|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:24 pm
It had been a long day for Mamake, life wasn’t all grazing and milling about as it had been back in the days before a precious little cub had stumbled into her life. Not that the waterbuck minded for even a second. She was glad to be a part of a pride that had welcomed her and her little one without prejudice. Mamake knew in her heart that this was the best place for Beltaine to grow up, that this was the best life she could give her daughter. That fact alone made her proud to help out in anyway she could be of use. Not too much of a stretch given she was already accustomed to being straddled with the various bits and bobs of wood Beltaine would have her carry along their journey. Still, she found herself exhausted by the end of the day, eager to join Kimya and Beltaine in the den they all shared and settle into a good night’s sleep.
Unfortunately, rest wouldn’t come so easily tonight.
Soft, dusty rose colored gaze watched with a weary sort of amusement as Beltaine burst from the mouth of their sleeping area. Already breathless with her urgency as she nearly ran the doe over. Mamamama MAH! CanwegotoseeMatifu?
Beltaine, for heaven sake, calm down. I can barely understand you and you’ll certainly wake up the entire temple shouting like that, Mamake hummed in a motherly tone that couldn’t quite sound as reprimanding as she meant it. Tenderly licking the little female’s face as Beltaine stood on her hind legs, paws resting against the plush fur of her mother’s chest.
Ah.. s-sorry momma. Small head ducked sheepishly, nuzzling into warm, mousy brown fur before attempting to start again. This time quieter and slow enough to make out more than a string of syllables. Momma, can we go to see the Vizier Matifu?
A slender brow arched in question as Mamake sighed, drained and trying to let the cub down gently. Beltaine everybody is getting ready for bed, as you should be.. don’t you think it’s a little late to be pestering the Vizier?
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:28 pm
Kimya had gotten quite accustomed to her newest little patchwork family. After acting as a single mother, then raising two litters of seven (each with two boys and five girls), all with the aide of a feisty honey badger named Nairobi, she was well accustomed to the idea of creatures of another species helping to bring up lion cubs.
Mamake and Beltaine were certainly welcome, too. The lioness had missed having little ones around and felt naturally protective over both because of the bond they already shared. She had been resting on her side waiting for the waterbuck to join them, but Beltaine was faster. After a few moments of the two conversing in the hallway Kimya stepped partway out of the door of the den with a knowing smile.
I was going to see about getting one more drink for the night, Mamake. I could bring her? He should be making his own final rounds for the evening.
He was diligent in his duties, after all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:33 pm
Beltaine slumped into a sit in front of Mamake’s hooves as if all the air had been deflated from her tiny body. She knew that tone all too. Her mother didn’t really approve of the idea and that never boded well. Pouting pathetically up at the softened gaze so far above her own, ..but it’s important.
Mamake couldn’t help but wonder if this sudden fuss had something to do with the new star the cub had spent her time crafting. Glad to see a familiar face appear from the doorway of their den as she continued forward, beckoning Beltaine to follow and careful not to step on any stray limbs as stilt-like legs stretched over the dejected bundle of fur. Come along Bel.
Addressing Kimya as she leaned in to greet the lioness, sniffing at the older feline’s face and nuzzling her nose in a casual greeting as she passed through the doorway, considering the offer. In the meanwhile Beltaine scrambled to follow in her mother’s hoofprints, holding her breath in hopes that Mamake would be convinced by Momma-Kimya’s nonchalant offer. Please. Please. Please.
Mmh.. I suppose if you don’t mind... and if you think she won’t cause too much-- But she’d barely been able to concede before Beltaine was squeeing excitedly. Scurrying to run laps around Kimya’s paws Having long forgotten her “inside voice”. Let’s goooooooooooooo!!!
Despite herself, Mamake couldn’t help but chuckle. She really had no idea what was going through her daughter’s head half the time but it was a heavy burden off her heart to see the youth warming up to another in the Tuait. It had been a rocky, uncertain start for sure, but Beltaine was slowly finding her place amongst her own kind. Hopefully a walk will help burn some of that extra energy.. otherwise I don’t forsee us getting much sleep tonight.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:34 pm
Kimya watched the deliberation, laughing softly afterwards when Beltaine responded by scrambling around her feet. She nodded at Mamake and offered a reassuring grin. Oh, I'm sure.
The grin turned to a smile then. We'll be back before too long. Come along then, Beltaine.
She purred, moving towards the door while carefully lifting her paws to avoid stepping on the excited cub.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:37 pm
Well, in that case, do hurry back you two. Mamake spoke, fondness in her voice for the pair, though she was already gathering her long, slender legs in an acceptable fashion for sleep. Folding elegantly until the doe’s frame was comfortably settled upon the softly padded den floor. Watching intently as Beltaine giddily scrambled around Kimya’s legs and finding herself grateful for the nanny’s experience that she easily avoided being tripped up by the cub. A brow arching casually as she watched the blur of cream prance towards the piece of wood she had been whittling for the past two weeks, almost compulsively. Some how, Mamake had figured that whatever Bel was up to, it had something to do with that star.
