Nightingales, Day 1 (July 12, Year 1)

This post will be edited as time goes on.  If there are any issues with it, please PM me so we don't clutter the topic.  Thank you.

Current Members...

Lucille (DF), Markie, Tikara, Scarlette

Ages & Due Dates...

• No members under a year old
  

~ No pregnant members

Plots & Setting...

THEN: A brand new mob formed only the previous day, the Nightingales were formed by a group split, all started by the current dominant female.  They were larger, but after realizing their mistake, abandoned the splinter.  Currently, there are only four members.

NOW: There's not really anything in mind for the Nightingales, currently.  However, the matriarch Lucille isn't going to sit around with her mob so small in numbers.  She intends to make a name for the Nightingales, and she doesn't intend to do so quietly.

It was a quiet morning.  There's a light breeze.  It would likely disappear by the time the Kalahari starts to heat up, but as one female emerges from the Nightingales' new burrow, it's a welcome presence for the long day ahead.  

Lucille left the burrow with confidence.  She's struggled so hard for so long to get where she is.  Time and time again, she's fallen on her face.  But not this time.  She was going to carry on her mother's legacy.  And she was going to do it right this time.  Gazing at the sky, she lets out a small growl.  The Nightingales are small... dangerously small.  She's managed to break off from the main group with a few members, but the road to success would be long an hard.  She would do anything to get there, though.  Perhaps even do things some meerkats would find disagreeable.  But regardless of her methods, nothing about her would change.

Turning her head, she glanced at the burrow mouth, before getting started clearing the loose sand littering the entrance.  Sure, she'd like to sun herself this morning, but there was work to do, and the breeze made it difficult anyway.  No.  She was going to prove that she wanted this.  In memory of her mother, and to show she had what it took to do what she had sought for so long.  There was a lot on her to-do list, but first things first.  There weren't a lot of them to do the chores, so she would have to pitch in.

Below ground young Markie is just beginning to stir in the burrow. She blinks sleep away, finding the glowing light of sunrise filtering in through the burrow mouth. Mobmates Tikara and Scarlette continue to doze on either side of her, their warmth admittedly comforting. The young female yawns and rises to her paws, noticing her matriarch is absent from their underground home. She pokes her head out of the mouth of the burrow and finds Lucille a short distance away, shoveling sand from the mouth of her burrow.

Markie moves to the opposite side and begins to work, albeit not as hard. Her movements are not as urgent nor as determined as Lucille's, but she is taking care of some fallen sand. She admires Lucille, the resilliencey and boldness is going to take her a long way at the head of the Nightingales. At the moment, though, young Markie is laying low. They were former mobmates, yes, but that is no clue to how Lucille will behave as the matriarch. This female doesn't have the best reputation with clicking with dominant females, so she's going to what Markie does best- observe and adapt.

Unknow to the three. Nightingale girls that somewhere not too far from the Nightingale's burrow, a lone figure of a roving meerkat stands sunbathing near the entrance of a old bolt hole. Joestar had followed the original mob of course in hopes of finding a mate when he noticed a small group break off from the mob and decidedly followed it since a newly formed mob means easier chances of becoming dominant male, a position that almost every rover wants. But he didn't make a move a day prior as he wanted to see if the splinter would return or not and it was obvious that they aren't.

The one eyed male watched the small group emerge from their home as he sunbathed he was up a little bit earlier than The group just so he'd know if he'd move away or if their birth mob encounters them and they merge mob. He's being rather stalker-ish, but this is his golden chance to be not a rover for the rest of his life thus began making his way towards the group, laying low to not look like a threat of course and decides to make his presence known by standing up his hind legs and watched how they react but to also sunbathe a little more because he had just realize he hasn't fully warmed up yet, guess that's what he got for getting ahead of himself.

-----

In the meantime Kirara had just emerge from the small old burrow that might have home to a mob in the past but now lay dormant until Kirara took shelter in it for the night. Kirara had to admit that these past few days were dull and if not a little lonely, she interact with yellow mongooses or other species of the mongoose family and ground squirrels but they aren't the same as being apart of a mob but whatever, Kirara pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind and just relaxes under the shade of the sun.

