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 Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 9:20 am
 Sometimes we forget who we are.
The passing of time fades memories of our childhood until we can no longer remember what it is like to set eye on a sunset for a first time, to feel a spring rain against our heads, to feel the touch of warmth on our backs. Childhood is to be free. It is a mind unbound. It is to think of anything as possible. It is to see a mountain as a hill. It is to see life as adventure.
Eeva was one of those who had forgotten; having given up on adventure and excitement long ago for a life of responsibility. She couldn't complain, though. She was happy and proud to serve her peoples and, with her as leader, her siblings could be free to live how they saw fit. Laka - one of her youngest sisters - had even been blessed enough to adventure outside of the lands with that handsome male of hers.
It was just...sometimes...life felt...
...Empty.
To make matters worse, some of her closest friends in other clans were too busy, now, to take the time to see her. Or so she assumed... She hadn't seen them in so long she was worried she wouldn't recognise them when she actually did. Perhaps that was why she was currently dwindling on the edges of the Shadow territory, crossing the open expanse of hunting land which was, at the moment, void of any herds. The hunt that morning had scared most of the antelope into the trees. No doubt they were watching, then and there, as she padded slowly through the grass.
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Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 4:39 pm
So what if his skills nor his goals entirely needed. Just because the pride was safe now, didn't mean that someone or something might not upset such a delicate balance. Besides, a heroes work was never done. There could be cubs to rescue from mudpits, or a damsel lioness in distress, or someone in need right this very minute! The pride could never be lax when it came to caution, and that's why Udadalsvli was there.
He'd save the world if he could, but to leave his pride was absolutely unthinkable. The Ela'wadyi were his world and thus, they were the ones he chose to protect. The outside world, while interesting in theory, was not something he wished to travel. The pride lands had beauty enough besides, if he left, he'd be letting down all those he vowed to protect. That was something Udadalsvli could never and would never do.
So the lion had taken it upon himself to roam. While he was dedicated to the Bird Clan, and knew that more often than not the various clans kept to themselves . . .well. . . . that still didn't stop him from doing a bit of travel. The hunting grounds were usually free to roam, and today was no different. Everything was quiet, and still, but the area was perfect for the lion to do a bit of training. Likely he looked a fool, battling what could only be a tree, and a rather large one at that. While he kept his claws in check, he darted around it, zig-zagging and pulling some 'evasive' maneuvers, before pouncing at the trunk of the tree, or snapping at its various branches.
"You let those cubs go and pick on someone your own size, like me!" He threatened, snarling as menacingly as possible as he continued his assault on the tree. He looked crazy, but Udadalsvi didn't want to come off as weak or lazy. Because there were no real foes, the lion had to make do with what nature offered. For now, the tree was his chosen antagonist.
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:58 am
But she wasn't the only one they would be watching, apparently.
The sound of a voice drew Eeva's attention and she diverted her gaze across the meadow to the trees that fringed its edge. There, she could see the tattooed figure of a male lion. Since he bore tattoos, she had no reason to worry that it might be some intruding rogue. Nor was he one of the newer members.
With that in mind, she altered her path and moved towards him; head and ears raised curiously. What was he doing, exactly?
Even as she drew closer, she wasn't sure what he was doing. Why was he...picking on a tree?
With a small smirk, she padded even closer, pausing to lean against a neighbouring tree, and called out to him.
"That tree must be quite misbehaved if its gained the attention of a lion, hm?"
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Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 6:40 pm
Udadalsvli had been unaware that he'd attracted company. Given, the majority of his focus was directed at the tree and considering his fancy paw work on the ground, but really. . . to have Eeva approach unnoticed wasn't saying much for Udadal's skills. As her words broke through his fight, the large lion seemed to whirl about, ears pricked and blue eyes wide with a touch of surprise.
He honestly hadn't expected to find himself in the company of another! Usually those of the Bird Clan left him to his own devices or had long since learned to ignore his antics. Still, the lioness didn't seem threatened by him (who would, really, since he was beating up a tree) and now was good a break as any. Blue eyes bright with good humor, the lion gave a low chuckle and dipped his head, doing his best to catch his breath. "Actually, the tree was quite well behaved and a good sport about the entire affair." He beamed proudly, glancing over at the tree. It did nothing. If anything, it seemed to be feigning nonchalance.
