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 Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 5:20 am
It had been four days since Yuma had led Altair across the outside lands to the place where Anya had been left for dead. Four days of worrying. Four days of mulling over past events and wondering whether she'd made a mistake in letting him go.
Would she even have been able to stop him, anyway?
She was pacing just in front of her den, Yuma watching her with all the vigilance of a faithful guardian, wishing that there was news. Any news at all. And, despite being released from her silence, she had not spoken much at all. After all, what was there to say? There was nothing - absolutely nothing - that she could do now except for wait. Wait and see and hope that Altair had not met a horrible death out there. Hope that Alienor - who had secretly followed him - had not been hurt or lost or...or worse.
With a cry of frustration, she flopped down onto the sand and gave a thankful chirp as Yuma came up to lay at her side.
"Try not to fret." He spoke quietly, tail thumping against the compacted sand. "He knows what he is doing and his brother may have gotten much further away than we had predicted. He could be gone for much longer but it doesn't mean he's come to harm."
And, he added. "This was his choice to make."
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Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 1:01 pm
The guardian walked across the sands slowly. Patrolling the border was necessary for the soldiers of the pride, but recently for Runako it was becoming more and more a habit to linger there. Every morning as the sun rose and ever evening as it fled the sky the lion was there watching the horizon for any sign of Altair. Where was he? Had he found his brother yet? With every day that passed he regretted not going further. He should have followed the other guardian and Yuna into the rogue lands. But no it wasn’t his fight. This was between brothers. He had to honor that despite the growing worry and the hidden rage at the pain this brother of Altair had inflicted on someone very special to him.
Anya.
The name was like a sweet melody in his ears. Ever since hearing her voice and her name the lion had found himself repeating it beneath his breath. Almost as if he was afraid that hearing it was a dream, that it would slip away if he was not careful with it. Honestly, it was the only thing that kept him from going past the border and after Altair. It didn’t matter if it might have been insulting to help someone who was fully capable of handling himself and his own battles. He wanted to inflict the same – no. Runako sighed. This wasn’t getting him anywhere. Looking back towards the horizon one last time the lion paused, “Come back safe, Altair and Alienor.” That was a mistake on his part. How could he have missed the smaller shape that had followed after her father? If something happened to her then he felt just as much to blame as anyone. The same with Altair…
Shaking his head the lion began to move again. This time though he ran back. But not to his own den or the temple where the other guardians usually rested and trained. Instead he made his way towards the place that he now visited daily. And though he wanted to get there quickly, that wasn't the real reason he ran now. Running always helped clearing his head and it calmed his nerves. It focused him. And by the time that Anya and Yuna both came into view the lion was much more collected and calm.
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Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 4:54 pm
She startled at the approaching footfall and whipped around to see who it was. Silly really, because she didn't get many visitors and the only one who came by frequently was Runako. Ah, yes, there he was!
Her eyes brightened to see him and, with a small nuzzle against the side of Yuma's head, she bounced to her paws and moved forwards to greet him, chirping loudly and drawing forward both ears. Strange, really, how everything seemed so much better when Runako was around. Brighter. Lighter. Happier. This must be what it was like to have a true, true friend. One she could rely on and depend on no matter what happened.
Her heart gave a pleasant little flutter.
"Hello." Her voice was soft. "News?"
Perhaps his running meant he carried a message from Altair. Maybe he had arrived back at the lands and was ready to declare that their worries would forever be over.
"Someone's in a hurry." Yuma jested from where he lay, forepaws outstretched and head up. His large ears turned to listen to what the male lion had to say. Perhaps he did indeed have news and Anya could finally stop her fretting.
Just watching her getting so riled was enough to tire him out!
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Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 6:11 pm
He instantly smiled as she came forward. It wasn't one of those polite ones that he gave to most he saw, but rather a geniune one full of warmth. Even with Yuma there his gaze was drawn to Anya. As much as hearing her speak cheered him the question that she asked made the male somber. "News?" Runako shook his head, "Not yet. But sometimes no news is good news."
