[PRP] Second Chances

[Kieko]

News of the prideland's royal disappearances had spread farther than amongst the pride members. Rumor went beyond the pride's lands and through the surrounding territories. While visiting a pride for rest and shelter, Abedari could not help but overhear two lions speaking of the horrible incident at the pridelands. They were fearful for their own leaders and were planning to discuss the matter with someone of higher status to ensure that they would not face the same outcome.

Inching closer, the male caught names, hearing that both the queen and her daughter had been stolen. The details of the story were a bit fuzzy, but it was enough to inspire the male to face his fears and set out towards the pridelands.

During his travels, night fell and morning came, but Abedari did not rest. Who could say how long ago this event occurred, or whether or not it was simply a rumor? While once removed, Kamiliki was Memetuka's neice and this loss must have been difficult for the lioness. Surely the pridelands would be organising some manner in which to get their royalty back!  

[Kieko]

Memetuka had been the first to spot him and while she tensed, Abedari searched the pridelands almost nervously. He never had felt welcome in those lands, despite their strange feeling of home to him. As he entered farther into the pride, he slowed his pace as though to ensure that he did not miss the golden lioness with the beautiful amyethyst eyes.

Spotting her finally, Abedari was surprised to see that she had already seen him. She stared and he returned the gaze. Approaching slowly, Abedari instinctively kept his form low as though to show submission.

"Memetuka?" He asked finally. He had made up his mind when he heard the news. He knew that there was no way he could simply disregard Meme's missing neice and great neice. What he hadn't planned, however, was what he was going to do when he got there.  

[Kieko]

While Abedari had not expected any other response from Memetuka, her questions still made it even harder on the old male to come up with a reasonable response. Taking in a deep breath, Abedari took a seat a few feet away from her. There would be no warm welcome or greeting between the two. It seemed the male would have to stick to simple explanations and then be on his way.

Clearing his throat before speaking, Abedari glanced around. When he had seen Memetuka last she was in the company of a small cub that looked remarkably like her. Unable to ask, Abedari still was not sure of who birthed the cub.

"Memetuka, I.." Abedari began. Serious issues were not the male's strong point and while he longed to help, he understood that he very well may not be able to, "I heard about the kidnapping. I simply wanted to come to you and.. see if there was anything I could do?"  

[Kieko]

Waiting for his response, Abedari lookd Memetuka over carefully. It was not how he typically looked over females with his daring grin, but simply a way for him to make sure everything was as he remembered and that she was alright. She seemed to be in great health and much bolder than he remembered. Perhaps living in the pridelands had given her a greater confidence in herself. He was proud of her.

When Memetuka finally answered, Abedari nodded quickly. He did not know that she wasn't entirely serious with her answer, but heard a way in which he could finally express his apology. "Alright! Then sign me up!" He exclaimed, glancing about the pridelands curiously, "I'm sure someone around here has gathered a search party, right?"

And, with a more gentle expression and his ears lightly lowered, the male added, "I will do my best to find them and bring them home, Memetuka. I can't imagine how much it hurts to have them gone.."  

[Kieko]

Glancing about, as though looking for a large group forming, Abedari was caught off guard by Meme's voice. He understood Meme's surprise to his sudden willingness to help, but was confused by her question. "Why do I want to help...?" he repeated slowly, looking into Meme's eyes as though to try and understand. "Why.. because.." Abedari tried to explain, but found his gaze falter and land on his feet and his body become tense and nervous. Why couldn't she just understand? Had so much really changed between them? Perhaps Abedari's actions were demonstrated in vain, but it was his last attempt to mend what was once between them.

Taking in a deep breath, Abedari finally returned his gaze to Meme's face and did his best to explain. "Meme I.. I want to show you how sorry I am for everything that's happened in the past. I can't change what's already been done, but I can make an attempt to start a brighter future?" Abedari had tried desperately to work a way in which he wouldn't have to explain himself. He expected his offer to surprise Meme, but believed the lioness would know why he was so eager to help. By the tone of his short speech, it was evident that the old male still held onto the hope that Meme hadn't entirely given up on him.  

[Kieko]

Memetuka's last question was almost too much for the male the bear. With his ears laying flat atop his head and his tail making it's way between his legs, the male appeared as a complete coward before the female. Like she expected, he looked away once again, as though looking into her eyes only reminded him of all he had done. While Abedari did not know Meme knew of his actions, he had all his guilt on his own conscience.

Clearing his throat, Abedari tried to gather himself before Meme. It took a moment, but in the brief silence, the male stood tall and cleared his throat a few times in preparation. Once he was ready, he turned to view Meme again, intent on respecting her as he spoke.

"I do not want anything more than your forgiveness once I return." And upon that note, the male turned and began in search of the pridelander officials.