------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|                               ~*~ Cliff ~*~                                |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                                            |
|   You're on the other side.  The tunnel which led through the western      |
| mountain led you out of the valley, and now you find yourself on a rather  |
| large ledge, which shoots out from the mountain side; a cliff.  Behind     |
| you is the mountain, still towering high above you, the mighty,            |
| unreachable peak seeming to pierce the clouds.  In front of you is an      |
| amazing view.  For the Kivuli isn't just a valley.  Before you is what is  |
| called the Kivuli western lands - a small forest fades away to open        |
| savannah plains and a long river stretches through the golden grass.  The  |
| savannah seems to be endless; it reaches the horizon, and you probably     |
| figure that it continues beyond even that.                                 |
|                                                                            |
|  Still, taking a closer look at what's nearest, one might notice that      |
| there's a rocky path leading down to the forest below.  The cliff is       |
| steep.  When reaching the edge, the mountain wall beneath sharply falls    |
| straight down. Nothing to hold on to.  Just bare rock, which seems to be   |
| the case with every mountain in the valley, as well.  A little away from   |
| the tunnel entrance is a larger entrance, leading into a cavern,           |
| seemingly.  The leonine scents are stronger here.  Is this where they      |
| live?  A small tree grows by the very edge of the cliff, the roots         |
| clinging desperately onto the stone.  Green leaves and thin branches wave  |
| roughly in the wind, and it's surprising that the tree is still here.      |
| Yet, it seems to be a strong tree - one that won't give up.  And, somehow, |
| you know that this tree won't fall for a long while still.                 |
|                                                                            |
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|                     '@groups Kivuli' for information                       |
|                 'kmap' for Kivuli map; 'gmap' for global map               |
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The King is dead. Word went out across the lands soon after Kiet's death and Kivuli has
found itself in mourning for the last few days. However, the pride cannot linger in 
this state of limbo for too long. They need a King. And so it only follows that the 
coronation of Kiet's heir arrives not long after the death of white lion. Many have 
already gathered for the event, with others still arriving. Already settled amongst the
gathering is Akase, the young lioness from Kimondo. The juvenile is excited, having
never witnessed a coronation before. The girl's blue eyes sweep across the gathering, 
trying to determine just how many others she knows. Her gaze briefly catches that of a 
lioness cub across the way.. Eden, who is sitting just in front of one of the pride's
huntresses, Xipil. To the back of the gathering is the white lioness Weupe who, with a 
small smile, vaguely recalls the coronation of Kivuli's last King, having been a child 
herself at the time. Yet another lioness is just arriving on the scene. Xai'li is neither
a resident of the lands nor a member of the pride. New to the area, Xai' caught news of a 
royal coronation and, seeing as she was exploring the lands at the time, figured it would 
be rude of her to not attend. At the very least, she'll be able to see who the new King is 
and that could be useful information. She comes up the mountain path and, after a quick 
glance about, settles into a seated position near the back, out of the way and off to 
Weupe's left. As those gathered chatter softly to themselves, two lions - pale coated male 
and petite female - emerge from the pridal cavern. Atreyu and Khamisa, Kivuli's Prince and 
Princess, stand just off to the side together. Atreyu blinks out at the crowd, then back 
to his baby sister. "Er, Khams? Can I change my mind? I think I'd rather watch..." The 
gathering is growing, and Atreyu has never been the royal sort, especially the royal 
speech-y sort. Khamisa snorts, frowning at her brother. "No you may NOT," She informs him 
in a soft hiss. "You /promised/, Attie." One look at his sister's oh-so-blue eyes and 
Atreyu sighs. "Yeah, yeah.. promise is a promise is a whatever. I was only jokin'. I'll 
talk Miz' up good." He gives Khamisa a quick grin, then returns the nuzzle she offers 
him. Both then fall into silence as they stand there, waiting. The death of their father 
is heavy in both their hearts, but Khamisa vowed to herself that she would try to make 
this a decent coronation for Mizuka. It has only been her focus on this day and this 
ceremony that kept her from sinking into depression. The Princess glances skyward, 
noting the position of the sun. Almost time...

To those gathered and starting to gather, another form is added. To some, she may be 
certainly familiar, but one that hadn't been seen for almost a season. Arazia moves on 
steady, large feet as she makes her way up the path that she remembered from her 
childhood. The barbary lioness returns home, at least for the time being. Quiet, her ears 
are folded back as she looks among the gathered, perhaps trying to find her family among 
them. It's a shame that others are blocking her view of her sister. In her mouth, are a 
series of small sticks and flowers. Each stick seems to mimic the color of each of the 
flowers.
Of course, the barbary girl is not alone, either. At her side comes an unknown lion, who 
she seems to regard only with her eyes as she glances back towards him. 'Zia gives him a 
little encouraging nod, and then sets down her little bundle of flowers and twigs, not 
wanting to hold them for the entirity of the coronation. "This... this was my home, and my 
pride." She explains in a hushed voice, glancing upwards towards where she fully expects 
the new king.

