The Last King

[cheezeegriff]

Go to the lands that smell of death,
and bring the willing to death’s door.
So they may find salvation.

Those words rang in her ears as she scurried across the grassy plains, nothing but a black blur, should anyone catch sight of her. She was heading to a small hill, capped with the largest tree she had ever seen: a giant fig tree that towered over the plains about it. Though few animals walked the silent lands – for few were still alive to do so – she crouched low to the ground and hurried, for away from trees she was vulnerable, especially considering the occupants of this land weren’t much understanding to her kind. Still, though it brought her in danger of death itself, though she was tired and frightened and her paws ached from days upon days of running, she would do her master’s bidding. For to do anything less would bring upon her a far worse death than dying by the jaws of a lion.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

There was a time when the old fig tree had been full to capacity, where corridors between its thickened vines were crowded with so many lounging lionesses that they slept on top of each other, rather than exclude anyone to the cold nights outside. Nowadays though, the fig tree’s corridors were empty, save for one, dying cub to weak to express his pain.
The meeting room in the bowl of the tree, in the shelter between its trunks and leaves, used to be reserved for nobility and royalty, but today, Umoja had gathered the entire pride and stood in horror at how few of them were left alive. With a sigh he gazed down at the pool of water in the middle of the fig tree’s giant bowl, at the reflections of the other lions about the water’s edge, at the sun through the leaves, and wondered why the day looked so bright and cheery. After all, today was the darkest day he had ever seen.
“The king is dead,”
he said simply.
“He died last night and will be laid to rest beside his wife in the grasses besides the waterhole. I have graver news still: Keshomaliki – our prince, now our king – has become deathly ill, and if he goes the way of everyone else who caught the plague, will be dead within a week.
“Therefore, I have gathered us – the survivors – together so we may elect a regent: a temporary ruler to lead us until the king is well enough to rule himself. I volunteer for this burden myself,”
he said, looking about at the others,
“knowing that it IS a burden, and that it will be my duty to ensure the survival of this pride beyond the disaster that has stripped us of our bretheren. You know I was a diplomat to the king, and that I lived by his side and by his law. I can lead us,”
He swallowed. Looking about at the others around him, he said,
“Should anyone else think they can do better than I, step forward and present yourself. Tell us why you wish to rule, and why we should accept you. Then those of age shall vote.”
Umoja stepped away from the water in the centre of the bowl, and sat next to the knotted stump that was the king’s throne.

[Dakota]

Ayesha sat there listening to his solemn words, the king had died and the prince was deathly ill, what was to become of the few left in their pride.

Drawing her brother in closer to her, between her front paws, she ran her chin over the top of his head, just letting him know she was there and he wasn't alone.

Feeling a small shiver run up her spine, Ayesha turned her head and moved her gaze around stopping for a moment on each and every one of them that had gathered in the old fig tree.. Taking in all the emotions passing on each and everyones face, she saw sorrow and despair, until her eyes settled on Umoja. He was bending down settling himself beside the throne and even though his face was obscured from the others, Ayesha could still see.

Lowering her eyelashes to shield her eyes, she watched him cautiously.. did she really see triumph flash over his face. Turning away she held even more strongly onto Ayele as if somehow trying to protect him, protect him from something she wasn't even sure about.

[Judas]

It had been almost two months since he arrived in these lands, at first the place looked promising; Teaming with wild game and plenty of water. Now however only the water was left, the once so bountiful prey had moved on or died as the plague swept the lands. Judas had despite being a male and unrelated to any other lion now seated around this pond of water, got accepted into this pride, but it was shortly after this acceptation that the number of pride members quickly dwindled. Judas knew what was going on, he knew a plague when he saw one, in fact to him it was almost normal. He had seen more death from disease than most in their entire lifetime.

The lion was disgruntled he had hoped that these lands would be free from what his own homeland had been ravage with. But that was apparently not the case. Judas was used to starvation, used to having to tackled diseases, used to stare death in the eye. But no matter how used to it you get, it doesn't mean you happen to enjoy it. "Long live the king.." Judas muttered as the announcement of the king's death was brought before them all, by Umoja. What to do with the prince, now their king was clear to Judas, he knew what his father would've done; put it out of it's misery, it wasn't fit to be king in that state and thus had no future and was but a burden to the strained pride.

