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 Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 3:35 pm
Dappled sunlight cast across the earthy colours of Eeva's back as she followed the circle of trees that edged the meadow. A short walk on from that, under the bright sun of the morning, was the meadow where the herds frequented and just to the side of that was the meeting place in which she had arranged to meet with her new-found friend and fellow adventurer. Down where those ancient trees grew.
She could hardly contain her excitement.
Her father and mother had not been best pleased but they also accepted that this was not a journey out into rogue lands, but a pilgrimage, of sorts, to a piece of land in their very home. She'd also made a hundred promises to them about returning if it got too dangerous and not going off alone and making sure that her friend was happy to go along. (They maybe thought Eeva had forced him into it?) But whatever the case, it seemed that all was well and, so long as Uda was still happy to go, it looked like they would be taking their adventure after all. And at least her little sister had been happy for her. In fact little Laka had made no effort to disguise how incredibly jealous she was. She'd also been making obvious little hints at about how she would have loved to be invited along. But then Eeva had told her that she was 'next in line for leadership' and that she had to stay.
Her parents would have had a fit, otherwise.
There was a definite skip in her step that morning as she walked, her head and tail up in a clear sign of her good spirits. The sky was blue and touched only very lightly with pale clouds. No sign of rain or bad weather at all. Another sign that this trip was just meant to happen.
But...what if Udadalsvli had forgotten or worse changed his mind?
She faltered for just a moment before shaking her head to dispel that idea. He would have sought her out before now if that was the case, right? Either way, she'd find out soon enough. Her paws had taken her out across the meadow and, not too far off, the herd faltered in their grazing to watch her. They seemed to sense that she was not on the hunt, however, and simply dropped their heads back down to continue eating lazily.
And then the large trees became more defined and as she drew near she squinted to see if she could conjure any lion shape amongst their shade. When that failed she paused, sucked in a breath, and gave a roar of greeting, before moving onwards. If he wasn't there yet, he'd certainly here it if he was on his way.
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Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 9:46 pm
Udadalsvli hadn't heard back from the brown coated lioness, so he could only assume they were still on to meet one another. His excitement at the prospect of getting to go on a grand adventure up the great mountain had been the only thing he could focus on, and hew as quite sure his family was only too happy to be rid of him for a small while. The sooner he left on his great journey, the sooner their ears could get a bit of rest. It was true the large lion hadn't quite grown out of his excitability . . . not completely, at any rate.
Thankfully for Eeva, Udadalsvli was not one to forget his priorities. As pleased as he was to be able to better learn of the land he lived in, he also understood this pilgrimage wasn't his own. He would be traveling with Eeva, of Shadow Clan, and he would have to be well prepared for the journey. Who knew what they might discover up there? He hadn't forgotten the allegation of spirits. . . . Would it be wise to leave an offering? And what of harsher weather? The mountain didn't look terribly uninviting from a distance, but Udadalsvli also knew it wouldn't be an easy stroll either. He'd not been in to the mountains, so he knew not what they would discover.
Perhaps that was half of the allure. A moment of freedom, of chance, of choice. . . and of course, getting better to know his new friend! Yet another habit the lion from Bird Clan had yet to discard - if he met someone once, and found the encounter to be most pleasant, he instantly looked upon them as a friend. Perhaps he was too trusting at times, but it was a flaw he didn't mind to suffer.
So today was the day. . . . It was going to be great!
Picking his way through the trees, he too kept his gaze out for Eeva. If he worried at all that she might back down on their adventure, it was more of an afterthought. Surely she would have given him word if something cropped up; besides, even if she didn't show up, there was always tomorrow. He had vowed to get her up into the mountains, and that was a promise he intended to keep.
Still no sign of - - -
A roar echoed through the woods, a bit to his right and not terribly far. Ah-ha! Pausing in his step, he roared his own greeting and picked up his pace. It wouldn't do well to keep the lady waiting, after all! He kept his ears pricked and focused on her welcome, his blue eyes brightening with joy when they finally landed on the source.
