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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2021 8:16:44 GMT
Zazu had just given his Morning Report, in song of course, to Simba. He waited for the lions to be off before he ate his breakfast in peace, a nice pile of grubs. He hadn't noticed Kabili leave, nor was he sure if he had left early... he was slacking today, that much was clear. "I'm sure he is still around... I hate not being sure." he groaned, "I hate to say things were easier when I had just Simba." he slurped a worm, savoring the taste in his beak.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Feb 13, 2021 8:47:59 GMT
It was only a couple of days after his presentation and most his nervousness had left Kabili.
Most of the Pridelands seemed to accept his new standing and no one had actually fought it at least. So for now? He felt one with the pride, at last. Rising later that morning only because he’d been out late the night before - again, though there was no reason to tell Simba that.
After that; he’d gone to find Zazu. As Simba had asked him to do so before he went off with any of his friends that day. The teen was perplexed about it honestly, but he had remembered what the king had told him about new responsibility. And wondered if it was part of that...
All the same, the little imp couldn’t help having some fun with the bird. Watching the hornbill from nearby tall grass carefully, he tried to remember how Simba had taught him to properly pounce. Taking a cue from a Mufasa story he’d been told about.
He waited until he’d slurped the bird. But rather than pounce, mischievously leapt out behind him with a loud. “Morning Zazu!” Hoping for a desirable response.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2021 9:25:56 GMT
Zazu looked around, "Oh dear..." he sighed, "I mean, I know with whom he went." he rolled his eyes as he muttered to himself, and with worm in his beak, he squawked! "AAHH CK!" he coughed, wings spreading wide as he choked down the worm. "Hrk, cf... ack..." he got it down though. "Simba!" he yelled, then blinked as it was definitely not Simba who had got him.
"Oh, there you are, Kabili." he looked around, sheepish as his wings returned to their normal state "So that's where you'd gone." he rolled his eyes, "Please not while I am eating breakfast, young master." he put his wing out in a way that looked like a waggling finger well enough.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Feb 13, 2021 22:41:25 GMT
Kabili couldn’t help but have a giggle fit.
Had he actually scared Zazu that bad? A part of him felt bad. But the other thought his reaction was probably the funniest thing he’d seen. Finally getting a hold of himself though, he took a deep breath. “Sorry Zazu, I couldn’t resist. It was just a perfect opening,” he admitted honestly. “No hard feelings?”
He did take note of the “young master” comment though. Noting how he wasn’t the first to be formal but adding. “You know you don’t have to call me stuff like that, right?” He asked as he crossed his arms. “I mean I’m not technically royal blood.”
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2021 23:11:51 GMT
The hornbill sighed, "Of course not, it's all in fun." he said, though his dry tone showed he didn't have much fun, though he definitely could use it as stuffy as he was. "No hard feelings at all. "
Zazu scoffed, "I most of all would know what I should call you." he looked at Kabili's body language. "It is merely a term of respect. His highness was clear that I should not treat you any different than his own children." he raised a brow, "Not that I have any objection to his adoption of you. I have reservations about humans, of course..." he preened his wing, to look away a moment and to fix his feathers.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Feb 13, 2021 23:44:02 GMT
At least Zazu seemed to have a sense of humor.
Though he did paused as Zazu mentioned that Simba had made it clear not to treat him any different from his natural kids. It was good to know that Simba had wanted him to get equal treatment. It just was a little jarring after spending so much time on the bottom to be at the top.
“I guess it just takes a bit of getting used to,” Kabili admitted honestly. “I uh... Kind of grew up I guess you could say at the bottom of the food chain.” He admitted honestly. “The kind of place where I was bowing to royalty not... This.”
Shaking his head. Slightly to get his mind off of that he did add. “So anyways, dad said you wanted to see me?”
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2021 0:04:17 GMT
He nodded, "Yes, it wasn't more than a month or so ago you were getting used to bowing to a lion... and here you are being bowed to." he seemed... sympathetic? At least a little. "I am sure the culture shift has been unpleasant, but I will make sure you learn proper decorum." he said, dutifully.
