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 Posted: Tue May 05, 2009 2:11 pm
(This is a private rp between Kirjava and her immediate family.)
Life had never been better for Kirjava. Her youngest son was a father and had his paws full with the litter. She could spot the twinkle in his eye every time she spoke to him about her grandcubs. Not that she didn't share that twinkle, which she did, but it was something so rewarding for her to witness in her own cub as she never got to witness it with her eldest son, Ravi.
It was such a joy to see those innocent and playful cubs grow and expand their horizons each and every day. It was even more of a blessing for her that they would never have to share the same fate that Ravi and her had. They would never have to live in fear for their lives, wondering when their time would be up.
Each passing day, somewhere deep inside of the lioness she grew restless. It wasn't the type of restless that was typically associated with boredom, this was something beyond that. She knew what this meant, as did each old lion when they knew their time on this earthy plane was up. It wasn't easy to explain this feeling to younger lions since it was something an individual had to experience. But her restlessness had been consuming her more and more with each passing day. She didn't want to be selfish, her son had to know that her time was coming up sooner than she had anticipated. Although, she was quite surprised she had made it this far into her life and she had Aapep to thank for that. If it hadn't been for him in her life, she probably would have lost the will to live on back when she learned of Kiburi's passing.
Last night, she had dreamed for once in a long, long time. It was of Kiburi, and it was so pleasant that she did not want to wake up. Upon waking from her dream did she realize what it meant. Her time was coming close, it wouldn't be that much longer now.
Her crimson eyes gazed forward, trying to search for her son. The last thing she had wanted was to go from this world all alone, without the loving gaze of her family by her side. She called out tentatively, "Aapep?"
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Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 7:32 am
Her son was never far away.
Cubs or not, his mother would always be a prioity. It was she who had given him life, she who had taught him and brought him up. It was she who had shown him the world, taken him to see his brother by the sea. It was she who he had known since the first time he had drawn breath. Oh, how he loved her. A bond, perhaps greatened by the sheer fact that for the most part it had just been him and her. The two of them facing the world side by side.
Yet, whilst Aapep had knowledge of death, and what it meant, he had no firsthand knowledge of it. He feared it, feared losing those he loved. Yet, were the dead still not here with them? In their hearts and memories and in every action they did. Was his own actions not mirrors of Kirjava's?
As such, when she called him, he heard it and he rose to turn and find her. "I'm here, Mother?" And he moved towards the sound of the voice, wondering what she needed.
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Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 4:01 pm
It didn't take long for her son to come into her line of sight. Kirjava felt relief sweep over her. The last thing she needed was to go searching through the lands trying to find her son with her final breathe approaching. She could feel the corners of her mouth curve upward as she bent forward to brush her head against his cheek.
Her son had grown up and had cubs of his own now. It was a thought that still thrilled her even to this very day. She had missed seeing Ravi's own cubs, but not Aapep's. "How are the little ones? Are they keep Mawi and you busy?" A soft chuckle escaped her, if any of them took after Aapep they'd be a pawful!
A careful glance around, she wondered silently where Mawi and the cubs were. Were they close enough to hear them? She did not know how to break the news to her son, much less to four little cubs. She drew in a steady breath before she looked at her son, "I have something to tell you and I don't know of the easiest way to tell you, Aapep," She paused, "I dreamt last night of my sister, Kiburi. I have not dreamt about her since back when we were together in the desert. This dream confirmed what I have been feeling."
To her son, she couldn't lie and sugarcoat the truth. He knew everything about her and it would be the ultimate betrayal, in her eyes, to do that to her son. "Aapep...I am dying. My time here is coming to close sooner than I had thought."
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Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:04 pm
He leaned against her as she pressed her head to his cheek, a purr rumbling from his throat. Yet, try as he might, he felt an unease in the pit of his stomach. Was something wrong? He had a feeling there was and a cold feeling of dread began to seep up through his toes and legs.
"Very busy. Nothing could have prepared me for it." He smiled, but the gesture came with some difficulty. "I don't know how you coped with me all by yourself!"
She glanced around then turned to look back at him. "Mum?" He held his breath, held his words, waiting for her to continue. She spoke of Kiburi and he remembered the story well. The story of how those monsters had hurt her and his mother. How her sister had died.
