|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 3:52 am
( Woo! Log 1-Mpenzi and Warithi talkin' 'bout their chilluns, y0h!) demon_pachabel So long had seemed the day the Kaimu had spent out in the lands of the Mteo, looking to take in and hopefully recognize some of the sights that since many nights before she hadn't had the opportunity to go and see, due to her constantly failing energy. However, due to recent events, she'd found that for some amounts of time, she was allowed to wander to farther areas away from the den.
Her mind, however, could not help but wander back to where her children played, as well as where she could find Warithi, her love. It was this restraint that kept her from wandering too far in one day, and also, what had brought her home at that time.
Pacing slowly around the watering hole that she recalled having played around under the watchful eyes of her parents, seemingly not so long ago, Mpenzi paused to look at her reflection, almost looking for a bit of her parents in her face, before shaking her head and laying on her side, heaving a sigh of contentment. Naita Light faltering above the lands so long held by the Mteo'nyungu, the early evening halflight cast shadows about the place, the more overpowering of such those cast by a pair of baobab trees at the entrance to the pride's den.
The watering hole, Nyungu, escaped their darkness, and went along shimmering, easily casting the relfection of the Kaimu. However, it was not only the water that took her image, for the watchful eyes of a male drank in that sight.
"Returned so soon, my love?"
Warithi's voice came out low, softer than it's usual note.
His chocolate eyes sparkling with happiness, the male nodded at one of their twins, the young girl sleeping soundly, her innocent face belying thoughts beyond her years, thoughts of the pride's principals. And yet, what passed in her dreams was unknown to her father, thus could not yet prove a worry.
"They grow too fast, dearest. Would that I could keep little Shabaha a cub forever." demon_pachabel Attention turning from Nyungu, Mpenzi looked towards the Akida, a content smile forming on her features before she'd even gotten him in sight, as just the sound of Warithi's voice brought a gleeful stirring to her heart. "So soon?" she replied, her voice soft. "To me it felt like I was away for an eternity."
Her attention soon turned to the child that he'd motioned to, bringing another pang of joy to the Kaimu. She'd carried the child underneath her heart for such a long time, that sometimes she still held a doubt that she'd really be born, along with her brother. It brought her to constantly check and make sure it hadn't been a glorious dream.
"They do." she agreed with a purr, rising to a sitting position. "But if all parents could keep their young ones as such forever, where would we all be?" she inquired, shifting her position in such a way as to invite her love to join her by the watering hole. Naita At this, the sparkle in the Akida's eyes deepened.
"We would be without the heartbreak a father feels when his children no longer need him."
A chuckle escaped the young male's throat, before with an easy smile he accepted the lioness' invitation, rising to his feet and moving to meet his mate.
With a gentle nuzzle he greeted her, licking her nose by way of habit.
"And what adventures did my Mpenzi enjoy today?" demon_pachabel She couldn't help but frown a bit at how heartbroken his reply was, but it quickly washed back to her cheerier mood as his ever constant cheeriness infected her once again.
Mpenzi purred, nuzzling her nose into her mate's mane, something she'd found to bring a great deal of comfort to her once upon a long time before. "Even if they don't, I'll still need you." she murmured, disguising it as part of her purr, before contenting herself with leaning against Warithi's shoulder.
It was then she took a deep breath, and stumbled her way over an abbreviated explanation of what she had seen on her 'walk'. "Well, I walked out past our first meeting place." she stated first, "It hasn't changed much since then, and there were some 'beasts out there as well." She paused a bit here. "So I found myself reminiscing for a bit." Mpenzi couldn't help but laugh a bit at this, as it was a rather odd 'trigger' to have set off a pace down memory lane.
"But then I got lonely, and decided to come back."
It hadn't been much of an adventure, but. It was good enough for her. Naita The words to escape his mate could not help but add a cheer to Warithi's heart, and he happily lengthened the nuzzle, resting his cheek against hers easily.
"And I you, dearest."
The summary of her day brought the according smiles and noises of interest necessary, and once finished, he smiled once more.
"A short trip down memory lane, then?"
The mention of beasts brought a memory, of the once strong groups of Msaka, chasing the herd animals down and bringing in the spoils. These scenes had once been so commonplace, yet now so few Msaka were left the males had entered the hunt, a sad thing indeed, for who would defend them if the hunt needed so many bodies?