"Just remember it is about respect, not submission." he said, "Yes, I requested your audience. We are overdue for a proper talk, while Simba has taught you much, he was driven off as a cub, and only came back rather recently."
He looked Kabili in the eyes, "While er... yes war may be on the horizon... I have a few things I need to tell you."
Zazu took a deep breath. "We Pridelanders are big on tradition and performance." he noted with a soft smile on his beak. "In these dire times, anything that can help build unity is welcome. You start giving up tradition, you lose morale, the herds lose faith. We are talking of preparing for war on the eve of Kupatana. The day we celebrate harmony, unity, peace. See the problem?"
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Feb 14, 2021 2:11:07 GMT
Kabili nodded slowly in agreement.
It had been a bit jarring but he also couldn’t say it was a bad jarring. Just unexpected to go into. “It’s not that it’s a bad thing. I’ve liked learning,” Kabili honestly responded to the hornbill. “It’s just a matter of figuring out what I do from here. Dad tells me I have responsibilities now and all.”
He did pay close attention though.
It was interesting what Zazu had to say to say the least. Especially with what sounded like a holiday of sorts to remember. But speaking of war was definitely difficult. Would it really come to war! He didn’t know. But it was a hard pill to swallow if so.
“I mean it sounds to me like we need someone to help keep the peace a little?” He asked. Trying to figure out what the hornbill was getting at. “Isn’t that what representatives or diplomats are for?”
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2021 2:56:10 GMT
Zazu perked up, "Not what I was getting at..." He hrmed. "Responsibilities? I'm sure he expects you to be more than just a child..." he said, "You are young but with what we have going on, we tend to find our roles."
He hrmed, "The leaders represent those under them. The wise among the leaders use birds like myself as diplomats." he noted.
He pointed his wing at Kabili, and glared. "That is why... I wanted to see you." he sighed, "I have my doubts about it, but it... offers a path other than war." he said, "I don't even want Simba to know before I ask you, young master."
Zazu looked Kabili in the eyes, "Trust me it will be as weird for me, as it will be for you. How would you like..." he breathed in heavily. "To be a diplomat-in-training?" he asked. "I had hoped I would have this conversation with my kid, but, well... not much time for love with all that is going on."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Feb 14, 2021 6:12:21 GMT
True. Especially because he wasn’t a small child he figured. After all, he was in his early adolescence for a human. “Well yeah, I’d hope I wouldn’t be babied. I’m about to be fifteen in a few months - basically an adolescent,” he said proudly. Having heard the animals use that term for the age range he seemed to be before.
He listened intently again when Zazu pointed out how most of the time animals like him had spent time as a diplomat. But it took him some time to understand what he was getting at. “Reservations about...”
Wait, him? Train to be a diplomat? That was a big deal, he knew. That would mean one day he’d represent the Pridelands - represent his father. “I mean, I’d be honored to get to represent dad like that, and I really want to learn more about the world in here,” Kabili noted honestly. “I mean the answer is obviously yes but what does that mean? Like I’d have an actual job like Kion and Kiara?”
He definitely would be happy with that. If he was going to be treated as equal to his siblings he wanted that sense of responsibility. And wanted to show the animals that were now his subjects that he’d take his role as seriously as any other member of the family.-
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2021 6:49:41 GMT
The hornbill nodded, "That is where I would peck you to be at." he smiled. "I did say you would be treated equally... This is a big responsibility and a precarious choice." he reminded.
"In-Training" he emphasized. "Yes, an actual job, with real responsibility to represent the king and royal family, and the pridelands as a whole. he looked up at Kabili. Everything I do and some things I don't. You should be able to take my place by the time the training is through. Big wings to fill, I know." he chuckled.
"However.. the... human question." he started. "This role demands your sworn loyalty." he said, seriously. "You can't just leave after becoming our diplomant proper, back to... humanity." he said. "You won't be exiled... but you will not be welcome back. Leaving this responsibility behind to return from whence you came... would be a grave insult." he warned. "You may take the oath at anytime up to the day you are promoted, but... once taken you face the consequences if you regret it."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Feb 14, 2021 6:56:03 GMT
Kabili listened closely to the hornbill. And heeded his words.
