[JRP] Wobbly legs, warm smile

[Baharimtoto Pride]

Tamu had gone for quite the swim today! She started in the waters that formed the estuary, the strange mix of salt and fresh, which made for the most interesting taste in the mouth if she accidentally swallowed any. From there, she carried on up the river, eventually tasting fresh in her mouth with that odd accompaniment of a 'leafy' aftertaste from all the vegetation. The changing landscape made for an interesting swim as well.

Of course, she'd swam too far and when she finally left the water from fatigue, she was at the very edges of her territory. Only just picking out some of the boulders used as look-outs for the guards, Tamu scanned for anyone who was on duty. It wasn't too pressing a matter, she could just walk back on foot once her legs had stopped wobbling.

She managed a few metres before curling up beside a sturdy boulder, yawning briefly, and looking out to the rest of the plains to which many other lions called their home. She was still curious of 'out there.'
 

[Feral Mule]

[>> I don't have the rouge cert, yet, so. 8D;]
How her mother made this trip, she had no idea. But Feana, pregnant and ready to burst at every second, just kept on going. She was thirsty, tired, and wanted to sleep, but she had a feeling she was very close to her mother. Something in her chest connected with that feeling, and despite her own wobbly legs, she must carry on.

She'd told Kenya, time and time again, that she didn't want to have her cubs in the Rougelands. They had less chance to survive there. Huffing a little as she came across the plains, she had to stop. Her head hung down low, panting as she looked up at the sun. Walking, no hunting for her, and the pains of growing children made this trek so difficult. "....Stupid Kenya," she mumbled. Sure, she knew that Kenya was right beside her, if not behind her. He'd probably hear her. Not that she cared.

This female was uncomfortable and was allowed to blame Kenya. Though the whole one night stand thing was her idea. It wasn't like she could help it though. Something just happened and it drove him wild, and thus the cubs were now almost ready to join the world. Blue eyes looked out at the place she'd wandered, mouth open, taking in deep breaths to cool her boiling blood. Though it was spring, it felt like summer to her. "Why can't you carry the cubs?" She turned, looking to her 'mate' with a half hearted glare. She couldn't be mad at the guy, no matter how much Feana blamed him.  

[Summer Rain 07]

Kenya followed behind Feana. He felt terrible for what he had done, and her constantly bringing it up only made it worse. He felt like it was his responsibility to go with her, especially since he had caused all her problems. He never realized what had happened till it was all over. And now, he even questioned himself.

He looked up to the sun, noting the time as they continued to head towards her mother's pride. At Feana's comment, Kenya could only hang his head as he folded his ears back. She had said it countless times, and he never brought up an argument. He knew it was his fault.

When she turned to him, he walked next to her and gave her a half smile, "Don't worry, I'm sure were almost there." He tried to reassure her, He gave a small nudge as he continued forward. "As soon as we get there, you'll be able to rest and get some water. Besides, then you can tell your mother how horrible I am." He laughed half heartedly.  

[Amy D]

By the time the pair had come into Tamu's view, she'd laid her head down across her paws briefly, and watched them move at an angle. It was quite amusing for a little bit, then just made her dizzy. First sitting up, then slowly getting to her feet and stretching her aching and sore limbs, she continued to watch them.

A fairly innocuous pair, they looked rather sweet together. Snatched pieces of conversation and caught glimpses suggested a playful love-hate relationship. As she emerged from the shade of the rock, she wondered if the pair had seen her yet and called out an offer of help.

"Everything alright over there?" she asked, still padding closer to the two.
 

[Feral Mule]

At his mention of his mother, her ears flattened a little. "....You know... I don't think you're all that bad," she murmured just before she heard a voice. Blinking, she looked up and caught sight of another female. Though, this lion looked completely different.

Feana tilted her head to the side as she slowly made her way over and offered a tired sort of smile. She'd sit, but she was afraid of not being able to get up with how swollen she was. "We're looking for the Bahari'moto... My mom's here... Or should be... by now. But, uh...." Looking to Kenya for support, the female sighed heavily. Another would understand why she wanted her mother.

"I was hoping she'd.... you know, help me raise the cubs.. and birth them..." She said, tail flicking against her stomach as if it wasn't noticable. "But I'd... ya know, have to join the pride first. Kenya too. Aw, nuts. Forgot to say my name. 'm Feana... My mom goes by Azi? She's brown and my color gray.." She wanted to see if this female knew her mother; had seen or met her yet. Sniffing her out was impossible, since all Feana smelled was the sea and fish, as well as this other lioness.  

[Summer Rain 07]

He laughed lightly at his mates words. She was all over the place, giving out all kinds of information. Sometimes he wondered if she even knew what she was talking about. The white and black lion took a step closer to the blue and white female.

"What she's really trying to say, is that were hoping to join the pride in order to reunite with our family, and find a safe place to raise our cubs." He said and bowed his head lightly. "Would you mind escorting us to a pride official that we might be able to talk to?" He gave a soft smile, trying to show that they weren't a threat.  

[Amy D]

Indeed, this lioness looked ready to pop. Tamu continued to stare, perhaps a little longer than she should, trying to work out how old this lioness was, or if she was just small. Perhaps she was carrying a rather large litter, which made her pale in size...regardless, she had to shake herself a wake at the male's request.

"Well, you're looking at a pride official," she said with a smile and slight hint of self-importance. "Pleasure to meet you both, I'm Tamu."