Tikara & Nexxon

- -

Tikara continued to lazily snooze, comforted by the warmth of another mob mate that wasn't out to get her for once. It was still all very new- not having to worry about her mothers random lashings or the annoyance known as Kirara. She had already grown to secretly admire the fiercely determined Lucille, and even respected her somewhat.
Markie's movements made her stir. With a toothy yawn, she arched her back in a stretch before rolling back over and pressing her back against Scarlette's. Had she been awake, she wouldn't of allowed herself to do this in fear of someone noticing that she was actually cuddling.

- -

Joestar wasn't the only rover eying the Nightengales this fine morning. Nexxon had arrived some time before he, but soon noticed the size of the other rover and decided to come back when his business was finished. Truthfully, Nexxon was tired of being alone and vulnerable and so was searching for a new mob, but the other male would no doubt take his presence another way and likely attack. Nexxon foraged some distance off, uncovering a tasty morsel after digging a hole almost as long as himself.

A bulky, heavily scarred female emerged from the burrow, her green eyes scanning the area. She had endured much before coming here, and fighting was all she really knew. She hardly got to socialize, let alone, get to know others. Perhaps times would be different here, but it would not be easy. She already felt the same itch to fight, or to spar, at the very least. Yet she saw no one else besides the dominant female. Scarlette was no idiot, however. She never did any of that with a dominant, they'd easily take it as a challenge. She found a spot to sit and sun herself, deciding to warm up her red-brown body. But also kept an eye out for threats. This group was small, very small. They couldn't afford to lose anyone.

Of course Joestar remained vigilant about his surroundings and especially the sky, having just one eye meant a more limited field of vision but nowadays that barely bothers him anymore since he has learned to use his sense of hearing and smell more than his actual sight.

He saw another rover in the distance, Nexxon but seeing him go on his merry way after brief eye contact Joestar just ignores him and continues to observe the Nightingales, watching each one of them emerge, er well at least one more of them emerge. Either way Joestar was feeling a little too eager and he didn't want another rover potentially stealing his chance of being with the dominant female of the mob, if it has one at least, and so Joestar began to move towards the two Nightingale girls and began scent marking the bushes around their main burrow, making sure to let his presence known without looking much of a threat, hopefully.

Hardly giving Scarlette and Markie a glance, Lucille remained focused on the task at paw.  Although it wasn't unlikely that she could eventually trust and respect her subordinates, and would not hesitate to reward loyalty, it took a lot to impress her and after all, it's only been one day.  This would take time.  However, she is currently pleased with the two subordinate females... Scarlette's scent marking and keeping an eye over the area... Markie's assistance in cleaning the burrow entrance... this pleases her, and she gives a brief smile.  Small they may be, but she's confident things will turn out well.  She wouldn't accept anything less.  She wasn't sure she could say the same thing about Tikara, who isn't actually up yet...

It's then that Lucille notices at least one stranger in their vicinity, the male Joestar.  She immediately halts her digging and stands up on her hind legs to get a better look at him, bobbing her head cautiously.  The matriarch narrows her eyes, taking note of how he scent marked the area around the burrow.  Normally, she would take offense to this behavior.  But the group is dangerously small, and she reminds herself, there are no males in this group... there were, of course, but they all left yesterday.  That left her without a potential dominant male, or a means of expanding the group effectively.  Knowing this, it seems to Lucille that Joestar has made his intentions clear.  Besides, the Nightingales would need a dominant male.

Lucille begins to approach Joestar, currently alone.  He's bigger than her, at least in height, but she's not afraid should she attack.  She's no stranger to combat.  Besides, she feels this is something she should do herself.  Most females in her position would realize that she couldn't afford to be picky.  They would be desperate for a mate, and take the first male that came along.  However, Lucille is obviously not most females.  She doesn't want a male who sticks around only for the perks and breeding rights.  She wants a partner.  Someone she can count on, someone who will do their best to lead the mob at her side, resourceful and dependable.  A good parent.  It would also be nice to have someone she could form a relationship, but even she knew that was asking too much.

