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 Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:03 am
Kiasi was proud that Chunuka had done what she asked him to so well. Through the entire labor, she had been untroubled by anyone, as ‘peaceful’ as one could be when going through the process of bringing new life to the world. She had not had to pay any attention at all to the outside world, and for that she was more thankful than Chunuka could probably imagine. While it was not common for the birth to happen as it did, it had gone as smoothly as was possible, and she was sure that in part – it was thanks to Chunuka.
The young mother lay with the seven little forms curled up against her, the cubs wriggling and worming against one another in an attempt to satiate their hunger and need of warmth. Pride spread across the golden-brown face of Kiasi, deep blue eyes shining in wonder as she stared down at the little lives she had brought into the world. It was worth those long months of carrying them around, being tired and sick at times, and generally miserable at others. They were worth every little bit of it.
“Chunuka,” she called softly out to the brother guarding her against the dangers of the world, “come look at your nieces and nephews.” She was tired, exhaustion was obvious across her face, but she couldn’t sleep just now. Excitement, wonder, pride – it all overwhelmed her, so much so that even a tired mind could get no slumber for the moment.
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:43 am
Chunuka would not have let an ant past his paws the way he was protecting his sister. As far as he was concerned, Kas was all he had left and he would be damned if he ever let anything happen to her. No, nothing was going to get past him while he was on watch.
Besides he felt sort of responsible for putting her into such a shock that the cubs had been loosed from their prison.
He waited as still as a statue, hardly moving, guarding the den as Kiasi gave birth in the den behind him. He was glad, in a way, that he wasn't down there. Blood tended to make him naucious and he had bene told that it was a rather messy process. Boy, was he glad that he wasn't born a female!
He jumped at the sound of his name being called and pushed himself back into the den that he was there a second after she had finished speaking. He was practically buzzing with excitement, but he seemed nervous, almost shy. He peeked over her side to the little cubs lying at her side, tiny, tiny. So tiny! He could have balanced one easily on the end of his nose!
He snuffled happily, barely able to tear his eyes from them. "Kas...they're..." But there were no words to describe the wonder that was the gift of new life, nor the beautiful cubs that lay there.
He rested his nsoe close to the babies, purring. "Hello." He peeped, shyly.
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 10:07 am
Kiasi laughed softly at his shyness, her eyes half lidded as she looked up at him. It was musing to see his uneasiness around the cubs, though she was willing to bet that she was probably the first lioness whose birth he had been around to be a part of. She was sure that one day, when Chunuka found a mate, he would be a lot better at this. Besides, this was probably good practice for when that day finally happened. She did wish he could find himself a nice girl – he seemed so lonely sometimes.
“Chunuka, could you do me a favor?” she asked quietly, laying her head down on her paws as a wide yawn cracked her jaw. “I need some sleep after all of that, and the cubs probably do too,” her voice was low, her eyes getting more heavily lidded by the moment. “Do you think you could stand guard for just a little while longer while I sleep? Right now, I’m too tired to do anything else.”
Her tail flickered, her eyes shut, but it was obvious she had started to fall asleep even without his answer. She was his little sister and she knew he would take care of her. There was a sort of peace in knowing that you were loved and protected, and though Kiasi knew that not everyone would be willing to do it, she knew that Chunuka would. They were family, after all, and she loves him from the bottom of her heart – it was just instinct that told her he felt the same.
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:13 am
"Anything!" He blurted eagerly. Now he had little nieces and nephews to protect as well as his sister. He was going to do his very best to make sure they were safe and sound. "Of course Kas, I'll be right outside. I won't let anyone near, I promise."
He reached out for her, touched his nose to her forehead and then backed up again. "Sleep for as long as you want. It's all too exciting to have me fall asleep..." He had almost forgotten about the situation with his mother until that point, remembering that even thought this was a joyous moment it was sad too.
But he wouldn't let that ruin this, not now. The smile held strong on his face.
So, he moved back to the entrance, blocking it with his body, his sharp eyes and ears keeping alert for any that might draw near.
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