She gave a polite bow and nod to each and then set to the task of answering everything in order.

"I've met Azi, yes. Lovely lioness, she wanted to be a pombuka I believe, help with all the pridal cubs. Looks like she might be busy for a while..."
 

[Feral Mule]

Blinking at the staring, the young lioness shifted on her paws and then gave a wince. Her ankles were beginning to hurt under the weight of just standing here. "Mom.. likes cubs, I guess..." She muttered. There was an uneasiness in Feana at the thought of her mom helping with other cubs. And the fact her mom came here for someone besides her dad. But she'd get to that problem later.

"She had one of my litter mates with her. About my s...er... youthfullness?" She said with a little grin. Feana couldn't say size, considering her circumstances, but that was fine.

"..Ok, gotta rush you here, I think. I need to lay down... or something. 'Cause I'm in a little pain. .....And I'm Feana. ...If.. that made any sense. Kenya here," she motioned to the pale lion, "is the lucky father."  

[Summer Rain 07]

Kenya nodded his head, "It's a pleasure." He said as he looked back to his mate (if he could call her that, he still wasn't sure). He wasn't sure what to say about Feana's mother. He had never met her, nor heard anything about her other than what Feana was saying.

He leaned over and licked Feana on the cheek, giving her a soft smile, letting her know he was there should she need his help. "You can lay down if you need to." He smiled, laying own himself to serve as a brace for her.  

[Amy D]

Tamu could understand Feana's urgency but was still caught a little off-guard by the abruptness. Poor thing, she looked like she needed some specialist help. She'd turned her paw to healing in the past, but Tamu was by no means equipped with the knowledge to help in childbirth.

"Oh I see...umm if you can't walk any further, I can fetch a mwani pr pombuka...or do you think you can make it to the jungle?" she said, looking over her shoulders toward the bank where she was resting. "That river leads right to the pridal jungle and you'd be welcome to pick any den you need for the rest."

 

[Feral Mule]

Feana did feel a bit sheepish for rushing like that, but she was getting extremely tired and her paws were hurting. Stupid move to get pregnant before she's a full adult. "....I could... use the assistance," she murmured quietly, her head down and ears back. Stupid hormones making her seem selfish. At least, that's what she got out of it.

Trying not to shoot a glare at her 'mate' she frowned at him instead and shifted to lay down onto her side. "Sorry for... being so demanding," she said, looking up to Tamu with a heavy sigh.  

[Summer Rain 07]

When Feana looked at him he couldn't help but smile. In a way he felt powerless to help her through the pain. He couldn't do anything but just be there for her and try to help her get through it. When he was younger, his mother would tell her stories of his birth, how his father wasn't allowed to be present during the birth. Now, he couldn't imagine leaving Feana alone.

Even though they don't know much of each other, Kenya can feel his heart break when he looks in her pained eyes. He leaned over and licked her lightly on the cheek.  

[Amy D]

"Okay then. Lets first get you into some shade. It can't be healthy being out in the sun and heat in your condition and state of tiredness," she offered, and then moved to Feana's side. "I'm sorry it means moving again, but it'll be for the best."

She felt awful forcing the poor youngster to get up after she'd just sat down, but she thought shade and water would be the best thing for her right now. Offering herself as support, she escorted Feana over to the river bank and let her settle there before shooting off into the jungle.

In next to no time, she'd returned with another lioness, as golden as the sun but with eyes as blue as the deepest sea. She was clutching something green in her mouth.

"This is Kayin, she's got a knack for plants and she's brought something to help with the pain and the tiredness," Tamu said, sounding more and more like the leader she was primed to be.

Kayin chewed the green mass in her mouth another few times and then went to the water's edge, appearing to wet her mouth or take a big drink. She then delicately put the green mass in front of Feana. It was indeed soaking, and left a little green trail as the water seeped from it.

"I know it looks a little...well...a little gross, but its very soothing and will really help. Take it into your mouth whilst its still wet and just chew on it lightly, suck it a little bit. But don't eat it," she said, her voice very young sounding but very caring tones of voice.
 

[Feral Mule]

Getting herself up with help was easier than doing it by herself and she thanked the other for her help. Once in the shade, her tail flicked heavily and then gave a soft noise. It was better here, indeed. Feana felt so bad and so lazy for having to have other people do things for her that she should have done herself.

Blinking, she watched the golden lioness chew and present her with the green mass of saliva. Instinct told her no, but she had no choice. She was hurting a bit, her stomach expanding so much. She took it in her mouth like she was told and shuddered. Ugh, plants were so gross.

Still, she nodded her head in thanks and looked to both of them. She had a feeling something was a miss with her. At the same time, Feana felt welcomed here. Perhaps her mother chose the pride wisely after all. Her head tilted in thanks to both of them and then she looked up to Kenya, sucking on the plant while chewing at the same time. Not the best tasting, but it helped like they said it would.  

[Summer Rain 07]

Kenya helped steady Feana as she stood and walked with her as she slowly made her way to the shade. His eyebrows were furrowed with worry. He had never seen a pregnant lioness, let alone knew what to do about the pregnancy.

He served as another brace as she laid down in the cool shade. He gave a nod to Kayin and watched her as she presented the ball to Feana. His head tilted to the side. Growing up around the vegetation, he never thought of ever eating it, or using it for healing purposes.

"About how far into the pride's lands are the dens?" he asked, speaking up for the first time since they had met Tamu. "I'm a little worried about Feana's condition." He said as he looked back down to her.