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 Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 1:16 pm
Her father still worried about her, but she was an adult now and so he tried to keep from bothering her with his antics. She appreciated his sensitivity, but the special attention did nothing to make her feel better.
So once again she found herself at the edges of the Pridelands, staring out longingly over the landscape on the other side of the border. In the past couple of days, she had an increasing urge to simply cross the borders and leave. She would come back eventually, but she felt that she needed to get out and explore, to do something new with her life and relieve the stress.
"Hmm," she spoke aloud, settling down upon her haunches in the shade of a tall tree. She sank to her belly and rested her head down upon crossed paws. The heat of the day was making her tired, and she felt that a nap would do her some good. So she closed her blue eyes and drifted off into sleep, her white form standing out against the green of the borders.
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Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:06 pm
He had been spending some time here now, never venturing too far into the borders but not leaving either. Amesi was here, and she was so nice and caring, so unique, much like himself, and Ekage didn't want to pull away from a friend he enjoyed having, pull away from company that made him feel somewhat at home. Flicking his tail he walked the edge of the border, eyes scanning around, something white upon grey caught his deep brown hues, and his path was presented to him.
"Amesi?" he called out in a soothing tone, she seemed to have..grown, since the last time he conversed with her, grown into a fine lioness indeed.
She was still small...though her size was made up for with her big heart.
As he got closer, he noticed her eyes were closed, and he tiptoed forward and lay by the edge of hte rock, trying to not wake her.
He could wait for her to wake.
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Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:53 pm
Amesi had the strangest dream. She was running through a strange place, some place that was dark and rather scary. But one thing she noticed that distracted her from this was the fact that her running was undisrupted by her weak heart. There was no hard panting, no exhaustion, no blood pounding dangerously in her ears. She was running freely and with nothing to stop her. This gave her joy, but even as happy feelings overcame her, they were turned dark by a shadow ahead of her. The shadow was of a large figure, ominous and looming. It bared pearl white fangs stained with the maroon of blood.
She tried to stop her running, or to turn away before she was engulfed in the jaws of the monster. But something kept her paws moving in just the direction she was trying to avoid. Yet just before it seemed she was about to be devoured, a soft voice called to her.
The Amesi in the dream turned her head and looked up, towards a light that suddenly appeared. The voice seemed to come from there. Hurrying, she turned towards the light and suddenly found herself awake, unscathed and unharmed in the same place as she had lay down to rest, but her breathing was heavy and ragged.
Scared blue eyes searched around her and that was when she noticed Ekage laying not too far away. Suddenly relieved, she swallowed then rose to her paws, immediately walking over to him and enjoying the comfort he provided.
"Ekage," she rasped, shivering as she sank down to her belly next to him. "I had the worst nightmare!"
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Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 2:07 pm
Ekage's eyes met Amesi's and he watched, her, stood and then sat back on his haunches, tilting his head in question, worried expression in his eyes, "Are you alright now?" He stood and walked over to her, hesitated, then gave her a gentle nuzzle against her cheek-the hesitation was for fear she might be worried by such close contact after her nightmare.
"Its alright now, I'm here, you'll be perfectly fine," he said with a smile and a nod, "I'll chase any monster away," he said giving her a silly smirk in an amttemt to make her laugh and be calmer.
He didn't want her to be upset.
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Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 3:03 pm
Amesi had at first been frightened by the contact, but only because the fear from her nightmare still lingered. After she realized that it really was Ekage, however, she sighed in relief and nearly melted into him. She closed her eyes and let her side touch his as she leaned against him. Her eyes shot open a second later, her nightmare having resurfaced within her minds eye when they had closed, but she attempted to remain calm.
"I'm f-fine," she stammered, her breathing still a bit laborous. As he continued to talk and soothe her fried nerves, her breathing smoothed out and she found that she wasn't shaking anymore.
When he said that he would chase away any monster, she looked at him with bright eyes. "Thanks, Ekage," she said sincerely, truly appreciating the offer even though she knew there wasn't really a monster. It had only been in her nightmare, but that didn't make it any less scary.
Realizing how dumb she must look, getting scared over a mere dream, and that her body was touching his, Amesi folded her ears back in embarassment and slowly peeled herself away from his soft fur. She had enjoyed the comfort, but she wasn't sure if the male appreciated her sudden closeness.
Flicking her tail and looking down at her paws sheepishly, the female asked, "So what are you doing so close to the Pridelands again?" Thinking that that might sound rude, she closed her eyes in silent self-loathing then opened them again and tried to recover. "I mean, how are you?"
