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 Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 3:45 pm
 Siti moved away from her den and toward the beach. Her cubs were awake but Korrin was watching them for her and she took the moment for a much need brake. Siti journey down to the beach was a short one and as she stepped onto the sandy beach she reveled in the its now familiar feeling. She took a deep breathe and listened to the oceans waves, stopping for just a moment. She then released her breathe and walked down toward the water.
Hadaya was not a fisherman. He had no idea how to swim, and was not particularly used to the way water felt as it rolled against his legs. Still, if he was going to live by the water he was going to have to get used to being in and around it. Standing in the shallows, he sniffed at the strange air that gently came off the water, closing his eyes for a moment to feel the movements and get accustomed to it all. Finding himself peaceful, he was not aware of another presence until he heard a faint splash.
Turning his head, he spotted a familiar lioness moving in the water. Jaw dropping, he literally leaped and turned towards her, splashing his way over haphazardly.
“It’s you!” he called, not too subtly.
Siti had not really been paying attention to where she was going or who was around, she just walked. So it was quite a surprise when she looked up and had a lion running toward her. She almost took a defensive stance, but a second glance she realized that she recognized the pelt of the one running toward her.
It was Hadaya and it seemed as though he had recognized her too. He run over rather noisely and when he said it was her, she said, "Why yes it is?"
"I was wondering when I would run into you. Thili told me you were her and that he had adopted to you. I was quite surprised that I had joined the same pride you found you way to." It was all to surreal, and Siti was surprised she joined a pride that had member she'd already known.
“Yes, Thili!” Hadaya said, panting and torn between laughing and apologizing, “I’m going to live here now, and I didn’t know you were here too! I was just… getting used to the water, I guess. These plains must be smaller than I thought, though, to meet you again.”
He looked down at the water with some guilt, “I’m sorry about running away last time. I really messed everything up and… I didn’t want to stay and have you mad at me… but I shouldn’t have run off like that. It was rude of me, not to mention you might have been worried or angry. Probably the latter. But anyway, how are you now?”
He perked up, smiling happily. He liked running into creatures he knew, because he was often friendless. Having people he knew around, particularly in this new place, was a blessing to the awkward, socially inept lion, “do you like living here? Have you met any of the other pride members? I’ve run in to a couple. It’s a nice place, so far. I just hope I don’t mess it up…”
Siti almost laughed, although Hadaya had grown he was still the same and Siti listened carefully to make sure she got everything he was saying. "Yes, I guess they aren't all that big after all."
Siti had not been expecting an appology from Hadaya, but she smiled when it was given. "It's okay that you ran away. I figured the whole situation may have been a bit to much for you and I was worried for you, but never angry. It matter not however because you are forgiven. " Siti hoped Hadaya felt less guilty being forgiven and moved onto his next question. "I am doing well. I have adopted 2 son and had a litter of 5 just recently. How are you doing Hadaya?"
Siti was happy Hadaya seemed at least a bit more confidant and seemed happy and well fed. She was happy to hear him asking questions and less shy. "I love living here," she said to him. "The ocean is beautiful. So far I have met Sen, Jethro, and Thili. Meeting Thili was quite a surprise because we haven't seen each other since we played together as cub. We were good friends back then, it was nice to catch up."
"How long have you been here and whom have you met?"
“You had cubs? Congrats! Thili and Sen are having cubs. That’s kind of weird for me. I feel like I’m… so new to the family and… and now they’re having cubs and I don’t know if I’m supposed to be a big brother or not? I’m not sure I know how to do that, so I’m a little worried. But I want to help them with it if I can. I want to be a hunter, and provide for them, and if not I could always… watch the cubs… though, I wouldn’t trust me with really young babies.”
He laughed and shook his head, only half joking, “you even adopted sons? People around here seem to do that a lot. I think I like this pride more and more, the longer I stay in it and the more I talk to people. It’s nice that lions can be so… open, I guess. And welcoming.”
“I’ve met Jethro. He’s nice. I’m a little… intimidated by him though,” a little was an understatement. Still, Hadaya was going to look up to that male and see if he couldn’t learn a thing or two, “I haven’t been here very long, though. Thili was nice enough to take care of me after… a weird, scary time. I had a vision and some… other lion… attacked me, and I ended up running all the way to here. But it’s okay now.”
"Thank you very much. I love them very much and am very happy to have had them." Siti was suprised at Thili and Sen's having more cubs. She had not heard of a new litter from Thili as of yet and wondered if it was simply because she was so busy with her 7. "Tell Thili and Sen I said congratulation on their new litter, I know Thili wished to have more cubs with Sen. And Hadaya I would I would not worry about the cubs if I was you, I'm sure Thili thinks of you as a son and that the cubs will see you as a brother. You will be great at it, hunting, cub sitting and all."
"Yes, I have noticed that as well. My oldest adopted son is Udo and he is about the same age as you and the second is Korrin and he is a bit younger, but older than my new litter. I fall more in love with this pride each day as well. It is such a wonderful place." Siti smiled as the water from the waves washed over her paws, she loved the tree very much, but it seemed as though she loved the water nearly as much.