"Do you look forward to a return to the hunt, Mpenzi? Leading the Msaka once more?" demon_pachabel "Mm.. just a little one. Can't wander too far down there without getting lost."
She hesitated in answering his second question, but instead shot a backwards glance at their daughter, as if to remind herself that the child was still there, before she allowed her mind to fully mesh about the question that had been asked.
"It's been a long time since I thought about chasing the beasts out on the hunt..." she started vaguely. "And since then, I've found my mind is full of other thoughts and concerns." She looked up at her mate, smiling a bit. "But returning to the hunt is something I will do, should it help bring ease to their lives."
'Their', was in referral to the pair of cubs that was under the couple's care. Naita For a moment, the 'their' was misinterpreted by Warithi.
He was so used to thinking of the pride, the worry of his children above others was still a strange sensation. However, at length, the understanding dawned, and he nodded.
"Do you wonder what they will choose, my love?
The choice is a strange one, and yet so telling in the adults they will one day be. I wonder, will my son guard the pride he will rule? Will my little daughter hunt? Will she follow the way of the Shujaa, and be a defender like her aunt before her?"
Yes, the worries of parent over ruler were strange to Warithi, but the speculation of a father was not, the wishes that his children would meet their potential. demon_pachabel She watched at her mate's expression made ever such a subtle change as her comment was read over under the wrong tense, before changing to an understanding. Perhaps for Mpenzi, thinking like a parent had come a lot easier for her. Or maybe she was just suffering from post de partum concerns.
Listening intently as Warithi voiced his curiousities over what would become of their little darlings in the future. She thought over it for a moment, nodding at some thought she had in her mind, before stating "Our, dear. Our." in a rather vague fashion.
"I cannot say that I've really put alot of thought into what our children will become. Perhaps they will live through life as normally as any child should, or perhaps destiny will turn them a card of favor, and they will become something far more extrodinary then either of us thought." Naita An easy chuckle met this correction, and with an apologetic smile, he nodded.
"Our children.
An interesting father am I, taking full credit for work largely not my own."
Here he nuzzled her once more.
"Whatever their choices, I pray that my choices allow a pride for our son to inherit, dearest.
I fear so gravely at times, Mpenzi, that my wishes are wrong, but we need strangers to become what we once were."
Seeing now that worries he should not have spilled had escaped his lips, he returned to smiling upon his mate, though perhaps with a little less ease.
"But hush, soon I will be taking Jicho into the Shadow's Hearth, and his life as a future Akida shall begin.
Are you as excited as I, that their choices are nigh?" demon_pachabel Purring, she rested her cheek against his for a moment after he nuzzled her, an expression of concern painting itself across her expression as he allowed himself to 'slip' and pour out his concerns to her.
Remaining silent, she kept her desire to comment to herself as Warithi covered his paw prints, and instead switched to a happier topic for the pair, allowing it instead to occupy her thoughts.
"I.." she paused. " I'm not sure how I feel about how close we are to our children's futures. It just feels like fate is trying to pull them away from us too quickly."
Smiling a bit, she rose up, and turned to head inside the den, but paused, looking back to him. "We should head in." Naita Fate, alas, was a force Warithi could not ease from his mate, nor from his own mind. It would blow them as it wished, along with their children, and his pride. For one so eager to help the fates of those he loved, it was an unpleasant knowledge to have, that he truly had no control over that which guided them, at it's base.
"Fate pull them as it may, my love, they will always be our children.
Their choices must be made, alas, and try as I may, they cannot be cubs forever." demon_pachabel His words were soothing, and for now, Mpenzi would settle for this, as good enough. "It would take a god to keep fate from touching them." she stated, before gingerly making her way inside the den, taking care in where she stepped.
It was her concern at that moment, that she'd step on something that would make a racket (such as a pebble moving ever so slightly), and wake the sleeping pair.
Staring at the two cubs, she purred, before nuzzling both ever so slightly in their sleep, as a gesture of affection, until she was reminded that she didn't want to accidentally waken either of them.
Stopping, she instead settled on laying on her side on the floor by the pair, studying them instead, sighing with a new settled contentment. ".. They sleep so peacefully." she whispered. Naita Resisting the urge to chuckle at her overly careful movements, Warithi instead followed in her wake, echoing her movements with regards to their cubs, before placing himself beside his mate, curling his form around her own.
"Like angels."
