%%% Log opened - Thursday, December 11, 2003 18:33:16 To request a character, or the AUP, see http://flipsidemuck.org Connecting indictes acceptance of the Acceptable Use Policy Pridelands - In Front of Pride Rock ----------------------------------- You are standing before a tall outcropping of rock, contrasting the flatness of this area. Lions lay around and on it, making this the home of the ruling pride. Looking up, you see a large outcropping, where the King may stand and make announcements. This is Pride Rock. For a while, the horizon of the savannah looks clear... and flat.. that's until a large, gray boulder-like creature emerges from around the back of pride rock and makes his way to the front. Accompanying such a large creature is the rythmic sound of huge feet hitting the dusty ground with a dull thud and the rumble of boredom. Zulbar makes it to the meeting spot that he was told to be at.. and not a soul has been told his reasoning for being here, despite the big mouth that any elephant has and can have. Like a huge, grey dust-covered ship, Zulbar moves across the grasses and plains of the african savanna. Each large, rounded foot makes a rythmic *thump* as it lands on the ground, the sound only stopping when the huge form stops moving. Dark pebbly grey skin is draped over the huge, rounded body of the bull elephant, but that's only part of the many characteristics that show the uniqueness of an elephant. Two huge, fan-like ears frame the large round head, and they way they're set usually indicates the elephant's mood. Two long ivory tusks emerge from each side of his large trunk, each tusk curving upward and each one a good three to four feet in length at the very least. He's still young, though, and not as large as the older bulls of his species. His features are less wrinkled.. a bit smoother and there's a lively spark in each dark eye still hinting at the remaining calf that lingers somewhere within- some sort of mischievious being that takes up residence in the back of the bull's mind. His trunk hangs low, easily able to touch the ground, but most of the time he keeps it curled at the tip to protect it from scraping the ground. <---> Sahau slinks in from the direction of the Savannah also, although she has avoided the elephant. And everyone else for that matter. A bit unhappy with how her introduction to Scar went, she's searching out Hatari to ask her a few questions. She's young, that's pretty obvious. And, despite being an excellent huntress, she tends to be a bit on the immature side, especially when it comes to relations with others. Sahau looks much like all the other lionesses...warm golden brown fur covers a fit body, a deeper shade of the same colour tips her tail and the edges of her alert ears. Her eyes are a bit unusual..much deeper green then would be expected, and a *gift* from her Father. From him she also inherited an innate grace that she is completely unaware of but that has served her well in her short life. She is looking for acceptance and a Pride to truly belong to. And, understandably, she wants little to do with *powerful* Kings. Instead, she looks for an underdog...like herself. <---> Nearby, on a big, flat rock, Lana is perched. The lioness's head is lowered, and her ears are pitched forward. Her crimson eyes hold a glazed-over look, and she is apparently lost within her own thoughts... That is, until her line of vision is clouded by the elephant's enormous form. Lana lifts her head and raises a brow... Then notes Sahau approaching. She nods to the young lioness, offering a small smile. Lana. A word often used as a curse... And so, it is not strange that this lioness should be named as such. Since she was a cub, she was blamed for everything. Illnesses, droughts, unsuccessful hunts. The only logical thing to do, in her former prides' eyes, was to exile her. Still, despite her past, she always walks with an air of pride - head held high, with long, balanced strides... And her steps have carried her here, to her new home in the Pridelands. She has found acceptance amongst the lions that inhabit Pride Rock, and intends to keep it that way. Unintentionally, her appearance and the way that she carries herself can seem a bit intimidating at times. Her coat is the usual tawny shade that most lions share - that is, all but her underside, tail tip and toes, which are splashed with a deep charcoal colour. Many tiny scars can be faintly seen throughout her form, but her fur does a good job of hiding those. Not to mention her eyes, blazing crimson - a family trait that can sometimes be intimidating, particularly when she is agitated. Looking past her exterior, should one decide to actually try and get to know her, she is very intelligent and overall kind-hearted. She has a sharp tongue and enjoys a good debate from time to time. A mindful stranger with a lot to say... She just isn't sure how to say it, right now. <---> Tia is here... as was instructed... She lays under the shade of a large tree, passing the long moments of the day by without doing hardly a thing.. she hunted yesturday so that she need not do so today. A bit of doubt swirls around within her, unsure if this all will be worth her effort, but she will just have to see what the outcome is. This female cheetah bears all the usual traits of the common cheetah. Her fur is a light gold, thin and short to offer little resistance against the wind while being covered by a multitude of black dots that lagely define her kind. This only changes on the tip of her tail which has several rings at it's tip and on her stomach which is a creamy white. Upon her face, as well, at a pair of black tear marks down each side of her muzzle leading up to her yellow gold eyes. Although