Post by Bahati on Jan 18, 2007 1:14:09 GMT -5
Palandasya - Dark, Winding River
You see nothing special.
Exits:
[South] to the Stargazer's Circle
[West] to the Emerald Savannah
[Northwest] along the River
Present:
[TP] Hukumu
[TP] Katana
[TP] Tahmina
It is a hot, sopping night on the fringe of Palandasya's forested border. Hukumu, accompanied by his personal guards, patrols the riverbank with narrowed eyes and flattened ears, staring into the black water as if he half-expected his daughter and his Queen to emerge from the muck. The days following their disappearance have been hard on the King, though it does not show; his soul may feel haggard, but his stride is as long and smooth and confident as it ever was.
Two shapes pad down from the north, paralleling the river's course but staying some short ways back from its edge. Their pace is slow, unhurried, the sort of gait that could be kept up for hours on end. One walks ahead, nearly as large as a typical lioness, making him big indeed for a leopard. The smaller, dark-furred lioness almost blends with the night, walking beside and behind, keeping her muzzle even with his left flank. The moment they notice the lions' presence is clear, as their path shifts to approach the cluster of males, though the travelers are not yet close enough for conversation.
The guards of Hukumu are just a step behind and on either side of their king. One keeps his eyes on the muck and the other scans the area for threats. Those eyes settle on the two approaching figures, and although ready, make no motion to be threatening.
The newest member of the guard, Katana or "Kat" for short, the one who saved the cub Uzuri from the leopard attack in the Lerai forest. Kat now is last in line behind everyone, bringing up the rear, an unfortunate position the 'newbies' get. She glances over her shoulder making sure everything is safe behind them as they patrol the riverbank, keeping watch for signs of danger. At the moment she does not see or hear anything out of the ordinary to warrant a warning roar. She does have something to discuss with the king, but will wait until the appropriate time, perhaps a resting point to speak to him. For now she continues to do her duty to the pride, and hopefully her devotion will impress the other guards and her leaders' as well, to help her move up one day, perhaps to Captain or assistant. Only time shall tell.
Hukumu's eyes are not as keen as they once were, but his gaze is drawn instinctively toward the movement in the dark. He squints, coming to an abrupt halt. The pair is much too large to be Sauti and Tunu, returned from the dead. "Katana," he murmurs, scarcely moving his lips. "Go and see." As always, the newest member of the Royal Guard is the most expendable.
Still some distance away from the group, the travelers slow, pause. Without so much as a word or shared glance, they split up - the lioness sitting down where she is, becoming a still, motionless shape in the dark; the leopard to continue his approach, finally planting his paws in the damp earth where he can stand between his ward and the strangers. Distant enough, neutral enough in posture to present no threat; yet facing the leonines squarely, his amber gaze steady upon them.
Katana is about to speak to Hukumu, but of course duty calls, and she is sent out on yet another mission. Oh the joys of being the lowest rank in the guard. She always has to do the dirty work. So now, Kat sniffs the air, and starts to head toward the two scents that filter through the air into her nostrils. She moves along the riverbank, after some time of tracking. Not yet spotting the lioness, the leopard is her first target though he seems non threatening. "Hello, as guard of the Palandasya, I request that you state who you are and your intentions in our kingdom? I am under orders from King Hukumu." She says. The lioness continues to scan the area to try to narrow down the exact location of the second figure.
The leopard remains in place, listening, tracking Katana's approach. His ears tilt forward as the lioness speaks, expression shifting to something that hints almost at relief. If still heavily tempered by caution. "I am Khusrau, ally to Mahine pride," he answers. "I have come on their business, seeking this 'King Hukumu' of whom you speak."
The skin on the bridge of Hukumu's nose wrinkles, his whiskers twitching as his lips peel back, making it easier for him to breathe. This humidity will be the death of him. From afar, he listens to the introductions, more watchful of Katana than the stranger. He wants to see how she handles this.