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Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 7:50 pm
"You sure?" he asked simply, with a smile on his face, tilting his head to the side so that his mane fell over his eyes slightly. He flicked his tail and watched her, he couldn't help but smile when he was around Amesi, just something about her calmed him, it was a nice feeling, so nice. He quirked a brow to appear amusing and watched her, listened.
So close?
He had never left.
"Oh you know, wandering around, coming back to say hi of course," he said, brown hues fixated on her, "Its nice being here, so nice, especially with you for company," thankfully his mane shadowed hte slight blush that came to his cheeks.
He felt hot..and strange, but a good feeling none the less.
"I'm alright, how about you Amesi? Besides the fact of course that you've grown into such a lovely lioness."
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Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 8:04 pm
Amesi nodded, determined to regain herself. What an idiot she must look like! She blushed at the thought of seeming like an idiot in front of Ekage. She didn't know why, but something about him made her want to be the best that she could be and to always be perfect, even when she knew she wasn't.
Shaking her head as if to shake off the last of the nightmare, the female seemed to remember that the male had always been around the Pridelands recently. Her dream must have screwed up her thinking and made her believe that she hadn't seen him in a little while. Frowning, she tried to completely relax so that her thoughts might flow smoother.
When he spoke that he always came back to say hello, she smiled warmly at him, butterflies flitting about in her stomach. Her cheeks flushed slightly when he complimented her, saying that she was always nice to have for company. She was flattered, but wondered suddenly if he had stopped his search for his family in order to stay around her. Ears folding back slightly, she thought it horrible that she should be the thing to keep him from his family.
"But what about your family?" she asked quietly, blue eyes reflecting in a sad light. "Are you not searching for them anymore?" Padding closer to him, she glanced at her paws then up into his eyes. It made her sad to think that he might not ever see his family again, and all because of her! Tentatively, she licked his shoulder. "You shouldn't stop looking for them because of me," she told him, although the sadness in her voice revealed that she would be very forlorn to see him leave. She had come to enjoy his company and constant presence in her life.
But he had asked her a question, and she felt obliged to answer lest she be rude. "I'm... scared, honestly," she sighed. "I want to leave the Pridelands and explore but... my family and friends are here, and you're here, and my sick--" She cut herself off before she could finish the sentence. She couldn't remember ever telling him about her mysterious illness that severely restricted her activities. She didn't want to have him worrying about her as well, along with her father and her mother and her great great grandmother...
Blushing at the compliment, Amesi shook her head. "I'm the same, really. Still small." She huffed. Always small.
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Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 12:55 pm
Ekage watched her, smiled, her voice was so soothing and calming, mesmerizing in a way. Deep brown hues stayed settled on her, and he couldn't help but let his smile stay upon his face, she would always be able to make him smile like no other he had ever met beyond his blood family that he had known.
Known so long ago.
Had long had it been already?
"I've searched for them, but have come to think of what if they are looking for me as well, and we are merely going in circles around each other? If I stayed in one place, perhaps I might have better chances of seeing their faces once more," one place meaning the pridelands, here.
Right here.
"Amesi my dear, I do not stop looking nor does your company keep me from them, I like it here, I like being here with you. Its been so long since I have been able to stay in one place, so long," he said with a nod.
Because of her, he had somewhat of a home now.
He had someone...besides his shadow.
Scared? He didn't wish for her to be scared, not at all. She still wished to venture, though something held her back, family, something else?
...Sick?
His eyes held some worry, and it showed in compassion in his deep brown eyes. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern, though not babying her in any type of sort.
"You know, I can tell you of all the places I have been, whenever you want, I can take you places nearby that are merely day trips, but take us from the Pridelands for a short time, but you'd be able to come home."
He could try to do so much for her.
Though sick...he prayed she was alright.
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Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 7:02 am
The female listened to him carefully, nodding her head when he had finished speaking of his thoughts about his family. That made sense, and she had never thought that that could be happening. If that truly was the case, then she felt suddenly happy that he stayed around to visit. Strongly, she felt that his reunion with his family was a little closer.
"Well, so long as you won't give up," she relented, though it wasn't very hard to agree to let him stick around. It wasn't her choice anyways, but she felt somehow that if she didn't want him around, Ekage would leave to make her happy. What was that called?