Looking back to the brown lioness, he decided he should probably clarify matters, so she didn't dub him too insane. "Though I . . uh. . suppose my imagination might have run wild a bit." There weren't many sparring partners who would humor Udadal's dreams of being a great protector and hero of the pride. But then, the pride wasn't often in need of heroes. . . so he often trained alone, and used trees as foes.
"I'm Udadalsvli, of the Bird Clan," he gave his name proudly, even if he looked a bit of a wreck. Tangled mane, overheated, and panting . . . Not exactly good for first impressions. Still, he had never been shy or particularly self-conscious and wore no shame concerning his dreams and beliefs. "I hope my antics didn't disturb you."
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 2:49 pm
She gave an amused laugh, blue eyes bright, and gave him a brief nod. "Well, I'm glad the tree acted honourably. It wouldn't do to have rotten trees on our lands." She leaned a little heavier against her own tree and let her eyes glance across his tattooed pelt. Its intricate designs were subtle where gold met light gold but stark against brown and black. It created an interesting affect. Her own family were rather plain as far as pelt markings went.
"Nice to meet you Udadalsvli of Bird Clan." Her smile widened. She'd not had too much dealings with the Bird Clan before. "I'm Eeva Subiani of Shadow Clan." She found that she always gave her family name when introducing herself, just because her first name was so short...particularly when compared to this male's name. For once, however, she left out her title. Sometimes it was good to be known as just an Ela'wadiyi female. Good to speak with someone who might not know who she was. Though...it was likely he did, in which case, she should have given him a fake name.
"Disturbed would not be the word. Amused might be more accurate?" She grinned. "You remind me a little of a friend I used to hang out with when I was younger." She thought of adventurous Nekoda and wondered what he had been doing in these recent months. She missed him a lot. "He liked adventuring and playing the hero, too." She took a step closer and sat. "Have you had many adventures?"
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Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:36 pm
Udadalsvli was relieved that the other didn't seem to mind his antics. She certainly seemed like a friendly enough lioness, though there weren't many within the pride that he would peg as ornery or sour. Everyone could have a rough day, but thankfully the brown female before him seemed to be in good spirits. She hadn't run screaming from his attack on the tree, after all. . . . that was a good sign, wasn't it?
"Oh, rest assured, m'lady, that any and all unsavory or dishonorable trees will have to face me," he added in his most serious and stern voice. "And I promise that they will be dealt with accordingly." Despite his serious tone, his bright blue eyes danced with good humor before his expression broke in to a large grin and he laughed at his own silliness. So he wasn't serious business all the time, there was no harm in laughter or an over-active imagination, and hopefully the lioness before him wouldn't think him terribly odd.
Even if he was.
"Well, m'lady Eeva Subiani, it is most certainly a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." Dipping his head low to the ground, part of the lion was suddenly distracted by the familiarity of the name. Eeva Subiani . . . Eeva Subiani . . . Why did it sound so familiar? Why did it cause him pause? He'd certainly never met her before, and he knew few within Shadow Clan on a personal level. Hmm. He'd have to consider the source . . . but right now, he was far too distracted and forgetful to really put this Eeva Subiani as the Eeva that was head of the Shadow Clan!
Unfortunately for them both, he would put the connection together. . . just may not right this very second.
"Well, I am glad that you took a moment to further investigate then, and not so swiftly judge. Trees make a decent sparring partner when none others are to be found," he admitted with a nod, "even if they aren't the most fearsome of foes. It's good practice, at any rate," though some might question exactly what he was practicing for. Danger wasn't something that often lurked within the Ela'wadiyi. . . . But Udadalsvli refused to let that knowledge get the better of him! Someday his skills might be needed . . . and he'd be ready!
His black tipped ears pricked with curiosity as she mentioned an old friend. Part of Udadalsvli wondered whom the lion might have been, as he had always suffered a horrible hero complex. The more heroes in the pride, the better . . . unless they got all the damsels in distress. Maybe that's why it was difficult to find such lions in need.
"When it comes to adventures, I suppose I have. Nothing terribly epic," he added, not wanting to get her hopes up of some amazing story only to be let down by the mundane. "but I've had some close calls a time or two. Or what seemed like close calls when I was younger." He chuckled and gave a small shrug, dipping his head, "I've been told I'd find much more out in the rogue lands, but I'd much rather keep my services and attention here," he admitted with a nod. Honestly, as great and epic as the rogue lands might seem . . . . he loved the Ela'wadiyi and didn't dare want to turn his attention from it for even a moment.