Nearby Akase is a face seldom seen around the pridal cavern--Enzaudhi, normally too 
reticent to join the Kivulians at their mountain home, has come like so many others to 
witness the coronation today.  She'd heard the news of Kiet's passing a few days ago, and, 
while she didn't know the male--at all, really--she finds it quite depressing to think 
about Kings dying.  It reminds her of Demissle's death, although from what she heard Kiet 
succumbed to illness, not some violent takeover.  Still, the lioness' expression is grave 
as she settles herself close to Akase, her eyes on the cave's mouth--and Atreyu and Khamisa 
as they emerge from it. -- Mizuka has barely been seen since Kiet died; he's never been a 
terribly public person, and with the shock of what happened hitting him so hard, he's been 
even less so.  The only people who he's wanted to see have been his family, and Kisehemu; 
he knows full well that he probably ought to be more available if he's to be King, but 
they're the only ones he's been able to bring himself to comfort...or in Kisehemu's case, 
/be/ comforted by, since the knight knew Kiet mostly on a professional level, and 
certainly isn't taking it as badly as the deceased King's children.  Today, though--today, 
he can't hole up in the royal cavern with this ceremony staring him in the face, although 
he badly wants to.  Khamisa wants to make the coronation at least somewhat enjoyable for 
him, he knows, but with himself and all of Kivuli in mourning the thought of going out 
there and trying to make some sort of uplifting speech for everybody feels empty.  Still, 
when Kisehemu comes padding out of the cave as well--several minutes after Atreyu and 
Khamisa--he's followed by the heir and soon-to-be King.  Mizuka needed a few moments to 
get himself together, but they've apparently been well-spent, because the younger lion's 
face is a mask of calm.  Whether or not he feels that way /inside/ is uncertain, though 
it's doubtful he does, but he does a very good job of looking the part.

"I understand." Like a gentle wind, Ranmaru's voice filled a small corner of the area 
like a whisper. Well able to be heard by Arazia, but unlikely by anyone else. "Hmmm." Yes, 
the lion had realized that they indeed had been too late for what had been the initial 
reason to travel here. He seemed nervous, his eyes moving quickly in their sockets, 
settling his gaze on every feline and otherwise present animals for a moment, before safely 
returning to the sole one he knew here. Arazia. He thought of how this had been his idea to 
come along and let out a sigh in his mind. The scene felt a bit tense, in a depressing kind
of way. And as much of an outsider he was here, it didn't strike him as odd in any kind of 
way. His eyes wandered off again from the red fluffy barbary, trying to seek out a place 
where they could sit down. His tail swung gently as he did this, yet the tip's flicking 
betrayed him. "I have not seen my home for years..." He wanted to continue his words, but 
decided to stop there and go no further on the subject of his own past. "Is there anybody 
you recognize?" He asked, before taking another look at the colored twigs. The lion had 
boggled at the colored objects for a while now, but had no clue as to their meaning. He 
figured he would ask later on.

A few moments after the future king emerges, a gaunt yellow figure marked with unfaded cub 
spots wobbles towards the opening of the cavern. Nyuki, former Lady of Kivuli, should still 
be in her prime, but emotional turmoil - and a recent refusal to eat - have wrenched the 
vitality from the simple-headed girl who Xian always called his little bumblebee. Having 
pulled herself away from his side to witness the coronation of her nephew, she nonetheless 
keeps to herself by flopping down just inside the cavern, leaning heavily against one of 
the walls. The look in her eyes make her seem sad and a little scared, like a lost and 
naive cub. Still, there is a lift in her ears that hasn't been there in a while.
Unseen by the arriving lions, a little olive-backed monkey in the cliff's one small tree 
watches the build-up with a bit of a pang in her heart. She can't help noticing how many 
fewer pride members are gathered for this coronation than for the last one - and members 
of the last two generations of rulers are wasting away in the royal cavern, beyond the 
reach of her healing magic. Even the faces she does recognise, those who were around 
before she left for her long journey, seem older than they should. For that matter, 
however, so does her own.
Collecting herself with a little breath, Tumbuiza reaches for her ceremonial concoctions 
and slips quietly down to the ground, landing near the prince and princess. She makes a 
brief circuit of the royalty, smiling to each and informally wishing them good luck for 
the ceremony, before returning to the shady place under the tree where she sits, waiting 
and preparing herself spiritually.