"Good morning, m'lady!" He called out, bridging the distance between them. Poor Udadalsvli was going to someday look the fool -- he still hadn't put two-and-two together that this was THE Eeva Subiani of Shadow Clan. In fact, her name was the farthest thing from his mind these past few days, if not practically forgotten. To Udadalsvli, she was just Eeva, a new friend, and one he would soon better get to know.
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Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 2:22 pm
And there he was!
Her heart lifted and she quickened her step, her gait bouncy and energetic as she moved towards him, closing the gap as swiftly as she could. "Good morning, sir Knight!" She called back, playing along willingly as she moved across to greet him. "Fine morning for an adventure, don't you think?" Batting her eyelids, she couldn't help but laugh, before slowly to a halt, pawing at the ground with an obvious eagerness.
"I'm glad you could make it. It took me some convincing but I finally managed it. Parents should not worry so much. After all, we're grown up now. Hardly snack-sized any more!" She gave a pleased thrum and took a moment to glance around them.
She had, in truth, felt a little guilty about not telling her new friend who she really was. Well, who she was in rank, anyway. It wasn't that she liked to deceive or was ashamed of her role within the pride. It was just that...she didn't like to be treated differently and generally, if others thought she was a huntress, they felt more comfortable around her and thus enabled friendship to come much easier. She liked Udadalsvli a lot and for him to suddenly feel shy or bumbling around her because she wasn't just a huntress bothered her to no end. Yes, she was proud and willing to do her duty but she didn't like how it segregated her from others. She was a down to earth girl and liked to mingle and she took great pains to let other Shadow Clan members know she was a sister to them. Someone who could guide and encourage but not order around and certainly not someone to be afraid of.
She just hoped that when he did find out - and he would some way or another - that he wouldn't be mad or upset at her.
"So, are you ready to try tackling this mountain and speak with the spirits?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 10:39 am
Udadalsvli grinned as the brown coated lioness trotted in to view. She looked well, and certainly seemed to don all sorts of excitement in her step. That was a good sign to start the day! It wasn't often others seemed to express excitement, wonderment or curiosity, especially with growth. While he appreciated the fact he was granted more responsibility and freedom as an adult, it seemed too common for an adult to forget that life was supposed to be enjoyed. Many adults seemed to forgot how to play, or at the very least stop and appreciate the world around them as they aged; as much as Udadalsvli understood the difference between being serious and having fun, he never wanted to be one of those adults that forgot how to have a pleasant time. He was young at heart, and likely always would be.
Thankfully though, Eeva didn't seem to mind in the least!
As she batted her eyes at him and called him Knight, he couldn't help but chuckle low in his throat. Surely the spirits had granted him a blessing by meeting such a fun-natured lionenss as Eeva. He loved all in the pride, certainly, but there was something real about her. While most others seemed only to tolerate him and his antics, she seemed to genuinely humor him. "I think it's a wonderful morning for our trip." He glanced up at the sky and gave a nod, "There isn't so much as a cloud in the sky, and plentiful sunshine. So long as it stays that way, I think our trip should go splendidly."
Udadalsvli's blue eyes sparkled with mirth as she spoke of the trouble convincing her parents. So they were a bit protective, there was no shame in that. "We may not be snack-sized, but I understand their concerns. I suppose the only reason my family was so easy to convince is due to the fact they're accustomed to my random antics. Climbing a mountain to pay homage to the spirits and our ancestors is one of the more tame things I've done I suppose. Or at least one of my more tame ideas." He added with another little chuckle.
As a younger lion, he had certainly come up with many a crazy plan; if he wasn't battling trees or devising tatics to keep the pride secure, he had tried to rescue damsels and other knights in need. His imagination had been much more active as a cub -- at least climbing this mountain was practical, in a sense. It wasn't as if they'd be the first, and certainly not the last. "I also think they'll just be glad to be rid of me for a spell." He winked at her with a grin, his words said partially in jest, but full of love and adoration for his family and clan.
It wasn't that he was unpleasant to get along with, hardly! He just seemed to be the more talkative of his family, as well as the most outgoing. His mother and father had been reserved and quiet individuals, while many of his siblings seemed to follow suit. While he had calmed down considerably since cubhood, he knew there were days they just needed a little peace and quiet.