The other pair of guards cast glances at each other. Haha. Let's watch the new kid. Though they do keep their ears perked and glance warily around from time to time, just in case.
Katana feels quite embarrassed with all the eyes on her and nervous at the same time. The lioness dips her head respectfully to Khusrau. "Well then, wait here, I will go speak with the king to see if he will accept a meeting." She turns and pads back toward her ruler dipping her head when she reaches the spot where he rests. "My liege, Lord Hukumu, a leopard Khusarau wishes to meet with you on business. He claims to be an ally of the Mahine Pride and wishes a consultation." She dips her head once more to the king. "Shall I allow him to approach?" the 'new kid' inquires.
Leopard and lioness alike wait for the local lions to make the next move, the leopard watching as intently as the gloom allows; the lioness, just a bit further back, only listening to what she little can hear, and keeping an eye on her companion.
Hukumu dips his head in acknowledgement. "You may," intones the King, his voice like gravel. "But be quick."
Katana nods and quickly races back to where the leopard stands, panting. She dips her head once more. "The king wishes your presence." She smiles. "Follow me, but don't try anything stupid." She says. "Some say I have eyes in the back of my head." She starts to pad back toward where the king awaits, making sure the leopard follows.
Some say? Not this pair. The two guards look at each other and snicker silently, rolling their eyes at Katana's comment. Eyes in the back of her head. Right.
The leopard manages to keep his reaction to Katana's words down to a mere lifted brow. Khusrau inclines his head in assent, then paces quietly along behind the lioness guard, tail swaying slowly as he walks.
Hukumu makes a mental note to speak with his brother after this meeting. Where in the world did he find this Katana character? She certainly isn't a native to this side of the Zuberti. Flexing his claws, he moves to meet the trio halfway and, with a low sweep of his head, gestures for his remaining guards to follow.
Katana moves to a position behind the leopard, as Hukumu approaches them followed by the other guards. She makes an effort to help box the leopard in, just in case he tries anything. She keeps the leopard in the middle and sits down behind him as the others arrive. "My liege." She acknowledges, nodding to the leopard. "May I present Khusrau, ally of the Mahine Pride."
The other guards seem largely unconcerned with cornering the stranger in their lands. They know they've got the numbers, and if ordered, they /will/ take him down.
The leopard glances briefly in Katana's direction as she moves behind him. From the set of his ears, he's a bit annoyed with her choice of action, in the sense of feeling it totally unnecessary. But all he does is turn his full attention to Hukumu while Katana makes the introduction; Khusrau extends one foreleg and curls the other up beneath him, dipping his head in a deep bow. "King Hukumu."
"Friend Khusrau," the dark-maned lion responds, though his eyes rest not on the leopard. He seems much more interested in his female companion. "It has been a long time since I heard the name Mahine. The reason for this visit is a pleasurable one, I hope? It would be... unfortunate, if some calamity has befallen your homeland."
Katana listens carefully, keeping a watch of the area around them while the King talks. She flicks her tail back and forth. So far the leopard has given her no reason to disbelieve his claim of arriving on peaceful terms. She waits and listens, ignoring the stares from the older, more experienced guards.
"No calamity, my lord," the leopard replies, rising from his bow and settling into an easy, relaxed stance. Now that identities have been confirmed and the key conversation begun, Khusrau glances back over his shoulder, voicing a soft chuff. "The name of Palandasya has come to King Mahvand's ears, and the name of King Hukumu," he continues, amber eyes returning to the lion. "So, too, has come word of what he seeks. Mahvand wishes his fellow King good fortune in his search, and sends a daughter of Mahine for his consideration." For as the leopard speaks, Tahmina finally moves, unfolding from where she sits and padding towards the group. Each paw is placed with seemingly artless care, the lioness' gaze demurely downcast as she approaches, dark eyes only just visible beneath her lashes. She comes up behind Katana, but there is no hint of potential menace in the approach - all the more so as she stops just beyond the other lioness, lowering herself gracefully into an even deeper bow than Khusrau's.
