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 Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 9:32 am
Water was not a substance that Baala found disagreeable, especially after travelling under the scorching sun for days on end. She had survived her trek, and had been hardened by it. Baala was no soft and fluffy creature that looked remotely friendly; she was young, but no longer a cub. Her fur had long since lost its silky sheen, her eyes had long since lost their luster, and she was a veteran of the rogue life now.
It was why she cherished this little gift of water and shade so much. Even this small bit of luxury was hard to come by without a price, and somehow she trusted that Muroki and she would split paths in the end without any debt between them. They had offered each other conversation, and though Baala had certainly received more in the bargain, the exchange had been pleasant.
"Thank you for this, again; it is a reprieve." She was swimming away from the deeper water, heading back to the shore to slowly dry off. "It is understandable why someone would wish to take up residence in this area. The jungle shelters creatures from danger, and there is plentiful water and food. Lovely."
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Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 4:41 pm
"Hopefully the company will be as...interesting as they are kind and then it'll truely be a paradise here and my wandering can be over."
With the water flattening his fur, it was clear from his shape that for a rogue just turning pridal, he was in a very good condition. He was lean and lightly muscled from all of the walking and hunting it took to follow the herds and skirt unfriendly areas. The tan and gold fur was shiny with health. Had one not know he'd been a rogue before, one would have assumed he'd been part of the pride for all time.
It had been good to exchange words with Baala - she'd actually brought something to the conversation that had been worth while. It was a pity she would go, for undoubtedly this was a reprieve...but she didn't sound as if teh area had enchanted her enough to make her stay put.
"Any idea where you plan to go next, Baala? I've travelled far. Perhaps I could help by way of directions as a parting gift."
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 9:28 am
"I hope that your wandering can be over, and that you will stay here, love and be loved." The words were spoken in earnest, her eyes lifting to meet his own so that the sincerity could be shown. If Baala could not have what she wanted, she would wish it upon him to find the happiness that so often eluded her. He was one of the few lions she had ever met, and he had shown her kindness. It was not out of her capacity to show kindness in return.
His assumption was correct, the environment she was in held everything she would ever need. But, she did not love it. It had no hold on her, nothing that would make her even think of staying. Baala would move on, and wander and wander until she found herself a place in the world. Perhaps there was no place that would accept her, but she would never stop searching. If she died a rogue, she died a rogue, and if she died being treated like royalty... all the better.
"I do not know where I'm headed. I just got where my feet lead me," she chuckled at this, "and perhaps I've been going around in circles all my life. You have given me a great gift, Muroki, and that is an intellectual conversation. I cannot ask for any more. I will probably follow around the outskirts of the jungle, and see where that leads."
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 11:24 am
"May your life on the move be fullfilling and rewarding...I wish you safety and perhaps companionship, so it's not a lonely journey."
Muroki waded out of the water and came to stand near her once again, wearing a big smile that reached his eyes. It had been a while since he'd exchanged blessings of sorts with another. Baala had been one of the nicest yet independant rogues he'd met in a long long time. Usually he'd found that if they were nice, they were also some how...dysfunctional. Overly clingy or angry at the opposite sex or wanting revenge or...
It was refreshing to meet someone who seemed to have her head on straight. It was a shame the jungle didn't call to her, but when you had wanderlust, it was best to follow your paws.
" Should you ever come this way again Baala, find me. I'll always help however I can."
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 12:35 pm
She stood up next to him, her body so much smaller, and appearing less healthy then his own. But her mind was forever sharp, and by will alone she would make it on in the world she intended to return to; the world of the rogues. There was no doubt she'd survive, but there was still room to doubt she'd find companionship, find a home to live in. It was why she took his wishes to heart, offering him a small, warm smile.
"Thank you, and hopefully any god that pities me will listen to your wishes, and help me on my way." She could feel it now, that urge to get up and walk away, return to her old life. Baala had came to enjoy what Muroki had offered her in the thick jungles, and she even liked Muroki enough to want to stay a little longer. But, she knew she shouldn't. This was not her home, not by a long shot, and Baala could sense that she would never find peace here.
If she was crazy, she would ask Muroki to come with her. But, she was not crazy, and was rather sensible in fact. Muroki had found his place, and she would not tempt him away with foolish offers. They were perhaps not fated to meet one another more then once. The end was coming, and she was unsure if she wanted to accept it or not.
"Thank you, again, I will be sure to. You are pleasant company, and have been so very helpful. I appreciate it, a lot."
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Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 2:02 pm
A gesture of the paw, holding it up against the chest for a moment, was a symbol that few mistook as negative regardless of their upbringing. To some it meant respect or affection, others a recognition of another, perhaps taking a meeting to heart and remembering it....It could be seen as meaning those things and more. Muroki made the gesture now, a formal but friendly end to their brief meeting.
Despite it all he hoped that Baala would come this way again. It wasn't up for debate her staying here or him going with her - though he thought that perhaps they would have made good travel companions once upon a time, mayhaps good friends.
"Find peace and happiness, Baala. Thankyou and have a good journey." And with that he started towards home. It had been so good to see such a rogue...
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Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 4:11 pm
She sensed she got the intended meaning of the gesture, and with a small, almost sad smile, she raised her small paw to her chest, holding it their to reciprocate the action. It was the end now, and a part of Baala was sad to go. She had been alone for too long, and finally having some respectable company had done wonders for her. Within her, she now had the will to meet others in hope that they would turn out somewhat like Muroki. No longer was she doomed to a life of loneliness... all because Muroki had made her hope.
"Thank you for your kindness, and I wish you well in your new home." He turned to leave, and she did the same. They left in opposite directions, he headed into the thicker reaches of the jungle, and her into the desolate rogue lands. Their paths were definitely different, but even then they had crossed at one point briefly, and she hoped to meet Muroki again.
"Ah, well, perhaps I will find myself a home soon," she murmured as she exited the thick brush, being once again greeted with the harsh rays of the sun. It almost made her want to retreat back into the jungle after Muroki... almost.
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