In short, Luci wanted to see him for herself, and make her own intentions clear.  When she reaches Joestar, she gives him a brief sniff.  Then she takes a few steps back, and gazes with prying eyes, waiting to see what he will do...

Joestar smiled when he noticed Lucy is approaching him, though he reminded himself that he doesn't quite know who the dominant female of this group really is and this one may just be a usual subordinate female but mating with her may secure her place as a dominant female. But this female seemed rather proud and confident enough that he's pretty sure that this girl is the one and he'd be her partner if she finds him good enough that is but with the group's current numbers it will probably be a breeze but he shouldn't get too ahead of himself though.

"Hmm I see that your group is quite dangerously small and considerably lacking any males unless they haven't emerged yet, in that case I hope they won't my mind my presence that much." Joestar spoke with utmost confidence as he always does, doubt any female would want a male with little confidence.

Scarlette takes notice of Joestar and watches him. Perhaps she'll get a fight after all- Provided the male gave her any reason to start a fight, that is. Her green orbs study him as Lucille herself approached him and waited to see what would happen. She was ready to rush in and give the dominant female aid if this male proved to be a threat. But perhaps... A possible dominant male? As of now, all of the members were currently female. It seemed highly likely he could be not only accepted in, but become the dominant male. But for now, Scarlette watches, and waits.

She had already guessed his size, though even then, he was a bit bigger than she had expected.  But she still wasn't frightened, and it didn't look like he was going to attack anyway.  The second thing she noticed was his missing eye.  It didn't look to be genetic, which was certainly good, but she wondered if it would be a setback... a half-blind meerkat would have a harder time as a sentry, and might even have a disadvantage in battle.  But that was something she was willing to look past.  What really concerned her was his nature... what kind of meerkat was he? Joestar certainly seemed confident.  That could be both a good and a bad thing.  But he also seemed polite... she eased up her hostility slightly and chirped, explaining how there were no males in the group, only four females.  They did need a dominant male, so if Joestar was up for it, he was welcome to take the spot.  That didn't mean that she would be willing to truly accept him right off the bat... she'd mate with him and tolerate in the group, but Lucille was never one to trust a stranger so easily.  He would have to prove himself.  But she would certainly give him a chance.  Quietly, the dominant female hip-slams him, and begins grooming Joestar very casually.  She knows they need more members, which is why she's allowing him in so easily, and she knows she'll need to reproduce, which is why she'd made the gesture to begin grooming a potential partner.  She's making her intentions clear.  But she's still testing this new male.  She's observing his every move...

Ah yes having one eye is a pretty significant disadvantage but Joestar has learned to overcome it either way but it's still a weakness that he should be aware of, but at least he won't have to worry about having offspring that are missing an eye or something since his missing eye is caused by an accident.

Eye stuff aside, he grinned slightly when Lucille began grooming him, he briefly glanced around their surroundings and the sky in case of any predators about, he did notice Scarlette looking at him and Lucille but paid no mind to it of course since he doubt he would be attacked now. He now returns the favor by grooming Lucille back, though Lucille could probably notice a fair amount of scars under his fur that was of course the result of that fight with that wild cat when he was a teenager, of course the ones on his face aren't the only ones.

Markie dips her head to Scarlette as she emerges, the female's unique pelt and markings always a sight on the eyes. It is then a strange scent catches her nose. She tilts her head back, smelling to get a better idea of who was there. Definitely a rover, she determined, and given they were a four-strong mob of only females that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Of course, he could not be up to Lucille's liking.

It is then a big, hulking and scarred male comes out of the tangles of Kalahari brush towards the Nightingales ladies. One eye socket is purely empty, scarred shut over time. The other is wide open, sweeping over the three present females. He is intimidating. She watches as Lucille approaches him cautiously, curiously, and tension seems to crackle in the air. Will she accept him? Will she drive him off? Markie believes Lucille will take this male as her partner. He is big, scary and appears to be a warrior, everything a dominant male should look like. First impressions are key with Lucille. When Markie's matriarch begins to groom Joestar the deal is sealed. He is now a honorary Nightingale.

