SITE EVENT: Mfale Mkuu Ceremony

[CHRIS]

SITE EVENT

As the king and those in the Pridelands gather for an important ceremony - the event yields unexpected results. OPEN TO ALL.

[Deleted]

Ajabu
The Shy - Tags - Mushroom

The curious cub advanced on the strange site of congregating animals. Wondering idly whatever was happening, She wasn't all that up to speed on the daily doings of the other prideland inhabitants but on closer inspection there didn’t seem to be any fighting going on. Everybody was just kinda clumped together. She slowly trotted farther into the area passing many types of animals as she went deeper into the crowd.

She wasn’t exactly sure about all this, But it seemed interesting and it didn’t look like it could be that bad. So what’s the matter in sticking around? Eventually she had maneuvered her way into the side of the crowd. But finding that she was rather overshadowed by all the other animals she looked for a perch. Eventually seeing a small stone ledge a bit farther up and climbing up onto it. With a huff she flopped down, Lazing atop her new stone perch as she tried to figure out what was going on.

(I’m a bit unsure of what to do for this event, So if you need me to edit this or anything just ask)

[Simba]

The Pridelanders were gathered together in the Gorge at the memorial, all waiting for the ceremony to get started. The Mfalme Mkuu Tradition was very important to Simba and he wanted it to be perfect. In general, he didn't like visiting this place and the Mfalme Mkuu ceremony always took place at Pride Rock, however, because of Sam's memorial - Mufasa's name carved into a stone - the King felt it would a more dignified place to celebrate the Great Kings of the Past this time.

Because it was a special time: the Pride had got a new member: a human.

As Simba looked over the crowd, he felt like his heart was beating in his throat, his tail wagging nervously. He didn't like formalities (he never had) when he was expected to stand out and speak in front of lot of people, he always had nervous stomach when he had duties like this, even almost made him wish he wasn't king. Simba glanced at Nala before starting his speech who gave him a soft reassuring smile. She had always been a loving and supportive wife, and the King was very thankful for it. Simba took a deep breath as he rose to his feet and began to speak:

"Welcome to the Mfalme Mkuu Tradition, thank you for coming. This is the time of the year when we celebrate the Great Kings of the Past. You all know my father, Mufasa's story and that he died here in the Gorge, some of you may have even known him personally. He was the one who told me a lot about the Great Kings, and we can be sure that they are always there to guide us - may this memorial with my father's name give you faith in it." He glanced at the stone for a short moment. "The reason why I chose this place for the ceremony is because we are here not just to celebrate the Great Kings, but also to officially introduce a new member of my pride: Samuel Irons the human." Simba looked aside at the boy. "He has proved that he can be trusted, he is following the Circle of Life like we are, and from now on he is one of us. Furthermore, Sam made this memorial for me, for us, to remember that the Great Kings are always with us - in our heart.

As the King finished his speech, he stepped aside giving Samwel Igwe a soft node that he should say something.

[Samwel Igwe]

Sam was nervous as hell.

On one hand he should have been excited. After today he’d finally be one of the Pride for real. On the other hand, he hated being the center of attention. OK center may have been overselling it but he knew a lot of eyes would be on him after today. Even so a part of Sam just wanted to do what he did best, run.

It could never last, it was just a matter of time…

But on the other hand, as he sat among multiple lions and heard Simba’s speech something moved him. Acceptance. It was real acceptance in front of the whole community and he reminded himself of that. He was among friends here, he didn’t have to run anymore.

It did make him freak in his head a little when Simba wanted him to say something though. Him? He wasn’t royalty, should he even be talking in this situation? He swallowed, supposing that he had no choice either way as Simba had made that motion but still he stood beside the king.

“Ummm I’m uh. I’ve never been the best speech maker so I’ll do my best.” He whispered as he did.

“I ummm… I didn’t know Mufasa, or any of your great kings when I came here. To be honest, when I first came I didn’t know what to make of a lot of this,” he explained. It was just an honest point but it was important to what he did have to say. “What I do know, is that without Simba, Kiara, or Kovu I wouldn’t be here right now. It’s thanks to them that I’m alive. And that I saw this place, fell in love with it… And that I chose to stay and be a part of something for the first time in my life.”