Sometimes it worried her that her daughter could spend so much time alone carving.
Perhaps she’d consult Kimya about it once they had a moment alone, for now though, she’d think no more of it.
This star, similar to the one that lay temporarily abandoned in the den, was larger than her own. Beltaine had been careful to take Matifu’s size into account when crafting it. A big lion needed a big star! Giggling to herself at the thought, small jaws struggled to grip one of the arms. It was nearly as big as she was and thusly, a little awkward to get a purchase on to drag along, but Beltaine persisted stubbornly. Determined to make it work without the help of an adult. She wanted to bring the nice Vizier her gift all on her own!
Eventually finding a way to awkwardly trot after momma-Kimya though evidently with great difficulty as she wrestled the totem into submission the entire way. Wait for me!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:39 pm
Kimya paused outside the door to wait, watching and waiting for Beltaine to manage with her load. She watched with a gently bemused expression as the little cub lifted the wooden object, tempted to offer help before it became apparent that she was struggling so because of a desire to do it on her own. Little ones could be rather insistent that way and ignoring that could bruise young egos. She flashed a look to Mamake instead, then headed back out the door.
Of course, of course~ She soothed, placating mirth in her tone but not in a way that sounded patronizing.
He should just be finishing his rounds, but Kimya didn't realize that he was already heading for his den for the evening, so they'd actually meet in the halls on their way instead. That was just what happened a few minutes later when the big giant came lumbering up the stairway and into sight. He stopped, blinking at the odd sight before him, and then caught the look of amusement on the nanny's face. A gentle rumble was his greeting.
Good evening, ladies...
He'd been quite the playboy in his youth, he'd never lost his mannerisms completely, his way of sweet talking females when he wished. This, however, was far, far more innocent than anything he might've done before settling down for the first time with his first love.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:42 pm
The soft scrape of wood dragging against the floor echoed on the walls of the empty hall in an shuffling rhythm as Beltaine traveled close beside Kimya. Scraaape. Scraaaape. Pause. Scraaape. Occasionally she stopped, attempting to nosily peek through the doorways of other dens at the pride members that lived inside, at times becoming so distracted that she had to hurry to catch up with the chestnut female who lead the way.
She wondered when they would find Matifu as Kimya hadn’t exactly specified whether they were to stop for water and then visit the Vizier or vice-versa. Perhaps she expected to pass him on the way? Her star was getting heavy!
And then.. the idea struck her. Carefully standing the item on its rounded tines Beltaine nudged it with her face, practically squealing with delight when her gift went careening down the hallway. It worked!
Trilling gleefully and dashing after the cartwheeling star, she barely noticed the guardian moving down the hall until it came to drop in front of those large paws. Pouncing on her trinket as limbs like stone pillars came into view, brilliant blue eyes lifting towards Matifu as he greeted them. Voice as warm and soothing as she remembered it to be--as if it might have changed in the short time they had been apart?
Matifu! A small churr called to him from below, as if she thought he might miss her down so far under his field of vision. Sitting back on her haunches so she could grab the carefully crafted star between her small paws, Look! I made this one for you! Like I said! See?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:45 pm
Oh? A gift for me? I do think that this is the nicest thing anyone has done for me. He smiled, taking the star from her carefully, and he meant that, too. I didn't know that you carved, little one. This must have taken you some time to make.
To show his gratitude he leaned down a bit, careful not to drop his gift, and licked the top of her head lightly.
Thank you, Beltaine. Is it alright if I wear it around my neck?
Kimya had paused in the hallway, so she'd seen it when the star went rolling past with the cub in hot pursuit. She couldn't help but giggle a bit, quietly though, until the exchange began. It was touching, though Kimya wondered what brought on the urge to make a star for the vizier.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:48 pm
The nicest thing? She was almost certain he was just saying it to be kind. After all, it was only a piece of wood. If Beltaine could have plucked real starts from the sky to give to those she wished to be remembered by, there was no doubt she would have. Carved ones were the best she could do, but nobody had yet complained, so they must have been a keen likeness! Yah! Since I was real little! I finished it today, even though I got a splinter!
Bel lifted her tiny paw up as if were possible to show him the spot where the sliver of Umbrella Thorn had thrust itself into the soft pink of her spongy pad. Holding herself stock still with her limb raised as a surprised expression flickered over her face as she was licked. Though accustomed to being licked by Mamake and even Kimya, it was a rather strange thing to be licked by someone she barely knew. Squealing laughingly at the gentle gesture as she pushed Matifu away by his nose.Eeee! Hee.. I guess.. if you wanna.
