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 Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:15 pm
Ona'raha Subiani was heading out to hunt. He'd already been out that morning to attempt it but had come back with nothing. So, determined that he was going to bring back some food for his mate and growing cubs he was moving away from the den and out across the lands.
He hated leaving them alone in case some strange lion lurked close, but his family also had to eat. So, reluctantly he knew it had to be done. He just had to trust that the lands were as safe as he had always thought them. He was beginning to think he was returning to his nervous, jittery ways of old. He certainly did feel jittery knowing he wasn't watching over the cubs with Rehema.
With a haggard sigh he pushed through the undergrowth and made his way towards the meadow, shaking leaves from his shaggy mane.Ona'raha was not alone.
A pair of brilliant blue eyes watched him from the entrance of the den, eyes that belonged to his only daughter, Eeva Subiani. She'd pushed away from her sleeping siblings and had followed her father up to the entrance to watch curiously.
She was an adventurous sort already starting to sneak off in search of excitement and here she was, thinking of doing it again. But this time it wouldn't be so bad.
Daddy would be with her!
With a flash of mischief in her eyes she moved after him, a dark brown, pudgy cub moving as quickly as she could on her short legs and large, clumsy paws.
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:33 pm
Phib spent a lot of his time napping. More time then he'd like to think possible, and even half as much as he'd ever profess to doing. Truth was, ever since Ameh had finally tied herself down to this place and demanded he do the same- he'd been somewhat catatonic. He didn't like the idea that traveling so much had worn his old bones down. But like it or not, he was rather enjoying some time spent in peace. He hadn't had much of it during his rogue life.
As far as napping was concerned- he was a tad brazen as to how he went about it. Having lived so much of his life in barren stretches of earth, resting out in open meadows did not bring as much unease to him as it might of some others. Something Ameh was no doubt willing to scold him over later- she got particularly fanatical about what it was he bided his time with when she was off digging up plants, or whatever silly things she did over the course of the day.
With a stretch, the old lion rose his head. Thinking too much bothered his nap, and wearily he rubbed his chin against his paw. Someone was approaching- but he could tell from the approach that it wasn't likely to be his mate. Amedia could be downright noisy when it came to walking. Mindful of the somewhat skittish nature some of the lions had around these parts, he gave a slight grunt to announce his presence before rising up to look out above the meadow's grasses.
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:41 pm
He heard the grunt and slowed his pace, moving across the land to where Phib lay. He was a small male, as all Ela'wadiyian lions were. In fact, Rehema probably challenged him in size. His mane helped add to his size though it probably made him look wider rather than scary or intimidating.
However, this little lion had recently found his roar...and teeth when he realised he'd need them to protect his children and mate from any strangers.
But Phib was no stranger. He was of Shadow Clan and a welcome friend. He was also the first lion he had come across since the birth of his little ones and he was fit to bursting with pride. He'd been longing to spread the news, but not having an opportunity to do so.
He tipped his head in greeting. "Sorry Phib, did I wake you?"
The little form of Eeva stopped short of the undergrowth and lowered herself to her belly so she could peer out across the open land at her father. Apparently he was stopping and - stretching her neck up a little - could just about see another lion lying down a short distance from her father. A lion with odd fur. He looked kind of sleepy though apparently he was a friend. She had no doubt that if he was a stranger he would have been in deep trouble.
She drew up both ears and tried intently to listen to the conversation.
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:58 pm
Phib scoffed quietly to himself. It seemed he’d have to start lumbering around more often, else the entire pride might think him to be some sort of invalid. But despite the comment, he smiled a bit at his own expense and shook his head. “Ah, if not you then I’m sure Ameh would have done the job soon enough.” He thrummed. “Good evening, Ona.” He might have been a bit of a laze as of late- but he prided himself on keeping names straight.
He quieted for a moment, shifting the end of his tail in thought. That girl had a habit of disappearing a lot, that was for sure. He often wondered if it was just him. It probably was, he supposed. Sleeping around in the sun so much probably wasn’t all that exciting for the female, who rarely slept at all. If ever, actually. He couldn’t really remember a time when she hadn’t woken up before him.
A sound clicked in the reeds behind them. The green lion arched his brow somewhat in consideration of the noise- but didn’t take much more interest then that. Probably one of those scraggly hares that always seemed to come around this time of day. “How are you and Rehema keeping?” The lion inquired.
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:10 pm
"Even so, I'll apologise in any case." He seated himself and coiled his tail so it sat neatly across his forepaws. He'd not heard the sound behind him, but then, he'd never been very observant. It was the reason why hunting was so difficult to him.
"Very well in fact." He puffed out his chest a little and motioned with a paw back towards the den. "Very busy, but very content. We're now the proud parents of four little balls of fur. Little Shadow Clan members. And thats a lot of hungry mouths to feed, especially now they're weaned." His eyes sparkled.
