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 Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:23 pm
He knew the direction by heart, even if he had been coming from a different direction all the times before. Normally, there was a straight line from the roguelands to the den where his family rested. However, this time he had gone the long way for two reasons. One, he needed to join the pride which he did, and the other was he wanted to completely surprise his family.
Approaching the den from downwind, and the far side, he moved silently, as if intent on a hunt. In both, the element of surprise was the difference between success and failure. Granted, this time, there was no such thing as fail, unless his news was greeted with too hostile a reaction. The only one he expected a bad reaction was, regrettably, from one of his young cubs.
Spotting the den, he looked for signs that the lioness and cubs he had so longed for were not only around, but perhaps outside of the den to enjoy the evening.
Dakarai was, he had a great day with his friends and had been very eager to return home. With it feeling so nice outside, the little juvenile was just outside the entrance lying on his side looking out, but every so often looking back. When he was around her, he loved to give his adoring attention almost completely on his mother.
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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 1:08 pm
Making her way to his side, Shiri lowered her body to lay down. "Looks like you had a busy day," She said, still smiling, commenting on how long the cub was out. "I'd love to hear about your adventure".
And while she waited for her son to respond, the lioness looked out from the den opening. It seemed the cubs believed they were growing so much faster than they really were. To Shiri they were still her babies, but she understood the need for freedom and independence. Despite this, it was difficult to have them away for too long. The mother could only hope they would return home soon.
As though the cub knew exactly what his mother was thinking, Hodari caught site of the setting sun and realised he had been out too long. Jumping up onto a tall tock, the dark colored cub tried to judge how much time it would take to get home and which route would be quickest. Jumping off quickly, Hodari laughed and made his way home.
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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 1:22 pm
Dakarai was delighted to have his mother's company, very eager to nuzzle her side and cuddle up to the center of his universe. He had, had a great day and was very happy about sharing it with his Momma. Beaming up at her with adoring blue eyes, the energy renewed in the young body and he sat up a bit.
"I went and played with my friends, Tiamat and Naga'nika!" That alone was enough to make a full day. Crouching down, the cub pounced lightly on his mother's forepaw in imitation, "Naga'nika and I went hunting for butterflies, I scared one right to her, and we caught it!" They really had, even now he could see the butterfly sitting on the light green fur of one of his best friends. "After that we went to the water hole for some more playing. She really likes it there." Having had noticed that, he was already thinking of new things that could go on there, since Naga liked it there so much he wanted to go back and play where she wanted to be.
Of course, thats not all, and the cub despite his day, was up and moving, nuzzling his mother's paw before going on, "Then I went to look at the view from Pride Rock, Tiamat found me, turns out they don't live that far from here! It was a lot of fun to see the view and talk with her." Both his friends were a lot of fun, there was no dull day for the cub, even more so when there were great people to spend it with.
Unbeknownst to him, his father had gotten close enough to hear the conversation.
Kei delayed his appearance long enough to let the little golden cub chatter on about his day. It brought a smile to his face to just listen to it. It was great he had friends, and that this little family moment wasn't missed. It was only after he felt he had given them the time to talk, and bond more that from the left of Shiri, he dropped a white flower her way, the same type as the one Daka had brought back from his outing. "Sounds like you had a lot of fun Daka, hello Shiri." Grinning to his mate, he didn't waste any time giving her a rough loving nuzzle.
Daka, was shocked into silence as the great moment was shattered, what was his father doing there? No one was supposed to go out, and he had already spent his time with him, so why was he ruining his time with his momma? Sticking very close to his mother, he stayed touching her while he hoped that the black lion would go away again.
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Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:43 am
A gentle purr came from Shiri as she leaned down to nuzzle her cub. It seemed no matter his age, Daka was always one she could count on to ease her worries and gain affection. Dakarai had been a dream cub, always obedient, intelligent and loving. He would grow to become a very devoted father and live a wonderful life in the pridelands.
