Jeraha wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do with himself. After being content and in love for so long, he suddenly found himself dealing with the life of the single male again. It was… curious, for lack of a better word. It wasn’t that he and his former hate had fallen out of love with one another, or that they had gotten into some kind of fight. No, it had just become clear to the both of them that their paths were meant to be separate. His life did not follow along with hers, and he was fully aware of it. Perhaps, though, he had been too hasty. At the time, he had been restless, longing for adventure and the life that he once had. Now that he was free, however, all he could think about was how much he missed the way things had once been. Before the got complacent. When the love was new and exciting. When they felt like they could accomplish anything together. That was what he wanted again. Someone to hold close and protect. To create new life with.
Life, perhaps, that wouldn’t let him down once it was on its own by joining a disgustingly horribly pride.
He didn’t want to think about his past. Like some many other things, it was just another part of his life that he was going to have to try and leave behind him. Along with his father, mother and his various other troubles. Even if it wasn’t as sad as all that, it was still painful to him.
Sighing heavily, he progressed slowly towards a watering hole, sitting himself down to have a bit of a drink. All the walking he had done had made him very thirsty- putting so much distance between himself and his former life had been fairly exhausting. Now, though, he was far enough away to feel safe.
The urge to turn and go back had decreased significantly.
Meanwhile, two green figures were also by the watering hole, lounging about like they owned the place. It was a nice day and the water was lovely- the perfect place for a nap. However, neither were able to relax completely when a very large, intimidating lion came up for a drink. They both watched, somewhat stunned by the massive size and apparent strength of the male. His back was coated in old scars, suggesting that he was quite the battle-hardened beast. It was a wonder he could walk at all, giving the length and size of some of the healed wounds. Injuries that might have killed a lesser lion. Still, the large of the two mossy watchers could see a sadness in the expression of the beast, worrying him enough to draw him up from his resting place and head over to the monster of a lion. He was no small fry, himself, and could probably hold his own if the guy proved hostile, anyway.
“Hello,” he offered softly, “are you alright? I hope you don’t find me rude for asking, but you look very upset. Is there anything I can do?”
“How could there be,” snarled the male in return, “I don’t even know you.”
“I’m Mito!” the male offered without skipping a beat, “and anyway, isn’t it supposed to be a good thing to tell things to a stranger? It might be better than keeping it all to yourself, anyway.”
“Is your little friend going to join us?” the larger male asked, indicating the small ratel behind Mito.
“I-I’m Mito,” the little thing said meekly.
“I thought he was Mito,” Jeraha said of the larger animal. Mito laughed heavily at that, his mane bouncing.
“We’re both Mito,” he explained, “I found this little guy as a baby and decided to name him after me. We look alike, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I suppose you do,” Jeraha replied idly, completely disinterested, “my name is Jeraha. If this is your territory, I apologize. I’m only passing through and do not wish to fight anyone.”
“Not at all! This land is all of ours and we should share it happily. Anyway, would you like to tell two Mitos about your troubles, my friend? Or perhaps we should just leave you to your peace.”
“Ah, no, that’s alright. I don’t see any harm in your staying here. Besides… I guess I could use someone to speak to.” Not something he would usually admit to, but he was indeed quite lonely since he and his mate had parted ways. Soon enough, the Mito duo were settled near the larger lion, all three relaxing under the shade of some nearby trees. Jeraha began a slow story of his recent trials, keeping names and locations from his speech on the off chance this male was actually looking to cause trouble. Lion Mito, however, didn’t seem to mind too much, watching with a caring smile on his face. The creature looked only interested in helping. Strange to see.
Once the story had been concluded, Mito looked thoughtful, processing everything he had heard. The smaller Mito looked thoughtful as well, though probably only because his father had taken on the expression and he wanted to mimic him.
“I see,” the forest green lion finally said, “that is troubling for you. But I’m sure you’ve done the right thing. Sometimes, the right choice is a hard one. Maybe you’ll discover your true purpose soon. If not, don’t feel troubled- rejoice in the fact that you helped your mate by making this tough call. You know, in your heart, that you’re making the right choice, right?”
“Yeah,” muttered Jeraha, “I just feel like I might have been able to have done something else, that’s all.”
“Don’t fret about the what ifs! There’s no telling how things might have been, so focus on the now. Live for the moment, that’s what I’ve learned from being out here so long. After all, you can’t change the past so you should accept it and move forward. You did the right thing, I’m sure of it. And I’m sure your former mate agrees.”
“How do you know?”
“Because you made the decision together!” The smaller Mito piped in eagerly, “you can’t be wrong if you both agreed on the same thing! Right? I mean… it’s not like you forced her into any decision. You both get to be happy now, and you can both hold onto your love for each other. I think you’re lucky. You don’t have to feel the pain of a broken heart.”
“That’s true, but how can I love again? What if it just ends up the same?” Asked the male, frowning. He did admit they had some good points, though. His grief was, perhaps, misplaced.
“All things become clear in time. You’ll know when you see her if she’s the one. Maybe he, who knows?” the larger Mito hummed.
“Ha, funny,” commented Jeraha, “but… I suppose time is all I have now. Maybe I will move forward. You’re not wrong- we did make the decision together, and I know we’ll both be better off for it.” Maybe it was just hard knowing he wouldn’t see her again for a long time. Maybe never again.
“Ah well, I suppose I’ll get out of your fur. No point lingering when I still have some walking left to do before nightfall. But… it was nice speaking to you. I appreciate the advice you’ve both given me.” He offered the smaller Mito a grin. In return, the ratel yelped and hid behind his pseudo father.
Apparently he wasn’t a fan of sharp fangs pointed in his direction. Who knew?
“You’re both very kind,” Jeraha said faintly, “I’m surprised, honestly. I didn’t think such nice animals still existed in these parts.”
“You’d be surprised,” squeaked the smaller Mito from behind the larger one, “there are plenty of kind animals around if you take the time to look around. You’re not so bad, yourself! I… didn’t think you’d be so calm by the sight of you. I’m sorry about that.”
“Not to worry,” Jeraha replied absently, “I thought you were food when I first saw you. We all make mistakes.”
To that, the main Mito let out a loud laugh. As Jeraha got up to go, he offered a wave of his large paw. “Good luck on your journey, Jeraha,” he told the male sincerely, “I hope you do find what you’re really looking for. No, I’m sure you will!”
“Thank you. I hope your day continues pleasantly, and there are many more like it. Good bye for now. May our paths cross again.” He turned and left at that, continuing on his way as their words echoed in his mind. Such an odd pair, yet oddly helpful. Even if they hadn’t said much more than he had been thinking himself, hearing it out loud had been a comfort. Like he hadn’t been wrong to think such things in the first place.
The confirmation was nice.
As he left, Mitos one and two smiled at each other. It was always nice when they got to talk to someone who wasn’t looking to pick a fight. A nice little lesson about not judging a lion by his fur, too.