"I'm glad your parents did finally consent, though I can understand their concerns I will admit I would have been disappointed had you not been granted this opportunity. I've been looking forward to it since we had it planned." Udadal admitted with a little smile. It was the truth, after all, and Eeva deserved nothing less than his honesty.
A new friend, a grand adventure, mountains, spirits, the prides history. . .it was going to be excellent.
Giving his mane a shake and bowing down to give one final stretch, to loosen his muscles for the journey a head, the large lion gave a smile. "I'm more than ready to tackle this mountain; it's time we let this great story and adventure begin!" Giving her a bow, he added, "I think it's only appropriate you take the first step to get us going -- it was your idea, after all." Besides which, he could get a better idea of what sort of pace she wanted to set. He knew he often worked swiftly and had a tendency to rush in to things; when someone else was with him, he was much more likely to slow down and follow at their speed and leisure.
No one could claim Udadalsvli wasn't, at the very least, obliging towards others.
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Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 2:58 pm
Eeva truly did feel young again.
She felt as if she'd been given a chance to relive some of her childhood, to turn back the time and pretend that she was free of responsibilities and with no one to answer to. Back then, her parents would never have allowed her to do something like this, but now that she was older - and could take care of herself - it seemed an easier thing to do (to go on an adventure). She purred loudly and cast another look upwards. Everything was falling into place as if this had simply meant to be. So much could have happened to have prevented them on taking this journey - this pilgrimage - but the sky was bright and both had been given permission to set out.
She laughed, greatly amused to hear the tale of how his parents were accustomed to his adventures, imagining him as a little Ela'wadian, scampering about in the dust, slaying mighty beasts and saving the day with heroic deeds.
"Well, their loss is my gain." She replied, beaming up at him, listening to his admittance of looking forward to this adventure. "Me too. It's been a long time since I've had something to look forward to. Well...something that was my own, anyway. All the exciting things seemed to happen to everyone else." She explained. "My parents and their new litters. My sister and her first venture out into rogue lands. My brother moving across into Bird Clan to start his new life with his mate. Don't get me wrong, my life has not been all so boring." She paused, gesturing to the tattoos on her pelt. "But there are no tales of adventure plotted their for all to see." She paused, dipping her head towards him in a gesture of gratitude, then stepped out towards their destination. With ease, she slipped into a fluid gate, her head up and her eyes bright.
"Then let it begin!" She agreed.
And for a moment she fell quiet to absorb her surroundings and impress this moment in her memory forever. The feel of the sun on her back, the breeze against her face and the spongy ground beneath her paws. The scents of the Clan were very, very distant now, making it all the more clear that they were separating themselves from the rest to make this journey.
Then, when the ground became rocky and began to incline into the first stage of the mountain, she spoke again.
"So, tell me, Udadalsvli. What was the first adventure you ever had? Even if it was not as grand as this, things always seemed much more exciting when the world was new and exciting and we all so very small." She paused, trying to think back to her own adventure. "I think mine was...seeing a butterfly for the first time and chasing it out towards the meadow. My mother was swift to catch up and take me back to the heart of the lands; scolding me for going to far away from her sight." She laughed softly.
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Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2011 9:27 am
Everything was as it should be, at least that's what it seemed. The young lion couldn't have found better company in his new friend, and together they were on the start of a grand adventure. Not only was it getting them away from their respective clans, but they would be able to take a great journey in to the history of the pride. This was a pilgrimage to pay respects to those that came before. . .
The spirits worked in mysterious ways, after all. Who would have thought a chance encounter with a roaming Shadow Clan member would result in their journey today? Furthermore, it meant solidifying a new friendship. Just because they came from different clans didn't mean they couldn't be friends. Not only had his cubhood friend been from Earth Clan, but hadn't Eeva just mentioned her brother moving to Bird Clan for a mate? Together they'd get to adventure and explore -- Eeva would get to shake some dust off of her coat, and he would get the itch of exploration out of his paws for awhile.
Yeah. . . life was good. At this moment, life was very good.
Silence fell over them as they made their way to the mountain. Udadalsvli enjoyed the sunshine burning against his back, and the cool breezes against his cheek. There was absolute beauty in the world surrounding him, and he was going to cherish it. The silence between the two wasn't awkward -- it wasn't due to a lack of things to say, but because there was no need speak. A refreshing change, really. They were both temporarily in their own worlds, intent on their travel, but still communing even without words.
