Post by Rynoah on Jan 7, 2007 1:14:03 GMT -5
The Place:
The base of Pride Rock
The Players:
Uzuri, competitor for hunt-misstress
Uru, aging queen
Taka, future king
Sarabi, future betrothed of one of the princes
The Scene:
Uzuri is pacing around in front of Pride Rock. Angry. And maybe a little fearful. Her little confrontation with Taka left her with little choice but to appeal to the real authority of Pride Rock. But she couldn't find Ahadi or Uru, so she's blowing off some major steam.
It seems Uru has fine timing, then, for the aging queen appears on the path leading to the base of Pride Rock. She still walks with a proud, steady stride, but it's slightly stiff now. Though not on her last legs, she's no longer the spry youth of her early rule. When she spots Uzuri, she offers a kind smile and approaches with some concern, head tilted slightly to one side. "Something on your mind, Uzuri?" she inquires softly, her voice a bit deeper than what it used to be.
Taka is lingering around the base of Pride Rock, and one could even call him halfway under the promontory - but he's most certainly within earshot, and the voice of his dear mother is enough to give him pause, especially when heard in conjunction with /that name/. He flexes his claws a little, kneading at the earth beneath his feet while quietly ripping up some poor, innocent grass.
Uzuri looks up and sees Uru and bows her head in heartfelt respect to her. "Your higness." she says, then lifts her head. "It's about Taka. I'm really quite concerned about your highnesses' decision to choose him over Mufasa to be king. I hope I'm not overstepping my humble position in the Pride by talking to you."
The smile fades slightly on the queen's face when she hears of Uzuri's unease, and one chocolate-rimmed ear slips back. "Why would you say that?" Uru questions. "Taka is the cleverest of my sons; it's only wise that he be chosen as the next king." She is certainly confident in the decision.
Taka finally slips out into the open and into sight, a smile drawn tightly along his long, thin muzzle as he strides over towards the females, the end of his tail curling a bit. When he comes to a stop he drags one forepaw neatly up next to its mate, standing primly. "Perhaps it had something to do with Uzuri telling me she was in no way at all a loyal subject to our pride, mother?" He blinks slowly. "I'm only speculating."
Uzuri growls. "That's a lie! I'm loyal to the pride, that's why I'm doing this! Taka has been abusing my pridesisters! He even threatened my life! I've had nothing but a love for this pride since my mother brought me here. My problem lies with *him.*" she says, emphasizing the word 'him' as if Taka were some creature dragged from the waterhole's deeper waters. "He is not fit to be king. He does not have the pride's best interests at heart, and I feel he'll lead us to ruin!"
Uru's gaze jumps to Taka when he makes his appearance, and at the accusation, her eyes narrow and snap to Uzuri. She listens carefully to what the young lioness has to say and then, with slow deliberation, she speaks: "What do you mean, Taka? What did she say?" Her smouldering eyes never leave Uzuri.
Taka looks hurt and wounded, drawing himself up to stare at Uzuri with righteous anger. "Mother, /she/ is the one who called me a tyrant, declared I'd never be king, and threatened to steal our pride members away to Palandasya!" He allows himself to simmer visibly, the fur along his spine bristling upwards. A foot stomps, ripping up some of the grass underneath it. "She wants to overthrow us!"
Uzuri looks at Uru. "I said those things *because* of what he is doing! He threatened to kill me because I said I wouldn't stand for is his abuse! And now he's trying to get you to punish me for standing up for my pride!" she says, glaring at Taka. "I wasn't about to let him oppress them, that's why!"
"Enough!" The word is spat out not with volume, but with sharp authority nonetheless. Uru continues to glower at Uzuri; it seems her protests are falling on deaf ears. "I will not stand for these accusations against my son. Is this how you would repay us, Uzuri? You don't agree with our decision to appoint Taka as heir, so you seek to undermine him?" Her gaze softens as it shifts to the lion of which she speaks, and then it returns to Uzuri. "I have half a mind to throw you out, Uzuri."
Taka manages to make skittering look somehow elegant as he moves up beside his mother, butting his head forward against the side of hers for a bit of nuzzling while peering at Uzuri out of the corner of one eye. The reigning queen is doing the talking for the moment, which is just fine by him since he's busy with silently gloating over his victory.