Judas lived by the laws of nature, that entitled survival only to the strong and if you wish to survive you must learn to take care of yourself, depending on others would become a death sentence. Broad paws shifted the dust on the ground, as his gaze trailed around at those gathered here, while picking up the last words of Umoja; Saying he would volunteer as a temporary regent or permanent regent should the prince not survive, and those that believe they would fare better in the role should step forward and announce their claim.

Judas knew how to govern a pride, he had been taught by his father after all he had been an heir before his exile. The sandy-golden lion knew better than to take on the responsibility of a pride ravaged by plague, and decides his dislike for taking orders and even following the orders of others, didn't really go well with a position of power, so the lion decided that he'd rather vote. His gaze then turned to Ayesha who recently had grown more protective of her younger brother, which was no surprise considered that cubs were the first to fall should a plague strike.

[Kirsui]

“The king is dead.”

She was unfazed. She had expected this from the moment she had joined this pride... The cent of death was heavy on the area, and though she was rather sure the illness that had taken so many of the pride was passing, there were still those who were dying.

"Keshomaliki – our prince, now our king – has become deathly ill --"

Did she care? Was she afraid that she would get ill as well?

No, she wasn't afraid to die. Umoja had taken her in when he had found her covered in blood, both her own and those whom she had fought. Her wounds hadn't been fatally deep. It had been the lack of energy that almost killed her. Almost, but not quite.

"-- I volunteer for this burden myself.”

She was sitting not too far from where Umoja was keeping his speech, hiding in the shadows as much as it was possible with her bright red mane. Her eyes were half closed, her expression blank. Over all she looked bored, like she wasn't even listening to what was said.

But her purple eyes were locked on Umoja and her ears captured every word the lion spoke.

“Should anyone else think they can do better than I, step forward and present yourself.”

She could feel the tickle in her left ear, and unknowingly lifted her left front paw to scratch the wounds. The two scars had been there for a long time, and by the looks of it they would never heal. The scent of her own blood would always follow her.

"Tell us why you wish to rule, and why we should accept you."

She was new to this pride, knew no one else by name than Umoja. She had kept to herself during her time of recovery and now that her wounds had somewhat healed she was sitting there among the other "survivors".

"Then those of age shall vote."

And so, Katakasha remained where she was, watching and waiting to see if someone else would take the honours of objecting Umoja becoming the temporary ruler.

[Reagen]

Derregans mind was in turmoil. Hundreds of thoughts, ideas, and plans flew through his head. This was perfect, and a disaster. The king was dead, and the new king might die any minute. It was the perfect time to take over the pride!

But of course, everyone is almost dead from the plague. And food is scarce. Perhaps it would be better to desert the pride. But where would I go? No... Perhaps leaving is not the answer...

If Umoja becomes leader and the prince dies, that's it. There's no way I could pry that... that... Political leech off the throne.

...Unless the prince becomes well, but that is equally bad. Or is it? If he lives, both his parents are dead. He'll need a mentor, perhaps I could train him to understand how to correctly rule a pride. Then he becomes king, but I'm still free to go about my business.

Of course, there is always the fact that I might not be chosen to mentor him. OR he might be to stupid to understand any of the important things I would teach him.

Although... Perhaps Umoja would listen to my plans. He's smart, he understands the importance of diplomacy. But if he doesn't, that might lead to my exile. Rarg! Too many options!

No one seemed interested in challenging Umoja for the throne... And no one would pick Derregan over Umoja.

He stood up. "I accept your temporary leadership. But what of the prince? Is there nothing we could do to help him? Are we to let him die? Surely something can be done to help him, and the rest of the pride..."

[cheezeegriff]

"-We must determine who is our leader before we begin making decisions," Umoja said, interrupting Derragen.
"And of course, saving the prince will be the utmost priority of us all. So let us cast the vote so we can get to work. I, of course, vote for myself."
He would love someone else to be ruler, but if the only other option was Derragen... the boy was too ambitious. He smiled down at Katakasha, beside him, mostly for reassurance, but then waited to see who the others would choose.