So. Everyone is gathered. It looks like it's time. Khamisa glances to Tumbuiza, giving 
the healer a smile.. and then Mizuka, giving the soon-to-be-King a small smile, and then 
to Atreyu. The second Prince quickly shakes his head at the petite lioness, along with 
a crooked smirk that seems to say, 'Hey, this was YOUR idea, sister. You can do most of 
the yapping!' Khamisa's eyes roll momentarily heavenwards. Oy. She shoulda known. But 
she grins back at Atreyu and steps forward.. though her tail flicks sharply against 
Atreyu's side as she goes, a silent, playful reminder to oh /Great Kings/, Atreyu, 
please sit up straight! You're at a /coronation/ for goodness sakes and would it /kill 
you/ to try looking like the royalty you are? Atreyu snorts softly in surprise, then 
smirks.. and continues to sit there, exactly as he was. Khamisa's gaze roams the crowd 
a moment, her stomach suddenly full of nervous butterflies. She's never had to address 
such a crowd before. But the girl has inherited every bit of natural, regal grace that 
made Saibh herself such an elegant Queen and it shows now as she stands before them 
all, posture picture perfect, head held high. The effect is regal without coming off 
as snobby. Deep breath, Khamisa, you can do this. "Family and friends.. today is a day 
to remember," She begins, gentle voice ringing out loud and clear in the afternoon air. 
"A day for gathering together and a day for celebration, for it isn't often that we see 
the coronation of a new King." She pauses, tongue washing out over the side of her 
muzzle briefly. "And no doubt, it is also a day for remembering. We have been in 
mourning, for we have lost the guiding light of our King, Kiet, who passed away not but 
a few days ago. I know he would wish to be here to see this day. We miss him. He was a 
wonderful King.. a gentle King.. and a wonderful father, mate and friend." Khamisa's 
voice cracks just a bit at the end, her throat becoming tight with emotion. It's so 
soon.. she misses her father so much. But she swallows heavily, takes several deep 
breaths and continues. Her brothers need her to be able to continue. "We will all 
mourn. But the circle of life continues ever onward. My father is gone, but he has not 
left us alone. He leaves behind a bit of himself in every life he touched while he 
ruled as Kivuli's King. And he leaves behind three children, of whom he is a part of. 
He continues to live in all of us. And in this moment he lives on most strongly in my 
brother Mizuka, his chosen heir, who today shall take his place in the circle of life 
as he becomes our King." And she steps aside, turning blue eyes on Mizuka. Atreyu 
rises and, after a roll of his shoulders and a twist of his neck in gentle stretches, 
he pads to his brother's right side, giving the heir a quick, carefree grin. It appears 
that Kivuli's more laid-back Prince will be speaking next (and maybe they should all be 
a little afraid because of that.. or at least because of that grin of his). But he 
allows a few moments for Khamisa's words to sink into the crowd.

There are times in one's life where even home feels like a foreign place. While Arazia 
may come from the blood of these lands, and share some ties to those who still remain 
here, it's an eerie feeling that wells up in her chest as she looks upwards at the 
rock that once stood for all she thought was pure and good in the world. She had been 
both in awe, and wonder of that thing when she came here with her siblings to see Kiet 
and Saibh take the throne. "Shh..." She murmurs to the lion at her side, remaining 
standing as she arcs her emerald-toned eyes towards the royal family. "I know a few. 
Those are the royals." She noses in their direction, her ears folded backwards as she 
leaves such explinations to that, quieting to listen to Khamisa's words. Again, there is
that heaviness in her chest, like a pulling of her heart downward towards the earth. She 
hadn't known Kiet well, but the sadness of others can sometimes seep in as if it was part 
of the air itself.  Still, she had known loss. She had never put her own father to rest, 
or her brother. There is a low whimper from the fuzzy lioness, a frown on her muzzle as 
she lifts one reddened paw to wipe at her eyes and force a small smile. Have to be happy 
for the soon-to-be King. Life carries on, and they were still here to see it.
(OOC: Arazia notes, that since she's leaving... at some point after Mizuka is officially 
named King, Arazia will quietly present him with the flowers and sticks. She'll present 
herself and Ranmaru politely, and then the two will wander off a short ways, since they 
aren't part of the pride 'n all.)

Arazia has disconnected.

The heir's composure has to be at least somewhat of an act, for when Tumbuiza comes over 
to wish them luck, the smile he returns her own with doesn't meet his eyes, and it's more 
strained than he'd like.  He admires his sister's efforts to put a positive spin on 
today...but for Mizuka, at least, coming out here to stand in front of the entire pride 
when he'd rather be alone with his family is difficult.  He hadn't expected his coronation 
to be like this; Kisehemu had told him, last night, about his parents' own coronation, so 
long ago...and the difference between the ceremony then and the one today is striking.  He 
has no parents to make this opening speech and formally pass the crown along to him, forcing 
his siblings to do it instead; he has no Queen to calm him as Kiet and Saibh no doubt calmed 
each other during their ceremony.  This is nothing like the traditional coronations he's 
heard about, and the thought worries him.  He hadn't been concerned about his lack 
of--involvement--with anyone until today, as he remembers everything Kisehemu had described 
to him; now, recalling the way his mother and father had supported one another not only 
during their coronation but afterwards, it occurs to him how strange it must look for him to 
be standing up here alone, when the rulers who have come before him for several generations 
did so in pairs.  For someone so traditional, Mizuka certainly is breaking a lot of 
traditions today.  The thought almost makes him balk, but the instant his ears start to 
twitch back Kisehemu, situated on his left side and slightly behind him, gives him a 
nudge--Atreyu comes up beside him as well a minute later, as Khamisa finishes up with her 
speech, and for a few minutes he doesn't feel so bizarre.  He has all the support he needs 
right here; tradition or not, a Queen couldn't possibly be as comforting as the presence of 
his family and close friend.  He doesn't smile back at Atreyu when the other male grins at 
him, but the look he does offer is a grateful one; they've had their share of disagreements 
in the past, mostly over the way things ought to be run, but he's glad his brother is here 
today.  His shoulder brushes Atreyu's lightly, before he dips his head, gesturing for his 
sibling to say what he likes before the heir's part of the speech comes.  Beside him, 
Kisehemu is silent, but he's attentive to everything that's going on--Khamisa's voice, the 
crowds that have filtered in to watch the ceremony, the little subtleties in Mizuka's body 
language that indicate he's not as comfortable with this as he must look to everyone else.  
And the knight, as well, is struck by how different things are now.  During the last 
coronation, he felt awkward, as though he was intruding just by showing up to watch the 
proceedings from the most unobtrusive corner he could find; now he's standing with the 
royal siblings as they step up to become Kivuli's next generation of leaders.  It's 
strange to think about how drastically everything's changed for himself as well as the 
pride, although, ultimately, the only regret he has about all that has happened is Kiet's 
death.