Maybe it meant he couldn't be the greatest hero in the world, but he'd be damned if he wasn't the greatest in the Ela! Or so he secretly dreamed. To give his time and strength back to his pride was all he wished to do, even if danger was in minimal amount. "And what of you, m'lady? Are you keen on adventure or would you prefer a quieter sort of life?" Glancing up at the tree, the lion retreated a bit so he was settled underneath the shade. "If you wish to join me for a stay, I can promise some cool shade, and will keep my tree battles to an absolute minimum."
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Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 12:09 pm
Eeva was generally a content and happy creature. For, whilst life had not been all the fun and games she would have liked, she could not deny that she found a great deal of pleasure in watching over her Clan. She loved and adored all of the Shadows as if they were brothers and sisters. To be fair, most of them were her brothers and sisters, seeing as her parents had been blessed with three large litters. Some of them had already moved onto other clans - through marriage - whilst others were still in their teen years. Yet all of them were loving and kind and made her proud to be a Subiani. And, she'd never tried to quell the adventurous spirit that had awakened in them. Instead she had encouraged it and Laka - one of her sisters - had even been out into rogue lands with an outsider. Eeva had been both jealous and happy to see that others were being given the chance to do things that she had not.
"Well, I must say that I do feel a lot safer for you being around to make sure none of those pesky trees act out of line. It's always good to know that the pride has dedicated protectors to watch out for the kinsman. I'm a skilled huntress myself but not much of a fighter. I doubt the trees would listen to me if I attempted to deal with them." She laughed and was all the happier at the connection between her name and rank being left unseen.
"If you'd like to practise on some lions when the trees are behaving, I have a couple in mind who would be more than happy to spar with you. My litter-mate, Kohana and my younger brother, Poa. I'll have to introduce you to them someday. They're both still in Shadow Clan - at the moment, anyway. Too dedicated in their work to settle down with a nice girl." She tutted teasingly, secretly glad that the boys were still around. A large percentage of her siblings were boys and if they all got hooked up to girls in other clans...well, the Shadow would be a lot quieter.
Her eyes glittered; talk of adventure stirring long forgotten desires that she'd had to drop to take up the mantle of leadership. "Me?" She blinked. "Well...I've always wanted to but...but I've never really had the chance. There's always been so much to do and learn that I never really got the time. I wish I'd been given the chance, though. If I got to relive my childhood I would have made the time to do and see more. Some of my siblings have done some adventuring but...I suppose I got responsible in my old age." She laughed, seating herself more comfortably under the shade of the trees. "So, adventurer, what sort of close calls have you had, hm?"
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Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:42 am
((Sorry for the delay! Life got busy and I haven't had the time or energy to really post in any of my shops these last couple weeks. x_x))
Udadalsvli was glad that the the brown coated female before him didn't seem to mind his company, or his love for adventure. Now and again he'd cross a soul that didn't seem to entirely understand why he did what he did, or seem to be particularly imaginative. And talking about battling trees well . . . some might look at him as just plum insane. Ah, but that was neither here nor there. What mattered now was that he was in good company, and he would enjoy this first meeting of a Shadow Clan lioness.
At Eeva's compliments of feeling safer, the large lion couldn't help but puff out his chest some in pride. His smile was laced with good humor, and his blue eyes glowed with mischief, proving that he really wasn't taking himself seriously. "Oh, I don't know about that, m'lady. You look perfectly capable of handling a tree, it's the local shrubbery I'd worry about. Trees are old and a bit fussy, but a few swats tend to bring them back in line. But shrubs and various wild weeds, they stop at nothing to get their way, the hoodlums." While he did his best to keep a straight and serious business face, Udadalsvli could hardly believe he was still talking about plants and their 'dangers' to the pride.
Maybe this is why he was still single. Udadalsvli could be incredibly charming, but the reality was, he tended to be much more laid back an individual. He was a bit of a goof, and had no qualms being silly. Sure, he truly did want to be a great hero someday but . . . .that didn't mean he still couldn't have fun!
Smiling warmly at Eeva (whom he was still pondering on why her name sounded so familiar . . . ), the orange maned lion gave a happy thump of his tail. "I would be delighted to find some real challenges!" Glancing over at the tree he added with a wink, "No offense or anything, Sir Tree." Looking back to the lioness he gave a small chuckle. "For while battling the local flora isn't a terrible substitute, to spar with another would be most refreshing. Very rarely would I suspect future enemies or threats would stay rooted to the ground and in one place."
