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 Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:20 am
It was just the three of them, which made the trip all the more amusing in the young Alu'ladi's mind; Taika had stayed behind, claiming she needed a bit of time with her new toy, while Wally, whom had recently joined the Wolf Clan too, had also decided to wait for them back in Ela lands. Unlike the waterbuck, the darker female had smirked and told her 'twin' that she needed to spend some time with her former Clan mates. Tsi'hilu knew that translated into something along the lines of 'I need to prank them a few times so they won't ever forget me before I leave'. This was fine, really, for it gave her time and space to spend with her new mate without having to deal with keeping the other two females out of constant trouble (even if it did mean Tsi was half scared of the chaos they'd return to in due time).
Finally snapping out of her thoughts, the small female leaned her head slightly towards Nyota, whom padded by her side; the movement was fluid, done so she could speak to him without Misae, whom practically looked like she'd start dancing any moment, could hear, "You know, that morning I went away on a walk... I met two lions. Shadow Clan members," she seemed to pause, her eyes narrowing slightly, almost in confusion, "They told me that they'd met up with someone called Mwovu Waya," though she was talking calmly to her mate, it was clear she was still disturbed by the information, "I don't remember any Mwovu, Nyota... there was no Mwovu, that I recall, from my time; I spoke to Tawa. He told me he'd seen this... boy, whom had come to tell him he was going to leave on some sort of a quest," once more she pause, frowning, "He told the boy to seek us out when he returned," she'd lowered her voice, her head tilting to one side, and though she did not ask him vocally, it was obvious she wanted his opinion on the subject. As far as Tsi'hilu was concerned, the Clan was not hers to lead, but theirs. Together. She might've had the official title, but the decision making would be done between the two of them.It was right about then that Misae lifted her head, smiling off to the distance, "There it is!" the chirp was so happy that it caused Tsi'hilu, behind her, to lift her head too; in the distance, just within reach were familiar trees, and just beyond them, the shoreline. Misae wasted no time in sprinting forward, her body now grown, jumping over fallen logs and vegetation with great ease, almost as if she'd grown up there, knowing every crook and corner.
When she reached the sandy shore, she slowed down to a trot, lowering her head to sniff at the terrain, and the wind picked up and danced about her while the ocean up ahead called her name, and for the first time in a long time, Misae was home and she smiled. Moving along till the water lapped at her feet, she pressed herself to some rocks, partially sunken within the water; the formation hid her frame, mostly from view, but she didn't care, because she was home, and she could also smell him nearby. He was here. She knew he was."She's gone," Tsi'hilu arched a brow as the younger female sprinted forward; unlike Misae, the Ela'wadiyi took her time crossing the vegetation, her eyes moving to capture the scene till she reached the shore. It was the first time she'd ever seen the ocean and slowly, she padded up to where the water lapped at her feet, her back turned to the small patches of vegetation, her head lowering to greet the water. It was amusing to note that with Misae partially hidden behind the rocks, Tsi'hilu might've easily been taken for the younger female; after all, tattoos aside, they were practically identical from behind.
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Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 12:05 pm
Nyota hated being here. He'd never wished to return in the first place and had purposely not mentioned it to either female in hopes they'd not come here. In the days that had passed, however, he'd been forced into silent acceptance of the fact that his daughter was leaving him. Oh how the wheels of fate turned. Despite his obvious loathing of all of this, he was making an effort to be happy for her. In time he would come to accept this, but for the moment grudging, false acceptance was all that either female could hope for--and he had no doubt that if they explained all of this to Tsi, she would be on Misae's "side." That was the way things worked with females, after all, as far as the matters of love went.
And that blasted feather kept getting into his face.
Nyota huffed out a puff of air that sent the feather twirling and flying back into his mane again. He really didn't mind it so much but it was something to get mad at that wouldn't have feelings to hurt. And right now, he very much needed something to vent his spleen upon. Then Tsi sidled up to him.
Nyota turned his head to nudge his nose against hers. She was smaller than him, true, but not so small that this was impossible. Silently he listened to her concerns and gave a soft hum. "Its possible the boy is confused," He thought after a moment, "Or... well you were very young, Tsi, you might simply not remember him? I would, perhaps, bet on the former, however. The plague was a time of confusion for many creatures, its possible that things became a little scattered. Why not wait until he approaches you himself to worry about it? After all, he might not come back."