unique in many ways, defining who she is, these signs are so subtle it's easy for the untrained eye to find her no different than any of the other common cheetahs of the world. <---> Zulbar looks down at each lion as he lumbers by them. So many.. He stops then and flaps an ear, then rumbles a deep, "H'llo... uhh.. guess we're all.. gonna be livin' t'gether- or somethin'?" At least he's trying to make conversation. An ear flaps, his dark eyes shifting over each feline.. Sahau has paused behind a rather clump of bushes, eying the rest with idle curiosity. The elephant's greeting reminds her that she will be only one of many who appear ready to join this attempt. Hmm...maybe it won't really be all that bad after all. Padding around to the front of the bushes, she nods to the elephant and shrugs. "Or somthin' I guess. Do any of you have at least an idea of where we're supposed to be goin'?" The current host time is 07:01:25 PM PST on Thursday, December 11, 2003. "Kopje," Lana speaks finally, hopping off her rock and padding slowly over to the elephant and young lioness. She looks up at Zulbar, getting a close-up look at just how big he is... As if she couldn't believe it from afar. "Erm. Anyway. Kopje are lands not far from here. Better lands. Better still, no Mufasa..." Lana grinned. Sahau chuckles dryly, glancing up towards Pride Rock. "I think I'm going to like this new place." Well, now it seems that there are a few creatures gathering around and starting to speak to one another.. perhaps these are the others that that dark lion has 'recruited'. The cheetah is still uneasy, though the elephant that Scar spoke of does appear to be here... strange. For the moment she stays where she is, fairly well out of sight. Scar strides around the base of Pride Rock from the south, smirking noticably as he spies the group gathering in the fading twilight. He advances directly towards them, not saying a word first off. Scar has grown into a tall, handsome lion, and would be quite the looker except for two marring features. First, very obvious, is a deep slash across his left eye, a childhood injury, long since healed, but prominent none-the-less. The second hits most creatures right away, but it takes the form of a feeling, and is not so easy to pin down. Scar gives off a strong feeling of distrust, as if every falling leaf was a strike at his soul, and this tends to cause unease, even if it's not actually recognized. Physically speaking, he's a tall, lean lion, with a coat of burnt amber, and a sleek, jet black mane. His face is rather angular and distinguished, except for the usual frown that he carries, and his claws are perpetually in motion, extended from his paws nearly constantly. <---> Hatari lies in the grasses, cleaning her paws idly as she awaits the arrival of their new 'king'. In the meantime her eyes silently scrutinize each form before her, each new 'pridemember'. This ought to be interesting, she thinks to herself. She is strong-willed, and danger often follows. Her body language boasts of a lioness who has never set one paw astray...but that does not mean it's the truth. While she is an impressive huntress, and a very cunning pride- member she is often difficult to get along with. Her form is sleek and muscular, covered in the traditional honey-gold pelt of a full grown lioness. A few scars bear tribute to her well earned hunting status. Narrow golden eyes plot beneath ever vigilant ears, whilst her tail betrays her mood. There is no doubt where this lioness sees herself standing in the future...whether she gets there or anywhere near Pride Rock is another matter. Confidence cannot span a gorge alone. <---> Zulbar tilts his head to Lana. "Any land with lots of food is better. Not like there isn't plenty here though, but somewhere new would be nice." The dark lion is spotted, so he curls his trunk up and fans his ears in preparation to listen. He's shifting from one side to the other, eager to get started with all this and to stop standing in one spot. Lana turns her head in the direction that the elephant's attention is drawn to, spotting Scar as he approaches. She grins at him slightly, falling back onto her haunches. "Evening," she calls. Sahau spots Scar and, still stinging from his *duty* comment, perpares to give him a piece of her mind. But, luckily, common sense prevails. Remembering what she and the others are here for, she instead pads over to Hatari and sits at her side. "Are we going to go soon?" Zira slinks out of the shadows from the other side of Priderock, her darkly tipped tail twitches with a maddening delight as she makes her way to the group. Even her pawssteps drip with eagerness to be on with this little scheme. Sleek and dangerous, this lioness seems to stride through life without a glimmer of lost confidence. Even her dark golden eyes sparkle with cunning confidence as she examines the world around her with a hungry greed for all she considers 'should' be hers! There is not an ounce of wasted flesh upon her, it is all lean muscle wrapped in the tawny coat of fur. Two physical features make her distinct from the others, a long dark stripe that splits her forehead and spills back between her pronounced shoulder-blades; and a chunk of flesh missing from her ear. Ambition is the word...cold, raw ambition. <---> Scar approaches the group confidently, standing taller than usual. "Good evening," he returns the greeting to all. "Wonderful to see you all here tonight. I assure you that our efforts will be well worth the time before the night is out - an entire valley is waiting for us to settle it." Hatari's ears flip towards her 'companion', she snuffs the air in mid-lick and replies barely under her breath as she watches Scar