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 Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:16 am
[ BACK LOG ]
It wasn't that often that you'd see the Vizier's massive form near such a bundle of little bodies. He had come by to check on the lessons in progress, and on his way back from the classrooms he'd seen Meilin in need of a break. The female usually didn't act as a nanny, but she had volunteered that day since Kimya was busy with another group and they were one short.
He was just covering for her to go grab food, really.
The great beast laid with his paws crossed in front of him, a sphinx like position otherwise. His head rested atop his paws as well, his eyes closed but ears alert and breathing not quite deep enough to indicate that he was sleeping. He was no doubt the largest male in the pride, and that gigantic bulk was blocking the door to ensure none of the children were able to sneak past.
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Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:19 am
It hadn’t taken long before the methodical rhythm of life in the Tuait had begun to regimen even Beltaine’s chaotic schedule, or lack there of in the case of the tiny, rogue cub. She’d already met a friendly, if quiet mannered nanny who was certainly making integration easier, but not entirely without its hitches. The withdrawn kitten hadn’t yet adjusted to being shuffled along with agemates born within the pride from classes to afternoon care and whatever else the day had in store. She missed Mamake and was eager to be with her mother by the time the nannies released her back to the tender-hearted waterbuck.
Even now, during nap time when all the cubs came together in one huge pile, Beltaine wasn’t quite yet ready to become a part of it. Sleeping fitfully a safe distance from the others with her cheek nestled on the wooden star-shaped pillow between her paws. A small token of comfort that Bel always kept with her.
The change in atmosphere was subtle when the guardian currently shepherding the cubs was replaced with an unfamiliar face. Enough so that none of the others stirred. Bel however, having been raised by a prey beast, was a fickle sleeper at best. Slender frame quivering as she roused quite suddenly, in a half-conscious daze that lent her little awareness to where she was and a sudden panic. Crying out in a tiny voice, Hhhuh? Wha...? M-Maa.. Mamaaake? Mamaaakeee?!
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Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:24 am
One of his ears pricked and swiveled gently towards the sound immediately, cracking open a ghostly blue eye. A deep baritone voice, surprisingly gentle, and endlessly warm and patient called out.
Peace, little one... Your mother isn't far.
As Vizier it was his duty to help welcome in new faces and inform the royals when he did, or to be in the know about them when it was them or Takasika instead. He had certainly heard the story of these two, especially as Kimya was a familiar face, and the one that had taken them in. He'd first met her in the Pridelands, back when he'd (at the time) unknowingly sired a litter with Tai. The two spoke fairly often, and of course her new denmates had certainly come up.
Do you know who I am? He asked, again in a gentle tone. She likely wouldn't, simply for being so young. It was meant to help distract her a bit from her worry, ease her into a comfort enough to come closer so he could ease her frazzled nerves but not like a creeper.
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Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:26 am
It didn’t take long for the memories to come flooding back as lagoon blue hues took in her surroundings with a swiveling head and her senses were accosted by the desert dryness. At least inside the temple there was some relief from the heat. The earth beneath her small paws held a coolness to it that was almost refreshing.
Oh.. right. This place.
The realization didn’t hold much relief. After all, the only reason they were here was because her mother thought that growing up around other lions would be better for her in the long run. Somehow, they weren’t much comfort right now. As Beltaine found herself wishing Mamake was close by to nose her with that large, brown nose and lick her reassuringly. The way she always did whenever her daughter had woken up from a nightmare out on the savanna. It was only the gentle rumble that distant thunder that caused Bel to remember what had caused her to stir in the first place. Freezing in place as her gaze took in the enormous figure looming just beyond the rug of fur. Now, most lions were like boulders to this pebble of a child who had barely survived on milk meant for a calf Mamake had never been given the chance to raise.
But this stranger... was a mountain.
Wide, dished eyes taking on as round and owlish a shape as they could possibly make as she stared somewhere between horror and disbelief. Bel didn’t answer him though. Her little frame still as it could possibly be in hopes that he might forget she was there. These were the waterbuck’s teachings. Only, they didn’t seem to work quite as well without the cover of the tall grass she was accustomed to.
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Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 1:28 am
Matifu
It's alright. You don't need to be afraid. I'm a friend of Kimya'ukilia and Mamake. The big cat reassured, only moving his head a bit to look at her better. My name is Matifu. Might I ask your name?
He already knew it, but he wanted to try to urge her to speak and not be afraid of him. Introductions were usually a good start. Having raised six cubs himself he liked to think he was good even with the most shy of them.
