(AIM Log between Keantha and I)
The chilling winds raced down Abrafo’s spin as he looked out over the desolate plains. It wasn’t something he was used to, this barren wasteland. He usually tried to keep his family in a lush area, but they had insisted on something new. The older lion shook his head. Things were changing. Safi’s cubs were now adolescents; three young, vibrant hybrids ready to take on the world. He only prayed they were as fertile as their father, or could handle the world without becoming bitter.
He wouldn't hear her, but then none of them ever did. It seemed as a patch of shadow detached itself to come sit by her father's side. It had been years, since the day of the horrible attack that any had heard her voice. The frightened meek cub had been replaced by the silent merciless killer who only seem to have time for Safi or her father. Her tail curled around her haunches as she settled almost beside him, just a little behind and to the right, pink eyes gazing at him waiting.
Abrafo took a deep breath and overlooked the lands. It was a good feeling to be surrounded by open terrain, with no borders to enclose him. It was how he’d managed to finally meet his sister, the assasin-for-hire that she was. And - “Damn it, Isithunzi.” Abrafo huffed out a shaky breath. If it hadn’t been for her eyes he would have never noticed his daughter sitting at his side, as silent as always. You could have warned me. There wasn’t any point saying it, so he didn’t bother. “Do you have news? Is this a hostile territory, or are we safe?” He trusted his daughter to the point of second-in-command. Safi was smart, a little too smart like his mother, and tended to only look after himself. Isit he could trust to give him a straight answer.
She gave that amused little half smile only he or her twin ever saw when he jumped. It amused her to no end she could sneak up on her father, but unlike others who he might have punished, he had encouraged her stealth. When he asked if hostile she shook her head giving him an annoyed look. She would have never let them stay this long, especially with Saffy's precious cubs, if there was danger. As for safe...She shrugged then made a so-so gesture with her paw. It was as safe as anywhere.
Abrafo nodded, then gave her a pointed look. “Arrogance will be your downfall. Double checking is what has kept this family safe, and it will continue to do so. Besides, you should know by now that I have the utmost faith in your abilities.” His bi-colored eyes turned back out to the plains, the wind lifting up his coarse mane. It was trimmed shorter than usual; a testament to all the fighting he had done recently. “Isithunzi.” He looked over his shoulder. “What do you think of Safi’s children? Do you wish you had some of your own?”
Her lips twitched in amusement at first then pride, when he said he had faith in her. He was a hard male, not inclined to forgive mistakes easily to know she made him proud was the greatest compliment. She had been looking out at the plains too when he spoke of children. Her head jerked up to look at him in disbelief. She loved Saffy's little ones, had been endlessly patient with them but she was greatly relieved when they were big enough to be left alone at times. She shook her head faintly then pointed at her stomach then the sky. If she was meant to have little ones, the gods were have let her.
He knew that the question wasn’t meant to be light, and the ramifications it could have had on her. As efficient and cold hearted she appeared, she was still alive, and all living creatures craved offspring from one time to another. He himself had the itch to create more with his lethal mate, if she would allow it. “They may not. Isit, I want you to know that even if you cannot bear cubs, that doesn’t mean you cannot become a mother. Your brother has proven fertile, and if you wanted children…I’m sure you understand.” He didn’t know where he was going at this point, but he wanted his kids happy, and if that meant that Safi would become a manwhore, well…it was a good thing he liked females. “He’s told me more than once that he would be gladly help his siblings in that regard.”
Others might have blown the comment off or just shrugged lightheartedly, but her father had never spoken to her lightly, always treated her like a little adult. Isith gazed him him thoughtfully for awhile then smiled gently before moving closer. It was rare, very rare for her to display any affection, but now she gently bumped her head against his broad shoulder. She had him, mother, Saffy who would never abandon her and his spoiled brood. For now that was enough. She gave him a wicked teasing smile gesturing towards him then off in the direction of their family. She knew that look, Saffy wore it often before he went 'hunting'. There would be more cubs to help care for soon enough.
Abrafo gave her a little smile, one that was reserved only for her. After all that she had been through, he was glad to have been the one that she showed affection to. He knew that she may never fall in love, or even leave the nest, and unlike most fathers, he was completely fine with that. In fact, he preferred her just where she was. “You watch him,” he grinned. “Knowing Safi, we’ll be swarming in brats before the night is through.”
She rolled her pink eyes amused and made a woe begotten face. Only he and Saffy ever saw this playfull side of her. She wiggled her brows impishly, as if saying 'well atleast we are a goodlooking bunch.' before making a kissy face back where she knew her twin was likely resting.
Abrafo chuckled, bumping her with his shoulder playfully. “At least they’re a smart bunch. Cari’s following your footsteps with earnest.” God, was she ever. That little leotah, as skinny and tiny as she was, quickly became a deadly killer. Just the other day he saw her take down a wildebeest on her own!
He stood, every muscle in his large frame swiftly with the action. “Come on. It’s getting late, and we need to report in with your mother.”
She nodded, gods knew she was proud of Cari, of all of them. She yawned getting to her feet, bumping against him once more before taking a step back along his right hip as was her place. She watched his and Saffy's backs, trusting them to protect her as well.
(WC: 1155)
