[JRP] After the Morning Dance (Raidne x Siesha x Tari)

[Talencia]

Siesha's paws had stopped moving, though her heart still pounded a joyous beat, and her tail waved madly, occasionally swinging in a full circle before resuming a back-and-forth swish. This was wonderful! She and the lioness had arrived during the dance, and had been welcomed in. The very idea that such a place existed, where dance and song were used to herald the day.. it nearly struck the wild dog as speechless as her companion.

She shared a bright-eyed smile with Tari, as she had come to call the lioness. She suspected she never would learn what name the other female was born with, but names weren't who one truly was. Tari fit her, and that was good enough for Siesha. Perhaps, in view of their time together and now finding this pride.... perhaps it was time to settle down and leave her old life behind. She had traveled far, endured much, seen many people, witnessed rights and wrongs. Without having realized it, she had long ago matured into an adult, even in the eyes of her old pack. But now she did not believe her place was back with her pack once more. No, Tari needed her. And now they had found a home!

What a delight it had been to be expressing the feel of the newly risen sunlight upon her fur, the fresh air in her lungs, only to see their shadows stretching towards a group of dancing lions! Drum beats had throbbed, and voices were raised in adulation to the very morning they too celebrated! It had nearly stolen the breath from her lungs. And to be accepted into their midst! To greet the day beside souls like her own!

And now she sprawled beside Siesha, her dearest friend, who could not stay still, as always. She panted lightly, grinning up to see Siesha's tongue lolling as well. This was it. This was where she belonged. A place where her gestures, movements, dances could be accepted as communication in place of words. She thumped her tailtip twice in the dewy earth. Home. This was home. Even without having anyone speak to them yet, she knew this to be so.

So when a lioness approached them, she rose to her paws and greeted her with a deep, wordless bow. She didn't even need to glance at the wild dog, since she knew Siesha would speak for her as need required.;  

[Talencia]

Siesha's lolling tongue made a full circuit of her lips in clear excitement. "Yes, it was! It was fantastic!" She wanted to pelt the pridal female with questions, but her companion's bow was the right idea instead. She too gave a bob of a bow, her front paws tattooing the ground afterwards with the rhythm of her tail. "I am Siesha, and this is my beloved friend Tari." She did not mention that this was her own name for the lioness, as it hardly mattered. They needed something to call her too, and since Tari had previously expressed satisfaction with the name, the wild dog was certain it was suitable for meeting others.

"Tell me, do you do this all the time? Every morning, perhaps?" She leaned forward, so intent that all four of her paws began drumming counterbeats to her tail. "Tari and I communicate by dance, as well as by less defined movements." She paused, cocking one eye and ear at her friend, asking permission. At a nod, she continued. "You see, Tari does not speak. She is mute. And... well, to be honest, this seems like a wonderful place for her and I, where she can be understood for what she dances." Her mobile face was expressive with genuine concern for Tari's well-being. This place could potentially be a boon from the gods for her.


Tari listened and nodded when appropriate, but she also was watching the others. It was a relief to her to see that it wasn't just lions here, though for the most part it was. Still, here and there, she saw an individual that was different. Surely they would accept her friend as one of them? Worry concerning this made her shift her weight on her forepaws. She returned her gaze to the lioness talking with them. Hopefully she would hold the answers.

If Siesha could not stay, then Tari would not either. It was simple as that. She was certain that Siesha's bright spirit had saved her life, when things were at their darkest. She had listened, had soothed, had cajoled, and had brought out the best in the lioness. She would not abandon such loyalty and devotion. Not ever.  

[Talencia]

Dog and lion shared an amazed look of wonder at the lioness' words. They actually used dance to express important things in each individual life? Tari would have sang if she could, and as it was, she gave a great bound that turned into a twirling "chase her tail" move that she'd learned from Siesha. However, she stopped still again and gave the lioness a intent look, meant to catch her attention. Gravely, she turned and laid one paw on the wild dog's shoulder. She again met their greeter's eyes and tipped her head in solemn inquisitiveness. Was the wild dog welcome here, truly?

Siesah laughed aloud to see her friend so thrilled, but stopped as Tari's mood changed so dramatically and so quickly. She watched, ears swiveling in thought, as Tari motioned soberly. It took her a few puzzled moments to piece it together, since her own joy was so great. It startled her to realize that Tari wanted to be absolutely sure this pride would welcome her as an equal. The thought that they wouldn't had never crossed the wild dog's mind. Just to be sure the pridal lioness understood, she spoke the words for her friend. "Tari wishes to be sure that I am as welcome as she is."  

[Talencia]

Siesha's smile returned as the response relieved Tari's stress. The lioness visibly relaxed and returned to her happy state. "We are both very glad to hear that," she replied with a pleased sig, sitting so that only her forepaws kept moving. They slowed into double hop on one side, then a slow shift from one side to the other three times, then a double hop again on the opposing paw. It suited her relaxing into this new atmosphere. Imagine, an entire society based on music and dance! "What is this place called?" she asked with great interest. "Can you tell us more about it?" Clearly they both were eager to know more!


Tari heaved her own deep sigh of relief at the lioness' words. All would be well then, and this could indeed be home! She turned her eyes to consider the place as a whole. There was a raised section, with great logs that had been beat upon by some of the pride. Cliffs stood nearby, riddled with holes probably used as dens, she would guess. Water lapped nearby, near enough to make drinking an easy thing. There was much green growing things, so close to the water, and to her it looked like paradise. She nodded agreement with Siesha's questions. If this was to be home, she wanted to know as much as she could about it. For the first time, she also had to consider... would she and Siesha den together as friends, or would they choose separate, perhaps adjoining dens? Thus far it had been a moot thing, but here... perhaps they would need to discuss it later.  

[Talencia]

Siesha smiled, canine-style, eyes laughing and tongue lolling. This was a good place to be. She shared another grin with Tari before bowing once more to their hostess. "Thank you, kind one, for your welcome. We would love to stay and become a part of the Nchi'mahadi, and join or life rhythm with all those here!" She leapt to her paws, once again tapping out a frantic beat of glee with the pads of her feet. It felt good to be home!


Tari gave a soft chuff of breath and a thanks of a more feline nature, by moving close enough to bump her head against the lioness' shoulder. No purr vibrated her throat, but her expression of peaceful contentment showed that she would have if she could. She shot a look at Siesha and tipped her head away. They had much to discuss, and she was also eager to meet others of their new pride. It was time to take their leave.

Together they trotted off towards the dens, side by side, shoulders nearly touching, moving nearly in sync as if their hearts even beat one with another, connected without touching, now part of a whole beyond just the two of them.