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 Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2018 7:45 pm
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2018 8:07 pm
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◈ || Opening Meta Post || ◈
Get excited!
It had been weeks since she had bid Katiti to recall their numbers. In comparison to the many long years they had spent traveling the lands and surviving as rogues, it was a laughable amount of time. That hadn't stopped Ashiki from pacing her lands from dawn to dusk and longer, nor had it stopped her from sitting atop her perch and watching the distance like a hawk. Now that they were finally in sight of their goal, the aging Queen felt the need to be reunited with her subjects like the sharpest claw in her chest.
How many had remained loyal?
How many had they picked up along the way?
How many could Katiti find with her sight?
The days ticked by and bit by bit they began to trickle back and with each face, each bow, each greeting, Ashiki felt her pride soar. No longer was she the rogue in exile - she was The Queen.
Dawn had broken over the towers scarce hours before this moment but the unbranded she sent had already reached the farthest dens of the pride and returned from their mission. With her head held high, Ashiki strode to the edge of her perch where it overlooked the gathered crowd. It was not so high or boastful as Pride Rock but it was enough to let her look down upon the heads of her pride and count them one by one, meeting gaze after gaze with approval.
At her shoulder and just slightly back was the Crown Prince, Kethiwe, as stoic and regal as his mother though not nearly as accustomed to the sight of lions staring back at them. Behind the pair were the other adult children Ashiki had brought with her to the pride. They were all four faces unfamiliar to most members of the pride, having been born to the Queen outside the lands. Regardless, they were the royal family and they stood as one.
"Proud scions and supports of Taka," the Queen's voice at last rang out, "look around you. You stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest lions this world has ever seen."
A pause as she stepped forward, raising her chin and her voice at once.
"It has been years since my family lost our throne, it has been years since we were driven out of the home we made for our loyal pride, but it has only been weeks since I beckoned you all home.
So again, I tell you, look at the lions that stand at your sides. Look into their eyes and know that they would walk to hell and back to protect what is yours and what is mine.
We are the legacy of Taka.
We do not forgive. We do not forget. We do not fail."
As the last word died on her tongue, her jowls cracked wide to belt a roar into the early morning air. Around her, the call rose from her children in response, then picked up farther in the distance from the pride.
The Outlands would rise again.
OOC You may begin roleplaying in this thread just after the Queen descends from her perch to mingle with the pride. Approach her or Kethiwe if you would like or just RP amongst yourselves! Further prompts will be posted to encourage RP.
◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈-◈ |
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2018 11:49 pm
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Zawadi flexed her claws, digging them into the sand beneath her feed as Queen Ashiki sent out one loud, wild roar at the end of her speech. It filled the lioness with pride, being apart of such an incredible group of lions. As instructed, she had glanced to her left and right when told to do so, noticing more and more of her new pride mates each time. While many were newcomers - fresh supporters of the line of Scar - it seemed many more were old hat to the Outlands, happy to be reforming their family once again.
The lioness - who would soon find herself identifying as Zawadi the Black - felt many emotions stirring through her. It was a phenomenal time to be alive, seeing the re-founding of what was once a great and powerful pride. Being able to witness this speech from Ashika first-paw was an experience she wouldn't trade for the world.
Idly, she began to think of her mother - a lost but ignorant soul forever searching the roguelands for her lost mother and sisters. Zawadi wondered idly if her mother would ever know the power of being apart of a group so great and pure in its being. She had before witnessed her mother so stressed she nearly forgot who her children were. No longer should she bear the burden of being a caretaker for her other siblings. It was now that she could focus on herself, her own wellbeing - and now that of her pride. A slow grin spread across her face as she glanced about, searching for a friendly face with which to bond.
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Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 6:17 am
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 Chausika smirked as she listened to the Queen's words; I wonder if such praise extends to me. Silver eyes rolled in her sockets at the thought; a small sigh escaping her lungs. The black lioness had fallen into her role easier than she ever thought possible, she thanked the apathy she felt, her complete surrender. Katiti was a peculiar lioness who was mildly unsettling, to say the least; however, she was not cruel (from what she had experienced so far). Her sentence of silence was also a strange blessing. It meant that she was left alone; nobody wanted to associate with a Tarnished after all. That suited her just fine.