Smiling as he spoke that he liked it here and that he liked being in her company, she flicked her tail and looked down at her paws somewhat shyly. She definitely like his company as well. It was practically the only reason she still hung about the borders of the Pridelands. The prospect of an adventure outside of the Pridelands had vanished long ago, and she found that staring across the borders only made her depressed. Ekage, on the other hand, did just the opposite, and she found that she could tolerate the borders when he was around.
When she let it slip that she might not be as well as she appeared, Amesi shook her head and turned away. Already he was worrying! This was exactly what she had wanted to avoid.
"I'm f-fine," she lied. "Forget what I said."
At the possibility of him acompanying her on her adventures, or at least that's what she thought he was offering, she brightened up and turned back to him. "Would you leave the Pridelands with me?" she asked, blue eyes bright and excited.
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Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 3:45 pm
"I won't, I'd never give up on my family, ever," he said smiling. Amesi seemed so interested on him and his want to see his family, his chances on seeing them here, not wanting him to give up, it was so kind, and he appreciated it greatly. Never before had someone seemed to be so intuitive with his ideas and opinions about his choices on what to do about his lost family.
He watched her as she seemed upset at his question to her, and his ears folded back in an apologetic manner, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry," he said somewhat softly, the expression in his eyes saying he was sorry to put his nose where it did not belong.
Though he did worry, however she was a grown lioness, and Amesi was strong.
f she needed help, he had no doubt she would seek it out, and if that was the case, he'd be there to lend a paw if she ever needed assistance.
"Leave here? Why yes tis what I said my dear," he said with a smile, "We can leave today and come back tomorrow, or tonight if you prefer," he wasn't sure if she'd want to spend the night away from home, and along with a male at night, even if they were friends.
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Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:03 pm
If he was surprised at all that she was so interested in him being reunited with his family, she would have been surprised. It was simply in her nature to be automatically interested and concerned for others. If they were happy, she caught the emotion and was happy for them. If they were sad or worried, then she worried too and did whatever she could possibly do in order to make things better for them.
"Good," she smiled brightly, an inaudible purr rumbling from deep in her chest. She wasn't so naive anymore to think that it was a definite, happening thing, him reuniting with his family. But if he never gave up, then at least there would be somewhat of a chance.
Shaking her head, she felt that she needed to apologize to him, not the other way around. "No, I'm sorry," she said quietly, a frown appearing on her delicate face. "I just don't want you to worry, like Daddy and Gran," she explained. "I've had it since I was born; Daddy says I got it from his mum. I don't know what it is exactly, but my dad says it's something like a weak heart or lungs. I can't do too much physical stuff or I'll get exhausted and I can't breathe--that's why I can't hunt. There have been times where I wasn't able to leave the den for days at a time because I got too sick." Her tone was forlorn and quiet as she spoke. It was a great weakness, and she hated possessing it.
"That's why I'm scared of leaving the Pridelands," she continued. "If I get too sick, and I'm all alone, there's a good chance I might..." She didn't finish the sentence, both because she felt he could figure out what she meant and because she didn't want to say it. Amesi refused to believe that her illness would be her downfall.
When Ekage spoke that that was what he had meant, the female shook her head. "No, I mean leave. Like leave. For days and days without coming back. I want to explore the world, Ekage," she persisted, blue eyes desperate. "I'm tired of seeing the Pridelands day after day. I want to see something new!" She turned to the border of the pride's lands and lifted her head for emphasis, as if she were indicating the whole other, unexplored side of that invisible barrier. Turning back to Ekage, she smiled sweetly.
"And if you go with me, I won't be sad to have left you behind. And Daddy and Gran won't have to worry because you'll be around to protect me." She made a face, as if she didn't think she needed protecting, but she understood her elders' logic and didn't argue. "So will you?" she asked again.
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Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:22 pm
Ekage stayed silent an listened, such an affliction should not be upon Amesi, she was strong and kind and she did not deserve such a thing to lay upon her. He assumed because of this she had been protected thoroughly, perhaps never left alone for quite some time, almost suffocated by over observing family members. It was right to do and not so right at the same time, she needed space to grow, and in his opinion, she had grown into a lovely lioness despite the supposed weak heart she had.
Though he knew that her heart, and will, and spirit was so strong.
"Despite what you may have, you are still a beautiful and strong lioness Amesi, don't et anyone ever tell you different." He took a step towards her, and purred and rubbed his cheek against hers softly, "I've seen the strength in you, and others should be able to as well, or they are foolish Amesi."
