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 Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 3:54 pm
Dakarai waited unhappy wondering why this had to happen. His father was coming, if it wasn't for the fact that his mother was happy, he'd had shown his true feelings on the matter. It wasn't that the little cub hated his father, per say, its just that he didn't like him either. Whereas his older brother was excited about his father showing up, and it was obvious his Momma was as well, he was not.
Playing along only for his Momma's benefit, he sat at the entrance, almost like he was awaiting the arrival, already wishing for good bye. All he needed was his Momma; his dad was just competition for her affections.
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Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:13 pm
Kei had made his short trek from the outskirts of the roguelands to the pride that his mate had called her home. With their cubs, he tried to visit more often, but his hunts and constant searches for a resting spot took up much of his time. To balance out his time away from home, the dark male tried to visit each cub individually so that he might better get to know them and spend quality time with them. On that particular day, he would be visiting Dakarai.
As he continued to come closer to the den that was increasingly familiar with each visit, he noticed the small, striped cub waiting patiently for him. With a grin, Kei continued forward and leaned down to offer a loving nuzzle, "Well, Dakarai, where would you like to head today?" Kei had hopes of showing his cubs the roguelands, but knew Shiri would not be a great fan. Perhaps he might show them the borderline?
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Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:57 pm
Dakarai saw the familiar black and white of his father, and his heart sank. Most of him hoped the white mane lion wouldn't show. With a small sigh, he remained still, not running to greet the lion as he would his Momma. He raised a paw slightly at the nuzzle and only returned it because he was raised better then to be rude. There was no way he was going to shame his Momma by acting like a brat; at least he'd try his best.
As he large father said his name, the cub looked up and wished for good-bye. It wasn't and now he needed an answer to his father's question. Not being a smart-alc or anything, his true response was unviable so he resigned himself and answered his father, "Some where new." He even gave a smile, even if it didn't come from the heart. Pulling his hind end up, he stood and looked back up to his dad, ready to go. The sooner they left the sooner he could get back, but he also looked forward to seeing something new, maybe somewhere he could come back to with his Momma.
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:03 pm
Kei had noticed that his cub did not run to greet him, but a part of Kei understood why. He only played half of a father to these cubs and each additional night he spent alone in the roguelands began to inspire him. He was not one for strict rules and ideals, but he was increasingly willing to let go of his grudges in order to raise his family with Shiri. The two had not planned cubs, but were pleased by the surprise.
"Alright then, i've got the perfect place," Kei said, thankful for the half hearted grin Dakarai offered him. Leading the way, Kei looked to his side every once in awhile to make sure his cub was following. We the two continued to walk, Kei thought it would be best to make smalltalk. "So, what's new, Dakarai?" he said, both curious and determined to learn more about his own cubs.
When he was in their company, the male could not comprehend how he could turn away and go. He was thankful to not run into Shiri at the den. Each time he left, he could see her eyes become more sullen.
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 1:41 pm
Daka walked along side his father, turning to look back at home as he went. Why was his Momma letting him go? Part of him understood enough, he was to spend time with his father and to get to know him. So, he went, walking away from home and his Momma to somewhere unknown.
The question reminded him about the fun he had, and the golden cub got a more animated, "I stalked a grasshopper a long way from home, I caught him, too! But I was so far from home, when I fell and got hurt, I thought I was lost forever!" Drama, but everything seems like forever to a cub. Leaping a few paces in front of Kei, but not under paw, he mimicked catching the grasshopper, and then the hero idolization came in, "Momma found me, she was amazing, and I was so far from home but she found me!" By now he was smiling and skipping along, remember then incident with the happy ending. "Hondrai was there too, he found me with Momma." Can't leave his brother out of the picture, now could he?
"I made new friends too, Shuman first, he is green and the son of Momma's friend, she had taken Hondari and me out and we met them." The cub was really nice; he loved the chance to make new friends. Even more so, he loved that he got to go with his mother and brother. Then there was Naga'nita and Tiamat, they were really nice as well. "I met two green cubs on my own too; they were Shuman's sisters, Naga'nita and Tiamat. They were both very nice and we played in the waterhole." He pounced at the ground again, dirt flying up and making him sneeze. Falling back on his bottom when he sneezed, he shook his head and made sure not to get left behind.
In his excited recounting of the new things in his life, his spirits rose and he stopped paying attention to where they were going. Stories done, he looked back no longer able to see then den. Already missing his Momma more, he turned to look at his father and ask, "Where are we going?" The curious cub had ears wide open to find out where they were walking to. It wasn't the watering hole, and he didn't think it was pride rock, so where in the Pridelands would be worth going to?
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Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 6:48 pm
Like Kei worried might happen, Dakarai did not seem so thrilled by the idea of leaving the den to explore with his father. Kei could not have expected any different with how little Daka knew him. When his son began to retell his adventure, the father grew proud. His sons seemed to be learning to hunt without him and while female lions were the greater hunters of their kind, Kei prided himself in being a remarkable hunter. He had hoped he might help his sons improve their hunting skills.