Though he meant the last statement innocently, there was that underlying tone of vicious intent that Nyota sometimes got. It wasn't that he meant anything by it, but only that often things happened to lions when they travelled solo. He had been strong and wise about his travels, not lucky, and he knew well enough there were many who were never heard from again. If the boy was going of on a dangerous quest, which he very well could be, then there was every chance that he wouldn't come back.
And, in the innocent light, there was always the possibility that he would find some place else that he cared for more, or a pair of pretty eyes that distracted him from his homeland. Hadn't Nyota been pulled from his own wanderings by such? Any number of things could take the other "waya" away before he returned to seek their clan out.
As he finished his bit, Nyota's ears perked. Misae had just gone running on her own down to the surf to play in the water. The female was practically dancing in the surf, playing and happy with being.... home again. He knew the feeling she expressed with every tremble and bounce of her body; he'd felt it himself not too long ago. Before he knew it, his anger had melted and mixed instead with a deep sadness and guilt. Guilt for taking her away, sadness for the fact that he would see her again only on random occasions. He doubted Tsi wouldn't allow visits, of course, but how often would they be able to make a journey out this far? He sighed softly, continuing to watch from a distance as Tsi joined his daughter near the rocks.
Some distance away another male was watching, though he was as yet unsure as to what he was seeing. On the cliffs above the Northern stretch of the beach he sat, watching down the shore as he usually did at this hour. The days had been long and slow since Tsi had left, though he'd had the good company of Kere and his sister to keep them company. She was back, though in spurts, and he wasn't sure if she'd even met the newcomer to their pride yet. Kamaria had always been a flighty sort of spirit, though, and he did not begrudge her that.
Now, as he watched, something quite unexpected came dancing down the beach. The wind, nor ocean, nor any muse had alerted him to her coming, and yet here she was. His ears perked as his heart gave a dizzying lurch. It had broken, slightly, when she'd left and so he'd brushed it aside so as not to deal with it. Sadness wasn't something that he dealt with well, indeed it was something that he tended to ignore lest it drag him once more into that well of dispair he'd been plummeted into after his grandfather's death. The entire instance was very non-kizaa of him and still brought him some minor shame. The past was the past, however, and he shook his mane to clear away the thoughts. "Hakuna matata," he murmured to himself, content in the happier thoughts that she was back. With that he raised himself to his paws to greet her and saw another shape, like Misae in size but covered in a web of red that followed her down the shoreline.
For a moment Hadithi merely blinked. Her father was not with her? For the trees he could not see the male, and the muses remained silent on the matter--indeed, he'd not even asked them a question anyway--and so confused, though elated, he made his way down the rocks to the sand in order to greet the returning female.
"MISAE!" He shouted happily, that childish light taking over his larger form in a mere instant. Running down the sand, he paid little mind when Nyota's presence was reveled through the trees, or to the presence of the rock-hidden Tsi. Instead he let his momentum carry him right up to the green-marked female, water splashing up in gay arcs as he plunged into it. Joyously, he rubbed his head against hers, and down the side and back of her neck. The greeting was exuberant, as if he'd not seen her in years though in reality it had only been a few weeks. "Misae!" Laughing, he danced back a few steps with a broad grin upon his face, "The wind is a treacherous thing, it refused to whisper any news of you!"
Further up on the shore Nyota gave a sigh. As loony as the day was long, he rolled his eyes and gave a shake of his head. Pulling his resolve to him once more, he padded down the beach towards the sickening pair.
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Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 7:31 am
Tsi'hilu had nodded to her mate's words; he was right, after all. The lands were dangerous to those that travelled alone. She knew that first hand, and thus, pushing the thoughts out of her mind, she decided to deal with them when the moment in time came to do so. Instead, she kept her attention focused on he water, her nose sniffing at it, taking in the salty, almost tangy feel it left at the base of her throat; she'd never even been near the ocean, so the whole feel of it was new to her. There was, however, little time to continue exploring her surrounding, for suddenly, out of no where, a male appeared; he skidded quite skillfully over the water, and though he'd obviously not aimed to, his rushing past her and towards Misae, drenched the small Ela'wadiyi.