His voice was soft and gentle as he continued, "I've just come from patrol and nothing solid. But that doesn't mean anything - I'm sure Altair is fine. Maybe I'll spot him coming this way tonight when I go out there again." He smiled reassuringly, "I hope you're not too worried about him. He's my fellow guardian and trust me when I say that both of us have been trained to handle tough situations. I'm sure he's just had a time finding the trail else he's taking his time coming back." Despite his own worry the lion didn't want Anya to be so trouble, "I'm more worried about Alienor, the poor girl will probably be subject to a long lecture by Altair."
At Yuma's comment the lion flushed sheepishly, "I apologize if I worried you two by running. I tend to run when I have a lot on my mind. I never even once thought that it might look suspicious."
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Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 12:43 pm
She tried not to look disappointed, but the smile did falter a little on her maw. No news...still no news... Even still, what Runako said was true. They were protectors of the pride, trained to defend and fight. Altair was as capable as any lion. That...had to count for something.
"I...suppose watching is all we can do." She replied ruefully, though she was quick to snap from her thoughts, casting him a wider smile. "Don't apologise. You weren't to know."
Then she sat, looping her tail around her and sighed softly. "I can't say I blame Alie. So many secrets. So much unknown and unsaid. Perhaps I would have done the same if I was her. Before...before I came...her father was just...like any other lion." She looked a little guilty, averting her eyes.
"How long should we leave it, do you think, until we go and look for him?" And when she said 'we', she really meant it. As timid and afraid as she was, she was more afraid of something happening to her friends if she sat and did nothing.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 11:08 am
He really should watch himself more closely. Seeing how her smile faltered made him disappointed in himself for having brought no news. But he really had no idea about Altair’s whereabouts. It was driving him crazy about not being about to go out there and track down his fellow guardian. Just thinking about this Hala character also fired up Runako. If he didn’t respect family privacy then he himself would have went racing after the other lion so that he could ‘settle’ some things with the male.
“Ah. But still.” Runako gave her a gentle smile before shaking his head. Then when Alie was brought back up he nodded, “You have a point, but still the girl should have trusted her father to explain things later.” He sighed, “I worry about her safety after all. But that’s not true about you.” His paw touched her’s and he looked at her with a gentle, but stern expression, “You are not to blame, Anya. Hala was always in Altair’s life. He said himself that he had business to settle with his brother. You did not make Hala who he was.”
“Maybe three days or a week?” Runako sighed, “Though I may go out on my own earlier to look – not go so far out, but to check just beyond the boundaries for any sign of Altair or Alie.”
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 6:40 am
With a small nod and a somewhat sad expression, she moved a little closer to him and, after a brief moment, rested the side of her cheek against his shoulder. "Still...I cannot help but feel a little guilty...whether this would have happened or not." She had been so naive all that time ago, seeing kindness in everyone and trusting them explicitly. The shame of her idiocy and the trauma of her past was still very much present. Although thankfully, she had friends to help her get through it.
She nodded, rubbing her face against him. "Okay, but not too far. If you disappeared--" She cut herself off, too afraid to finish that sentence and even think about how she might react. "The rest of his family must be so worried by now." She sighed sadly.
"Sorry to interrupt." Yuma gave a low cough, drawing himself up to full height and twisting both ears forwards. "But...there seems to be someone coming this way."
Could it be...?
Yes. It could.
Altair had returned, wounded but otherwise in one piece. His gait was hindered by a rather pronounced limp and his head was slightly lowered as if it hurt to draw himself upright.
Looking up a little as he drew near them, he was more than a little thankful to see the group gathered. He was too exhausted to go traipsing the lands looking for them all. Slowing his pace a little he gave the jackal a short nod - the canine having loped forwards to greet him.
"Glad to see you got back safely." Altair said in way of greeting.
The jackal nodded, tail wagging. "And you, though you look like you fared worse than I. Come. We've been worried." And the jackal turned, stepping up alongside the lion and accompanying him to the group."
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 1:07 pm
“Ah, but no one blames you.” Runako softly reassured her as he nuzzled her cheek. The lion’s face instantly warmed at their contact, “Don’t worry – I’ll never…” Looking up he watched as Yuma spoke and as he stated that arrival of someone else the lion moved. Both from interest and from a bit of shyness at his sudden twist of the heart with Anya being so close to him. Even Yuma was here! How could he have zoned out to just see her so easily? What was up with him lately?