As the geography of the land began to change, it was then that Eeva spoke again. She questioned his first great adventure. Wow. . . he'd had so may, what had been the first? His blue eyes sparkled in delight as she spoke of chasing butterflies. He could only imagine her batting at the thing, completely unaware of her mother's concern or the distance between her family and the meadow. "Ah, parents. They always seemed to end the fun before it often got started," he mused with a chuckle. "If I should ever become a father," he hesitated before laughing at the thought. "I will likely do the same thing. Knowing the adventure and trouble I got in as a cub, I'd certainly want to keep an eye on them. . . just not overbearingly so." He added with a small shrug and grin. As much as he'd want to be the World's Best (and Coolest) Father, he knew far too well how much he used to fret over his sisters. . . . He could only imagine how protective he'd get of his cubs! Thankfully though, that was a long ways away. He had no prospects, and certainly wasn't actively trying to woo any lady in the Ela'wadiyi. Not yet, at any rate.
"But I digress. The first adventure I really remember is a bit cliche. My mother had been a bit protective, being new to the pride as she had been, and kept my siblings under close guard and watch in a den she had made. I remember being curious as to where my father would go when he'd leave, and the bright lights of 'out there' . . . So one morning, I wriggled away and bolted for the outside world. I remember how bright the entrance was, and the new scents. Unfortunately, my father caught me before I reached the exit . . . but I remember the rush of joy as I bolted towards freedom, the burning curiosity of what was beyond the world I knew."
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Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 2:58 pm
Uta I am so so sorry for the wait, hon ;; if I don't reply within a week again be sure to pester me. I was an idiot and left this RP off of my new to-do list.
And what, she thought to herself, would it be like to be a mother?
Family was dear to her. Very dear. She had always wanted children someday, though sometimes she thought it would likely never happen. Even still, perhaps there was someone out there for her. Who would put up with her and stay by her side through thick and thin. She was brought from her thoughts by Uda's answer to her question and she gave him her full attention, jumping into a jovial mood. "Clichéd?! Never!" Then she settled herself to listen, watching her paws move one in front of the other along the shifting terrain.
She laughed out loud when his story was done. "And so it began! Your first of many, by the sounds of it." And then she caught onto something he said and followed it up. "You say your mother was new to the pride when you were born?" She tipped her head curiously. The outside world had always held great interest to her and it was obvious in the way her eyes took on a new, deeper sheen. "Does she speak much of her time out in the unclaimed lands? Did she spend time in another pride or did she wander from place to place, never settling for long? The idea of that sounds rather exciting and romantic to me, although I could never bring myself to leave here now, I don't think." She sighed softly. "My own mother was from outside of the lands. She hailed from a place called the Pridelands. Unfortunately for her, the lands she grew up in changed and their king was murdered right under their very noses. She was...heartbroken and lost faith, I think, in the safety there. Fortunately, however, her path brought her here and she met my father. She would tell me stories, sometimes, of the times before she became Shadow Clan."
She paused to hop up onto a slab of rock and then steadily began to ascend, up between a row of thin, pale-leaved trees and paused to glance back at him.
"More and more rogues join us. I do so much love listening to the stories they tell."
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Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 7:45 pm
Kimaria And now it is my turn to apologize. I am sooo sorry this took so long. ;_; Last month was pretty busy and just made for an unsuccessful muse. Promise to be quicker since Udadalsvli is so thoroughly enjoying this RP. Also . .sorry for the length! x_x
But all in due time.
It wasn't as if he were old by any sense of the word. Furthermore, he knew himself well enough to know that he wasn't entirely . . . normal. He was too young at heart, too spirited in nature, and he could be foolish. Or at least that's how he felt. Not many he believed would tolerate his grand stories of adventure, his desire to be strong and care for his loved ones and the pride. He trained, he fought trees, he had an imagination that never quite outgrew his figure. While he was fun, and a good friend, he knew that some preferred a more mature male.