After nuzzling her softly, the lion's jaws parted in a deep yawn.
"And perhaps it is our turn, my darling." demon_pachabel Leaning her side against his, the Kaimu nodded in agreement with his suggestion. "Yes.. it is getting late, and I would hate for them to wake up and wonder why mommy and daddy are so tired." she purred, slightly amused by the idea.
The infectious yawn, soon caught on to the lioness, as she too yawned, before laying her head on her love's leg and closing her eyes.
"Goodnight, m'love." Naita "Good night, my love," he echoed, before placing his head upon his mate's near shoulder, and welcoming the easy flow of slumber's waves.
If his dreams that night were peppered with proud possibilities for their two young cubs, the morning's chatter would give no clue, aside from the smile said to have been affixed to the Akida's lips the night through.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:12 am
Log 2- Goood Morning~ demon_pachabel It was a pleasant morning. Waking with a slight stirr, Mpenzi yawned, before looking to her mate,whom she'd curled up with the night before, then looking towards where her children had been sleeping on her last check, before shifting gently and rising up, hoping in her mind she hadn't just woken Warithi from his sleep.
However, it was rather likely that she had. Taking a few stretching steps, the lioness sat herself down by the twins, purring and nuzzling the pair gently, then rising up again to head outside.
As she stepped out of the den, she yawned sleepily again. Once her second 'wave' had completed itself, she walked to the edge of the Nyngu and leaned over it's earthy outline to drink. Once finished there, she sat herself down, and looked back to the den to see whom she'd woken up with her morning activities. Naita Sleep's easy peace must break eventually for all beings. The gentle waves of slumber cannot forever lap over the mind, bringing with them visions of that we wish for most, that we would most like to see.
For Warithi, the subject of his dreams may have been obvious, that the pride he headed could once more thrive, that his twin cubs would grow well.
However these pleasant sights had run their course, and as the sun's light grew in strength outside, banishing the half-light to crawl across the plains as morning broke, the Akida's eyelids fluttered, and reality once more flooded his mind.
A deep yawn parted the lion's jaws, before he arose to his feet and followed the footsteps of his mate, checking on their infants before making his way outside.
He, too, unfurled his pink tongue to lap at Nyungu's calm waters, then turned to meet the eyes of his beloved.
"Good morning, my love."
Having murmured this sleepy greeting in that full voice the morning leaves all with, Warithi moved to nuzzle the young lioness, a smile dancing in his eyes. demon_pachabel
Smiling at the sight of whom it was who followed her out, though she wasn't pleased that she'd woken him, her eyes followed his actions silently for a moment.
"Good morning." she chimed in return, smacking her lips together and licking around them to free them of the 'sleep gunk' that it seemed so many were cursed to have when they awoke. Half-awakedly, she returned the gesture of affection, before turning her gaze back to the den for a moment.
"They sleep so peacefully." she purred, tail thumping against the ground once, before she looked back to Warithi, and sighed contently, the sleepy smile returning to her expression again. Swooning a bit, she leaned herself against the Akida so her head rested aside his.
Looked up at him with just her eyes, she purred a bit, before rubbing her nose against the side of his muzzle. "Did you sleep well?" she inquired, mind drifting to her dreams of the previous night, with their fluffy clouds, happy faces, and frolicking lions.
Naita Watching each of the sleep-logged actions his mate made, that glittering of Warithi's eyes reached his lips, pulling them back in a smile he directed into her face.
The mention of their young elicited a yet warmer smile.
"The peace of the young, my dearest."
Nuzzling his maned head against her bare one, the Akida happily breathed in her scent, allowing himself for a moment to be lost in the beauty of a morning breaking forth, and the comforting touch of his beloved.
"I slept as well as a babe, and yourself, Mpenzi?" demon_pachabel His smile had a way of making the lioness's heart flutter with glee, and she'd found that he'd adopted a new one as of late, which was even nicer to see. Nuzzling her face into his mane, she sighed deeply, inhaling the many scents that had been mixed into his fur.
"A dream always worth having." she purred in agreeance.
"Mmm... I slept far better then I have in a long time, love." she commented, as she hadn't been woken up by a 'mommyIhadanightmare' or something akin to that, nor had her own concerns woken her up to check and see if the pair was still where she'd left them.
With a slight sigh, she turned her head to look him in the eyes. "... Do I worry about them too much?"
