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 Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:58 pm
She was worried about Shiri, she'd not seen a great deal of her since the confrontation- but Meme assumed she was looking for her friend, or her mate (whichever they were) to inform of the pregnancy. Shiri knew where to find them, if she wanted to come back.
"Cheshi," she mumbled, looking off into the distance for a moment, thinking about Shiri, "We should talk about something." Cheshi was feeling better than she had been in awhile, as she was becoming easier and easier to convince to come outside- as long as Meme was there with her, she was fine. The only problem was that she'd be a lot better if Sungura, Mnyama and Kutulia were there as well. As much as she worried about herself not being there for them, she didn't even want to begin imagining how things would be if something happened to one of them.
So she sat between Memetuka's paws, leaning against the creamy fur of her chest and watching for signs of her family's return, or signs of anything that might be hunting, especially from the skies. She was distracted when Meme suddenly spoke up, and looked from the distant sky up to Memtuka's chin.
"O-oh?" she stammered.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:26 pm
Meme finally looked down at Cheshi, though awkwardly because of their positioning and nodded- though she made sure she had an encouraging smile. This wasn't really an easy topic to get started on, but it was really important- Cheshi wasn't in the best of health the way she was living. She was a bit scruffier, though the trip to the waterhole had helped, and she was so thin and tired looking..
"I was just thinking," she started hesitantly, but she continued on, feeling she was good enough friends with the hares that lived here that she could talk to them if she wanted, "You worry an awful lot, you must be getting tired of it. It's not healthy.."
Cheshi looked up at Memetuka until she commented on the worrying, when she looked down at the grass anxiously. She'd never fully explained it to anyone, even Sungura, though she'd had opportunities. After all, she was a hare- she wasn't very high up on the food chain, she had every reason to worry for her own safety. And since her family was all the same, she had reason to worry for their safety too.
"Y-yeah," she mumbled, glancing back up, "B-but-"
The pale hare didn't know how to finish the sentence. She did worry a lot, she felt it was justified, and it wasn't pleasant to constantly need to worry.. but that's how things were.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:42 pm
"You're safe here," Meme said, taking Cheshi's pause as a chance to talk to her, try to remind and convince her of the safety, "You all are, as long as you're near the central lands you shouldn't be hunted and if you need extra security you know me, you're friends of mine. That should be enough for any Pridelander."
Meme frowned a bit, wishing there was something convincing to tell her. Clearly they were safe, nothing happened to them so far and everyone was quite friendly in the Pridelands. Shiri, despite all odds, had made it to adulthood.. it was very possible.
"Why isn't that enough?" she asked carefully.
Meme's speech surprised Cheshi, for she hardly had expected to be confronted about any of this. Especially since it seemed so out of the blue for it, she definitely had not caught on to Meme's attempt when they had run into Kazi. It was nice that Meme cared enough to try to help her, but Cheshi couldn't imagine much that would make the world seem that much safer.. she had a point about the Pridelanders, but you couldn't trust the things that wandered in.
"I- I know that," Cheshi stammered on, "But, it's just.. there's more than lions to worry about, too.. W-what if something else got us? What if-" She sniffled, thinking about her mother and what happened to her.. and thinking about how she hoped that never happened for her babies, and that nothing like that happened to them too.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:11 pm
"You've lasted this long," Meme pointed out fairly, though quickly added on, "Not that it won't continue. You shouldn't waste your life worrying so much instead of doing something more worthwhile, enjoying yourself, enjoying your family.. I wasted my whole youth worrying about what the pride thought about me, and I was accepted back as if I'd never left. Granted, I did not have to face my sister but.. I don't truly expect she would have thought much different."
Like Cheshi, Meme rarely talked so much about this, but she was determined to help Cheshi out with this. It was important to her, Cheshi would be happier and healthier, and more pleasant to live with if she only cheered up. SHe would be better prepared for if her daughters ever chose to go off on their own, as well. It was almost an inevitability.
"I know that, too," Cheshi mumbled unhappily, looking back down to her feet. She didn't know quite how to explain how she felt about all of this, Meme had some good points- and not necessarily ones she'd thought a good deal about. Unlike the lioness, she didn't think of one way Tuli and Mn could leave her would be simply by choice.. choosing to go off and have their own lives.
"But it can happen so unexpectedly," she continued quietly, "M-my mother- I never thought about it until.."
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:23 pm
Meme bit her lip, expecting something more than just Cheshi admitting to know all of this information. If she knew it, there were more reasons or it just wasn't enough for her. It was sad to imagine that she was so pessimistic about this, hares had reason to be frightened but they were in a safe environment and she had a wonderful family..
Suddenly Meme started to wonder why she cared so much. Aside from their friendship, she supposed it had something to do with her own regrets in life. She missed a great deal by hiding away as she did, she could relate.. but Cheshi was doing one step better by sticking around, at least. She was still there for her family. Then Cheshi mentioned her mother, and suddenly it made a bit more sense.
"What happened?" she asked.