"It okay to feel intimidated, but remember that everyone here wishes the best for you." Siti felt a little guilty that Hadaya had been attacked. She had taken Udo and Korrin in to keep them safe but had not been able to do that for Hadaya. However, at the same time she was very happy that Hadaya had found his way to Thili and Sen. "I am glad that you are okay. It was wrond of the lion to attack a cub." Siti looked Hadaya over, "but you're not really a cub anymore are you. You've grown quite a bit."
“I’m just worried I’ll… step on them or something. I mean, it’s very likely,” he said, about the new cubs in the den. He wasn’t used to living with so much company, and it was odd to have to think about it now. “I’m probably making a bigger deal out of it than it is. But you have so many cubs! And, I guess, guys you’ve adopted? Korrin and Udo… I haven’t met either of them, but they sound nice.”
He smiled, tail flicking away water from the ocean. He stood with his chest puffed out, his awkward mane, still growing in, fluffing out as his fur bristled proudly, “I haven’t noticed if I’ve gotten bigger,” he lied, “but I’m glad you noticed. It’s nice to hear! I was afraid I would be spindly and useless forever.” Of course, he felt like he was still useless, but at least he was bigger. His lanky limbs were still a bit long for his body, but at least now he had some muscles.
“I wonder if your cubs and Thili’s will get to meet and hang out? That’d be fun. I mean, not if I’m left alone with them… and then like, swimming in babies, but you know. Like. They would have fun? I’d like to meet them some time… maybe at a distance…”
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Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 3:46 pm
 Siti did not think Hadaya needed to worry, but then it would not be like Hadaya not to worry. It was funny in a way that if he were less worrisome he would seem less like himself, but she figured he would probably outgrow the trait at sometime. At the mention of her own cubs she smiled. “Yes, I do have many and surprisingly would absolutely love more. Udo and Korrin came into my life a bit before my cubs were born. It is amazing to see how much the two have changed. Udo is not a little cub anymore, he is about as big as you and Korrin is less afraid of the world around him. I bet both of them would love to meet you.”
She was glad Hadaya seemed proud of how much he had grown and Siti thought he should be proud. He had a home and a family and he was growing quite well. “Yes, you are into a very handsome lion. Soon you be a big and as strong as Thili himself. I bet he’ll be so proud. I can tell her cares a great deal about you.”
Siti gave a small laugh at Hadaya’s nervousness about being around small cub and she thought maybe it best if he met her cubs’ one on one. Lila and Tendji were a feisty pair with so much energy and Siti did not think they would be very good for Hadaya’s confidence. They were both rather adventurous, but may Kitan, Nyuepe, or Hala, wouldn’t be so bad. “I will definitely take them to see Thili’s cubs once they are up and running around. I think the two groups will have a lot of fun together and you are more than welcome to meet them. Even at a distance if that’s what you really want.”
Siti sat letting the waves wash over her paws, legs and tail. She enjoyed the feeling of the water and the sound of the waves was simply glorious.
Hadaya’s ears eased back a bit, his smile warming, “I want to make him proud of me,” he admitted, sounding worried and confident at the same time, “I want to earn that right. I don’t know what I can do for this pride or my new family yet, but when I find my purpose I want to be so amazing, it’ll impress everyone. I want to impress myself… and I want to pay Thili and Sen back for their amazing kindness. I’ve never been so blessed before, and it’s so strange. But I like it. This family thing. I like it a lot.”
He smiled and nodded, watching her sit and not wanting to do the same. He was beginning to feel cold in the water, though the sounds were soothing, he wondered if his skin was wrinkling beneath his fur. Shaking his head, he simply stood nearby, watching his friend with a dopey smile on his face.
“This is a great place, with families like yours and Thili’s around. It’s a nice place to raise a family, I think, and I guess that’s why so many couples are. I mean, I wouldn’t know what to do with cubs, but you guys. All the parents I’ve seen… everyone seems so happy.”
“I think Thili will be proud of you for just being you. You really don’t have to do anything special, but if you feel you do then I’m sure whatever it is will be the most amazing thing ever and it will make the whole pride proud.” Siti had to agree with Hadaya about having a family, she loved having cubs and friends, a pride. It had been lonely at times in the rogue lands and although she knew she would want to wander at some point there was no shortage of company in the pride. It was hard for someone to be lonely. “You know Hadaya. I like having a family too.”
Siti looked up at Hadaya. He seemed at peace and very happy, it was a good thing. “Have you given any thought to what you want to do for your seeking or maybe what position you’d like to have in the pride? I decided to stick with what I am good at and hunt for the pride.”
Siti rolled over in the water, in a very cublike manner, her fur soaking through. “It is a very nice, friendly and safe place to raise a family and it is beautiful. I guess couples are drawn to it. Lot of animals are.” She looked to Hadaya giving him a daring look before giving him a splash and darting a small ways away. She gave a small laugh and smiled. She was feeling playful and she guessed it was because she had cubs to play with now, two of whom simply loved to play.
