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 Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 5:46 pm
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"We'll find out sooner rather than later, it seems." He commented, brows rising as the conversation between Itiri and Urupuru began, arresting Noresi's attention in an instant. The exchange seemed to have lasted no more than a moment before Uru was making his departure, and Noresi slid his gaze over his shoulder at his sister, knowing she was sure to have heard as much as he had with the volume at which they urged the conversation to fruition.
And, he thought to himself, their Onyeisi was smart to address it publically rather than private, and blew the argument that was sure to begin a devastating blow and cutting it to the quick. "He handled that well, though I don't believe it will have ended that easily, as much as I may wish it to."
Turning his attention back to the exchange he'd caught between his sister and Nyarai, now that the dramatic exchange had finished, and a teasing smile played on his lips, "I'm not keeping you from anyone, am I?"
Gbaruo offered a nod as his nephew finally made an appearance, having been quite startled to see the words exchanged between the Onyeisi and Uru out in the open, but he supposed it was for the best.
"Urupuru cares for his son very much." A soft sigh escaped his lips and he watched the silver male make his departure, "I'm afraid he cannot see past that love to understand the rules are there to be followed."
But then, Uru and Gbaruo were not alike, and he supposed it was that strong love that made them so different. As an Amoosu, Gbaruo couldn't see beyond those rules. Even now he struggled keeping touch with his sister's children, and he should make an effort. They had lost a mother just as he had lost a sister, and it had hurt. But her death had come and gone, and Ebere was blinded, and very much alive. A constant reminder.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 6:03 pm
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Taking a breath, Sadiki nearly jumped out of her skin this time at being nudged. There wasn't much nerve left in her at this point, and she didn't know just how much longer she could sit here and listen and taste the negativity. But the encouraging comment from Isi was enough to soothe her, at least for now. Visibly calming and taking more steady breaths.
A response died on her tongue as she instead listened to Nche. Again, her heart ached for him, and for his brother, his family.
"No, he's not." He usually soft voice was somehow softer. "Poor decisions doesn't make one bad. It just...It...He's not bad. None of you are." Leaning down a bit, she just barely brushed her muzzle against Nche's ear, an attempt at further comfort. "I...we will do what we can to help Ebere and you. Your family."
Taking a beep breath through her nose, she exhaled slowly. Hoping she had said the right thing, she looked over at Isi as if to ask for her opinion on how she was doing.
This social stuff was hard, and she wanted to curl up into a ball and disappear. But...She didn't want to just up and leave the young boy in turmoil.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 6:52 pm
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Isithunzi had been happy to speak with Sadiki and the young Nche before her ears had swiveled towards the conversation between Itri and Urupuru and it went as well as she'd expected. Better in fact. Despite her best expectations, the fear that it might have come to blows had always played at the fringe of her mind. But it hadn't and her relief was palpable as she looked back to the pair and offered a small reassuring smile, reading Sadiki's expression as she rested her rump on the ground next to them.
"Ebere just made a mistake, Sadiki's right, he's not bad...sometimes things can cloud our judgement but that never makes us inherently bad." She then gently rubbed her cheek against the other females in a firm show of affirmation in some hope of giving her confidence. "And all of us will pitch in to help him get used to his new state."
Spotting Mngbamizu out the corner of her eye she looked back to the pair and pushed herself to her paws.
"I have to go catch up with someone, enjoy the rest of the feast you two."
Turning on her paws she didn't take that long to step alongside the male and gently bumped against him with a small cocksure expression as she watched him.
"I'd have expected your mother to be attached to your hip, Mngba, everything alright?"
Listening to Itri and Urupuru talk, rather loudly, Umhlaba's huge head dipped and his ears pinned back in quiet concern and hoping that barring the loud voices nothing else would escalate today. The huge lion doubted that his nerves could take it.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 7:10 pm
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Their conversation had heightened in volume - clearly the Onyeisi wanted to address this outright - and it left Naani feeling light-headed to listen to. She was frozen in place, her heart pounding in her chest, as she listened to this confrontation. Because that's what this was, a confrontation - and she could tell that it wasn't going the way Urupuru wanted.
The first glance towards her had her ears flattening against her skull, but it happened so quickly, she wasn't sure if it had actually happened. The words were another story though, and by the time he had glanced over at her again (this time she definitely noticed; had felt his gaze burn against her fur), she'd sunk even further down and was staring with wide, teary eyes at the ground.
She.... she had been so offended by Ebere's words, had just wanted him to stop.... and indeed, he finally had, but it came a such a terrible price that she wishes it could have gone differently.
This wasn't to say that she felt anything for him. Some of the gifts were nice, but they were hardly enough to make her fall in love with him. And she couldn't help but wonder about Itiri's words... if he had been so desperate that he would have done anything.... it was a terrifying thought. Both because he could have killed someone, and because.... because lately she would have rather been the one he had killed. Would he have accepted that proposal, if she had asked?
