|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:54 pm
Tawa'di Kanati and his companion, Adi'sa, had finally made their way to the outskirts of the stargrove. The lush, strong trees guarded what was inside; a place that the Ela'waidyi considered sacred. Tawa'di had brought the young male here with him to test him, to see if indeed his hunches were correct; that this one could learn the ways of the nvwati.
Tawa'di stopped just outside of the brush, looking over at his charge. "Are you ready to enter, young one?" He said with a little pride in his voice. He was very hopeful on this one, to have the potential to be a great nvwati. For he was the last, and he wanted to teach his skills to another before passing on. He was a very old lion.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:06 pm
Adi'sa's journey had been long and plagued by tormentative spirits, those wishing to abuse his fragile young mind and even discourage him from developing his skills. Here was an elder nvwati, a great lion who Adi'sa could instantly see as a father figure to cherish. A lion that made becoming a nvwati something to aspire to. But the youngster had to ask himself the same question - was he ready?
He stood a few paces back from Tawa'di, letting his swaying tail come to a slow stop as he looked at the wall of trees. Blue eyes absorbed every detail, as if making them as real as possible would prepare him anymore for the unexpected that awaited him. Doubt was laced all over his face.
He took a deep breath and then joined Tawa'di by his side.
"I'm ready," he said, summoning all his courage, his curiosity, his energy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:21 pm
Tawa'di smiled warmly, giving the youth an encouraging nod before he himself began to slink into the grove.
It was a beautiful place, a place all it's own in the world. Right when one entered, it seemed as if magical, a special place that only a handful in the world knew about. The dense trees kept the place as dark as if it were night (even if it was nearing evening when they entered), the strange calls of birds unknown reaching out to the two as they made their way towards the center of the forest.
It would take them a little time to reach the place, for it was so dense that they would have to pick their way through. It had been a very long time since any lion had been in these lands, and so the old paths that had been carved in the past had become overgrown.
Tawa'di took a small break near a fallen tree, his fatigue catching up to him. Even with excitement filling his chest, his body could only take so much.
"It has been such a time since I have been through here...it's much more overgrown then I remember." He mused to himself softly. Glancing over at the youth, assuming that he would be taken in by the sights as he was many moons ago.
Small fireflies hovered around them, drifting through the trees as the two stood in the grove, the sacred ground almost humming with the events that would take place in only moments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:45 pm
Adi'sa was immediately struck by the blanket of darkness created by the thick overhanging trees. The floating lights created by the fireflies truly made it look like the heavens had descended to earth.
For a time, Adi'sa was blissfully unaware of anything else in the world, least of all his elderly companion. It felt so peaceful here, so tranquil and strangely inviting, despite the darkness and overgrowth. He could almost feel at home here, save for the niggling feeling in his gut. That was his own personal way of knowing spirits were floating about and energetic.
After wandering past Tawa'di, the rusty male finally turned around to notice the elder was not following. Looking for him, he traced his steps back a short distance to find the brown male resting.
"I apologise Elder," he said sincerely, realising he got carried away.
"I...kind of like the overgrowth...as if only the worthy can pass through..."
Adi'sa was certainly enchanted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:15 am
Tawa'di gave the young Ela'wadiyi a smile and a nod before continuing on. He was sure that if they just made it to the near center, he would find what he was looking for.
But, he would take his timme with that. First, he needed to guide his charge through the grove, and show him a few things that would help him. For he definately had the nvwati talents inside of him.
"Adi'sa. I know that new things are interested, but I will be pointing out a few things that you will need to remember." The old lion spoke as his pace slowed. "For in this grove are many things that you will need. Things only a nvwati would know." He gave the other a wry grin. "For instance, there are many herbs and plants that you can only find here, that can aid you with your duties."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 2:55 pm
The youngster almost pranced beside the elder, as though he'd been taken back to his very cubhood, where everything was a game and he was playing 'keep-up.'
But he listened well, because by listening, one can learn what cannot be put into words, what must be preserved by word of mouth.
"I am listening elder," he nodded respectfully, slowing his pace to match that of Tawa'di's.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 7:32 am
The old nvwati nodded.
"Some of those duties mean making salves to help injuries and discomforts, others that will help you when festivities will occur in our pride. That will come later, though. We near the center."
His tail swished in anticipation. Just what was going to happen....was anyone's guess. He could tell that they were getting closer, and his mind vibrated with what he thought he saw. Something....golden.
"We're going to come upon something that we will need to show much respect for." The old lion advised to his companion. "I do not doubt that you won't, but a warning is better then endless gawking."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 2:02 pm
Adi'sa nodded his head in understanding, and was quite eager to learn more about plants and how they could help, but the elder's anticipation of something much greater then even himself put the youngster into a very giddy state of mind.
Whilst his nvwati skills were rudimentary at best, he could almost feel a little bit of what Tawa'di felt. They were approaching something, something special, and his blue eyes glanced upon something golden also. Another Elawadiyi lion?
He gazed up at Tawa'di, innocent excitement painted across his face. He took a breath and made himself calm down.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 4:25 pm
Tawa'di's old paws could barely hold the excitement that he held. He felt that there would be something great here, in the center of the Stargrove. Perhaps it would be the answer to a great wish he held in his heart. Something that would help his pride, a price that he would gladly place.