Naita
Nodding with pleasure at Mpenzi's answer, the lion cast his eyes over the area, and though they stalled a moment on the red-stained ground that marred the entrance to the den area, happier thoughts were allowed to linger longer, and it was with dancing eyes that he took in the new growths atop the twin baobabs, set off by the morning light.
Here was a good sign, surely!
Her question roused his mind once more, and the Akida chuckled.
"Yes, as any mother does."
The wish to care for his own children, and the one cub left to the pride by the plague, was a large one to exist in Warithi, the wish to do what was right by them and protect them from harm.
The worry his mate felt was natural, for he felt it, too.demon_pachabel
Gaze following that of her mates, she crinkled her nose at the 'red splotch', as she always thought of it, that she wouldn't enjoy having to explain at a later date to anybody whom asked of it. Mpenzi looked at the pair once again, not noting the change as her mate did, as she was too busy getting all fluttery over the pair.
Looking up at Warithi as he replied to her inquiry, she smiled and nodded a bit, remembering that he hadn't been woken up by any of the bad dreams she had concerning the pair.. nor had she shared such things with him, as the day had a way of making her forget.
She did have to agree they were growing faster then she would have liked. ".. Beautiful." she commented for possibly the millionth time, nesting her head against Warithi's.
"I found some suitable places where they can play, yesterday." she then added, as that had been one of the points of her walks, places where the pair could play, and not fall in a river or something of that sort. Naita Places of play, indeed, he had seen many in his jaunts about the land. A concern occured, however, and meeting the lioness' eyes, Warithi's smile melted into a face admitting seriousness at last.
"One place Jicho alone may see, and I must take him there soon.
The time draws near that he must enter the burdens of heir, and be taken to the Shadow's Hearth.
I have put it off too long already, for a cub seems so young to hear what an Akida must be, but such is his birthrite."
Her worries for her children were shared, but a knowledge of that his son and heir must learn in the area only the Akida's line and the sacred goddess could enter commanded Warithi.
His children were a great concern in his mind, but so too was the surety of the Mteo'nyungu. demon_pachabel
As her love's expression dropped, so did Mpenzi's, her ears drooping a bit in concern. It seemed that he got most serious when he was talking about something he'd rather not have been at that point in time.. and this fit the bill. For the most part.
Mpenzi looked to the sleeping pair and nodded slightly. "I understand that it's something that has to be done." she replied sighing. But truely, she wished that it wasn't a 'burden' that their son would have to take up. How come he was the only one whom wasn't allowed to choose his fate? It would be the unfairness that all their other children would receive the choice of, but.. not him.
"It's..." she started but silenced herself. almost not fair. It wasn't her place to say such a thing.
Nuzzling her head against the side of Warithi's mane, the Kaimu then said; "... I just hope he'll be able to become as wise of a leader as you've turned out to be, m'love." Naita Some portion of her feelings were obvious, and silently Warithi leaned into the nuzzle his mate initiated.
It was, perhaps, a little unfair on their son that though he could choose whether to defend, hunt, or wait til his father's death, he had no option over the leadership of the pride. But such were the ways that had always been, and most to have lived in the position were unlikely to have chosen any other way.
"He will learn to lead, as I did, my darling.
Though I must admit I hope his path to knowledge starts rather later than mine, I would not wish to thrust him into the role of Akida as young as I began." demon_pachabel
If that's how he says it's going to be, then I trust him to let it all turn out alright in the end...
Nodding in understanding as well as knowing that her silent thoughts were most likely understood by the one whom knew her concerns the best, most likely because she'd had a similar conversation to this with him, far longer before.
Much longer.
"You will be a good teacher, and I'll support you both in whatever way I must in order to make things easier for you." she purred, now at a higher degree of ease. "and I apologize if sometimes it doesn't seem that way to you, Warithi."
Naita Licking the lioness' cheek tenderly, Warithi smiled down upon his mate.
"As you trust me, so do I trust you, Mpenzi.
I know you know what is right for the Mteo'nyungu, and that I must always serve such. We are a pair, you and I, and as you lean on me, so do I on you."
It was true that Warithi relied on his young mate, perhaps more than either knew, for with her he could find happiness when it eluded him elsewhere.
