A Matter of Business [ For Kai ]

[Narifia]

Continued From "Lost in Thought..."[/b][/size]


Evening was approaching, and before Narifia knew it she was already spotting Decimus and Anasi's hunting party in the distance returning with the day's kill. Time had slipped away for her as she'd spent most of the day since her talk with Decimus sunbathing and chatting casually with Shetani. The red-furred lioness had been too restless and stubborn to stay inside and rest, so finally Narifia had relented and invited her just outside of the cave for a lounge, figuring that getting some sun may just do her some good anyway.

"Looks like they're back. Hope you're hungry," she said, grinning at Shetani. Their conversation together had been lighthearted and casual, almost as if they'd known one another their entire lives. Narifia couldn't explain it, but she felt entirely at ease with this fiery lioness she'd met only yesterday.

---------------

Decimus was at the head, stalking towards home with his jaws clamped firmly around the neck of a massive legless wildebeest. His head was lowered, presumably from the weight of the mighty catch he dragged, and he had a serious, brooding look on his face. He didn't look at all happy regardless of the obviously successful hunt. There was much on his mind, namely Kivuli and his competence on the hunt. The pale lion was skilled and would no doubt be useful to the pride, but that was just the thing; with skills like that, why had no pride before ever kept Kivuli around? There was something unsettling about that lion's appearance and mannerisms. There was a reason why a valuable hunter like him had never been retained in a pride until now, and Decimus was going to find out what that reason was.

'If it were up to me,' he thought in passing, glowering, 'I'd have chased him off long before now myself.'

'But it isn't up to you.' It was up to Narifia. Naive, trusting young Narifia. In a way her innocent nature was endearing, and in another it was entirely abhorrent. She would end up getting them all killed one day. It was up to Decimus to see to it that such an event would never happen, that they would have a strong queen and a solid future...

... Which reminded him of yet more things he had need to speak with Narifia about, and quite soon.

Anasi was just behind Decimus having happily taken her place back as his subordinate after the hunt was over. She enjoyed being in charge on the hunts, but found it much more favorable to fall back under Decimus' charge in the normal scheme of things. He could be a brute at times--times at which Anasi often had to step in and give him a good earful--but nevertheless he was as natural a leader to follow as he always had been. Content in her place, she trotted along carrying one of the wildebeests' legs--each of the hunters having taken one to ease Deci's burden as he carried the rest home--and every once in a while she glanced over to give Kivuli an encouraging side grin. "Good job," the look always said, and there was a hint of pride in her eyes each time, almost as if she'd taken him in as her own.

Kurunzi and Ardilana, carrying a leg each, brought up the rear and glanced at one another uncertainly. They hadn't the foggiest idea what was going through Decimus' head, but they knew he must have some reason to be in a bad mood even after Kivuli's good performance on the hunt. Kurunzi was definitely impressed, as he hadn't pegged the odd lion as having the skill that he did, even if he was a little awkward in a group. Ardilana was pretty indifferent herself, but nevertheless knew a good hunter when she saw one. Having both of their "leader figures" on completely opposite ends of an opinion also didn't help them very much at all, although it wasn't an unusual thing by any means.

[Kai]

Shetani was enjoying the conversation she was having with Narifia. At first she wasn't sure how well she would get along among lions. Teikan wasn't a clan of lion-haters, and her parents had never taught her to hate them (though it had members who did), nonetheless she had never been around them and anticipated she might have trouble relating to them. To her surprise she found them easy to talk to.
Well, at least Narifia was. The rest of them were nice too, but the Outland's Queen and her just seemed to click. It sure as hell beat sitting around all day, too.
"Looks like they're back. Hope you're hungry," she saw Narifia grin.
She was, but she felt like such a freeloader sitting around while others hunted for the food. She would rectify that soon, however. If she really had to be carried into the pride's lands on another lion's back she was going to at least make up for it.
Her expression changed as she saw Decimus approaching. She clearly did not like him, and she expected he felt much the same, especially after their last conversation.
You're a guest here, try not to start anything. She told herself.
"He don't look too happy." Shetani mentioned.