The thought was pushed back as the lion’s familiar form came into view, “Altair!” Even though he had been certain of the toher lion’s return to see his fellow guardian actually in reality was such a relief. Instantly Runako was by the other’s side and pressing against Altair offered his support. “You’re injured.”
He looked over to Anya and gave a small smile. Now that Altair was back he hoped that the look of worry would not be in her expression so much. As much as he had worried about his fellow guardian, his worry for her was even more. He still wish he could have gone to give this Hala his own personal greeting…but still. “How goes it, Altair? Did you…” He trailed off his lilac eyes searching the other’s face.
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 3:59 pm
It was true that Runako's presence brought Anya more comfort than she could have ever thought possible. She never thought that she would find a male with whom she could trust being around. And yet, just like that, he appeared. Perhaps, once this was all over with, she'd have time to mull over her feelings for him and what they could mean. To understand why her heart fluttered every time he came to see her.
But right now, that moment had to be put onto hold.
Her eyes widened considerably at the appearance of the dark lion and for a moment she was stunned into silence, her whole body tensing. And then, with a small choking sob of relief, she moved to greet the other lion, watching as Runako and Yuma aided him the rest of the way.
"Nothing that won't heal." Altair reassured, though he seemed truly grateful for the help that was being offered to him. The sand, at least, was comforting under travel-worn paws and, when at last they were altogether, he sat, his face briefly twitching with pain.
And then, it was time to answer questions.
He released a short breath and gave Runako a nod. "It is done."
"He is dead, then?" Yuma asked without any reluctance at all. With Altair now seated, he had moved back to sit across for him - pressed against Anya's hind leg. His eyes were bright with curiosity, the large ears folded back against his head.
"It's over?"
Altair found it strangely difficult to bring himself to meet the eyes of his friends. It had felt right at the time - his decision - but now he wasn't so sure. How would they take it? Would Anya be devastated? Would she be able to forgive him for not being able to finish the job as he had hoped?
He cleared his throat. "It...no. He is not dead." He saw the pale lioness flinch and turned his eyes towards Runako. "We fought and, though I hate to admit it, my brother was quick to take the advantage. He would have killed me if a passing rogue lioness had not intervened. She took my side against Hala and threw herself into the fray when he continued to fight."
His eyes closed. "And my daughter...Alie. She was there. She caused commotion in the undergrowth. He thought there were others. I tried to talk him around. Tried to get him to see sense. To let his vengeance go. But...he fled."
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Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 11:47 am
Runako eyed Altair’s worn body before giving a small nod. Well at least he still had the spirit despite his injuries. The thought brought a smile to an otherwise solemn expression. Still it disappeared as he listened to Altair. How was it done when Hala was still out there alive? “You were fortunate.” The comment came out softly though his expression was grave. It was good that Altair had been saved, yet the knowledge of how the fight went made the guardian’s gut clench.
“Alie found you there?” Runako’s gaze flickered with concern, “Is she safe now?” The lion stood very still though every fiber of his being wanted to pace. To burn off the energy, the frustration that hearing this news brought. He should have followed Altair despite it being a family situation. What if the lioness had not come by at the right time to save Altair? He could have fought. He could have made certain that the lion would never harm another again.
The thought made him look over to Anya. How was she doing with this news? Glancing over at her his gut clenched again. “Altair.” Looking back over at the other lion Runako had to ask, “Do you believe that this is it? Will he come back this way or do you believe that fight was the end?” As much as he hoped that was the case the lion couldn’t seem to find it believable that such a lion would stay hidden just because of one skirmish.
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Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:45 pm
Anya had drawn in close to Runako's side as Altair had told his tale, but her face seemed oddly blank of emotion as if she couldn't quite decide whether to be frightened or relieved. She felt eyes watching her, perhaps waiting for her to say something, but the silence that had been with her for so long seemed to have made a brief return.
She leaned her head lightly against Runako's shoulder and closed her eyes for just a moment. What could she say?
Yuma seemed to have taken Runako's side, however. The jackal's teeth were laid bare and for a moment he could get nothing past the snarl in his throat. Then, after a moment of collecting himself, he added his voice to Runako's: "This can't be over. It wouldn't be that easy. It's never that easy." And then, seemingly remembering himself, he turned apologetic eyes to Anya and gave a short sigh.
"We're glad you came back relatively unharmed but...I suppose we were hoping for a more final conclusion to this."
