[FIN] Filling in the Gaps (Nawiri & Mittere)

[mouselet]

The pink lioness noted how Nawiri tactfully avoided mentioning that she still had a long ways to go before she was back in peak position. And she carefully avoided thinking about the fact that she might never get back there again. Instead she nodded an acknowledgement. Once.

The blue eyes widened slightly as the grey lioness declared her faith in Mittere's ability. She wasn't even sure she trusted Nawiri that much...but the Queen had that kind of trust in her? It was a bit unsettling. Not that Mittere felt she didn't deserve it, for she would work to the best of her ability, but to hear it out loud was...odd.

She really did have to wonder what went on in the other lioness' mind. She also had the feeling that it wouldn't be the last time she wondered that.  

[Uta]

So she didn't know a lot of Mittere's history. In fact, she hardly knew a thing about the lioness. Unfortunately, there would be no leaving for Mittere. Whether she caught the virus or not, she would be on these lands and that was that. Until they found out if she was immune, until she showed perfect health for a good long while, long enough to believe she she was immune. But even then, letting others go wasn't something that happened easily, if at all. So for now, it was safe to say that Mittere was essentially stuck and that would be that.

Because of her position, there was no reason for Nawiri to feel that the warrior lioness would let her pride down. She had survived an awful attack, and while her history was mostly unknown, what else could Mittere do? If she proved to lack in ability, than some of the older guards and warriors would resume their training of the younger generations. But if she proved to be an asset, well, then more power to the pride.

Either way, there was little damage Mittere could do that wouldn't be swiftly resolved or taken care of. If she proved disloyal, if she proved far too aggressive or suddenly mentally unstable, well, that could be taken care of to. Despite their precarious position when it came to numbers, the Kitwana'antara was a closely bonded pride, and she had faith they would come together and be able to handle any problems the stranger MIGHT choose to show.

But other than being quiet and a very private, at the moment, Nawiri'chiwa wasn't concerned. Sometimes faith was all they had. . . faith and a tentative hope.

"Well then. If you have any questions or needs, as stated before, feel free to ask for me or any within the pride. But before I continue with my rounds, is it possible if I could take a look at your wounds, see how you're healing? Are there any new symptoms or pains that have cropped up recently?" From queen to healer, she waited for the pink lionesses approval to approach, but she was already giving a mental assessment from what she saw.

 

[mouselet]

The pink lioness watched her guest - her Queen - sitting and observing her. After a pause, she felt the mood of the den shift from a weighty discussion to something much less so as the other lioness spoke. A mental snort followed Nawiri's initial statement as Mittere would never ask for any sort of aid unless if, perhaps, she was at death's door again. Other questions stood a slightly better chance of being conveyed in some way.

But why did the Healer insist on asking for such an inane request as looking at her wounds? She knew damn well Mittere couldn't stop her, even if she wanted to. And damn if she'd relay her observation (no, she couldn't lie even in her own mind, her fear) that she might have the disease.

An upward twitch of the pink lioness' eyebrows that conveyed the desire to roll her eyes, though she didn't do that because Nawiri deserved that much respect, was her only response.  

[Uta]

And once again, the pink lioness fell silent. Outside of duty or her craft, it seemed there was very little that could elicit much feeing from Mittere. Thankfully, he grey lioness didn't take it personally. She was accustomed to worse personalities than Mittere, and knew that everyone had their reasons. Mittere had been stoic from the very fist day, which lead the grey lioness to believe it was purely in her nature to behave in such a quiet and reserved fashion. Still, it meant the air tended to be heavy and a bit awkward.

Oh well. To each their own.

Quickly and quietly, the grey lioness approached an began a further assessment. Her muscles had been stagnant for a good while now, getting her back on her paws was going to take a lot of work over another period of time.

"Have you been able to get your feet at all? How far have you been able to stretch your limbs?" she questioned quietly. She wanted to make sure there was no ligament damage that might permanently affect the lioness. "I think soon we may begin some forms of physical therapy, to start working those muscles." Her voice was professional, even as she circled the other, pausing now and then to study her various wounds. "You're progressing nicely though, and appear to be in sound health." At least, she wasn't coughing or wheezing, there wasn't any appearance of hemorrhaging from her eyes or mouth. "Any fevers or new symptoms to speak of?"

 

[mouselet]

The pink lioness sat and endured the examination and the questions. So many questions. She could answer them, but why spend the words when they would just clutter up the air unnecessarily? And while Mittere might be monitoring herself for signs of the disease, she wasn't sure she wanted to bring that to the Queen's attention yet. She could be mistaken after all. And Nawiri should be able to spot any visible symptoms herself, not needing anyone else to tell her.

Those questions required no real answer. But the one of strength, well, there was only one good answer for that. Mittere gathered her paws beneath her and heaved herself to her feet. It took more of her strength than she liked to admit, as well as the brace of the stone behind her, but she managed to stand on her own. Barely.  

[Uta]

While Nawiri'chiwa was definitely aware of signs and symptoms of the plague, she wasn't around Mittere consistently. And if she had suddenly grown feverish days ago, only to have it wane; or if there were aches in the joints that the pink lioness refused to mention, it might take longer for her to correctly diagnose. Besides which, there were other illnesses that could fell a lion in the pride, and not all of them were the fatal plague. But she would keep notes with the other healers that had contact with Mittere, and discuss what would be the best option for her recovery.

