|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:26 pm
It had started off as a simple question. Kule had not given much thought to her father's appearance before – she was so focused on making sure he felt welcome – that she didn't even think to ask about the strange feather he wore. She had spotted it one morning when she was napping with him, and had inquired about its origins. The young cub had been told that it was something that reminded her father about the place he had been born, a pride called the Ela'wadiyi. All of the pride members wore them, he had told her, and the ones he had met were heavily tattooed. The story of this pride had intrigued Kule, and a simple question turned into a childish fantasy.
She had dreamed many nights of what this tattooed, feather-wearing pride must be like. How big was the pride, she wanted to know, and did they stay in one place or did they move? Did her grandparents live there? Were there any members of her family there that she had never met before? After consulting with her mother, Kule had decided that she would seek out this pride and find the answers to her questions. It would be her new home, and a way for her to gain a better understanding of her father. If she could live in his paw prints, surely he would come to feel more comfortable around her. Things, however, hadn't exactly worked out as planned.
She had accompanied her family as far as she could before setting out on her own. The directions she had been given were not exact, and she had become quite lost. Kule wasn't sure she was even going in the right direction when she made her way carefully into the Ela'wadiyi pride lands. It smelled like a pride, but until she saw another creature she would not know where she was.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:31 pm
Much of the Ela'wadiyi lands seemed deserted. As the clans wandered together as large families, there were times where some of the pride's lands were vacant. Only the scent of the borders would ever alert rogues that they treaded on pridal lands.
It had been a lazy morning, but the sun had decided to hide behind the clouds as it reached up into the sky. With the direct sunlight gone, the heat that normally kept the old lion still had given him some freedom to roam around, like he had before he had a family to take care of. He had enjoyed the roaming, even if it was probably dangerous for a lion at his age. A restless mind kept a restless body.
His green eyes caught sight of movement. It almost felt familiar, as it was a common situation when he roamed the borders. He slowly made his way towards the form, intent on reaching the form before he grew too winded.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:40 am
Kule paused in her journey to reorient herself, ears flicking as she listened for the sounds of anybody approaching. It was hard to know if she would be attacked for trespassing. Usually lion prides that disliked intruders had border guards, but it was always a possibility that they were watching her rather than attacking. The thought of being watched made her shiver. She would have normally waited at the borders for a guard or another lion to come along, but she was anxious to figure out where she was. If she had not reached her desired pride then she would have to spend the remainder of the day trying to find shelter for the night. Thus, she had ventured into the pride lands, walking as close to the border as she could so she could run if push came to shove.
The sound of shuffling feet caught her attention, and the young lioness’ ears perked instantly. Someone was here, and by the sounds of it they were coming closer. Kule turned slowly, blue eyes darting around in an attempt to find the approaching lion, until her gaze finally landed on the old Ela’wadiyi leader. She had not been expecting to run into a lion that looked so old, but she could not forget her manners now. Being old meant he deserved even more respect than if he had been around her age. “I did not mean to intrude, kind sir, but I was wondering if you could help me?” She inclined her head. “My name is Atakuwa'kule Mila, and I seek the pride of my father, Yua'Lopoka. Do you know where I can find the Ela’wadiyi?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:51 am
Tawa'di's ears swiveled forward as the greeting came his way. It caused him to stop in mid step, his eyes narrowing to see whom it was. Such a long greeting was rare, and moreso in one so young. He took a few more steps before coming to a complete stop. Resting on his rump, as he felt that he deserved a rest, he let a little bit of time pass after her questions. It seemed that there were more outsiders curious on their lands. A comforting though, but Tawa'di knew better than to accept it all blindly. There was the Dark Fire pride still out there, and he wanted to keep all the children within their new lands safe.
"Welcome," he greeted with a soft nod of his head, his greying mane shifting around his neck and shoulders. He let alother moment pass, as something she had said finally settled into his mind. "Mila? I know of that name," he stated. "Long ago, but I know it." Not really that long ago, but it would seem like it to her, as he met Loa before she had been born. "He had spoken of you while you were still in your mother's womb."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:25 am
The young lioness’s posture relaxed a little when the elderly lion sat down. Perhaps it was sign that she was more welcome here than she had originally thought. If they sent such an old lion to patrol the borders, then they must not fear attack, at least not on this side. It was a comforting thought to know that she wasn’t going to get attacked by boarder guards on her search. Kule would have been quite embarrassed to have to track her family down, wounded, and explain to them why she had made such a foolish and easily avoidable mistake. Her father wouldn’t be too pleased about that.