It seemed quite auspicious that the spirits allowed him to meet this Eeva. Not only was she good to speak with, but she was actually granting him an opportunity to meet others! It wasn't often he had the opportunity to meet others outside Bird Clan. The only one he had ever grown close to had been the little cub from Earth Clan, but the last time he saw her had been . . .years ago. Ah, but that was neither here nor there. For now, the lion kept his attention on Eeva.
It surprised Udadalsvli that she expressed a desire to explore and go on adventures, but the reality was, she never had been. While he understood there were other tasks to be had, other responsibilities to tackle, there could always be time for a little adventure. Just to walk from one clan border to the next, or to wake and watch the sunrise, or sit back and count the stars. Maybe Eeva wasn't going to battle a tree but . . . . it was a shame she didn't seem to have an opportunity to roam.
"Well there is certainly no shame in responsibility," he added with a firm nod. It was the truth. As fun as adventuring and escape and freedom and discovery were great, there was always a time and a place for such antics. And some in the pride didn't have the time to spare. "Surely though, there must be a few moments in your day you might be able to spare. Like now, this small moment we've spent talking, that's the beginning of a new adventure. I mean, you get to return to Shadow Clan after meeting the notorious Bird Clan Tree Fighter! It might not be a very epic adventure, but it was something new to discover."
Uda gave a small, nonchalant flick of an ear as she questioned his close calls. "Well, m'lady, I've had many in my lifetime. Perhaps the most memorable was when I rescued a cub from a sand pit. She had fallen in by mistake, and was sinking fast. There was no telling how deep the pit was, after all, and I couldn't stand back and do nothing and let her sink completely. Though I was just as small as she, and quite young, duty called. I couldn't reach her from the bank and didn't dare risk falling in to the sand pit, so I sought and found a large branch. Dragging it over, she was able to grasp the branch, and I was able to rescue her safe and sound. It might not sound like much of a tale," he added with a small laugh, "but that was my first successful rescue of a damsel. I knew from then on what my calling was in the world. It wasn't a close call, but . . . .it seemed like a pretty big deal at the time."
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 4:13 pm
(( no worries, m'dear! ))
"And to think!" She replied with a smile. "I was walking about these lands without knowing what plants were watching me! At least if I get into trouble after today I know there's an expert in the lands I can call upon for aid." Her blue eyes glittered with amusement. He was very cute. An adult lion who had refused to give up on his child's imagination. It took her back to her own childhood where she and her siblings had imagined monsters and spirits and ran their parents ragged. She smothered a laugh into the back of her paw and dragged herself away from memories. "We'll have to meet up again, then, so I can introduce them to you. They're not as fun as me, of course - much more serious and stern - but they're goodhearted and brave. Every clan needs at least one." She pondered on the idea of enemies and dispelled the thought with a shake of her head. She couldn't ever imagine the Ela'wadiyi drawing bad attention.
Though, her father's stories reminded her that it had happened, albeit a long time ago.
"You can never be too careful. Sometimes, even peaceful lions come up against trouble and we do have a beautiful territory, here. We're very lucky to have been blessed with this land. Thankfully our numbers are much better than what they once were and we've got warriors like you to protect us. I don't think the Ela'wadiyi of old had much in the way of warriors and heroes." She blinked. "Although, they were heroes in their own right, of course." Heroes and survivors.
She threw him a mock-suspicious look and smiled wide. "Well...I suppose it couldn't hurt to have a short adventure every now and again. Most of our young are old enough now and my parents are happy to--" She cut herself off hastily. Oops. Don't go down that route, or else he might discover just how much responsibility she had and get put off. Eager to glean over her half-finished sentence, she bounced back to her paws and finished: "Well, you know how parents are. Always looking out for their kids." She laughed. "And I'm sure they'll be more than happy to hear the story. My dad fancies himself quite the storyteller. He's always looking for more material." She chuckled. "I don't think many lions or lionesses could say they've met a Tree Fighter from the Bird Clan, hm? Surely there must only be one!"