Blinking, the female stood stock-still, completely drenched by the salty water; it was amusing to note how her tattoos remain in place, even when attacked by the ocean water. Her head tilting to one side, then towards the others as she watched both the male and Misae dancing over the waves. Idly, she paused to take a glance at her mate, arching a brow in silent question.
This is IT?
Had Tsi'hilu been forced to pick a single word out to describe the situation, it would've been, no doubt 'amusing'. Mirth shone in her eyes as she stepped out of the sea, taking the time to shake her body rid of what excess water she could. Somehow now, it all made sense, and the female turned her head to groom her mate's neck. She'd talk latter; for now, something told her that what Nyota needed was physical comfort, and that any words she spoke, would not help the situation at all.
Been there, done that, she seemed to think as she pulled away from Nyota's neck, leaning her frame against his as she watched the younger lions ahead.
Happiness did not define what Misae felt as she rushed forward, meeting Hadithi halfway; she was ecstatic, almost as if... well, walking on sunshine, as the song so wonderfully put it, really. Dancing around the much larger male, she pushed against him, then climbed over his form with ease, only to duck under it and appear on his other side, laughing all the while. She'd, amusingly enough, tuned her 'parents' out and only had eyes for the male she was so effortlessly dancing with. Pushing herself on her hind legs, she even managed to take a few paces in such a pose, pawing at his mane and face before falling on all four with a splash.
Of course the win hadn't told him anything; she'd asked it not to! Even before leaving Ela'wadiyi territory, she'd whispered to the winds to keep her secret, "This is why I didn't want to say goodbye," she said matter-of-factly as she still moved around him, "That is because I never wish to say goodbye to you," or this land, for that matter, for it's wormed it's way into her heart and there was nothing she could do (or wanted to, for that matter) to change that fact, "The wind kept my secret!" she stated before slowly down and finally settling down by his side, pressing the top of her head under his chin and neck.
This was what she wanted.
In fact, she made a point of finally looking towards Tsi'hilu and Nyota while in that very position, offering her father a smile just like that very first one she'd granted him. It was a special smile, meant only for him, almost like a code, yet despite that, even the small Ela'wadiyi seemed to understand it, and she too turned her head, glancing up at her mate with a tilted head, awaiting just as Misae was.
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Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:44 am
How he hated that male. Nyota ducked his head over his mates while his daughter danced with the offending ruler of the beach-front pride. He gave a gentle lap to one of Tsi's ears to calm himself, nibbling gently upon the rim of it. Only after his fur had settled did Nyota look once more upon the circling pair.
She was belonged here; he knew it, he'd known it, but he still didn't like it. "Crazy," He whispered softly, so only Tsi might have heard. He meant Hadithi, but his daughter would undoubtedly be caught up in that word now as well. He sighed and shook his head a final time, closing his eyes. Nyota rested his head upon Tsi's and tried to block it out.
The other two would have none of that, however. Though Nyota's feelings of unease and mild resentment were mirrored in the object of his loathing, Hadithi didn't do well in expressing it. Even if he had, his eyes were now focused on the white lioness whom danced upon the surf with him. He had never thought that he could be so happy, and the reality of it felt almost like an overload of some sort. Bounding around her, spurred on by the burst of nervous energy, he laughed and splashed and danced without a single thought to the lioness he'd accidentally soaked. When he settled down, finally--only because Misae had pressed herself to him and left him no other choice--both of them were just as wet as Tsi.
The water didn't bother Hadithi, it never did. He listened to the gurgling laughter of the Waves as it rushed around their paws, and the gentle giggling of the Wind. "It did keep your secret!" He agreed, laughing at the occurrence even though the Wind had caused him grief in doing so. Still, the pain had passed and was now replaced with something so vibrant that it blasted away any lingering touch of the sadness that once was.
"I had hope," Hadithi said with a grin, "That your lack of 'goodbye' would mean a return. I hoped more than I can say..." His tail wagged behind him, and Hadithi suddenly realized that he was shy. The feeling was totally beyond him, but now faced with her he found that, while sincere, he couldn't figure out the words that he wanted to say. As a storyteller this was vastly unusual for him, and so worried him somewhat. Yet, it was also a good feeling! The entire situation was confusing and Hadithi's ears laid back as his grin turned sheepish.
Misae shoved her head up under his neck and the world melted into the colour of happy.