Beltaine
Small head slid into an almost humorously leery cant, bangs falling across her eyes, obscuring the effectiveness of the cub’s expression. A friend of Kimya, maybe. They were from the same pride after all. But a friend of her mother? He certainly looked more like the kind of lion that liked to eat her momma, instead of offering a paw in friendship. She’d seen a lot of those in her time in the rogue lands.
Making a small sound as if she weren’t yet convinced of his innocence, leaning back on her handquarters to hug the wooden star closer to herself with forepaws wrapped around two of its arms. Momma never said.. she knows a mountain.
Matifu
Matifu couldn't help but chuckle softly, though the sound was deep given the depth of his voice. He offered the cub a smile. I know, I am pretty big, but I assure you that my only interest in your family is to protect them. The stars led me to these lands and my family here. It's my job as well as the king's and queen's to make sure you're both well looked after.
Perhaps starting with a topic that she knew and loved might be better. Seeing the way she clutched that pendant certainly proved that Kimya wasn't exaggerating (as if Kimya was capable of such a thing, intentionally) when she spoke about the heavenly beings that lit up the night sky.
Beltaine
Stars? The word caused mismatched ears to twitch from where they’d lain against her hear. Lifting to pique at attention with interest. He had said the stars, hadn’t he? Puckering her maw with distrust, Beltaine decided--perhaps against her better judgment--to give him the benefit of the doubt. Certainly, anyone who paid mind to the twinkling little flecks of dancing light couldn’t be all bad... right?
It was obvious by the sudden change in Beltaine’s demeanor that she’d been hooked. Wiggling a little in place while making every effort not to appear as excited as those brilliant blues betrayingly revealed her to be. Ever so discreetly attempting to scoot closer to Matifu, always keeping her star close, as she asked hopefully, Y.. you followed the stars here?
Matifu
I did. I followed them right to my niece, Johari. This place has been my home ever since. I even proposed to my first wife under them. He confided with a gentle smile, patiently pretending not to notice as the cub inched closer without ever losing her grip on her precious charm. He'd never forget proposing to Laini under that sky, offering to give her the very stars and the moon, though after their children had just begun to grow... He pushed the memories back. It seemed he was fated to such, he only hoped that the two past loves of his life were happy and safe, as well as his sons that had disappeared from home. He'd no idea that Ororo and Kiva had made him a grandfather after he'd left.
Beltaine
There was no doubt that Bel was romanticizing the Vizier’s journey to the Tuait’tekem right before his eyes as she pictured the giant’s epic travels beneath a blackened sky ignited by a trail of flickering guides dotting the path towards the pride he now made his home. Her own gaze growing hazy and distant the longer she listened to Matifu speak. Mooney and drifting into that all too familiar “star-coma” of slack jawed awe. Surroundings completely forgotten in favor of a blissful daze of admiration.
Stars. They never ceased to amaze the pale cub. Was there anything they couldn’t do?
Having been raised by a solitary female, there were many things Beltaine didn’t yet understand. Words like wife. Words like propose. She couldn’t be bothered, just at this very second to ask what they were though. Not when they spoke of her favorite subject. Cooing happily, Staaaaaars...
Matifu
For a few moments he took in her (pun intended) starry eyed expression, waiting politely for her to speak. When finally she did he had lifted his head from his paws by then to chuckle softly again. His tail flicked behind him. Yes... fascinating, aren't they? So far off, but so bright. Did you know that you can see almost all of them from here at night?
It was a stretch, a bit, but he couldn't really know that himself since no lion knew the true number of stars or how far the sky went, nor that there was anything really outside of their planet (if they even were aware of lands other than Africa to begin with.). It seemed like a good choice to steer them onto this topic.
Beltaine
In her haze the young one seemed completely oblivious to everything, even Matifu as he addressed her gently with that warm sound of amusement. So detached from reality that she even allowed her treasured star to escape her grasp. Falling to the ground with a heavy thud that almost immediately pulled Beltaine out of her reverie. Startledly blinking at her surroundings. Completely baffled by them for the second time since waking up from her nap and realizing somewhat belatedly that she wasn’t holding her totem. Bounding onto all fours to circle round-and-round in tight circles as if it might magically appear out of thin air. M-my star! I dropped my star! Where’d my star go?
Voice quickly beginning to quake even more than it had upon waking without Mamake at her side. Tears threatening to rain from large, blue eyes if she didn’t find the object soon.
Matifu
She didn't seem to hear a word he'd said, so he quietly waited, and as she came out of her daze and began to frantically pace circles he carefully reached out, easily scooping the charm into one very large paw, then turned his paw up and out so that she could take it. The sight of such glassy innocent eyes tugged at his heart strings as a parent and as a good individual in general, but still he remained collected.
It's right here, little one. There's no need to worry. He reassured.