Then she settled again to listen to his tales of adventure and, though he seemed to play it down a little, she had to admit that she was rather impressed. Okay, so maybe the cub's life hadn't been in any immediate danger, but he'd helped when she'd probably been rather scared. "I imagine she remembers that rescue even now, Udadalsvli. I know I would remember it. Besides, my dad says that sometimes even the smallest actions can mean more than some grand act." She blinked. "Have you ever been up to the mountain?" She lifted her head to indicate the one she meant. "My brother - when he was younger - travelled up. He says they got to the top but I'm not sure if that was an exaggerated truth. He said there was a spirit at the top."
She sighed wistfully. "I imagine that if the spirits were going to be some place, they would choose to live at the top of the mountain, in the clouds up there."
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:47 am
Udadalsvli was glad that the spirits had smiled down upon him this day. While he had always been open to meeting others, he so very rarely had an opportunity to really talk to those outside of Bird Clan. For awhile he had been able to romp and speak of great adventures with his friend Iyunge, the one whom he had rescued from the mud pit as such a small cub. They had been best-friends but it seemed as if life had given reason for them to separate for a time. . . She was busy in Earth Clan, and while he sometimes missed her companionship as a good friend, understood that responsibility and duties came first.
Thankfully though, he had been able to meet the brown coated lioness Eeva, and he was thoroughly enjoying conversing with her. There was still something quite familiar about her name, but he'd consider it later. Had he heard it in passing elsewhere? Given, he didn't know a lot outside of Bird Clan, and it was entirely possible that the name was merely reminiscent to that of anothers. Thankfully, for Eeva's sake, Udadalsvli had yet to make the connection that Subiani was the Subiani. She was safe with her secret. For now.
"I am at your every command, m'lady," he agreed with a good humored laugh, offering a deep bow before her. "These lands will always be safe to walk while I'm on guard, from both plant and shrubbery. Feel free to send word anytime should some weed insult or offend." It was a little sad that a lion such as he, one he was certain was meant for great things, was little more than a dreamer with a threat against greenery. Thankfully though, the lioness before him didn't seem to mind his jest. She wasn't so grown-up herself, it appeared, to as forget that life needed humor and a little time for fun. While responsability and maturity were great assets with age, sometimes adults (in Udadalsvli's opinion) became too serious, and more than a little boring. There was no harm in play or imagination, provided one didn't forget themselves (or their duties) completely.
"I would be honored to meet you again so I might be introduced to your siblings." He added on a more serious note, giving her a warm smile. Thankfully for Eeva, Udadal was a rather relaxed and extroverted individual. He wasn't shy or anxious and was completely at ease meeting others, if his juvenile experience meeting the winged one, Tawa'di, had been any indication. Nothing seemed to phase him much, at least, nothing that he had yet experienced.
"As for our history and roots, you are indeed right. We are lucky to have been born to such a great pride, and while it had its trouble in the past, I do believe the Ela'wadiyi have grown nothing but stronger for it. Those who survived were indeed heroes, and I hope to someday do well in their name and memory. Trouble may not easily happen here, but one can never be too careful. I'd much rather be prepared than to be caught off guard." His voice took on a serious note, even as he considered the history of the pride. While he knew his parents had been but two rogues who had joined not long before his birth, he still possessed great pride in his home. He might not have blood to trace back to the old days of the Ela'wadiyi, but he felt as much a member as any of them. Their history was and always would be his history.
If Udadalsvli had caught her pause, he didn't put together that she might be avoiding conversing about the truth of her rank. Not that she had ever lied, merely skipped over such a significant detail. "Well then, it sounds as if you've only been holding out on such adventures from yourself. There is always a time and place for everything, including taking a small portion of the day to explore something new. Even if you can't get away from Earth Clan or more familiar territory, you can make up your own adventures. Like the clouds." He glanced up and offered a grin. "Have you ever watched them pass by and consider where it is they might be going? Or imagine the shapes change in to?" Turning his blue eyes towards Eeva, the male gave a small grin. "I suppose it might not be a very epic adventure, but if one can't leave, there are other ways to explore the world. Even if it's just through imagination."
Maybe others would call him a fool, or childish, for such thoughts. But Udadalsvli couldn't resist. He had always been energetic and active, and so dearly loved to explore his great home. He had become a seasoned pro when it came to adventure from all levels and all scales, from the very great, to the not-quite-significant. This was something that had yet to die with maturity, but it was something he absolutely cherished.
