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 Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:43 pm
With your Blessings || AIM Log - Chacha, Mamba, & Zaliwa
Though the lion was small, he looked almost glorious stretched out on top of the huge stack of boulders that formed the Council dens. The sun was shining, catching his white fur. His mass of shaggy black mane framed his face, which seemed the picture of contentment.
He felt it, too. Zaliwa had been in an unusually good mood for over a week now. It seemed the troublesome sisters had settled down, at least for the time being, and Fira's cubs had grown up nicely, quelling his fears of them growing up to be like their mother. The tribes were getting back on their feet, and the future seemed very bright.
His blue eyes swept over the surrounding territory, lazily keeping check on his kingdom.
"Thank you for coming with me to speak with Zaliwa, Mamba. The truth is I'm not really sure how I should say this." Acha shook her head a bit as she walked alongside her beloved sibling, eyes on Zaliwa in the distance as they drew closer, her voice quiet and near a whisper. "I'm glad you came with me. It'll make this easier." Less awkward than having this conversation alone.
When they reached their king at last Chacha slowed to a stop, speaking up towards the sunning leader aimicably.
"Good morning, Zaliwa... The day is finding you well, we hope?"
"Of course," Mamba purred, smiling at her sister. "Just relax, and don't make it sound as though it's already decided. You know Zaliwa, he's easy to deal with as long as you don't make it sounds like you're making the decisions instead of him."
She had thought a lot about the approach, even more since she had made her own decision.
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Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 9:19 pm
Zaliwa turned his pale eyes to the young females, dipping his head in greeting. "To you, too. I'm pleased to say that it is. What are you two doing all the way over here? No bad news, I hope."
A very good reminder indeed. As she'd heard it that had been their mother's mistake, or one of them, assuming charge that was not hers. But how to word this then? Should she simply ask if it was a valid suggestion to follow Kioo's example? Yes, that may be the best course of action. She flashed her sister a grateful smile before they were too close to continue the conversation.
"No, no, no bad news." She smiled reassuringly, then flicked her ears atop her head and spoke up again. "Actually... I... came to ask if there might be anything that can be done to further help the pride and it's numbers? I thought perhaps following Kioo's example... Zaliwa, what do you think?" She questioned, genuinely humble with the question. That was not the least bit feigned, even if having not made the choice already was-- she couldn't do it without his permission, but she had to at least decide for herself if she was ready and okay with it, so she had.
Zaliwa flicked an ear, closing his eyes. His initial reaction was to say no, to prevent the younger lioness from pulling the same stunt as her mother, but in the same instant he shook it away, silently reprimanding himself. Hadn't he just been thinking about what decent lions the litter had grown into? There was no spite in Chacha's voice, no reason for her to feel the same way as Fira had.
"I suppose that's a reasonable request," he said, eyeing Chacha thoughtfully. "You are still young yourself, but a lioness raised as a mzazi would be a good mother, regardless of age. You would be excused for your journey, and though it's preferred that you return by the next full moon, some things can't be helped. I think that your sisters can manage Kioo's cubs while you're gone."
"Actually," Mamba said, drawing herself up, "I've been thinking along the same lines as Chacha." She cast a quick glance at her green sister before continuing. "Though I hadn't discussed it with her, I meant to ask you the same thing. I understand that we would have to go at different times, as it would be very unfair to leave our sister alone with an entire litter to raise, but perhaps after she returns... well, it was merely an idea that I wanted your opinion on."
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Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 9:22 pm
Acha was unsure by his expression, but remained calm, simply eagerly awaiting his say. Depending on what he decided she might or might not become a mother soon, what was not to anticipate?
When he gave his approval the excitement was plain on Chacha's face. Over the last couple of days she'd had time to fall in love with the idea, so this news was wonderful! She didn't have a chance to speak up Mamba did. The statement made caught her by surprise, as shown by her eyes going a little wide, but she looked back at her sister, and even if she couldn't show it yet she felt joyful! Her sister would be a mother as well, they'd be able to share that together!
If Zaliwa approved--
Her eyes went back to their leader then.
The shaggy lion looked at Mamba, raising a brow. After a moment of thought, he spoke. "Once, I would've said no. I would've said that it would be an unnecessary strain on the mzazi. As things are, however, I think it's permissible. You two will decide who will go first. Whoever that is will need to let me know when they're leaving."
"Of course!" She replied, glad that they could be of help, and eager to prove beyond a doubt that they were not their mother's children. Their cubs would be raised with love and care, to serve the pride, to strengthen it's numbers.
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Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:43 am
Zaliwa nodded to them. "Then go, prepare for the journey, and then come see me when it's time." He flicked his tail, signalling that their meeting was over.
Mamba began to pad away, beaming back at her sister.
Chacha nodded respecfully, then turned to go as well, following Mamba and quickly matching her stride while she smiled brightly back at her sister. That had gone very well, and now she was free to comment. "I had no idea, Mamba...! What made you decide to do this? Not that I'm unhappy in the least, it was just unexpected!"
A sly grin slipped over Mamba's lips. "You did, of course. The thought of you having your own cubs made me want my own, too. And, if I can help the tribe at the same time, I decided I should go for it."
"This is such exciting news, it's not every day I find out I'm going to become an aunt and a mother all in one day." Chacha laughed lightly, flicking her tail against Mamba's haunch briefly. "I'll wish you the best of fortune and gods' speed on your journey, sister, when we part ways. I'm sure it won't be the same without you even for just a little while." And she was sure that Mamba returned that sentiment, but they'd return carrying more family, so that was wonderful to look forward to. Already she was eagerly looking forward to helping to teach her sister's children, along with Kioo's and her own.
"And same to you, sister - although I think you should go first. It was, after all, your idea in the first place." She smiled warmly, her thoughts following Chacha's. Perhaps they had never had good parents, but they could certainly be good parents.
"I'll return as soon as I can, then, so we won't have to be apart long." Acha's purr was full of affection as she nuzzled her sister, pausing long enough to do so. She'd see the outside lands for the first time, what would they both find on the other side? All they were searching for...? She certainly hoped so. Parenthood was calling, and they were two lionesses eager to answer that call.
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