As the small path opened into a wide opening, Tawa'di glanced around nervously. It was as quiet as it had ever been when no one was around. A little more overgrown since the last time he was here. A deep concern was visible on his form, for what he had hoped for wasn't here.
"Well...this makes things interesting..." he said with a small frown, slowly making his way to the center of the clearing. He ahced a bit as he sat himself down, still looking around.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 4:43 pm
Adi'sa followed the elder, the giddy butterflies playing about in his tummy. What would be waiting there? Was it a place where the stars descended to Earth? Oh, fanciful thoughts filled his head now. This wasn't how a nvwati should think...but he was still a youngster afterall.
He tooks his steps in time with Tawa'di, slowing as he slowed and stopping as he stopped. If Tawa'di had been disappointed, Adi'sa was just confused. Was this it? Although the superior had told him to keep a respectful attitude to this place, he just couldn't quash the deflated feeling.
He padded over to Tawa'di, sitting very close to him for comfort. It had been a long while since he had the company of other lions.
"Is something the matter, elder? Is something missing from here?" he asked honestly, his youth mabe betraying the disappointment in his voice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 5:07 pm
Tawa'di tried to hold back a sigh, but not all of it could be held back. He glanced over at the young Adi'sa, giving him a weak smile. "Oh, just something that an old soul like me was hoping for." He shifted the weight his forepaws were carrying as he stood, wondering if he should tell him more, or just keep at as it.
He supposed that ignorance was sometimes better then knowledge. What you didn't know really can't hurt you that much, can it?
He gave a light nod to the young lion, though, before continuing on in his lessons. "But let's get back to think that are around us. To our left..." he pointed out with a greying paw, "is where you can find the purest water in the lands. Best to take the ill ones too. Sometimes the purest water can heal anything. And over there..." his paw swung over towards the right, "is where you can find other fanciful things. Herbs, flowers, interesting birds. Sometimes they will converse with you, perhaps share things with you if you are kind enough to them."
He gave a slight cough before continuing. "Excuse me. Continuing on, it is in the best interest to befriend everyone you come across, Adi'sa. You never knoew when you will cross paths again, and perhaps need their help."
He glanced in front of them, where the clearing's center laid. There was a large, mossy rock, the earth around it padded down after many years of use. It was obvious that not a soul had touched it in years; not even the birds or the bugs.
"That, Adi'sa...is the most blessed part of the lands that we call home." He spoke with a stern voice. The little juvenile lion had better be paying attention to this, for it was something else that Tawa'di though if immence importance. "This is where we get our gifts from the heavens, you see."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 5:21 pm
Adi'sa followed Tawa'di's in every direction pointed, making a mental map. With the Stargrove at its centre, he coloured in the lines of water to the left, and then splodges of greens, pink and blues for the herbs and flowers to the right. He hadn't felt the need to get up from his comfy 'leaning against Tawa'di' position...until he was shown the central rock.
The youngster stood up slowly, as if the mere mentioning of this blessed rock needed to be respected.
"The heavens? Is that where the stars come down to us? Where..." he started, the words choking in his throat. "...where the Gods come down to us?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 5:40 pm
"Yes, my dear child. You are correct."
With a sudden warm gust of wind, feathers and leaves dancing into the mix, the center of the Stargrove had a moment of chaos. A light shined on the rock, exposing a form reclined on the mossy stone. The light faded a bit, though it was never too bright to begin with, and the form of a goddess began to take shape. The emerald eyes gleamed as it glanced upon the two mortals that she had been seeking out.
"I hope I am not too late." The goddess gave off a sly smile. Gods could do whatever they had pleased to do, but Mana still left a little sorry for not appearing before the two had reached the clearing. She arched her neck, the mane of hair cascading down the side of her neck. Well well. Not exactly what she was expecting, but she didn't mind.
She let her long, elegant wings rest on the sides of the stone, just letting them touch the ground. The ribbons that wrapped themselves around her legs gleamed in the bits of moonlight that peeked through the trees. A stunning entrance indeed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 5:46 pm
The old nvwati's heart rose. So perhaps..perhaps the gods had heard his heart's wish. He didn't make a move yet, no. He would let the goddess shine in her light before honoring her as was custom. It had indeed been a very long time since Tawa'di had seen a god; and one that he had come across before.
He didn't stand up as he should of; instead he kept his seated position, and bowed as best he could before falling over. He was still expected to show respect, regardless of his age.
"Aaah, so it is you. The ever youthful Mdhamana'kinyamkela." He said slowly, yet warmly. "It has been a time since we last crossed paths, has it not?"
Tawa'di eyed his youthful charge, nodding towards the goddess as if to introduce himself. Must be respectful, after all!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:24 am
Adi'sa was startled the moment Mana's voice echoed through the Stargrove. He stumbled backwards a little, but corrected himself quickly. His eyes were wide and his mouth agape in wonder. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen before, as if light itself bowed to her will, her form, her very being.
She was beautiful. Far beyond little Adi'sa's comprehension. Thank god for Tawa'di's presence.
"Oh...ummm...I am Adi'sa Kamwana. It is an honour to meet you...err...Mdhima...Mdhamry...Madahama...ummm...Goddess," he struggled to get her name right, blushing terribly but bowing respectfully none-the-less.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