Looking out from the entrance of their den, the mother remained alert to ensure that she knew when the others returned home. Unlike Daka, she was not sure about Angavu, Hodari and Jasiri. They were not bad cubs, in fact, they were very far from it, but she was not sure with them. Would they remain a part of the close knit family, or would they succumb to their lust of adventure of head off to fill their holes and find their true place to belong. Shiri had not been born a Pridelander, but felt a deep connection to the pride. Perhaps they would feel that same connection somewhere else?
When her son retold his adventure, Shiri returned her gaze and smiled proudly. It was such a rewarding experience to learn that she had done a great job on her first litter and they were making little lives for themselves and meeting others. When Shiri heard the familiar names of Chu'mana's daughters, she let out a light laugh. Daka seemed so attached to the girls and Shiri couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. She had discussed pairing both Angavu and Chuman together and here Dakarai and her girls were already forming a lasting bond. Daka would certainly make a wonderful mate to either girl.
So determined to give Daka the attention he deserved, Shiri did not notice Kei creep up from behind her. It was only when the white flower landed on the ground beside her that she looked up in time to spot the dark beast of a lion. "Kei!" She exclaimed, thrilled to see that her mate had returned to their family for a visit once again. "Did you hear that Daka has made friends with two little girls? Daughters of Chu'mana as well!" Shiri returned her gaze to Daka for a moment and was once again caught off guard from Kei's affectionate nuzzle. So pleased to be in both Dakarai as well as Kei's company, the mother beamed with happiness.
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Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 7:05 pm
Daka was in absolute heaven; his Momma's purr a sound better than anything that sang ever made. Glowing with joy, he paid absolute attention to his mother, looking up at her when he wasn't focused on telling and showing his adventures. He loved times like this, not that his siblings weren't great, but having time alone with his Momma was so nice.
He had no idea why his Momma laughed, but it made him smile more. Laughing meant you were happy and that was a great thing to be for important lionesses. If he had any part in making her happy, it was a million times better.
Of course, the scene was lost and he could only helplessly watch as his mother's attention was stolen from him.
Kei smiled warmly to his mate and son, nodding when she asked if he had heard, "I did, it sounds like he is making a lot of good friends. Its great to hear your friend's cubs are said good friends." Their families could become even closer should Daka find a mate among his good friends; the dark lion could only smile at the thought that it would make Shiri so happy.
Looking around, he asked, "Where are Hodari, Angavu and Jasiri? I have great news to share." It was a little hard not to just spill it, but he wanted to try to tell as many members of his family as possible that he was home to stay. Still fearing Daka's reaction, part of him also wanted to see at least one of his cubs happy to know he was home to stay; it was a deep remorse to know that even one of them hated him, and he feared all of them did.
Daka started to retreat, thinking it was his father that made his Momma so happy. He couldn't ruin that by being bad. If there was ever a bad time to misbehave, it was when Momma was happy and doing so would ruin it. Backing up slowly, he was getting closer to her back paw, planning on running and hiding away in the back of the den if he got the chance.
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 1:18 pm
While Shiri was pleased to listen to Daka's story, seeing and hearing her mate was something entirely different. The lioness was still very new to close relationships and while she did not have anything to compare with it, she knew that she would much prefer the type of relationship Chu'mana had with her mate.
Looking up at Kei, the golden female did not notice at first the shocked and displeased expression of her son. In fact, Shiri knew very little of the extent of Dakarai's dislike of his father. Wearing a warm, genuine smile, Shiri offered yet another nuzzle to Kei. Hearing that Kei had great news to share, Shiri's ears perked and she wore a very curious expression. "Good news?" She repeated.
Before Shiri was able to explain that the other cubs were still out playing, a familiar dark cub came bounding into the den. "Mom, I swear I caught dad's scent outside the cave-" Began Hodari, obviously glad to be home and eager to learn if his inkling had been correct. Without waiting for a response, the dark cub beamed and ran quickly into his father's large paws. "Dad! You came for a visit? Isn't it pretty late?"