Nuzzling her neck softly, he silenced his thoughts. demon_pachabel "Sometimes, I'm not sure I do, though." she replied, nuzzling her nose against his cheek, then heaving a slight sigh. She shook it off quickly, however, then added a more cheerful, "But if you think I'm doing good for the Mteo'nyungu, then I'll keep it up!" she beamed.
"A pair of travelers under the stars, when one can't walk, the other will take their burden upon them to carry them too." Where on EARTH that had came from, was of no knowledge of the Kaimu, as she had no recollection of anybody having said it to her.
Purring as he nuzzled her neck, she laughed a bit and licked his forehead where his mane grew from, if only to make it stick up funny in the front.
Naita Chuckling at this jovial action from the Kaimu, Warithi smiled upon his mate once more.
"Shall we carry each other to the stars then, my love?"
Eyes once more glittering with laughter, the Akida turned them upwards, to the sun-lit sky.
"Time has passed, dearest, and I must patrol the place, I would ask you to watch over the children in my absence."
Disentangling himself from their embrace, the lion began heading towards the space between the twin baobabs, the entrance to the den area, exit into the lands.
"Until tonight, my Mpenzi." demon_pachabel "The stars and beyond." she agreed, purring, before their morning time was broken by the Akida needing to leave and do his other duties as their leader.
Rising up as well, she nodded at his request, though she was sorry that it was already time for him to up and go. "I look forward to your return, m'love." she replied smiling, before turning and heading back into the den to post herself by the sleeping pair, laying on her stomach and resting her head upon her paws.
((.. That was scarily short.. ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 7:20 pm
Log 3 - Outside the Hearth demon_pachabel
It had been such a fine morning, doting upon her son in his waking hours and hearing the child's dreams of what to be. 'Just like daddy' had been part of it. It was part of the reassurance that Mpenzi had needed in concerns that festered in reguards to both of her children (though of Shabaha, she was unsure what the child truely wanted.).
So when Jicho had run off to see if his sister was awake yet, Mpenzi had taken to going out to see where her other half was.
Standing long enough to enjoy the warmth of the sun in the morning, the lioness then turned from the mouth that opened to where her children were, to look off towards a less-familiar place for the Kaimu, sure that if Warithi was not there, she'd have to think of another place to find her Akida.
However, no matter how times had changed how their pride was, Mpenzi took care not to step into the hearth that was a place for only her young son and her love to tread into.
So she would wait.
Taking post outside the 'forbidden land', the lioness waited, every now and then peering in to see if she could see any traces of the one she was looking for, before settling herself patiently.
Mpenzi had made him wait before, she could wait too. Naita Many of Warithi's mornings had been overtaken by the vestige of a shadow. Not that great shadow said to watch over the lands his forefathers had ruled over, but one that chilled him, a worry he did not know how to be rid of.
He had taken to walking in the place meant only for his line, where he would teach his son the ways he had once been taught, where he could impart what he had learned. The place was blessed by She, a place for communion between mortal and goddess, or so it was said. One day he would pass through the hearth with his dying steps, and move on in the arms of the goddess, pass the torch on.
His time for thought, though, was at an end, and he had idled too long away from his beloved and his yet greater love- his pride. Soon would come the time to take on the role of the Shujaa he had had to assume, to patrol the borders and keep his family safe from that which lay outside their homelands.
Emerging, face held emotionless, a familiar and welcome sight met his dark eyes, and sent a smile dancing across the Akida's maw.
"My love," he said deeply, voice husky with pleasure. demon_pachabel It seemed as though she wouldn't have long to wait, as after what only felt to be a little while, the figure she'd been waiting for emerged from out of her reach, bringing her to her feet to greet him.
"Good morning." she caroled in reply, bumping her head against the male's lightly in greeting, touching her nose to his for a moment, before taking to the Akida's side. Now her morning was nearly complete with everything she needed (afterall, she'd yet to have seen her daughter waken.)
Purring, she leaned ever so slightly against the older male's side contentedly. "Jicho was just telling me this morning how he was excited by the idea of being just like you." Mpenzi explained, pondering if this would be taken as a good thing by Warithi, or if it would be a cause for more concern.
It wasn't like Mpenzi to have not been able to tell there had been something on the male's mind as of late, but she'd been wise enough to not inquire, thus had instead left conversation light.