"I have yet to take a journey in to the mountain," he admitted, "though it has been something I've considered. I suppose for awhile I was far too young, and now that I am grown, have yet to make an attempt. It would be quite the adventure though, wouldn't it? I would certainly love to hear your brothers account, exaggeration or not! Though to meet a spirit. . ." He turned his head to gaze at the mountain, as if he might catch sight of something supernatural or unusual. Such an account only seemed to add to the allure of making an attempt.
"As for the spirits, I agree that the peaks of the mountains would be most ideal. They seem to be on their own agenda, after all, never quite lingering or allowing others to witness them for long. Who knows, perhaps someday I can reach the top and tell you for sure what might or might not be there."
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 2:24 pm
And when he did discover it, no doubt that Eeva would be worried of being treated differently. She'd not had much experience with lions outside of the clan but when she had been young and her parents the temporary leaders, she had watched the respect given to them by other clan members and found it...strange. Like a wall that prevented true bonds to form. That was the burden of rank, she had found, and what a burden it was. Still, so long as the other was not aware of who she was, she could at least trust that she was being treated like any other Ela'wadiyi, and it was a refreshing feeling to be certain.
She laughed, pressing a paw to her mouth in some vain attempt at smothering the sound. Her tail twitched. "I shall indeed, Sir Knight!" He was not the traditional knight that she had been told of in stories, but where those knights were serious (and perhaps a little boring) this one had imagination to go with his 'noble deeds'. It certainly made for a more interesting companion.
"I think I have forgotten how to use my imagination." She admitted after a moment and, casting him a sidelong glance she bounded forwards without warning and then dropped onto her side, rolling onto her back and tucking her forepaws up against her chest. There, she threw her vision up to the sky and drew in a deep breath. "I imagine they are going to see distant lands. Oceans and deserts and jungles and places where the land is flat as flat can be. Maybe they return to the home of the red earth, where so many of our ancestors perished to war and disease." She sighed softly. She felt tied to the past in an indescribable way. Her grandmother, it was said, had fur of white and silver and moved as swift and silent as the shadows themselves. The colours were banded in her father's mane and covered her sister's pelt. Then there was her grandfather, a lion with earthy rich colours to his own fur. They had borne between them but one child - Eeva's father - and he had survived when he should have died. "I wonder if the clouds change shapes to tell stories, like our tattoos do? Perhaps we can read parts of their lives in the clouds - the lives of our ancestors, I mean." And, in the distance, she spotted a band of light-grey cloud and wondered if the spirits were grieving. Grieving for lives lost. She blinked and lifted her head to look at him again.
"If you go to the mountain, Udadalsvli, could I come with you?" The question was out of her mouth before she'd had time to think about it. But suddenly it seemed like a thing she needed to do. A pilgrimage of sorts. To pay respects for those that had fallen to ensure that she - and others - could live. "I mean...if I wouldn't get in the way." Her parents would understand, right? It was an adventure, yes, but it wasn't an irresponsible one. Well, no, maybe it was. It could be dangerous and cold and--and she wouldn't be alone. She'd managed to convince her parents to let her sister into unclaimed lands with a rogue. Surely she could convince them to let her journey into the mountain with a fellow Ela'wadiyian.
She sat up, her eyes full of hesitant hope.
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Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 11:06 pm
Udadalsvli was glad that his current companion was so good natured. It was refreshing to meet someone outside of Bird Clan that didn't look at him as if he might have grown a second head, even with his outlandish stories and tales. Sure, he knew that the brown coated lioness might be humoring him, but she certainly seemed quite genuine. The fact she was conversing with him yet was also a good sign, and he was pleased that the spirits had blessed him in such a manner. Good company was hard to find, or so he had always heard.
The large lion almost started when Eeva bounded forward and rolled upon her back. His question had almost been rhetorical, purely something to consider without actually believing the lioness to answer. Still, Udadal couldn't help but smile as she gazed up at the clouds and gave a kickstart to her imagination. "The nice thing about the imagination is that it's like pouncing. You may think you've forgotten, but once you return to it, you'll find you never truly forgot."