Kei listened carefully to the story, watching Daka's antics and cringing when the cub mentioned getting lost and hurt. Kei felt neglectful and while he was aware of the discomfort he caused the cub, he knew the cub was not intentionally making his absense aware. How could Kei allow the cubs to endanger themselves? He could only imagine how fearful Shiri was in that situation. "I am glad you are well.." Kei whispered, guilt overwhelming him.
The dark male lion was glad that while they walked alongside one another, Daka continued to talk. He was an energetic, loving cub, who showed a great amount of emotion in everything he did. Shiri had mentioned the green lioness, Chu'mana before, she Kei was aware of whom Daka spoke of. He was glad that Shiri had managed to make friends in the pridelands.
As the story concluded, Daka's chatter did not cease. He was curious and anxious to learn where they were headed. Kei released a light chuckle at his son, "If I told you, wouldn't that ruin the surprise?"
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Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 7:09 pm
Daka kept up with his father, sometimes jumping a few spaces ahead in play, but always keeping close. He didn't know where he was going and certainly wasn't going to risk getting to far away and becoming lost again. While he missed, not purpose, the guilt, he did hear his father's comment and responded back a voice full of pride, "Yep, its all thanks to Momma, she is the best lion in the whole world, nothing could really hurt me so long as she is around." He idolized his mother, but was not going out of his way to try to make his father' guilty. As his blue eyes shined with pure happiness, he thought of the comment as innocent not meant to dig at his father, a concept he could never understand.
Finally hearing something about the direction, he frowned a little. Looking back once more, he resigned himself to this outing to who knew where and just kept moving right along. Raither then back talk or try to pry an answer out of the mysterious figure that was his father, he just responded, "Alright."
As the cub he was, he caught sight of a butterfly coming their way and went on a short prowl. Crouching down, he crept forward, making a bit too much noise for hunting, not that it mattered with his prey. One back foot even hit a rock, making as small noise that would send anything with ears darting. Paying no mind, he took a chance and leapt at the wigged prey. With wings, comes flying, and it went above his reach in fascinating swaying.
Turning form the creature, he mimicked the hopping of the hares their family knew so well to make up for the distance his playing had made. Deciding to continue to try and make his momma proud by using all the good manners he had been taught, he asked, "What have you been doing, father?" He might as well make an attempt to get to know the lion he didn't care much for, for his mother's happiness.
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Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 8:20 pm
Kei could hear the absolute adoring tone of Dakarai's voice. He was so clearly smitten by his mother that Kei couldn't help but smile. It seemed that Shiri had the adoration of many males. The great dark lion chuckled again as he listened to Daka go on about how wonderful Shiri was. That was something the two could certainly agree on. While it might not have been made clear to the cubs, Kei was absolutely in love with the timid, golden lioness.
When Kei responded how he did to the cub, he could tell that the cub was entirely unsatisfied. Kei felt his heartstrings become tugged at a bit by the adorable small lion in front of him, but the surprise would be horribly ruined if he gave anything away. Kei had the impression that this would be something Dakarai and his sons would enjoy for a long time to come. That was, if Dakarai wished to share it.
As the two walked, it became clear that they were not staying in the pridelands. They had clearly passed by the border because a few scouts were posted, keeping an eye out for dangers. Kei nodded towards them in greeting and continued on. With a smirk, he looked back towards his son. "I know you're going to absolutely love this."
While Daka was distracted by the butterfly, Kei took a turn and made sure that his son followed, even while he played. They came to a thick clearing of trees and then Kei stopped. "I explore, Daka. And I want you to see what i've found."
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Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 8:51 pm
Daka was not aware they had left the pridelands, or that they were going to until he saw the scouts. Becoming more concerned, he looked to his father for answers. He seemed to think that the golden, pale-stripped cub would enjoy what he wanted to show him. However, he was concerned about the possibility his father would take him away forever. There were moments the young cub wanted to run back home and hope he found it.
Not knowing the dark lion very well, the fanciful ideas sprang up about all the dangers he could be lead to and the chance he may never see his mother again. The other side of the imaginative cub highly doubted his mother would have let him go if she thought she'd not see him again, after all, she loves him too much. Dealing for now, the cautious cub kept close and always watching.
So caught up in his own thoughts he nearly missed his father talking. Not wanting him to know he was on to him, in his mind at the moment, he smiled and played along, "What is it?" While he was concerned, he still trusted his mother's judgment and was giving much doubt to his theory.
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Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 8:58 pm
Still standing outside the thick trees, Kei's smirk grew wider. He looked back towards his son and became surprised. Daka's expression was not quite what he expected. The cub seemed frightened and concerned. While his smile disappeared, the male's tone grew soft and comforting, "Daka, it's nothing scary... Here, follow me." He had no idea what his son was scared of, but hoped that if he eliminated the surprise, the cub might grow more comfortable.
