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 Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:19 am
He was tired, physically and mentally, but before he could even think about rest there was something he had to do. He wouldn't leave his father's body out in the sun for the scavengers. No, his father had done many wrong things but he had done good as well and he deserved a tomb fit for a king.
And if it helped ease the pain in his heart, Kidondo would do everything in his power to bring his father's body to rest.
His head was low as he moved back to the dens, weighted by his sorrow, weighted by the events of the eventful day that had blazed fiercely. He'd felt so many emotions today. Anger, fear, sorrow, pain, love, grief, guilt, despair. So many emotions twirled in those usually dull orbs.
He wished he could have spoken to Kaanga, but what could he have said? Sorry for bringing her pain? Sorry for tearing her life out from under her paws? It was okay for him, for most others, but not her. Poor Kaanga. He'd need to think of what to say to her, though. He couldn't stay away, but for now he'd keep his distance.
And he wouldn't seal the tomb until she had seen him, if she wanted to that was.
"Almost, there..." He breathed, lifting his head to spy the dens. They were close but in his weary state they seemed impossibly far.
He glanced aside to the black cat.
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Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:45 am
She slowly walked a few feet behind Kidondo. If life was anything like a true story, perhaps it would have been raining at this moment- slowly washing away the blood from the battle and clearing away all the darkness from this land. But this was the motoujamii- and even now the sun beat hard against the earth and buzzards danced the sky. They knew there had been killings today, but luckily for them, they had not yet landed. No blood was going to be washed away. It would linger for days unless someone cared to sweep it away, and she doubted the desert would ever wash away the scars of this battle.
No rain to wash it away, but Kidondo was weighted down by an invisible presence. It was strong enough that even No felt it above her head. ‘Kimeti,’ She thought to herself. ‘Dare you not haunt this land.’ Or her king. Just as she was thinking on it, Kidondo stopped walking.
He looked haggard, but she couldn’t exactly say any better about herself. Adrenaline was starting to wear off on the black cat, and she could feel the pain of the blows she’d exchanged burn in her muscles and the deep gash across her side. But ever stoic, she did her best not to even look concerned.
No looked upwards, towards the dens. “Not far at all,” She encouraged. Carefully, she looked back downwards. Still revelry over their victory- but at least one of the faces had shown only sorrow. Kaanga was a strange creature- back when she had masqueraded as a slave, she had spoken to the princess on several occasions. Although quite possibly mad, she had a ways about her. No had not missed noting, however, that through sorrow or not Kaanga had not left with the traditionalists.
“I saw your sister,” No noted softly as she moved back towards him in case either of them stumbled. “She didn’t leave with the others, you know.”
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Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:56 am
He nodded and stepped towards her, encouraged by the closeness of her body. He didn't know what he would have done without her there, without the simplicity of her beautiful words. He blinked his eyes, cleared them of haze and drank in her appearance.
She, like him, was wounded and probably feeling the edge of fatigue in her steps. And yet she was here with him and he was glad of it. He didn't want to be left alone. Not now, not with this task looming over him. He tucked his tail about hers and drew in a shaky breath.
"It'd be nearer if my steps were longer."
And then she mentioned Kaanga and the fur flexed along his shoulders. The sound of her name struck a guilty chord in his heart. But it couldn't be helped. None of it could be helped. Somehow, they'd sort out their differences. He'd try to make it alright.
"Kaanga...did you see the look in her eyes, No? I didn't even consider her feelings in this matter. I should have..." What, warned her? Risked upheaving the whole attack? No, there was nothing he could do. He only hoped that Kaanga could find the heart to forgive him.
"I took everything from her." And he shook his head as if scattering raindrops and moved on towards the den.
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Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 12:11 pm
She had seen her- the waif, awkwardly large Kaanga with those strange, sad, yellow eyes. Princess of the firekin- and once, she had even heard Kaanga address herself as ‘the one who remained.’ She had stayed with her father throughout the failings, but when she had heard it last the black cat had simply dismissed it as foolery. That Kaanga simply was too weak willed to know any better, or even worse, didn’t even recognize the problems all around her. But she remembered well that Kaanga had aided her in her own strange way against that foul woman Ripuka. And after that, No was suspicious as to just how much that empty headed look was crafted.