... She wasn't sure how she felt about it now. Desperate or not, Naani had messed up, messed up so badly that another's life was ruined. He shouldn't have entered those catacombs. At the time she hadn't thought that anyone was that stupid, but apparently Ebere was. Her eyes closed tightly, as if to block out the rest of the world. She should be the one suffering for the crime, not him. He still had his whole life ahead of him, whereas she....
The lioness was jolted out of her thoughts by the bump against her side, causing her to flinch. Her eyes snapped opened, and, odd as it sounded, she was surprised to find her brother beside her. Despite sharing a den, it had felt like so long ago that she'd seen him. It... did feel nice to see him once more though. As distant as they had become, he was still the only reason she hadn't taken her own life by now. She couldn't leave him to suffer another death in the family.
She watched as he and Gbaruo spoke, eyes flitting between the two before snapping back to Itiri and Urupuru.
Or rather, where they had been. It was just Itiri now, staring off in the direction of where she assumed Urupuru went. She wondered when that happened. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed Urupuru leaving. The gossip around them seemed to increase though, and it left her hyperventilating again.
She wanted to get out of here. She needed to sort out her own thoughts.
So Naani shakily stood back up and nudged first at Nkwusi, then at Gbaruo, "There's no one there now. W-we should say our congratulations."
For as much as he was trying to ignore the others, the sudden hush was hard to miss. Without thinking, the white lion lifted his head to see what the commotion was about and - ah - Urupuru was making his move. Of course, the sheep would quiet to listen in. Nothing was private anymore in this pride, he thought with a snort.
Not that the Onyeisi was letting it be private. Kione raised an eyebrow when he realized that Itiri was planning on making this public.
Like everyone else, he was transfixed on the scene, nodding minutely to himself as he listened. He agreed with Itiri on this. Ebere was an idiot in love, and his blindness was a fitting punishment for being blind to those around him. He huffed, and shook his head as Urupuru stalked away, lacking any sort of pity. Perhaps it was heartless of him, but the father should have known better than to try and change something that could not be fixed.
As the talking slowly began back up, Kione rolled his shoulders and went back to his meal.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 7:18 pm
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The conversation with her brother became silent as potential conflict was settled between the grieving father and the new Onyeisi. Afya was impressed by how Itiri managed to handle the situation. There was something admirable about the way the lion carried himself, and also something comforting in his respect for Amoosu's decision. The traditions had to be upheld, and they were there for a reason. No matter how young and foolish Ebere was - he knew better, had been taught better.
The young lion likely learned his lesson now. He still had the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and grow from them, but not if his father's grievances held him back. Afya found Urupuru's reaction to be nothing short but disgraceful. What a poor example he had set for his family, while at the same time providing Itiri with the perfect opportunity to solidify his stance on his beliefs. It almost seemed to be a necessary evil, where as Urupuru's shame gave rose to Itiri's convictions and strength.
She could not understand the grievances of a father. She had her brother, but her brother was no fool. He would not dare to put Afya in such a position, and neither would she do the same to him. "He did," Afya agreed. "Urupuru was a fool to bring that subject up here, of all times during a celebration. But, Itiri did well. Perhaps I don't have as much cause to worry." Afya still held her concerns about the rogue, but she was starting to become convinced that Itiri could lead them well.
The change in topic caught Afya off guard, and she turned her head back to her brother, exposing furrowed brows and a disapproving frown. "Who do you think you are keeping me from joining?" If Noresi thought he was going to get anything out of his sister, he would be wrong. Afya's social life was surprisingly dull. No secret lovers, just a couple of friends she was fond of. She was, however, very interested in who Noresi thought she wanted to ditch him for to see.
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:57 pm
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Nkwusi nodded at his sister's suggestion, glancing up toward the front. Most likely Naani just wanted to get this over with and go back home. He couldn't really say that he didn't agree, though on the other paw, it could pay off to stay and watch. Well, that could be decided later. For now, he should support his sister.
Stepping forward a little ahead of the other two, he tried to hold onto his confidence from before as he approached the Onyeisi. Stopping a few paces away from Itiri, Nkwusi bowed slightly and then looked up, refusing to let his nerves show. "Congratulations," he said clearly, then waited for the others to catch up and speak as well.
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 1:33 pm
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Maybe Nyarai was stronger than she knew. She'd certainly surprised him, stepping out in front of him like that; the reassurances she called out to Urupuru melted Ink's heart. More importantly - as least, practically - they mirrored what the Onyeisi had called after him. Even after the dressing-down Ink was beginning to suspect their King had been forced to give the angry father, his last words were compassionate. A warning in spite of the harsh message. That, more than anything, gave Ink a bit of hope for Itiri.