“I thought I might hang around a little bit before going out again, since I only just got here, really. But I was thinking I could maybe try hunting again. I know… uh… my track record isn’t… that great, but if it doesn’t work out I could always try… something else. I think I want to ask Jethro if he can show me a thing or too. He looks like a very… skilled… and intimidating guy. He might be able to help me out.” He laughed, not having much hope in his own skills, but more than eager to give it a try.
“I just know I haven’t figured out what I’m made for yet, and when I do I’ll be able to show my family what I’m good for. Until then, I guess I just have to keep embarrassing myself and trying different stuff. Gotta find something good eventually, I guess.” He laughed and smiled, then looked at her in surprise when she splashed him. Blinking, he grinned and charged after her, water once again flying in every direction as he plowed through the water recklessly.
“I’ll get you for that!” He roared, leaping and splash a rather impressive wave in her direction once he got closer.
“That’s a good idea, I’m sure he will be able to help you get better at hunting. I’ll give you two tips though. Keep you eyes open and don’ t make to much noise. Prey scare easily.” Siti thought Hadaya would be a fine hunter with a little more confidence.
She hoped he was stopped worry so much and go with the flow, she figured he would feel as though he embarrassed himself less that way. Siti was a bit surprise when he came charging after her when she splashed her and therefore ended splashed by the wave Hadaya had created.
“My turn,” she called laughing as she swished her tail through the water and sent water spraying towards Hadaya. She ran back past him laughing lightly thoroughly enjoying the little water battle.
Hadaya nodded, remembering his last hunt with Siti once again. It was certainly not his favorite memory, and he felt compelled to apologize for it again. Frowning, he shook his head and distracted himself by the play they had started. He reared back onto his hind legs and flailed his front paws wildly, like a very uncoordinated horse. He ended up splashing himself more in the effort to avoid her water attack than he would have gotten if he just stayed standing.
Laughing, he ran after her, stumbling in the water because it was difficult to find footing. He slipped on a slick rock and splashed face first into the water, sputtering and hauling himself up immediately. Sneezing, the water in his nose burning, he shook his head and tried to clear it out the best he could. Blinking, vision fuzzy from his sudden spill, he spotted Siti and was back on the chase in a moment.
“I’m going to tackle you!” he warned, just in case that wasn’t allowed, before leaping on her and sending them both back into the water.
Siti could not help but to laugh at Hadaya attempt to shield himself from the water. It only served to make him more wet than he had been. She did not notice when he took a fumble into the water, but turned as he called out before she found herself with a face full of water after being tackled by Hadaya.
She laughed and attempted to wiggle away, splashing water to and fro making them both more wet, before she slipped away and splashed at the water with her paws making the water fly at Hadaya. She laughed again and ran a little up the beach to where the waves only just splashed her paws. Then she ran at the water jumping into it splashing it everywhere before be pushed back up the beach a little by a wave.
This was fun, she thought, she couldn’t wait until her cubs where big enough to play like this, although she would have a hard time being pounced on and tackled by so many. “I completely soaked,” she laughed and when she saw how wet Hadaya was she looked away so she wouldn’t laugh.
Hadaya, thoroughly soaked, shook himself off only to realize he was still in the water and thus not doing himself any good. His movements just caused more water to splash around, and he couldn’t tell if he was making it better or worse. Heaving a sigh, he followed after Siti toward the shore, his tail and mane weighted down by the water he had absorbed. Grinning, a soggy lump of fur, he moved close to her before shaking himself off, more effectively this time.
“I’m pretty wet, too! But that was fun, so it was worth it.” He laughed, dizzy from all the shaking, but giddy and light headed. Still smiling, he sat down and licked at his fur to settled it down, rubbing his paw against his face and mane in order to tame it.
“I guess I should go back to the den soon, and see how the family is. But I’d love to meet your cubs some time, really. I’ll come by soon, okay! Unless you’re busy. I don’t want to be a bother. Anyway. I should go. But thanks for the fun and for the talk! I’m glad we got to find each other again! Seems right, being able to apologize to you and all. I’m glad.” He stood again, sand clinging to his furry bottom, and turned to head back to Thili’s dwelling.
Siti just allowed herself to stay wet since Hadaya shaking only served to get more water on her anyway. It had been a lot of fun and everyone needed a little fun now and then. “Yes, next time well get Thili and Sen to join in. It would be fun to see them splashing about.”
Siti nodded to Hadaya as he spoke of needing to head back to his den, she needed to head back to, her cubs would be hungry soon and she did not wish to keep them waiting. “I would be happy for you to meet them, don’t worry it’s no bother. I’m glad we got to see each other again and to get that apology out of the way so we can be friends. Tell Thili and Sen I said hello and congratulations.”
Siti watched Hadaya go then stood and shook off before heading back to her own den.END!
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