The grey lioness did raise a brow, surprised but impressed by the fact Mittere could push herself to such a position. It took effort, obviously, and she was certain that it was painful, but . . . it meant her body was recuperating. "Good, good," she murmured thoughtfully, giving a nod. "Well then, it looks as if we'll soon begin the physical therapy aspect. Get you out of this den and out in to some sunshine." Smiling a bit, she gave a small flick of her tail and retreated a bit, finished with her brief assessment. "So far you're making fantastic progress though. Anyway, I shall make sure to get you some more water and replenish your supply of meat. Is there anything else you may need?"

She figured she might as well ask. Mittere wasn't exactly the most talktative sort, and often times the queen felt as if she were only wasting the pink lionesses time. Still, it couldn't be easy being stuck in a pride, a diseased pride of all things, and as heavily injured as she had been. Nawiri would do her best to give the pink lioness time to warm up to everything and everyone. . . .

But it would, just like her wounds, take time.
 

[mouselet]

Breathing shallowly, the pink lioness flicked her eyes about the den. Nothing was swimming or otherwise out of focus - good. Standing up was the biggest hurdle and with that overcome, everything else would be simple in comparison. She could hear Nawiri talking again, but the content simply wasn't important.

If she could stand, she could walk. And after months of lying around, that was exactly what she intended to do. It wasn't that she was purposefully ignoring the Queen, it was that this was much more important to Mittere right now than simple polite conversation about requirements that she was sure Nawiri knew much better than she. Her forepaw was heavy, but not so heavy as other weights she'd lifted, and she set it down with an impact that resonated up her whole leg. One step. Lift the other forepaw and set it down. Another step. Her knees threatened to buckle, but damnit, she refused to give in. The next time she lay down it was going to be outside, in the sun.

After the fourth step she faltered and had to lean against the wall, panting. But she wasn't down yet and she wasn't done yet. Her blue eyes gleamed despite the pain and, with a deep breath, Mittere continued walking.  

[Uta]

Nawiri'chiwa watched as Mittere stubbornly continued her forward movement. Any objections or reminder not to push herself died at her lips. What good would it do anyway? Obviously the pink coated lioness had an agenda, and today was the day she was going to move, regardless what Nawiri said. She wasn't in any significant danger, though some of her wounds might rip open anew . . . muscle fatigue and damage was the biggest concern, but any movement to begin the rehabilitation process was a good start.

One had to pick and choose their battles, after all. Chances were that the two would butt heads down the road on more than one occassion, and while there were certain lines Nawiri would not cross and topics she would put her paw down firmly . . .right now was not one of those fights. No.

It was good to see the lioness move though, good to see how far she would make it, how far she would go. This would be good for Mittere, at any rate, to let her figure out her own boundaries and let Nawiri assess her state of health as she progressed. The grey lionesses eyes didn't miss the fight and strain that was happening; she noticed the muscle movement, noticed the falter in her steps, the heaving of her chest as she panted.

Still, Nawiri said nothing and mere retreated a step, giving Mitter space and silently encouraging her to continue. While Mittere fought to walk to the mouth of the den, the healer concentrated on her body, reading the signs and taking mental note for future treatment and rehabilitation. While a few steps would have satisfied Nawiri, it was very clear that Mittere wasn't one who let the world or her situation get her down. Shew as a fighter through and through, even when the battle was against herself.
 

[mouselet]

Step by step Mittere moved forward, only peripherally aware of Nawiri's continued presence. Focused on her goal, she pushed her recovering body close to its limit. She wasn't so young that she could afford to push herself beyond that limit, but damn if she was going to give up what she'd once had without a fight!

The surge of anger carried her out of the den and into the sunshine, blinking in the bright light she hadn't seen in far too long. The pink lioness was greatly tempted to simply collapse on the sunwarmed stones, but that didn't suit her self-image. It was harder, in some ways, than walking outside had been, but Mittere managed to lie back down without falling. She was still panting for breath, but there was no mistaking the satisfaction in her eyes as she looked back at Nawiri.

"It's a start," she pointed out, clearly pleased with herself.  

[Uta]

Part of Nawiri wanted to fuss and fret over how hard Mittere was pushing herself. It was one thing to take a few steps, which was progress enough thanks to her condition! But to walk all the way to the mouth of the den, and to set herself down in the sunlight. . .well. . . .that was more than the healer could have asked!

Still, it was very clear that Mittere was going to push herself regardless. She was stubborn, and while this could prove useful to the pride, the queen knew there was a good possibility they would soon butt heads on matters and issues. Mittere was a warrior and a fighter, both physically and in spirit. She was a sort of breed Nawiri'chiwa never could be, something different, but something good. If she continued her progress without catching disease or causing her condition to worsen due to too much strain and overuse, there would be a great future for the pink lioness.

Giving a smile, her own pride and joy at Mittere's actions present, the grey lioness said nothing. What could she say? Trotting to the back of the den, she picked up the gourd that held fresh water, and carefully brought it where the pink lioness lay. Setting it down in front of her, Nawiri'chiwa dipped her head at the lioness. "Enjoy the sunshine, Mittere. Until we meet again." And with that, the grey lioness left the other. She truly hoped the sunlight would do the pink lioness some good . . . she had a right to be proud of her steps, to be proud of her improvement. Truly, she had come a long way. With luck though, and with the regaining of her strength, she would be able to find a place amidst the pride.

[.fin.]