"She is very fine," Hukumu rumbles appreciatively, his murky gaze lingering on Tahmina longer than it ought. In a strange way, she reminds him of Sauti. "My dear, surely you have a name?" As tempted as he is to venture closer, the King is mindful of the company they keep, and opts to remain where he stands. A blessedly cool breeze sweeps in from across the river and ruffles through Hukumu's mane, causing him to flick one of his notched ears.
Katana glances over to Tahmina, examining her and smiles dipping her head, and finding no darkness in her, steps aside to allow Hukumu to approach. She stands now, alongside the leopard but a bit further back than before as she watches them closely. Interesting, a lioness had been hiding there all the time, unknown to her. Kat's ears fold back a bit and she slips a bit further out of the circle a little abashed. Oh boy, she's never going to hear the end of this one is she?
She sure isn't. The two guards are suppressing chuckles as Katana slinks back to join their ranks. Silly newbie.
"I am Tahmina, lord," the young lioness replies, voice soft and melodic. She doesn't so much as lift her gaze, though dark eyes continue to watch unobtrusively through the fringe of her lashes; much less does Tahmina move to rise. Khusrau now is the silent one, leaving Hukumu to his appraisal of the lioness, but his presence cannot be forgotten; though there is a clear path between the King and Tahmina, the leopard isn't all that far out of it.
"Tahmina." Hukumu likes the taste of her name in his mouth. Nodding, he adds, "You and your escort will accompany my patrol back to the kopje. The huntresses will see that you are both fed." In this light, the King is unable to complete the physical evaluation; such things are better left till morning.
Katana remains silent, keeping out of the picture, utterly humiliated and thoroughly embarrassed by missing the lioness. She'll make sure not to make that same mistake again! The new guard listens but says nothing, keeping an eye and ear to the surroundings around them, just in case.
At that instruction, Tahmina rises, maintaining the seeming careless grace that began her bow. She inclines her head in acknowledgement and assent, stepping back one single pace. Khusrau moves to stand beside her, glancing over to Hukumu. "Thank you, lord; it will be our honor."
You see nothing special.
Exits:
[South] to the Stargazer's Circle
[West] to the Emerald Savannah
[Northwest] along the River
Present:
[TP] Hukumu
[TP] Katana
[TP] Tahmina
It is a hot, sopping night on the fringe of Palandasya's forested border. Hukumu, accompanied by his personal guards, patrols the riverbank with narrowed eyes and flattened ears, staring into the black water as if he half-expected his daughter and his Queen to emerge from the muck. The days following their disappearance have been hard on the King, though it does not show; his soul may feel haggard, but his stride is as long and smooth and confident as it ever was.
Two shapes pad down from the north, paralleling the river's course but staying some short ways back from its edge. Their pace is slow, unhurried, the sort of gait that could be kept up for hours on end. One walks ahead, nearly as large as a typical lioness, making him big indeed for a leopard. The smaller, dark-furred lioness almost blends with the night, walking beside and behind, keeping her muzzle even with his left flank. The moment they notice the lions' presence is clear, as their path shifts to approach the cluster of males, though the travelers are not yet close enough for conversation.
The guards of Hukumu are just a step behind and on either side of their king. One keeps his eyes on the muck and the other scans the area for threats. Those eyes settle on the two approaching figures, and although ready, make no motion to be threatening.
The newest member of the guard, Katana or "Kat" for short, the one who saved the cub Uzuri from the leopard attack in the Lerai forest. Kat now is last in line behind everyone, bringing up the rear, an unfortunate position the 'newbies' get. She glances over her shoulder making sure everything is safe behind them as they patrol the riverbank, keeping watch for signs of danger. At the moment she does not see or hear anything out of the ordinary to warrant a warning roar. She does have something to discuss with the king, but will wait until the appropriate time, perhaps a resting point to speak to him. For now she continues to do her duty to the pride, and hopefully her devotion will impress the other guards and her leaders' as well, to help her move up one day, perhaps to Captain or assistant. Only time shall tell.