Udadalsvli listened to what Eeva said, turning his own blue eyed gaze back up to the sky and the clouds. He could easily see the clouds drifting over all of the prides lands, past the mountain, past the very horizon of the land he only knew and quietly watching over jungles, rivers, oceans. Maybe the clouds never went away completely, only traveled constantly above, to come back around days, weeks, months, years later. Then again, maybe Eeva was right -- maybe they were their purely to tell stories, to give warning, to change shape and tell all the world of their lives. "I never thought of them changing shape to tell their stories; usually when I see a cloud I quickly imagine what relates to my life or memory." He was glad to gain a new perspective, especially one that he hadn't considered. "But you could very well be right. . .the clouds could be telling us a number of things, messages from those long since past, but I have a suspicion too few ever bother to consider their 'words'." His voice quieted, knowing full well how often he was wrapped up in his own life and routine. He loved looking up at the clouds, but to think that maybe there was a deeper meaning than just his own fickle stories made him feel selfish and a little ashamed. He knew the history of the pride, knew that there was a time when the pride might not have been wiped out completely. While he might not have any biological ancestors in the Ela'wadiyi, since his parents were recently welcomed to this land, that didn't mean he couldn't feel for those spirits that had fallen before.
Udadalsvli was content to turn introspective, to consider the words of his companions as well as imagine what the clouds might communicate. But when Eeva suddenly expressed a desire to go to the mountain with him, he did give her a double take. Someone who wanted to travel with him? Outside of Iyunge, he hadn't had a grand many opportunities to explore with others. He'd not been to the mountain before, but knew there were some dangers. It was one thing if he planned to go himself, but . . . to bring Eeva?
"Of course you can!" He suddenly exclaimed, a wide and bright smile crossing his features. Sure, they may have only met recently, but she certainly seemed like a capable lioness! And he was a grand hero, after all, so if things got rough what better lion to have around, right? Two pairs of eyes were much better than one, and the company would be greatly appreciated. Udadasvli was a bit of a social creature, and while he was find being alone, he was most content when he had someone commune with as well as interact! A trip to the mountain would be much more pleasant with Eeva along - and he would be helping her get out and see some of the world!
What a fantastic and grand adventure it would be!
"Pfft," he snorted, giving a thump of his tail as she spoke of getting in the way. "I think this trip up the mountain will only be better with a spot of company. This way we can look out for one another, just in case things do get a little rough. There's a lot of mountain to walk, I guarantee you wouldn't be able to get in the way, even if you tried!" He was taking her words both literally and figuratively; physically, yes, there was a lot of mountain to travel if - no not if, but when - they took the journey. Even so, figuratively speaking, it was highly unlikely her company would disturb Eeva. If anything, he'd consider himself her escort, and would do all in his power to make sure she made it back safe. That was what knights were supposed to do, after all, weren't they?
"When do you think you'd like to go?" He asked, blue eyes burning with a new light. While he hadn't planned on taking a trip up to the mountain (it hadn't occurred to him to do so) but now that another party was interested, it was guaranteed to happen. All Eeva had to do was say when.
((Aaaah! I'm sorry for my novels. ;0; I don't mean to ramble as much as I do.))
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Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 8:46 am
It would not cross Eeva's mind that this male might not have any bloodties to Ela ancestry, but even if she did, it wouldn't have mattered. Her own mother, Rehema Subiani, had been a lioness from another pride. She had considered, once, going to find her mother's homeland and indulging her curiosity for a bit. She hadn't thought about doing that for a long time now and probably never would again. She no longer thought about her mother's rogue ancestry. Rehema was an Ela'wadiyian in heart and soul and though the tattoos would never cover her entire body, they were a story of her life within the pride and that was the story that mattered. It was probably short-sighted of her, perhaps selfish, too, for not considering her mother's prior life as important. But to Eeva, her mother's arrival here was everything. It had, after all, given her life and her parents were so very much in love. It was such a heart-warming and beautiful thing.
His response to her question, however, put a warmth in her heart. There was no hesitation there, no awkwardness. He replied that she could and it was a surprising and welcome feeling to know that he wouldn't mind her coming along with him. After all, she was hardly an experienced adventurer and she didn't want to end up being more a burden than a help. And yet, his swift response all but quelled these thoughts. She leapt to her paws and smiled enthusiastically. "Thank you, thank you!"
Would she think back on this decision and regret it later? Or get cold paws and back out? Could she really talk her parents into allowing her to go? Or...would she be forced to go behind their backs (something that didn't really sit well with her). But she so badly wanted to see something different that these worries wouldn't bother her yet. Not now at this very moment. "I'd certainly never consider going by myself and it'll be a lot better to have someone to talk to on the way."