Unable to help it any longer, Nyota snuck a glance at the pair in the water and immediately wished he hadn't.
Misae watched him with such hope; he knew what she wanted, and he wasn't sure he could give it. And yet... the pose wasn't unlike one he'd struck with Tsi many times in Misae's presence. She made her claim, in her own quiet way, and as Nyota watched, Hadithi folded his head over Misae's neck and allowed himself to be claimed. There was little Nyota could do about it.
In the end, it came down to the decision of whether or not he would choose truth over denial. Nyota slumped for a moment, defeated, then offered his daughter a slight smile of his own to soften her feelings. "We came to make certain that she arrived safely," Nyota said, speaking to Hadithi without hostile agenda for the first time in... ever, it seemed like. "We, being my mate, Tsi'hilu and I."
Nyota's eyes roamed downward to his mates. He spared her a nuzzle. "Tsi, this is Hadithi, the... ah.. leader of the pride that holds these lands, if I'm correct?"
"Aye," Hadithi gave a slight nod, though he seemed even more sheepish at being named the ruler. "I am their Storykeeper, that is true." His blue eyes roamed down to the tiny white female at Nyota's side and he gave as much of a nod to her as he could. "Its good to meet you Tsi."
Looking upon them, Hadithi thought that few lions would ever know Misae was adopted now, if she didn't tell them. Between the two of them, Misae easily could have been blood-born, even with the ruby eyes she held. He wondered, briefly, if that was coincidence or indicative of something, but it was not a wonder his mind held long. In the end, such trivial things didn't matter, for Misae would now stay with him. Silently, he thanked his Mother.
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Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 12:18 pm
"Crazy."
A chuckle escaped the female's maw, her head shaking lightly before she peeked at her mate from under his chin; an awkward position, no doubt, but still, Tsi'hilu was too interested by the on-goings to pay much mind to that thing called feline-grace. She knew her mate was trying to block it all out; she was also well aware of the fact he was failing miserably at doing so; his stiff frame was a good hint, as was the way his muscles contracted against her. His erratic breathing, and his constant swallowing, almost as if he were trying to push back some sort of lump were also good enough hints for the lithe Ela'wadiyi.
She mentioned none of it however and instead leaned her head against his shoulder once more, allowing him to focuss his attention on her ear for the time being, "I'm wet," she whispered at him matter of factly, "And cold too," the words were meant only for him; and really, both younger lions were much too occupied with one another to pay her much mind for the time being, "And something tells me we're going to be left on our own while they catch up," reaching up, she groomed behid his ear, placing the feather that dangled down from it neatly behind the mane that fell there. She left it at that, somehow certain he'd catch the underlying hint in her seemingly-innocent words.
After all, she'd been extremely innocent when he'd proposed to her, but... Wally had made sure to rectify the that situation soon enough. Needless to say the talk Tsi'd been given had been hilarious enough to last Taika several weeks of teasing. The small Alu'ladi was quite sure it'd last the waterbuck a lifetime.... then again, was it really her fault that she'd spent her teen years alone? And that upon reaching adulthood, well, clan members hadn't figured she actually needed some sort of a small talking to? After all, they'd seen her mature enough in most subjects of matter. THAT particular one had remain partially obscured by her lack of socialising though. Till Wally of course.
Unlike Hadithi, Misae had both seen her father's smile and heard his words; it wasn't what he was saying that was particularly important, but rather the tone of voice in which he was saying it, "Thank you," the words were not actually spoken, but mouthed as she sat behind the storyteller, so only Nyota could see her lips move, whispering.
Having retreated from under Hadithi's body, she turned to look out to the sea, watching the distance where water and sky merged together in the horizon and smiled. There was nothing she could do to keep herself from doing so; just the thought of being able to go to sleep curled up on that beach, knowing she'd be able to watch the sun sparkle over that very water the next day was enough to elevate her spirits above... anything she could have imagined. Finally turning towards the other three, Misae padded over to the Storyteller's form, sitting down by his side, pointing first towards Tsi, and then towards her father, "Tsi'hilu Waya, whom I consider more a mother than my own, and you already know my father; they're now both official members of the Ela'wadiyi pride," she had to mention this, for both males' sake.
It meant they'd be parting ways at some point. It needed to be posed for all to hear.