[Reagen]

"I also vote for Umoja." He lowered his head again.

Derregan silently prayed that this decision would not come back to bite him in the butt later on. Perhaps once Umoja plans a course of action, he can decide how to approach a takeover, if there is to be one.

He hated Umoja, just because he was older he thought he was brilliant and that Derregan was stupid because he was young. He'd show him... This pride isn't getting into the hands of and old fool woh refuses to fight while HE'S around.

[Dakota]

Ayesha let her grip on the cub loosen, no need to pass her concerns onto him, she wanted him to remain innocent for a while longer yet.

Her eyes met Judas for a fraction well he's not saying anything, looks like he's going to vote, the same as me and then passed onto Derregan. Stiffening a little as she saw him speak, she hoped he was't going to make a play for the leadership, he had good skills, but Umoja wouldn't stand for anything other than his own, just a feeling she had but still.

Relaxing slightly when she heard the words "I also vote for Umoja." come from his muzzle, in some ways she was also disapointed that no one was going to stand up and be counted.

Ayesha looked over towards Umoja trying to guage his expression, mmm none this time, why does he always hide behind a mask its just not normal, its just downright suspicious
Lowering her gaze in case she was being watched in return, her gaze fell upon Katakasha, lying there faithfully by Umojas side. No one had seen her much, it was as though she belonged to him, the one voting for himself, that no one could object to,

Not bothering to stand, nor looking over at Umoja, Ayesha turned instead and met Derregans eyes.

"I too vote for Umoja"

[Kirsui]

Kata allowed her gaze wander at the various pride members, taking in their mixed emotions and masks of calm. One of the males spoke then, stating his support for Umoja's temporary rule and questioning about what would be done with the prince. Inwardly she chuckled, but her mask of utter boredom held firm.

Her gaze flickered to the liard and her brother then she stated her support. She was staring at her, and the black lioness stared back with her half closed eyes, her purple eye lashes lazily fluttering close and open. The liard then turned at the male who had spoken previously and stated her support for Umoja.

Then it was silent. Her torn ear twiched slightly. Darn the wound was getting on her nerves!
"My vote goes for Umoja."
She said quietly on an un-emotional voice and then fell silent again.

[cheezeegriff]

Umoja sighed, then stood up again.
"So be it. I shall rule. I know none of us really knew each other very well before the plague - we all had our own circle of companions and rarely spoke to one another - but know this: my term as regent doesn't make me unapproachable. I will rely on you all to assist me in leading us to a brighter future - in fact I can't do it without you - but bear in mind that you've elected me as ruler because of your confidence in my ability to lead. That means you need to let me lead."
He looked about, making eye contact with that young rebel, Judas, then smiled across the meeting.
"I assure you though that every action I take will not be for myself, but for the good of this pride. I will give my all to leading us beyond the devastation of this plague and into a new era of bounty and-"

"That sounds like the role of a king."
spoke a silky, feminine voice from the shifting canopy.

Umoja looked up, peering through the leaves that danced in the sudden breeze, eyes scanning the kalleidescope of bushy branches. Twigs and figs dropped into the pool of water at the centre of the tree, and something leapt from branch to branch, high above, far too high for the heavy body of a lion to climb.
"Who's there?"
he said, anger in his voice at the disturbance of his meeting and the stranger's complete disregard for protocol.
"What's your business here?"

"Who is here but night herself? And the veil of death over a fey star's mortal frame. It closes, closes...
Without a sound a leopard as black as midnight dropped from the canopy and landed before the half breed cub, white teeth winking in her smile, below a set of bright yellow eyes.
"Hello little one,"
she said to Ayele.

[Judas]

Votes were thrown around him, as no one had stepped up with their claim so it seemed Umoja would become regent, if only temporarily. The tsavo lion's expression didn't change, he still held a more or less emotionless face. He trailed his gaze over the assembly, soon they would have a new king.

Judas' couldn't help but wonder why Umoja would be stupid enough to even try and save what was left of the pride, in circumstances like these it's either stay and die, or leave and hope for a better future. Judas had already left a place and he wasn't too keen to go back to the life as a rogue just yet, it was a life with less responsibilities, though more freedom but freedom has it's price with a short life.