He looked over at the memorial. “And none of them, none of this land would be here without Mufasa. I may not have known the great king personally. But I do know this - I owe everything I’m becoming to him. And I know I’m not the only one,” he looked to Simba when he said that. But then finished with. “It’s my honor to not only join the Pride but to be part of this land. And even more of an honor to dedicate this memorial in his honor. So that no one will forget that impact he put on us. So our kids, even mine if I have any… Will always know what he sacrificed to make sure King Simba lived on.”

He looked at Simba. “Because he’s the wisest, and greatest leader I’ve had the honor of knowing.”

Clearing his throat a bit he decided to just wrap it with a. “Thank you.”

[Sarabi]

SARABI

Like her son, the elder didn't like to visit this place. The memories weighed heavy, oppressive like the sheer cliff sides of the gorge, a maw that ate her beloved mate. Seeing the pride here and the King was like balm to these wounds; Mufasa's will lived on.

Simba's voice brought the low rumble of chatter to a close. Her eyes fell on the memorial, ears lowering in respect, a faint smile on her face... It was good to see it. A memory for future generations, and another sign for the past King that he was, and remains, loved in a way that transcended cultures. This was Sam's idea? She wasn't surprised to find that to be true.

When the boy took the lead, she did her best to catch his eyes and nod, to reassure him. His words struck a chord in her, approval resting on her expression as well as a misty eyes. No words could ever encapsulate how she felt about these things, nor the weight of what it meant for the future.

"Samuel also protected me from a hyena attack, at great risk to his own life." She kept her interjection short, but her voice rang loud with her support.

[Kiara]

K I A R A
RENEA | Princess | Kovu | Click Here

Kiara shook her head as she walked with the rest of the Pride towards the Gorge prior to the Mfalme Mkuu Ceremony. It felt odd, not having it at Pride Rock like the times past. But, she had heard about the memorial Sam had done for her grandfather. She looked up towards the sky at the thought of her grandfather, wishing she had had the chance to meet him.

When her father began the Ceremony, she sat with the rest of the royal family and her mate, Kovu. This was important and most the pride was here, as well as the Lion Guard. Though, she missed her brother's presence, she knew he had his own matters back with his new Pride. They needed him more now than the Pridelands needed him.

The speech went on and she tilted her slightly as he said there was something else for this chosen place. What else could there be? But, with the announcement of Sam Irons as part of the pride, Kiara found her eyes wide with surprise, but not anger or confusion. She had been treating him like a part of the pride for some time now. Had encouraged others to do the same. When Sam spoke, she found a smile forming on her face and made sure to try and catch his eye.

At the end, her grandmother spoke up and she smiled at the elder Lioness. "We are so happy to have you as part of our Family, Sam," Kiara said, cementing the thought in many minds that she considered him family.

TAG: Simba, Samwel Igwe, Sarabi, Kovu
LOCATION: The Gorge in the Pride Lands
COMMENTS: ^_^

[Rafiki]

R A F I K I
RENEA | Royal Mjuzi | No Mate | Click Here

Rafiki had arrived prior to the royal family to set up a few things. The monkey wasn't anything but prepared and he wanted to make sure he was ready for anything. He had different mixes for different things. Dedication paint, royal paint... Something told him to be ready for anything and everything. The wind felt odd this morning as he walked, accompanied by a few lionesses who had been hunting before the early hours and laughed as the ladies spoke of some stories.

"You know how to make an old monkey laugh," He said to the lioness as they walked, earning him a smile as they made their way to the gorge. Once they arrived, he made sure to welcome Simba once he had arrived and did the same for Sam. The air seemed to grow thicker with nerves and he made sure to keep a calm smile on his face while Simba awaited to speak.

Once he did, the Monkey held no surprise on his face when he spoke of the Memorial for Mufasa or that Sam Iron would become a permanent member of the Pride. Though Rafiki wondered if he would still like to learn the ways of the Royal Mjuzi. If he didn't, the monkey would certainly understand.

"In customs to our tradition!" Rafiki brought up the paint that was red in color. "I dedicate this memorial." He took his hand, cover in red paint, and brushed it across the name of Mufasa. The rock now shown red with the liquid and then he picked up another bowl of paint. "And, I mark you... As a member of this Pride." He took the slightly darker paint, almost purple in color, only on his thumb and wiped it across his forehead.