"In fact, our little warrior went off to see if his sister had woken, so I came to find you." she then said, describing why Jicho was not still latched to his mother's side, though Mpenzi would have made no complaint about it. Naita A light gurgle of laughter met this admission, hiding the burst of pride truly felt by the young leader. Though the pressures of leadership over his tiny pride wore on him, so did familial pride bolster him, and the knowledge his son relished the idea of following in his footsteps, of becoming what others might dread gave him pleasure.
"He will be a good Akida, and a good Shujaa, my son."
"Our son," he corrected himself, smiling down on his mate.
"We shall soon have to give them the ceremony of choice, my Mpenzi. I have often wondered which path Jicho and Shabaha will choose. It seems strange, you know, that we have given life to two now ready to choose their path." demon_pachabel Mpenzi had opened her mouth to correct Warithi, but it seemed that he himself had realized that the Kaimu was going to do so, and had already done so himself. Thus, she'd quickly shut it again and simply smiled, nodding in agreement.
"He'll be just as good as his father." she purred in reply, "It lifts my heart to know it's what he wants." That had always been her greatest concern with everything, that her son wanted so badly to be something else. Thus, she now had no arguements she could make against it that was not in her own doubts.
Her love's curiousity piqued her own in the same thought. What would their young ones pick to do with their life? She could only imagine there were a few options for either (though all had endless opportunities, she thought)
"It seems like they've only been with us such a short time.." Mpenzi sighed contentedly. "They've grown up so quickly." Oh how she wanted to say how old it made her feel to see her young ones growing up so quickly, but she took care to simply not do so.
"I'm sure they will do well for themselves, though. They've had such a good role-model to teach them." she praised, resting one cheek against the red of Warithi's mane. Naita "They have two to teach them," Warithi corrected his mate, answering her affectionate touch.
It did seem mere days since the cubs were brought into the world, the idea of their eventual growth into adults almost saddened the Akida. While young, they were dependant on him, and on Mpenzi, for almost everything in life, from food to lessons in behaviour and thought. The knowledge that they would one day no longer need their father was a hard idea to swallow, for to let go of them was something Warithi wished never to do.
"Whatever path they choose, my Mpenzi, I hope it will keep them close to us."
Attempting to shake the heaviness the ideas had left on his mind, the Akida instead turned his attention to cheerier matters.
"I believe the winds are turning, my love. Our new Shujaa pair seem to be greeting their duties with alacrity." demon_pachabel "Ah!"
There was no arguement she could make to such a compliment without ruining the sentiment, thus made none. Bright eyes looking up at her mate as he spoke his wishes, internally, she mirrored them. It would break her heart for either of her children to grow away from her.
Somehow, she felt she didn't have to worry too much about that, however.
The change to happier topic gave Mpenzi a certain amount of joy, as depressing subject matter would probably make them both sad, and seeing Wari sad would depressen her even more.
Closing her eyes a bit, enjoying the touch of the late-morning air, Mpenzi nodded in agreement. "They definately bring more life to our pride then it had before..." she caroled in a sort-of purring tone.
"I do think there is a good amount of sun in our horizon." she then beamed happily, before licking the side of her mate's nose and leaving her nose pressed against the spot in a sort of 'kiss'. Naita Prolonging this sign of affection, Warithi looked upon his mate, eyes dancing with a smile.
"Though it goes against the old ways, I feel they must give the hint to our habits, and lead us to accept more from outside the lines. The pride must survive these times."
So had his mind been commanding for some time, but fear of the reaction of pride members existed, the old Msaka, Elimisha, in particular.
But the old would have to give way to the new, or the pride would die away to be just another memory whispered on the winds of time. demon_pachabel There was nothing wrong with Warithi's ways for Mpenzi to say anything against his decision. "It is the way of all leaders to make change when it's for the better of the pride." she praised, smiling with her eyes. Warithi seemed to think too much of what Elimisha thought of his actions.
Truely, Mpenzi had every belief in the actions of her mate, and that in the long-run it would be good for all of them. "Besides, I think it is good for all of us that this happen." she purred, before nudging the Akida's side.
"Perhaps we should get heading back to the lovely pair we've been speaking of?" the Kaimu suggested, hoping that her little warrior wasn't complaining about how long mommy was taking to bring daddy back home. Naita The confidence in his ability and opinions was impossible not to respond to positively, and grinning down at her, Warithi nodded, before nuzzling her gently.
Her next words caused his grin to widen, and for those eyes focused upon Mpenzi to brighten and dance with joy.