"..." Ranmaru bowed his head as the lioness let him know to be silent, acknowledging. 
He had been as quiet as he could be. Perhaps she just wanted to make sure he would not 
speak during the coronation and be able to concentrate on the speech. He then turned his 
head towards the rock she had been looking at as well. He knew nothing of this rock, but 
for some reason he could feel something of Arazia's emotions, a tie to the past. He 
quickly looked at her as she mentioned the royals, and looked back up, seeking the king 
out of the small ammount of felines present.
He however was distracted as a lioness came out and started to speak. His entire 
concentration was drawn to her as she spoke of the recent events, of the family that was 
the Kivuli tribe. It even made /his/ heart feel a little heavy. It was not because of his 
own emotions towards the death and corronation, but the realization that this was one big 
family. As she finished her part, he noticed movement from the corner of his eyes. He 
followed the trail to find Arazia, wiping at her eyes Arazia. His eyes took on a sad 
expression, feeling for the lioness.
And even though he was not completely able to understand the feelings that this triggered 
for her, he did one thing which he had promised. He reached one of his left front paws 
towards Arazia and gently put it down on her right, gently stroking over it for a moment, 
he sought eye contact with her and nodded towards her. Telling her with only his eyes 
that he was there for her... him, the rogue that she only just met and (he asumed) barely 
trusted. Ranmaru then turned his eyes back towards the scene.

Another year, another coronation, another child becoming king. This is all mused on by the 
gaunt figure of Camrath as he watches the ceremonies from off to the side somewhat. The 
knight has grown only older and sadder since the last time this ceremony was held, though 
this time he watches without the bitterness that swallowed him up at Kiet and Saibh's 
coronation. He takes a deep breath as the speeches begin, both wishing that he could be 
there with the royal family to speak too- and glad of the anonymity that a less obvious 
position grants him. A glance around reveals to him the pretty horrifying truth- he's the 
oldest lion here by far as best as he can tell. The knight folds his paws to watch more 
intently as these.. children who happen to be full grown go through the motions, and lets 
out a low sigh. A happy event this, though he feels the loss of Kiet just as deeply as 
the others- perhaps more so, as being the de-facto leader of the knights, his royal master 
was carried away by a foe that he was unable to even see, let alone help defend against. 
Kisehemu is given a look however- the lion smiles to see his one-time apprentice so grown 
and well formed. "Maybe it's time for the new generation to take over." He muses to 
himself as he settles to a different position to ease the ache in his bones. Yes.. perhaps 
it IS time to consider retirement. But not yet. Best to help see the new king through as 
best he can, to be the best knight and uncle (even if by adoption) that he can possibly 
be. Camrath narrows his eyes slightly. The cat, being one currently suffering from a 
severe case of empty-nest syndrome, mentally seizes upon the idea. He'll have to talk to 
the lad after the ceremony, to renew his oaths and discuss the future. But for now, he 
just leans back and watches some more.

Respect and warmth seep into Tumbuiza's half-smile as she leans back against the 
acacia trunk, listening to Khamisa. Both she and her brother were of a litter she 
helped to deliver, what seems like mere weeks ago and yet at the same time, forever. 
She was not around to witness their youth, nor to come to their father's aid in time... 
and though the first fact is merely sad, the second is a guilt that tugs at her heart. 
She came too late; she should have sensed Kivuli's need sooner. Who knows if she would 
even have been able to help - but the regret that she wasn't there to try is 
unshakeable.
Yet here they still are. Kivuli, its numbers hit but its core, its strength, still 
intact. A new king rising to fill the void. His family taking the place of his 
predecessor in making him so. Hence the admiration; for a pride that never seems to 
understand the concept of defeat, no matter what the trials.

