Macheo groomed her partners shoulder, not because the princess was dirty but because the motion was soothing for them both. It had been her idea originally that had called this unofficial little meeting together. The pride was constantly in flux with some of the old lions leaving and new lions coming – most notable lately being the refuges from the Firekin, ex-slaves not of vultures but their fellow lions…but she wasn’t sure what the higher ups would think of the younger generations proposal. It was a good idea though, she was sure. It would let her Tesni and the others live a little.
*
Tesni’s soft growl – her lioness’ purr – was just a tad nervous and she was glad of her bonded wolf’s ministrations. It was somewhat calming. The princess was usually naturally calm and it was a large part of her quiet charm, her confidence. It wasn’t hat she feared angering the King, her father, and the High Priest who was her teacher. She knew them both better than that. They were sometimes tough, but fair, and if they denied them it would be out of love and fear for their safety…but they weren’t cubs and pups anymore. They could deal with it.
*
Muroki walked with his own wolf partner towards the place at the edge of the sacred lake where his daughter had asked for a meeting earlier that morning. He had a bit of an idea what it might be about but then, knowing Tesni it could be something else entirely. The girl had had her paws in all the pots from the second she could run. Forever wondering if she might train with the Guardians some, take lessons alongside Tifua she didn’t technically need, seeing if she could spend extra time on the island, asking if he knew of any specific wall-pictures showing this or that…it was one of the reasons she was to be his heir.
*
It was Kainda who broke the silence, as she and Muroki met Takasika at the steps down to the lake side. While the two lions shared a nod and the younger butted his head affectionately if briefly against the elders shoulder, she bowed her head futher out of habit before offering a sad smile.
“Good afternoon, Takasika. Any …word of Safiya?” It had troubled her and Muroki both that Safiya had left without a word to any of her beloved family, without ever meeting her long time captive brother again. But as the months past hope was wearing thin and she asked less often. She just hoped Safiya was alive somewhere beyond tracker or Sight even if she never returned.
*
“No, no word, by with you mean visions of course.” Takasika spoke plainly but managed a smile and with a paw briefly touched hers. Muroki had taken in Takasika like a nephew. Perhaps not as close as his ‘sister’ Laini but close and Takasika owed him and Kainda both much. Though being reminded of his true family, his long lost sister, hurt he knew it was because they cared. For her and for him – for they had been friends with the sweet female before they had ever known him.
“Maybe one day Lord Jua will let me See. I think it would give everyone a measure of peace to know for sure...but let us return to the present and go see what proposal your two daughters have for us all.” He said, and as he did they all began to descend together.
*
The pale brown wolf got up to greet the trio coming down the stairs but swiftly her gaze met the darker wolf’ gaze. Her mother. Macheo hoped she and Akinyi made her proud and she was sure she and her sister did.
*
“Father – Lady Kainda – Priest Takasika” Tesni greeted and got to her paws, polite but not too formal as she greeted the two lions and the maned wolf. They were family and the mentor she’d had from an early age. Despite their importance they were familiar to her, dear to her.
So why did she feel so strangely nervous? It was so unlike her!
She invited them to sit with an elegant gesture of her paw and did so herself, Macheo following suit. Jua help her she was going to use all her charm to try to convince them they were adults now. Still growing into their bodies perhaps but mature and responsible.