Roused from uneasy slumber, a small, lithe shape slips silently from the mouth of the pridal cavern and adopts a perch overlooking the scene at the base of the Rock. Sarabi neglects to announce her presence, knowing that her involvement would only aggravate the situation. After all, she grew up in Mwenyezi--the pit of snakes. If she's learned anything about pridal politics, it's to stay out of them unless absolutely necessary.
Uzuri stops talking and just bows her head desolately, defeated. She can't get thrown out. Taka would find a way to make sure she wouldn't live the night. She is still submissive, but now she's Taka's to kick around who knows how much.
The queen blithely returns the nuzzle, and it seems to calm her down a bit, for when she again looks at Uzuri, some of the edge has been taken off her glower. "Speak no more of these things," she commands the younger lioness. "Taka will rule, and I won't have traitors trying to turn the pride against him." Uru's threat holds great weight indeed.
Taka raises his head to gaze imperiously over at the cowed female, affectionately bumping shoulders with his mother. "What shall I do if she starts blabbering treason again, mother?" It's a valid question, and it's a good idea to figure out just how far he can go. "...also, I think she should be removed from the running for huntmistress. We can't have someone we don't trust."
Uzuri's heart leaps. No! If she can't go for huntmistress, then she loses all will to live! Everything! Her whole life! It's all been for the proud moment of being selected or at least *considered* for that job. She looks up at Taka. "No!"
It's obvious that Uru is considering this punishment, but she is not quite ready to hurt Uzuri so badly. She shakes her head slowly. "No, Taka, let her run still," she responds, "but if she continues to spread rumors, then we can take such action." Besides, she sees great promise in the Palandasya lioness. She is a fine huntress, to say the least. It will be a hard choice between her and the others in the running.
Taka looks a bit troubled when his intended consequences are overruled, but just nods along with his mother. "that sounds reasonable. We should keep this incident in mind when the actual choice is to be made, though." Nope, can't have traitors in high positions.
Uzuri looks warily at Taka. Yeah. Soon as he's king, she's going to be taken out of the running, if not killed off outright by Taka. She bows her head and feels the lump in her throat. This is hard. Uru was always a just lioness, but this is no doubt the exception. How is she going to protect her pridesisters now? One false move and Taka'll easily get her thrown out. She wouldn't fight back if Taka were to physically stomp her on the spot. She knows he'll brag.
"Perhaps," Uru muses quietly. And that's all she'll say on the matter. She's made her point. With one last glare at Uzuri, she turns and saunters towards the nearest resting place: right up against a boulder. Perfect for her old bones.
Taka bares his teeth in a somewhat taunting grin, striding forward to whisper at Uzuri from where he's certain he can't be heard. "One wrong move against the pride and you'll be out." It's a simple decree, and the prince just offers a haughty sniff before turning his head back towards his mother.
Sarabi finishes slotting the pieces together in her brain and, slowly, begins making her way down the winding trail. The argument seems to have subsided for now, making it safe join the gathering. As she approaches, she bows her head respectfully to the Queen and murmurs a purred greeting. "Your Majesty--good evening."
Uzuri sullenly stands and brushes past Taka. She whispers something to him as she does. She heads for the promontory. Anywhere to be alone... or at least away from Taka.
The greeting from Sarabi is returned with a quiet smile and an inclination of the head. Then, Uru glances over to her son and calls to him: "Taka, my dear, how have you been getting on?" Her plush ears slip forward with interest, eager to hear of her son's adventures.
Taka smiles thinly at Uzuri before turning away to start heading back over towards Uru at a light trot. "/Splendidly/, mother. I've just been down to scout the herds today and it seems they've had a nice crop of younglings this season." Yummy!
Sarabi's narrowed eyes watch Uzuri's retreating back, and although she longs to follow and speak with the lioness in private, she roots herself to the spot beside Uru, sinking down onto her haunches--then her belly. Her rest was interrupted by the sound of angry voices, but now that the disturbance is over, she can once again relax.
Uzuri just lies on the promontory and does something she hasn't done since she was a cub. She bursts into tears and cries on the promontory. What is she going to do now?
"That's fine, Taka," Uru praises warmly, her smile widening. "That will make fine hunting for us." Her gaze goes to Sarabi, and she offers her an equally kind smile. "And how have you been, Sarabi?"
