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 Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:55 am
The children were growing up beautifully and life was calm and tranquil when they weren't getting up to mischief. And finally, now that they were old enough to have dens of their own, he and Rehema had got the alone time that he had craved. Sure, he loved his children, but sometimes he liked it just with Rehema and him, talking about the past, the future, silly nothings.
It made the world spin.
He'd just left Eeva to her hunting practise and was heading back towards the den, enjoying the dappled sun on his back. As he drew near he gave the familiar chuff of greeting.
Was she there?
--
They were all growing up so strong. She never thought she'd actually miss having the little ones scrambling over her during every waking hour of the day, mewing for attention, and tugging at her ears while she tried to sleep. It seemed so soon for them to grow up...soon Eeva would be their clan leader and her brothers hunters for the pride. Kohana hadn't left Eeva's side, he hadn't changed much...even during her hunts he was watching from the sidelines.
She chuckled faintly, dipping her head to lap at a small puddle that had gathered after the light rain just the night before.
Ona's greeting lifted the lioness' head and brought a soft smile to her maw. She answered him quietly and pushed up to a stand to greet him.
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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:56 am
"You alright, love?" He murmered softly, moving towards her as she stood, pushing his nose up beneath her chin, purring at the contact. Love. It was a beautiful thing, something that made him realise what life was all about. It wasn't about being a hero, doing anything crazy. It was simply enjoying and appreciating what you add.
And he felt as if he had everything he needed right here.
"Eeva's getting better at hunting. She's growing up to be just like her mother." He smiled softly. "Nice to see Kohana with her, too. He's a good influence, I think."
--
"Of course." She purred in return, nuzzling her cheek into Ona's thick mane. He always came at the right time, a sixth sense perhaps? Or just luck. Either way...he was always there when she needed him.
"She has your observant eyes, and Kohana has your dedication." She leaned back a bit to nuzzle her nose against Ona's forehead, "THey're growing up beautifully.:"
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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:57 am
He blinked, smiling, filled with a sense of incredible pride. "It's wonderful, isn't it? Having those four children gives me so much pride. They're a credit to us, they truly are." He nudged her gently. "I never thought, when I first met you, that I'd be so blessed. To have you return my love, for us to have a family."
He sniffed, slightly overcome. "And to see how everything has developed - including our little clan." He shook his head and looked upwards.
"The future is bright."
--
"I never thought I'd meat someone that would tolerate me." She chuckled softly and circled around to lean her shoulder against his. "I have.... some news for you. Now that you bring it up."
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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:58 am
"Tolerate you? Love, don't be so modest. You are a beautiful, proud and talented lioness, far wiser in the ways of the land than I could ever be. If it were not for you I would still be huddling in my den, afraid of all the newcomers to this place."
He paused and blinked. News?
"What's this? News? Secrets?" His first thought was of Malik. They'd been expecting to see him again but...he'd been gone a long while...
"Is it Malik? Have you heard from him?" He wasn't sure how that would have been possible without the big male turning up on their doorstep, but it didn't hurt to hope, did it?"
--
She couldn't help but laugh, "It's not that. When I was younger, I was quite the bully. I don't need to say again that I have a temper." She nudged him playfully, "And you were pretty brave when we met! Coming out to meet Malik and I after we were wounded. You're braver than you give yourself credit for."
Her ears sank a bit. "No... I've still heard nothing of Malik." She hoped that he was alright...the firey young male had dedicated his life to trying to reclaim his family....an impossible task it seemed. Even she hadn't seen her siblings in years.
"Well... let's just say that our clan will be a little larger in a few months."
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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:59 am
He smiled, nodding gently. Rehema could definately be scary sometimes. But in her scariness he found a feeling of security. He knew no harm would ever come to the family so long as she was around. Yes, he was a male, but he wasn't bigger than Rehema and she was certainly more brazen than he ever was. (Though he had not yet faced a situation where he'd had to be brave and angry).
His ears sank too, however, as she confirmed what he had known in his heart. Still no word of Malik. He was beginning to feel himself worrying about the big lion. For though he had seemed unstoppable and strong...he couldn't help but think those lions he had gone to fight might have been bigger and stronger still...
He was about to open his mouth when she continued.
"Larger? What do you mean larger?"
--
She offered a quiet, coy smile in return. "What do you think I mean larger?" She sat herself back and leaned her shoulders back. She loved playing games with him, making him guess, teasing him a little even.
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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 12:00 pm
He looked at her, slightly confused. "Well...more members, of course. Have more arrived? Like with that male Eeva found?" More Ela'wadiyians out there somewhere? The thought was a good one. But how likely was it. Besides, how could Rehema know the future? They weren't here yet.
And then something clicked in his brain and he felt a tightness in his chest and throat. He opened his mouth to speak and a little croak uttered free.
Swallowing, he tried to clear his airway. "Rehema...you...you don't mean..."
Babies?
--
She laughed again. She knew he'd figure it out, but it was fun to watch him guesss. After she composed herself once more she nodded, "Babies." She answered simply. She let the word hang for a moment, letting it sink in. Even if they were already parents, it was the same thrill all over again.
--
Babies!!
The word rang in his ears, bringing to life that little thought in his head. Was it really true? Yes...yes it was! He looked into her eyes and knew he loved her. Knew he would always love her. And now there would be more little ones.
Goodbye to alone time but....but hello to new children!
The thrill of knowing he'd be a father again was as strong and exciting and nerve-wracking as the first time, but with it was a knowledge that they'd done it once and they could do it again.
Suddenly he wanted to tell everyone! Everyone!
And then the world span and he relaised he'd been holding his breath in all the excitement. He sagged against her, leaning to kiss the side of her muzzle.
"Babies." He snuffled. "Oh, Rehema, this is wonderful news. I...I don't know what to say." And he felt tears p***k at his eyes. "I love you."
/fin.
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