"I've been desperate to share the good news but I've been so busy in my failed hunts. Even still, I expect Rehema will be wanting to parade them around soon enough."
Eeva couldn't hear! She needed to get closer! With a little grump of annoyance she crawled ever forwards on her belly. Being dark brown, she hoped that she wouldn't be seen, even with her face poking out of the bushes.
But sadly, she'd not learned how to move silently and dry leaves crunched under her paws as she shifted.
She froze, eyes widening, hoping that she hadn't been heard, hoping that they wouldn't look up and see her little face peeking across at them from the undergrowth.
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Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 10:09 am
Children? He supposed that wasn’t a surprise, but it still brought a smile to the gruff looking lion’s face. Surely a good sign to a pride that was still struggling to recover. “Children?” He thrummed. “Congratulations, four certainly is a handful.” Actually, there were few things that terrified Phib more then children. Well, his children anyways. He’d never been much of a father. And although he wouldn’t admit it, he had a lot of respect for people who actually could manage.
The end of the old male’s tail flicked as he absorbed the small segments of information. “Is the hunting not well here?” He asked. So far he hadn’t had a problem- but then, hunting for one and the occasional two could hardly compare to having to feed five hungry mouths.
Of course, now that the words were out of his mouth, he realized something else that was rather scary- Amedia had him trained so well he was already offering to help before his inherit ego set in. Had he been alone, he might have groaned. But, perhaps a bit sobered by the thought, he offered anyways. “Well, I don’t find myself feeding anyone but myself these days. If you ever need a hand, I'm around."
“It’s too bad you told me though, once Ameh finds out there’s cubs around I don’t think you’ll be rid of her.” He chuckled. There was another sound behind them- but this time, it past Phib's knowledge.
--
As Eeva carefully snuck up on her father from the tall meadow grass, a slightly more awkwardly sized lioness suddenly scooted up beside her. She was certainly a bit more inconspicuous in comparison to the little cub- but she made a fair show of pressing low to the ground.
"Who are we spying on?" Amedia whispered to the child, a grin crossing her face.
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:04 pm
He nodded and smiled at the warmer expression on Phib's face. It was odd really. Ona'raha had been so shy of newcomers, he probably still was. But Ameh and Phib had never invoked any sort of fear in the male.
After all, who could be afraid of the female's gentle, kindly face? And, gruff as Phib might have been, he didn't strike Ona as being one to attack another. "Yes, they certainly are energetic." And that was putting it lightly. "Either way, there's a true heir to the Shadow Clan now." He thought of little Eeva and his smile deepened. "Our Clan is sealed for another generation."
He twitched an ear at Phib's next words and shifted somewhat sheepishly. "Food is plentiful but...I've never been a good hunter. My father and mother...they never had time to teach me before they...well, you know. I sort of had to go on gut instinct alone and even with Rehema teaching me I still have a lot to learn." He brightened even more - if that was even possible - at Phib's offer and nodded eagerly.
"I wouldn't like to intrude on your time, but if you ever feel the need to hunt I'd be grateful to come along. Two lions are better than one, right?"
He chuckled then at the thought of Ameh. "She's very welcome to come by. Once they're a little bigger they'll be running all over the place. I'm sure they'd love to spend time with other members."
Eeva smiled with relief as she continued to go unnoticed and began to imagine that she was already perfecting her stealth skills. Clearly she had a natural talent for stalking!
And then the voice interrupted her thoughts and she answered without even thinking.
"Daddy and the lazy lion." She replied with a giggle. "I want to know what they're talking about without them seeing m--..." Her eyes widened and she turned to see the white lioness beside her.
She was so white that she was whiter than the clouds on a summer's day! She was as white as...well, Eeva didn't know what! But the striking pelt rendered her speechless for a moment. Then, she found her voice.
"Who're you, Lady?"
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Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:37 am
Phib smiled, dipping his head. He a good understanding of what it meant, at least for fathers, in providing an heir for the family. It was good news that they'd already selected one- although, truthfully Phib knew little about the customs that revolved around the Ela'waydiyi. Ameh had mentioned once, offhandedly, that they were Matriarchal- but he had a hard time believing it was just as easy as that.
But before he could speak on that note- Ona mentioned his own parents. That was unfortunate. He supposed the story was much of the same for many of the younger elas. For better or worse- Phib wasn't sure who he might have become without his father's influence. "They certainly are." The lion remarked, feeling a bit better about having offered. "I cannot say I'm particularly superb myself- but I've kept myself alive far longer then I'd care to admit." He laughed. He might have had a rough voice- but there was a kind undertone to it that try as he might, he couldn't remove.
"But I must admit, I really don't do much else then laze. I'm quite happy to help."
