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 Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:48 pm
She was runing after her father, moving to trot eagerly at his side. She had on her 'pleading-eyes' so it was clear she was trying to get her father to agree to something that he normally wouldn't. The expression on his face confirmed this and he seemed as if he would ignore her.
"Please, Daddy." She whined, bounding forwards in an attempt to cut him off. "Pleaaaaase."
"No. I've already told you, Fia." His serious eyes darted down to look his daughter in the face. "It's too dangerous to go by yourself and I really don't have time to go today. Do you not understand what I've told you? A lioness died on the borders only a few weeks ago and you want to go galavanting off. Please, Fia, when I'm less busy, I'll take you myself, but not before. Understand?"
She pouted and stomped a little paw, hanging back now that it was clear no amount of begging was going to get her what she wanted. What was he so busy with anyway? He was only walking. Why not walk along the borders with her? Okay, it'd take him longer to get where he wanted but it would be killing two birds with one stone!
Men! Fathers!
She was in the middle of a hissy fit when she found a suitable retaliation. "You made time for that other cub! That Damu boy! Why do you make time to teach him about borders and guarding and stuff? Don't I need to know that too?"
"Fia!" Kidondo was losing his patience. "Please, Fia. Go and bother your mother. She has a better head for your whining than I have." He paused and gave her a push in the direction of the dens. "Go on."
Oh, he loved her dearly, but she certainly was a stubborn little madam.
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Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 2:03 pm
Karana'Mzaana was basking in the light of the sun. She had gathered some stray berries and flowers she had seen creeping up from crevices of rocks on one side of the pride. They didn't seem well to eat, the berries, nearly dried in the unnerving sun, but when crushed and mixed, it made other colors, and would do well to color the pelts of those that were different, like the small golden cub with the strand of red in his mane, it also worked well for coloring in the colors of eyes, like Vahni's, his were such a bright color.
Flicking her tail, Mzaa dipped a toe onto one of the smaller rock slabs, to reach and color on Kidondo's pelt once again, the burned (from what seemed like a lighting strike) worked well for the coloration of No, and Kidondo's mane, but his bright red had to be coated over once more, so it would be as bright as his pelt.
Everyone, all those that she had seen, even the young ones who were now growing, soon, on another slab, their stories of when they are older would be incised and painted as well, this was heir history in the making, their history in their entirety.
Even the most recent occurrence, a bright orange lioness come over from the Safi, injured, but in her jaws carrying the golden life of her son she had protected from whatever had gone after her, even that, was upon the slabs before her.
With that lioness, she had brought another flame into the Simo.
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Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 2:15 pm
"No!" And the moment the words burst from her mouth, the little girl was charging across the sand - in the direction where the very same Karana'Mzaana was painting her pictures of history onto the slabs of stone. Her little paws moved swiftly on the sand, sprayed gold up into the sky behind her.
She wheeled around the edge of rocks and dissapeared from sight.
"Fia! Fia, get back here this instant!" Kidondo hesitated, glanced towards the waterhold where he'd been heading and then in the direction of his fleeing daughter. Damn the girl! Where did she get this hot-headedness from? She was more stubborn than anyone he had ever known!
"Fia!" Well, there was nothing for it, he had to go after her. She might land herself into trouble otherwise and then No would kill him for letting her run off like that.
Apparently run-away was still a good game for the girl to play.
"Fia! Fia?" He moved swiftly after her, grumbling under his breath as he went.
Charging around the corner, Fia was thus surprised when she bumped into something that she hadn't been expecting to be there - the hindquarters of a lioness.
The impact sent her rolling backwards, head over heels, and for a moment she was a little dazed. Then, with a grumble, she pulled herself back up onto her paws and turned to see who it was who had blocked her way.
"Oi...oh! Hello! What're you doing here? Are you...?" She lifted her eyes to see the drawings on the stone and felt a sense of wonderment come down to engulf her.
"Oh!"