No shook her head, and took a few slow steps beside him, her tail lightly hooked against his. Ground was sloping up now, and she could feel the burn in her shoulders. “I think we had far greater things to worry about than someone’s feelings getting hurt, Kidondo.” She admitted. And she didn’t buy that Kidondo hadn’t thought of hurting others before. She knew he had- and she was sorry that even now he agonized over it. To think that Kidondo thought they had been hasty… no, Kaanga seemed to just embody all that turmoil he’d had.
“We knew there would be sorrow.” She reassured. “Kaanga…is just one part of what needs to heal now. But look- she remains. She didn’t leave in fear. If you’d taken everything from her, then there’d be nothing for her to stay for.”
“She was a princess of the firekin, and your sister. I cannot believe anyone sharing yours or Kimeti’s blood to be that weak willed.” No hoped, anyways. Heaven forbid Kaanga prove her wrong, or dare try to guilt this over him. She’d see to that. “She’ll move on.” She reflected quietly. “And so will we.”
Almost in a thrum to those words- the crest of where the dens were now loomed before them.
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Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:20 am
He pressed the side of his face against her, gently, comfortingly. But it was himself who he comforted, nursing the wounds in his heart that would take longer than the wounds on his body to heal. But he could not deny it. No was right. She was always right. Either route they took would have brought someone pain. At least this way there would be a chance…some hope.
But Kaanga’s face would haunt him anyway and it would do until he saw that smile again.
“I wonder what her reasons were, for staying…” He pondered aloud, not really expecting an answer. Who knew what Kaanga was thinking. Maybe she stayed because the desert, despite it’s changing tides, was the only constant thing in her life. Poor Kaanga.
“You’re right, she’ll be okay. She’s stronger than she seems.”
The thought of moving on seemed far away but he knew it would happen eventually. He’d have to if he was to rule effectively at No’s side. And at least he wasn’t doing it alone. That thought gave him another respect for his departed father. He had maintained a fiery spirited pride alone, with no help. He’d done it single-handedly. Kidondo doubted he could have been successful without the help of his friends. But he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. He’d had a lonely cub-hood before meeting No and he wanted people to talk to, to share his life with. Now he not only had No, he had Kibela and Nuri and a horde of other friends he’d made out there, away from the sands.
And soon the shadow of Kidondo’s father came into view. It hurt him to return here, to look upon that bloodied body which had once been so powerful, now broken and lifeless. He suppressed the sound of a sob, his sides shaking from the effort and with ragged steps he approached the King, head bowed, tail gripping No’s tightly as if he were hanging on for dear life.
“No matter how much I prepared myself for the fight, when it came to it, I wasn’t sure I could do it. In fact, I’m…I’m certain I would have failed if Kimeti had not already been injured.” His paw. How the King’s paw had come to be wounded Kidondo could not imagine. But in the end it had been his weakness and that, ultimately had led to Kidondo’s victory. “He wanted me dead…he hated me. And I can’t say I blame him. But, even now, after all the things he said and done, I cannot hate him. If anything, I love him more.”
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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 11:10 am
No wasn’t sure the reasons for Kaanga staying, but she certainly hoped it was because she believed in the rebellion’s ideas. Then again, maybe the white princess truly was just mad. But Kidondo’s sake, she wouldn’t even muse upon the later. “She knows the ways were failing. Surely being at Kimeti’s side all this while must have shown her that.” But it was her father who had died, and of course there would be sorrow. She had children too- but what had become of them, she did not know.
But it was what he said next that shoved Kaanga out of her mind. At once her head lifted, and that stiff face of her did a marvelous show of getting even more stony. “I won’t hear any of that.” She chided. And then, lighter- “You don’t know what would happen. But don’t for a second think that you were at an advantage, or that it was not just.”
