Welcome to Gaia! ::

The dark tail of a certain roan flicked idly, swishing against the ground and her form as she lay at the water's edge. It was a familiar place, full of memories, and she couldn't help but smile as she stared into the icy liquid. Coming back here every once in a while wasn't unusual for her. This time felt different, though. And despite not being sure why just yet, that didn't stop her from enjoying the view, if nothing else. Letting out a yawn, 'Mare set her head on her paws. Long fangs just barely avoided the ground. Years of practice had made sure she was versed in the ways of maneuvering her head with them. Even though her fangs were much longer than those of most Banthi, to her, they were completely normal.

The corn snake smiled to himself softly as he slowly made his way around the forest. He had finally been able to go out for a walk and clear his head of all the intense smells of the different herbs he used to practice his healing. It was a calm night as he strolled closer and closer towards the rivers edge not really paying all that much attention to here he was actually headed. It was a nice change, not thinking.

Stepping out of the cover of the forest to gaze at the water below the male could swear he smelled another nearby. What is more, the scent seemed to be faintly familiar. Taking another hit of the air the male smiled. How could he have forgotten his adopted mothers scent? Jumping from the small hill to the grounds below Talakin followed the scent of his mother. Maybe, just maybe he would catch her off guard even.

Alone and contemplative, the femme had begun to forget what was going on around her. Still staring out across the water had become more like staring at nothing in particular. The grounds were rarely a threatening place, so zoning out certainly wasn't something she was averse to doing. In fact, it was relaxing to forget about things for a little while. Just long enough to clear her head. And so, when she wasn't so alone anymore, she wasn't quite aware of it.

Silver eyes slipped shut and once again her tail swished protectively against her form. The light sounds of water against land lulled her further and further into a state of pseudo-sleep. However, as unaware as her mind was, instinct caused an ear to flick back, swiveling. Probably just a squirrel. Yeah, that was it. Anything to allow her just a little bit more rest.

Padding softly on the pebbled grounds Talakin's mouth twisted into a grin as he looked onwards to see his mother's sleeping form. Taking carefully slow steps he watched his mother continue to sleep only stopping suddenly at the quick movements of her ear. Keeping his body as stiff as possible he waited. It seemed like forever before she went back to a calm position. Smirking to himself as he got close enough he lowered and suddenly leapt through the air trying his best to pounce on his mother without harming her.

"HELLO MOTHER!" There was laughter in his minds voice as he fell to the ground awaiting impact.. and little did he know that a pair of snake eyes were watching him very carefully.

Mumble, mumble, grumble. That squirrel just kept moving and alerting her sensitive ears. They slid back against her skull further, unwilling to alert her body just yet. And for good reason. The gentle sounds finally stopped. Satisfied, her ears settled back into a relaxed position, allowing her mind to slip away once more. Perhaps it was old age that was making her so trusting of her surroundings. If you asked her afterward, however, recognizing her son's scent would've been the excuse.

Suddenly, ears shot up again, despite the fact that the call had echoed through her mind and not the area around her. Eyes slipped open, unwilling at first, but much quicker as sight took over and helped her realize just what was happening. By then it was too late. The weight of the male pushed against her form, but it was easy to tell that he meant no harm. The same eyes, once confused, shone in recognition and secret pride that her snake of a son was so skilled in sneaking. Or she just recognized his scent. Yep.

"Talakin!" she greeted excitedly. It didn't take long before she was looking over his bright coat approvingly. How long had it been? Too long. She was just happy to see him.

“I missed you so much mum, how have you been doing, how is dad? How are my little brothers doing? Is everything okay in the clan?” He couldn’t keep the excitement out of his words as he continued to look over his mother. She was still the same ‘Mare that he knew and loved and she seemed to be doing fairly well, no cuts or scratches and she was practically spouting positive energy that he knew very well she was fine mentally. Wagging his tail back and forth at a rather alarming pace he watched his mother anxiously. It was so good to catch up with his mother, even if he wished he could see his father as well.