"Welcome to the Pride, Sam," Rafiki said with a smile. "Welcome Samwel Igwe." He took a step back and smiled at the human, giving him a name that sounded more Pridelander. It was his choice if he wished to use it, but Rafiki felt that it was right in his heart.

TAG: Simba, Samwel Igwe, Sarabi, Kiara, Kovu, @ajabu
LOCATION: --- in the Pride Lands
COMMENTS: ^_^

[Zawadi]

Z A W A D I
RENEA | No Rank | No Mate | Click Here

The young lion arrived with most the pride, read to celebrate the Great Kings of the Past. To be honest, he respected the circle of life, but didn't feel the need or want to really be here. It wasn't to be disrespectful, but to him the Great Kings were gone and he hadn't seen much to believe they were truly there with them. He would never say that out loud though, because he respected everyone else opinions.

As the King spoke, he listened but did a double take when he spoke about the human joining the Pride. A Human?! But why? How was he going to protect the Pride from predators? He had no teeth or claws that could do much. Surely someone would speak up about this? But, when Kiara and Sarabi did nothing, he felt his tail flick a little. Sure, he had been nice to the human, but he hadn't expected him to become part of the pride!

Then, Rafiki spoke, dedicating the memorial and then marking Sam as part of the Pride. Even giving him a more Pridelander name. Zawadi wasn't sure what he thought about this, but kept his head down and his thoughts to himself.

TAG: Simba, Samwel Igwe, Sarabi, Kiara, Rafiki, @ajabu
LOCATION: --- in the Pride Lands
COMMENTS: ^_^

[Deleted]

Ajabu
The Shy - Tags - Mushroom

Ajabu leaned her head on her paws as she listened to the king. She didn’t particularly care about the kings of the past. There hadn’t exactly been anybody teaching her of their importance. As she got up to leave her body froze when she saw Sam.

her eyes narrowed at the strange creature, Apprehension curling in her gut. This was…unexpected. What kind of thing even was it? Was it dangerous? It looked like some sort of nearly hairless monkey. She involuntarily shivered remembering some of the teeth on those guys.

This one seemed to have blunt teeth though..And no talons or claw nothing to hunt with. Maybe they want it to watch the cubs. She snickered quietly at the last part. Putting a paw over her muzzle to make sure nobody hears her muffled laughter.

[Simba]

Sam's speech warmed Simba's heart, and as the boy looked at him the lion gave the boy a smile in return. The King finished his speech at this point and let the others speak up, first his mother, then Kiara and then Rafiki. Everyone gave Sam a spirited welcome that was nice to see. Simba looked at the memorial again, then raised his eyes towards the sky - he remembered the talk with his father and that it was him who had sent the boy. As a warm breeze messed up his mane, Simba closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment. Everything happened the way Mufasa wanted and it made him happy.

[Samwel Igwe]

Sam took a deep breath.

He had definitely not expected Rafiki to make anything of this. But he also didn’t argue, getting painted was also a little unusual. Was this ceremonial stuff? Of course, he wasn’t going to question it but just nodded his head in reply.

Wait had Kiara just called him family? That was… A little unexpected. Especially in front of the whole kingdom. God he was blushing wasn’t he? Either way, he decided to step down and find a spot near them, especially as he could hear and see some of the looks he got. He knew no t everyone was going to be happy after all, and the less time eyes were on him the better.

“At least that wasn’t half as embarrassing as I thought…” he then turned to Kiara. “Hey uh… Thanks by the way.”

His voice was cut off by what at first sounded like a loud explosion.

Then the Earth shook, loudly and violently. Jumping to his feet, he already knew exactly what was happening. Having been in one about a year ago… “Crap, crap, crap, crap,” he finally breathed out. “Earthquake.”

The next violent shake of the Earth nearly caused him to fall over. How big was this thing? His eyes darted behind him as he could see it wasn’t just in the gorge either. It was rocking in the distance too. “Crap, EARTHQUAKE!” This time he shouted louder.

[Sarabi]

Sarabi

Murmurs of question and intrigue sounded among the attendees. First, Kion's unlikely Lion Guard, and now this... Oh the times sure have changed. Rafiki must have felt the same way, judging by his laughter. Anointed as one of them, her heart thrummed with pride for her family.

