Zuraya was alone, but for once she didn’t have to sneak off. Her pad was off hunting, and under the watchful eye of the other males of the pride, he must have figured she’d be safe. It was true; there was hardly anywhere Zuraya could go where she didn’t notice other lions, pride mates of hers now. This was a very large pride, and she was still getting used to the close proximity with others after being on her own for so long. So she hadn’t slipped off, really. She was still accounted for, but just finding a place where she could breathe.That was the other thing; her ribs were still bruised from when Ouran had taken her captive, and she had numerous cuts and aches from the fight that were still smarting. So it hurt a little to breathe, adding to her discomfort, and making it all the more difficult to accept her new situation. She was only glad it hadn’t been worse. Now that they had come to this pride, Zuraya was finding that there were a fair few males just like Ouran, but keeping out of their way seemed to be a good enough policy.
The sun was high in the sky, and it heated her dark pelt and made her feel exhausted. This was no place to rest, but she wasn’t going back to the den anytime soon, at least not until Ouran would be expected back. She needed some time away from it. So, she found a spot and laid down, wincing as her shoulder ached and her sore ribs protested.
Namir was walking around the pride, doing his 'rounds' as he called them. He wasn't sure how many of the pride members knew that he was a healer yet but that didn't mean that he wasn't going to go out and see if any needed his help. And while he was out and about he could refresh his herb supply and the patches of herbs that he did his best to keep alive in the pride. Those that were more of a 'outside source' he went hunting for once a month give or take. So far he has only gone on three such hunts but one of the things his teacher taught him was to never over harvest to keep such plants in ready supply and good heath.The blue pad had reached a place that was relatively empty of others, they were in the distance, when he decided to take a quick break. The shade was sparse so Namir decided to soak up some warming rays until he started back on his way. With a content sigh the lion flopped down in a large patch of sunlight not even realizing that he was not as alone as he thought.
Zuraya was so busy focusing on her injures and the heat of the day that she didn’t notice at first that she was no longer alone. The dark lioness lifted her head, glancing around, and thought she noticed a patch of blue not far off in the grass. She was startled, but more curious. She wondered how she hadn’t noticed this before, and with a little wince and a groan, she heaved herself to her feet and crept closer, trying to get a better look. It didn’t take long to realize that the bit of blue she’d seen from lying down was actually a lion, laying not that far from where she had been. Had he followed her here?
The old Zuraya might have confronted him, maybe not angrily, but with suspicion. But that wasn’t the way things worked here, for females. So instead, she raised her voice in a polite inquiry, keeping her distance just in case he was one of the mean ones… like her own Pad, she thought.
“Uh… hello?” She called, feeling very meek and afraid he would snarl at her, “Did you… need some help, or something?” After a moment’s pause, she added, just in case, “I’m not running away, if that’s what you thought. I was just getting some exercise.”
A bit disoriented a first. Namir didn't answer when the voice first called out. He didn't expect to hear anyone let alone anyone asking if he needed help. With a shake of his shaggy head Namir sat up and saw a dark colored banu standing a short distance away. "Running away? Why would I think you are running away? Weren't you just enjoying a day by your self?" That was the part that really confused him and it showed in his face.
While he knew that there were Pads who brought back unwilling females it never really occurred to him that there were 'unwilling' females in the pride. He knew that some Pad's kept their banu under a tight paw and he disliked that but there was nothing he could do in that sense. The thought of a banu running away though... That was inconceivable. To leave would bring shame not only on the banu but on the Pad as well as his entire family. It normally led to harsh and painful consequences for everyone involved. This was something Namir explained quite carefully and in detail before he accepted his banu's, Rana, answer.
Zuraya didn’t know how to answer, at first. She was a little caught off guard. The male’s tone was pleasant and he sounded actually confused by her statement. So, no one suspected her of trying to run away? Or at least, this male didn’t. Maybe she wasn’t being followed, after all! The thought made her feel a little better, and she sighed with relief, then winced a little as her bruised ribs gave her a little pain.
“Sorry,” she told him genuinely, shaking her head, “I am new here. I don’t know what anyone thinks of what I do. You’re right, I was just getting a little ‘me’ time.” She almost finished, and then hastily added, “But you’re welcome to be here, too! Err..”
She was remembering her manners now, and recalling that things in this pride were done in a certain way, and she was already doing it wrong. She had been told of their traditions, and also warned that she didn’t not speak to new males before they had asked for her to. And so, after that, she remained silent, hoping he would understand her mistake and be forgiving of her. She had a lot of absorb and had not lived here long at all yet.
"Its ok really." Namir smiled and got to his paws, half of his mind focused on her body and it's language. He had spotted her wince when she sighed. It was possible the wince was more of a mental thing, like she thought of something painful or embarrassing, but he feared it was more of a wince of pain. When she trailed off Namir had an idea as to why not that he really cared that much... still there were some in the pride who were sticklers to protocol.