Looking up towards the sky he smirked, it was good to take long walks after all. ‘Maybe I should try and recruit another into our clan while I am here…’ he thought to himself as he stared towards the sky. He knew that Raaj needed more banthi to join… Frowning he looked back towards his mother only to have the rustling of leaves catch interest to his ears.

The barage of questions came so fast she could barely keep up. A laugh escaped her when it finally seemed he'd finished. It was to be expected, though. After all, if it hadn't been him with the questions, it surely would've been her. The exaggerated ages between their last meeting had left more than enough room for wonder. "I've been just fine," she assured with a nod between chuckles. It was difficult to silent her own glee. "Hanging out with my caretaker, hunting, just living. Nothing exciting." Looking to the water, she watched the reflection of them together for a moment. How nice it would be with every family member he'd asked of shone on the crystal surface. "Your father was fine the last time I saw him. Attacked by the grandkids, but he should be used to that by now." She smiled lightly, tail flicking. "As for your brothers, Zhenya is... as well as can be expected." A slight faulter in her smile. "And I haven't seen Novic in far, far too long." Her expression was practically a frown now. Still, she shooed it away as quickly as it came, not wanting to be a downer during this wonderful reuinion.

And the clan? Hm. She really wouldn't know. As one of the oldest residents, she felt a bit perturbed that she hadn't yet learned more of the fates of her returning clanmates. "I don't know." she decided not to lie. "I certainly hope everything is well." Shaking her head gently, she followed his gaze to the sky, only to catch the same sound he had. Ears slid back and their gazes met again. A brow rose curiously, though she kept quiet and smiled, trying to rid him of his frown.

He nodded as she spoke of herself, it was wonderful news that she was doing well. He watched her gaze at the water for a moment and wondered what exactly was going on in her head then. She was such a secretive banthi at times and it was so hard to read her. A smile tugged at his features and soon he started laughing at the crystal clear visual of his father being trampled on by several pairs of little paws. Once calmed of his laughing fit he smirked at his mother, “I could just see him, fur being tugged, hat being ripped, tail being chomped on. Good ol’ dad.” His ears flicked back slightly at the mention of Zhenya. He was a rather troubled child. He was researching about aliments of the brain for quiet awhile and wondered if Zhenya was in need of treatment for his odd disposition. Watching as his mothers smile faulted Talakin nuzzled his mother. “I am sure he will be fine. If he gets worse though come to me. I might be able to give him something for his nerves… But I am not sure it will work. I am still developing my skills in the area of mental curing.” Talakin smiled at his mother, it was the best he could offer, although he knew in his heart he would not be of much help. Listening to her speak of Novic made his heart crack slightly. It was very disturbing and upsetting to not be able to see your own son. He knew, he hadn’t seen his ever since he was adopted. “I know how you feel there mother. I too have not seen my son for a long time. A very long time.”

He continued to listen as his mother spoke of the clan. She had no idea? That was a rather strange thing to him, but soon his attention was drawn toward the sound of rustling in the brush. What, or whomever was there he would soon find out. “Shall we mother?” he whispered as a smirk slid on his face.

The extent of his amusement spread to her with ease. Soon she'd joined him in his laughter, perhaps not as wildly, but surely enough to keep up. "Good thing he's tough. And who wouldn't be after raising a son like you?" 'Mare winked, lips curling further back against her fangs with her widening smile. Baby Tala had been quite the handful and plenty playful. Memories of the mini-cornsnake crawling all over Sanguin's head came to mind. He'd become much more mature and responsible, she could tell, but that didn't change the fact that some of his cubhood energy obviously remained. "I hope you're right." A bit of the excitement drained as she leaned into his nuzzle, rubbing side of her muzzle along his neck. "Don't worry yourself too much." Pulling back, she smiled, too. "I truly appreciate your offer, though." Since the extended leave from the clan, Zhenya's mental state had been declining. But maybe just being around others again would help. "I wish I could see my grandson, too." What a pair. "I'm sure he's doing well. At least we can think that."