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Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 2:20 pm
A smile was across her maw as she let her toes touch up the red on Kidondo's pelt, and then she began to color the markings of the cubs below Kidondo and No's feet, their children. She smiled, looked at the eyes colored in, the twins with the dual colored eyes, and she felt something against her suddenly, looked down, and a sense of worry overcame the lionesses face. "Oh, are you alright? she asked quickly, standing and leaning over the child..although older than before. She looked at the markings upon the childn's pelt, and to her carvings and paintings, and found her below Kidondo's feet, next to her twin, "Ah, you must be Fia, are you alright?"
She flicked her tail, and smiled when Fia seemed alright, and seemed interested in what Mzaa had begun to do and liked doing as of late, "Do you like them? she asked, "This is you here," she pointed with her paw, "Although I'll redo your image on that slab over there, once you've grown," Mzaa said pointing across from her.
Mzaa believed she heard Kidondo's voice, and she smiled, and looked to Fia, quirking a brow, "Did you run from your father Fia?"
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Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:56 am
Fia shook herself vigorously. "Yeah, I'm just fine. Take more than that to hurt me." She grinned and showed a row of perfect white, little teeth. The grin faltered a little, masked briefly under surprise as the other spoke her name. She knew her? She didn't get her confused? Wow, this was some female! Clearly she was far more observant than a lot of lions around here. Maybe that's why she drew such pretty pictures...
"You're pretty smart, getting my name right."
Her eyes moved back to the pictures again as Mzaa enquired as to whether she liked them and pointed out her own image there. "That's me!" She squealed, moving up to get a better look. "And Mum and Dad too. Oh, and there's Ea!" She was clearly appreciating the lioness' artwork. "They're very pretty. You made me look super-cute!"
She faltered a little at the other's question and, after a moment's hesitation, nodded sheepishly. "Uh huh. He wouldn't play." She gave a grin and tapped a paw against the rock. "How'd you learn to do these?"
Kidondo rounded the corner a moment later, opening his mouth to call out his daughter's name -- only to find that there was no need. There was the little scoundrel, sitting with Karana'Mzaana, no less. With a huff, he padded up to stand over his daughter, rumbling deep in his chest.
"There you are."
His eyes lifted to Mzaa. "Sorry about this. She's quite the escapist." He chuckled somewhat light-heartedly.
It was a moment later before he noticed the pictures, his face lighting in recognition. There, on the great walls of rock, was an orange lioness, carrying a golden cub in her mouth... The story of Ripuka's coming in picture form. It was a strangely touching memento of that day.
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Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 8:19 pm
Karana'Mzaana offered Fia a smile, "I try my best to know everyone within our lands, you and your sister, though so alike, have the subtle difference in your eyes, its not easy for everyone to notice or understand, a lot more complex than the other twins dwelling within our borders, a brother and sister, alike in entirety, you and Ea have that little difference," Mzaa wondered if Fia or Ea had seen the other twins yet.
She laughed, at Fia's excitement, "Yes, that's you with your siblings, your parents, as you grow older, your images will end up there," she said pointing to a slab across from her, "There you will be presented as a fine lioness as you have grown up." Mzaa wrinkled her nose at the statement that Kidondo would not play, "Perhaps he has other things on his mind Fia, your father is very busy and important, though, he will make time to be with you, you are young still, and do not know the entire duties that other elder members have in the pride, as you grow older, you will learn the duties your father has, and understand why sometimes, even though he would want to, has to balance between work and play, you understand that, right Fia?" Mzaa knew Fia would be a smart child, so curious and intrigued, and from Kidondo and No, Mzaa expected nothing less.
"When I'm not hunting, or when my leg aches, I come here, it takes practice, but I go slow, I've just begun to add some color," Mzaa turned her attention to Kidondo, smiled and nodded her head in his presence, "A pleasure to see you today Kidondo, do not worry, Fia explained to me, though I offered to her an explanation, she is quite the curious one," she smiled. Mzaa watched as Kidondo's eyes fell upon the stone, and a smile crossed her maw, "Do you like them Kidondo? I've come to love doing these things, much easier on my leg than hunting as of late, I've put history on those," she made a motion to one and another, one of them containing the representation of Ripuka and the golden child, "And here are members now, and recollections of the rebellion," she motioned to several others across from those.
