Welcome to Gaia! ::

Tabi'nasi was lingering around the central part of the Shadow clan's current area. She was content that it seemed like they wouldn't migrate again any time soon, so she was off looking for either a comfortable place to rest, or someone interesting to talk to. She really only opened up conversation to a few of her fellow clan members for the entire time she'd been living here. It perhaps didn't give her the best reputation, but since she was starting to court with Arlo, she had warmed up a bit better to her fellow clan members.

"What to do..." Tabi said, her voice ringing clearly against the late morning air. It was a beautiful day, like usually, but there was a hint towards the west of clouds starting to build up. Hopefully it would remain the same standard temperature the longer the day went on.

Well, clearly something was presented to her, and she was feeling obliged to take it on. Her olive-coloured eyes noticed the lioness only after she had spoken. A flicker a familiarity passed across her face before the grey lioness nodded at her visitor. "Yes," she simply said at first, readjusting herself so she was not awkwardly looking at the brown girl in front of her.

"I'm always willing to help a fellow clanmember," Tabi finally added on, since it was rude to merely answer with a single word. Tabi couldn't remember her name either, but the striped lioness was rarely bothered by things like remembering names and faces. If it was important, they'd remind her!

Tabi didn't understand why it was so embarassing. She wasn't married herself, at least not yet, but it was a vital part of the Ela'wadiyi culture.

"Its a very important ceremony," Tabi began. She had seen enough marriages to understand what was expected of the pair. "Normally it is either the alu'nadi or the wanidatsi who marry you and your betrothed." Tsisqua, hmm? Interesting.

"You each bring something to give to the other during the ceremony. It can be something simple, like a feather, or a flower. Othertimes, especially old rogues, they give something of importance to their mate. I've even seen a turtle shell passed once!" Tabi laughed, thinking it was silly. "Or something as simple as a stone. It is up to you what you want to give to him."

The striped lioness shook her head. "I think you're overthinking it. The gift itself doesn't have as much meaning as the action of giving. Its like you are giving yourself over to your mate. The ceremony is carried out for the entire pride to recognize the union of you two, but in your hearts you are probably already married to him."

Tabi hoped that that made sense. She had never really felt that type of love, but it was something she was trying to work on in her own complicated relationship with Arlo. It gave her something to think about, along with Tishkari.

Tabi nodded softly. "I guess," she said. She just took them as they were given to her, and learned bits about them as they were carried out. "I think it is because the Ela'wadiyi is so centered around family. At least you want to learn. That's more than some of the other rogue-born members within the pride." She only learned by observation - Tabi never actively sought out information about the pride. That was just how she was.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?" Tishkari seemed...better.

Tabi was glad that she was able to reassure the lioness. That was...well, it wasn't what she was here for, but it solidified the fact that she was part of the clan. As Tishkari was a fellow clan member, Tabi would be there to help her when she could help.

Tabi hadn't been expecting an invitation, however.

The striped lioness matched the brown lioness smile. "I would love to attend."

"See you later!"

Marriage, huh? Tabi hadn't even brought up that word around Arlo. The idea of it twisted her stomach a bit. Just joining the Ela'wadiyi and becoming part of the Shadow Clan had tied her down. Would she be ready to further strengthen the cords that tied her down?

Maybe. For now, she'd go see if she could find Arlo to joke around with.