She smiled a little at the welcome, debating inwardly if it was polite to sit down or if she should continue to stand. Though she had been working on her poise since she had last seen Adia, she had not quite perfected the act of sitting down gracefully. As she currently did not know where she was, Kule decided it was best to remain standing. She would no doubt have to move again soon if this was the wrong pride. Her expression brightened when the elderly lion said that he recognized her father’s surname. “You knew my father?” She blurted out, before she corrected her rudeness hastily, “What I mean is, you have met him? He traveled a little before he and my mother settled down. I assume you met him then?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:59 pm
"Yes," the old lion said shortly, clearing his throat. Hmm, it seemed that he had gotten a little bit of a raspy voice from the dust. Well, he'd try to do his best in speaking to the lioness. Swallowing a few times seemed to help, and so he attempted to speak again. "He had come here, as he had said one last time. I tried to get him to stay, but he had decided that this wasn't his home. I never expected a child of his to search for his homelands."
He paused for a moment, a twinkle in his eyes. Oh, that conversation was coming back to him, and it just tickled his insides to not at least mention it a bit. "Very interesting that it is a daughter of his, no less." He had always said how he was hoping for no daughters. And here, he had one right in front of him. The old lion's tail swayed on the ground as his mind ticked away.
What was she doing here, though? Was she curious, like her father was before her? He had barely toyed with the idea of her staying here. There was no other family of Yua's living here, so she would be a stranger to all here. Strangers were welcomed easily by Tawa'di, but he knew better than to assume that everyone else would do the same. He would have to test her, and see what to do with her. At the very least determine what she was here for.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:54 pm
If her father had come here one last time, then she supposed she had arrived in the right lands. What luck! Her day was already looking better and better. "He had my mother, though so I can understand why he would want to stay with her. I don't mean any offense to your pride, sir, but he loves her very much." Kule added the last bit with strong conviction. Her parents were perfectly suited for each other, she was sure of that. She had wished, as a cub, to be in a relationship like that, however as she got older her wish expanded to include all of her siblings. All of them should experience love like her parents. "I was curious, really. He could tell me little bits, but I guess since he didn't stay very long he couldn't remember the answers to all my questions."
Kule tilted her head at the daughter comment, puzzling it over for a moment. Was it really that surprising that one of his daughters was here? Or was it just surprising that she was his daughter and not his son? As far as she knew, she didn't have any brothers, thus making it impossible for a son of her father's to show up here. "All six of us are girls, as and as far as I know we're the only children he's ever had. Same with my mother." She smiled, and then added in a whisper, "I don't think he knew what to do with so many girls. He didn't used to like all of us being around him at once!" The young lioness couldn't help but giggle at the memories. Her father had had such a hard time dealing with all those girls! Perhaps he had told this elderly lion about his troubles.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:19 pm
The lion shrugged, his mane shifting around his shoulders with the movement. He took no offence to anything now a days, ever since their migration to their new lands. The effort just wasn't in it; he would rather get a chuckle than a growl out of someone. "There is no need to worry about that," he said, verbally giving her a pat on the back. "He found his other half, and that is someone no one should stand in the way of." His tail flicked behind him, a twinge of jealousy poked at his heart. He had never recieved that, but at least Mana had offered him a change to bear his children. He would most likely not live out his days to see them grow into their prime, but at least they were here.
He cleared his throat, feeling his limbs grow mildly shakey. Blasted old age, everything was ten times harder than it was when you were young. Determined to stay strong, he sat up just a little bit straighter than he was earlier, his eyes determined. That was, until he bursted with laughter at the news that all of Yua's children were female. "The one thing he had told me was that he had hoped they wouldn't all be daughters," he said, finally catching his breath. "But to think, six daughters! I have four myself, and I think they are a handful."
He shook his head, but a smile still appeared on his face. "Well, now that we are friends and no longer strangers, is there anything I can help you with, daughter of my kin?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:29 pm
She was glad that the elderly lion did not take offence to her words. He seemed to understand about meeting your one true partner, and it made her smile. Kule would have been very sad to find out that Tawa'di had not yet found a lioness to be the one for him. To not experience love like the love of her parents would have been very unfortunate indeed.
The young lioness was momentarily surprised at the laugh, however her grin returned once she realized what it was about. She had never met anyone who had known her father, and thus had never known anybody that understood her father's awkwardness around females. But Tawa'di knew him, and he even went so far as to suggest that her father had hoped that they wouldn't be all girls! Kule couldn't help but giggle at that. "I think he would have liked a boy. But he got used to us, in time. And you have four daughters? I would very much like to meet them one day." Her grin widened.
And then he asked her the hard question. Kule swallowed, momentarily looking down at her toes. She wiggled them once, and then, steeling her courage. The worst he could say to her was no. The lioness squared her shoulders raised her head to look back at Tawa'di. "I was wondering… if I could stay here. To join your pride, if that would be okay sir."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:16 pm
Tawa'di bowed to the lioness. "I am sure they would love that. They are a very outgoing group, and their mother would love a little help in watching them, if you'd ever want to stop by and meet them."