Khamisa moves off to the side, out of the way of everyones view of Mizuka and Atreyu. 
She allows her gaze to slip over those who have gathered, some who are familiar.. 
others who are not. Akase. Eden. Weupe. Xipil. Xai'li. She does her best to give any 
who glance her way a small smile. But the lioness soon glances back to center stage as 
Atreyu lifts his head slightly in preparation for his part of the speech. Khamisa 
tried coaching him a little, giving him advice on what he might say... here's hoping 
he follows that advice and doesn't go off onto one of his own tangents. Atreyu gives 
Mizuka another smile and then speaks up, his focus on his brother, a tilt of his head 
given to indicate the gathering. "Look at that, Mizuka. Look how they've come to see 
you crowned King. And many do not know you, or do not know you well. They are 
trusting in the judgement of the previous King, trusting that he trained you to be 
the best King you can be, trusting that he did his job to make sure you were ready 
and that you were right for the job. And you are." And then, turning away from 
Mizuka to face all that have gathered, "He /is/." Spoken with strength and 
conviction, a small frown playing on his muzzle, as if daring anyone to challenge 
the decision. But his features soften again as the Prince turns back to his brother. 
"It should be Dad here, and Mom, saying all this stuff. Telling everyone.. telling 
you.. that you will be a wonderful King and how much we all trust you. I'm sorry it 
has to be this way instead." Atreyu grins, then, glancing briefly at the patiently 
waiting Khamisa. "But our sister is really pushy when she wants t'be and wouldn't 
take 'no for an answer. Miz'..." The Prince shifts his weight on his paws, fully 
facing Mizuka. "We ain't always seen eye to eye, you 'n me. But I've always known 
that, no matter what, you'd be a King I would support. Even now, when things aren't 
goin' the way they should, when you have t'deal with stuff now instead of later.. 
we're brothers. And I'll be the first to pledge loyalty to you. The first to praise 
you. The first to defend you. You'll be a great King." Atreyu shifts aside after a 
moment and Khamisa comes forward again, placing herself on Mizuka's other side. 
The lioness' features form a warm smile.. one might think that she's almost 
forgotten her grief, though some might be able to detect it in her eyes, should 
they look close enough. "A King needs to be strong and brave, just and wise, 
kind-hearted and loving. And you are all those things and more." She pauses only 
for a breath and another small smile. "You will be a great King because you have 
been a great brother, Mizuka. When I was ill as a cub, you were always right 
there, you and Attie, watching out for me. Even as we got older and I got better, 
always you were there. That alone would make for a good King. But you also have 
good instincts. You're smart. You are wise for your age and will only become 
moreso with age and experience. You lack his coloration, but you are so much 
like Father. He's trained you well, Mizuka. You will make him proud. There will 
be hard times. You will struggle. You will be stressed. You will fear. You will 
find the weight of the world pressing down on your shoulders and you will wonder 
if you are up to the task that has been placed upon you. But you will overcome 
all of it, the fear and stress and struggles. And you will not have to overcome 
them alone. I promise." Blue eyes of the Princess, momentarily bright with tears, 
seek out the copper ones of the heir. It should be the King and Queen here, now, 
promising guidance, wisdom and support. She can only hope that her words, and 
those of Atreyu, are enough to come close to make up for the absence. Khamisa gives 
Mizuka another small smile. She loves him so much.. she wants the best for him. 
And she will try her hardest to see that she helps make his reign as smooth and 
worry-free as possible. After a moments pause, Khammy shifts aside, glancing to 
Tumbuiza and giving the healer a small nod. Her turn.

And, indeed, Mizuka is a bit worried about what his brother will have to say--it 
shouldn't be his siblings making this speech, it ought to be his parents, who 
actually have experience with addressing large crowds.  It /especially/ shouldn't 
be them putting the whole thing together a few days after Kiet's death; the grief 
in Khamisa's voice was evident at the end of her own speech, and while Mizuka's 
emotions are well-concealed, he'd like to herd the lot of them back inside or at 
least take it from here, get it done while he feels like he can still feign the 
optimism that everyone gathered is no doubt expecting to see.  But no; they all 
have their part to play in this ceremony, and although the heir has worried 
endlessly about their ability to pull everything off with very little guidance, 
Atreyu's words rather surprise him.  His brother's never been the eloquent, 
public-speaking sort of guy, but this, although somewhat more informal than 
Khamisa's contribution, has been put together very well.  They're more prepared 
than he thought they'd be...but then, they're Kiet's children too, and they've 
been trained just as well as he.  If nothing else, it's comforting to see that, 
because if they're more able to handle this than he'd first imagined, perhaps 
there aren't as many holes in his own education as it felt when he realised that 
his father was slipping away and wouldn't be able to teach him anything else.  
And, although he hadn't felt this would be a smiling sort of occasion--and still 
thinks that it's a bittersweet one at best--the corners of his mouth tilt up just 
slightly; it's more of an easing of tension than a real smile, but his eyes are 
warm as he regards Atreyu, and his sister, as well, when she speaks again.  Things 
have been difficult for the past several months, but as much as he misses their 
father...he loves his siblings just as much.  He's not the only one Kiet would be 
proud of, if he were here to witness the coronation.  There are many things that he 
wants to say to them, but there's still more to do before his part of the ceremony 
even comes--and much of what he wants to say will probably wait until afterwards, 
anyway, when he can speak more with them personally instead of the pride in general.  
As Kisehemu moves aside to make room for the Princess, taking up a position nearby 
instead--the knight's stance is as regal as it should be for a guardian of Kivuli, 
such a drastic change from the last shift in leadership--Mizuka leans in to nuzzle 
her briefly, trying to reassure.  Although they're grown now, he still feels 
protective of their younger sister, and he and Atreyu seem to be more composed; so, 
although Tumbuiza still has to do her part before he can really say anything, he 
tries to extend what comfort he can without interrupting things.