Even if it was dimmed somewhat by the sorrowful lioness before him. He had offered her his shoulder when she stepped forward, bolstering the idea that the pride would still love Ebere without his sight. Now he moved again, drawing alongside her in his best attempt to be comforting...in spite of his words. "No. No running. If you did, where would we even go?" He was beginning to sympathize with their King. His voice softened. "The storm is breaking all around us. I don't think we have a choice but to weather the clouds, and dry our pelts in the sun that follows." Here's hoping there would be sun. It sounded, after all, like Ebere's blinding might have been the tragic result of a foolish decision. Better that he find punishment at the claws of one of his own pride, then, than as a result of some more exotic danger. He wanted to say as much - but one look at his companion stilled his tongue.
"Try not to look so dejected, Umhlaba." Dharau made his way around the perimeter of the group, approaching the larger lion with an easy smile. He somewhat remembered that Umhlaba was, ah...easily flustered, let's say. Looked like this event was no different. Then again, he wasn't being entirely fair. Their Onyeisi's display had drawn most of them in, however briefly.
"Urupuru will calm down, I'm sure. His boy will be alright, soon as he adjusts to his new lot in life." Even though he refrained from letting any of his earlier mirth through in his tone, it was plain enough that Dharau had little pity for the afflicted family. Ebere had chosen his fate, after all. He wasn't like he was ignorant of their laws. "Unless there's something else that was bothering you...?" There was a whole host of choices, after all. The green-eyed male found himself wondering if Umhlaba had any strong opinions about any of the developments facing their pride, or if he was content to bury his head in the sand.
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 7:13 pm
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"I haven't the faintest idea, sister." He purred, though the mischevous grin wouldn't leave his features. Of course he would taunt his sister about her friends, or any connections she made that off-put her indifferent stance in the world.
Then again if she ever did become serious about someone, he'd be saddened in an instant. He'd miss her attitude if she married.
His gaze flitted off towards the crowd, "For all I know, you've got a string of potential romances just watching and waiting in the distance."
And Noresi would keep dodging the lionesses as long as possible, if he had his way.
Gbaruo watched Nkwusi take the lead with a raised brow, but refused to comment and instead waited to be sure his niece would follow before walking ahead of her. Or, he reasoned, he was making excuses not to approach the Onyeisi.
Raising his head and shoving his pride into the furthest reaches of his mind, he stepped forward, offering a slight bow of his head in respect.
"Yes, Congratulations are in order. You've done well in passing your trials, Onyeisi."
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 8:21 pm
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Naani took a deep breathe before following slowly. Despite being the one to say that they should go next, she found herself hesitating at the back as they walked forward. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. After all, Itiri had just gotten finished speaking with Urupuru about Ebere.
But now that that confrontation had come and gone, there seemed to be less interest in the Onyeisi. Hopefully that meant that she could blend in with her brother and uncle, and then take her leave without anyone stopping her.
The lavender lioness slunk after them, making a point of keeping partially behind the two lions, and paused as they addressed Itiri. Her ears pulled back just a bit as she realized that it was her turn to say something. Right.... Just congratulate him. That's all she needed to say or do. Nothing more. Then Gbaruo and Nkwusi could hold any more conversation themselves.
... She wondered when she had become so timid. She didn't used to be this way. Another thing to think about later.
Moving forward to stand next to Nkwusi, Naani nodded, pulling her gaze up from her paws - when had they fallen down in the first place? - and speaking slowly, "Congratulations on becoming the Onyeisi...."
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 11:26 pm
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Nchekwube didn't look to Sadiki as she spoke. He just kept his pink and purple eyes at his paws as they shuffled in the dirt, nudging a rock side to side. When she finished, the adolescent looked up to her, then to Isithunzi. His gaze paused on each of them in turn.
"Yeah," he started the word leaving him in a sigh. "Yeah, you're right. I know you are. It's just…"
Nche's voice trailed off again and his eyes dropped. How was he supposed to explain the feelings he had? How was he supposed to rationalize it in a way that could be described in words? It only felt like feelings. Feelings of hits guts all twisted up inside him. Feelings of different ideas and beliefs all yelling at each other in his head.
Part of him felt like he was overreacting. Like he was being silly. That there was no point in explaining it at all because just come across as dramatic and focusing too much on all the little problems. But he felt trapped in his own thoughts, and he didn't know how to help it.
Finally he looked up after Isithunzi had left. He looked to Sadiki, eyes full of conflict, then over towards Itiri. The Uju family was there, now. He watched them, not quite able to make out their words. Specifically, his eyes settled on Naani. What must she be thinking, now? Did she blame herself? Part of him, some bitter and angry part, felt like she should blame herself. He scolded himself for the thought. He wanted to go over to her. To tell her it was okay. To be that bigger person who could provide some sort of comfort in a difficult time, like his father supporting them even though he must have been all torn up inside.
He just didn't have it in him.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, quietly enough to where only Sadiki could hear, though the words seemed aimed both towards her and the lavender adolescent. Nchekwube looked to the runed lioness. "I'm sorry," he repeated, shaking his head. "I can't… I can't do this right now. I have to…" Pink and purple eyes looked in the direction that Urupuru had gone. "I have to go." Quietly, he left.
MangoMeow Since Naani is mentioned, in case she notices him
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