Hukumu's eyes are not as keen as they once were, but his gaze is drawn instinctively toward the movement in the dark. He squints, coming to an abrupt halt. The pair is much too large to be Sauti and Tunu, returned from the dead. "Katana," he murmurs, scarcely moving his lips. "Go and see." As always, the newest member of the Royal Guard is the most expendable.
Still some distance away from the group, the travelers slow, pause. Without so much as a word or shared glance, they split up - the lioness sitting down where she is, becoming a still, motionless shape in the dark; the leopard to continue his approach, finally planting his paws in the damp earth where he can stand between his ward and the strangers. Distant enough, neutral enough in posture to present no threat; yet facing the leonines squarely, his amber gaze steady upon them.
Katana is about to speak to Hukumu, but of course duty calls, and she is sent out on yet another mission. Oh the joys of being the lowest rank in the guard. She always has to do the dirty work. So now, Kat sniffs the air, and starts to head toward the two scents that filter through the air into her nostrils. She moves along the riverbank, after some time of tracking. Not yet spotting the lioness, the leopard is her first target though he seems non threatening. "Hello, as guard of the Palandasya, I request that you state who you are and your intentions in our kingdom? I am under orders from King Hukumu." She says. The lioness continues to scan the area to try to narrow down the exact location of the second figure.
The leopard remains in place, listening, tracking Katana's approach. His ears tilt forward as the lioness speaks, expression shifting to something that hints almost at relief. If still heavily tempered by caution. "I am Khusrau, ally to Mahine pride," he answers. "I have come on their business, seeking this 'King Hukumu' of whom you speak."
The skin on the bridge of Hukumu's nose wrinkles, his whiskers twitching as his lips peel back, making it easier for him to breathe. This humidity will be the death of him. From afar, he listens to the introductions, more watchful of Katana than the stranger. He wants to see how she handles this.
The other pair of guards cast glances at each other. Haha. Let's watch the new kid. Though they do keep their ears perked and glance warily around from time to time, just in case.
Katana feels quite embarrassed with all the eyes on her and nervous at the same time. The lioness dips her head respectfully to Khusrau. "Well then, wait here, I will go speak with the king to see if he will accept a meeting." She turns and pads back toward her ruler dipping her head when she reaches the spot where he rests. "My liege, Lord Hukumu, a leopard Khusarau wishes to meet with you on business. He claims to be an ally of the Mahine Pride and wishes a consultation." She dips her head once more to the king. "Shall I allow him to approach?" the 'new kid' inquires.
Leopard and lioness alike wait for the local lions to make the next move, the leopard watching as intently as the gloom allows; the lioness, just a bit further back, only listening to what she little can hear, and keeping an eye on her companion.
Hukumu dips his head in acknowledgement. "You may," intones the King, his voice like gravel. "But be quick."
Katana nods and quickly races back to where the leopard stands, panting. She dips her head once more. "The king wishes your presence." She smiles. "Follow me, but don't try anything stupid." She says. "Some say I have eyes in the back of my head." She starts to pad back toward where the king awaits, making sure the leopard follows.
Some say? Not this pair. The two guards look at each other and snicker silently, rolling their eyes at Katana's comment. Eyes in the back of her head. Right.
The leopard manages to keep his reaction to Katana's words down to a mere lifted brow. Khusrau inclines his head in assent, then paces quietly along behind the lioness guard, tail swaying slowly as he walks.
Hukumu makes a mental note to speak with his brother after this meeting. Where in the world did he find this Katana character? She certainly isn't a native to this side of the Zuberti. Flexing his claws, he moves to meet the trio halfway and, with a low sweep of his head, gestures for his remaining guards to follow.
Katana moves to a position behind the leopard, as Hukumu approaches them followed by the other guards. She makes an effort to help box the leopard in, just in case he tries anything. She keeps the leopard in the middle and sits down behind him as the others arrive. "My liege." She acknowledges, nodding to the leopard. "May I present Khusrau, ally of the Mahine Pride."