Thankfully though, he left it up to the spirits. What would happen would happen, if it happened at all. And until he had someone exclusive to share his life with, he would share it with his family, his relatives, and his friends. Love could be found everywhere, after all, not just in the gaze of a mate.
"I would be shocked if none of my children turned out adventurous. . or troublesome." He chuckled, trying to imagine the scene, and found he could visualize it all too well. A handful of cubs, each one trying to make a great escape in to the unknown world outside of the den. "My parents like to remind me that cubs often a grandparents means of payback. I know very well what I was like as a cub. . . . " He stopped and blinked before laughing a hearty laugh. "And I suppose it would be cruel of me to wish not one, but perhaps a pawful of cubs with that same nature on any female. Perhaps its good I have no cubs now," he added with a smile. "Else I wouldn't get to be here, exploring this mountain with you."
And that was the truth. He had made a new friend, from a different clan, and they were scaling the great mountain of their history. Turning his attention back to their task at hand, he admired the scene of the great hill. They still had a long way to go, but he was certain they would not be defeated. What they might find, where their paws might tread . . . it was going to be a wonderful day, that he was sure.
The lion listened as Eeva began to speak of her own mother and her life in the roguelands. He didn't miss the sound of curiosity and intrigue that laced her words, as well as perhaps a touch of wistfulness? It sounded to Udadalsvli that his friend Eeva had perhaps lived a bit of a sheltered life. She was of the Shadow Clan, after all, and was a Subiani . . . .
Subiani.
The name suddenly hit him hard. Eeva Subiani, of Shadow Clan.
Wait a minute. . . The Subian Clan! She was Eeva, and that meant . . . Surely it couldn't be, could it? The lioness chattering at him, his newfound friend, that was . . . the Shadow Clan leader! How stupid he must have looked the other day, battling trees, not properly acknowledging her title, goofing off like some silly day old cub. And yet . . . even with this knowledge (spirits know why it took him such a long time to piece together the information) she was first and foremost, his friend.
Did this knowledge change his desire to climb the mountain with her? To chatter on without a care? She hadn't introduced herself as the Clan Leader, though . . . . she also likely thought him a bit of a simpleton. Oh spirits help him, he was a fool. And yet . . . he couldn't bring himself to mention it. This may be a ranking member of Shadow Clan, but she had wanted to go on this adventure. So . . . they would go. And he would play the fool of her rank until she finally fessed up, or at least until they got back lower elevation.
No, he wasn't going to spoil this. . .and what was to spoil? Nothing. They were friends. He had befriended a young god, one whom he learned to have once been a prominent figure of the pride. So knowing Eeva was THAT Eeva . . . it didn't change the fact that she was his friend too. Or their trip.
Realizing he went quiet, the lion gave a small shake of his head and quickly bridged the distance that had momentarily developed between the two. There was too much to focus on at the moment anyway - not only their footing, but her words! "The Pridelands you say? I've heard many a story of that pride, and its great legends. But to witness the leader murdered . . ." He fell quiet, brows knitting in distress. "I . . .I could understand why they might leave. Spirits help us, that will never be something to happen in these lands if I can help it." Such words were not made idly -- it was a guarantee as far as Udadalsvli was concerned.
He loved his pride, all of it. . . what he wouldn't do to keep it safe, to keep those in it well, happy, joyous.
"My mother and father don't speak much of their time outside, though I do know a few stories of where they roamed. I think they both looked upon joining as a new beginning, and prefer to keep their time outside of the pride quiet. But I do love that new life and new families find themselves embraced by the Ela'wadiyi." He gave a smile and shrug. "For as many prides I have heard stories of, for as many adventures as I think could be found in the roguelands, I . . .wouldn't trade this pride for the world. It is my home. It will always be my home."
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Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 11:57 am
Uta Honestly, hon, it's perfectly okay! I'm never in any rush and I've also been pretty slow on the uptake with RP. Eeva is enjoy this RP a lot, too! <3
"Cruel?" Eeva echoed, casting him a wide and genuine smile. "No, no. Not cruel. Worrisome and brilliant, I think. They'd certainly keep their parents on their toes." She dropped back then to walk beside him, taking advantage of the slight widening of the path. "But I am glad that you are free enough that you can take the time to come adventuring with me. I should have done this long ago. I'd always wanted to. But...without you here, I don't think I ever would have."
