Tales of the Serengeti (~Flora Lioness)

[UncoordinatedPisces]

The prides of the Serengeti have always been strong, and have usually lived in harmony. Well, all except the Pride of Leondas who continues to cause problems but no pride fully cares unless their pride are the ones under attack. We are following this troublesome pride, and another pride, The Maghiribi Pride, who are the complete opposite. The stories that are about to unfold aren't for the light-hearted, some lions of the Serengeti are darker and have darker pasts than you think.

Characters: show

Please note Flora, if you have any problems with the characters you are playing PM me and tell me and we'll do some swapping.

Tajiri - Amy
Anuli - Flora
Jasiri - Flora
Jaco - Flora
Dhoruba - Flora
Jua - Amy
Kujali - Amy
Nalina - Flora
Mitifu - Amy
[another female OC who will feature in the RP, but is not needed at the moment] - Amy

"You know the orders, Dhoruba wants Tajiri found. He says we have until the next full moon to assemble a group of our finest lions before we go out and find Tajiri...then, we kill him". The words still echoed in Kujali's mind, having overheard a conversation between two of her pride leader's son, she knew the rumors were true...Dhoruba really did want her son dead.

It was early evening, and the old lioness sat near the river of Leondas, gazing at the water as it ran over the rocks and across the ground that depended on it. Kujali found it unusual that no other lion was around at that moment in time, but the loneliness was welcoming for her. She knew the wet season was coming to an end, and in a matter of moons, prey would be harder to find.

When that time came, she wouldn't be able to get away from the calling duty of feeding the lions of Leondas, and making sure her remaining son, Jasiri, was fed and happy. Obviously, in this pride, keeping your cub happy was easier said than done. With a quiet sigh, she went to the water's edge and lapped up some of the cool liquid, hoping Jasiri would come and meet her soon here. She hardly saw him during the day, for the other younger males needed him for training.

-------

Meanwhile, to the East of the river, another pride, the Magharibi pride, was relaxing before the hunting party went out. It was in this pride that Tajiri had found saftey and asylum. However, it was also in this pride he had found love. As the young adult lion lay on the soft grass, just under his favourite tree by the den, he observed his mate talking to a few other female pride members.

He smiled softly, Anuli was the most beautiful lioness he had ever come across; and his eyes, the most beautiful he will ever come across. Although both of them were not considered high up in the Pride, they both dished out respect and got it back, and they were known as the two love birds of the pride at the moment. A young couple.

Tajiri's mind was often troubled though, he missed his mother and his little brother, and wondered how they were doing in his old pride. Being an exiled rouge was tough, especially when coming across other pride's who either threatened him or didn't want him around, thinking he had done something to deserve to be exiled.

Sighing, he pushed those thoughts away for a moment and gazed back at his mate. He hoped she would come over and say goodbye before she left to hunt, but as much as he hoped, he knew she would. His ice blue eyes darted towards Nalina who had just joined the group of lionesses. He had alot to thank her for. She was the one who convinced the leader of this pride, Jua, to let him stay. Anyway, her arrival meant that the lionesses would be leaving soon, and Tajiri waited for Anuli to come over.

[FloraTheDarkFaerie]

Despite being one of the youngest and weakest cubs of the pride, Jasiri was generally happy. Well... he supposed he was. But the young lion didn't know much else about the big wide world around him, nor if any other prides acted differently as this one did. And so, since it was all the young teen knew, he learnt to cope in the rough-and-tumble Leondas Pride.

The frail child had managed to slip away from the rest of the males in the group, thankfully escaping yet another rough 'practice' that would leave him weak and broken. His fur was messy, his shoulder blades prominent through his skin because he was so malnourished. Really, it was no wonder that the other males teased him.

As he stumbled his way over to the water, through a patch of dried out grass which barely began to properly cover the ground, he spotted his mother. A smile lit up his cheeks, and he bounded forwards on all four paws to greet her. As he got close though, he noticed she seem sad. "Mom? Is something wrong?"

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Anuli loved hunting days. They gave the otherwise ignored lioness a chance to shine and show her true colours amongst the other members of the hunting party. It was no secret that next to Nalina herself, Anuli was the fastest out there when it came to stalking prey. Although not the strongest of the bunch, she made up for it with her agility and wits.

