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 Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:23 am
One foot, then two, another then the final foot, and once more the ela male was home... The unmarked borders of the ela lands felt different somehow, than those they'd been stepping on moment's before. Ama Galu'nadi waited until he was several feet inside his own lands, to pause for a moment, glancing around with eyes half-lidded. As if on it's own accord, his body shuddered, a soft groan slipping past his muzzle in the process. His mane tossed around at the shaking, but it felt good to be home, none the less.
The aura of death and decay that he'd felt on the way through here, out of the lands still lingered, but wasn't as strong as it had been. The ela hunter sighed softly, before turning his head to glance at those behind him. A soft smile was reserved, hidden from view, but there none the less, for his mother. Whereas a look of confusion, and curiosity remained hidden for her companions. How on earth his mother had stumbled upon those two was beyond him, and he probably didn't care to know, either. At least the female, Binti, seemed to be protective enough of his mother. Seemed a good sign, at the very least, that he could turn his back and she wasn't going to slit all their throats..
Lifting his head and nose to the skies, Ama sniffed the air around him. Mmm the warmth, the smell of the slowly returning life around them. This was how it should be. Surely someone lived there still. He held out hope that his sister, and the cubs were still alive. Things would be as they were before, he just knew it.
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 12:07 am
Us'kali lumbered peaceably along behind her son, already able to detect the barest of changes in her body--the swell of her belly, the feeling of heaviness inside that was only detectable by her...there would be new life born in these lands, although it would seem that her companions had not yet noticed, or if they had, had refrained from comment.
It seemed so long since her paws had walked these familiar lands, and yet it also seemed as if no time at all had passed, as if only yesterday she had lain her ancient head upon a bed of grass just yonder.
And yet, to temper the feeling of peace that spread throughout her limbs was overriding grief, as well. No longer did these lands seem to brim with life--there lingered, perhaps only in her own mind, the smell of sorrow, and loss--although it had faded, with time. One day soon, she told herself, she would take some time alone to wander, and see if she could pick up on the slightest indication that there was still life.
Binti walked at Us'kali's side, measuring her stride so as to remain abreast of the elder lioness. She had noticed that lately the other seemed to have become intent upon teaching her as much of the lore and beliefs that were inherent to her "clan", often spending hours during the day telling tales of the spirits, and how their presence lived in all around them, guiding those who were willing to listen.'' It made her wonder if perhaps it had something to do with the way the other had begun to move more slowly, her belly expanding.
While it was the sort of thing that would have set her off into laughter only a short time ago, she had actually found herself listening to any and all of the wisdom the old lioness might choose to impart--perhaps it was in these stories that she had found that inner balance that the younger lioness had long since grown to respect, and even envy.
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Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 12:50 pm
If Ama ever suspected his mother's condition, he would've been blown away. Or blown up. One or the other. However he remained oblivious, for now. His strides returned, not so long that he would be taken from his travel mates quickly, but large enough to assert his confidence of the road ahead.
They were home. Home was here, and they were together again. Soon they would find the others they'd lost, reunite the clans between themselves, he would have a good snap at Aya and possibly drive him out of the lands, and life would be as it should be. Ama had confidence with this. Granted, it was unknown who still lived within the lands, but he wouldn't think of that at all. They were alive, the ones he loved and hated.
What were they to do about the newcomers though? He still was unsure whether they were accompanying for the time being, or if they'd be heading out after 'Kali and himself reached their destination. A part of him kinda hoped they'd stay, if nothing else they seemed to have made quite an impression upon his mother. He hated to watch her have her heart ripped out again if they were to up and leave after they returned and discovered the others. Kali had already had her heart ripped out far too many times before. With Go and his sister having died, his father as well, now the uncertainty she held for those who might be alive now... Ama humphed and shook himself again. No sense thinking of it until it happened. Dwelling on what could be always led to bad things.
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