"My vote goes to Umoja.." his voice was soft, yet had hints of maturity in it, his gaze met Umoja just for a fraction, not that he had much of a choice as none of the others gathered here had bothered to step up to the position, and in some ways Judas' understood them; who would take on a burden as heavy as this.

As he had thrown his vote the male turned around and left the gathered circle, standing at the edge of the bowl in the tree gazing out into the empty savanna ahead, it was silent. Too silent, no birds sang, no insects buzzed, it was as if all life that could move had left these lands for death.

Though his attention was soon returned to the gathering as an unknown female voice spoke up. And from the canopy fell a sleek leopard, black as the night sky. "Cryptic much.." the male thought to himself, though he decided not to comment on it, as he sensed this was a creature he didn't want to get on the bad side with. Something was off with this leopard, very off.

[Reagen]

"But bear in mind that you've elected me as ruler because of your confidence in my ability to lead."

Derregan coughed, just loud enough to perhaps be heard by some of his friends sitting next to him. Honestly, don't be so modest, Umoja. It's not like we didn't have anyone else to vote for...

He continued to ponder what his next move would be as Umoja made his propaganda. When the panther spoke and dropped down, he rolled his eyes. Drama queen... But who could this be? He wondered how their new "leader" would react to this intrusion. If it goes badly, it would be to his advantage... If it goes well, not so good, perhaps.


Although, I suppose the main question here is what does she want from us. If she wants to join the pride, this isn't the best way to start. He flexed his claws. Maybe we can use her for combat practice.



(OoC: So uh, I know this is stamped stories, but be honest, am I posting to fast?)

[Dakota]

Ayesha's head snapped around when she saw Umoja's startled look, peering up towards the oversized branch limbs hanging above them. Something was up there and moving stealthily through the foliage, advancing on them all.

Cranning her neck, her eyes widened as she saw a leopard, leap down to the ground gracefully and come to a stop in front of Ayele.
A low growl emitted from Ayeshas throat and under her white fluffy tuft, her ears flattened, while her claws protracted gripping at the ground.

"He's mine... my brother actually... and YOU ARE ?"

[genie]

Ayele shrunk down, a wide eyed look from fright as this leopard suddenly came from nowhere up above, he hadn't really been following the conversation, a bunch of adults talking.. this was what they did all the time.. it was of no interest to him and so it had been a great surprise - this other cat suddenly appearing.

[cheezeegriff]

(Reagen, I believe that for the moment, rapid posts are ok, until the RP gets underway properly. But everyone: try to make your posts do something. Sitting around thinking doesn't give other players much to do).

"Hmm... I didn't know we were exerting ownership over anyone,"
the panther said, meeting Ayesha with her wide, yellow eyes. She prowled around the circle, gazing up at each of the larger lionesses, and Umoja waited until she reached him before he said,

"What are you doing here? Speak up quickly, if you ever plan to leave again."

The panther's eyes widened slightly, and it was only then that Umoja noticed she was afraid.
"I'm here representing my master,"
she said simply,
"Who offers a cure for your sick king... for a price."

A gasp ran about the gathering. Before anyone could interrupt Umoja said,
"What price?"

"Hmph. You wouldn't pay it if you knew, but you might not have to,"
she said with a wry grin, then sat on her haunches by the water and indicated them all in turn.
"It might be one of them. Somebody must pay, but for the rest of you... it'll be worth it. Your 'kingdom' will be saved... the pride will live on. Without your king..."
She shrugged.
"It will be a lot worse. For each of you, bar one."

Silence followed. Umoja opened and closed his jaw a few times, then stood up and stepped towards the little panther, who backed away cautiously.
"What right have you to speak to us in this fashion? You're on our lands, you're not even a lion, yet you play games with us?"

"Not me, my master,"
she said, retreating up a tree branch. Umoja followed until it narrowed.

"Who is your master?"

"He has many names... you wouldn't know any of them."
She looked about at the rest of the party cautiously.
"I'll be back to hear your decision and take questions, when you're more agreeable,"
she said simply, then leapt from the tree.