"They are a nomad pride," this also seemed to have a second meaning, intended for both males to hear out; she wanted to be visited by her father, and she'd have no excuse, "I wanted to stay here, but I also always want to be able to look over those trees and know my father is going to visit me soon."
As she watched, Tsi'hilu decided that Misae was one smart little girl, and silently, she offered her love and respect as she sat by her mate, "I'm pretty sure you two have lots to talk about," she told them kindly, making sure to nuzzle under her mate's neck, almost as if silently pleading with him, "I'm sure Nyota can show me around the place while the two of you catch up?"
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Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:04 pm
"I..." Nyota looked down at Tsi at her suggestion. He'd had an idea that she knew what sort of signals she'd been giving him, but no way to definitely prove it. Well, except to take her up on her offer--but doing that meant...
Nyota looked up at Misae. She knew he'd be back, every so often to see her. And, he knew, every parent had to say goodbye one day. It hurt, though. He swallowed his pride and choked down a gulp as he stood once more. In the silence breached only by the roll of the waves upon the beach, he made his quiet, slow way to where his daughter stood with her chosen male. Niether of the two had to say what was so obvious in their hearts, and Nyota knew that he couldn't stay and watch this, just as he could not stay right now.
The longer he remained upon this beach, the harder it would be for him to leave her. It was the hardest lesson she'd ever taught him, but one he wouldn't allow himself to fail now. These things always were, after all, much harder on the parents than they were on the children. Quietly he dipped his head in to rub against hers. "I'm glad I saw your rose bloom, Misae," He replied quietly and for now ignored the scent and looming presence of Hadithi beside her. "My paws have forever been a-wander and wander still they must. From shore to homeland, and back again... You'll see us again soon."
It was the most he could say without choking. Another nuzzle from her forehead to his, and Nyota backed up a few dancing steps upon the sand. Slowly, deliberately, he allowed his eyes to raise and meet her newfound mate's. "You take care," Was all he said, but the meaning and warning found in that simple phrase spoke for itself. After a moment and a nod, Nyota turned himself to stride back up the beach. He glanced at Tsi, but did not say a word, for he could not and knew that she would understand.
"I will." Hadithi called after him, turned somber from the scene he had just witnessed. Though he did not care for the other male, there was a deeply held respect there; the beauty and sadness of the scene was not lost upon Hadithi. The brown lion nodded too towards Tsi, and said more quietly, "it was nice to have met you, we will wait eagerly for when you might visit longer."
But with that, Hadithi silenced himself. There was reason to think Misae would be upset, or at least saddened, by this thing that was sad in nature. It was only right that she would be, and resumed his place holding her, until she called for him to stop.
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Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:58 pm
Misae wasn't saddened; not in the actual sense of the word, and most certainly not in the way others would be saddened. In fact, the pale lioness saw the situation as a new beginning, for both of them, and a new road, full of opportunities; it was true that as she watched Nyota pad away, she took a step forward, and that she almost, just barely... almost had half a mind of rushing after him, begging him to stay with her. However, no sooner had she taken that single step, that the lioness stopped herself, placing her other fore paw firmly on the ground, her maw turning from a grim line of determination to a small, almost nostalgic smile.
It last as long as the small tear that slipped from her eye, rolled down her cheek and splashed onto the ground bellow, then her features slipped into serene calm, her eyes becoming heavy lidded as she watched both lions padding away from her... for the first time ever. She knew that during years to come, she'd watch this scene over and over again, and somewhere in the back of her mind, a voice whispered that she'd not change those moments in any way; they were perfect. Just like they had been meant to be; bittersweet, like a beginning, for Misae had long ago learnt that when one door closed, a window, somewhere, somehow, opened.
Her window had opened, and when she'd taken a look outside, she'd seen the rainbow. Visiting it meant leaving the safety of the house, but she'd done it, knowing deep down, that if she ever really wanted to return to it, her father would be there. She knew he'd spread his arms and welcome her back, without questions at any given point of the journey. Finally, as the silhouettes in the distance vanished from view behind some trees and rocks, Misae turned to face Hadithi, offering him a slow smile, though her eyes still held liquid tears to them. A part of her had gone, but she knew he'd return... with the wind, just like everything else she loved. She'd even come to hope that Raylan, her sister, would also somehow find her way to her again, with the wind, like they'd promised in that jungle, time ago.