Watching Hodari's response, Shiri couldn't help but let out a short laugh. Hodari was always so happy to see his father during his visits. While the two greeted one another, the lioness glanced down towards the small, almost cowering cub of hers. "Daka?" She whispered, ears lowering in a concerned manner, "Don't you think you should greet your father? It isn't very often that he comes to visit."
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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:48 pm
While he meant to keep an eye on Daka, to see how the cub was taking his being around, but his attention was pulled to his lovely mate when she nuzzled him again. About to tell the good news he was nearly bursting to share, his voice was stalled when he heard Hodari's voice. Smileing to himself, he looked to watch the cub in, delighted to see him.
Proud of his son's ability to reconize his scent and follow it, he smiled warmly as the cub came running to him. It was warming to see that he was happy to see him. Lowering his head, he nuzzled the cub and praised, "You have a great nose on you, Hodari!" Pulling himself back up to full hight he pressed on, before Daka made him lose his nerve, "I am not here for a visit, I am here to be where I have always ment to be, with my family. I am a pridelander." The word sounded strange on his tongue, a slightly bitter taste left behind like really bad carrion. It would pass, so much sweeter was around.
Dakarai froze when his mother spotted him. Thinking quickly, he tried to come up with a reason for his behavior that wouldn't seem bad. "Well, I.." Thank the heavens for his big brother, his timeing was great. Covering up his reluctance, with a almost a lie but with a bit of truth in it, the not built for deciving cub finished, "Its not fair to take the time from Hodari and you, Momma, I spent time with dad just recently." It was more then just recently, being that recently meant the last day or so, but it was close enough.
All he wanted was the attention and love his mother always gave in copious amounts, but even more so he didn't want to make her sad. His father made her happy, in his little cub mind, he saw his father as not only a rival for making her happy, but the winner every time. So, as long as the lion was there, he felt like he wasn't needed, though with his brother as well, there were plenty there to keep her happy so he could pull away as to not be a problem.
Then the news he dreaded came, it wasn't a visit. If it were possible, the golden cub would have turned white. Utterly distraught, he looked to his father as his heart dropped, he was staying! Not fair, he would take everything away, they were happy the way they were and now everything would change more. Hoping the news and Hodari would distract his mother, he sought a way to escape, now that he was going to be losing all the time and constently struggling to not show his dislike for his father. That would just make everyone unhappy and he couldn't be that selfish. The solution was obvious, hide and go away. Afterall, he'd be the only one with an objection and voicing it would make Momma sad. Backing up slowly, he was going to dart to the back of the den to hide and mourn now that his father was here. This didn't make him happy at all, but he was trying not show it.
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Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:32 am
When Kei leaned down to nuzzle his son, Hodari beamed with pride. Much like Daka's connection with his mother, Hodari had always admired his father and looked up to him. While he always thrilled to see his father during his visits, the long absenses did weigh heavily on the cub's heart. The complement of his great sense of smell, had the cub puffing up, in a similar manner as his father. If it weren't for the stripes and the striking green eyes, Dari could look as though he was the spitting image of his father.
Caught up in his own complement, Hodari almost missed what his father had said. "Where you belong?" The cub repeated, as though trying to fully understand what his father was saying. "You mean you're staying?" It was suddenly as though all of those excuses Hodari had created within his mind about his father's disapearances were suddenly worth it! His dad chose to stay and finally spend everyday with them!
Shifting his gaze to his mother, the cub tried to make sure what was happening was really real. "Mom? Is it okay? Can dad stay with us?"
When Dakarai finally let Shiri know just what he was thinking, the lioness looked down towards her golden cub with a smile. Thinking that her cub worried about upsetting her, she tried to comfort him by letting him know that she was not jealous of Kei. "Do not worry, Daka, I can promise you that you're father won't take time away from me. I am here as well and am glad to spend time with all of you."