arrive, "Soon enough." Tia's spotted frame is visable, alibi not obvious, but a good look around will allow one to spot her laying there, watching and listening to what's going on intently. Zira slides into her appropriate place beside Scar, a sly smile marking her features this evening. Dark golden eyes narrowed to slits observe the rebels about her. She can't help but allow a slight chuckle to escape her...all-be-it, a very dark chuckle. Sahau's tail begins to flick back and forth, the atmosphere of excitement decidedly contageous. She gives Hatari a grin and a nod while keeping her attention on the Lion. Scar's eyes scan each figure carefully, including the sleeping forms who had not been invited. But it didn't matter now. "I have one duty I must perform before we depart, but once I begin, there shall be no further time for pause. So, I give you all a chance now to ask me any specific questions you may have left." Hatari's paws push her up from the ground and she speaks up in a commanding voice. "Who shall lead the hunt, my King?" Sahau has a dozen questions! But shyness suddenly stops her voice. She perks her ears to the others though, listening intently.. and eagerly. Zulbar's head shakes slowly in response.. he has no more questions- though that dark laughter is sort of freaking him out. He tries not to show it. He keeps shifting from one side to the other, his eyes looking over the sleepers and then back to Scar and the others that are present. Scar smirks at Hatari. "That question is premature, Hatari, but I have such things in mind, and will tell you all after we are there." His eyes scan further, stopping for a moment on Sahau, a longer moment on Zulbar, and a brief moment on Zira, before he stands neutral again, waiting for anything else. Zira flicks her claws in and out. "I think we are all ready for this 'venture', my Scar." She's almost purring with excitement. Lana keeps silent, taking Sahau's route and just deciding to listen. Her eyes flit to the promontory of Pride Rock, then back to Scar. An uneasy sort of feeling stirs within her, but she does her best to shrug it off. Sahau flicks a quick glance to the lioness beside Scar and then back to Hatari. Lowering her voice, she whispers, "Is that Scar's Queen?" Scar's smile grows. "I believe you're right, Zira. So be it." He turns around now, facing the promontory, and lifts his muzzle. "MUFASA!" he shouts, as much for effect as anything, since he clearly could walk right into Pride Rock if he chose. Hatari nods at the response, her tail flicks a bit in annoyance at the brush off. She turns her head a bit at Sahau's question, and nods once again, a soft voice replying, "So much as any can tell. She's always beside him and she stays in his cave." Zulbar blinks at the shout- he almost jumps.. that's if elephants were capable of such a thing. Ears still foward, he averts his gaze up to the top of the rock, then back to Scar.. and back to the rock again while he waits to see exactly what's going on. Not exactly the rebels in the Kobje land he was thinking of.. and he prays that he's not going to have to pummel the present king.. Zira's face turns up to Priderock, her cold eyes focused on the point where the 'king' shall appear. In anticipation her claws continue to sheath and unsheath, her lip quivering at the chance for power...real power! The sound of Scar's voice echo's into the cave and jarrs the sleeping lioness awake. Frowning, Sarabi awakes and glances around the cave and sighs. No sign of her mate. Rising up she makes her way out of the cave and down to where the voice echo's from. Is slightly startled to see such a crowd in front of Pride Rock but quickly masks her surprise. "Yes, Scar?" Standing before is yet another lioness, or so you think. Sarabi is off a golden tan, the color fading slowly as it seeps down her sides, as though it were ink. Her eyes are of a deep emerald green, twinkling just so as the light hits them. One can usually see a soft smile across her muzzle as she's quite happy and content, more so now than before. <---> Sahau shrugs since Hatari doesn't seem impressed. But she's startled when Scar shouts. She cranes her neck to see if Mufasa will appear....or ignore. Scar looks clearly unimpressed as Sarabi answers his call. "Sarabi, where is Mufasa? I had specifically ensured that he would be here tonight." Tia remains quiet and watchful... it doesn't seem as though she needs to do much more than watch and follow along with them, so that's all she intends to do.. at least until something else happens. Sarabi rolls her shoulders. "Probably out and about, patrolling. And I'm here. What do you need, Scar?" She sits down on her haunches, shoulders pulled back. Zira's growls low into Scar's ear. "Your brother shows himself as a coward!" Lana rises to her paws now, standing next to Zira. Her eyes are focused on Sarabi, and she gives a worried look to Scar, who doesn't seem to notice it. She keeps silent still, still listening... Sahau looks quite disappointed when it's only Sarabi who appears. Where's Mufasa after all? Shouldn't he be here to watch them all leave? Scar makes a rather exasperated sound. 