Umoja sighed. He walked back to his place next to Katakasha and and said,
"Meeting adjourned. I suggest we all spend some time with each other and get to know one another. Some of you will need to form a hunting party and get to work: I'm sure your bellies will motivate you enough. I'm... great fathers."
He said. Stumbling up the knotted roots that made the steps to the tree's bowl was the little prince, staggering like a sick dog, panting from the climb his eyes half closed.

"Mama?"
He gasped, looking around blearily.

[Kirsui]

((OOC: Just to point out, the gathering the characters are having didn't really give any opportunity to do much anything else than simply "sit around and think". :P))



Kata's ears perked up , the only change in her bored stance. A panther, how delightfully interesting! The black lioness watched as the creature circled around them, her tail flickering slightly and her eyes flashing when the black feline reached her and then Umoja.

"I'm here representing my master. Who offers a cure for your sick king... for a price."

She blinked lazily, but her gaze with even half closed eyes was intense when she glared at the panther. But she didn't stand, didn't in any way move from her comfortable position. She simply watched Umoja take actions and followed the panther's retreating form when the black feline had said what she wanted and left.

Umoja returned to to his place next to her but even as he spoke she didn't turn her gaze from where the panther had gone. She didn't trust the creature, the black feline had been very suspicious. Who was this master anyway? And why was he interested in helping this pride?

"Mama?"

Now that caught her attention and sharply she turned her gaze at the little prince. In less than a second her bored expression was gone, her eyes fully open and her face void of emotion.
"She's dead, kid."
Kata's voice had a sharp edge on it, giving no comfort for the young prince. No one had been there for her to soothe her pain of loss, thus making it impossible for her to do that to this cub.
"At some point we all got to die."

She glanced at Umoja from her eyecorner before streching her neck slightly, her bored expression returning slowly as her eyes fluttered half closed once again.
"The panther was... an interesting creature", she told him as if she had never even spoken to the prince.
"It wouldn't hurt to hear what she has to say. Let her play her games - or let her master play the games, all he wants..."
She slowly got up to her feet, streching slightly before turning her head completely at Umoja. When she spoke again she had lowered her voice.
"It's not like we got much options anyway. If there's a cure, that's great. But she could be lying. The prince would die anyway if the cure is a lie, in which case finding out why this little feline wants us to play the game her master has set up would be... worth the trouble."

She turned to look at the rest of the pride.
"I'm fine with what ever is chosen to be done with this... information", she informed.
Then she turned her head at Umoja, he was the temporary leader after all.
"But if we're going to follow that panther, count me in."
She was curious. She wanted to see who this master was of whom the panther had spoken of, and if the cure was a lie she wanted to find out why they had been lied to.
"Now... is there anyone who'd want to get a bite of something? 'Cos I sure am hungry and a hunt is much more interesting with company."

Kata headed out then, turning her back to the whole pride without waiting for a reply. Oh she knew she was a newcomer, but she had never really had any intentions of joining this cursed pride in the first place. Besides, Umoja had told them to hunt, and she was going to do exactly that. The others would come if they wanted. If not... well, she could always satisfy her hunger alone.

[Reagen]

If there is one thing Derregan can't stand, it's people playing mind games with him. He did not enjoy this at all. Let the panther screw around all she wanted, let's just get on with our lives here.

He stood up. "I'm hungry too, I'm going out to hunt."

He went out after kata and trotted up to her, then slowed to her pace. "So, you're the lioness that's been recovering all this time. I heard you were found covered in blood." He spoke without looking at her, keeping his gaze straight ahead. He could tell she wasn't exactly the friendly type. "My name is Derregan. I agree with you that we ought to at least find out what that panther wants."

[Judas]

The cryptic feline seemed to have a cure of some sorts, but there would be a price to pay for it, one of them would pay the price though the rest of the pride would be saved if the prince got saved. Judas' mind was wirring with thoughts, it wasn't like the pride's very exsistence rested on the shoulders of a kid that was now dieing of some obscure, contageious diesease.

"There might be a cure, but I don't want to believe that our very exsistence is dependant on the health of a dieing kid." The weather-beaten male had been standing outside the circle but now stepped into it, he wasn't addressing anyone in particular but mostly everyone gatherd around.