“If your father truly hated you…” How could she speak for Kimeti? She didn’t know what the king had thought of his son. But she had seen the hatred in his eyes when they were directed at her, that night they’d both been found out. Despite it though, he had let them live. He could have killed them on the spot. He could have ordered the pride to swarm them. Execution. But he hadn’t. He’d let them live and he’d let them come back to overthrow them. Surely…somewhere in there, if not love, had been some care.
“No, I don’t think we’ll ever know, Kidondo.” She breathed. “But love doesn’t make weakness. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
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Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:34 am
There was nothing more he could say or do on the matter of Kaanga. No was right, he just had to trust that she still had something to stya here for. That in time, the grief would subside and they'd be able to talk again.
Until then he had to keep going. There was work to do and he couldn't just sit back and mope whilst No was left to it. No, they were a team and he would get over this to help her, if nothing else.
He lifted his head and attempted to force himself to act in a manner he thought more appropriate for a ruler. "You're right. There's nothing wrong with love. Love gave me strength." He replied. Maybe this wasn't the time, maybe he should have waited for a more romantic moment, but he was fed up waiting. And besides, they weren't like other couples. Why not do things a little differently?
"When I was facing my father, it was my love for my pride that kept me going, my love for family. But most of all, my love for you. If it hadn't been for you..." He sighed softly. "Having you here with me now makes it all worth it. I'm glad you're here." Simple words, but meaningful and tender. He couldn't find the right words to describe his feelings, though he was sure No would understand.
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:45 am
And she had, even if he had never said a word. With a light sigh, she buffeted her head against his shoulder. She wished she too were better with words, because these instances rarely required the calm silence she was known for. She hoped he knew how vastly he had changed her life. There had been hard times between them, but ever since she had met him as a cub their grand and wild adventures seemed fate borne. Even now, she couldn’t really be sure all of it had actually come to pass. It seemed too great for her paws to fill.
“I’ll always be here,” She admitted softly. She’d do anything for him. Conquer kingdoms, slay gods- “You know I love you. So there’s no need to worry on weakness. No one I adore could ever be weak.” She mused, lightly bumping him on the chin with her tail.
It was light thoughts, and for the moment, they made her forget the aching of her muscles and the pain in her side. Although she’d never doubted his affection- there was something uplifting about hearing it. It all but solidified her. It was unfortunate, then, that such grave tasks still lay ahead of them. Reminding herself of them, she lightly leaned against him, and carefully looked upon the ridges before them.
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Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:54 am
Such simple words. Such a simple sentinent. And yet those few words meant more to him than anything else. He held them clsoe to his memory and used them to warm his heart. It were those few words that would get him through this, that would strengthen him through the hard times.
He leaned into her, purring in the back of his throat. "Bless the day I met you, No, out there in that Graveyard. Who could have thought a place of death could have brought to life so much."
And in those few passing moments, Kidondo felt lighter, though the feeling wouldn't last long.
A little longer of pained walking and he was almost upon his father's body, lying there on the blood-smeared ground. Sand was scuffed and stained and even as he looked at it, he saw flashes of the fight in his mind's eye. He flinched, took a step back and tried to force the panic away. It was over now. Over. There was no going back, only going forwards. He had to do this, for his own peace of mind.
He had to lay his father's body in a place fit for a king.
However, the idea of dragging his father's motionless and heavy body to the den lying fifteen metres away was an ominous and heavy thought. He nodded firmly, set his jaw and moved over to him, glancing down at his face. The eyes were closed. He looekd as if he slept.
Peace had come to the King.
Kidondo stood a moment, head bowed, almost as if praying to someone to see his soul to the heavens. But he was not a religious lion. He was simply collecting himself, preparing for the task.
And in the next moment he was stopping down, grabbing his father's mane in his jaws and heaving with all his might to drag him to the densite.
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Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 4:58 am
Although she did not responded directly, her head bowed and her heart shared a similar sentiment. What would she have done without him? That was something she didn’t care to think much on. Life was a far better creature now that she had a purpose. She imagined that without it, she would still be floating somewhere, desperately seeking what she might have become.