She laid down on the warm ground, taking a more to examine the Queen. It was the first time she had really got a proper look as Ashiki and, credit where it is due, the lioness seemed more than capable of keeping the Pride's attention. They seemed to be hung on her words and admittedly even the little rogue found her words somewhat inspiring. She did not believe in this kind of group mentality though, this idea of brotherhood and family. Pale eyes then left her and looked at the dark lion that was lingering in her shadow. It was enough to make her brow raise and have a curious look settle on her face. That was the Crown Prince then?
Chausika was heartbroken that she had not been there when Azzan met Kethiwe. Be damned with the consequences she would have laughed, even if it meant her head. Or at least that is what she told herself; the truth was a small part of her found it almost sad. Azzan clearly believed in the principles and teaching of the Pride, he had remained behind after so many left, he spent a lot of time alone and never lost that faith, believing that he would be King one day. In the end, she was right; he was the Heir to nothing. Without realising she found herself looking for him amongst the faces.
Her tail wrapped around her body as she down towards the back of the congregation, dark pelt blending into the shadows as it to disappear into them. |
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Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 8:38 am
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Orange eyes watched his Queen appear on her perch, before they focused to the grown adults behind her. A frown was always evident on his face, a sign the striped male was in thought. His ears flickered when Ashiki began to speak. Instead of his keen eyes on her, he looked around, watching the reaction of the fellow pride members. Rows of dark or dusty colored pelts, all listening to the words, shifting their gaze to one another as instructed. He nodded his head at the final words she spoke, before the roar emitted. Ah, music to his ears. Pride indeed swelled in his heart, though he would not show it on his features. Instead, he moved forward, to meet Ashiki on her descent.
When he neared her, he bobbed his head in greeting. "Quite the motivational speech there, my Queen. I think you captivated everyone's attention." So should it have been. Those who chose not to listen had no right to stay within the borders. The thought caused Ebbe's claws to extend from his black toes, digging into the softened dirt below.
The Monarch's Claw turned his attention to Ashiki's son. Although he had not talked to the male in great length, he was still the crowned prince. "Kethiwe, how did you feel of your mother's speech. One day it will be you up there speaking to the masses."
[230] |
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Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 10:26 am
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Sliding her way through the crowd was Shetani, the black lioness keeping her gaze up at her Queen as she walked. A proud smirk formed on her maw at Ashiki's words, before she made her way over to her brother.
The male was situated still as a statue against one of the jutting rocks, eyes scanning the crowd as roars belted forth. Always the one to remain alert, she thought with a snort. Not that she could blame him. For as much as this was their home, it had been quite a while, and he was sure to be on edge.
Ah well, she had best go over and smooth down his feathers.
Shetani meandered over to him and then butted her head against his shoulder. "Any stiffer, and you'll become one with this rock."
Ajani cast a glance over at her, before scoffing and whacking a tail against her side in response. "You can never be too cautious. We still have quite a few Unbranded walking around, and this is a big gathering. Who knows what could happen."
It was a fair point, she had to grant him that, and as someone who prided herself on knowledge, she could understand wanting to observe. But this was a time to mingle, to communicate, and as original members - and the Monarch's Mind - they needed to show themselves as the proud Outlanders they were.
So she nudged him once more. "Come, brother. Let's mingle. Who knows, maybe you'll find a pretty girl to play with," she said with a chuckle, earning her a playful shove from Ajani.
Meanwhile, a pale lioness was humming as she strolled past people. She had been one of the ones roaring alongside the others, too excitable not to do so and certainly the type to join in. She loved big gatherings like this!
Eva was practically hopping as she walked, now to wound up to calm herself. It was a wonder that she could wrangle in any cubs with how easily she jumped into play, but oh well. That was neither here nor there.
She paused for a moment to lick at the fur shawl around her neck, taking a moment to check for any dirt or smudges, and then preened happily at the pristine whiteness of it. Yep, perfectly presentable!
Now to find someone to talk to. |
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Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 3:26 pm
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When the Queen had finished talking, Kufutwa took a moment to look around. Only few faces were familiar to him. The scryer was normally found to be awake in the evening, his eyes to the sky as he calculated the positions of the stars. Being up at the odd hours meant little time for socializing, and when he was up in normal hours he was usually with his brother.
Speaking of, where was that devil. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the crowds, not seeing him at first. He'd catch up with him later if anything.
Kufu's eyes fell on The Monarch's Claw conversing with the Queen and Crowned Prince, before it shifted to Her Mind, and the twin brother. Having been out in the roguelands for so long, it was strange seeing all the viziers in one place. Blinking, he rose to his feet. Might as well start mingling, huh?