"I mean, listen. It's insane! What she is saying is that if we can't save the prince. Then us as individuals, would pay for it.. that the situvation would become dire for each and everyone of us. Even if we stay as a pride or not." Judas' paused as he shook his head, "I am having a hard time believeing it. It doesn't make sense, why would our lives be threatend if the prince died? It's not like the kid is magical or something."

He was about to continue when a frail voice spoke up, asking for 'mama'. Judas wirled around seeing the young prince staggering into the bowl of the tree and gasping for breath. The tsavo lion insticivly took a few steps back, this child was dangerous, he would've answered the kid hadn't Katakasha taken the words straight out of his mouth.

"Go back and sleep.." Judas said, his voice emotionless, unfeeling sure he was being hard with the child but it was dieing and it shouldn't be wandering around and infecting others with that infernal diesease, no he should stay were he belonged in the cave, atleast untill he either got cured, or eventually died either way the male didn't really care. Katakasha said she would go off hunting cause she was hungry and wonderd who that would follow. "I'll take a walk.." Judas mutterd, he wasn't hungry but he was very keen on getting away from the dieseased prince.

[Kirsui]

"So, you're the lioness that's been recovering all this time. I heard you were found covered in blood."

Kata momentarily glanced at the male who had followed her. It was the same one who had questioned Umoja of what would happen to the prince, Derregan.
"I don't trust the panther", she simply stated.
"They don't deal with lions, not like this. And all the high and mighty talk about some 'master'..."
She snorted.
"I wouldn't really be surprised if she lied..."

For a moment she was silent, her ears twiching as she listened while her gaze swept the area in search for prey.
"Katakasha, former member of a pride no one has ever heard about and - apparently - the newcomer of a pride that I never really asked to join."
Her tone was rather bitter when she introduced herself, but the bitterness faded when she spoke again.
"And that's my life story in a nut shell. Umoja found me not too long ago, and, indeed as you've heard, I was covered in blood."
The black lioness smirked faintly.
"I ran into some, ah... trouble... Most of the blood wasn't mine though."
The black lioness chuckled darkly, leaving the rest of what had happened up to imagination.

Then her expression went blank again, as if the smirk had never been there.

[Dakota]

Ayesha stood there protecting her brother while the yellow eyed panther moved on from her and around the others that were gathered. .

Her mouth opened in surprise when talk of a 'cure' was mentioned. Looking quickly at the faces of the others, she was shocked that no one was pleased that the prince might be cured, isn't that was what they all wanted, so he could retake the throne.

Jumping to her feet when she heard the little cry 'mama', Ayesha pushed past some lioness standing there not bothering to go to the prince's help.. stopping , she turned to face the black lioness .
" You don't have to be so cruel, if you've nothing good to say, don't bother speaking at all, it's not helping."

Giving a withering glance at Judas as well, Ayesha made her way over to the sick cub, if she could help him she would, she seemed to have escaped any sicknesses due to her mothers herbal remedies, maybe she could help ease his pain.

"Come little one, lets go back inside, and I'll keep you company, maybe get you to drink and eat something, we need you well again."

Ushering him back over the tree roots, Ayesha looked at Umoja, daring him to tell her she couldn't look after the prince.

[Judas]

Judas was about to get out of the tree when he saw the glare Ayesha gave him, and heard her words. They were most likely meant for both him and Katakasha, "You're not my mother!" the words escaped his muzzle in a murmur but it was intermixed with a sneer, and he shot a glare back at the young lioness, clearly much younger than himself, infact she was young enough to be his daughter.

His hazle-eyed gaze followed her as she lead the dieseased rag-doll back into the tree roots, 'Let her get sick, serves her right for her stupidity' these words however didn't pass his muzzle but was clearly audible in his mind.

Turning his back on asembly he jumped out of the bowl in the trees and landed rather gracefully onto the savanna below. He could see Kata and Derregan heading off to hunt, they soon enough disappeard into the long grass. He turned in the oposit direction heading towards a small kopje not too far from the tree itself.

The farther away from the sickness and death he got the better, he thought back at Ayesha's words. There is no place left for comfort and security, the world is cruel and the prince should learn that as soon as possible, if he surivives he needs to be a strong king and not some sugar coated weakling beliving the world to be a world of sun and happiness.