Truthfully, Beltaine was a little bashful at the idea that he would have always kept it with him in such a manner. He definitely wouldn’t forget her that way, right? A wry sort of grin curling her maw as she gazed up at him, admitting quietly. I know... I’m still here now, but I might not be tomorrow. So at least.. this way I don’t have to be sad cause you and Mamake and Kimya will still remember me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:52 pm
Kimya scratched her ear lightly, waiting patiently for the moment for them to finish.
Matifu looked a bit surprised at the splinter, but grinned as her paws found his nose to push him back. How he missed his children being little like that.
I hope that it didn't hurt too much. Your mother got it out for you? He inquired with a rumble that was, again, both gentle and bemused, though his concern was genuine. Kimya, were you on your way somewhere? I can bring her back if you need to go.
Kimya nodded quietly but looked to Beltaine, it was up to her. Would you like vizier Matifu to bring you back, dear? I'll be a bit longer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:54 pm
N..no, The little cub murmured, lowering her voice in hopes that the lingering presence just a few feet away wouldn’t overhear the conversation. I did it.
Tail tapping on the floor as Bel lowered her gaze guiltily. More often than not she had always taken care of such things on her own, not wanting Mamake or Kimya to worry for her safety and possibly force her to stop carving.
But it didn’t hurt! Adding the last bit hurriedly, rolling her head back to try and gaze upside-down at her guide as the adults held a conversation over her head. Revealing tiny fangs as she giggled at the odd image of Kimya sitting on her head. Beltaine hadn’t been so sure about this place when she and her mother had first arrived, but the spotted lioness had been quick to welcome them and make them comfortable. In a pride full of lions and little else, they had gotten a number of unusual stares, but she had always been quick to defend them. She loved that about Kimya, having decided long ago that she couldn’t have had a better lion-mom. Aaaahh...
Weighing the options of being able to play in the water while Kimya drank before bed or being escorted home by the infamous Vizier, Bel pursed her lips in deep contemplation. Neither one particularly stood out as the obvious choice, righting her head as mismatched ears twitched. If it’s okay with momma-Kimya..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:57 pm
Kimya smiled in answer and gave a quiet nod. She drew closer to the two and gave Bel a brief nuzzle.
I'll see you back at the den then, love. Were her words of parting for the time being. She carried on on her way to the lake then.
What Beltaine didn't know was that she reminded Kimya so very much of her very first child, a single cub, a lone daughter. Imara-ini had been the result of an attack while Kimya was living in the rogue lands, but she'd loved her more than life itself. She'd always stayed in touch with her children but after joining the pridelands Imara had disappeared from her mother's side. She was grown, so of course that was well enough, but it didn't make missing her any easier. She cherished the time she had with Beltaine and Mamake, especially since it reminded her of her time with Imara-ini and Nairobi. If she knew what Bel had told Matifu it would have definitely caused her great worry.
As it was, the lioness wandered past and down the stairs, none the wiser.
Matifu, after hearing her quiet answer wondered why it was a secret, but called no attention to it. Instead he carefully took the star in his jaws and bowed low with a gentle sweep of his paw, a gentlemanly gesture, winking playfully at Beltaine.
Shall we? He managed to ask.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 12:01 am
See you at home! The chirppish call echoed after Kimya’s passing form happily, but only after affectionately leaning into the ginger nuzzle that was offered. Finally picking herself up off the floor of the cavernous hall now that she had seen her mission to completion and was prepared to return home. Paws stretched out ahead of her and butt raised in the air with a wiggle to rev her engines, almost as though she were ready to race Matifu down the stretch of corridor back to her den.
But instead, she sprung into a bouncy trot after being gestured to lead the way by the chivalrous lion at her side. One eye watching him, chest puffing with pride as her present was lifted with great care and carried along with them. Her tail swaying with the notes of a song only she seemed to be able to hear as again her attention drifted through the open doorways they passed, musing as casually as if she were talking about the weather. I wonder what your den looks like.. maybe I’ll see it some day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 5:38 pm
He chuckled softly to himself as he escorted the young cub down the hall, his precious cargo held with surprising care given the strength in those massive jaws, which had brought an end to many, many a prey in his days as the head hunter for the Unity Walkers and then the Dawnwalkers, before becoming vizier. He was curious as to what type of lioness she'd grow into, confident that he wouldn't be NEEDING the star so much as one day she might. Just as he wondered that, so he wondered about all the children. Before joining his current pride he had few chances to watch new live thrive as he did there with the Tuait-Tekem. The divide, and the plague... so many children lost, either to feuding pride members taking their leave or to the illness, such as the previous queen's litter. Such a tragic loss... Even after all began to return to normal their numbers had never quite been as they once were. He was glad that it was different here. As he stole another glance at the cub leading the way he thought back to distant jungles for a moment, then let those thoughts turn to the sandy dunes that shone like gold under the sun.
Here... home... they had truly recovered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 9:16 pm
Beltaine: 1.248
Mamake: 712
Matifu: 558
Kimya'ukila: 613
Total Word Count: 3.131
RP COMPLETE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