Altair nodded in understanding, his head and ears drooping. "Believe me, I wanted nothing more than to finish this. As to what he will do, honestly, I have no idea. That lion has been twisted into a creature I barely recognise. I don't know what goes on in his head and I don't know whether he will admit defeat and leave his plot for vengeance well enough alone."
He blinked apologetically. "But I have drawn his anger, now. If he returns, it will be for me. You have no more reason to fear, Anya. The lands will keep you safe from him."
And then he gave a weary smile. "Alie is fine. Glad to be back, I think. There will be...much explaining to do, though I think she overheard enough to piece everything together."
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Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 12:58 pm
Leaning his head on Anya the lion whispered some words of comfort before looking back to Yuma. His gaze reflected the jackal’s own feelings. But he remained quiet as he did hold back the comments about it due to the presence at his side. “It’s true.” He replied looking over to Altair with a sorrowful look. He held nothing against the other lion and only felt guilt about not going along with him as well. He should have been there. Despite it being a fight between brother’s the lion was feeling more like the closer the subject got to Anya the closer it go to his own heart.
“Still.” Runako paused before shaking his head, “I suppose you have a point there Altair.” He nuzzled the female comfortingly, “Don’t worry. I’ll stop anyone from harming you ever again.” The soft whispered words were for her alone, but the look he gave her told everyone else of the male’s drive to protect the one at his side.
“I’m glad to hear that she is safe.” Runako smiled faintly at Altair, “I suppose we should allow you to go explain things to her. Even if she can piece it together perhaps it would be better if her father actually sat down with her so that any question can finally be answered?” His gaze was soft with understanding and concern. “I know it’s not my place to say what you should do, but sometimes it’s best to explain things before they get even more confusing for someone who was in the dark for so long.”
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Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 2:08 pm
She was comforted by Runako's closeness and heartened that at least Altair and his daughter were both home safe and sound. His words, then, went only to comfort her further and she shifted closer still, finding the warmth of his fur against hers relaxing and...appealing.
"It will be a difficult thing, to tell them, but they should know and only you can tell that story. You are their family. They will forgive you if there is anything to be forgiven."
She lowered her head. "And you risked your life to see justice done. You cannot be blamed for the evil of another."
"The pride is strong and many in number. If he does come here looking for a fight he will get one and he won't be leaving these lands alive. You've put him in his place. Let's hope that he doesn't forget it."
Casting Runako and Anya a small, knowing smile, he found his heart settle to see their blossoming friendship. He wasn't sure whether they knew the meaning behind their growing feelings or not, but it wouldn't be long before they did. At least all of this mess had brought about that, if nothing else. After all, if Runako had not come to Anya's aid that day, they might never have been such good friends.
"Yes. There has been too much secrecy. It needs to come to an end at some point and, perhaps with it out in the open, I can finally come to terms with it and put it behind me. I have a new life now. I just hope my brother manages to find one, too. One free of bitterness and hatred."
He blinked. "Are there any more questions before I head back?"
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Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 12:40 pm
Runako’s gaze warmed at the feeling of Anya being so close to him. For some reason the lion couldn’t figure it out, but lately every time she was close his heart would beat differently. Should he get a medic to see if his heart was out of rhythm? No. The lion closed his eyes and took a breath. There was something…but that would wait. Looking down at Anya he nodded at her words, “She speaks truly.” After all his own family had forgiven him, hadn’t they? Just the thought of his mute brother made Runako’s heart clench. They had been separated for so long and just as suddenly his brother had appeared back in his life by arriving in this pride. Through that meeting he had learned forgiveness really could exist between them.
“Definitely.” Runako had a slight growl in his voice, “Should he even think of coming here…well the guardians will have a greeting for him.” He would have a greeting for that lion. A personal greeting that would not be pleasant in any way. His gaze hardened at the thought, but surprise flickered. So even Altair could still have hope for his brother? A part of him understood it. Family was family after all and maybe Altair was right…perhaps Hala even stood a chance. Though something in Runako rose against the idea. Someone who had hurt so many…for him to...Runako shook his head. “No more questions from me.” He smiled at the other lion, “I suppose everything is good as it can be for now, Altair.” He glanced back down at Anya with a small smile. Perhaps now there could be some peace in her life.
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