slowly, struggling to control her thoughts enough to move away from Kuhasa's departure, to the fate of her son. Neither's eventual departure was a surprise, but they had never seemed quite so immediate, and now both were to go? But... he knew Kosan would have to leave soon. Whether he was fully ready or not. Nodding with more certainty she looked up at Kuhasa, the more familiar steel back in her eyes as she regarded him. "Yes, that would be good. For you both.." She added with an unexpected softness. After all, Kuhasa may be leaving her, but he was also loosing his pridal family here. Having a connection back to the Bonelands would help. She thought. Looking over at her son she motioned him forwards with her more customary briskness.
Kosan gave his three sisters a smile each, Kwanele, Kukhona and Kgabu, and then on impulse, a brief head-nuzzle each, before he walked forwards to where his parents stood, still loosely embracing. "I would be honored to attend your journey from this land with you, Father." He said softly but clearly, looking up at Kuhasa.
Ecavi
Sorry this is so late!
Puhterodactyl
belloblossom
Tanakako
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Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2017 4:02 am
Nenkani chuckled at Sayilmaz' joke, offering only a shrug in response as the subject turned to why he was here and what he was seeing. Nobody had had a chance to say goodbye to Andhaka and Bangizwe, but the Abaholi were different than the Inselele.. there was a better chance they would survive their challenges, as their claim was already tenuous.
"You may, if you're willing to linger this long," she said, "Have you had many requests yet? The younger generations were surely in need of some fresh blood.."
She looked over at the Inselelo with a grin.
Kuhasa watched as Amakhaza worked through the idea of his taking Kosan with him, smiling when she resolved that that it was the best. It was no more expected or unexpected than his defeat had been, in the end he'd always known he would have to leave and of course, Kosan had known his time would come, too. It was good to see Amakhaza looking more like her usual self when she gestured for their son to join them.
He wasn't sure he had been what Kosan would consider a good father. Around here it was hard to tell how involved he ought to be, and though he hadn't exactly been a stranger it wasn't like his upbringing as a rogue. Perhaps he'd get a chance to tell his sons about that, now. They could get more of both sides.
"I'd like that, Kosan," he said.
Kukhona fought back the urge to cry as her brother nuzzled each of them before approaching their father to go with him, but her tears were not sad.. she was smiling widely. Despite the sudden feelings of loss and uncertainty, this felt just right. Kosan was strong enough to leave them, he would get his chance to become something more than an Ahluke or Enda.. and he got to go with Kuhasa, who was strong enough to survive his challenge and say goodbye.
"I'm going to miss them," she murmured to her sisters.
Kwanele had heard her father's fight from a distance and heard that he had lost not long after. Though she had not grown up especially close to the male, she did have at least some amount of the affection a daughter would have for her father. Walking slowly and trying to be as obvious as possible (to not alarm her father into thinking she was a male come to further run him off) she figured she should at least bid him farewell. Would she miss him? She wasn't sure, not many lionesses seemed to miss their fathers once they were run off, but time would tell, she figured. 
Amakhaza had heard about Kuhasa's defeat. Not from the lion himself, but from the other females. Via gossip. Which had infuriated her, being a lioness who hated such idle chitchat. Ears pinned flat to her head she had instantly turned and stalked all the way across the prideland to where the male was skulking. Spotting her dark daughter ahead of her she frowned, but was pleased at least one of her brood had thought to say good bye. Amakhaza had been born in the pride, but she had always done things her own way and she had never seen a reason to conform. 