Taka comes to a neat, prim stop by Sarabi and Uru, slowly edging down to lie on his belly while letting his forepaws cross. "Good evening, Sarabi." It's good to be polite, especially since the telltale noises from above are putting him in an excellent mood.
Sarabi swivels an ear and closes her eyes, attempting to put Uzuri's weeping out of her head. She understands how Taka could be so cold. But does that make it right? When her eyes open again, they're dimmer than before. The expression on her face, however, has not changed. "I miss my old home," she admits. "But my heart is warming to this one."
Uzuri continues crying. She's always loved this place. Sniff. But she wouldn't have had trouble with this at home. Sob. She used to be a Duchess! Gasp cry. The daughter of King Hukumu. His oldest cub, even. Sniffle. But now look what happened. Shudder. She's just a lioness. Hated by the Crown Prince, and the Queen. And now Uzuri feels more out of place than ever.
"If you need anything to help you feel more welcome," Uru continues, apparently oblivious to the whimperings of the lioness above, "don't hesitate to ask." This one, she's decided, could make a fine princess for one of her sons. Which one is the question.
"Thank you, my lady." Taka's proximity makes Sarabi vaguely uncomfortable, though not quite as uncomfortable as poor Uzuri. She lets out a slow breath, turning her head toward the horizon and Everything the Light Touches. Somewhere, beyond that stretch of green savannah, is Tzik. This would all be so much easier if he was here.
There's not much else to say for Uru, and so the queen settles down with chin on forepaws and half-closes her eyes. Life, to her, is good, despite the ripple of discontent earlier.
After awhile, Sarabi stirs and rises to all fours and shakes the dust out of her fur, trying not to disturb the lions beside her. "You'll excuse me, Highness," she says with a nod to Uru, and then Taka. "My Prince. But I believe I hear someone calling my name."
Uzuri's crying died down, but she's still lying on the edge of the promontory with Weighed eyes and a sad heart. She doesn't feel like moving.
Uru lifts her head long enough to give a judicial nod to Sarabi before settling her chin down once more. She didn't actually hear someone calling Sarabi's name, but she's not about to say anything.
Taka stays quiet, just watching Sarabi move off with a slightly irritated glance. Then he drapes out beside his mother and yawns, content to be what most males are - lazy.
The base of Pride Rock
The Players:
Uzuri, competitor for hunt-misstress
Uru, aging queen
Taka, future king
Sarabi, future betrothed of one of the princes
The Scene:
Uzuri is pacing around in front of Pride Rock. Angry. And maybe a little fearful. Her little confrontation with Taka left her with little choice but to appeal to the real authority of Pride Rock. But she couldn't find Ahadi or Uru, so she's blowing off some major steam.
It seems Uru has fine timing, then, for the aging queen appears on the path leading to the base of Pride Rock. She still walks with a proud, steady stride, but it's slightly stiff now. Though not on her last legs, she's no longer the spry youth of her early rule. When she spots Uzuri, she offers a kind smile and approaches with some concern, head tilted slightly to one side. "Something on your mind, Uzuri?" she inquires softly, her voice a bit deeper than what it used to be.
Taka is lingering around the base of Pride Rock, and one could even call him halfway under the promontory - but he's most certainly within earshot, and the voice of his dear mother is enough to give him pause, especially when heard in conjunction with /that name/. He flexes his claws a little, kneading at the earth beneath his feet while quietly ripping up some poor, innocent grass.
Uzuri looks up and sees Uru and bows her head in heartfelt respect to her. "Your higness." she says, then lifts her head. "It's about Taka. I'm really quite concerned about your highnesses' decision to choose him over Mufasa to be king. I hope I'm not overstepping my humble position in the Pride by talking to you."
The smile fades slightly on the queen's face when she hears of Uzuri's unease, and one chocolate-rimmed ear slips back. "Why would you say that?" Uru questions. "Taka is the cleverest of my sons; it's only wise that he be chosen as the next king." She is certainly confident in the decision.
Taka finally slips out into the open and into sight, a smile drawn tightly along his long, thin muzzle as he strides over towards the females, the end of his tail curling a bit. When he comes to a stop he drags one forepaw neatly up next to its mate, standing primly. "Perhaps it had something to do with Uzuri telling me she was in no way at all a loyal subject to our pride, mother?" He blinks slowly. "I'm only speculating."