"I thought it might be well for our history to be recorded so that we would have, a sort of reference to the past, teachings for the young ones and the new-comers," Mzaa was proud of her work, and hoped that Kidondo enjoyed them as well.
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Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 11:15 am
"I think you're the first one to notice that." Fia was clearly impressed by this female, and truly, it took a lot to impress this little girl. Fia knew nothing of any other twins in the lands. Knew nothing much of any of the members in the Simo. If she met them, however, she'd probably be a little jealous that her and Ea weren't as 'special' as she deemed them. For they were not the only matching set in the desert.
"Father's duty is to his childrens." Fia muttered, not really wanting to understand or even admit that Mzaa spoke truthfully. She just liked a little attention and who better than to give her attention apart from her doting parents?
"He's just all huffy cos of that bad thing that--" She trailed off when her father rounded the corner and entered the conversation.
"I'm not being a nuu-sance." She snapped quickly, immediately on the defensive.
Kidondo eyed her suspiciously but said nothing more on the matter, turning his attention to the drawings and Mzaa's explanation. "It's always good to bump into friends." He replied. "Even if it is by accident." And he laughed, seeming to settle a little. "They are beautiful, Karana'Mzaana. Truly. And they seem to be a big success with my little daughter, too."
He nodded. "A history forgotten is a history repeated. I said those words recently and how true they are. These pictures...they construct our history, they remind all kin of what we fought for." His eyes lifted to look at the lioness. "Friend, Karana'Mzaana, what a beautiful thing you have created. Has No seen this? She would applaud it too, I think."
He stepped back to get a better look, casting his eyes to the lions imprinted there. Beautiful, elegant. Then again his eyes fell to the picture of Ripuka and his eyes gleamed. He felt pride in his heart.
"I had no idea your leg pained you so much. From the fighting?"
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Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:41 pm
"I try to notice what is important, and being a twin, but also an individual is quite important Fia," Mzaa said with a smile, blinking, silver eyes falling onto Kidondo's approaching form. "True, your mother and father have that duty, amongst others, though I'm sure they do well with balancing them all," she assured Fia, or at least tried to. Fia wanted attention, and although Mzaa could not remember her own childhood, she assumed she would want some as well.
Though duties, were duties.
Mzaa listened to the cut off statement, and went to question, although Kidondo made her smile and forget of it, "Thank you, it means a lot, I try so hard with them, and I've gotten better than since I started, though I've redone what was not up to par so everything is even, and wonderful," Mzaa was so proud and felt so connected to her work, she could not deny her passion for it.
"I am not sure if No has come across them yet, they are not too close to teh center of the pride, but lay well within the borders as to not attract attention from those passing by or lurking outside" though she stopped there, as to not scare...or interest Fia. "I'm afraid so, since the rebellion, I have had this pain, it has subsided slightly, although it pains me too much some days, so I come here, and try to relax it, rather than hurting it more than hunting-though I do hunt still Kidondo!" she added, "I still have that duty, though the game I bring back is smaller in size, because of my ailment," she was disappointed from her pain, she felt as if she could not do as much as she wished.
"So, in the time of resting my leg, I find I can contribute to the history and recording of our pride, so that our past and present, is not forgotten in our bright future."
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:12 pm
Fia beamed. She liked this female greatly. She was observant, smart and creative. Yes, she'd found herself a lioness to look up to. She turned to glance at her father, a question forming in her mind, though she had no time to speak it for it seemed he'd taken over the conversation.
She frowned and puffed out her whiskers with annoyance, hopign he'd catch sight of her moody face and let her speak.
An ear lifted, however, at the word fighting. So this female had fought in the battle too?
Kidondo ignored his daughter.
"I shall point her this way. I think she'll agree with me on their beauty and significance." He paused there to let her speak more on her injury, saddened that she'd been left with a lasting injury. She had been one of those from the outside, willing to help him and No with their cause. She was a rogue who had risen to the name of Firekin. Yet, her trust in them had brought her pain, too, and he felt the need to help her somehow.
"I am sorry for your pains, Karana." He murmered softly. "And I am glad to hear that you are not letting them stop you from living to your full potential. But do not overstress your injuries, you may aggravate them and I would not want that."