'So unreLIable...' he mutters. "Very well, Sarabi, as Queen of the Pridelands, you will do. I am tendering my resignation, Sarabi, for all my duties in the Pridelands. It is time for me to move on to greater things, and to meet my destiny. Hatari takes a few steps closer towards the center of attention, she wants to be amid the action when it begins! Sahau follows close behind Hatari, figuring she should be there in the middle too. Zulbar keeps to the back of the felines as he takes on a somewhat cowardly stance. He's listening though, eyes focused on the lion queen and still ready for any orders that might come his way. At least he's stopped the shifting and rocking and now stays perfectly still; ears, trunk, feet, tail and all. Move on to greater things? The lioness never lets her expression waiver. Sarabi nods her head slowly. "I see, Scar. So tell me, what are these greater things that you've got planned?" The lioness pulls her shoulders back a bit more and sits up straighter. Deep inside she wish Mufasa were here at her side, listening to this and not herself. Scar smiles. "These things do not directly concern the Pridelands, my dear." He nods his head towards those around him. "These creatures have chosen to follow me, and lend to me their strength and wisdom, through whatever adversities we may face. For they believe in a stronger future, as I do." Zira's chest puffs out a bit as she lifts her head, adding a grin to her muzzle. For now, she keeps her thoughts to herself...but she's ready! Sarabi nods her head again. "Very well, Scar. Is there a message you'd like to relay back to my mate?" She smiles back at Scar and keeps her regal posture. Sahau takes a pointer from the others and glares haughtily back at Sarabi. Zira would LOVE to give the big lunk one from herself...surprisingly, she still holds her tongue, only a twitching of the eyelid reveals any underlying- motive. Scar lifts his head and chuckles softly. "You may tell him that when next we meet, we will meet as equals." He pushes himself to his paws, looking at the group around him. "We move on now. Are you all ready?" Sahau quickly rises to her paws, her tail flicking in excitement. Hatari throws a glance over to Sahau, she observes the expression on her face and nods with a grin of admiration, "Not bad, you're learning!" "Ready as I ever was, my friend," Lana nods, tail twitching. She grins. Sahau grins back, her back straightening with pride. "Of course, Scar. I will let him know." She makes no effort to move as she gazes at the ones gathered. "We shall meet again," she mutters. Zira leans over and nuzzles Scar affectionately, "We are, my King!" she calls out throwing a 'look' to Sarabi. Zulbar rumbles, "Ready," and slowly starts to turn to face away from the huge rock that the present queen stands up on. He waits, though, unsure of exactly where to go and, of course, waiting for the lions to lead the way. Tia raises herself up from where she's laying as it seems everyone's moving now.. still seems a little odd for her her to be getting involved in this... but might as well keeping going along with it. Zira turns and strides beside her mate, all the pride a new queen can feel are flowing from her steps! Scar steps to the front of the group, offering Lana and Zira each a nuzzle on the way. He doesn't look back to see Sarabi's reaction, as he begins to lead the group across the southern savannah Pridelands - South of Pride Rock -------------------------------- You are standing on the south side of Pride Rock, which rises steeply beside you. In the distance to the south, across the savannah, you can just make out the line of a deep gorge, and a small mountain range. Pridelands - Southern Savannah ------------------------------ The wide expanse of the southern savannah stretches out around you, broken to the south by the deep tear of a long gorge, and to the north by the unmistakeable landmark of Pride Rock. Finally, to the east, further along, lies the Kopje valley. Hatari falls into stride behind the leaders, she doesn't even throw a backward glance in the rocks dirrection...on to a new life...new potential! Scar pauses here, in the middle of the savannah, and turns to face the rest of you. "As I mentioned before," he calls, "I expect that we'll have little resistance. Perhaps a battle of words, but our force far outnumbers theirs, and any attempt at hostilities would be most foolish." Sahau scrambles to keep up, not looking back because if she does, most likely she'll stumble. There's an eager look on her face though as she catches the excitement in the air. "This is it? Right Hatari?" Hatari leans her head to the side to reply to the young lioness, "Indeed, it is, Sahau. Your's and my chance to get somewhere in a REAL pride. Not that mess back there!" Scar raises his paw and indicates off in the distance, away from the gorge. "The border is close now, but rarely patrolled. We will almost certainly be able to approach their promontory before being challenged, if we don't need to actually call the lazy rogues out. All of you," he smiles, "need only look very serious as I instruct them as to their options." He looks over to one lioness. "Hatari. Did you perform the inspections I asked of you? You will walk alongside me and indicate the locations I mentioned to you as we pass." Sahau grins, nodding quickly. She halts when Scar pauses, perking her ears. No fighting? Well, that's not so bad really. Grinning again, she sticks out her chest and grimaces, trying to look intimidating. Zulbar listens to the comments about prides.. better lands.. better lives. That's what he wants- just a place to call his own. The elephant stops for a moment to look out over the border, then lazily snatches up a trunkful of grass to stuff into his mouth before looking back to Scar. "Dun see 'nee webels," he comments with his mouth full, again picking up his feet to move closer to the lead lion. He's a bit slow tonight.. Hatari steps forward, her stance VERY business like. "As you'd requested, my King. I should be honored to assist you in anyway." Zira's eyes gaze out towards the indicated lands, even from here they look rather nice. But something about her fidgeting tail tells of unrest, an uneasiness about her...perhaps merely aggitation...maybe more. Scar smiles. "Very