Hodari's question caught Shiri's attention and she turned her head only for a moment in order to answer his question. His absolute happiness was observed before Kei's speech finally sunk in. Having grown up alone and only recently fit into a more normal lifestyle, Shiri was rather obedient about the idea of Kei doing as he pleased. Despite this, however, the lioness often woke in the night with the hopes that Kei would be there simply to surprise her with news just as these! With wide eyes, the lioness couldn't contain herself, jumping up and wrapping her two front paws around the great male's neck. "Oh Kei!" She giggled, feeling a familiar fluttering sensation in the pit of her stomach. It reminded her so much of when she first met the smug male and how he had managed to charm her even before she understood what feelings meant.
In Shiri's happiness, it was not her, but Hodari who spotted his brother. Quickly making his way to Daka's side, Hodari grabbed ahold of his tail with his maw, "Daka?" He whispered. Having grown up close to his brother, the darker cub understood his brother's feelings towards their father. Disaproving, Hodari's ears lowered and he nudged towards his parents, "Can't you just try and be happy? We're going to be a family. We have mom, dad and grandma. Our family is complete now." Not wanting to rat our his brother, Hodari kept his voice very low.
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Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:10 am
Kei tried to give all his attention to Hodari, though a little looked to Shiri and Daka. The time with Hodari was enjoyable; watching his little son react to the compliments was heartwarming. There was so much he missed by being away, like these moments of conversation. One might call it casual, if not for the reaction of some of his beloved ones to the statement that he was staying.
Watching Hondari, he turned his eyes to Shiri as the little dark cub asked if he could stay. That wasn't a question he thought to ask, he was certain that besides Daka's feelings no one would object to him staying around. The flying bullet he lovingly called his mate proved that with an enthusiastic response. Putting one large paw on her golden back he returned the gesture, purring and nuzzling her neck.
He had finally looked beyond his cubhood for the lioness he loved more than anything. He'd never guess that when he stumbled over her so long ago, that they would end up like this. Now, even if he was a pridelander, he wouldn't trade it for anything. Softly he told her, "I am home." It was a wonder to be able to say that and know it meant he would never have to be away for long.
While mostly reassured, after all, his Momma would never say anything false, Daka still held misgivings. Unable to picture the family life happy as it was with Kei there, he couldn't see himself near that picture like so long as there was one the other could not be there. His escape attempt was foiled by his brother. Looking back as he felt the tug on his tail created by his moving and his tail not, he looked surprised.
Why was Hodari bothering with him when Dad was back, he wondered. Resisting the nudge, the golden cub tried to slink forward, to get away. "I am happy," the cub was truly for them, because Momma was happy, "for you and Momma and everyone else." How could he explain how it was, how he saw it? "The picture isn't right with me in it anymore." It was as clear as he felt he could be, looking back to his mother, he sighed crest fallen over his image. Staying around, he felt all he would do was cause unhappiness. "Go over to Dad, Hodari, its only unhappy around me." Once again he tried to escape, to save everyone unhappiness.
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 4:39 pm
While Shiri was careful not to act too cub-like in front of her own cubs, she couldn't help but smile happily at the fluttering returning to her stomach. She was a mother now, but still felt all the same towards her mate. They had a family together and that didn't change anything between them. When Kei returned the affectionate gestures, Shiri began to blush and feel embarassed. She must have looked so silly in front of the boys!
Kei's sweet whisper had Shiri simply melting. Kei was offering her the one thing she was not quite sure she'd ever have; completeness. The lioness understood the difficulties Kei must have faced to join the pride that seemed to abandon his family when he was younger. And despite this, the male still chose to join and become a part of the pride Shiri chose for herself.
Hodari, absolutely taken back by his brother's words, grabbed at Dakarai's tail again. This time the darker cub wasn't so careful, "I said come back, Daka!" While his voice was still hushed, he was clear to pronounce his words boldly so that his brother would understand he was serious. "I won't let you run off to be upset by yourself. You're a part of this family whether you like it or not."