But now was little time for love, as the king’s great body stretched before her. She wasn’t sure if the pull in her heart was anger, or her own show of grief. To her, this was no father- but a king who had rejected his son, a man she held in such high esteem that she had followed him through blood and sand. She did not know why Kimeti had turned a blind eye to him, and she supposed when the day came that she died, she would have to ask him. But as her father in law, and as the last great king of the motoujamii, she respected him. Dutifully she moved around to Kidondo, in order to not strain his already battleworn body with too much heavy lifting.
She watched as he paused, almost in prayer. For that, she stopped too- bowing her head low, and for a moment, closing her stark jade eyes. When he had lifted, she followed behind him, bracing the king’s lower body with her shoulder as Kidondo lifted him- towards the tomb.
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Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:27 am
And between them the King's body was slowly hefted towards his waiting tomb. The burden was heavy and difficult but Kidondo was determined not to let him go, not to drop him until he was under cover.
The strength began to leave him. He could feel it as if it flowed freely from him. But he bit back the frustration at his own weakness and continued. This was important. If he messed this up then he'd never forgive himself.
Besides the tomb was only --
He glanced out of the corner of an eye and saw the entrance of his father's old den looming closer.
--about ten more strides away. If he could keep going then he'd be there in no time. So, closing his eyes he put all his strength into his muscles and tugged as hard as he could. The sand slid under his paws, not helping matters, but eventually, they set inside the den and allowed him enough stability to pull the rest of the body inside. Here he paused, panting. His eyes lifted to regard No, a silent thanks lingering inside of them. He was too tired to speak and too tired to do anymore, even though the older lion was not far enough into the den as he would have liked.
But for now...it would have to do.
"Once I've regained my strength I'll seal thisd place up. Until then, let's hope no scavengers reach him." He breathed, his voice wavering.
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 6:28 am
It was a struggle too for No, who up until now, had not used any of the time offered to her to rest. But she was stubborn- and in a way, the aching pain in her muscles was getting to be a kind of mantra. There'd be time to rest later, she chided them.
The shadow of the tomb seemed to devour them as they stepped out of the sun, relenting her pulling as soon as Kidondo gently relaxed his side and let the old king rest on the dusky floor. It seemed oddly quiet at that moment, particularly for a country so recently torn into war.
No's head dipped in quiet acceptance, and once more rose onto her aching feet. She carefully walked a small length around the body, inspecting it dutifully. "I do not think any would dare come," She breathed. Even so, she'd make sure to have someone posted at the door just until they sealed it. Taking care of the king's body was not just a testament to Kidondo's respect for his father- but it would also send a powerful message to any traditionalists who lingered on the fence. The Simo did not treat the dead with disrespect, not even their enemies.
She turned her head back to him, and carefully moved back over. She had noticed the scratches and blood on him before- but compulsively she licked at one near the shoulder. "We should take care of these." She hesitated.
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Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:48 am
He nodded. She was probably right. No scavenging creature would dare come near a Firekin den, especially if it meant escape routes being severly limited. No, the only people who would come here would be the ones wanting to pay their respects.
And with one last look at the still body of his father he turned his head away, glancing as No returned to his side. A faint smile made its way onto his maw as he realised that finally they could be together without fear or worry. No one could stop them from standing side by side and now, now No was no longer playing at slave. She was a Regent and she was more deserving of the title than any.
He looped his tail around hers again and tugged her warmly. "We should. You have your own wounds that need tending to and both of us need rest. If I don't lay down soon I fear my legs will fall out from underneath me." And it was the truth. He felt physical weak, so weak that he could barely stand. He couldn't even feel the pain anymore, through his fatigue.
"Everything else can wait until we have slept and cleaned our wounds. We should enjoy this moment of peace whilst it lasts." He nuzzled her gently and moved back out into the sunshine, turning to head to his den.
No, not his den.
Their den.
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