Ruby red eyes wandered across the plains, to a tree. Smiling, she glanced to the slumped form she knew was sat under it, and noticed that he was gazing back at her. She allowed a contented sigh to pass from her muzzle as she watched him, gazing almost longingly to where he sat: her new mate, Tajiri.

In all honesty, Anuli didn't know what would have happened too her if Tajiri hadn't stumbled upon the Sunset Pride. At the time she had feared rejection, and possibly even exile from her home, since the other lions and lionesses seemed to dislike her so much. Thankfully, Tajiri had been her salvation. With his arrival she suddenly found that she had a place, by his side, and she now felt more at home.
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As the lady of the pride, Nalina was naturally the head of the hunting party. At 7 years old she was in the prime of her life, and was by far the best hunter that any of the Maghabiri lions had ever seen. But naturally, she was the leader. And what kind of leader would she be if she couldn't provide for her subjects?

"Ladies, are you ready?" she questioned the other lionesses as she prepared to begin the hunt, gazing over at each and every one of them with her golder eyes, a tone of natural regality in her voice. Almost instantly, the others nodded or shouted words of affirmation... all but one.

"Anuli... Anuli!" she called to the obviously love struck young female to get her attention. She was not angry however, she was glad that the cast-away female of the pride had taken such a shine to their newcomer. But still, hunting had to be done. This was not a time for distraction.
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Anuli snapped her attention back to the leader as if she had been shocked. She bowed her head apologetically, ears going down also. "My apologies Nalina.... I need to just... say goodbye."

And without further permission, she broke away from the group and strided towards the tree, nuzzling Tajiri gently when she got to him "Stay out of trouble whilst im gone love." she teased softly, smiling at him.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Kujali could hear her son arrive before he ever spoke, his paws thumped the ground while he was bounding. She didn't get the chance to cheer up for him. "Evening Jasiri...", she replied, giving him a small smile. "I'm just thinking my son, don't worry about it". She leaned towards him and gave him a soft nuzzle, glancing at his grey eyes. She had inherited them from her, and she was somewhat happy about that. Neither of her sons inherited Dhoruba's deep red eyes, Tajiri got his eyes from Kujali's mother.

The old lioness examined her son, and she gave a concerned frown. "You really need to try and get some of the next kill sweetheart", she said, almost choking on the words. Kujali wanted to keep her son as healthy as she could, even if it meant them both trying to fight there why into the feeding frenzy of the others. Being bitten wasn't as bad as them both dying from malnutrition.

Kujali knew the lionesses would return with the kill soon anyway. The Pride of Leondas had two hunting parties which took turns, but the lionesses of the pride never got first pick of the kill, or if they're lucky, kills. The males in this pride had way more authority, even has pride hierarchy's go this one was insane.

Jasiri was the youngest, and often frowned upon for being too weak, and so didn't get a place around the kill. Kujali herself might get lucky among the lionesses tun however. Even then she'd share with her son, no matter how hungry she was.

------

Tajiri grinned lovingly at Anuli as she approached him. He sat up for her, and purred at the nuzzle. In return, he gave her a long lick over the cheek. "I will honey", he replied, smiling back. "You show them how hunting is done!". He stood up and shook himself free of dust, "While your gone, I think I'll talk to Jua...".

Tajiri glanced up. The hill the pride lived by had a cave which they called their den, and sat on top of this hill was Jua, where he often sat. "Good luck on the hunt", he added, waiting for her to leave.

(OOC: I'm off out for New Year's, I'll reply when I get home ^^)

[FloraTheDarkFaerie]

Jasiri frowned at his mothers words, knowing full well that he was not likely to get any of the next kill, unless it meant that she herself went hungry. He didnt like that his mother regularly went without food to keep him fed. It didnt seem fair to him at all. For perhaps the billionth time in his life, his asked "Mother... why do you stay?"
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"Thanks" Anuli smiled and set off to join the rest of the group again, following the other lionesses as they began the hunt. In the back of her mind, she wondered why Tajiri wanted to talk to Jua.
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Nalina was glad when the other finally rejoined them. They were a good hunting party, but were less likely to bring back a decent kill without the help of Anuli's speed. When she was certain they were ready, she led the lionesses into the distance, away from the Pride to hunt for animals such as antelope and zebra.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Kujali wasn't surprised the question was asked, for Jasiri had regularly asked it. In past times, she would just answer because they had to, or because they had safety. "Come sit next to me", she muttered in a gentle tone. After the young lion sat, she began to talk. "Jasiri...", she started, almost not knowing what to say again, "If it was up to me, I would of left this pride years ago. If it was up to any of us lionesses, we'd leave as well. Except Mitifu of course". She paused, the lionesses name sounding almost foul on her tongue.

