Shupavu moved through the den area, patrolling intently as he studied each den (getting pelted by a rock from Shotonin as he moved from the Medic-den). Cubs, cubs, cubs.... Even his own, and he fretted for each one. Being a father had certainly tamed him a bit, but not fully, and he flexed his claws, and stretched. If only there was something fun to do....
Slowly stepping out of her own den, Ishara stretched. Each movement caused a popping in a joint, the loudest being along her spine. A lazy smile graced the black cat's face before she sat, getting at an itch. Sleeping late into the morning was certainly wonderful, and gave her a bit more energy each day. She looked about, soon spotting Shupavu. For the moment, only a pleased smile was offered.
Shupavu didn't miss the joints crackling and popping, and the male made his way over, deeply stooping his head respectfully, despite sheer size.
He had been told to respect the lioness, and respect, he gave, with all of the mannerisms he remembered and knew-- which, to total, were that of a follwer meeting his king.
"Good morning."
Tail curling, the lioness bowed her head back. "Good morning... Um... I'm sorry, I forgot your name..." She frowned, not remembering it. It was a bit hard for her to remember a lot of names now-a-days. It was a miracle she remembered half the cubs' names! Tilting her head, green eyes regarded the male. He reminded her of someone... But who? It was hard to place exactly, but she was sure she'd seen a couple of his markings somewhere before.
"Shupavu."
The male rose, smiling kindly. A couple locks of his mane fell in his face, and he hoped the lioness would forget he raised the motherless cubs....
"Oh, that's right!" She paused, thinking a moment, then frowned. "Did Shotonin throw a rock at you...?" She was a mother, they knew all about their own cubs... Or so they said. It was like a sixth sense that came with parenthood.
Shupavu chuckled sheepishly.
"Aw, he does that."
He did, however, rub his head.
That didn't mean the blow hadn't hurt like the dickens!
Going up to him, Ishara examined his head. "Come here and let me look... She examined the spot, then left a lick on it, a kiss for a booboo. "There, feel better?" She smiled, an almost joking smile. Sitting back, she examined him. "You're quite the pretty-boy, aren't you?"
Shupavu blushed.
"Er.. Yes! It does! Thank you--Pretty? Me?"
He seemed intrigued. Noone had called him pretty before... Ever.
It slapped the words right from his maw, and he blinked.
He was pretty?
"Of course!" The smile this time was genuine, no joking around. "You have fine coloring, good markings... Everything meshes well!" She paused, leaning close. "And the purple is lovely!"
Shupavu blushed, rubbing his head shyly. He still didn't find himself that pretty, but smiled a bit. Atleast someone appreciated him. Even if not for power like he preferred. Beggars couldn't be choosers, he supposed.
"Well, the purple's from my Grandmother.... mom's side."
"Is it? Well, I saw that old duff with your mother... Not a spot of purple on him. I can see that it would come from her mother." There was no secret... Ishara wasn't too fond of Uchusichusi. It was just something about him... He didn't sit well with her.
"Grandpa? Yeah, he's not very bright, colourwise." Shupavu chuckled.
"And my father's parents are Firekin. No, Mother's mother was gone before I was thought of, but mother said she was brilliantly coloured. A God's pleasure to behold."
He sighed, longing. He wished he'd known her.
Closing her eyes, Ishara smiled, just imagining it. "She sounds beautiful... I wonder why she chose a mudball like Uchusi..." As the male in question passed, he gave a sour look at the female. Ishara stuck her tongue out at him in responce, before turning back to Shupavu. "I see myself, quite often, in my descendants. Perhaps your mother's mother may live on through her descendants?"
"Maybe. Not many of us. Kabichi's the closest, but her tones are all off. Grandma had greens and purples and blues." He rumbled. "White, too."
He mused, the description dancing in his mind, and he smiled.
The female frowned, then smiled. "She'll pop up again some time, I'm sure of it." Standing, Ishara stretched again. Once again, her back popped, sending a pleased shiver up her spine and leaving a euphoric smile on her face. Gods but that felt so WONDERFUL!
"I hope so."
Shupavu watched her stretch, and rose a paw, gently pressing to help the bend. He wanted to help her pop just a bit more...
Maybe she'd feel more comfortable?
The male smiled as he did, warmly, and moved his paw once she finished.
Letting out a purr, the lioness gave one last stretch. "That feels wonderful! Thank you, Shupavu" She smiled at him, licking his cheek. With a flick of her tail, she turned and limped off, moving slowly towards where she knew food was.
Shupavu blinked, then looked down.
Oh Gods.
He was blushing. Looking up, the male rose, and darted after, tail twitching. Maybe the nanny wasn't so bad after all...!