The dark striped cub wasn't entirely sure what had come over him. Torn with a fit of emotions seeing his father finally join them and his closest sibling try and get away, he was at odds with his heart. Following Daka's saddened expression, Hodari glanced back at his parents. It was strange how much Daka and Hodari truly resembled their parents and how different they really were from them.
Returning to look at his brother, Hodari released his hold on his sibling's tail and frowned. "Come on, Daka. Can you do it for? And mama? It's not the same without you here. I mean.. what's the point of dad coming if you're just going to leave?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 5:27 pm
His focus for that moment in time was his beloved mate. While giving up a part of himself, the anger he held from cubhood, he was gaining everything he didn't know he needed in life. Knowing how happy it made Shiri, and little Hondari, made it all worth it. Well, almost, glancing to the cubs, his stomach became the new home of his heart.
Giving her another rough nuzzle, he tired to distract them both, fearing what it might do to Shiri if she saw how miserable Daka looked and how it was affecting his brother. He was almost glad the other cubs were off playing, while seeing most of his cubs happy he was back to stay, it could also be much harder if they felt like Daka or were brought down by his actions.
Biting back a yelp, Daka stopped and looked to his brother, he wanted to escape, but at the same time didn't want his tail abused any more. He wanted to be off by himself, why couldn't his brother see that? After all, Hondari was happy until he looked at him, so obviously he was the problem. Though the implications he didn't like being part of the family brought a sputtered denial. He loved his family, just didn't like his father.
Getting his tail back, he tucked safely between his legs and looked the most sorrowful he had ever been. He didn't want to upset his Momma and brother, but he didn't want to be there either. Trying to explain, he told him, "I am the problem, you were happy until you saw me, if I had gotten away faster, everyone would be happy. Dad came because he wanted to, now that he is here, I don't need to be."
Shrinking as much as he could, he hunched his sounders and balled himself up, lowering closer to the ground as he did so. A golden rock trying very hard to go unnoticed, a whimpering golden rock at that. Not only were furry rocks not common, but its hard to not notice someone when you are talking to them, alas the flaws in that plan were as obvious to the cub as the flaws in his idea that it was either him, or his father, they couldn't be in the same picture together.
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Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:22 pm
Still caught up in her own happiness, Shiri did not notice anything strange about her two sons running off with one another to have their own conversation. The lioness assumed that they were both just as happy as she was about their father coming to live with them permanently.
From where she stood, she was unable to hear their surprising conversation. Had the lioness any idea about Daka's sadness about the situation, she would have acted differently.
When Daka continued to explain how he was the problem, Hodari only shook his head. It wasn't true! Not at all! With his ears lying flat against his head, the darker cub took a step back as though to tell his brother he'd let him go. Hodari could only hope that with time his brother might learn to love his father, or even just become used to him.
How could something that was supposed to be so happy end up upsetting everyone?
Glancing back for a moment, Hodari caught his father gazing in their direction. Had he known what they were talking about? Did he know how Daka felt about his presense? Returning to look at his curled up brother, Hodari offered a nudge and made a gesture towards the cave entrance, "Just run while they're both busy. I'll say Tiamat popped in and asked if you wanted to play."
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Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:44 pm
On didn't need to tell Daka twice, the moment he was allow to leave by his brother, he bolted like a bat out of hell. Zipping past his mother and father, he took a sharp right and went for the watering hole, figuring that was as good a place as any. Wondering if he could stay with his grandmother, he weighed options as he ran. Only the burning in his muscles distracted him but he pushed on. The farther he was, the happier they would all be, or so he strongly believed.
Kei kept silent about what he saw, Dakarai's reaction and then his bolting. While he couldn't hear what was said, he could see well enough. Giving a slight nod, he tired to show his oldest son that he had done the right thing. Keeping the distraught golden cub trapped in the den when he didn't want to be would do far more harm than any possible good. How to fix it, he didn't know. Then again, he didn't even know if he should tell Shiri, certainly it would be wrong to burst her bubble right now with her so happy.
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