well, then. Let's finish this." Sahau looks a little uncertain as Hatari is singled out and called forward. But, it's only momentary. then, she's outwardly confident again. Even if she now takes up the rear. Hatari moves to the fron to take lead with Scar, an experienced Boarder Patrol, battlescared and all. She simply looks menacing. Pridelands - Kopje Border ------------------------- Here is neutral territory between the Pridelands and the Kopje valley, a narrow stretch of savannah. The Pridelands edge is occasionally patrolled by the King, or on even rarer occasions, a group of lionesses. The purpose for these patrols is simple; to keep an eye out for any threat to the Kingdom. The land dips to the east into the valley itself, or stretches out into the Pridelands to the west. Kopje - Kopje Valley -------------------- You come down from the edge of the valley into a large, open plain. Small baobob trees dot the landscape. The cliff edge rises up behind you, and ahead you see a large cliff with a waterfall flowing from it. Beyond that are some beautiful grasslands. To the south of here is a small path through the grass, and to the north, a path winds it's way to the steeper walls of the cliff, running alongside it. Kopje - Central Waterfall ------------------------- You come to the bottom of a large cliff. Just above you is a massive promontory, jutting out from the side, sending a shadow across the waterfall. A large torrent of water comes down, creating a small lake at the bottom of the cliff, and a light mist in the air. Many sweet grasses grow around the water, perfect for grazing animals. Looking up the cliff face, you see a small path leading to the promotory, and then a bit further up. Seera picks her way down the final slope of the path from the rockface, veering near enough to the waterfall for a light spray to subtly darken the fur on her flank. She slinks towards the Lion who calls himself her king, giving him a low noise of greeting. _____________________________________________________________ | ____ | | | // \ |eera. The name is a hiss, a rough whisper, or a | | \\__ | sound as sing-song as a threatening growl. | | \\ | | | \___// | A Lioness, angular and mis-proportioned as a | |________| child's drawing. All legs and whippy tail and | | sloped back, prominent shoulder-blades dipping | | and protruding with motion. Face is long-muzzled, the | | hair above, elsewhere thin, untidily longer, enough to | | be teased upright by a breeze. | | | | Eyes... Usually amber, one calls the shade that stares | | outwards from the pale cream and tawny of a Leonine's | | form. Here, but for the impression of liquid depths, the | | color might as easily be labelled 'cinnibar', rust-gold | | tinted with red. | | | | As for the rest of this one, it is--bar the legginess one | | would put down to youth, were it not for her size and | | experienced attitude--unremarkable enough. Close-lying | | pelt a light, brownish tawny, with a dusty overlay that | | might be its own color, or a film remaining from travel; | | it is not easy to say. | | | | She goes about her business with a faintly preocuppied | | half smile, yet it is not a friendly one. The white gleam | | of teeth is too often visible in the dark twist of it, | | for that. | | | | Be wary. | |_____________________________________________________________ | <---> It's a quiet day in the Kopje. There's a few grazing animals about, but no large herds. The sun is just below the horizon, allowing just a little red light out onto the plains... For the most part, this beautiful place belongs to the lions today. There aren't too terribly many, though the few that are present simply relax in the grass or converse quietly with one another. There are few cubs, but they are the pride and joy of... well, the pride. K'Zata himself sits atop a rock. Perhaps earlier he would have been sunning himself, though now, he's just using the perch as a lookout. Spotting Seera, the rogue king turns toward her and offers a nod. "Good night, to you." K'Zata, the rogue lion and self-proclaimed king of the Kopje... He's a handsome fellow. Average in size, he is nevertheless powerfully built and well-maintained. He isn't as well fed as he could be, but at least his ribs don't show right through his sandy brown pelt. His mane marks him as an adult lion of several years, and is only a shade darker than his fur, almost blending in with it from a distance. His face is short though thin, and is almost feminine in appearance from a dainty pink nose to bright green eyes. He would be a desirable male, except for the fact that he had to fight his way to the top, so to speak... At least, that's what it looks like. His back half is dotted and criss-crossed with scars... And half his tail is outright gone. Still, K'Zata tends to smile as if nothing is out of the ordinary. Perhaps therein lies his charm. <---> Scar continues to lead his followers along the trails of these lands - relying at least partially on Hatari's guidance, and taking note of any special features that she points out. He can hear the roar of water ahead, and sees the path widening as they draw near. Hatari's nose twitches with the wind. Her ears fly up in alert as the sense pick up on something. She uses a pridal signal to alert all of the possible 'tresspasser' and then slinks silently forward to see what she has sensed... Zira knows the signal well and pauses in her pawsteps watching for Scar to do the same. Her claws flick in and out with impatience as she watches this other lioness doing a job she herself desires. Sahau may be young and is certainly way too naive. But she can hunt! And she does it well! Hatari's signal is caught instantly and she slinks into the brush...her