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A slim, pale lion made his way carefully toward Nchekwube after watching other newcomers do the same. If he was nervous, or if he felt any embarrassment at the fact that his own stature was no larger than a typical adolescent (and a rather diminutive, delicate one at that), the ex-swampie didn't show it. But then, he'd had his entire life to get used to looks - concerned, pitying, sometimes mocking - having been born a runt, he had dealt with it all, and was simply grateful to have at least outgrown the perpetual shortness of breath that had characterized his youth.

What he wasn't used to, after having left for his naming quest so long ago..was being around so many lions at once. But, as he almost always did, he trusted the gut instinct that had brought him here. Admittedly, it was sometimes hard to tell what was a normal hunch, and what was his seer abilities manifesting, but...they had gotten him this far, hadn't they?

Taking a deep, steadying breath in an attempt at loosening the nervous tightening of his chest, and allowing his honey-gold eyes to close briefly, he stood a few paces behind Kahs'rin, not wanting to be impatient, or unintentionally step on toes by crowding unnecessarily.

When it was his turn to introduce himself, he stepped a small pace closer, his voice gentle and soft. "Greetings," he began, opting for a bit of formality. "I'm Mng'aro." This was said with a tiny, self-depreciating smile...he never had found his true name, in all the time that had passed since he had left the only home he had ever known...not that there was a home, or pride, for him to return to. But, perhaps his finding his way here to such a reclusive pride, was a sign that it was time for him to stop wandering, clutching at things that could never be.

"And I hope that there is a place for me here." Even as he spoke the words, he felt something inside himself unclench - surely this was a sign that he was making the right decision?

It was an odd day that Masozi chose to join a crowd. But today, of all days, he thought his presence was necessary. The Nkunwu had become such a small family, and as he glanced around the crowd of lions gathered, he couldn't find any others by sight.

He stood tall, pink eyes watching the process and the newcomers presenting themselves. One by one, each had found their families, but none had yet to find his. Slowly, he took a seat, curling his tail around his base. He was hopeful, but knew that there was plenty of time before the final newcomer was homed.

AstoriaFallen

(( quoting you two since you rolled Apathy! You don't have to respond, but Masozi will welcome them into the family! (since I think there are only two of them in Apathy ;; ) ))

Alpaca Chobi

^^^^

Zuko was glad to see Qamar go, his nose wrinkling in distaste. A joke? Made this early into joining? He'd be steering very clear of that lion and all other rogues if that was how they were. Rolling his eyes, he glanced back to the other born-in members as they snuggled up a little closer to one another. Ugh...what was worse?

"And if there isn't, it's fine," he said with a swish of his tail. "It's not a priority of mine unlike others I can think of." He wasn't terribly fond of cubs and having some of his own was a daunting thought, but it wouldn't be an issue if he never found a mate.

Sawa smiled fondly at the couple, ignoring the sourpuss beside them as he huffed and rolled his eyes at everyone. She was pretty good at being able to get into her own little world of what she wanted to focus on and if Zuko didn't want to play nicely with the other lions she'd just ignore him.

"Would you two care to show me around a bit?" she asked, tilting her head towards her new family. "I know very little about the pride and am very curious to know more."

The blatant cold shoulder surprised Zuko so much that he snorted and turned away, leaving the trio to their talk. He hadn't been paying attention to see if any of the joining rogues had been put in his family, but he hoped not. Hmph.

[ooc: Zuko has left the building and Sawa is ready to head out as well!]

Sawa gave a little nod and set off to follow Mgbamizu, not at all put off by Zuko's departure. She glanced around the area as she left, trying to remember a few faces she could talk to later if they seemed friendly. For now, though, she had a very enthusiastic tour guide who was willing to show her around a bit. That was good enough for her!

[ooc: Sawa out!]

"Mng'aro," he greeted with a nod of the head. "It's a pleasure. I'm Nchekwube."

If he adolescent was at all thrown off by the lion's size, it couldn't be seen. If anything, that coupled with the muted colors of the stranger made him already seem like one of the small-bodied, muddy-colored N'ezi-ozu. If it hadn't been for the fact that the pride was small enough to where he could readily recognize hi kin, Mng'aro might have been mistaken for one of his own already.

Nchekwube met the lion's eyes and took a long blink. When his eyes opened they were long and distance, as if focused on some far away thing. At the beginning of all this, the adolescent had been a bit self-conscious about what others might think of all this. Of a strange young lion looking into your eyes, taking a quick peek at your soul, all while in a strange trance. If they were disturbed by it, he figured, they wouldn't be here, right? So he had let the worries pass.

The young lion's vision snapped back in to focus and he offered Mng'aro a reassuring smile. "I'd certainly say there is a place here for you," he said, his voice the gentle softness of an innocent youth. "Welcome to the N'ezi-ozu. Find the Odachi family, and you'll find a home there."

Zuru laid on his back there didn't seem to be many members of his new family to chat with, he had been welcomed of course since a representative had to be there for the joining ceremony but so far he really hadn't connected with anyone as of yet. He had faced down a rhino for a young lioness before and swam in the sea during a pride festival. His new family might have been named after accidents but it didn't feel like an accident to him that he had found this place and chosen to stay. The Nezi needed a new chapter in their lives and so did he.

He chuckled to himself and looked up at the sky it was clear and sunny he smiled letting the warmth of the light warm his face. His tail flipping around from side to side underneath him. The dirt by his tail shifted a little into a small cloud of dust. That he wasn't paying much attention to. His attention was no longer on the others being moved into different families since as far as he had heard so far no one else had been put into the accident family.

She had followed the stars here.

Ardhi had spent months by herself after she had left her previous pride - it had been too chaotic, and ultimately fell apart at the seams in the end, with the lioness exiting the strange land to find something more . . . home. Calmer. Lions who also listened to the skies and the earth, respected their lives and the silence that came after. She had a scattering of siblings, but none of them would follow her here, so here she was, alone.

She didn't feel alone though, there was something warm and lively about this large group, separating the new bodies willing to follow their pride and their beliefs. Families being formed, friendships beginning. It was heartwarming to the dark lioness (as morose as the pride was,) and she found herself wondering where she would find herself.

The waiting was the hardest part, but after watching a sweet dark lion fumble his way through his introductions and replies, she took it upon herself to pad up to the adolescent - so youthful and maybe a little nervous (?), giving him a little smile before giving a respectful bow.

"Greetings," she started, lifting her head, "I am known as Ardhi'Roho, I've wandered far by myself, hoping to find a little niche to cut out for my own." She admitted, before clearing her throat, "I don't intend to take too much of your time, just a little guidance, if you're willing."