The other guards seem largely unconcerned with cornering the stranger in their lands. They know they've got the numbers, and if ordered, they /will/ take him down.
The leopard glances briefly in Katana's direction as she moves behind him. From the set of his ears, he's a bit annoyed with her choice of action, in the sense of feeling it totally unnecessary. But all he does is turn his full attention to Hukumu while Katana makes the introduction; Khusrau extends one foreleg and curls the other up beneath him, dipping his head in a deep bow. "King Hukumu."
"Friend Khusrau," the dark-maned lion responds, though his eyes rest not on the leopard. He seems much more interested in his female companion. "It has been a long time since I heard the name Mahine. The reason for this visit is a pleasurable one, I hope? It would be... unfortunate, if some calamity has befallen your homeland."
Katana listens carefully, keeping a watch of the area around them while the King talks. She flicks her tail back and forth. So far the leopard has given her no reason to disbelieve his claim of arriving on peaceful terms. She waits and listens, ignoring the stares from the older, more experienced guards.
"No calamity, my lord," the leopard replies, rising from his bow and settling into an easy, relaxed stance. Now that identities have been confirmed and the key conversation begun, Khusrau glances back over his shoulder, voicing a soft chuff. "The name of Palandasya has come to King Mahvand's ears, and the name of King Hukumu," he continues, amber eyes returning to the lion. "So, too, has come word of what he seeks. Mahvand wishes his fellow King good fortune in his search, and sends a daughter of Mahine for his consideration." For as the leopard speaks, Tahmina finally moves, unfolding from where she sits and padding towards the group. Each paw is placed with seemingly artless care, the lioness' gaze demurely downcast as she approaches, dark eyes only just visible beneath her lashes. She comes up behind Katana, but there is no hint of potential menace in the approach - all the more so as she stops just beyond the other lioness, lowering herself gracefully into an even deeper bow than Khusrau's.
"She is very fine," Hukumu rumbles appreciatively, his murky gaze lingering on Tahmina longer than it ought. In a strange way, she reminds him of Sauti. "My dear, surely you have a name?" As tempted as he is to venture closer, the King is mindful of the company they keep, and opts to remain where he stands. A blessedly cool breeze sweeps in from across the river and ruffles through Hukumu's mane, causing him to flick one of his notched ears.
Katana glances over to Tahmina, examining her and smiles dipping her head, and finding no darkness in her, steps aside to allow Hukumu to approach. She stands now, alongside the leopard but a bit further back than before as she watches them closely. Interesting, a lioness had been hiding there all the time, unknown to her. Kat's ears fold back a bit and she slips a bit further out of the circle a little abashed. Oh boy, she's never going to hear the end of this one is she?
She sure isn't. The two guards are suppressing chuckles as Katana slinks back to join their ranks. Silly newbie.
"I am Tahmina, lord," the young lioness replies, voice soft and melodic. She doesn't so much as lift her gaze, though dark eyes continue to watch unobtrusively through the fringe of her lashes; much less does Tahmina move to rise. Khusrau now is the silent one, leaving Hukumu to his appraisal of the lioness, but his presence cannot be forgotten; though there is a clear path between the King and Tahmina, the leopard isn't all that far out of it.
"Tahmina." Hukumu likes the taste of her name in his mouth. Nodding, he adds, "You and your escort will accompany my patrol back to the kopje. The huntresses will see that you are both fed." In this light, the King is unable to complete the physical evaluation; such things are better left till morning.
Katana remains silent, keeping out of the picture, utterly humiliated and thoroughly embarrassed by missing the lioness. She'll make sure not to make that same mistake again! The new guard listens but says nothing, keeping an eye and ear to the surroundings around them, just in case.
At that instruction, Tahmina rises, maintaining the seeming careless grace that began her bow. She inclines her head in acknowledgement and assent, stepping back one single pace. Khusrau moves to stand beside her, glancing over to Hukumu. "Thank you, lord; it will be our honor."