Udadalsvli was right in his observations. Eeva may not have wanted her life to have turned out that way, but it certainly had been sheltered. She had strayed from her clan's territory only to visit a few close friends. Otherwise she had been at home learning and studying, ready to take her position as leader of the Shadows. When she had been very young, she had been a little irritated that she had been born female. If she had been male, she could have lived her life how she had wanted to, but with her gender came her responsibilities. She remembered her parents and their worried conversations on whether their daughter would be suited to the duty. It was after overhearing one particular conversation when she hit adolescence that she realised she was fighting against the tide. She had thrown herself into study, then, and allowed herself to become who she was today. But, even though she had few regrets, she always watched her more adventurous siblings with a slight tang of envy.
But today. Today was her time for an adventure and she wasn't going to take it for granted.
She had been so lost in the shifting lands around them that she had not noticed the change in expression on her friend - not realising that he had come to understand who she was. In her defence, the land was beautiful. The sky, from this elevated position, was truly endless; stretching out forever across the land timelessly. The tufts of grass were long and fine, waving about her legs as she vaulted up onto another ledge above them. The next section of mountain path looked a little more troublesome - involving more climbing than walking for the next thirty strides or so. She steeled herself for the challenge, hoping that she was not so out of shape that she wouldn't be able to make it.
And then her friend was speaking again.
"Yes. It was a sad time for their pride and...things have not been the same since, I do not think. I cannot imagine how I would feel if I had been in my mother's position. If the same thing had happened here..." She touched a paw to her chest. "It would break my heart." She turned her gentle eyes towards him and offered him a fond smile. "With lions as noble and true as you are, Udadalsvli, I do not think such a thing could ever come to pass here. Not once have I had need to feel unsafe in my homeland and that's because of lions like you keeping watch over us all."
She leapt up to the next ledge to make room for her larger framed companion. "You are Ela'wadiyi; body, mind and soul. Just as your parents are now. I like the sound of this land as being a new beginning for those seeking one. A chance to begin again. Become a part of something more." She turned now to gaze back down the path they had come, surprised at how high up they had gone already - though there was still a long way to go. She breathed in the crisp, fresh air and couldn't help but smile. "There is a magic in this land. It draws others into its embrace; welcomes them and comforts them until they never want to leave."
She was so proud to be able to call this land home.
"I can see why it would be known as a promised land. As a safe haven against the dark times that once fell upon our ancestors. So many died making the journey here. So many died before their journey even began. But those who made it; they claimed this land so that we could live as we do. My heart aches with love for them." She eyed Udadalsvli a moment before continuing. "I wonder if any of those old spirits reside on this mountain. I wonder whether they know how well we live now. That their suffering was not made in vain."
She turned from the beautiful view and leapt again, being careful not to tread on the delicate flowers growing up between the wispy grass and mosses. "If you could speak with the spirits, what do you think you would say to them?" Eeva had never truly considered the possibility before today. But up in this mountain, where the gap between earth and sky closed, she felt like anything could be possible.
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:45 pm
The large lion had indeed discovered the secret of who Eeva was, but . . . . right now it didn't matter. Whether she was the Leader of the Shadows or not didn't mean he was going to treat her any differently. They were friends first, weren't they? She hadn't even admitted to her title and certainly didn't seem to expect him to react to her any differently than he had been. Right? Unless she knew he hadn't put two-and-two together, and therefor pegged him (just at touch) as an idiot.
He'd give her that. He was an oaf for not better memorizing the leaders of the neighboring Clans!
But . . . she was fun, and seemed to be enjoying herself. It wasn't as if he was going to take extra good care of her on this trip, because even without the title, he had already planned to do that very thing. They had each others backs, and he had vowed to get her up the mountain, and of course, return her home all in one piece. It was strange though that she had yet to admit to her proper rank and position; it would make an interesting topic of conversation, but . . . well. . . . maybe it wasn't something she wished to discuss.
Either way, she was still Eeva to him, and all he could hope was that she didn't mind.