[151] |
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Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 5:06 pm
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She stood amongst dull pelts of browns and blacks, bold and unforgiving. Her clear blue eyes were lifted to where her Queen stood, resplendent and awe-inspiring. For once she said nothing, did nothing but bask in this triumphant moment of renewal. Katiti'manina had called her queen back from the rogue lands, and here she was now, leading a pride not divided by disaster, but instead made stronger by it. There were few prides that could withstand the struggles they had been through, and they would have fallen to pieces if not for the proud lioness that stood above them all.
Scion of Taka, Daughter of Tiah, She of the Eternal Faith, Binder of Oats.
Ashiki.
The Monarch's Soul was an old friend, but age suited Kat well. It wisened her, sharpened her to the point where she was in the midst of the prime of her life. Her coat was a striking Firekin-red, constrasted by white and black markings. Today she had brought out different sets of woven jewelry - threads entwined with bones. They hung from her neck, ankles, ears and tail. But, even the eccenctric style was toned down from her usual look. After all, she could not be more splendid than her Queen on this day.
With her Queen's descent back down towards the rest of the pride, Kat turned into the throng of pride members. While no presence pleased her more than Ashiki's own, she had work to do. There were new faces amongst the pride, and old faces weathered by time that she would have to re-learn. It wasn't out of politeness that she desired to meet all the new pride members. Rather, it was essential for her to have a good grasp of the pride to properly read her visions. Very few lions knew how Kat's sight worked. All the general populous knew was that Kat was a powerful seer, and had yet to be proven wrong.
She was not a force to trifle with.
While her visions were influenced by her desires, she could not exactly control them. All she could do was sway them in the right direction, and if she wanted to keep track of the new pride members she needed a clear image of them within her head. It was hardly a matter of trust - they were all almost equals in her mind. Rather, it was a matter of security. If she could see one's future, it would be that much easier to guide them to it or away from it.
She scanned the crowd, gaze settling on the figure of a lioness who very well wanted to be forgotten. It was a pity, then, that Kat had taken her under her 'wing'. She moved through the crowd, bones rattling like a warning. When her eyes settled on Chausika, the look was quick and dismissive. "Come, you will learn nothing hiding here." There was no room for rebuttal, not that Chausika could talk. Kat would remove her tongue if a single word was uttered.
With Chausika behind her, Kat approached the first lion to catch her eye. Familiar, but time had changed a youthful face into a more handsome visage. "What a pleasure it is to see that your mane has finally grown in, Kufutwa," she greeted the younger male with a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.
Apparently, Chausika was not important enough to introduce, and seeing as the lioness could not very well speak for herself... it made the intention clear. Listen and learn.
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Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 5:39 pm
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Kufu wasn't expecting for someone else to make the first move in talking with him.
And it was the Monarch's Soul at that. The male bobbed his head in respect to the vizier, his dark green eyes meeting her icy blues, catching the look of mischief in them. He resisted quirking an eyebrow, deciding it was better to just ignore the look, focusing back on what she had said instead. "Oh. Yeah, I guess it has...hasn't it?" He chuckled lightly. The last time he had seen Katiti he had been just a small creature. To him, she hadn't aged, being the adult he had once known.
"I've been meaning to seek you out to be honest. To go over some of the stars I've been watching lately." He couldn't help but glance back towards the darker female behind the Soul. If he knew her, he definitely did not recognize her. And Katiti not introducing her obviously meant something Kufu would not question.
"Perhaps when you a spare moment, I may speak with you. Scryer stuff...you know?" He was still new to the job and all, so getting more help from the Soul herself would be beneficial for him.
[198] |
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Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 6:39 pm
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Majuto had been born into the Outlands, and had been old enough to remember the great earthquake that had cut off vital migratory routes through the pride. He'd barely made it through his cubhood before they were forced to leave their homelands behind. His parents were long gone, and the only blood family he had left was his brother Kufutwa. The two had travelled with the Queen, and while their journey hadn't been easy, they made it back to their home in one piece.
It was strange to be here now. He could hardly remember it from the days of his youth. Majuto had aged well, his dark mane large and heavy, almost sweeping down over his shoulders. Dark, long tufts of fur were visible on his elbows. Along his body were minor scars, though he could not bother to recount where he had gotten them all. While his brother was suited to being a Scryer, it was evident that Majuto was born to be a Scar.
Their Queen spoke, and by her side stood Kethiwe, looking proud but untested. He had been born to rule, but there was much he could learn from his mother. The Queen's presence was inspiring - she was the glue that had held their group together through to rogue lands. She had been unwavering in faith that their pride lands would be restored to their old vitality. With her, Majuto had never doubted that he would make it back home.