"Yes, let us return to our son and daughter, before Jicho meets a painful response to waking his sister."
With that, he gave way to a bubble of mirth. demon_pachabel And such mirth was contagious to the female, who managed to contain it and simply smile. "Ah, but he already gets that for not waking her up as well. However, I do think I'd prefer there to not be any scuffles between our little ones."
Rising from the Akida's side, Mpenzi stood in place until he joined her, before turning her head to look off towards where she'd left their young ones, sighing contently, before starting off in that direction.
Oh how she couldn't wait again to see their lovely little faces. Naita "What is a sibling without the right to scuffle with them?"
At that he laughed, memories of time spent with his sisters while they were living, and the many fights which had given way to a bond unlike that shared with any but family.
"They would not be young if they did not squabble."
Turning in her wake, he, too, set off in the direction of the den.
"Let's see if we can keep them from an injury, though."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 12:39 pm
Log 4- INCOMPLETE Mpenzi It had seemed like just yesterday that her little ones had been so small, needing mother dearest to take care of them, her and Wari sitting and looking at the pair, beaming with joy. How had they grown so much right under her nose without her seeing? In fact, how the two had grown seemed to have hit Mpenzi right in the nose, and she'd spent hours, just staring at her two little ones, getting so independant. It put some things that Warithi had said about letting them stay children forever into perspective for her. It almost broke her heart, but at the same time, she was so proud. She hadn't messed up as a mother. At least, not that she was aware of. She sat outside the den where they'd always slept, staring off into the mid-day light, eyes partially closed as she enjoyed the warmth it gave her entire body. A body which had once bore the markings of a huntress. Heaving a contented sigh, the Kaimu glanced back in to see if her love had woken yet. That was possibly the only reason she waited there at that time. She didn't need to wait for the little ones to wake anymore, though she'd not say that she wouldn't anyways. Yawning a bit, Mpenzi rose, turning her head to look towards the nyungu. Perhaps she'd go have a drink, it wouldn't be hard to see here there. Wari As the sun filtered over his form, Warithi stretched lazily into the warmth, eyelids still closed, lending the world a shadowy rose-tinted land unseen. He let a few moments pass thus, merely drinking in the easiness of it all, the sheer deliciousness of a few minutes in which no responsibility had yet settled on him for the day, where the world was at a stand-still. But such time cannot last forever, and at last those eyelids peeled back, allowing the Akida's eyes to roll about the den, picking up the figures of his sleeping children, a smile greeting this sight. He rose, gave the pair a quick nuzzle, then made his way slowly into the open, in search of his beloved. Mpenzi She'd settled for a moment, lapping at the water the nyungu gave, before rising again, turning her head back to look towards the ever so familiar sight of her home, and, happily with it, a lovely face she woke to see every day (though sometimes, it was sleepier then others). A happy purr formed in the lioness as she turned from where she was to walk to the side of someone much more pleasant then the rest of the world. "Good morning." she purred as she met him, a smile forming on her face, before she nuzzled the Akida's cheek affectionately. He was, indeed, the best way to start the morning. Wari The male responded to this sign of affection in kind, before drawing back to touch his Mpenzi's nose with his own. "How are you today, my little love?" Though the contact was delicious, a dryness about his throat became evident, and making the break somewhat easier by pressing her cheek with his own as his head turned, Warithi leaned into the cool waters of Nyungu, lapping at the liquid eagerly, idly watching the ripples dance across the surface from the movement. Mpenzi She would've sat there forever, basking in the joy that Warithi gave her. However, she was quite aware of how the mornings had a way of making one have different priorities then simply sitting and being an utter pile of mush. Purring against his cheek when theirs were pressed together, she answered his question; "Mm, quite well, m'love.", before allowing him to part without too much of a whine. Instead, she simply watched the Akida, drinking in his very image. Warithi Aware of the viewing lioness, the male brought his head back up, a few dribbles of water dripping down his chin as Warithi eyed his mate. "Merely unnerving others with those eyes?" He laughed at this, before pressing his cheek to hers once more and nuzzling her gently. Mpenzi "Mmm... if that's what you wish to call it." she replied, licking the stray bits of water from her mate's chin affectionately, before their cheeks met again. "I was simply admiring, as I always do, love." Mpenzi then defended, supressing a slight giggle at the accusation. She then moved to sit at the male's side, shoulder to shoulder, resting her cheek against his mane. "They've grown