[FIN] For Your Consideration (Rahim, Delshad, & Xiyang)

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It was interesting to see the vaunted High Class talking amongst themselves so much with nary a bit of gossip. For all those Lords and Ladies to consider what role they'd prefer, Hunter or Guard. Frankly, Xiyang assumed most of the laziest would choose the latter, as Guards were very seldom called upon to do more than look imposing these days.

Of course that assumed these lions were capable of reasoning that out. If they were, they probably would have supported Kimondo less after the announcement. Or rather, once Xiyang had stood up and made it a choice between herself, a child of Shangyue, and Kimondo, the untainted ruler who had replaced him.

The former Princess understood full well that her presence in the pride was somewhat precarious given her parentage and her own inclinations. Even now, Xiyang had her ambitions and absolutely no interest in wandering the rogue lands and spending each and every day looking for enough food to fill her belly and find a safe place to sleep. She certainly wouldn't mind wielding power within the pride, but any obvious steps she took would surely damn her.

So she bided her time, and subtly showed the Queen and Shaman that she was far smarter than most of the plebian masses. Which was why she would wait and see what those two would prefer she do, in terms of a job. As a Huntress she'd range farther out and spend less time in the heart of Mwezi lands. But there was also the increased chance that she could make contact with potential troublesome elements, as her father had done with the infamous and unmourned Firaga and Tyfu. As a Guard, she'd be kept closer, yes, but also granted a measure of influence within the pride. Xiyang saw pros and cons to both roles, for herself and for the Queen, and so was content to hear what Kimondo would prefer.

She'd be able to work with either, but her long-term plan called for the Queen to make the choice, and thus carry a bit of doubt as to whether it was the right one as the seasons turned to years.

In the meantime, the black lioness derived a dark entertainment from watching her fellows in the High Class figure out what to do. Such fools, never once considering that the pride could not continue to support such a large group of non-contributing individuals. How she loved to watch them writhe!  

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Xiyang had been enjoying her walk when her red eyes fell upon two familiar forms. Oh, what had she done now to deserve this? Idiot brothers. Well, idiot brother and idiot half-brother. She still didn't understand what had possessed her mother to actually bear cubs to that obnoxious son of Tyfu's, but Parisa could rot in her own grave for all Xiyang cared.

From the posture, she guessed that Rahim was as uncomfortable as most of the High Class, trying to figure out what sort of work he would actually have to do now. Delshad, on the other paw, seemed to be enjoying his older sibling's discomfort. For a moment, Xiyang felt the kinship. But just as quickly she shoved it aside. She needed no brothers mucking things up. Even so...she couldn't resist adding herself to their conversation.

"What's wrong, dear brother?" the lioness asked, slinking in like a shadow. "Afraid of doing an honest day's work?"  

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"You don't see why we should have to," Xiyang repeated slowly. Sarcasm dripped from her tongue with each and every syllable. Oh, such an idiot her brother was. He really should know better than that.

"Well," the lioness continued, "would you like that in alphabetical order? Or perhaps you could wait until the last minute to make your choice and have it carved into you with someone's claws? I'll never understand how Mother could birth anyone so completely oblivious because it's obvious if you had half her brains you wouldn't be allowed to remain after Father's death because you'd be too dangerous to the pride."

As for Delshad...he'd wait. He was certainly showing more intelligence by Rahim simply by keeping his mouth shut. Hell, he was probably anticipating a lovely show as she verbally tore the older brother to shreds.  

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"Dear brother," the lioness retorted, "whoever said I would injure you? There are plenty here who would do so did they see you acting the Prince you haven't been for years." Really, he had never mastered the art of the silken paw concealing the claws. Hopeless.

"As for myself, a job has been inevitable. It was only a matter of time before the Queen declared it a necessity." Glancing to ensure that both of the boys were paying attention, Xiyang continued. "With the size of the pride, it's impractical to have such a large number of lions who contribute nothing and simply consume resources. Already the Hunters must range fairly far out to find enough meat to bring back for hungry mouths. Another aspect is the belief these priviliged lions have in their own superiority which helped contribute to our own father's rise to power when taken to the extreme. Then there's the fact that any lions who show a negative reaction to this announcement and a reluctance to do their share will be marked as troublemakers, regardless of their former status and reputation. That's a true detriment in the long run. Lastly, if these people go out and work most days, they won't be lying around contributing to the overpopulation." That was a real jab at certain high class lions who did nothing but eat, sleep, and have sex most days and nights.

"But of course, I'm sure you know absolutely all of that already," Xiyang concluded dryly. Not to mention there were several other good reasons to get a job, but she wasn't about to tell Rahim that if he couldn't figure them out on his own.  

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"It is not my responsibility to think for you," Xiyang replied calmly. "You asked for reasons to get a job, and I was magnimonious enough to answer. But even shared parentage won't get you more than that if I don't wish it." Frankly, she was getting bored of Rahim's bullheaded stupidity after just a few exchanges. He obviously wasn't capable of thinking about what others might gain from a situation.

For example, Xiyang had thought it perfect that her siblings would continue to believe themselves utterly important and powerful within the pride. The pride could then turn on them and hopefully rid her of the problems they proposed. The fact that said pride was too lily-livered to consider executions outside of self-defense and Shangyue himself had spoiled the plot.

As for Delshad, well, he showed plenty of sense by staying out of things and observing. Who knew, he might even learn something useful. Xiyang walked past him on her way to her own den, allowing a potentially supportive touch from her tail as she went by.