There was no going back now, Cheshi realized. She could brush off what she'd said, but Meme knew something happened now and it almost felt nice to tell someone- to find a valid reason for why she was the way she was. Surely it would put the subject to rest, if only she could find her voice to explain.
After a moment's hesitation to gather herself together, she continued.
"My mother was caught by a hawk," she mumbled finally with a soft sniffle, "She got me out of the way, but not herself.."
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:51 pm
Well, that explained a lot.
"I'm sorry," Meme said sadly, curling her paw in closer and around Cheshi in an effort to be of some comfort to her, "But, to me, it doesn't sound like she was scared. She was somewhere where it could happen, for one, with you- for another. That says a lot, I think. She got you out of the way, she wouldn't want you to be so afraid.."
It was a lot to suggest, she supposed. And certainly nothing Cheshi didn't already know for herself. Perhaps it was a bit much to assume she knew this better than the hare did, so she smiled apologetically.
"I'm sorry," she said again, then tried another side of things, "You know what, though?"
Cheshi nodded along with Meme's words, already having thought about this herself- but part of her also felt that if her mother had been more careful, if they'd just been watching out a bit better.. then she would still be here and Cheshi wouldn't have been left all alone, missing her mother as she did. However, she was hardly about to tell Meme she held some blame for her mother in that respect.. nor was she about to tell Meme off for talking about it like this. She was just trying to help..
"What?" Cheshi mumbled, happy to try to get off the specific topic of what her mother might have wanted.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:00 pm
"I left Shiri when she was really small, too small to live without me almost," Meme said carefully, hoping that now her own experience would seem less forced and more natural of an explanation to Cheshi. Meme truly felt they should appreciate life, especially once she knew what happened with her own daughter, "She was supposed to have her father with her, he would take care of her, find a way to keep her alive and safe. But he left too."
Meme paused a moment, biting back a small growl at the idea that he would do that to their daughter- even though she did it, she'd left her with her father, someone who could (or should) take care of her.
"He didn't stay with her, and yet she's alive," Meme said finally, "I've seen her, you've seen her- alive and well. Despite all odds, she survived to where she is now. If anything, that makes things seem a lot brighter, and makes you appreciate life a bit more."
She hesitated, then added with a sad smile, "For me, anyway."
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Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 7:58 pm
Sungura had been returning to their den in the pridelands with Kutulia when he heard the faint voice of Memetuka and Cheshi off on their own. Curious about what they might be talking about, the dark colored hare bounded over and offered a cheerful grin. He was only slightly surprised to see that Meme wore a sad smile. It was beginning to become her trademark.
Unintentionally, Sungura lowered his ears sadly as he watched Meme. Clearing his throat, the hare tried to shift the conversation from whatever it was that they were talking about. "So, what brings your two ladies out here on your lonesome?"
"Yea. What are you guys doin'?" Kutulia added, having appeared behind Sungura not soon after he arrived. She wore a flower crown on top of her head, that gave away where her father had taken her. There were places in the pridelands that had such beautiful flowers, but they were Kutulia's favorites and her father did not spare much to make her happy.
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Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 10:20 pm
Cheshi was listening to Meme's story about Shiri, listening very carefully. She didn't really know what to say about it, how she should react- she was speechless, having a hard time imagining what it must feel like for Meme to know that's how life was for her daughter, let alone to admit it. Meme had a good point, something to consider, and the more Cheshi thought about it the sadder she became- she didn't even notice Sungura and Kutulia returning home from whatever adventure they had gone off on- until they spoke.
With near-tearful pink eyes, Cheshi looked from Meme to the pair of hares. She blinked a couple times and rubbed her eyes, managing to put on a smile. She was, after all, very happy to see them.
"We were just talking," she said, and dared to hop away from Meme over to them. Cheshi's smile brightened a bit when she saw Tuli's flower crown, "You're looking especially nice today, Tuli."
Meme's ears flickered when Sunny and Tuli came within audible range, but she didn't take her eyes off of Cheshi. It seemed almost like a staring contest, but she knew she shouldn't break eye contact- that was an important part of any conversation, and they were having an important conversation. She only looked away when Cheshi did, and immediately smiled to cover up the sad side of the conversation they'd been having. She didn't think Sunny would miss that both of them seemed to be covering after a certain kind of conversation, but Tuli might miss it, and hopefully neither would press Cheshi about it.
"Just chatting," Meme agreed with Cheshi, and smiled at Sunny while Cheshi went to comment on Tuli's pretty flowers, "You should be pleased I got her out of the den all by myself."
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Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 1:51 pm
Sungura did notice Cheshi's expression, but did not think long on it once she wiped her eyes and smiled. She appeared alright and the male hare did not wish to inspire her tears to return again. Whatever it was the two were speaking about, it could not have been a very popular topic.
When Cheshi began towards the two of them, Sungura wrapped his dark paws around her and smiled. Judging by her distressed state, the male assumed she could probably use a hug. And when she commented on Tuli's crown, Sungura beamed. His daughter did look radiant with the little flowers decorating her.