eyes and ears alert for the others of the group...and the one they watch. Seera dips her head fractionally in return, but doesn't immediately answer K'Zata, and indeed, she glances away to check the location of the other members of the pride. It's a delicately-timed shift of attention, preceeded by a long enough stare at the male to communicate some deference. Scar seems a little annoyed to be delayed, muttering something about the concept of a stealthy elephant, but he holds nonetheless, waiting for Hatari's report. Lana pauses at Scar's side, staring off after Hatari. She glances to those around her... Still not saying a word... Zulbar is hardly stealthy. He's never had a need to keep quiet before- and its' hard enough here. He catches the sense in the air that something's up, though, and watches the lionesses that are moving forward. He lifts one foot and does his best to set it down as quietly and as gently as possible on the damp ground- and thankfully it /is/ damp. Another foot moves after that.. then another until he's near the edge of the water. He stands imposingly, eyes watching for any sort of offenseful movement. Hatari slinks forward to a place she'd seen before...with all the stealth she possesses the lioness spies the two, and slinks back to Scar's side, whispering, "There's two of them...just over that way by the falls. Looks like the rogue I saw earlier and one lioness. No more." Narrowing his eyes and flicking his ears forward, K'Zata almost thinks perhaps he must be hearing things. Then, he realizes that there really does seem to be... Well... Something coming. Hopping down from the rock, he advances to stand next to another of the lionesses in his pride. "...Get the cubs into the cave," he says, fighting to keep an indifferent calm in his voice. He doesn't know if the visitors are bringing trouble... But it's best just to be prepared. Returning to Seera, he says, "It sounds like they're coming from the Pridelands." ...Were they expecting visitors? He hadn't really seen anyone yet. Nor did he know their numbers... But there was definately something coming. "A herd, maybe...?" Zira blows a bit of air through her nose in disgust, she keeps her voice down. "That's all? Shouldn't be any trouble." Scar nods, slowly. "We aren't trying to kill them, I suspect merely seeing all of us come out of the dark shall be unnerving enough, assuming they haven't heard us already. We'll simply march right up to them. Thank you for inspecting, however." He looks back, and nods his head forward, leading the group out of the shadowed trails. Seera flicks one curved ear, her expression nearly still and difficult to read. Suspicion, perhaps, but that look of wariness might easily be habitual. "They?" she echoes back, an almost too polite request for clarification, at the intimiation of threat in K'Zata's urge to get the few young safely out of the way of whatever might be approaching. Hatari bows her head, "My pleasure, my King." She falls into step behind Scar and the two lionesses, a look of shear aggression on her face. First impressions are always the best for instilling fear. Sahau listens intently, feeling just a tiny bit disappointed that there are only two. She's relieved though to hear that there will be no killing...Hatari's earlier words still cold in her heart. Intimidation can be fun! Rising back up, she hurries to catch up...or at least remain in the group. Zira lowers her head and lifts a lip to reveal one very menacing fang as they make their way towards the group. She narrows her eyes as she protects Scar's right side. No one will lay a paw on her 'king'...NO One! K'Zata didn't get this far, though, simply running from all he feared. As the lions step out of the shadowed path, he nods silently, signaling for Seera to accompany him forward. When he is in vocal range of the approaching lions, his voice booms over the sound of the waterfall, "Welcome to my land, friends." The word 'friends' is stated in a rather sarcastic tone. "...Is there something we can do for you?" Even as he attempts to be diplomatic, his paws tense, claws lightly sinking into the earth under them. Lana calmly keeps in step with Scar, staring up at the lions as she nears them. She makes no amazing attempt to look fierce, as she's well aware those fiery crimson eyes do enough to instill a bit of fear in others that don't know her well. Her claws are unsheathed, though she doesn't plan on using them unless she has to. Her tail lashes idley. Zulbar follows the group of lions out into the light. He stands imposingly over them, his huge tusks curving out and forward ahead of him and both ears slightly forward. His head is high, and he no longer has to disguise the loud *thud* of each foot as it lands on the ground. He glances at the waterfall, eyes squinting to peer at the cave beyond it, then his attention shifts back to K'Zata again while he waits for anything to start.. Scar calls back, his voice just as booming, his tone authoritative. "I seek the representative of this clan." He deliberately doesn't use the word 'Pride', his lips curled cruelly at the edges. Seera casts a brief look back at the retreat into the caves, noting with a certain satisfaction that the cubs are out of sight, along with the gangly adolscent sister (whether herded along as to be protected, or busy chivying along the younger, she missed a chance to say) and the other lionesses staying back as well. So it's to Seera herself, the elder and most recently a wanderer, to stand ahead. Sahau senses the excitement in the air as she stops behind the other lionesses. Her face takes on a look of determination as she looks up at the two standing above them. As Hatari said...this'll be easy! With a glance to