As she walked next to him, admitting her joy in travel, the lion gave a lopsided smile. "It was destiny then. We were meant to take this trip together, as honestly I . . . I don't know why I haven't before now. Obviously, the spirits just wished me to have a new friend to explore with, together. For that though, I'm quite grateful." He dipped his head at her, as a gentleman might a lady, pleased that she had wanted to join him. It wasn't often he had companions to explore with, or appreciate the beauty of the world.
As the landscape changed, forcing them to be a bit more athletic, the lion paused to consider the best option. While the rocks looked stable enough, he knew that looks could always be deceiving. Just one misplaced stone could at best cause one to slip and fall, or worse, start a whole rock slide. Thankfully though, this mountain was old and, from what he could see, the boulders did look embedded in to the mountain itself.
Leaping next to Eeva, the large lion continued to listen to her words. Her passion, her devotion to their ancestors, and her fierce love of the Ela'wadiyi had him partially staring in both awe and renewed respect. It wasn't as if he hadn't already thought highly of her, but the suddeness, the depth of her passion . . .it was stirring. He loved the Ela'wadiyi dearly, but felt as if his words had been hollow in comparison to her own.
The Ela'wadiya and Shadow clan were truly blessed to have her in their midst.
"And it is for our ancestors of old, and all those who seek the pride as their home, that I fight for it, that I protect it. And it is for lions like you, who truly do love the pride, that make defending it so easy a choice." He spoke solemnly, quietly. He was serious, though there was a fondness in his bright blue eyes. A hope for the future. . . With leaders like Eeva, with her devotion to the pride, if Udadalsvli was to be struck down and give his life for their protection, it would be well worth the price.
"When we get to the peak, we can tell those that might not know. . . pray for them, but celebrate for them too. We'll make sure that any roaming spirit will know full well that, because of them, there is life anew. They can rest with an easy heart and an easy mind." It wasn't just lip service, Udadal truly meant it. He wasn't patronizing her, oh no, he too hoped that any passing soul they met might know the truth.
Their ancestors did not die in vain. . . and would not be forgotten.
Leaping after the brown coated lioness, Udadalsvli considered her words. If he could speak to the spirits. . . "Hmm." He pondered the question, brows knitting momentarily as he considered. He'd not thought much of spirits or the after life growing up, too intent on focusing the living threats (real or imagined) that might threaten the pride. Death to Udadalsvli was something he hoped to achieve through glorious battle or sacrificing himself to rescue another. . . .
"I . . . I don't know really. I think it would depend what sort of spirit we met. If I could speak to the spirits, I think I would like to know their story, or even just one of their names. . . Something to take with me, something tangible to remember them by. If it were just . . a generic sort of spirit, a passing ghost, I . . . well, I guess it would be the same." He gave a small shrug, brows still knitted in thought. "How many stories out there have been forgotten? Wiped from existence . . . Not every lion is meant to be a legend, but those who are not should still be remembered." Glancing to Eeva, he raised a brow and offered a small smile. "And what of you?"
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Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 9:35 am
And that's all that she wanted to be. She did not want to be looked upon as any better than anyone else because of a title she had inherited. Did not want to be treated any differently because of what she was. Eeva Subiani was an Ela'wadiyi and, as far as she was concerned, no different from anyone else. She was Eeva.
Just Eeva.
"I like to think that the spirits can affect our lives from where they are, nudging us in the right direction so that we can succeed or in the wrong one so that we can fail only to learn from our mistakes and try harder the next time." It was a great comfort to think that eve after death there was another life. A boundless life where one was not tied to a single body and a single land. A place where it was possible to roam the endless skies and look down on faces familiar and strange and see life continue; begin and end.
Eeva was momentarily lost for words at his honest declaration. It was for lions like her that made it easy to defend the lands? Eeva couldn't help but fluster at that, turning her head and tucking her chin down against her chest so that she could try and think of a response. Thankfully he was speaking again and, listening to his voice and words, she felt the momentary speechlessness fade. Though as he settled next to her she felt sheepish and fidgety. "Listen to the two of us." She said softly with a mix of awe and amusement. "Between us we could create quite a memorable ode with our words, don't you think?" He was, perhaps, more grown up than he liked to believe and she found that she loved to listen to him speak.