Uzuri growls. "That's a lie! I'm loyal to the pride, that's why I'm doing this! Taka has been abusing my pridesisters! He even threatened my life! I've had nothing but a love for this pride since my mother brought me here. My problem lies with *him.*" she says, emphasizing the word 'him' as if Taka were some creature dragged from the waterhole's deeper waters. "He is not fit to be king. He does not have the pride's best interests at heart, and I feel he'll lead us to ruin!"
Uru's gaze jumps to Taka when he makes his appearance, and at the accusation, her eyes narrow and snap to Uzuri. She listens carefully to what the young lioness has to say and then, with slow deliberation, she speaks: "What do you mean, Taka? What did she say?" Her smouldering eyes never leave Uzuri.
Taka looks hurt and wounded, drawing himself up to stare at Uzuri with righteous anger. "Mother, /she/ is the one who called me a tyrant, declared I'd never be king, and threatened to steal our pride members away to Palandasya!" He allows himself to simmer visibly, the fur along his spine bristling upwards. A foot stomps, ripping up some of the grass underneath it. "She wants to overthrow us!"
Uzuri looks at Uru. "I said those things *because* of what he is doing! He threatened to kill me because I said I wouldn't stand for is his abuse! And now he's trying to get you to punish me for standing up for my pride!" she says, glaring at Taka. "I wasn't about to let him oppress them, that's why!"
"Enough!" The word is spat out not with volume, but with sharp authority nonetheless. Uru continues to glower at Uzuri; it seems her protests are falling on deaf ears. "I will not stand for these accusations against my son. Is this how you would repay us, Uzuri? You don't agree with our decision to appoint Taka as heir, so you seek to undermine him?" Her gaze softens as it shifts to the lion of which she speaks, and then it returns to Uzuri. "I have half a mind to throw you out, Uzuri."
Taka manages to make skittering look somehow elegant as he moves up beside his mother, butting his head forward against the side of hers for a bit of nuzzling while peering at Uzuri out of the corner of one eye. The reigning queen is doing the talking for the moment, which is just fine by him since he's busy with silently gloating over his victory.
Roused from uneasy slumber, a small, lithe shape slips silently from the mouth of the pridal cavern and adopts a perch overlooking the scene at the base of the Rock. Sarabi neglects to announce her presence, knowing that her involvement would only aggravate the situation. After all, she grew up in Mwenyezi--the pit of snakes. If she's learned anything about pridal politics, it's to stay out of them unless absolutely necessary.
Uzuri stops talking and just bows her head desolately, defeated. She can't get thrown out. Taka would find a way to make sure she wouldn't live the night. She is still submissive, but now she's Taka's to kick around who knows how much.
The queen blithely returns the nuzzle, and it seems to calm her down a bit, for when she again looks at Uzuri, some of the edge has been taken off her glower. "Speak no more of these things," she commands the younger lioness. "Taka will rule, and I won't have traitors trying to turn the pride against him." Uru's threat holds great weight indeed.
Taka raises his head to gaze imperiously over at the cowed female, affectionately bumping shoulders with his mother. "What shall I do if she starts blabbering treason again, mother?" It's a valid question, and it's a good idea to figure out just how far he can go. "...also, I think she should be removed from the running for huntmistress. We can't have someone we don't trust."
Uzuri's heart leaps. No! If she can't go for huntmistress, then she loses all will to live! Everything! Her whole life! It's all been for the proud moment of being selected or at least *considered* for that job. She looks up at Taka. "No!"
It's obvious that Uru is considering this punishment, but she is not quite ready to hurt Uzuri so badly. She shakes her head slowly. "No, Taka, let her run still," she responds, "but if she continues to spread rumors, then we can take such action." Besides, she sees great promise in the Palandasya lioness. She is a fine huntress, to say the least. It will be a hard choice between her and the others in the running.
Taka looks a bit troubled when his intended consequences are overruled, but just nods along with his mother. "that sounds reasonable. We should keep this incident in mind when the actual choice is to be made, though." Nope, can't have traitors in high positions.
Uzuri looks warily at Taka. Yeah. Soon as he's king, she's going to be taken out of the running, if not killed off outright by Taka. She bows her head and feels the lump in her throat. This is hard. Uru was always a just lioness, but this is no doubt the exception. How is she going to protect her pridesisters now? One false move and Taka'll easily get her thrown out. She wouldn't fight back if Taka were to physically stomp her on the spot. She knows he'll brag.