Rising slowly to her feet with a sombre expression on her little black face, the 
monkey picks up a small coconut-shell container and heads towards the heir, the 
gathered lions making a path for the diminutive figure. Reaching Mizuka and allowing 
a reassuring smile to him and his siblings, she puts the coconut down carefully and 
raises her hands above her head, the palms turned slightly inwards. Her chin raised 
slightly to the heavens, Tumbu begins a slow, soft chant in the ceremonial language, 
which steadily shifts in pitch until it becomes a strange and liquid song that seems 
to evoke images of the sky and dreams. The very keen of hearing might recognise Kiet's 
name among the unfamiliar words. The song changes again, becoming mightier and louder 
than seems possible from such a small body - then suddenly, with a clap of her hands, 
it ends.
There's a moment of total stillness, and Tumbuiza seeks eye contact with the king-to-be. 
"Mizuka, son of Kivuli," she declares with grandeur. "The spirits of those who have gone 
before look down upon you as you inherit the rule of Kivuli. Bear well their faith in 
you." Then she adds more softly, "Kiet is alive." Her voice implies absolute conviction. 
"Weep for his passing, then lift your shining eyes and smile again, for he is with you. 
Grieve that he is no longer by your side, then rejoice that you can feel him in the 
very breeze around you. He is well again; he is HERE."
Without breaking the link with Mizuka's eyes, the shaman reaches for her container. 
Holding it in her left hand, she dips the fingers of her right into it, covering them 
with chalky white paste of a shade very close to the former king's fur. She reaches up, 
standing as tall as she can, and marks the dark-furred lion with a single vertical 
stripe on his forehead. "Rule with your head", she recites, then marks another white 
stripe in his mane, "And with your heart. Do your best for Kivuli and for those who 
love you. The spirits approve you."

Khamisa returns the nuzzle softly, Mizuka given a long look before she then turns and 
watches with wide-eyed interest Tumbuiza's part of the ceremony. The Princess knew that 
the healer had wished to have a part, and that she had taken part in Kiet's coronation, 
but she hadn't been quite sure what exactly Tumbuiza would do. White-rimmed ears cup 
forward curiously as the monkey begins her chant. Though the words make no sense to her, 
just the rhythm of the chant has the lioness entranced; enough so that when Tumbuiza 
suddenly claps, Khamisa blinks in surprise and only the training given to her by her 
parents keeps her from jumping. Atreyu, too, watches, curiosity evident in his eyes and 
a ear twitching as he catches the mention of his father. The two siblings remains silent 
as Tumbuiza continues, speaking to Mizuka.. and both glance heavenward briefly when she 
speaks of Kiet. And before she realizes it, the monkey is done, and it's Khamisa's turn 
to speak once more. A quick glance to Atreyu is met with a nod by the pale coated lion, 
and a small smirk. Obviously he has no plans of saying anything further in way of a 
speech.. his part is mostly done! With a small return smile of her own, Khamisa steps 
forward, givign Tumbuiza a small nod of thanks before facing the crowd. This is the part 
she is most nervous about. How does she name her brother King? It's a large statement.. 
and yet, "You're the King!" sounds so dull. And Atreyu's suggestion - "Eenie meenie miney 
mo, Mizuka's King 'cause we said so!" - was not helpful at all. Many of Atreyu's 
suggestions the day Khamisa brought up the suggestion of helping with the coronation were 
rather.. Atreyu-ish.. so Khamisa is pleasantly surprised - and relieved! - that he has done 
so well during the actual ceremony. After a moment to compose herself and collect her 
thoughts, the Princess speaks. "Many of you perhaps remember Kiet's coronation.. maybe you 
remember, then, when my brother was a child. But look! The cub has become a lion, with the 
approval of the spirits of Kivuli's past. The circle of life has completed another cycle. 
The Prince has become a King." She turns, then, to face Mizuka and her actions are mirrored 
by Atreyu, across from Khamisa on their brother's other side, also facing Mizuka. Both 
Khamisa and Atreyu stand for a moment, their gazes locks on their elder brother. And their 
words are spoken together, their tones nothing short of respect. "Long live King Mizuka." 
And together they bow. With Khamisa, the movement is smooth and fluid.. elegant to the last. 
Atreyu, sporting an altogether different build than his petite sister, doesn't have her 
grace, but neither is his movement clumsy. Muscle shifts beneath a pale pelt when he moves, 
only hinting at whatever power the lion himself may be capable of in the protection of his 
siblings and pride. Behind the pair, a sudden flurry of movement from some of those gathered. 
If the Prince and Princess - or Lord and Lady, rather, now that their brother has been 
officially titled King - are bowing, then they themselves should surely be doing so. From 
some, such as Akase and Eden, the movement is delayed as they glance to the older ones sitting 
around them, then repeat their movements. Others vary, from simply a deep incline of the head 
from those outside the pride or the most eldely.. to a full-out dip of the entire front half 
of the body as others respectfully make sure that their movements are deeper than that of 
Lord and Lady. Atreyu and Khamisa rise after a brief moment, shifting off to one side 
together. "SPEEEECH!" The call breaks the silence, the voice old and rough. The owner of the 
voice is revealed to be none other than one of Kivuli's live-in refugees from Kimondo.. 
Fayola. Though many in the crowd turn to look at her after her outcry, the elder simply 
smirks. She's witnessed more coronations than everyone gathered has all together, most likely, 
and she knows it. Her gaze, still as bright and sharp as ever, is focused only on Mizuka, 
ignoring everyone else around her. "C'mon, sonny, your subjects are waitin'. Speech!" Khamisa, 
her ears hovering somewhere between relaxed and being held back tightly against her skull as 
if she can't decide what to think at the old one's calls, blinks from her to Mizuka. The new 
King is given the smallest of smiles and then a faint nod. She and Atreyu are done. It's 
Mizuka's turn, now. Atreyu, for his part, frowns back in Fayola's direction and then leans 
towards his sister, his voice no louder than a whisper. "What's with the old hag?" He is 
silenced by Khammy's forepaw stomping down on one of his and a quick, "Shh!" Brothers.. geez.