And here he was now, listening to her roar her triumphant return.
The dark lion smiled, and looked around himself to find someone within the pride to talk to. Normally his brother would be the first one he'd seek out, but one glance over to Kufutwa and Majuto was staying as far away from him as possible. He had the attention of the Monarch's Soul, and Majuto could not hide the fact that he found the lioness to be unsettling at times. Her abilities as a seer were simply too strong, he believed, for anyone to feel comfortable around her.
She was a valuable ally, but Majuto would rather she'd stay at a distance from him. Their trip through the rogue lands would have been far more eventful if she had been there with them.
Before his brother could flag him down for help, Majuto turned towards the closest lioness he could find. He did not recognize her, but there was something deeply interesting in the color of her eye. Light purple broken by a hue of pink - a coloration he had never witnessed before. "Hello there - I'm Majuto. Uh, I do not recall seeing you in my youth, were you found in the rogue lands or am I just blind?" Normally he was a little more skillful with conversation, but with the pride just reuniting he had a hard time figuring out if he knew anyone or not. There seemed to be a lot of new faces - not that it bothered him, it was good for the health of the pride. They could not survive without new blood, and Taka's legacy only grew stronger with each new joining member.
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Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2018 5:49 am
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It wasn't long before the lion next to her began speaking in her direction. A large, dark lion she did not recognize (but how many would she recognize?), he was covered in one of the thickest manes Zawadi had ever seen. It was beautiful, and the dark color of his fur made his bright red eyes stand out even further.
"Hello, Majuto," she responded, a smile quickly brandishing her face. Although she had ambitions to reach Scar at some point, she really was a genuinely sweet lioness at heart. It didn't surprise her, after seeing the nicks and scars covering his body, that he had grown up in the Outlands. For some reason, that made Zawadi feel a bit intimidated, but that was a feeling she'd have to get over quickly; considering she had joined a great pride that had just rebanded together, it would be silly to feel uncomfortable as an odd lion out.
At his inquiry, Zawadi let out a chuckle. "I cannot speak to your blindness, but I can confirm that I am of the rogue lands - a recent addition here." She flashed another smile. "I'm Zawadi, and I hope you didn't speak to me just because you're too blind to find anyone else." The lioness bowed her head a bit awkwardly - living her whole life as a solitary rogue, she was not practiced in the art of conversation, and hoped dearly that she wasn't making a fool of herself.
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Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2018 9:42 am
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Dala stood among those gathered and felt the roar from the Queen vibrate within her. She had been searching for a long time for a place to call home, one that she felt was a place worth fighting for, and although the lands themselves weren't anything of note the lions here were proud, strong, and full of vibrancy. She could tell this was the place where she belonged and she was willing to work her way up the ladder here to prove it.
Turning away, the brown lioness gazed over the others gathered, looking for someone to speak to. She eventually approached a dusky male who seemed a bit out of place, just like her. Perhaps he was new as well?
"A rousing speech, wouldn't you say?" she asked.
---
Siri, also a newcomer to the lands, smirked slightly as the speech wrapped up. He had heard whispers of the pride rebanding and he was glad it hadn't just been a rumor. During his time in the rogue lands he had heard stories of Taka and the legacy surrounding him. He had been quite inspired by it and for a time had even been on a bit of a pilgrimage of his own to follow in the lion's pawprints, but it had been derailed after learning the pride his father oversaw was no more. It had been disappointing to be sure, but now it seemed destiny had called him here.
He stood off on his own, keen to watch and learn rather than interact. If someone came to speak to him he'd not turn them away, but for now he was content to observe. |
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Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2018 10:27 am
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Evadne hopped forward cheerfully as she glanced back and forth amongst everyone. People were talking and conversing amongst each other, but there didn't seem to be anything else of interest beyond that. She pouted for only a moment, before seeming to bounce back entirely and continuing her gait. She would just have to find something herself, then!
She could spy the queen's viziers here and there among the crowd - a flash a red from Katiti, the two black forms that signaled Shetani and her brother, the orange pelt of the Claw - and it was as she'd turned her attention to glance at the later that she accidentally bumbled directly into someone.
With an oomph, Eva scrambled back and whipped her head around, her mouth opening to speak before she had even registered who it was. "Oh, sorry!" She threw a cheeky grin at the brown lion, "I didn't see you there."
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