She paused, thinking. "Maybe in a few of days, if you don't think that's too soon? There isn't much going on in Shadow Clan for the moment and my sister, Laka is back from her adventuring, so she can...maybe cover some of my duties for me." Her ears flattened. "And...it may take me that long to convince my parents to let me go. They're quite protective, but if they'll let Laka have her adventures, they should be able to let me go as well."
She drew in a short breath. "We could meet back here, do you think? So long as the trees are behaving enough for me to wait in the shade." She threw him a smile. "If there are any problems then I can come and find you sooner, maybe?"
But she desperately hoped there wouldn't be any problems. She just needed to plan what she was going to say and ensure that her parents didn't have an opportunity to say no or to later change their minds. Besides...it wasn't like she was their only daughter any more. If something happened - which it wouldn't, of course - there were replacements.
(( that's alright! No problem at all~ ))
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 9:19 am
Udadalsvli found that her smile was contagious. The way she leapt to her paws and gave him thanks for such an allowance was surprising - had she really thought he'd tell her no? While the trip up the mountain might have its risks, he'd never been up it before, but was more than confident they'd make it back just fine. If there really were spirits at the peak, maybe they'd have more to worry about, since he really didn't know how to defend against hte dead but . . . . that was neither here nor there! He was going to go on a new adventure and, better yet, help his new friend get her paws acclimated to the art of adventure! It was a most excellent plan. . . . And he was grateful the spirits had granted him such an opportunity.
Furthermore, the trip would let him better get to know the brown coated female before him! Eeva. He was enjoying her company thoroughly, and hoped that he might better get to learn of the Shadow Clan lioness. With Iyunge indisposed with her own life and pursuits, he needed a new friend. Sure, they were from different clans, but that never stopped him before!
Giving a nod, the lion blew a few of his bangs out of his eyes before smiling. "Things are quiet in Bird Clan as well, so my schedule is certainly open. I understand about protective parents, as my own may not be entirely thrilled at the prospect, but I promise you and your family that no harm will come to you. I'll make sure of that!" Udadalsvli was a natural protector, and his words were quiet serious. He wasn't an over-confident sort, but he had a duty to serve all in the Ela'wadiyi to keep them safe. Eeva was absolutely no exception, though he also wasn't giving her any favoritism. He'd offer his protection to anyone, and those whom traveled with him automatically received it.
"I'll plan on heading here in four days time, how about early morning? If plans change or you find yourself unable to attend, we can certain reschedule. I won't head up the mountain without you," He promised with a grin. This wasn't just his or her adventure, after all, it was their's . . . to be shared. It wouldn't be right going to the peek without Eeva, so he would wait however long until she was able.
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2011 11:44 am
"And if it always does get too dangerous, I'm certain they can trust us to make that judgement and admit defeat." Certainly she wasn't going to risk her life by wandering on rocky precipices if the clouds came down to mask the dangerous verges from view. "Parents do have a way of worrying, don't they? I do hope that I'm not such a worrier if I ever have children of my own." Her tail twitched with thought at that. "You know what they say; grey fur and all that." She threw him a smile and flicked an ear idly.
"Four days sounds perfect and I think you're right. An early start would be best, especially if it take a few hours to get where we want to be in order to call it a 'proper' adventure." She smiled. "So, as long as parents are fine and the weather holds, I think we have ourselves a deal, Udadalsvli."
Already her heart was pounding to think of the exhilaration that would come with climbing up into those heights and gazing down at the lands they inhabited. Or touching the sky. Of speaking with spirits. Of...of just being able to be herself without any worries about responsibility and burdens. Already she could feel the weight of her title becoming lighter, as if Uda himself had begun to shoulder it, or perhaps, scared some of it away. She was still smiling to herself throughout these somewhat ridiculous thoughts and realised that this probably was a good time to say their farewells. After all, it might take a lot of convincing and she only had four days in which to do so! She just hoped her parents were in good moods.
"And here I was expecting nothing more than a walk and perhaps something for dinner, today. Seems to me that I found a friend and something to look forward to. I'll think of a way to repay you for this someday, Udadalsvli of Bird Clan." She threw him a wider smile and took a few steps back. "In four days time, right here, then? I'll make sure do to my very best to make it."
A friend. She'd made a friend. She hadn't made a new one since her teenage days, particularly not one of another clan. It felt good to be out and about and socialising again.
"Until then." She dipped her head towards him and, with another lingering smile, turned to head back the way she had come, an undeniable spring in her step.
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