The king is officially dubbed by the little monkey, and so the circle of life moves along 
another notch. In the brief quietness as the monkey speaks, Camrath's aged face moves into a 
smile. A new start for a stricken pride, a chance for things to begin anew. Maybe it IS a good 
thing he lived long enough to see this. Moving with the crowd, the knight rises to his feet and 
dips his head, mane falling over his eyes as he completes the salute to the new master of the 
pride. Fayola's cry just makes him chuckle- ah, thank goodness. He's NOT the oldest person here 
after all!

Kisehemu hadn't gone over this part of the last ceremony in any particular depth, and as Tumbuiza 
approaches he's not entirely sure what to expect.  His eyes slide briefly to the knight, so far 
away now, looking for some clue of what to expect; Kisehemu's face, though, is inscrutable as he 
watches the healer chant.  He's aware that this has some spiritual significance to Kivuli, although 
he's never been clear on the hows and whys of it, so although he doesn't understand what's being 
said the older lion merely accepts it as a matter of course.  Mizuka, though--his ears flare 
forward when he hears some mention of Kiet's name amidst all the words he doesn't understand, 
wondering at what it is she's /saying/.  When her hands clap together, he doesn't twitch, but the 
lion's pupils pin sharply in surprise--and for a moment, when she looks into his eyes and tells 
him that his father is alive, the expression in them is absolutely stricken.  He'd been completely 
unprepared to hear that, and for a moment he's quite upset that Kisehemu hadn't warned him, 
although during the last coronation both of his mother's parents had been alive and there hadn't 
been a need to say anything like this; he couldn't have known.  Still, hearing Kiet's name caught 
him off-guard.  When Tumbuiza reaches up to mark his brow, he lowers his head a bit to make it 
easier, shutting his eyes at the odd feeling of the stuff against his fur and mane.  They open 
again when he feels Khamisa shift beside him, and as she steps forward he inclines his head 
respectfully to Tumbuiza, silently thanking her for her role in the ceremony today.  And 
then...it's done.  Khamisa has pronounced him as Kivuli's King, and everyone is bowing--including 
Kisehemu, who turns to face him as well, sweeping his upper body low in a movement that's fluid 
and nearly as elegant as Khamisa's bow, extending one of his forelegs in front of him.  And it's 
in the middle of this that there comes an unexpected shout, and the knight looks up in surprise, 
as does Mizuka.  The new King looks just as confused as everyone else, and, secretly, he agrees 
with his brother.  Why on /Earth/ is she /ordering/ him to give a speech she has to have already 
known he'd be making?  Aside from a slight flicker, though, his expression doesn't change, and 
after a minute he decides that the best course of action would probably be to ignore it and 
continue on as he'd been planning.  He steps forward, passing Atreyu and Khamisa, to address the 
pride as their monarch for the first time.  "In the past, Kivuli has fallen upon dark times," he 
begins, a stark contrast to the uplifting words of earlier.  "Well before my time, my grandfather's 
chosen heir attempted to throw the pride into turmoil, but through the efforts of Kivuli's valiant 
knights," his eyes scan the crowd, lighting briefly on Camrath, "order was restored, and from that 
disaster, my mother was chosen as the next ruler to bring us into a generation of peace.  Now I 
fear that trouble is once again upon us--my great-uncle, Ronan, was murdered by the pride to the 
south, and since then we have had guards attacked on the Mbaamwezi border and there has been news 
of a plague going around.  That plague may or may not be what killed my father, but the terrible 
illness that claimed his life was a tragic way not only for him to die, but for the crown to be 
passed on to the next King.  Coronations are meant to be a joyful time for the entire pride, to 
celebrate the reign of the former rulers as well as the inauguration of the new ones, but this 
ceremony was performed in grief.  I have a great burden to assume, with all that's been happening 
lately, but I assure you that my shoulders are strong enough to bear it.  Kivuli is powerful and 
resilient.  We /will/ get through the pain of my father's passing, and should anyone, be they an 
individual or an entire pride, seek to harm us, we will not give up; we will defeat any who 
threaten us, as we have in the past."  His voice is steady, in spite of the rather bleak subject 
matter he's addressing, but here he stops to draw in a breath and prepare his next words.  "I am 
not my father or grandfather or any of the other Kings who have come before me, but I will be as 
strong a leader as my ancestors.  I will strive to be as wise as they, as gracious and 
compassionate, and I will serve Kivuli to the very best of my ability.  I deeply regret that my 
ascension to the throne could not have been made under more lighthearted circumstances, but this 
trial-by-fire will, I hope, temper me into a ruler worthy of joining the ranks of the great Kings 
who have led our pride in the past.  I, King Mizuka, seventh generation of Kivulian royalty, 
accept the crown."  Following that last statement is a powerful roar; it's tradition upon the 
naming of a new King, but it's every bit as booming, as impressive, as the roar of a lion twice 
his size.  Mizuka's truly put his heart into it, expressing everything--his grief and frustration 
and his terrible resolve to do as well as his father--that he couldn't during the rest of the 
ceremony, including during his speech.

<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Mizuka roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Khamisa roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Camrath roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Xai'li roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Fayola roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Kisehemu roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Enzaudhi roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Nyuki roars.
<!> In [Kivuli] Cliff, Atreyu roars.