It was not time for hoping now, and slowly, the female padded forward. Tucking her head under Hadithi's she stayed still, in need of the physical comfort his frame gave her. She had no words for him, for what could she say that he hadn't already heard or seen? Instead she remain silent for a long time, listening to the sound of his heartbeat, "I love you," it was said as bluntly, and as suddenly as she'd appeared that day long ago. Her words, however, still managed to retain the same amount of magic as her ghost-like appearance at that pool of water, "Tell me a story?"
Tsi'hilu, unlike Nyota, had turned her head for just the briefest of moments; she'd been just in time to see the pale lioness in the distance take that one hesitant step forward. She'd also managed to take note of the glimmering around her eyes, and idly, she was glad that her mate had decided to march forward without a glance back. There was no doubt in the lithe Ela'wadiyi's mind that both father and daughter would have faltered if their eyes had met; they'd have both rushed forward towards each other and they'd have been stuck. Unable to move, forward of backwards; stuck in a place in between events.
Taking one last look back, she offered the pair a smile, soft and full of hope before padding forth, waiting till both she and her mate were out of sight to speak, "You did the right thing..." she knew he knew that, but somehow... she also knew he would need reassurance of the fact, "You know, this beach isn't all that far away; Taika would love to see the ocean. Wally... I'm sure you'd have to drag out of this place by her tail," she left it at that; it was a clear invitation, without making it sound like she was pushing the issue. This said, she lifted her head, watching the sun and the ocean; the way the water played with the sand, and the way everything looked.... so different from what she was used to.
Tell truth, as Tsi'hilu regarded the scenery, even though her eyes were taking in the images, her mind was not into it. It was telling her, in a strange instinctive way, that she held the means to at least lessen her mate's suffering; there was no way to replace, she knew that, but at the same time, Misae was grown, while...
Pulling her mind of of such thoughts, she turned to focus her gaze on Nyota's, still, the thought was there, ringing in her eyes, even if did remain unvoiced.
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 10:59 am
Hadithi ducked his head to rub nose and forehead against Misae's giving one soft lap of his tongue to her maw. He didn't have to repeat her words to say that he felt the same, it was etched in every movement of his body. "A story?" He asked, but didn't really wait for an answer. His eyes raised to where her parents had disappeared. One of his forepaws lifted, going over her shoulders to hold her closer against him as best he could and he folded chin over her neck securely. The shaggy mane on his shoulders flowed down over her fur like a muddy waterfall. It was strange, but it was a good sight, to his mind.
He was silent only a few moments as he picked his story carefully. The Ocean whispered suggestions around them, while the Wind giggled and laughed and made a general nuisance of itself. Such was their relationship. Hadithi looked through the shaggy fringe hanging down into his eyes, smiling as the perfect story came to mind. It was a simple one, and usually used to teach children, but he thought she would enjoy it. "Long ago, in a land the paws of our people have long forgotten, there was three baboons traveling together. They had been told of a tree in their valley that had the sweetest mangoes in all of creation, which they wished to eat. This tree was the home of leopardess, however, who knew that many animals would come to eat the mangoes and so stayed made the place her home so that she, too, would never go hungry.
"The baboons did not want to be eaten, but they did want to eat the mangoes. The largest of the Baboons had a plan, but it was the smallest of their lot whom went to the tree first.
"'Who's that coming to take my mangoes?' The leopardess asked from her branch.
"'Tis only I, the tiniest Baboon of my tribe coming to make myself fat,' replied the Baboon in his weakest voice.
"'Now I'm going to make myself fat on you!' Replied the Leopardess.
"'Oh no! Do not eat me!' said the Baboon, 'I am too small for a huntress like you, and stringy besides. Wait until the second Baboon comes, he's much larger and softer than I.'
"'Very well,' said the leopardess, 'You may eat the mangoes while I wait.'
"The first baboon rushed up to the mango tree and pulled off a handful of mangoes, then ran back into the forest. A few moments later the second Baboon approached. He was a medium sized Baboon, though he had little fat on him. 'Who's that coming to take my mangoes,' Asked the Leopardess once more.
"'Tis only I, the average sized Baboon of my tribe. I wish to make myself fat on these fruit.' replied the second Baboon.
"'Instead, I'm going to gobble you up!' Replied the leopardess.