--
Amedia grinned like a chesire cat, the end of her tail swaying. "I'm Ameh," She giggled, particularly over the comment about the lazy lion. "Who're you?" She inquired with dramatized suspicion.
And almost as suddenly, she pressed her head down to her paws, and carefully slinked forward. Despite her size- she hardly made a sound. Sometimes she cheated a bit with her powers; but, scaring Phibs seemed to be a really good time to cheat. "Hrrm. They're discussing secret things, are they?"
"How about we surprise them and get them to tell us~?" She grinned, teasing. "I can take out the big one if you can get your dad. They don't suspect a thing."
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Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:37 am
“It would mean a lot to me.” Ona replied, sounding relieved that he’d be able to ask for help if prey evaded him. He was getting better with practice but to have guidance from someone more experienced would be a wonderful and appreciated thing.
“Rehema would probably be grateful too. She was teaching me herself before she fell pregnant and I doubt she’d want me to slip into bad habits again.” His eyes sparkled at the thought of his mate.
“In any case, the whole pride seems to be a little livelier recently. I’ve not had the chance to meet anyone new yet, but the air is different and new scents are carried on the wind. I think our luck is changing.” It was almost as if the pride was being reborn, or awakened after a long sleep.
“I’m Eeva Subiani.” The cub chirped merrily, her eyes glossy with laughter being suppressed by the need to remain unnoticed. She wriggled with excitement and lifted bright blue eyes up to watch as the adult lioness slipped into stalk position.
“Uh huh.” She agreed. “Think so.” Her smile widened and she nodded eagerly. “Okay! Let’s get them!” She did her best to mirror the white female’s actions, pressing herself low to the ground. She wanted to be like this one, sneaky and silent as a shadow. She was of Shadow Clan, after all.
Then after another moment she flung herself out into the open, heading straight for her unsuspecting father’s back.
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Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:26 pm
Phib shifted his ear. He was a hard man to express gratitude- but for some reason, hearing that Ona truly would appreciate his help pleased him greatly. Sometimes he had to delude himself into believing he was anything more then a burden on Ameh- and it would be good to actually do someone else some good for a change. The gruff lion smiled, and dipped his head in agreement. “It wouldn’t be a problem at all.” He repeated.
He probably would have said something more- but at about that point, he was struck on the head by an oddly familiar flying mass.
A few moments before- Amedia grinned at Eeva to affirm their plans. She was too close to speak again, but a grin towards the small child gave all the signal they needed to attack. As soon as Eeva started to rush, Amedia gave a quick and soundless dash to the left, and sprung.
She was by no means an expert huntress- but she was quite an accomplished Phib pummeler. She leapt towards the lion and landed on his back. Compulsively, Phib jerked around, but the added weight of Amedia on his back and his own clumsy body, the two fell over. He groaned dramatically and rolled a red eye towards the small lioness, who pooled off his shoulders and peered at him upside down.
“Hello, Mister.” She purred.
Phib sighed and rolled his eyes. Glancing over to Ona- it seemed that the young father too was under attack. “We seem to have been captured.”
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Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 2:03 pm
Ona opened his mouth to thank the older lion again when he was hit from behind. The force was small but clearly meant to give a good shove.
The lion, not one of the bravest of his pride - or even his clan - gave a small yelp and rolled onto his side, raising a forepaw in an attempt to plead. He did not think it an outsider - for who in their right mind would attack two pride cats - but instead thought it Rehema come to cuff him across the ear for not being out hunting.
If he'd fought through his muddled panic he would have realised that Rehema would not have trudged all this way just to give him a lecture.
So it was that when he opened his eyes and looked downwards he saw his daughter curled against his chest, pressing her head up against the pads of one raised forepaw. She had the largest grin he had ever seen.
She was definately her mother's daughter...
In his brief moment of confusion he hadn't realised that Phib had undergone the same sneak attack - though from a much larger female.
"Eeva!" He tried to sound strict but the smile on his face gave it away. It was then that he looked up and noticed Ameh draped across Phib's shoulders.
Ona laughed. "I suppose it serves us right for not paying attention." He ruffled the hair atop his daughter's head and leaned forward to give her ears an affectionate lick.
"Well...this wasn't how I wanted to introduce you to the heir of the Shadow Clan, Phib, but here she is. Little Eeva Subiani."
Eeva giggled and pushed away her father's paw. "We sure showed you two lazy lions." She tipped her head backwards comically in an attempt to catch sight of the white female. "Didn't we, Ameh?" Then, realising her father would probably want her to act a little more...what was the word?
Dignified?
Yes that sounded about right.
Since her father would want her to act a little more dignified, she slipped from his belly to let him up and turned to face the other pair. "Hello...Phib." She thought that was what her father had called him. "What was you twos talking about?"
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