"Perhaps," Uru muses quietly. And that's all she'll say on the matter. She's made her point. With one last glare at Uzuri, she turns and saunters towards the nearest resting place: right up against a boulder. Perfect for her old bones.
Taka bares his teeth in a somewhat taunting grin, striding forward to whisper at Uzuri from where he's certain he can't be heard. "One wrong move against the pride and you'll be out." It's a simple decree, and the prince just offers a haughty sniff before turning his head back towards his mother.
Sarabi finishes slotting the pieces together in her brain and, slowly, begins making her way down the winding trail. The argument seems to have subsided for now, making it safe join the gathering. As she approaches, she bows her head respectfully to the Queen and murmurs a purred greeting. "Your Majesty--good evening."
Uzuri sullenly stands and brushes past Taka. She whispers something to him as she does. She heads for the promontory. Anywhere to be alone... or at least away from Taka.
The greeting from Sarabi is returned with a quiet smile and an inclination of the head. Then, Uru glances over to her son and calls to him: "Taka, my dear, how have you been getting on?" Her plush ears slip forward with interest, eager to hear of her son's adventures.
Taka smiles thinly at Uzuri before turning away to start heading back over towards Uru at a light trot. "/Splendidly/, mother. I've just been down to scout the herds today and it seems they've had a nice crop of younglings this season." Yummy!
Sarabi's narrowed eyes watch Uzuri's retreating back, and although she longs to follow and speak with the lioness in private, she roots herself to the spot beside Uru, sinking down onto her haunches--then her belly. Her rest was interrupted by the sound of angry voices, but now that the disturbance is over, she can once again relax.
Uzuri just lies on the promontory and does something she hasn't done since she was a cub. She bursts into tears and cries on the promontory. What is she going to do now?
"That's fine, Taka," Uru praises warmly, her smile widening. "That will make fine hunting for us." Her gaze goes to Sarabi, and she offers her an equally kind smile. "And how have you been, Sarabi?"
Taka comes to a neat, prim stop by Sarabi and Uru, slowly edging down to lie on his belly while letting his forepaws cross. "Good evening, Sarabi." It's good to be polite, especially since the telltale noises from above are putting him in an excellent mood.
Sarabi swivels an ear and closes her eyes, attempting to put Uzuri's weeping out of her head. She understands how Taka could be so cold. But does that make it right? When her eyes open again, they're dimmer than before. The expression on her face, however, has not changed. "I miss my old home," she admits. "But my heart is warming to this one."
Uzuri continues crying. She's always loved this place. Sniff. But she wouldn't have had trouble with this at home. Sob. She used to be a Duchess! Gasp cry. The daughter of King Hukumu. His oldest cub, even. Sniffle. But now look what happened. Shudder. She's just a lioness. Hated by the Crown Prince, and the Queen. And now Uzuri feels more out of place than ever.
"If you need anything to help you feel more welcome," Uru continues, apparently oblivious to the whimperings of the lioness above, "don't hesitate to ask." This one, she's decided, could make a fine princess for one of her sons. Which one is the question.
"Thank you, my lady." Taka's proximity makes Sarabi vaguely uncomfortable, though not quite as uncomfortable as poor Uzuri. She lets out a slow breath, turning her head toward the horizon and Everything the Light Touches. Somewhere, beyond that stretch of green savannah, is Tzik. This would all be so much easier if he was here.
There's not much else to say for Uru, and so the queen settles down with chin on forepaws and half-closes her eyes. Life, to her, is good, despite the ripple of discontent earlier.
After awhile, Sarabi stirs and rises to all fours and shakes the dust out of her fur, trying not to disturb the lions beside her. "You'll excuse me, Highness," she says with a nod to Uru, and then Taka. "My Prince. But I believe I hear someone calling my name."
Uzuri's crying died down, but she's still lying on the edge of the promontory with Weighed eyes and a sad heart. She doesn't feel like moving.
Uru lifts her head long enough to give a judicial nod to Sarabi before settling her chin down once more. She didn't actually hear someone calling Sarabi's name, but she's not about to say anything.
Taka stays quiet, just watching Sarabi move off with a slightly irritated glance. Then he drapes out beside his mother and yawns, content to be what most males are - lazy.