Kivuli had been pleased with how the hunt had turned out. He hadn't been confident about how well he would do, especially when Decimus had said they were back up muscle. He had never been a bulky lion, he was average size at best and rather light built. He could hunt well enough (he would be dead if he couldn't after all, wandering around as a rogue all this time.) Kivuli had mostly been a solitary hunter however, his usual prey was significantly smaller because of that, and he wasn't used to having to co-ordinate with multiple lions.

Despite it all, Anasi seemed pleased by his performance. She even told him he was doing a good job. This made him smile slightly, encouragement was something that had been rather rare in his life. The one called Kurunzi might even be a little impressed. Decimus was definitely bothered by something. Kivuli was very sure, in fact, that Decimus was bothered by him. But it was hard for him to read others without eye contact. In any case, there wasn't much he could do about it.

[Narifia]

"He don't look too happy."

Narifia laughed and leaned in to semi-whisper, "When does he ever?" She winked and chuckled again, then stood with a contented sigh to greet the returning hunters with a smile. "Welcome back Decimus, Anasi, Ardilana, Kurunzi--and Kivuli, I see that your first hunt with the pride was successful!"

After depositing her burden with the rest of the fresh-kill pile that they were making, Anasi grinned big and walked over to stand beside Kivuli. "I'll say it was! This one's a keeper Nar. He's a little rough around the edges, but it's nothing your mighty lead huntress can't work with! I'll have him bringing down prey like a pro with the rest of us in no time. He's a natural, isn't he Deci?"

Decimus eyed her for a moment as if irritated for being put on the spot. Without looking at Kivuli even once, he turned to Narifia and uttered the gruff reply, "He has some skill."

Narifia, either unaware of Decimus' shortness or ignoring it, laughed and gave Kivuli a good-natured shoulder-bump. "I knew you'd do great! Congrats, Kivi! And thank you all for the plentiful meal!"

Everyone had deposited their shares of the kill by now and were now either peering curiously at Shetani or looking expectantly at Narifia. As if on cue, Narifia walked over to stand by Shetani and turned to address everyone present. "Well, I'm sure you all know by now that we have a new guest here. This is Shetani, and she's going to be staying with us for a time while she recovers and searches for her family. Shetani, this is Anasi, Ardilana, Kurunzi, Kivuli, and you already know Decimus."

[Kai]

Kivuli actually smiled a little at Anasi and Narifia's praise. Maybe he could get used to group hunting. Although it wouldn't hurt to go and do some solo hunting once in a while. He found that extra food was always welcomed in a pride and so far he still worked better alone, although that could change with time.

He then noticed the red lioness sitting beside the Queen. His eyes wandered to her wounds, which were substantial but thankfully seemed to be healing well.

Hm, she seems rather unusual. He thought, then bowed politely saying only "Welcome Shetani."

Shetani raised one eyebrow momentarily as she sized up Kivuli.
He's kinda weird-lookin'...
She gave a short nod and tried to appear friendly but she was still guarded. She just couldn't stand to seem vulnerable.
"Hi folks."
After the kind of welcome she had gotten from Decimus, she was unsure what kind of reception she would get from the rest of the pride. She could only wait and see.

[Narifia]

      "H-hi there," Anasi said unevenly with a slight nod. Her normal welcoming, friendly countenance suddenly faltered and she felt uneasy--even a bit queasy--coming in contact with Shetani for the very first time. Maybe she had been too preoccupied with Kivuli's success when they'd first walked up to notice, but now that she was really looking at the red stranger she couldn't get the stink of hyena out of her nose. 'Geeze...! D-Deci wasn't kidding!' she thought with a shudder. The fur on the back of her neck prickled uneasily and she gingerly broke her gaze. She didn't mean to be unfriendly, really she didn't, but Anasi couldn't help feeling wary around such a strong hyena scent.

      Ardilana's first instinct was to emit a low rumbling in the back of her throat. She honest to Aiheu seemed as if she were about to attack as she stood stiffly next to Anasi, glaring threateningly at Shetani with her hackles raised in alarm. Decimus raised a brow at Anasi and Ardilana's reactions to Shetani, but he couldn't very well say that it surprised him any. Hyenas betrayed Scar. Their betrayal had brought down Scar's kingdom, and had thus carved out the bleak existence that the exiled Outsiders had had to face from that point on. No one left alive knew that better than the Four. And Decimus still had not yet had a proper chance to tell them about Shetani's so-called "heritage"--he half smirked as he pictured exactly how they each would react to that little tidbit.