He pondered. "Perhaps No and I can discuss a more suitable role for you in the pride. It's clear you have far greater talents than just hunting, though I'm sure you'll always be welcome in the hunting parties."
"Daddy!" Fia blurted suddenly. "I want to be apprenticed to her!"
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Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:20 pm
Karana'Mzaana looked to Fia who seemed still interested, but also wished to speak her voice, though her father was the one's attention she wished to gain. Children, such complex little beings, but so amusing and lovely, the life in the pride was flourishing with the new paws upon the sand, but it was comforting, and meant that their pride was strong.
"I am sure that I am not the only one who might have had such pains, though mine seems to pester me and not go away," she tried to assure him that she was alright, and still quite able to do some, though not as much hunting as others might be able to do, but this, this relaxed her, set her at ease and did not stress her muscles and tendons that ached so much so on some days.
Ears perking, she gave a questioning look, and smiled, "A role that I would put my heart and soul into Kidondo, I still do so now, though while hunting, the pain overtakes my will sometimes I do admit," though she was still valuable, yes, she was sure Kidondo, others, knew that fact. She was as much a part of this pride as the youngsters and other rogues in the pride were. "Wherever I m needed, I am glad to lend a paw," she nodded.
Fia's words caught her and she had a somewhat surprised look upon her face, did Fia wish to become a huntress, or do...what would the title be of what she was creating now? Storyteller? In a manner, but she recorded events as well...
"If you wish to become a huntress Fia, I can help you of course although there are other stronger lionesses here that might be able to help as well, though this, I'm not sure what it would be labeled, and I believe your father and mother would what to decide on if this is proper," she wanted her work to be part of the pride, but how, she was unsure. But the idea of having an apprentice like so many others had, it had her heart swell, as Karana'Mzaana had no children or family of her own, she could have something close to it with an apprentice.
Though it was up for Kidondo and No to decide if this was proper.
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Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 9:41 am
He nodded thoughtfully, though he knew there was nothing he could do to help. He was no healer and he had no idea about how to treat woudns other than to lick them. He gave a low grumble but said nothing more on it. He'd keep an eye on her and make sure she wasn't over-working herself, but he didn't think there was much more he could do.
"I am glad to hear it." He smiled, trying to take the conversation down a more positive path. "We need lionesses and lions like you; enthusiastic and eager. Let me think more on this. Your skills here are certainly useful to us, perhaps No and I can weave a title for you which involves the art of recording our history. You can always continue your hunting, but having a new title will certainly take the strain off. It's the least I can do for you after your aid in the battle."
Fia's words cut into the conversation and he sent her a surprised look. Fia certainly hadn't shown any interest in a path to apprenticeship herself too. He could understand why. She was a good fighter but didn't seem that keen on it. She had not the patience for becoming a guard and the rest of the roles...well...equally unsuitable. Hunting was always a good skill to learn, though. One that everyone had to help out inno matter what their path.
"I have no problem if she wishes it." Kidondo replied. "She hasn't shown much interrest in anything else and she seems to like you." He chuckled. "Hunting would certainly help her learn patience and the ways of the balance. It's a good place for any cub to start. I'm not sure that's what she had in mind, however." He eyed his daughter, waiting to hear her response.
Fia was edging forwards, bouncing on the tips of her toes, clearly eager for her moment to jump back into the conversation. She leapt on her chance as her father sent her a knowing look and smiled prettily.
"I like her." She said. And she did, genuinely, like the female. "She battled with you, Daddy. She's very brave. I'd like to learn from her. Not any of those other ones. She can teach me how to be a proper, respectful Firekin." She wriggled. "And I want to learn how to draw lions like that!" She moved to the stone and patted one of the images with her soft paw.
"You always say history is important, Daddy."
She looked to them. "Pleeeeease."