the elephant, then the large number of followers that Scar has, K'Zata knows he's outnumbered. "You've found him," the King calls back, stepping forward again and holding his head high. "If you want to speak..." Gesturing with a paw, he indicates himself and Seera. He had to provide some sort of unified front. "You have myself, King K'Zata, and my... Second. Seera." Whether or not she actually /was/ his second in command is unknown. The thing is... She's there. And they need to look imposing. As imposing as they can, with only two of them here. "Hopefully this can be a /peaceful/ encounter." Hatari's claws grind into the dirt before her, every muscle is tense. A lioness on a spring ready to be released by a mere word! Only, she isn't Zulbar seems restless at that. He glances to Scar, rumbling, "Uhh.. want me t' just.. step on 'im or somethin'? I can do that.. y' don't have t' waste time talkin' and stuff." He doesn't have to speak loud for his size, and he should be quite audible even above the roar of the waterfall. He /did/ come along for something.. so he figures he might as well make the suggestion. Zira's soft growling voice calls out, her tail sweeping the air, "Depends upon your actions." She smiles slyly to the lion. Scar's smile grows. "Oh, certainly." A strange smirk crosses his muzzle as he glances back at the elephant's words, but fades as he turns forward again. He coughs once, and lifts his head and voice, reciting officially. "I am here to inform you that by Royal Order of the Pridelands, in order to protect herself from the potential risk of undefended lands, the unclaimed Territory known as Kopje Valley is hereby claimed and named an official state of the Pridelands." Seera displays a curve to her mouth, barely exposing the whte gleam of teeth on one side, and yet even that is more cool than overly agressive. She steps to K'Zata's right side, her side barely brushing his as she firms her stance, whippy tail swinging behind her with increasing speed. Sahau hears that questions and turns to look back at the elephant, only just now appreciating how huge he is and how easily it would be for him to do just as he suggested. Lana can't help but grin a bit at the elephant's suggestion. Luckily, her scowl makes the grin look menacing... So she doesn't lose her 'intimidating look.' Her muscles tense, and she lowers her head, staring up at Seera, who seems to be a little less confident than the male, she notes... Upon Scar's decree, K'Zata's eyes widen, blinking in false surprise. "Oh! I see! You've come to... Kick me out, is that it?" He flicks his tail against Seera's leg, indicating for her to remain still for the moment. Bowing his head, he allows an almost good-natured chuckle to escape a partially parted maw. "Ah. Well. Not a chance." Zira shrugs, her claws springing out, "Well than...so much for peace!" Scar lifts a forepaw across Zira's chest, barring her, and continues, still smirking. "Not at all, not at all. This territory will be ruled over and managed by myself, King Scar, and will be subject to it's own set of laws and disciplines." He pauses, lowering his head a bit as he smiles. "All existing rogues and other residents of the Valley are hereby ordered to immediately delcare their allegiance to the newly appointed ruler, or to leave the lands in a peaceful, and orderly manner." His head comes up again, and he watches K'Zata carefully. "Non-compliance will be dealt with harshly." Seera breaks in with deceptively soft words. "Hasty decision," she says, a hint of a growl already behind the syllables addressed directly to Zira. She holds the other lioness's gaze with her own for an uncomfortably long moment, red-amber eyes narrowed and dark. Zira's tongue licks her fangs as she remains where she is, only held there by Scar's paw...and not really even that. Hatari shifts upon ancy paws, her eyes glaring and a growl growing in her throat. Her scared hide bears the evidence of bravery, and the mark of experience. Sahau stiffens as the tone of everyone's words becomes more challenging. She flexes her claws and steps a bit closer to the others... If a fight is what must be...well..she knows how. "Brave lions," Zulbar grumbles under his breath as he takes a small step forward and moves more around to the side of the rogues.. at least as far as to where he can still fit. He's still waiting.. just one word is all it would take. He looks to Scar, his ears fanning and one foot settled into the shallows of the water now. The only part of the King that moves is his tail. Once in a while it flicks back and forth, as if acknowledging Scar's words. K'Zata considers himself a reasonable lion, and also one that worked his way to the top. He found a land, and he took it... And he believes he has full right to stay here as king. "...Well. I know we've always been at peace with the Pridelanders. We are a small pride, and have never posed any threat. But... You really leave me no choice." He looks at Seera, nodding slightly. It almost looks like he's about to concede and leave it at that. "...If you want this land, friend, I'm afraid you're going to have to take it from me." Hatari fans out a bit more, shifting off to the side in a hunting manuvuer to allow her a free shot if need be. Her moves are sure-pawed, a swift, revealing an experienced lioness still well in her prime, every tiny motion gives the inkling she is not one to delt with lightly! Scar chuckles softly, watching Zulbar move around a bit, and tilting his head towards the other lions. "Don't be foolish," he responds almost immediately. "You stand no chance to fight, and we've invited you to join us, as well as given you opportunity to leave. Consider that the benefits of protection under