"'Oh no! Do not eat me!' Said the second Baboon, 'I'm average in size, that's true, but if you wait just a little longer you can feast on my brother--he's huge and coming up after me!'
"After a moment's consideration, the Leopardess nodded. 'Alright,' Said she, 'But I won't be giving him up. Come and take your mangoes.'
"The second Baboon rushed up to the tree. He grabbed another handful of the fruit and then rushed back into the jungle. Alone the leopardess waited her expected feast, watching the edge of the jungle for the appearance of the third baboon. In the forest beyond, the three baboons shared of the fruit the first two had taken, laughing at tricking the leopardess with her own greed.
"And so," Hadithi concluded, "That is why one should never play with their food."
~~
"We'll bring them sometime," Nyota replied softly, though in truth he didn't really want to talk about it right now. It was mean of him, perhaps, but it wasn't something he was ready to handle. So instead, Nyota turned, heading further down the shoreline as soon as he was sure the two on the beach couldn't see them. They'd come so long a way it wouldn't do to head back right now--they needed rest. Yet, they couldn't stay where Misae or Hadithi might run into them, for that was Nyota's biggest issue right now. So, instead, Nyota lead her on down through the jungle that crowned the beach, until he found a small, secluded cove that seemed to be a nice place for a private talk.
The larger lion made his way down there, then laid down upon the sand with his back to the cliff wall. Nyota yawned and looked back over his shoulder towards his mate. She'd made a fairly heavy innuendo earlier... the thought pestered at the back of his mind, but he wasn't certain he was up to following the train of thought. "The salt takes forever to get out, as you know... so we'll remember this place quite readily for the next few moons, i think."
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 6:53 pm
"We will," it was impossible to tell if she was answering his first proclamation, his second one, or both at the same time. Instead of talking, she took the time to stretch out slightly before slipping into the cave, allowing her form to melt again his, her head resting over his shoulder silently as her eyes slipped closed. She knew he didn't need her words; not now, and instead she offered him her silent comfort.
It wasn't pity. It was love.
Taking a deep breath, Tsi'hilu let it out through her nose as she offered her mate what little comfort she could with the press of her body and her warmth. It was only a matter of time; that's all what he needed, and the small Ela'wadiyi had no trouble offering him that much. In fact, she'd have seeked out the moon in order to give it to him, complete with a bow, had he so much as asked for it. Right now, his body language suggested he needed her like this; he needed the quiet comfort that came with a comfortable silence.
It was told in her tribe, that when two cats were able to lay together and enjoy the silence about them, they must understand each other very well indeed...
Leaning her head against his form, the female smiled as he told his tale; this was what she'd been missing. Granted, she was missing another part of her heart, but somehow... it hurt less than having to part from this land. In a way, Misae had always known that the day would come when she'd part ways from her father; after all, such was the way of nature. Love for one's parents were strong, however, the day one'd leave their side in order to live life was inevitable.
Her mind told her this, her instincts echoed the thoughts, and yet her heart cried softly as it listened to the tale of the baboons. It was only after the story was done that she closed her eyes against his neck, "Thank you," for the story, and for other things. It was true he'd not echoed the words she voiced before asking for the story, but then again, there was no need; the wind had whispered them at her in his place.
I love you.
Misae was pretty sure the wind was speaking for the both of them as it whispered the words and giggled, happy to see them together. She was sure that even the ocean, and the clouds above were happy for them. In a way, Misae was almost sure the whole world was watching them, happy for what they had found together, within eachother's hearts.
In fact, from a near distance, a cliff, a rock, a small lioness was indeed watching. Her blue eyes were fixed on the couple that stood by the waves, the water lapping at their feet, and she smiled. Her long, fluffy tail flicked, once, twice, and idly, she looked up into the sky; even though it was still bright out, she knew the stars were dancing for both her children, and that soon, these lands would hear the laughter and songs it had once known.
Smiling softly, the lioness folded her wings and hummed softly, opening her maw to sing softly, not only to the lovers at the beach... but also to the lovers she'd watched slip away into the jungle, secluding themselves in a small grove,
"And life is a road and I wanna keep going,
Love is a river I wanna keep flowing.
Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey!
I'll be there when the world stops turning,
I'll be there when the storm is through!
In the end I wanna be standing,
At the beginning with you!"
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