With new resolve, Nquma made her way back to the forest where her whole mess of problems had begun. Back to trying to find one lioness who had helped her more than she could ever say. On her back, Isidomu nestled against the fur she wore, sleeping soundly despite being so high in the air. Flying was something he was used to, even though he lacked any kind of claws to keep into her skin to stay in place. If she took too sharp a turn, he would likely plummet to his death.She never took too sharp a turn.
Easing herself slowly to the ground, the Goddess dawned her mortal guise once more, just because she didn’t want any other creatures seeing her. It had been enough for one day. Enough with the random beings catching her in her true form, when she usually didn’t like anyone seeing her in such a state.
She moved into the forest, taking a slow pace so she didn’t disturb the ibex still sleeping on her back. There were still so many scents in the forest, so how was she ever going to find one lioness and thank her for everything she had done? Actually, it didn’t end up being that difficult. All she ended up having to do was back-track to where they had first met. Sitting in the spot she had been occupying on their first contact, was the black lioness she had so foolishly abandoned. She looked quite gloomy, and hadn’t even bothered to clean off her lovely fur. This only made Nquma feel more guilty about what she had done, to the point where she wondered if she shouldn’t just leave before the other spotted her.
No, Mito was right- she should speak with her. Find out what she was really feeling. That was what real friends did, wasn’t it?
“Seze…” she whimpered.
“Nquma!” gasped the lioness in return, jumping to her feet, “you’re back! Is Isidomu alright? I thought something might have been wrong and that was why you flew off so quickly!”
“No, no, he’s fine. He’s sleeping,” she turned slightly so Seze could see the sleeping ibex, “I ran because… well… I thought you wouldn’t want to speak to me anymore because I’m… a Goddess.” She looked at the floor, shuffling awkwardly as she waited to hear what Seze would say. Now the words were out in the open. Surely she would think her a complete idiot for being so stupid! Or… for being right. Either way, she couldn’t imagine things going right.
“You really need to learn to express yourself, sister,” Seze replied softly, “I wouldn’t be upset with you being a Goddess, although I admit I was surprised! Why would I hold it against you, though? I mean… it’s an amazing thing. Never in my life did I think I would meet someone like you.” She smiled and moved closer to Nquma, though her emotions were a bit in every direction. Poor dear, being so paranoid about something Seze couldn’t even understand. Angry about being a God? Had others been so cruel to her that she thought such a thing true of every mortal? It seemed very unkind. At least it hadn’t been because of Isidomu. If the creature had been dead, and she had shot off because of it, then it would have been a very tragic ending.
This ending was turning out to be a whole lot better, in her humble opinion.
“You’re a wonderful lioness, and I would be thrilled if you would call me friend, whether you’re a Goddess or not. You will be my sister always! After what we went through together? Are you kidding me?” She laughed lightly, bumping the female God with her shoulder. Nquma smiled, nodding along with such glee she could not keep the tears from her eyes. “I’m sorry… I was so silly… I don’t know what I was thinking.. I just… don’t know how to act around mortals… or other Gods, if I’m honest.”
“Well, if you ever want tips on how to act around us mortals, please do look me up. I would be happy to help you in whatever way I can, dearest sister. I don’t think I will be much help with the Gods, though, I’m afraid. You’re the first one I’ve met!” They laughed together, the tension around them both melting in the relief that washed over both their bodies, warming their hearts and reminding them both that things had indeed ended happily.
“Are you alright?” Asked Nquma, “you were injured fighting that brute.”
“Oh, nothing to worry about, I’m sure of it. Thanks to you! That cat was going to kill me, but you showed him a thing or two with those lovely horns of yours. I was quite amazed with your skill… you saved me.”
“You would have done the same for me, though, right?” Nquma asked almost brightly, Seze nodding in agreement to the statement. Yes, she would have, though a head butt might not have been as effective from her, given the flat nature of her head. No matter.
“I’m sorry Isidomu didn’t get to meet you- he’s sound asleep. I don’t think a stampede would wake him right now,” Nquma said.
“That’s alright- you’ll just have to come back some time to see me again, okay? Then he can meet when he’s awake and ready. You’re welcome here any time.” She knew she would be able to visit the spot often- it wasn’t too far from her pride. Though she imagined, eventually, she would be able to get Nquma to visit the pride lands themselves, and meet with the other members. One thing at a time. Too much and Nquma would be running off with her tail between her legs once more. Seze had learned that much, at least.
They parted ways with warm hearts and a wide variety of memories, ranging from happy to absolutely horrible. Perhaps that was all further proof that they would become great friends. Weren’t they supposed to go through good and bad together?
Normally, though, it didn’t happen all in one day.
WC: 1024