Beltaine
With her back to Matifu, Bel nearly fell over in her hurry to spin around and face the offering. Scrambling to collapse on the heavy mitt where he might have been able to feel her little heart racing in her chest. Aaah! Star!
Paws gathering around the item and pull it down and back tucked close against her body where she huddled and seemed to be gathering her composure. Finally, lifting her eyes towards the guardian with a quiet, but eternal sort of gratitude. Having the good sense to feel abashed at her behavior as she kept her chin tucked in low. Admitting in a painfully small voice, I can’t lose my star. I’m going to give it to Mamake... when I disappear.
Matifu
Her weight was but that of a small stone to his size and strength. He easily supported her and did indeed feel the heavy and rapid beat of her heart. He let her take the star back from him quietly and drew his paw back once she'd settled down again. His ears perked curiously, though, at the mention of disappearing.
What do you mean disappear, little one?
Beltaine
He said I would disappear.. Beltaine divulged to the lion. It was the first time she’d ever mentioned the heart-breaking conversation that she’d had with a stranger while still out in the untamed wilds. Where wandering lions seemed to find entertainment in fabricating cruel tales of woe with their forked tongues to be eaten up by naive cubs who knew no better. Hiding her face behind the smooth shield of wood that had been worn down to a well weathered polish after being dragged around everywhere.
He said my real mom let me to die... There was a brief pause as the little cub fought the quiver of her lower lip, white and dusty brown ears lowering with sorrow. ...a-and that Mamake can’t save me. I’m going to turn to dust and disappear.
Sniffling, Beltaine tried to put on a brave face in her attempt to meet Matifu’s eyes. This is my favorite.. I want Mamake to have it so she never forgets me.
Adding in a whispered after though, I hope.. I can become a real star so I can do great things like leading people home too...
Matifu
He scooped the cub up after a gentle frown, depositing her in front of him, her star and all. Who would tell a child such a thing? I'm sorry to say that whoever told you that was lying, my dear. You're not due to leave us for a long, long time.
He said in a way that made it clear that he didn't approve of lying to cubs, but wasn't the least bit sorry to tell her the truth. The gods smile on every one of us in these lands, even the goddess of the Stars. I've met my share of them, and none of them are the type that would let something so terrible happen to a good little cub like yourself.
Beltaine
Surprised by the gentle gesture to bring her closer to the towering male, like the giant sphinx that sat in long, dignified rows outside the entrance of the temple, Bel didn’t fight it. Scooting her tail beneath her as she slumped between his paws. Lying? Watery gaze suggested she wasn’t so sure she believed such a thing. Having come to accept her fate as something inevitable and it certainly didn’t seem as if there was much proof to support anything contrary to what she’d been told. Beltaine was only half the size of cubs born the same time season as her. Carefully scooting to curl up against Matifu’s arm with one paw raised to rest atop his own, almost as if she meant to reassure the adult. It’s okay... you can have a star too, so you don’t forget.
Yawning as she rolled up around the star tucked between herself and the stand-in nanny. Considering the idea of gods in an only half-comprehending way. She’d certainly heard stories, but Matifu spoke of them as if they were real. As tangible as any common place mortal. But that couldn’t be true, could it? Though it would have been nice to meet a star god. Maybe she could personally request to become a star when she disappeared.
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:00 am
He watched as she settled herself against his leg and paw, such a tiny little thing even compared to that one appendage. That there were such cruel beasts out there that would lie to a child so maliciously, or maybe she'd just misinterpreted? It didn't seem likely but it was possible when speaking of one so young. He opted not to pursue the topic since it seemed as if she were finally getting properly tired again.
Never... He promised, though knew it wouldn't be necessary. She would outlive him by at least a decade, he was sure.
Rather, he decided to let her rest. Ghostly eyes flickered over her and then the rest of the cubs again to be sure each was accounted for and resting peacefully. With a soft rumble he lowered his head onto his other paw once more and shut his eyes for sleep.
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:02 am
It was strange, perhaps only because Beltaine had never known a father figure, but the cub felt a sense of ease settle over her as she lay between the massive lion’s forearms. The warmth of him inviting sleep to sneak up and ever so gently begin to swaddle the uneasy child. A small smile forming upon her maw where Bel rested her chin lightly upon his paw in response to his promise. One she would never allow him to forget.
Wiggling until she was comfortable enough to feel her eyes growing heavy, the cream figure eventually grew quiet. Breath becoming a steady, even rhythm tucked beneath a blanket of sleep that seemed... far more restful with the giant nearby. Tail gently curling around her gathered haunches, barely possessing the consciousness to wonder just where he’d come from in the first place before she was overwhelmed by the stillness of slumber.
[ FIN ]
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