Judas flopped down on the cool rock, his gaze idly drifting across the silent, dead plains a faint yawn escaped him while his ears laid back in annoyance.

[Reagen]

Derregan raised his head slightly in thought. "I figured you wouldn't be interested in joining the pride. But I doubt anyone can get far in these desolate lands alone. To be honest, I'd have left long ago If I knew where to go. Agh, Umoja would kill me if he heard me say that. But who cares? with the pride so thin he can't afford to."

He turned to look at her for the first time. "So, what do you think we should do about the price? I'm not too sure if the panther is telling the truth of a cure. In my opinion we should just leave him alone and see if he lives or not."

Derregan actually hoped the prince wouldn't die, as that would stamp the seal on Umoja being the new king. Of course, he couldn't say that to anyone, not even his closest friend. Sure, a lot of people thought he wanted to be king, but he had never tried for the throne or opposed the old king out loud. As long as nobody is positive that he wants to be king, his chances are all the better.

"Speaking of the squirt, what do you think will happen if he dies? My bet is that Umoja declares himself king."

[cheezeegriff]

Umoja shook his head in dismay at the state of his pride - their bickering and general rancour. When Judas spat at Ayesha he groaned and walked over to the mothering feline.
"Take care of him... but take care of yourself as well, and make sure Ayele doesn't come into contact with our prince too much... put him back in his bed, inside the treecave."
He looked down at the little prince for a moment - at their future, wilting like a flower - then turned and climbed down from the tree, as carefully as his bulky body would allow. Judas was sitting not too far and Umoja walked over, settling down next to him.
"A word of advice, wanderer: if a lady snaps at you, take it in good grace: they tent to hold a grudge."
He sighed, then rolled onto his side. "What do you think of this panther and her message?"

[Judas]

His ears flickers and his gaze turned as he heard a voice beside him, the wanderer's ears still laid back, not in a threat display but more annoyance and irritation. Judas raised a brow at the advice his 'king' gave him, "First of all, she's not a lady but a girl, a mear child. And secondly let them hold their grudges no loss for me."

His gaze broke from the king that now settled down next to him rolling to his side, the wanderer had his gaze on the savanna ahead but his ears twitched as yet another question shot his way, "The panter herself I have no quarral with, but her message sounds crazy.." the male's eyes narrowed by his gaze didn't flicker from the horizon ahead.

"To me, her message of salvation sounds more like a threat, but also an invitation to join some obscure game created by this 'master' of hers." he paused through a sigh, "Why would we as individuals suffer if this prince dies? It doesn't make any logical sense."

Judas glanced at Umoja next to him, "And lastly I do not trust her, and for all we know her so called 'master' could be voices in her head, she could be some crazy lunatic. She certinly sounds like one, way too cryptical." His forlimbs stretched scraping his claws against the smooth sandstone.

[Dakota]

Ayesha looked the prince over carefully. He was ashen faced, thin and dishevelled, turning to Umoja, but finding he had already left., her words Hasn't anyone taken care of the cub,..have you all been so wrapped up in who is going to rule ? just stayed inside her mind.

Turning to Ayele "you know he is right, you shouldn't spend to much time around the prince, I still need to protect you as well, you are all I have now mother has gone, but I need you to help me as well. I need you to collect plants, or water when I need it... do you think you could help me Ayele ?"

[Kirsui]

Kata shrugged.
"Truth is, I don't really care", she replied, lowering her voice.
"The kid is already as good as dead, and unless the cure this panther spoke about Umoja is the most likely to take over the throne."
She paused, tilting her head.
"But would it be much different if the cure was true? For all we know Umoja could accept the kid's rule but keep him in a leash and control his actions. A puppet king, and Umoja would be the puppeteer. If things got wrong he would not be the one to take the blame... He would not be the one accused, and he could join those accusing the kid and then take the throne, making his station as the king a whole lot stronger."

Her eyes flashed, though the dangerous gleam lost most of its edge under the half closed eyelids.
"However... Were Umoja to take the throne if the kid dies... His power over the pride wouldn't be as strong as it would be were the kid to live. Kings have been challenged before, and they have lost."