our pride far outweigh the foolish waste that your lives are now." Zira's growl cuts through the air as her claws tear at the earth, "Let me do it for you, my King! Let me teach this mewling whelp what REAL power is!!" Scar's paw pats Zira, still across her chest, encouraging restraint. "Some of my followers are less patient than I." Seera, similarly, keeps herself still, if you discount that lash of tail, quick and with an irregular rythm that has it slapping again K'Zata's at times, a minor collision at odds with how solidly this lioness is standing beside him, staring with cold menace at each of the intruders in turn. Zira's cold growl is her only response to Scar's remark "You realize that we're but a small pride," K'Zata says, "A family, really. If you take our land by force, you'll be murdering innocents." There's a pause, as the King smiles. "Because you'll have the Kopje over my dead body, I'm afraid." He has no idea who this lion is, nor whom any of his followers are. He can only assume that they came from the Pridelands, and so far, by Scar's word and his reactions, he seems to be right. But who is this lion? Not Mufasa, certainly! "...I'll give you one chance to consider what I've said and leave. If not, well..." He tips his shoulder in what could be a shrug. "You have to go through myself and Seera." Sahau feels Seera's eyes on her and stares back..her own dark and cold. No way is any ol' lioness going to keep her from finally having a place to call *hers*! Two steps brings her up to Hatari's side and from there, it's obvious that she's more than willing to keep going. Hatari crouches in wait, she is taking advantage of this time to clearly observe the actions of the two who have presented themselves. With a quick nod to Sahau she indicates the 'lioness' and whispers, "She's older. This whole chatting is bluff. they won't fight. They'd be foolish to." Scar shakes his head, looking almost sad. "Yet I am here in the defense of my Pride and my family, and for the same reason I dare not back down. You will clearly lose, why would you sacrifice yourself when it need not be so?" Sahau nods curtly, thinking much the same. "We're too many for them to even try." she whispers back. Seera tilts her head, slipping her cheek against K'Zata's, a kind of brief nuzzle; it might look like reasurance, but the gesture gives her a chance to hiss in his ear. "We stand fast, then?" She isn't one to follow him without any question, and there's a strategy to plan along with gauging the other group's intent. Hatari's eyes focus on the lion, watching for even a flinch, she is within her leaping range, quite capable of this distance. after all, her job now is to protect her 'king. Zira's eyes narrow, and she hisses up to the lion, "Over your dead body, huh? Then let's have it! I could kill you myself, you old windbag!" The King tilts his head slightly. "...Defense! You claim defense, and here we are, a peaceful family, having done nothing to the Pridelands. Well..." He turns to Seera, whispering a "No," to her. His face suddenly becomes sad, Jade eyes narrowing and finally looking toward the ground. "My first priority is to my family. "Seera, go to the cave. Alert the others that we are leaving by dawn. Make sure the cubs are safe..." He looks toward Scar. "...That is, if you will give us that time, at least." The first sign of aggression is shown, as he momentarily bares his teeth, mane bristling. Seera lets out a sharp breath, and turns, walking up the slope of the path toards the caves with a quite deliberate slow tread, not wishing to show anything more than a strategic move. This is to be a cautious retreat, not some undignified rout. Hatari flattens her form at the display! She is preparing for the leap of her life if need be! Scar's eyes narrow, and he watches the other lion wordlessly for several moments. Finally, without turning he head, he speaks loudly. "Zira! Hatari! Supervise their evacuation. Do NOT attack." To K'Zata he speaks quietly. "By first light, you will be across the border. It is unfortunate that you have chosen to leave, but no harm will come to you or your family so long as you do not return." Hatari's head flips up at the call of her name, she nods, but it's followed by a flick of her head revealing disgust and disappointment! Zulbar stands guard off to the side, watching and listening to the conversation between the lions quietly with only an occasional rumble. He looks somewhat relieved that the opposing lion decides to leave peacefully, and all the excitement has left him tired. Zira grumbles a bit, snuffing into the dirt at the 'kings' paws as she strides by to witness the evacuation, she grunts up to him. "Coward!" Sahau masterfully hides a quick tug of disappointment that she is not called forward too. But, she's used to feeling disappointed. And, besides, they're leaving! Soon these lands will be..."ours..." she whispers proudly. Hatari leaps down onto the ground without a sound. She increases her stride to catch up to Zira and pads alongside to the cave she had seen Seera go to. His mind turns briefly to one of the cubs... His own son. A son that won't grow up within this beautiful land. Ah... What a shame that was. And yet, K'Zata was not willing to fight for land, when, to him, his family meant more than anything. If only their pride was bigger, they could have fought! But even if they won, they would be at constant odds with this strange rogue lion... No. That was a bad idea. Turning to follow Zira toward the cave to see that his family got out safely, he says only one thing. "I protect what I care about. Perhaps you should consider a similar philosophy." === Special thanks to K'Zata and Seera for joining in on short notice. :)