It was early morning, and as he usually did, Mapatano slipped out of his quiet little cave, Hisa in town. She fluttered lazily beside him and landed on a small, twisted tree that sat just outside. She waited for his usual stretch, and then he joined her. “It’s chilly today. ” She commented, ruffling her feathers and glancing up at the cloudy sky. Her bonded nodded absently, and Hisa tilted her head. “I think it’s going to rain, it looks pretty packed up there. “ Mapa nodded. Though it was still early, it would still be brighter than it was now. Instead, the valley seemed covered in a gray-blue shade. He was sure even when the sun was highest in the sky, it would be fairly dark.
He didn’t really mind bad weather, but he understood that this would irritate his bonded. “I guess it’s a day of you sitting inside, then. “ He smiled, and she shot him an irritated glance. Clearly, she had forgotten about that little detail. She turned and preened a few feathers on her wing, before looking back. “So, what are your plans, then? “ And to this Tano shrugged, glancing at her. “Ah, ” She nodded. “Of course. ” Nothing better to do, she supposed. Mapatano had always liked rain, she supposed.
“So does Ethiopia, I believe. ” She commented quietly, and hopped onto a further branch to peer down at the lands. He had a nice den, she had always liked it. Up a small path, a smallish little cave. Annoying to bring food to, but a fantastic view. Tano nodded, though a little surprised by the remark about the gray female. “Yes, she does. “ He paused, taking a few steps closer to the edge to look down and survey his homelands. “A lot has changed, huh? “ It seemed subtle now, but if Hisa took a picture of her mind now and before the earthquake, the land had changed a bit. They used to be able to see a pass from here, where one could enter and exit. This had crumbled in the quake. The new pass, and tunnel, weren’t visible from this spot.
“We have changed. “ Tano agreed, glancing at Hisa briefly. He didn’t care much for the geographical differences, they weren’t of great importance since there were still ways in and out. But the pride, it was different. They had never been the most open group to the outside world, but now they seemed more isolated than ever. He didn’t grieve this, though, if it helped them remain safe from outsiders like those that had taken advantage of them. He had changed, too. In some ways for the better, he supposed. But…
“Will you ever forget that? ” Hisa’s voice brought him out of his thoughts, but he knew what she was talking about. “Should I? “ His voice sounded a little harsh, but still soft. He and Hisa may bicker like an old married couple, but she was the most important person in his life. “How about your father? “ That was a little unexpected. Hisa hadn’t touched the subject of Mapatano’s father in a long time. He looked away and didn’t answer. Hisa had helped a lot during the troubles with his father, simply by being there. It almost seemed like bonded came earlier when there was trouble. She knew him well, perhaps not all of his fears and secrets, but he did owe her a lot. “How about her? “ That was very unexpected. Tano looked at his bonded, eyes wide. He hadn’t known she had known. But Hisa wasn’t looking at him, and he was glad. He looked down at the lands again, and there was a long pause before he answered.
“No, I don’t think I will. “ She didn’t respond to the quiet admission for a while, choosing instead to stand there. Neither of them were sure how this rather normal morning had taken such a darker, more serious undertone. “It’s okay, you know. ” He sighed slightly, but didn’t answer. No, it wasn’t really okay. It hurt. But he nodded for her. “Yes. “ Even though hey both knew she knew he was lying. There was a long silence, and Mapatano could practically watch as it became subtly lighter through the clouds. “Why are you asking me all this, Hisa? “ He wanted to know why this had suddenly become important to her, but to his disappointment, she didn’t seem about to answer. He huffed, frustrated, and stood to leave. “I should—“
“Tano, are you happy? ” He stopped mid stride, and looked back at her. “I… “ He frowned slightly, turning to walk closer to his bonded once more. “The pride is safe now. “ She was merciless. “Yes, but are you happy? “ He couldn’t help but get defensive, and his ears folded back. “Why do you care? “ He knew immediately as he said it that it was a mistake. Hisa turned to look at him, feathers ruffled slightly.
“That’s a stupid question and you know it. ” She hissed slightly, and he nodded. Of course Hisa cared. Just as much as he cared about her. “You can tell me. ” She continued more gently, and he looked away. He supposed he was content. But he didn’t want to fail Hisa; Tano wasn’t the happiest guy on earth. He had issues, he knew everyone had them, but it weighed down on him. And he knew that it affected her too. “I want to be. “ He offered meekly. She nodded, somewhat relieved. “Okay. ”
He smiled slightly at his bonded. She hadn’t really done anything, but he didn’t mind. “Thank you. “ For understanding, for just being there. The silence that followed was broken by thunder, and the first sprays of water. “Well, I guess I’ll go inside and mope. ” Hisa sighed, and Tano appreciated the more positive turn. “And I’ll go get very wet. “ He smiled, standing one again. He stopped her as she flitted back into the cave. “How about you, Hisa? “ He asked absently, looking up toward the sky, squinting slightly to keep water from his eyes.
“I’m with you, Tano. I’m where I want to be. “ He smiled to himself, and nodded. There was no need to answer, so he began walking down the path, swishing his tail to bid her farewell.