To the complement, Kutulia blushed ferociously. The pink to her cheeks added a great color to her usual pale form. With a nod and smile, she thanked her mother and held up a second flower crown, made from similar flowers. "We brought this for Mnyama, but maybe you would like it, mama?" Like Sungura, Tuli had noticed that her mother was not quite herself. Cheshi was always nervous and rather timid, but she did not always look so.. sad.
When Meme commented that she brought Cheshi out from the den on her own, Sungura almost became jealous. Since him and Cheshi had their first litter, Cheshi had become even more nervous, fearing for their lives and safety. Inspired by Meme's comment, Sungura was determined to take her out again to explore the beauty of the pridelands. Afterall, they were protected and there was nothing to fear.
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 12:53 pm
Cheshi stifled a sniffle when Sungura hopped forward and gave her a hug. She really was happy to see him again, and she was starting to feel guilty for how she had been behaving. She would never stop worrying, but she couldn't become a problem to her family..
When Tuli offered the flower crown she said was for Mn, Cheshi smiled and hopped over to her daughter to give her a hug as well.
"That's ok," she murmured, "I- I don't- I don't know where Mnyama went off to, but she.. she should be back soon.." It wasn't easy to get it out, and she did sound rather anxious (as usual) but the overall remark seemed optimistic.
Meme smiled as she watched the three of them, sighing deeply at having finally finished that conversation with the poor hare. She thought it would have been perfect if Mnyama showed up right now, though she sincerely doubted it would happen. The dark hare was very unpredictable, and seemed like she might stay away from the den out of spite.
Or so it seemed to Memetuka.
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:16 pm
Kutulia offered a happy squeek when her mother hugged her. Although in response to her mother's worrying, Kutulia also worried about her mother, she was glad to see that Cheshi was out and smiling. Something still didn't seem right, but the young hare did not know enough about emotions to really understand.
And by the way her mother appeared, Kutulia did not wish to ask and cause her mother to become sad again. They said that they were simply talking and so the pale hare accepted that.
"Aww.. Alright. I hope Mnyama likes it though!" Kutulia did not worry about her sister at the comment of her being away. Mnyama always came home with wild stories and her sister knew she'd be safe. "I wonder what Mnyama will have to say when she gets back!" It did not even occur to Kutulia that something could happen to her sister while she was gone.
Sungura's foot tapped the ground as he and Cheshi hugged. He was so glad to see her outside. As she went over towards their daughter to embrace her, he smiled. He was rather quiet now as he pondered some exciting plan for both he and Cheshi.
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 3:32 pm
"I'm sure she will," Cheshi said in a confident, yet still squeaky voice. She couldn't just stop worrying like that, but Meme had gotten through to her- and though Tuli and Sunny did their best to hide their concern she could see it. Still anxious, she glanced over to Meme for some reassurance before glancing back at Tuli.
"W-why don't you go see if you can find her?" she suggested meekly, for the first time ever suggesting that her daughter go off from the den. It was a great gesture, but she her smile was uneasy
Meme kept her spot off to the side, ever smiling encouragingly and just watching the group of them. When she was looked to for comfort, she nodded and brightened her smile a bit. Then, when Cheshi suggested Tuli go off to find Mnyama, she knew that might be a bit much for the hare to handle immediately.
"I'd be happy to tag along with Tuli," she offered, getting to her feet, "I think I saw which way Mn went, and a hunter is a good creature to ask for help in tracking."
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:55 pm
Kutulia brightened up when her mother suggested she go find her sister. The young hare had only ever left with her father and while she loved his company, she was excited about the prospect of being on her own! She could learn to be independent like Mnyama, whom she admired greatly. "I can do that!" She giggled.
When Memetuka offered to accompany Tuli, the hare's smile faded a bit, but then re-brightened when she thought the situation over. This was new for her mother and she wasn't yet an adult anyhow! She could listen and go with Meme. Meme was not as strict as her father and it would be fun to have a lion bodyguard along the way!
"Can I sit on your back, Meme?" And blushing, thinking her idea was rather silly, she quickly added, "To be higher up? I could see Mnyama better that way!"
As Kutulia prepared to leave with Memetuka, Sungura remained at Cheshi's side. "Mnyama is a smart girl, like her mother.. She wouldn't get into trouble. And with so many pridelanders about, someone is always watching over her." Sungura knew Mnyama was a troublemaker, but felt it better not to remind Cheshi of that.
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:26 pm
Cheshi stifled a sigh of relief at the idea of Memetuka accompanying Kutulia on the little outing, realizing just how much the lioness really wanted to help her. She smiled at Meme, and then at Tuli- just missing a clear view of the disappointed look in her daughter's eyes. Tuli seemed happy enough.
She turned to look at Sunny when he stuck to her side and reminded her that Mnyama was smart and tried to make her believe that she wouldn't get into trouble. Cheshi did not know the whole story of Mnyama's wanderings, but she somehow doubted it entirely.
"Yeah."
Meme glanced over at Cheshi and winked at her before looking down at Tuli. She didn't need to see it to know that Tuli might be disappointed, but she could easily explain it to the girl while they searched. At the request, the lioness smiled and rested her head on the ground, already in a laying position.
"Climb aboard," she instructed brightly.
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