He clenched his jaw, suddenly realising what she was trying to say. And then she said it and he felt something in him break. He sagged forwards a little and gave a small, choking whine. "Mother. Please. I'm...I'm not ready to let you go yet. Please. I need you." His eyes prickled with tears. "I can't let you go now. Not now. Not when you've finally got your family and a home and..." He was lost for words, shaking his head in despair.
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 1:12 pm
She could hear the sadness start to trickle into his voice and that made Kirjava's own heart squeeze in dispair. It wasn't like she had wanted to live forever, but she had lived longer than she had thought. Long enough to see much change around her.
Gently she reached foward to lick his cheek, "Aapep, I have lived a long, hard and wonderful life. Ravi and you have brought so much joy into my life; to see my legacy live on in your cubs and his is something I had only dreamed of," She paused to look at her grief-striken son.
In a soft voice, "Some day you'll understand Aapep, but it's not something I can control. I won't be gone completely, you have me in your heart and in your cubs."
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:18 am
He knew what she was saying was true. That he'd remember her forever. That her grandchildren would remember her. But...but he couldn't face the thought of living life without her. They had been together for all of his life and thinking of not being able to go to her for advice was...
He shook his head, despair gripping him, tears welling painfully in his eyes.
"I love you, Mother." He murmured hoarsely. "I...I..." He shook his head, lost for words. What could he say to that? "Maybe you were mistaken? Maybe its just tiredness. If you just rest..." He trailed.
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Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 10:15 pm
She could hear all of her son's emotions start to well in him as it made this so much harder for her. As much as Kirjava wanted to keep on living. There came a point where her time was up and she had to accept that she would move on to a new place. It would be sad to leave her family behind here on earth, but in the end, they'd be reunited in time. She would wait for them, for the time she would be with all of her family once more.
Softly she shook her head, "As much as I'd like to say that...I can't lie to you, Aapep. There comes a time when you know it is your time. I have come to that point and I can't ignore the calling." She licked his cheek affectionately, "It isn't the end, Aapep. It's only the beginning for all of us. I will forever be with you. In your children, in their children, in the earth around you, in the music and dance. You'll never be without me watching over you."
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:56 am
"B-but..." He hesitated, looking unsure whether he should say what was on his mind. And then it came, because he could not hold back what he wanted to say. Not now when they might not have long left. He met her eyes - those kind, reassuring eyes. The eyes of his mother.
"Will we ever see one another again, Mother? I don't want to say goodbye. You say it's only the beginning. But the beginning for what? When my time comes, will I see you again?"
The tears came free now, tumbling down his face.
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:10 am
As she looked into the eyes of her son, she felt such pride and love fill up within her that it was overwhelming. The love she had for all her cubs and family members brought her such happiness, such joy into her rocky life.
She brought her face towards Aapep and rested against his mane, slowly taking in his scent. She wanted to remember it, one last time. It would comfort her forever, just as all the pleasant memories in her life would comfort her in the very end...as that is what mattered the most.
Softly, she spoke to her son, "From here, your legacy will begin. You will get to experience the joys of seeing your cubs grow and have families of their own. There is no end to anything, Aapep, just the beginning," She paused to slowly smile into his mane, "We shall see each other again. When it is your time, you shall be by my side with Kiburi and when it is Ravi's time, he shall accompany me as well."
She sat next to her son, resting her head onto his shoulder and let his mane immerse itself over her face. Just inhaling the scent of him, his mate, and their cubs.
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:17 am
He sniffed back those tears as she moved closer and moved to put an arm loosely around her shoulder, holding her close. This was his mother. The one who had brought him into this world. He should have seen this was inevitable and yet, he had not. She was supposed to be there always. And yet, from her words, perhaps she still would in spirit.
Another tear came and blotted against her fur. "We'll all be together." He whispered softly, letting her sit at his side, feeling sort of empty inside.
"Ravi...who will tell Ravi?" He swallowed. "I think...I think I will visit him." But he couldn't go yet. Not when the children were so young. But, was it fair to let Ravi wake each day thinking his mother might come to visit? And Ravi had known her longer. Would he not be greater affected by the news? No....now he was afraid. He shuddered and drew his chin close to his chest.
"Y-you think...you think Kiburi will be waiting for you, now?" He whispered softly.