With her part done, the healer quietly steps back into the crowd, wiping the goo off her hand 
with a leaf and smiling. At the words 'Long Live King Mizuka', she bows together with everyone 
else - drawing up to her full diminutive height, then bending from the waist with one hand on 
her chest. Nyuki, the gaunt yellow lioness watching from the cave entrance, pushes herself up 
just so she can bow - hey, everyone else is doing it, and it makes her feel important!
Tumbu listens to Mizuka's speech with an occasional nod and a look of approval - her own 
approval, not merely that of the spirits that she formally bestowed on him. Another generation 
of rulers comes around, and this time she hopes fervently that it will be a peaceful one... 
yet her heart misgives her at the thought. When the speech finishes and the whole pride roars, 
making her eardrums rattle, the monkey joins the chorus with a series of quick, high-pitched 
barks. And again, Nyuki - who has understood very little of the ceremony except the principle 
of there being a new king - joins in the fun with a roar she hasn't put to use in a long time.

Standing side by side, Khamisa and Atreyu focus on their brother's speech. Khamisa's eyes flood 
with tears, a few streaking down her cheeks. Atreyu remains silent, nary a tear in his eye, but 
he brushes his shoulder lightly against Khammy's. Together they think that Mizuka will be a 
great King. Of course, being his littermates, they may be slightly biased. Both Lord and Lady 
smile as Mizuka ends his speech, and as his roar fills the air, they add their own voices to his. 
Atreyu's roar, strong and powerful. Khamisa's, surprisingly loud for a lioness of her size and 
stature. Theirs are roars of praise and loyalty to their brother.. grief and heartache for their 
father.. and a warning to any who would dare underestimate Kivuli's newly crowned King. For 
though Mizuka is the leader by title, his siblings are right there to support him. And soon 
their calls are joined by the roars of the other leonines gathered: Xipil and Weupe, Fayola and 
Xai'li and, from two of the youngest - Eden and Akase - a literal shout of "ROOOAR!" As the 
formality of the event fades, Atreyu and Khamisa come forward to greet Mizuka. For Khamisa, it 
involves rearing back onto her hindpaws and reaching out to latch forelegs around Mizuka's neck, 
brushing her tear-stained cheek against Mizuka's, brushing her nose into his mane in a display 
of sisterly affection. She has no words for him now, but a loud purr rumbles in her chest and 
throat. She cannot say just how much she loves him, and Attie, for all they've ever been to 
her.. for all they will continue to be. Atreyu doesn't display his affection as such like their 
sister. From him, a simple nod to Mizuka and the smallest of smiles. After a moment, Khamisa 
falls back, also giving her eldest brother a nod. And then she and Atreyu again step aside, 
making room for any of the gatherers to file by for a word of congratulations or a nod to the 
new King. They can have their time to talk to Mizuka and Kisehemu later, once everyone is gone.

Still standing with his head bowed, Camrath listens intently to Mizuka's speech- though his heart 
suddenly leaps when he meets the new king's gaze for just a brief flash, and his words sink in. 
It's strange how even a simple oblique reference to deeds of the past can cheer the normally 
depressed old knight, and his royal highness certainly has the pleasure of seeing the scarred 
face of his oldest knight split in a rare but warm smile, an expression full of good will and 
support. For one who so rarely shows the positive aspects of his personality in public, the lion's 
good will loses none of its warmth despite its shock value- indeed, if anything the effect is 
heightened. The speech comes to its end, touching on both good and bad history. But in the lion's 
heart, he feels hope. At least this coronation is after a tragic but not abnormal event of early 
death.. rather than a violent overthrow and battle tainting its undertones. And so, with all his 
heart and soul, Camrath joins in the roar- his deep, bass tones thundering out 'LONG LIVE THE KING' 
in time with the others, but ringing out with a timbre and quality of its own. And truly, he means 
it- the lion accepts in his heart that this could be the last king he gets to serve, maybe even the 
last king he'll see fullstop. All the better to do the best he can to help this youth while he's 
still around. And so he forms a new covenant with himself, reaffirming his vows mentally as he 
plans to before the new king later. A single tear even appears at the side of one of his eyes- 
a tear shed from pain past and hope to come. For the future, for king and for pride.

All of Kivuli, it seems, roars with him in support, and as the sounds of it die down Mizuka draws 
in a deep breath.  It's done; his speech has been made, and the pride approves.  He shifts, 
intending to step back, but Khamisa's forelegs are wrapped around his neck before he can move, and 
after the initial moment of surprise he returns her nuzzle, licking her cheek.  "Thank you," he 
whispers, the words for her only.  "I know you and Atreyu worked hard to make this a good 
ceremony."  As she pulls away, he stays where he is for a moment, gazing after his siblings, then 
looks out over the crowd again.  He'd like to retreat back into the cave, and speak with his 
family privately, but he knows that the other members of the pride may want to speak with him.  
And so, for now, he hangs back, grateful when Kisehemu comes up beside him and gives his shoulder 
a nudge.  "You did quite well," the knight tells him quietly, as Enzaudhi lifts herself to her feet 
and looks about awkwardly before turning and padding back down the trail.  Maybe she ought to try and 
stick around, to talk with other people if not the new King...but the crowd had her nervous enough 
already when they were supposed to just listen.