so, haven't they?" Wari Nestling his own head upon hers, Warithi muted a nod at this question. "It seems but a day since they were born, and soon they will no longer need us. Do you think we have done them right so far? Started their minds on the right course?" Shabaha's behaviour worried him at times, her faith in the old ways, her refusal to change her opinions. He hoped it would pass, but worried for his children, nonetheless. Mpenzi Leaning against his side, Mpenzi sighed a bit at the inquiry. "I believe we've nurtured both our children with love, and have done all we can for them, to give them an open mind, to help them accept what their duties in life are to be." It was, indeed, all they could have done for them, right? Looking up at the male as best she could without moving her head, Mpenzi continued; "and I think that we're both worrying too much. I believe nothing will happen to question how you've been leading the pride. In fact, I have a feeling that soon something good will happen for all of us." Not that she herself didn't have concerns that came with their little ones, but at least she tried to be positive about it. Wari "I hope so." He fixed his eyes on Nyungu before them, it's cool waters ever constant, ever the same in their pride's history, despite the legends that told one day it would bubble and seeth with the re-awakening of the one god more important to them than Kita'mauti. "I wonder more and more about a prophecy once told, my love. I wonder if the old ways protect themselves." Mpenzi Watching as his eyes settled on a single subject, she followed his gaze, staring at the waters for a moment, before turning her head to look upwards at the sky, a slight frown painting itself upon her lips as she thought, something she found she had plenty of time to do. After considering the Akida's out-loud thoughts for a moment, the lioness looked to him, the corners of her mouth lifting up to replace her previous expression of concern. "I don't know, myself. But we must consider that there have been other old 'prophecies' that have been given shape in various ways already." Wari Warithi's eyes closed, lids leaving the pink imprint of the light from above on his brown eyes. "But none that give life to worries for my children and myself, I fear. No prophecy I know makes me worry so. Life gives me pause more and more often, my darling." His gaze then cleared and darted upwards like her own. "I fear the gods sleep too long. Mpenzi The temporary smile again turned itself downwards as he spoke, the lioness heaving a sigh as she considered this. What he spoke was true, and it was going to make her worry as well. Pushing her weight against the shoulder that rested against her love's, Mpenzi sighed again, and turned her gaze back up towards the sky, organizing her thoughts once again. "I would say you are worrying too much, but I fear you may be right." Looking back to the brown eyes of the male at her side, the Kaimu silently rose to her paws. "And what is to happen if your fears take form, Warithi?" Wari "I don't know. Perhaps this scares me most." The prophecy in his mind spoke of his line being broken, of great change. And though much change had marked his life, none so great as the line of Akidas falling. Indeed, he and Mpenzi had done their duty, the line had continued, to a pair that he adored, but that matched what was spoken. "War, perhaps. I would wish our ranks were stronger, our new ways set in stone." Mpenzi Standing at the Akida's side as he spoke, Mpenzi turned away once he'd spoken what worried him, and took to walking along the edge of the Nyungu, considering it. What Wari said had a firm base to it, which she could understand. She'd be a fool to not understand how he felt. She only strayed away for a minute, however, before she returned, and posted herself back at his side, and again leaned her weight against him, trying her best to reassure him. "I can only hope, then, that prophecy is like destiny, and changes with every decision that is made in life. If not, then perhaps it is time we strengthened our numbers, for saftey." Wari A nod met this statement. He had already begun allowing rogues to enter the pride, but the fact that so few knew of their existence made it entirely a matter of chance. "How, without advertising ourselves to those who do not know our ways? Who knows what lurks out there? My father once spoke of prides who murdered, who hunted their own kind. Are we to tell them of our existence?" In an undervoice, he finally spoke of another worry. "I wish my father had not died so young." Mpenzi She had to force herself to bite her lower lip a bit. Was she to tell her love that she'd wandered the borders of their lands and spoke with outsiders that she could trust from afar? Perhaps she should. "We need not advertise ourselves in a way that puts us at chance of harm, m'love. While there are those whom are bad, I have spoken with many who were off good character. While I cannot say this will do us good, however." A slight flush kindled in the fur of her cheeks. Would be be angry at her? When he spoke, however, of his father, Mpenzi mewled a bit, sadly, pressing her nose against the cheek of the larger figure. "There are many things we may all wish for, but I too wish for that."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