Stepping forward into the foliage, Kei continued to look behind him to ensure that the cub followed close behind. It was a bit of a walk once inside, but soon light could be seen between the trees as they became more sparse. Moving forward, Kei continued to encourage his son, "I brought you here, Daka, because I wanted you to be the first one to see it."
With a few more steps, the large stones became visible to both Kei and Dakarai. They were old and crumbling, but beautiful none the less. Kei padded forward farther and then turned behind him as though to introduce the ruins. "I found this while going on a hunt. I'm not sure what they are, but I thought you would like it."
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Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 9:15 pm
The different flora had his attention for a time as he became hopelessly lost. On his own, he didn't think he'd ever find his way home and no amount of roaring or chirping would bring his mother to him now. Trying to distract himself, he turned to his father when he spoke and just smiled even if he didn't feel it.
As much as he was considering that he had been taken away from his mother for good, the cub couldn't help himself. The place he had been taken was really neat. While he didn't know why he was who his father wanted to see it first, he was glad to see it. Like clouds leaving to let the sun out, the naturally curious cub was taken with the strange rocks.
"Wow!" he breathed as he went forward. Walking past his father, he approached the strange rocks, and sniffed. This was really different and neat. Climbing the stairs a little, the cub looked around and just wondered what it was.
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Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 12:56 pm
Kei, while not entirely sure when Dakarai was faking interest and when he was sincere, knew for certain that the exclamation was excitement. With a smile, Kei kept behind the cub, though allowed a distance between them.
While his son examined the ruins and sniffed around, Kei examined him with a grin. His son looked so much like his mother, but had his father's eyes. He was growing so large and Kei could feel the tension between them. How selfish had Kei been to remain apart from his cubs for so long. Even if he chose to stay now, would it change anything? Had the damage already been done?
"I know your mother won't allow you to come out here on your own, but i'm sure your other brothers would love to see these. Sometime when you're older, perhaps you will share this place with them? Of course, that's entirely up to you, Daka." It may have seemed strange to the cub as to why his father chose to keep this place a secret, but Kei felt as though he needed something very special, and unique to his son to remind him that his father cared for each cub seperately.
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Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 1:18 pm
Climbing over a particular rock, the young cub eagerly looked around every corner and tested the rocks to see if they could hold him before climbing higher. He only stopped playing around when he heard his father's voice. Momma wouldn't be happy knowing he was here alone, that much he knew already. So, he would have to come when he was not alone, maybe bring her with him and show her this sight as well?
Climbing down he excitedly came up with plans, "Naga'nita and Tiamat would love to see this place as well, I can bring my friends when we are older, and Hodari!" He wasn't as close to his other brother, but always felt safer around his older brother; this would be something to share for sure! The very idea of playing with his friends here just added in his playful behavior, pouncing on a passing cricket, making it on the second attempt. Letting the bug go unharmed, the young hunter went after a butterfly next before the ruins caught his attention once more and he started using them in pouncing practice.
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Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 1:35 pm
Kei was careful to watch his son climb about. If the cub were to fall, he would be quick to catch the small bundle of fur. With so many apologies to offer Shiri already, Kei could not face his mate if he were to bring an injured Dakarai back. Before bringing his son to this place, however, Kei had ventured through the ruins himself, testing out the stones and climbing about much in the same manner that his son was.
With a chuckle, the great dark male listened to his son's plans. He seemed rather fond of both Naga'nita and Tiamat. Dakarai was a gentle cub and Kei was glad that he had made close friends that he wished to share his secrets. "That sounds like a fantastic idea. And if you ever need directions, I can always lead the way. I have been here quite a few times and will be sure not to get you lost." He offered a friendly smile after speaking. He hoped that there might be a day in which Dakarai actually chose to spend time with his father.
Pacing about the ruins, Kei looked up to watch the sky. Their walk to the ruins had been long and while the time appeared to be passing slowly for the cub with his worries, the day was coming to a close. Looking over his son, Kei did not wish to end his games. "When you're ready, Daka, we should return to your mother."
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Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 2:14 pm
Abruptly, at the promise of going home, the cub stopped in mid action, paw raised about to go down on something he had seen moving. Looking around now, his eyes searched everywhere until something caught his eye. It was a big white flower. Smiling he told his father, "I want to bring a flower home to Momma!" After being away from home, he felt it was a great reason to bring something special back too.
Carefully, using what he saw another one of his friends do, he picked the flower up gently with his teeth, managing to spare the petals from being mauled. Proudly, he ran back to his father, ready to go back home now that he had something to bring back.
With the neat flower he had, it felt like an even better idea to bring his friends, they really were special to him and sharing this special place was a perfect way to show it!
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