A part of him knew what Zazu was saying. By taking the role in the Pridelands there was no turning back. Maybe to go out and find a wife, he was sure. No one could expect him not to - but this would be his home. He paused a moment and looked down upon Zazu in deep thought.
“The other day, when Rafiki presented me to the Pridelands,” he paused. “When my parents accepted me into their family and made me a member of their Pride. I knew there was no going back.” He explained. “I could never go back, not after everything I’ve learned. Maybe to go find a wife later... Or whatever. But I don’t want to go back.”
He looked honest in his words. “Both you and dad showed me kindness that no one in the human world would. I was scared, alone, and you didn’t hesitate to let me in,” he explained - his tone betraying that it was absolutely the truth. “And all I’ve ever wanted was to repay it in some way. And help protect this place.”
He then added. “From the moment I was on that rock, I wasn’t a human anymore,” he explained honestly. “I was a lion. A prince of Pride Rock. And I promise that won’t change.”
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2021 7:19:53 GMT
Zazu listened to Kabili's words, he nodded slowly. He could tell that it meant a lot to him even before he spoke. "Of course you may leave, so long as you consider this your home." he made clear, "You may return to have a wife, but she would naturally need join you here." he noted.
Zazu bowed, spreading his wings back, "Young master, I regret to inform you I did hesitate. Not in front of you, of course, but we are not perfect, not all of us welcomed you with open arms, and you will face resistance." he said, he was not one to lie himself either. He frowned as he looked up, and returned to normal posture. He looked guilty, as well as a tad emotional from Kabili's words of how he felt of course.
"Your duty is to represent the king, to act on his behalf, to spread the word of decrees, to report all you see and be trustworthy. The role I call Majordodo is one of the highest trust to the king. There can be no doubt of your loyalty. He must trust you to never use his power beyond how he tells you to use it. He will still be your father, it is only in official matters that these standards are so required." he nodded.
"We will inform the king, and then figure out how I will begin teaching you."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Feb 14, 2021 7:28:39 GMT
That made sense. Royal families often stuck together in human terms after all too.
Again he felt a little embarrassed when Zazu bowed and apologized. What did he have to apologize for? A part of him wanted to say nothing but he also knew Zazu felt loyalty to all of the royal family by this point even if that meant him now. “No... I understand. I mean I was practically dead when I came to you guys and weird,” he then admitted. “To be honest I wasn’t sure I could trust you guys the first few days. I think it’s... When dad stood up to Zira for me I realized I was actually safe with any of you.”
At the mention of resistance he did nod his head again of course. “As for resistance, I’m ready for it,” he explained. “My mom raised me to have thick skin.”
Of course he was more serious when Zazu went over the more important points. He was sure Kion and Kiara were told similar things when explained their roles. But he wasn’t afraid - he knew what this all meant. “No of course. If I started overstepping I could start all kinds of stuff,” he admitted honestly. “I promise Zazu your faith won’t be misplaced. I mean... I know I’m new. But I owe dad my life. In my old world, we take that seriously. And I will always be loyal to him until the day I die.”
He then added with a grin. “Does this mean I get to learn the cool languages around here?”
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2021 7:43:10 GMT
The bird was pleased that Kabili had at least stopped trying to get him to stop with the bowing.
"Still, I will not take credit when the opposite is true. Justified or not, you cannot trust us if we do not admit our feelings." He quirked a brow, "That is still remarkably quick." he noted, "You don't know of our problems, at least not fully from what I am aware."
"It is not my faith, Kabili. You need a role, mine is the one you are most qualified for and most fitting of your status. You have shown initiative here with me." he said, it seemed that his own opinion was... not quite in line with his actions. It was something Kabili may notice of Zazu, he had a professionalism no one else had. It was a mask, of sorts. He usually seemed to be happy, or sad, in line with things going well or bad.
"Of course, you will do best to learn as much as you can. The more you can represent, understand, Pridelanders the better a diplomat you will be." he smiled. "Elephant or Zebra will be easiest, they would most welcome you to understanding them. You can pick another animal, if you have made friends with a herd as of yet?"
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