He pulled back and offered her a smile, knowing what plagued her heart, he worried some, though didn't want to dash out her dreams. "I can protect you, and I will, though I must confess, the Pridelands compared to the lands very distant from here are much more lovely. Desert sands and thirst are not that great, however, other places, closer, more lovely, like the jungles, I can take you too. Then I-we, could come back to the Pridelands after our adventure and maybe we-I...could finally have a home."
Though it was up to her, he hated the idea of dashing her dreams but..he didn't want to put her in danger either.
He didn't want to think of what over working her heart would do to her, he didn't want to fathom the possibilities.
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Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:53 pm
Amesi had somewhat come to terms with her affliction. She had had to deal with it her entire life since she was born, and she had grown accustomed to it. She had adjusted and adapted, living so that her illness didn't disrupt her life too much. But there were still occassions where there was simply nothing she or anyone else could do, and she was at the mercy of fate. So far, however, she had survived. And she didn't plan for that to change anytime soon.
At the compliments, she lifted her head proudly. Others only thought of her illness and what she couldn't do, but Ekage saw everything that she could do. He saw her potential, and that was one of the many reasons she found herself continuously seeking out his company. "Thanks," she spoke somewhat shyly, automatically returning the gesture when he rubbed his cheek against her. Butterflies flittered about in her stomach as she leaned against him slightly.
When he pulled away, she felt the absence of his body heat like she would feel someone ripping off her fur. She resisted the urge to mew like a kit and cling to him. Instead, she distracted herself by listening to his words. Again with the protection, but this time she didn't mind so much. It felt almost good to have him worried about her so quickly, like he had some significant feelings for her. This thought warmed her heart, but she wondered if she was reading signs that weren't even there.
"You think so?" she asked, hesitant about her plans now. Ekage was more experienced than her when it came to outside lands, and she impulsively trusted his judgement. When he mentioned that he might finally have a home he stayed in the Pridelands, she wondered if perhaps this was such a good idea. With him still in the Pridelands, she would have no one around to help her if she needed it. She didn't like to admit it, but she needed others around her in case something went wrong that she couldn't control.
"Well, if you say so," she spoke, almost sadly. But there was a new idea that had sprung in her mind: she would be able to stick with Ekage and still be able to go on adventures to the immediate areas surrounding the Pridelands. In a sense, she would get everything she wanted.
Purring, she nuzzled the underside of his chin. "If you will be here, then I find no reason to ever leave."
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Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:59 pm
Ekage smiled, "No need to thank me for things that are already what they are, others should see it too Amesi," he nodded slightly, blinking he let his dark hues fixate on her, and he felt warm, a good warm. He toyed with the earth beneath his right paw, and nodded, "Yes, some places aren't as grand, though I can tell you stories of them, definitely if you wish," he said with a smile and an idle flick of his tail.
Seems like he might have a place to belong after all.
He felt saddened by her tone, though her next words touched him so in a manner he felt complete in a way he had never known or felt before. He purred as she nuzzled under his chin and he softly rubbed his cheek against her neck in a manner to return the gesture.
Life felt perfect.
"We'll have wonderful adventures Amesi, together."
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Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 11:20 pm
Amesi frowned. "They should, shouldn't they? But they don't," she mused aloud. Everyone seemed to think that she was some delicate flower, not good for much but for something to worry over. She felt worthless when all she could do was cause stress in her parents and in others, and she wanted desperately to prove herself. She felt that going out and exploring the world, conquering it in her own way, would show everyone how truly strong she was.
But Ekage... he seemed to already know that she was strong, and not a little cub anymore. She was capable of looking after herself and didn't need a nanny every second of her life.
Nodding, the female smiled at him. "I would like that," she spoke quietly. "If I can't see them for myself, then hearing about those places by someone who has is the next best thing." Especially if that one who had seen the places was Ekage. For some reason, she felt more attached to him than she would have ever thought possible. She was attached to her parents and to the rest of her family, but somehow that was different from this. This was something else. Something entirely new for her. But what?
Figuring it was best not to question it and to simply go with the flow, Amesi leaned against him. "Together," she repeated, warmed by the term and what it implied. "So you will stay in the Pridelands?" she asked, every fiber in her being shaking with anticipation. Was it possible that he would never be far from her ever again? Thinking it might be so, she simply couldn't wait for his answer.
Bright blue eyes turned to him as she rested against him, a new emotion shining through.
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