Another smile tried to cheer him. It didn't seem necessary all of a sudden, however. He'd heard it, too? Of course he had. She didn't expect any less from her son. A smirk to mirror his split her maw. "Lead the way." Perhaps this was what they needed to help cheer them both. A little excitement maybe.

Talakin stalked towards the bushes quietly, making sure that his paws did not step on anything that would give him away. He had noticed that something had been following him for awhile but decided to ignore it, but spying was another story entirely. Creeping up to the side of the bush the corn snake nodded his head toward his mother, gathered himself together and leapt in the air.

There was a loud yelp of a female banthi heard from the bush as he made contact. He had not realized his daughter had followed him the whole way here. She truly was a sneak. Smirking at his daughter Talakin popped his head out of the bush, his eyes glittering brightly as he grinned form ear to ear.

“Well Mom, seems you have another family visitor after all.”


Reika stared at her father in astonishment, she hadn’t been expecting him to notice her watching him and by the time she had noticed that he had found out it was already too late. It wasn’t like she was doing something wrong though, she was merely figuring out where her father was going, seeing her ‘grandmother’ though, that was a special gift.

“Uhh… Hello!” Reika bellowed out of shyness. She was never shy, why was she shy now all of a sudden?

Right at his side, 'Mare moved along in equal silence. All the hunts in her lifetime surely affected the careful way her paws stepped when stalking. Even so, it slightly surprised her that they were able to make it to the bush so easily and undetected. Perhaps it was just a rabbit or something? No time to worry about that, though. Catching the nod, she returned it and steadied her form, waiting for his second cue. As soon as noticed his form tense, she knew it was time. The roan took less than a moment to watch his agile form pounce straight into the foliage before she readied to slip into a hole at the base.

However, the yelp stopped her in her tracks. Curiously raising her crouched form, she blinked up at the bright-furred head that popped out only seconds later. "Oh?" Brows raised. The simple statement was far from lost on her. It was clear in equally bright silver eyes that she was excited at the prospect. The awkward greeting she got before she could say and thing only made her glow more and even chuckle a little. "Hello, dear." A purr rose in her throat as she looked over her granddaughter for the first time. The wonderful mix of Tala and Mimi made it obvious just who it had to be. "No need to be shy."

Reika smiled at the silver female and stepped fully out of the bushes. No wonder her father had cared so much for his mother. She seemed like such a kind female, ready to protect her family at all costs if needed. “You you are my grandmother? It is very nice to meet you.” She looked her grandma from top to bottom, she seemed to her like some sort of fighter.

“My father has only spoken good of you and grandfather, it is an honor to meet you.” Talakin smiled behind his daughter as he walked closer to the two of them. “I am sorry you did not get to meet her sooner Mom. It has been rather crazy these past few months.” Talakin bowed his head at his mother as he walked up next to his daughter. He was happy Reika had followed him the whole way here.

“Reika.. I must know though. How did you mask your scent so well? I can hard tell it is you and your standing right next to me.” Looking his daughter over he raised a brow. It was strange how she smelled rather different.

A smirk twisted onto the patchwork snakes features as she looked to the ground before looking back up. “Well father, if you must know.. I rolled around in a very strong smelling herb. It masked up most of my natural scent.

The lovely young female's markings, having shown well even through the bushes, popped out now. The beaming grandmother couldn't help but continue to think on how well her parent's colors had combined to cover her pelt. "It's nice to meet you, too." It felt a little strange to be dealing with family so formally. Still, being told it was an honor made her chuckle. "Why, thank you. It's nice to know our son still thinks good of us." She took a moment to give a little wink to her son before moving closer to her granddaughter and giving her a loving nuzzle.

Backing off again, she took a seat, dark tail flicking to cover her paws. "I understand, Tala. The important thing is I've met her now." A gentle smile grace her maw, although it quickly shifted into a grin. "Ha! What a smart girl we have on our paws. You'd better watch out, son. I bet eventually she'll be able to give even you a run for your money."