She did not know how the lioness loved their evil leader, but in a way, every lioness had to be grateful that she stepped forward to be his mate. Kujali couldn't complain. "It revolves around the fact Dhoruba always wanted me to be his mate my son. He would not let us go. If we tried to escape he'd send out his lions and then it would of been for nothing". She knew she was speaking to her son a little bluntly, but there was no nice way of putting it.

"Maybe Tajiri will return to us", she added, sighing a little. "Or maybe, he's found himself a nice life...", Kujali trailed off, losing her voice to her thoughts. She snapped back into reality after a moment and looked back into her son's eyes, "We can just hope a better tomorrow comes, until then, you have to promise me something Jasiri". Her eyes glazed over with tears, but she refused to cry, she did not want to upset her son. "Promise me you'll stay alive. When I leave this hellhole, whether it be to finally being able to leave, exile, or to death, I want you to be ok".

----

Tajiri watched his mate walk off, slowly fading away into the distance. Smiling, he knew she'd be in her element if they found a herd tonight. It seemed Jua was also watching the hunting party leave. Tajiri ran a paw through the top of his mane, straightening it out a little as he walked briskly towards the hill. Knowing the easiest route up by now, it didn't take him long to be up at the highest point.

Jua could hear Tajiri's presence, the lion wasn't trying to be stealthy though, so it did not matter, Jua turned around to face the younger lion. "Good evening sir", Tajiri addressed him politely, bowing his head a little in respect. The older lion nodded,
"Good evening Tajiri, what do you seek on top of Magharibi Hill?". Tajiri smiled slightly,
"I seek you sir". Jua raised a curious brow before motioning Tajiri to come forward, "Come forward". The younger lion did as he was told and the two sat in silence for a moment.

Tajiri began to speak again, "I was...just wondering whether you had any news of the Pride of Leondas? I know the leaders of each pride meet every moon but-". Jua interrupted him, his tone serious but not exceptionally harsh, "I have not heard anything Tajiri. I try to keep out of the Pride of Leondas' business young one, you of all people know it is not wise to try and reason with Dhoruba". The younger lion winced at the name.

"I understand. But what of the Pride of Aziria? And the Misimu Pride?". Jua cleared his throat and looked directly at Tajiri,
"What do you already know of these prides?". Tajiri paused to think, being raised in the Pride of Leondas he heard many things about the four prides of the Serengeti, but not in a positive way.
"I know that the Pride of Aziria owns the southern part of the river, and that the Pride of Leondas wants their territory. And I know the Misimu Pride are more friendly towards this pride, but have had their fall-outs with the Pride of Aziria before".

Jua nodded, the young lion was right. He obviously did not know in depth the problems the pride's had with each other exactly, and Jua did not feel prepared to tell the whole story at that moment in time. Instead, he took a deep breath and looked back down at Tajiri. "You are right...but both of those pride's know the capability of Dhoruba and will not interfere just to get an update on how the pride is doing. I'm afraid that until the next moon, I can not get any news".

Tajiri frowned, that wasn't what he wanted to here. Jua knew everything about his past, maybe more than Anuli knew, but the young lion told Jua for the sake of trust. If he was going to be a part of this pride, the leader should at least know the story behind Tajiri. The older lion sighed and placed a paw on Tajiri's shoulder comfortingly,
"I'm sorry Tajiri, I really am. I promise that at the next moon meeting I will ask about your mother and your brother". The younger lion smiled up at Jua gratefully,

"Thank you Jua". The wise leader smiled back at him and Tajiri spoke again, "I'll see you at the kill, that's if they've managed to bring something back". Jua chuckled and before Tajiri began to climb down the hill replied,
"If Nalina and Anuli are on the hunting party tonight, we probably will!". The younger lion chuckled as well before padding down the hill, resuming his position by the tree. When he next looked up at Jua, he was gone. Tajiri did not panic, Jua had a way of disappearing at times.