      Kurunzi's nostrils flared as he took in Shetani's scent and he, too, was alarmed by the strength of the odor. However as he sized Shetani up his alarm melted more into an almost cub-like curiosity and he stepped forward--effectively blocking Ardilana from her although that wasn't exactly his intent--to get a better look. His eyes fell over her wounds and scars and muscles and he took in her demeanor; he couldn't help but notice that guarded, almost defiant look in her eyes and mused that she must be very proud. His tail twitched and a mischievous grin slid onto his maw.

      "So you're Shetani, eh? Don't mind my gals, they're just not used to being around lions who willingly play with hyenas." Kurunzi's statement was a taunt, but it was meant to be a good-natured ribbing about how she had been brave enough to tangle with the nasty Graveyard Clan all on her own--and of course, he still had no idea that she was raised by hyenas. However, with Kurunzi's haughtiness and sly grin, who knew how Shetani would take it?

      Narifia had half risen in anticipation of having to step in between Ardilana and Shetani, but relaxed a little when Kurunzi stepped in instead. She let out a puff of breath she'd had held in and smiled at Kurunzi with thanks in her eyes. Kurunzi caught this out of the corner of his eye and winked at her, still grinning his mischievous, sly grin. He looked back at Shetani to await her response.


      Decimus padded over to the wildebeest carcass and ripped out the choicest portions, enough for two (although, after a moment of thought, he grudgingly relented to switch out some of his own meat for a portion of only slightly lesser quality as an afterthought for when his King returned). He then turned and with his jaw full of fresh meat headed over to where Narifia half sat, half stood, anxiously watching the interaction between Shetani and her pride. While he had to admit it would be entertaining to stick around and see what would transpire between his comrades and the outsider, he had far more important matters in mind that he needed to attend to. He paused briefly to look at his Queen as she kept a careful eye on the situation to make sure a fight wouldn't break out, and an image flashed across his mind; to Decimus she looked as a mother does when she's monitoring cubs who won't get along. The image raised his spirits and called to mind a vision of the possible future, making him smile a little on the inside; all the more reason to have this talk with her now.

      Decimus nudged her in the shoulder gently but firmly with his nose to get her attention. Narifia turned to look at him and he motioned with a jerk of his head for her to follow. She looked at him quizzically and reluctantly stood, glancing worriedly back over her shoulder at everyone--Ardilana and Shetani especially--but Decimus nudged her again and grunted reassurance that everything would be fine, that this was more important. 'Kurunzi will handle it,' he thought to himself, and Narifia must have decided on the same as she slowly nodded in understanding and reluctantly followed.

[Kai]

She seemed unperturbed by not receiving an enthusiastic welcome. While she would be happy to have a positive reception she didn't much care if they all disapproved of her, after all Narifia had already said she could stay and she was plenty welcoming enough.

Shetani was not one to take threats lightly, and Ardilana's demeanor very quickly put her in defense mode. She was up on her paws, matching the other lioness' stare with her intense green eyes, fangs flashing. She managed to hide a flinch, she had moved too quickly and she was still not 100% recovered, but she would be damned if she was going to show it, especially to someone like this. She was about to throw out some snarky remark when the other male of the group stepped in.

"Hm," she chuckled though she didn't relax, "Is that so?"

Kivuli could practically feel the tense energy coming off the lionesses. He felt a little surprised to see Narifia walking away. He thought she would be the one to stop this.

"My social skills with lions are a bit rusty, too." Shetani said, keeping a wary eye on Ardilana. "But I'm sure we can all get along."

[Narifia]

      "Is that so? My social skills with lions are a bit rusty, too. But I'm sure we can all get along."

      "'With lions?'" Ardilana repeated to Anasi under her breath, a look of suspicious contempt on her face.

      "S-she's probably been a loner for some time now. Honestly 'Lana, you read too much into things..." Anasi whispered back, though she didn't sound very confident in her words.

      "Of course we can all get along," Kurunzi said charmingly, "Now whaddaya say, why don't we all go eat? We don't want it to get stiff."

      Anasi heaved a relieved sigh, "Yes, Kurunzi, that's exactly what we should do. Shetani, you can come stand by me," she offered with a small albeit uneasy smile, knowing how competitive her two comrades could get during meal time. She then turned to Kivuli, her expression brightening. "And you too Kiv, for that matter! After all, without you we might not even have it!"

