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Ihlo had been feeling a little despondent lately. She loved her home, and her dwindling family, but after her twins departed for life elsewhere, and after her little Ozzy became a father, everything felt like it was passing her by. Like she was still missing something. It was probably the early days of motherhood she missed actually. Knowing her cubs were all there and that they needed her.

Now, they were all off on their own adventures and making their own families. She knew it had to happen but she didn't want it to happen so soon. But when would it have stopped being 'too soon?'

Ihlo ambled about the Kusini in an aimless way, first through the grasses, a little splash in the river, then back to the plains, maybe a quick meander through the trees. Nothing much seemed to take her mind off things though.

She finally came to rest beside the river, curled up in the roots of a large tree.

Ihlo wasn't the only one not feeling quite right. It seemed ever since Izulu had left Umbia alone and pregnant she hadn't been quite right, everything seemed in some way to upset her. Everything reminded her of him and so today she looked for her sister at her fathers request for today was the day she planned to leave, to get away for a while. She wouldn't be gone long she just needed some time to be herself and not stuck in the same routine.

She wandered through the lands and at last saw the white body of her sister.

"Ihlo!" She called out before trotting over to say hello. Oh how it was nice to see her sister again.

Ihlo's ears perked, a smile already forming on her maw at the very sound of her name. At this point in time it mattered not who was calling her, just that someone needed her. She lurched herself up a bit to see her dark-pelted sister gambol towards her.

"Umbia!" she replied cheerfully. "To what do I owe the pleasure little sister?"

"Unfortunately it not a happy call. I have come to say goodbye." Umbia gave a weak smile as she spoke.

"I have spoken to father and these lands they all remind me so much of Izulu he has recommended I go for a while, get a break. My parents are going to watch my boys to make sure they stay out of trouble but I wanted to see you before I go."

Ihlo tried her hardest to keep her smile fixed to her face, but it was more than obvious from the effort in her pained expression and the sorrowful look to her eyes that this news hit her like a brick.

She could understand though. Her twins had left for not so dis-similar reasons - they had grown weary of the same lands and sought a break from it all.

Trying to focus on the good side to this, the fact her sister would be going away to feel better, she managed another smile.

"I am sorry to hear that you're going sister," she said genuinely. "You know I'll miss you and be worrying about all the time."

She laughed like any big sister would.

Umbia chuckled.

"It won't be for long, only so I can clear my head. I can't leave my boys now can I?" She chuckled and smiled at her sister. "I could not leave my parents either, we are the only ones still here, all my litter mates have left as have yours."

She could see the pain in her sisters eyes and she wished to make her realise that it really would be only for a short short time.

"Yes, it seems sad how quickly things change, how soon people move on and whatnot..." she mused out loud to Umbia. "Still, at least you'll be coming back. I can see how these lands would make one's head a bit fuzzy."

She then thought of something that had obviously tickled a funny bone because then she started to laugh and laugh.

"I mean, just look at me and how long I've lived her. You don't get more fuzzy-headed than me.

"Oh Ihlo how silly you are! You are happy here are you not? With your wonderful mate! You have so much that is worth staying for, you are in love and loved back and you both are so cute!" It was something Umbia was starting to realise she would never have.

"It shall be soon before I return and hopefully my head will be clear of a certain someone and I might be able to find what you have." She could hope right? She might even find someone while she was on her travels! Oh that thought made her smile, yes wouldn't that just be the best

"Oh of course, I couldn't leave here even if someone offered me the world on a platter. This is always home to me," she said, echoing Umbia's sentiments.

It certainly reassured Ihlo to know that Umbia at least had her head on straight. She might have had her heartbreaks, and might still have more to come, but through it all she still wanted something solid.

"And I hope for you too. Nothing's quite so special as finding your 'rock' in life."

"Well lets see if I find that rock." She chuckled to herself a little though she wasn't overly sure whether or not she could find a rock in her life, she might but then she might not, in the end she probably wouldn't know even if she found it. Though she hoped she didn't expect anything.

"I should probably get on my way, the sooner I leave the sooner I get back!" She smiled though it was a weak smile, oh how she didn't want to leave but she knew it would do her some good.

"Indeed. Every journey starts with one step but might last a thousand, so the quicker you get going, the quicker you'll cover those steps," she said with that sisterly affection that seemed to say 'I love you' in every tone.

She gave her sister one last huge smile and even ambled over to her to physically give her a nudge and nuzzle.

Umbia smiled.

"I shall miss you Ihlo."

She nuzzled her sister back and gave her a quick lick before she turned to go. Time for the big adventure and she was so so scared. Before she left though she turned to her sister.

"Goodbye, I shall see you soon." Then she ran as she knew it was the only way that she would actually get out of those lands.