Reika smiled and leaned into the loving nuzzle of her grandmother. It was weird meeting her after all this time, yet she felt right at home with her. Watching her grandmother as she spoke to her father her smile only grew wider. Haha, run for his money was right. “Haha, if he only knew!”

Talakin smirked at his daughter. Just as he had daughter he. She learned so quickly and it made him so proud and from the look, it made his mother rather proud as well. “Hah! Don’t count me out of the race just yet. I have a many more tricks up my sleeve that you would have no idea about.” Talakin winked at ‘Mare as he showed Reika one of his paws to emphasis what he had said.

"Oh?" 'Mare couldn't help but play unimpressed, just to make things a bit more interesting. "I dunno, we old people tend to slow down after a while. Reika very well might have an edge." Still, she returned her son's wink, knowing full well from just this meeting that the younger female had a ways to go. She was certainly on the right track, though. It wouldn't be long before this girl could do whatever she wanted with ease. "Keep it up," she said with a loving nudge. "I want to hear plenty of success stories in the future. We girls have to remind the men we're just as skilled as them, after all."

Talakin shrugged at his mother then looked at Reika, “Maybe.. But I am not so sure.” Talakin smirked at Reika and winked as a way to show that he was completely joking about the whole situation. “You know. It is getting fairly late. Soon we should be heading back for the clan.” Talakin was speaking to both his mother and his daughter. The night sky was darkening more and more as the night pushed onward and the travel was long.

Reika laughed lightly at her grandmother. She was so full of character that she won’t be able to get enough. Not in one measly night. No she needed to stay with her grandmother for a long while to truly get to know her.

Hearing the news that her father brought up made her frown slightly. “But.. Father I have only just started to converse with my grandmother.” Reika pouted slightly at her father as she wait for him to cave.

A deep sigh left the roan as she cast her gaze skyward. As much as she didn't want to admit it, he was right. The trip back to the caverns would be far shorter for her in comparison. She certainly didn't want her beloveds wandering out too late. What loomed in the dark was always a mystery. Still, it was difficult to let them go. After all, this visit was a both a wonderful surprise and a sad reminder. Her son and his family lived so far away now. Visitation was not always easy. Their next meeting could be many months in the future.

Returning her soft gaze to each of them in turn, she smiled and nodded. "Now Reika... I don't want to say goodbye either, but your father is right." Moving to her side once more, the elder used to fangs to gently scratch at Reika's shoulder blade. "I promise we'll speak again. And next time maybe we can find a more convenient location so you two won't have to leave so suddenly. Pulling back, she canted her head, looking both motherly and firm. "You'd better be good, both of you." Moving to Tala, she gave him a lick on the cheek and a nuzzle, whispering "take care" before sitting back on her haunches. She would watch until she could no longer see them, then perhaps she would find her way to the caverns.

Talakin watched his mother’s emotion play on her face as she looked over the both of them. It was sad that they couldn’t see each other like they used to. Sometimes he even missed the times he used to live a carefree life in the caverns. It was such a wonderful life he had lived there, but he was happier now. He had a mate, two lovely children and a great Alpha. Watching as ‘Mare nuzzled his daughter affectionately he smiled. It had been so long a time, a very long. “Hopefully we will be able to see you sooner now that the clan has started piece itself together.” His face was carefully hiding any emotions as he watched her. “I do promise I will be back as soon as I can though.” Talakin smiled at his mother as she nuzzled and licked his cheek. “I will miss you. Tell father and the brothers I said hello.” He looked towards the sky once more before getting up. “I will be waiting, Reika, say your good-byes and hustle.” With that said he took his leave.

Reika looked her grandmother up and down, she could almost feel tears starting to form. It was not fair that she had to leave to quickly, but her father was right. “I will miss you very much Grandmother. Hopefully we will be able to see each other again soon. I must study though, so you might be seeing my father before me.” She looked her grandmother over one last time before turning to leave, only looking back once to allow her mind to take a picture of her grandmother in the moonlight crevice to burn into her head. “Until we meet again.” and with that the patchwork snake raced into the forest to catch up with her father with the hope of seeing her grandmother again soon.