Her torn ear twiched and momentarily she was hopping forward with three legs, scratching the wounds on her ear with her left front paw. When the tickle was gone she walked normally again, glancing at Derregan.
"I said I would follow the panther if that's what is going to be done..."
She paused, considering what she would say next for a moment. Coming to the conclusion she had nothing to loose were Derregan to be offended by what she said, the black lioness continued.
"I don't care if the kid lives or not. But I can see a lot is gonna happen here, what ever it is that happens. I want to see it."

She then turned her head completely at the male lion next to her, a lifted eyebrow was the only change on her blank expression.
"And you? Would you care? You said you accept Umoja's temporary leadership... But what if that was not to be so temporary?"

[Reagen]

'I don't care if the kid lives or not. But I can see a lot is gonna happen here, what ever it is that happens. I want to see it.'

Derregan smiled to himself. This one was definitely not interested in taking the throne herself, so there isn't a need to knock her out of the picture. He didn't think she would at all, but when she voted for umoja aloud he wasn't sure.

'And you? Would you care? You said you accept Umoja's temporary leadership... But what if that was not to be so temporary?'

This time he really did smile. "If Umoja trys to control the throne, you can bet he's going to have trouble from me. If I can't point it out to everyone else, perhaps I'll just challenge him for his position. That'll point out that he thinks he's king whether I win or lose."

"So tell me, you seem like you don't care about anything at all. What happened to you? I've never seen anyone so depressing in my life."
He didn't make it sound like an insult, more of a joke.

[genie]

Ayele stood as his sister asked "do you think you could help me Ayele ?" he looked at her and gave a little shrug and said "whatever..." all this talking was getting real boring, he would rather be out there playing than sat here... they did't seem to friendly to him anyways, these others.. why was they had to follow them any how.

[Dakota]

Ayesha watched the expressions cross over her brothers face. He was right, he didn't need to be here surrounded by sickness.
"Ayele, go and play if you want, I'll take care of prince for now.. maybe you could see if Umoji needs help with anything ?"

Turning away, she placed her paw on the cubs head just to let him know he wasn't alone "come now, lets get you back to bed where you can rest quietly" . Ushering him back into the treecave, she kept her gaze on him to see he didn't stumble or fall, just seeing him hardly being able to support himself was sad to watch.

Keeping her thoughts to herself, Ayesha moved over to the water, and using leaves scooped enough out and carried back to where Kesho now lay curled up. Lowering her self
down she slowly drop by small drop, aimed the water into the side of his mouth. It was slightly ajar even though the skin instead of moist and pink was very dry and and a shade of grey, but still the water trickled inside, where it was needed the most.
When Ayesha was satisfied that enough water was swallowed she used what was left with the leaf, to gently wipe over his muzzle and forehead, trying to cool him down.

Sitting back, she watched as his body trembled and his front paws twitched. Hoping to calm him more, Ayesha started humming a lullaby, that her mother had sung to her when she was restless and couldn't get to sleep, raising her voice a little more, she wasn't bothered if anyone else could hear her, all she needed was Kesho to fall soundly asleep.

[cheezeegriff]

"It's odd seeing lions like this, with their children. All that my kind sees of lions is their teeth, their anger and their greed. Not that you're entirely lion."
The black panther stepped out of the shadows at the edge of the bowl-like treecave, made by the thickening of the fig tree's vines as they fell from the branches above.
"Private area... comfortable leaf litter. The whole royal family used to sleep here didn't they?"
She looked around, then locked her yellow eyes on the prince and strolled over, whispering,
"It's horrible to see such innocense suffer."


/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Ayesha may be a girl, but she won't be for much longer. We have two females in this pride now, and unless you think you're strong enough to handle Katakasha, I suggest you start being nice to Ayesha now. Well... if you're interested in siring children. If not, don't worry - more chance for the rest of us."

He sat up, looking over the savannah at where Katakasha and Derragan walked away to hunt.

"And the Panther has secrets. We all do. What if she's not mad, we ignore her and the prince dies?"
He sighed.
"With so little followers... what would it really matter? It's not like we're using him to unite a nation... its just us."
He turned to Judas.
"If the prince recovered, would you follow him?"