      Ardilana rolled her eyes. "Aren't you over exaggerating a little, 'Nas?"

      "What? You saw that kick he took at us. He'd have gotten away right then if Kiv hadn't pulled a fast one."

      "Yeah right, we all know Deci's the one who brought him down." The smallest of grins twitched at the corner of Ardilana's mouth.

      "Yeah, but Kiv headed it off," Anasi said, headbutting Ardilana with a playful growl. Ardilana smirked toothily and went head-on-head with Anasi with a headbutt of her own, this match clearly becoming more about competition between the two friends than about Kivuli's hunting skills.

      "You know," Kurunzi called over from the carcass, his widely grinning mouth already full of meat, which he promptly swallowed before chiming, "I can eat this all by myself while you girls argue. I don't mind one bit."

      "KURUNZI YOU JERK!" Anasi and Ardilana yelled simultaneously as they bounded over to him and the carcass, growling and laughing. Ardilana shoved Kurunzi off to the side and dove right in, to which Kurunzi gave a hearty laugh and nosed in beside her to reclaim his spot. Anasi glanced behind her at Kivuli and Shetani with mirth and jerked her head towards the meal invitingly, then took her place on the opposite side of Kurunzi and Ardilana and dived in, making sure to leave enough room for the two newbies beside her.


      Once they were a considerable distance out of earshot of the others, Decimus set the meat down and nudged it towards his queen. Narifia smiled, "Thank you, Deci." She crouched down and lay with a paw over the meat, looking up at Decimus questioningly. "So what's all this about, then?" As she waited for his answer, she bent her head down and took a bite of her food.

      "Narifia," Decimus began bluntly, "Don't you think it's time you started thinking about heirs?"

      Narifia nearly spit out what she had just chewed. She covered her mouth with her paw and swallowed, then put her paw down and looked up at Decimus innocently. "Why Deci, I'm flattered, but what would Morobi say?"

      Decimus looked incredulous. "I don't mean me! My Queen, this is serious! This is the pride's future we're talking about here!"

      Narifia laughed and sat up a little. "I was just kidding, Deci." She then looked at him soberly, "But really, Decimus, what brought this on all of a sudden? I mean, it's just such a... personal... question." Narifia actually flushed a litttle. "I mean, Morobi and I have talked about it, a little... but..."

      Decimus held her gaze seriously. Her youthful naivete, while endearing, could be frustrating at times. "It's just as I've said; for the future of our pride. Heirs mean security and stability, which is something our pride as of yet lacks."

      Narifia watched him thoughtfully for a moment, then shyly looked down at the meat between her paws as she considered his words. "That does make a lot of sense," she admitted at last, "But, cubs... I don't know if I'm ready for that yet..."

      "It will come to you. It's instinct," Decimus said prudently, then bent down to snap up his portion of meat, as if those words decided the matter. He licked his lips and began to wash his paws, but when his queen did not reply he looked up to see her still staring thoughtfully down at her meal, leaving it untouched. Decimus padded over and nudged the meat a little closer to her, then rose to meet her eyes. "Please give it some consideration, my Queen. Have a talk with your husband when he returns. But for now, eat," he commanded gently, then turned from her and walked off to find rest in his favorite after-dinner spot, very purposely leaving Narifia to her thoughts.

      The young Outlander Queen watched Decimus as he left, contemplating all that he had just said. She then lay back down and turned her attention back to her meal, chewing thoughtfully as she mused over the idea of becoming a mother...

[Kai]

The red lionesses' neck fur gradually flattened down as the hostile air dissipated. She wondered how much trouble this belligerent lioness was going to be for her. Shetani made a mental note to be wary of Ardilana. Anasi and Kurunzi seemed to be excellent at diffusing the situation, and suddenly everyone was in good humor. She grinned and walked over to take her place and eat.

Kivuli only smiled quietly to show his appreciation for Anasi's praise. He was not used to compliments and therefore didn't really know how to react to them. Even though Anasi invited him openly, and he had helped to catch the prey, there was hesitation in his pawsteps as he took his place. He was slowly getting more comfortable, but some things in him were so ingrained that they would take a long time to disappear.