The bucking earth under her paws was jarring. Like a stampede but magnified, the rocks along the craggy walls began to slip and slide dangerously, and her own sense of balance being knocked off made her stand low and against the rebellious earth. An earthquake?! Her thoughts resounded with Sam's shouts, and she raised her head. The little ones! It would take boulders to trap a lion, but a cub?! She didn't have time to think about the painful memories of this place; she was rounding on the group.

"Kiara! The cubs! Simba!" Her order came fast, but her eyes fell on her son to search for... well, anything. Any sense of stability in this situation.

[Kiara]

K I A R A
RENEA | Princess | Kovu | Click Here

Kiara smiled with Pride when Rafiki went to work for the ceremony, marking the memorial for Mufasa and also marking Sam as one of the Pride, given him a new name. Would he go by that name? When he joined her, she smiled at him and nudged him with her shoulder. "You're welcome," she said calmly, standing and shaking some of the dust from her pelt.

This ceremony wasn't a very long one and it seemed to have come to an end. The sudden sound of thunder made her stopped and she looked around. That was far too loud to be from a thunderous storm and then she felt the earth shaking under her paws. She had felt something similar once when there was a sink hole her father had fallen into. She remembered it well, since Bunga had been the one to attempt to save him.

"Dad!" She shouted as she looked around and then over towards Sam and the others. Loose rocks along the edge of the gorge were already toppling towards the ground and she lifted her eyes to her grandmother. She let out her own roar, which was loud and authorities. "Away from the walls! Don't go into the caverns! It's unsafe!" She shouted and quickly grabbed the nearest cubs to her, pushing them under her belly to protect them.

TAG: Simba, Samwel Igwe, Rafiki, Sarabi, @nala, Zawadi, @ajabu
LOCATION: --- in the Pride Lands
COMMENTS: ^_^

[Rafiki]

R A F I K I
RENEA | Royal Mjuzi | No Mate | Click Here

It seemed all was well, though even Rafiki saw the off looks from those in the crowd and even a few disapproving ones from those of the Pride. The monkey would deal with backlash later if it came. For now, it was time for celebration! The gorge was not the place for celebration, this was just a memorial, but Pride Rock would be. The hunting parties had already hunted the night before and the meals for the meat eaters were within' the dens themselves. The rest of the celebration was at the base of Pride Rock.

Animals from all over had gathered fruits and leaves for everyone to enjoy together. It would be a good...

The sudden shaking was one all too familiar with him and he looked up into the distance. "Oh no..." The rocks from above began to tumble along the walls of the gorge. Sarabi was already taking charge, a trait that a former queen would have. Kiara was shouting sense into the crowd... The traits for a future queen... He allowed some small animals to jump onto his own shoulders and he lifted his staff.

"Yes! Stay at the center of the gorge! Ma Tembo! Have your herd around the outside... Basi, you as well," The monkey called out a way to keep the smaller animals safe. The zebras already looked like they were ready to panic and run, Thurston the most of all. "Do not Panic! Or Run." He placed a hand on the Zebra, gaining his attention and then looking at Muhimu with the same eyes, her son Hamu standing strong with their own herd.

Rafiki steadied himself on his staff as the earth shook.

TAG: Simba, Kiara, Samwel Igwe, Sarabi, Zawadi, @nala, @ajabu, Kovu
LOCATION: The Gorge in the Pride Lands
COMMENTS: ^_^

[Zawadi]

Z A W A D I
RENEA | No Rank | No Mate | Click Here

The lion wasn't the only one it seemed to disapproved, but he wouldn't allow himself to question the authority of the King before everyone. Zawadi was a strong warrior and hunter, surely Simba could walk him through the thoughts and help Zawadi understand why he would do this. He watched as Kiara seemed to stand, the ending to this part of the ceremony coming to a close. His stomach growling... There was food back at Pride Rock, some for everyone in various locations.

He was about to stand when he felt the earth shake and the thunderous sound for the distance. The sudden movement of the animals around him was clear, but the swift thinking of the King's Mother, Sarabi and the Future Queen Kiara, made everyone calmer it seemed. He managed to pull a young lioness towards him to protect her. The Elephants and Hippos made a type of protective ring and he kept his eyes up.

Was this a sign of ill-warning from the Kings? What if this wasn't their plan at all?

TAG: Simba, @nala, Kiara, Kovu, Rafiki, Sarabi, Samwel Igwe, @ajabu
LOCATION: The Gorge in the Pride Lands
COMMENTS: ^_^