And then she smiled, lifting her head to throw her gaze out to the horizon. "Yes. Everyone has a story worth remembering. Every tiny cub whose life was taken too soon. Every aged elder who lived many a year. Every lion from hunter to king. They've all lived their lives and each one is as unique and special from the other. They deserve to be remembered no matter how grand or plain the tale." And then she turned to look at him, her blue eyes bright with emotion.
"I think I would speak with my grandparent's spirits if, somehow, I could call out to them. I never met them but my father speaks of them with such fondness. Their names are A'kiutu Subiani and Abadon Fa'moyo. I already know some of their story; that of their final days. That A'kiutu fell sick with the illness and could not make the journey to healthier lands. Abadon, not wishing to leave her alone, opted to stay with her through her final days. He sent his son - my father - and a friend of the family onwards to the promised lands. I know little else of them but I imagine they would be full of stories to tell."
She exhaled slowly, feeling moved by the memory. The pride she had for her family was a deep and endless thing.
And then, very gently, she leaned in against him, her voice very quiet when she spoke next. "Udadalsvli...I have not been honest with you and I must apologise for it. I was afraid, if you knew, you might not allow me to come here with you to this place. Afraid you might treat me...differently." And that was honest enough, but it still wasn't right and before they could go any further she felt like she needed him to know. "There's something you need to know about me."
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Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 10:30 am
Udadalsvli listened to her, considering what death might bring. He was certain that there was a great after life, that everyone had a spirit and upon death, it was released on the world. . . .but exactly what happened after, he couldn't quite say. There were times, brief moments, as if he felt he weren't alone. . . granted, he knew there were gods that walked clear as day, so it would make sense that at least some spirits might watch over them. Ah, but that was speculation toe think about another day!
He had noticed the brown lioness suddenly look away, ducking her head as if he had said something to embarrass her. Had he been too bold? Maybe . . . but it was the truth! She loved the pride dearly, and her passion for it made it easy to sacrifice for it. Still, he said nothing and pretended not to notice, even as she spoke. Chuckling a bit, the spotted lion nodded in affirmation. "It's almost a shame no one but you, me, and any lurking spirits can hear it. But maybe it's more fitting that way . . . It is an ode to our ancestors, after all."
Udadalsvli couldn't help but imagine what the great journey to the promised lands might have been like. The devotion between her grandparents was obvious -- to stay behind, to give up seeing the great lands to care for ones mate in their final days. The love that he could tell they shared was heart wrenching and beautiful. To be so devoted. . .well. . . . with luck her ancestors knew that their memory, even if only in part, lived on here with Eeva. Lost . . .but not forgotten.
"I'm quite sure they would weave a beautiful tale." He agreed, blue eyes considering teh stories of his own family. His history wasn't quite as colorful; there was little he really knew about his parents background. That just meant that his family lineage, his history, would be here . . at the Ela'wadiyi. If lucky, he'd be remembered as a great warrior and defender. . . and just as loyal and devoted to his family as Eeva's grandparents.
It was then that the lioness suddenly leaned closer to him, quiet, as if she had some secret. His ears turned, and the large male listened to her speak. It was fate that he had only very recently put two-and-two together. . . . but he was sure, beyond a doubt, that she was going to admit to her true rank and title. Though perhaps it was rude to interrupt, to not allow the good lady to speak, Udalsvli could only let a warm and partially amused smile cross his features. Leaning over, he whispered in her ear, "I already know, m'lady." Leaning back, he gave her a good humored wink and nudged her shoulder lightly with his own. He didn't want her to think he didn't respect her title, but he certainly didn't want her to think he would now treat her as some delicate rose or sheltered individual.
She was, and would always be, Eeva, his friend.
"I suppose we should keep moving, as there's still a lot of ground to cover. We don't want to keep our ancestors waiting, right?" And with that, the large lion leapt up to the next rock ledge leaving room for Eeva Subiani to follow.
((And I think that's a good place to wrap! xD I don't mind leaving their trip to the peak as a bit mysterious and sacred. Let me know if you'd ever like more RP with the pair. . . n__n))
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