(OOC: Decided to give you more information about this land and it's prides ^^ We can bring all characters from different prides in later if you want hehe)

[FloraTheDarkFaerie]

Jasiri watched his mother with both a sad and concerned look in his eyes, trying not to flinch at her somewhat harsh tone. The child knew of course that his mother was right. She had of course told him the same thing almost every time he had asked this question.

Still, it didn't stop the young one from wishing that things were better. He hated having to struggle to be noticed by the other lions, and he hated being teased and bullied even more. The poor child had never been entirely sure why the others hated him, but it was just a fact that the weakest were shunned and ridiculed in the Leondas Pride.

As his mother had mentioned his brother in their brief conversation, the young one found himself wondering about the other. He hoped that Tajiri was happier and safer now, wherever he was, and that one day maybe he'd return to fight for them and save them both from the cruel fate of perishing under Dhoruba's rule.

Tears glazed over in his eyes at his mothers last words, and he nodded, nuzzling closer to her "I promise mom. I won't die. I wont. But... Don't leave me. I don't want you to give up." he told her solemnly, with a compassion and wisdom beyond his years.
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Both Nalina and Anuli, along with the rest of the hunting party, were certainly in luck today. It had not taken them long to find a small herd of zebra's, grazing in the grass. The grazing spot that the animals had chose, was surprisingly close to the grasslands and hill area that the Magharibi Pride had claimed as their territory...

This worried Nalina. As the mate of the Pride's leader, it was her job to sense potential danger around their home land. Turning to Anuli, she asked quietly "Why do you think the zebra would wander so far into a lion-owned area? Do they not fear us?"

Anuli listened to her elder, both honoured and surprised that the lady of the Sunset Pride had turned to her, the outsider, of all the other listlessness' for advice. Her ruby red eyes carefully scanned the heard, careful to keep her body low to the ground so that she was mostly hidden by the long grass. "Maybe they haven't picked up the scent yet? They might be a travelling heard stopping part way through a migration?" she suggested.

Nalina nodded, but she remained cautious on the matter. "Perhaps... we shall have to keep an eye on this heard. If they do not fear our presence then it is possible that they do not see us as a threat." The darker lioness turned to look at her followers before continuing "As much as Jua likes for us to be known as a friendly pride, it does not bode well for us to also be labelled as tame." The wise elder knew that if word got out about this, other animals, and even other prides, would try to claim the Magharibi lands.
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*time skip*

Some time later, the lioness hunting party returned to the hillside den, with a successful kill of the zebra. Between them they had managed to take down one of the larger adults, as well as a smaller calf. No doubt the calf meat would be preferred, since it was much more tender. But the adult meat would go around further too to make sure there was enough for everyone.

Anuli broke away from the party, licking some dried blood from her muzzle and stretching out her paws, before going to look for her mate. She knew he would be pleased with her work, but more than any praise he could give her, she just wanted to see him again. The hunt had taken longer than expected since they had to drive the heard away from the Sunset lands.

Nalina too left the others to their own devices, and quickly climbed atop the Magharibi Hill to seek out her mate, and the esteemed leader, Jua. She knew she needed to tell him as soon as possible about how close the heard of zebra had been to his lands, and to warn him of the future dangers this could cause...

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Kujali pulled her son into a tight hug, not knowing what else to say after Jasiri had spoken.
"My baby boy", she muttered softly. A few tears came loose but she regained her mentality and pulled away, smiling at him a little. With a glance to the sky and back to her son, she stood up.
"We've got to get back, before someone comes for us-".

A low growl pierced the conversation. Kujali turned sharply, and standing there bold as brass was Dhoruba's most trusted, strongest son, Meno. The dark coloured lion smirked at the two, before striding towards them.
"Kujali", he addressed her. His eyes trailed from the old lioness to her young son. He stood tall above Jasiri and he stepped closer towards him.

"Shouldn't you be at training...runt", Meno withheld a snarl. The fact they were half brothers never occurred to him, he hated the young lion. He seemed happy when he shouldn't be, and all Meno felt was hate. Kujali gave a warning growl in return, stepped between her son and the large adult lion.

"What do you want?", she hissed. The lion stepped backwards, lips curled into a smirk once again.
"My father wants everyone to assemble, the hunting party is back. He asked me to find you personally". Kujali rolled her eyes and looked to the floor.
"We'll be back shortly". Meno took that as a cue to leave, before he turned and left, shot Jasiri an evil look.