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Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 8:34 pm
Karana'Mzaana's eyes lit up, silver reflecting in the light above, and her tail coiled and uncoiled beside her, a smile crossing her jaw, "I would be honored, and extremely grateful, Kidondo, I would, truly," Karana knew that since there were a massive amount of youngsters within the pride, growing, with growing appetites, that hunting was still important even with small meals. Everyone had to be nourished, especially the little ones. But to be able to have another title, something to bind herself to this art of recording and telling history, past and present, and what to come, would be amazing, thrilling, and she felt as giddy as a cub thinking of the possibility, the potential of it all.
Karana looked to Fia, and laughed lightly, "So eager, I'm sure of it, as I teach her, that as she gets better, the less the strain, though we shall see," so eager, and cheerful, yes, it would be lovely to have Fia as her apprentice, someone as a companion to have her smile, someone to teach. "And, if you and No agree, I would also be happy to teach Fia more of this," she made a motion to the slates, "That way, our future would be sure to be remembered as well."
So much in so little time, what a wonder!
"I would be honored and overjoyed to teach you Fia," Karana said looking to Fia, smiling, and she looked to Kidondo, gratitude in her eyes, "I would be honored to aid in the teaching of the future."
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Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 12:12 pm
He smiled and turned to regard his pleading daughter, laughing good-heartedly at her desperate attempts to win him over. She was trying to twist him around her paw, he knew it but he wasn't going to do anything to stop it. Fia had been causing him headaches for a while now, not giving him any help in trying to find a place for her. Now, as huntress or...historian, she'd atleast found an adult she respected enough to want to be taught by.
"You are blessed, Karana." He chuckled. "She rarely shows such enthusiasm towards anything." He paused, nodded and drew in a deep breath. "Very well, if it's okay with you, Karana, take this little rascal as your apprentice. Teach her some hunting skills and if she does well, we'll consider letting you teach her some of your other skills. I'll speak with No about a change in role for you and let you know."
He glanced between them and then bowed his head slightly. "We'll let you get on with your day now without interruptions." And before Fia could scamper away he trapped her tail beneath his paw. "Oh, and if she gets too big-headed for her own paws just tell her mother. No is better at dealing with troublesome daughters." He smiled. "Take care." And with that he snagged up his daughter by the scruff and swung round to take her home.
Fia's eyes glistened. Yes! She'd gotten her way and now she had a cool lioness to teach her all those amazing things! She wanted to hear about the battles, about the outside world. She wanted to learn about hunting, painting and what had happened to the pride in the past. Finally it seemed she'd set her heart on something and clearly it wasn't just one thing at all.
"Bye Mzaa!" She called, waving a paw as she dangled by her scruff. "Thank youuuu." And then Kidondo was turning away and the lioness was out of sight.
She sighed. Content.
(( I spoke to Mims and we both agreed that Karana could move into historian rank. See the new announcement for details on the role. If I missed anything, let me know! Also, I hope you didn't mind the Fia thing. If you do, let me know! Hopefully I'll catch you on AIM soon! ))
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Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 1:13 pm
Karana'Mzaana held a breath and gratitude swelled in her chest. She would do well teaching Fia, and she was excited, to be able to have, even somewhat of a small, family, per say, was a wonderful thing. Karana had only known of Afu, a cousin of sorts, but besides that, the truth of her family of the past was vague and unknown. Though this, with an apprentice, to this blooded firekin, meant family, friendship, trust.
She laughed, and flicked her tail, "I'm sure I'll do fine, as will she," Karana glanced to Fia, gave a smile and a nod to make sure that Fia knew, that even if she were to be her apprentice, Karana would also be a friend, as a mentor as well.
"Thank you Kidondo," she bowed her head in the slight, smiling, happy, that now a new beginning within this new start had risen from a mere enjoyment, she would be proud to teach Fia not only skills as a huntress, but of how to ensure the history and future of the Firekin to not be forgotten. "I shall see you again soon no doubt, and you as well Fia," she took a breath, reveled in this new realization, and felt so at ease.
Karana'Mzaana watched as KIdondo scooped up Fia in a manner and began to carry her away, new days and lessons would start soon. Karana purred towards the pair, and waved to Fia, and as they went off across the dunes, Mzaa again turned to her slabs, traveled to the one where she was recording youngest gaining apprenticeships to other members, their beginning of their life here, and she began a new image:
-her and Fia, creating an image together.
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