A small sparkle appeared in his eyes, a sly smile hiding itself on his face. Well, this was certainly what he had hoped for. "It would be a pleasure to have you come with us. There is much to learn, but there is also all the time in the world for you to do so." His tail flicked behind him as he stretched out his limbs, readying himself for a walk to the more populated areas. "I am not sure how much your father told you, but we are a pride that divides itself into clans. Each clan wanders the lands within our borders. We meet at certain times to trade stories and meet with old friends, and celebrate the good in our life. I'm certain you will love it as the past blood in your veins did."
His dusty paws patted the ground as he continued to speak. "This land takes good care of us, and I'm sure you will to it."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:28 pm
"I'll make sure to keep them in mind." Daughters of the pride leader! Wouldn't her mother be proud of her! Not to mention she was on her best behaviour and doing her very best to be polite. It was a pity that her mother couldn't be here to witness it all. But this was the choice she had made and she would stick by it. Nobody could ever say that Kule didn't do as she said she would do.
The young lioness looked positively thrilled when Tawa'di said that it would be a pleasure to have her live with them. Had he been her father she would have probably pounced on him and nuzzled his face, but she didn't think that the elderly lion would enjoy that too much. He already had four daughters, and he didn't need a teenage one who he barely knew.
Kule listened intently as the Ela'wadiyi pride leader continued speaking, taking mental note of what she was being told. So there were many clans, and each clan wandered. There seemed to be an emphasis on the land. It was very easy to understand. However, once question nagged at her mind. "I didn't know anything about the clans, so I don't know what clan my father and his family belonged to. Should I ask around to see if anybody remembers what clan they were in? Or is it okay to join any clan that would accept me?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:14 pm
The old loin nodded as he motioned for the springy young lioness to follow him. He walked a little slow, and the sooner they started, the sooner she would be able to find some things out for herself.
"Well, it's quite simple. The best path would be to choose your own clan. Speak with the clan leaders, or members of the clans. Everyone is very open to new members, as we're still much smaller than we used to be. With a little soul searching and a little luck, you will find the place that you fit in." He paused for a moment to let the words sink in, even within himself. "You should find what fits you best, and not just where your blood came from. We've changed as a pride, and so some of our traditions have changed as well." Normally they would have to stay within their pride, but Tawa'di adapted to change. Their hearts would now guide them to what they needed to do.
"The most important thing is to be yourself. Remember that. We've all got our silly sides, so there's no need to hide it," he said with a grin. "You're welcome to stay with my family until you decide. There is no need to rush."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:25 pm
Kule rose obediently at the gesture, and started to follow the elderly lion. The pace was slow, probably slower than walking next to her father, but she preferred this pace than having to rush around. It was nice to take things slowly every once in a while.
"Choose my own clan?" The young lioness repeated, a little surprised. She had hoped that the Tawa'di would suggest one for her, but it appeared that it was something she had to decide on her own. "Can you tell me a little bit about the clans? How many are there… and how are they different?" That sounded like a good start. She would get to know the basic facts and then make her decision based on that.
"Thank you for your invitation! I think I might have to take you up on that until I decide what to do. I'll try not to be too much trouble." Perhaps she should go looking for some of the clan leaders and meet them. Maybe that would help her make a decision.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:38 pm
"Since we had to merge as one for a while, the distinction between each clan was lost. As we're starting to split up again, though, there will soon be new traditions for our people. The main celebrations have to do with marriages, births, and even deaths. Life should be celebrated, and that is what really sets the clans apart.
"Most of them are one family, but do not feel like you would be imposing. Old clans were of very many families, and they always changed. The males join the clans of their mates, as there is a female Alu'nadi, or leader, of each clan. A male oversees the whole pride, but only really when there is great need of one."
His tail flicked as he peered over to check on her. He was summing up a lot of it, but the details would come with time. "Some clans are missing their Alu'nadi, so they have step-in leaders for now until their children grow. I hope I haven't rushed on too much information. Feel free to ask again if you grow confused."
He chuckled soon after. "And I doubt Mana would mind you at home. She would gladly take any help you would offer to make sure the little ones don't get in too much trouble."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:48 pm
So the celebrations differed then? Kule had never been part of a group that celebrated anything. She probably would have been able to experience such things if her father and mother had joined a pride, but they had not, and thus she'd grown up without any real knowledge or experience concerning the usual pride behaviours. Rituals, ceremonies, celebrations. She knew very little about them all. But that was all the more reason to keep on learning.
"No no, you haven't rushed it at all!" It would be very rude to make Tawa'di answer her questions again after he had taken the time out of his day to lead her back to the pride. Besides, it wasn't too hard to remember. There were several clans, most of which were just large families, and each of them were led by a female Alu'nadi. And then there was a male head of the whole pride, like Tawa'di. Easy to remember!
"I'll do my best to help out!" Kule grinned, making note of the name that Tawa'di had used. Mana… she must be someone important to him. "You've been very kind to me, explaining all these things."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