Welcome, she peeps lowly.

Scars aren't much of a concern for Lucille.  It meant that something had attacked him, but didn't necessarily mean that Joestar was a good fighter.  No, he would have to show that himself.  It certainly made grooming him less pleasant, but she didn't really care much for that either.  The purpose of her gesture was not romantic, but rather, a way to make the arrangement official.  She had accepted him as a possible dominant male, for the time being.  She would continue to watch and observe him, but until then, the two of them had a shared duty that had to be completed.  She wanted to mate before foraging today.  The sooner the better.  And that was the purpose of her grooming.

Scarlette watches the scene unfold. When Lucille began to groom Joestar, that meant she had accepted him. It was predictable, really. Having four females no males before, it was obvious the first male they would encounter would be accepted. She watches the new couple for a little longer before deciding to distract her stupid urges to fight/spar by standing on her colored hind legs and began to preform sentry duty. Even with a new addition, the Nightingales were still small. And they were vulnerable with their small size. With any luck, they'll beat the odds and grow into a big mob. Her green eyes scanned the skies for any signs of danger and the ground for any predators. So far, it was peaceful. But here in the Kalahari, peace and quiet was fragile and would break at any given time.

Noticing her source of warmth was suddenly missing, Tikara sat up, something close to a scowl appearing on her face. Waddling grumpily from the burrow, she emerged and blinked sleep from her eyes. Her sleepiness vanished as the offending scent of an intruder filled her nostrils, and it wasn't long before she was on her hind feet searching for him. A growl escaped from her as she spotted Joestar, and she began to run at him before she saw Lucille... Grooming him? Tikara stopped in her tracks, curling her lip. She already disliked him- but it wasn't personal, she just generally hated everyone. Stomping over, she rudely sniffed at him, still hostile even though her leader decided he was okay.

(Fade to black mating now I guess?)

Joestar gave Tikara a brief annoyed glare, he figured the female was either jealous or just doesn't like him whatever the reason he could care less about since Tikara isn't the dominant female but the female he's grooming is and plus he has other matters to worry about such mating with Lucille as considering he decided to join the mob early in the day meant they haven't gone foraging yet and are probably hungry, and so he made his way behind Lucille, it was a bit odd when a subordinate female is right next to you but then again meerkats don't really care about privacy now do they.

So they can now be considered a real mob. With Joestar's addition the Nightingales now have a dominant pair, not just a lone matriarch, which means pups. Markie is less than thrilled about this realization. Especially in a smaller group like this all paws pitch in to make sure the future litters are brought up right, as they are all the group has to continue a legacy. Wonderful, she thinks. I'll be taking care of kids again. Whopee. On the other paw, she understands it is her duty as a subordinate. She wants her home to survive and thrive, but just isn't sure she was born with a maternal instinct. Either way, she knows the duties will at some point be thrust upon her.

Markie's stomach growls at her. She's getting hungry. The sun is rising high into the sky at this point, it is safe to head out. She waits on Lucille, unaware she is sealing Joestar's position as her dominant male.

((Age changed for better adjustment.))

Bellatrix relaxed near Lucille. She's picked up on piggy-backing the dominant female to gain her own personal profits. Maybe her youth helped out a bit. She wasn't a terribly young pup that needed coddling but she also wasn't an adult either. About in-between where the adults didn't have to constantly worry about her. She wonders if she would've been left for dead had she been younger...She quickly gets that thought out of her mind and tries to ignore Lucille giving affection to that male..


It made her fur go up like needles but she did nothing. As long as she still had Lucille's trust, her future seemed bright. She flexed her claws in the sand and watched over the other members with a slight glare.

Scarlette doesn't give much thought about Lucille having pups. They needed pups to ensure this mob would live on. The scarred female moves over to a thick bush which she climbs to the top of and resumes sentry duty. Now she's giving herself a better view of the surrounding area. And plus, some 'kat had to ensure no threats would go undetected. This mob was small and vulnerable, and as such, would require hardwork to ensure they survived and lived on.