----

Tajiri grinned from ear to ear when he saw Anuli in the distance. He stood up from his usual position under the tree and sprung over to her. When he reached her, he nuzzled her excitedly.
"Anuli!", he said happily, "How are you? How was the hunt?". There was a small drop of blood left on her muzzle, Tajiri licked it off gently. "I'm sure you did well".

----

Jua had resumed his position on top of the hill when he saw the lionesses returning. When Nalina approached him, he smiled widely. Nuzzling her, he spoke softly,
"Everything ok?", he asked. "The kills are in the den I presume?". His stomach gave a low rumble and he laughed, "I'm definitely ready to eat". As he gazed over her mate, "You seem worried".

[FloraTheDarkFaerie]

Jasiri Squeaked in fear when the other appeared, but had the common sense not to act like a baby and hide behind his mother, even though he wanted too.

"Shouldnt you be at training runt?"

Another squeak. He frowned and tried to steel himself so that the insult didnt hurt as much. In all honest, he should have been used to such comments by now, but they still wounded his emotions even now.

The child was glad for his mothers tone, snapping at his half brother like that. And he tried not to laugh. Still, he was relieved when the taller lion finally retreated, and he looked to his mother for advice, with a fearful look in his eyes. "W- why does he want us?"
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Anuli smiled widely at her mates enthusiasm upon seeing her, and gratefully returned the loving nuzzle. When Tajiri gently licked the remaining zebra blood from her fur, she had purred softly like a cub would, her ears lowering contently. "I'm fine dear, don't fuss." she chuckled "And the hunt went very well."

As much as the usually lonely lioness had loved her hunting time, she had missed the other. Anuli knew in her heart that if she were to be given the choice between hunting or being with Tajiri, then she would pick him every single time. The male stood out from most of the other lions there, being darker in colour than almost everyone with the exception of Nalina, and his roguish looks made him so handsome. She felt lucky that fate had led Tajiri to her.

"What about you?" she asked him, a slightly concerned edge to her voice "How did your talk go with Jua?"
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Nalina nodded in answer, tempted to laugh at her mate's rumbling stomach, but knowing the was not the time. Sighing, the brown-coated lioness rested her head across the great lions shoulders, closing her eyelids as she thought of a way to best explain the problem they faced.

"I fear we may be losing our mark of territory over this land." Good old Nalina. Always right to the point. Of course she had considered bringing up the subject much more gently, but she knew that Jua had a reckless habit of putting such things to the back of his mind, if he did not deem them to be urgent. "The hunters and I discovered that a herd of zebra have moved into the grasslands, and a feel that they are not threatened by our presence here..."

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Kujali watched Meno leave with a watchful and concerned look. Growling lowly to herself for a moment before turning back to her son. She gave him a quick nuzzle. "It's time to eat", she said, not with the enthusiasm other lions would when they had a meal time coming. She didn't give her son a proper answer, but she presumed that Dhoruba would want to speak to her.

Maybe about Tajiri, further questions on where he was. She had no idea, but Dhoruba didn't believe that. Sometimes he got a little rough with his questioning. Dhoruba was the last lion she wanted to think about though. "Come on Jasiri", she said, beginning to walk in the direction Meno left in, waiting for her son to walk by her side.

----

Tajiri chuckled lightheartedly in return, "You know I fuss honey". He licked his lips in anticipation for the upcoming meal, in this pride he always had something to eat, they shared fairly here. He gazed into those ruby red eyes for a moment, he did not know why others disliked them, to him, they shone and stood out in a positive way.

"I'm alright", he said with a smile spread across his face. When asked about Jua, his look hardened a little. "It went fine...just wanted news about my old pride". He seemed to lose some of the brightness out of his eyes, he missed Kujali and Jasiri dearly.

----

As soon as Nalina began to speak, Jua immediately looked concerned. He took a while to think, processing the words in his mind. He wet his lips and began to speak again,
"That is unusual for the zebras...we try to be respectful of all creatures, not hunting during birthing seasons. Maybe we have to make a point. As far as the territory goes, I'll have to go around the borders and do some marking".

He paused, giving his mate a reassuring nuzzle. "I'll take Tajiri with me. Take his mind off things. He came and spoke to me about the Pride of Leondas this morning, poor lad...". Jua genuinely cared about him, and his other pride members, as leader, it was his duty to make sure everyone is happy. Nalina succeeded in that more at times however.