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:37 am
There was a quiet rattle at the front of the den. The tan colored lioness paused, taking in the feeling of the den before wandering in. Normally Mawi would just wander in, but there was something different. She woke up with a weird feeling that moment, she even left her drum at home. She could hear the quiet voice of her mate... And Kirjava. The entire den had a quiet, calm yet sad feeling to it. She held her breath for a moment before she started to wander into the den. Her tail flicking around quietly behind her, the rattle still following her. She shuffled her feet a bit and soon she was wandering up to the pair...
Oh no...
It was the only thought that could pop into Mawi's head. She moved a little closer to the two. Her head was hung low. Just like Aapep she didn't want it to be her time to go... Mawi loved the lioness, loved her just like her own mother. The lioness had helped her through her pregnancy, with her cubs... She put on a small smile before she sat next to the two. "Hello Kir." She purred quietly as she scooted a little closer and nuzzled her softly. "Hello Aapep." She nuzzled him to before looking at them. She really had no clue what else to say, but she knew what was going on. A few tears started to roll down her face.
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:52 am
Yes, Ravi would need to know. It was such a shame that he was so far away but that couldn't be helped. His happiness was elsewhere and she loved him just the same.
Her ears flicked as she heard his question and nodded, "Oh yes, I can imagine she is there, waiting for me to join her. Just like old times..." her voice trailed off softly before she spotted movement out of the corner of her eye. Mawi!
Like the daughter she never had, her son had found a good mate. Someone he could count on and get support from. She turned to greet the lioness, "Just who I was waiting for."
Now, everthing was complete. This was her family, here to guild her to the beyond, just as she had guided them in life. There was nothing more rewarding than that as it brought tears to her eyes. She reached over to lick the lioness' cheek affectionately and took in her scent as well. She whispered to Mawi, "Make sure to watch after Aapep for me. I am glad he chose you, Mawi. I love you like my own daughter."
She returned to lean against her son as she took one last look at him before she felt herself grow tired. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she was slightly scared. Eyes slowly closed as she inhaled his scent, her family's scent, for the last time before she grew still against her son.
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:07 am
He lifted an ear as Mawi arrived, but found that - for the first time - he could not smile at her arrival. He watched his mate's face, waiting to see if she would understand, instinctively, what was happening. She did and he realised that his expression must somewhat mirror the one she now wore.
He leaned closer to his mother, as if trying to lend her some strength, that by just keeping physical contact that she might be able to draw upon that and stay with them...for just a little bit longer. A day....even a few hours would make all the difference.
The grief and fear and shock was swelling in his chest. He felt he could not breath. He felt, for some odd moment, that he was not really there, that this was all a dream and he would wake up to find it nothing more than a figment of his imagination. His head felt light, it swayed and he drew in a gasping breath.
He met her eyes, knowing what he saw in them and not wanting to believe it. Yet he held very still, afraid to move, to speak or do anything that might have her fade away. And then, just like that, the last breath left her and she grew very still.
She was gone.
"N-no!!" He found his voice, though it sounded alien to him. "Please don't take her away from me." He turned, held her close, burying his face against her neck, holding her as if he might prevent her from leaving. "Mother, don't leave me. I don't want you to go. I love you." He struggled for breath, pressing against her. "What if I can't find you..." He whispered through the tears, knowing already that it was no use.
He could not bring her back.
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:22 am
Mawi Mai looked at the two and blinked at Kir said she was waiting for her. She held back a sob before leaning into the lioness a bit and licking her maw. "Oh Kirj..." Her voice trailed, she couldn't even bring herself to say the rest of her name. She sighed slightly, she couldn't believe it... It couldn't have been happening. She had never been through something like this. She nuzzled him again before sighing slightly. "I... I'm going to m-miss you Kirjava." She licked her nose before closing her eyes and letting out a shakey breath before looking at her again. "I love you like a mother Kirjava..." Her voice trailed for a second before she nuzzled her once more. "I promise I'll take care of him... I love you too."
She teared up a little more... Before she could feel more tears roll down her face. She was done. She couldn't believe it. Just like that she was done. "Kir-Kirjava I'll miss you." She backed up a little more as she tired to wipe her tears away from her face. But they kept going. She turned her attention back toward Aapep. "Aapep..." She said quietly. Even though she was sad, she knew that she had to take care of her mate. She moved around him and nuzzled her gently. "You'll find her Aapep." She said quietly before nuzzling her head into his main. "I promise you'll find her. She'll be watching us and our children...."
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