Bellatrix licked her claws as she scraped them against a large stone, realizing that it was sharpening them to needle points. She kept her eye on Joestar with a curled lip. She also knew that females were always above males. She had the mind of biting and scratching him here and there but only when Lucille was done.

Tikara shot a nasty glare right back at the male, and even took a step towards him in a challenge. Nothing could stop her fiery temper, not even the massive rover before her- that was, until he made his way behind Lucille. Tikara cringed, lifting a paw up in disgust at his very up front behavior. Surely her dominant wouldn't tolerate such a bold move on the first date! With a hiss, she scampered away, slowing as she neared Bellatrix. She gave the other young female a look over, noting her sharp claws and long fangs. She tilted her head, tongue dragging across her own protruding canines. 'We're not much different, her and I.' Thought Tikara before she continued past. Standing on her hind legs, she scouted the surrounding area for any other unwelcome guests, waiting for Lucille to make lead calls.

Bellatrix didn't like the thought of Lucille having pups. It may take her attention away from her to her actual litter, but it HAD to be done. Bellatrix was on the stubborn side but she wasn't stupid. Either way, if pups came, Bellatrix was sure to let them know who the bosses were here, even if they were Lucille's offspring. She rolled her eyes at Joestar and took notice of Tikara. She made a rare move and smiled at her, enjoying the fact that they shared the same annoyance with this bold rover. But it couldn't be too bad. Bellatrix peeped to Tikara, even if he became dominant, he would still be under the females. She made a puppish growl, making sure no one scent marked her. Unless it was Lucille of course.

Gentle, yet swift, paw steps pressed against the tip of a sandy dune as a lone stranger finally appeared on this sandy mountain.
His dark eyes glanced around as he steadily stood up on his hind legs.

His gaze fell down to the lower end of the slope.
A very small group of Meerkats appeared in his range of sight.
Ehe, a small mob- maybe a Splitter group, or a freshly new formed group…they seemed rather strong, unlike the other mobs he had seen in the past.
Most the ones he met would either chase him off, or were deadly sick.  
Either way, this 'kat's interest wasn't faltered in the slightest.
Casting a double glance towards the clear sky - ensuring that there weren't any Arial Threats looming over head - as such, there wasn't.

Slipping down onto his four paws, the mob-less male made a hasty dash down the slope...his dark eyes never left the small mob.

The only thing making the confident male skit to a halt was the sight of a huge male and what seemed to be the Dominant Female.
The young strange growled in frustration at the appalling sight.  
There was no way he'd be able to fight off such of a huge male within the group.

Sulking next to a small shrub, the seemingly inexperienced rover flopped carelessly down into the hot sand- enjoying the brush of soft grainy sand against his stomach.

But the term "Rover" wouldn't be the correct term for him…
He wasn't looking to mingle and jump from Female to Female - but the thought of managing to enrapture them wasn't too bad either - but that wasn't his goal.

His goal was to hopefully try and settle into a new mob- being alone for a few months left him feeling rather lonesome and annoyed without the company of others of his own kind, and not some random bird's nest in a tree or a yellow mongoose.
But the idea of being Dominant echoed in the back of his mind if he were to join into an accepting mob.

The thought of wielding the highest royalty and the hope to breed was something this tyke wished and even longed for the longest of times.

But if it came down to two choices; Safety and Warmth or Power, he'd have to go with Safety and Warmth.

Slowly standing up, Okello - this lovely name of the newcomer - shook his fur...ignoring the speckles of sand flying off of his short fur.
Oh well- no time to waste idling lying here.

Okello pushed past a small branch of the shrub he was currently hiding in, and began to make a trot towards the newly formed group- his head held high as his pace grew faster. As if he was trying to discard all fear towards the larger male and worry about being chased off and promptly rejected from a possible paradise. Or worse, if this huge male was a tyrant could possibly out run him and kill him in cold blood.

Bellatrix noticed the other male and grunted in frustration. She dug her claws in the sand, in her mind she wished that Joestar would chase him off, then she and Lucille could chase of Joestar and be done with the rovers altogether! However this was only a thought. She was sure Lucille would hang on to a mate for obvious reasons. She still wasn't sure how this other male would be accepted. There was no dominant male..