"I'm Pad Namir... Naim'Namir." He hesitated just a moment before he added, "I'm a healer." He didn't say anything, even though he wanted to offer to help her, since he wasn't positive if this banu wanted it or would even except it. This also was a bit on the line of one of the main pride rules, 'no pad shall touch another's banu without permission'. So far he had only treated some minor things and mainly with cubs so it was not much a issue but a adult banu, a new one at that, might cause some issues.
Zuraya’s ears perked. Not just at the mention of his name, which meant that by pride custom she could address him, but the part about being a healer, also. Her capture had been rough, and even though since then she had done her very best to stay out of Ouran’s way and on his good side, the injuries from then were still very fresh. Her bruises made things very uncomfortable for her.
“I am Beybanu Zuraya,” She told him, hoping she had gotten that part right. She had been told that’s what her rank was, but her understanding of the customs was still new to her. She wasn’t sure if that’s how she should have introduced herself or not. “You’re… a healer? I could actually use a little attention… if you’re not busy.” She turned and showed him a cut on her back leg that had now scabbed over, but still looked painful. It had been deep when it was inflicted, and it bore the striking resemblance of claw marks.
Namir smile was kind but it faded when Zuraya showed him the cut on her back leg. He knew that it was a claw mark, Namir could only hope that the marks are from someone other then her pad. "For healing I am never too busy." He smiled reassuringly even though he didn't really feel like smiling. Already he was thinking the best way to help her, since the cut had already started to heal, when a thought occurred to him. "Beybanu Zuarya... I have no qualms about helping you but I feel I have to tell you. By me touching you, healing you, it might get you in trouble with your pad. I don't know who he is, and most pads wish their banu to be healthy, but if that is what I think it is and is done by him this might be a issue." His mind practically screamed at him for not just going to help her but Namir knew it was right to tell her. He would not be the cause for any female to be in pain.
“Oh…” Zuraya replied, and suddenly looked a little downcast, “You’re right, Pad Naim’Namir, this was done by my Pad. But, it, well… I mean, it happened when he captured - I mean, took me here. I ran and he knocked me down. But you’re right, he’s not a terribly easy male to contend with. You would be better off not doing it and saving yourself his wrath.” Zuraya knew that one thing she, or presumably anyone else wouldn't want, was to piss off her Pad. She’d been learning this the hard way.
“It’s not all bad, though.” Zuraya continued, turning so that Namir could no longer see her wounded leg. She worried it would bother him, and so she considered it a courtesy. “I like this pride… granted, it’s taking some getting used to… but in many ways it’s better than being a rogue. I’m even making friends, which is not something I was able to do when I was traveling alone.” She smiled, and for the first time in a while she didn’t feel quite so bad. It was always important to look at the bright side of things - because everything could always be worse.
Namir's eyes narrowed then closed as the pad took a few deep breaths to calm himself. It could have always been worse he mentally chastised himself, he could have done a lot more then just 'knocked her down'. It still made him want to twitch in anger but he knew it was part of the pride even if he would never do it himself... right??? With his composure back Namir said softly if slightly sadly, "It is not myself I worry about. I will take what ever punishment that would come from it but if it will get you in trouble then I shall just have to show you what to do."
He watched as she shifted so he could no longer see her wound. With a mental decision Namir nodded and quickly pulled off his healer's bag. From it he pulled a small leaf packet. A delicate claw opened the packet to reveal a pungently green pale gray paste. "This is a paste that will keep any cuts and scrapes clean and will even help the pain." He nodded to Zuraya. "You can just rub a little bit on any cuts and it should help." Namir's smile was true this time, he was still able to help others even if he dared not touch her.
Zuraya nodded, understanding what he meant. “You are a very honorable Pad then.” she said, slightly sadly. She had gotten a rotten one, but at least since the initial capture she had had no further problems with him, so long as she kept out of his way and did as she was told. That wasn’t so bad. He had even made her his Beybanu, which was kind of an honor to her.
Zuraya watched as the healer produced the small pouch and showed her how to use it. She watched carefully - she would definitely use it, and if she didn’t use all of it on this particular wound, she would keep some in case she got others later. You never knew when something like that might happen.
She reached forward to take the little packet with a tentative claw, careful to avoid touching him since it could make for such a serious situation. “Thank you for everything. Will you get into trouble, speaking to me alone like this?” She looked around hastily, as though wondering if anyone was watching. Regardless of her nervousness, she did already feel better - not her wounds, but her whole outlook. The whole pride was not the same as her Pad. She could really end up liking it here…
"Its been a pleasure Beybanu Zuraya. Just talking should rise no issues." Like her Namir glanced around but it was more of a checking the surrounding area, not like her hasty glance. Sadly he really did need to continue on his rounds there was only one other thing he could offer her. "If you need to talk or need more help go and see Beybanu Tsubame. She is mated to Pad Achal. She will help you." Namir knew his mother would give this banu a friendly ear and would do her best to make Zuraya's transition easier. "Unfortunately I need to continue on." He took a few steps away and then added, "I know its not much consultation but welcome to the pride Beybanu Zuraya. I hope you will learn to love it here." With a nod Namir continued on his way, his mind revolving around the thought of females who were forced back to the pride.
((WC:2449 PC:12))
