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 Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:52 am
Samehe was becoming more and more adjusted to life with the Dhati. Really, once she had come to realize the truth, that the Spirits knew she was not meant to be murdered, not meant to be a Sacrifice under the conditions that the Mizimu'tungika were currently in. Her brother knew this, and that was why he had not come to her rescue. When all of that had settled, she knew her place was here, with lions that felt the same way as she. Still, despite being rescued by the Dhati, she had gained a certain bitterness. How could one not be bitter when they had gone through what she had? It tired her, this bitterness, made her feel as if she was years older than what she was. Perhaps she just wasn't meant to feel this way, but she did.
The lioness sighed softly, and tried to look at things in a better light. She couldn't. Her sister had always been far better at it than she, making the best out of situations. While Samehe's resolve might bestronger, it made her unhappy. The Dhati, while right, weren't making her as happy as she had been when she was a blissfully unaware Sacrifice. Weary, she picked herself up and decided to seek out her sibling. At least she wasn't alone here in the Dhati... but then again, she hadn't had a chance to talk to her sister. Perhaps she was scared of it. What if Alizeti thought the Dhati were wrong? What if she thought ill of their brother?
Samehe wasn't sure she could handle it if her sister thought differently from her. She was bitter now, and didn't want to turn her bitterness on her sister. But, despite her reservations, she went on her way to seek out her sister. It was about time they came together, about time they talked about their situation. Samehe did not want to be alienated completely from her family, she needed her sister, and could only hope that she would be ready to accept her, no matter what.
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Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:47 pm
Though she hadn't been a "member" of the Dhati for very long, Alizeti already had a kind of daily routine set out, mostly to keep herself occupied and out of trouble. As she did most every day, the lioness was scouring the borders of the makeshift clan's land, contemplating her current position, options, and though she much preferred to keep it out of mind, the upcoming war between her own tribe and these rebels. Not to mention the fact that, though her dear sister was also a captive of the Dhati, Liz hadn't spoken a word to her or even seen much of her since their arrival.
With heavy thoughts and heart she sat and sighed, bowing her head slightly and closing her blue eyes to keep the stress of her situation at bay. To Alizeti, her family was everything, particularly her brother and sister. Though she suspected Majaliwa of sending her to the Dhati in the first place, she could never feel any ill will toward him. In her heart, she knew he had his reasons and that the spirits had a plan for her, whatever it may be. If she were meant to be with the Mizimu'Tungika right now, that's where she would be and no place else. These reassuring thoughts at least gave her hope. True to her tribe, she trusted the spirits with all her heart.
Still, Alizeti couldn't help but feel the sting of loneliness and unsureness. Why hadn't she spoken to Samehe or vice versa? What would she do when the time finally came to battle and she, a Sacrifice with little training in warfare, was caught in the middle of it all? Spending so much time around the rebels had given birth to doubt within her, she had to admit as much as she didn't want to.
With another sigh she shook her head slowly; a tear ran down to her nose and fell to the ground. With a quick sniffle and a swipe of her paw she tried to put the stressful thoughts to rest along with the tears, with little success.
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:55 pm
What had kept her from her sister for this long had finally disappeared, and while she didn't know how exactly their reunion would go, a large part of her desired it to happen. She spent the better part of the morning looking for Alizeti, and only when it grew closer to the afternoon did she find her. It was no wonder it had taken her so long, with Alizeti haunting around the borders, a more obscure spot than she could imagine her sister being. For a moment she hesitated at the sight of her, even took a small step backwards in uncertainty. Did she really want to do this now? It seemed awkward after the time they had spent apart, especially since they were in such a new situation.
Swallowing down her nerves, she approached her lighter-colored sister, her steps soft, nearly soundless. Even now as she parted her lips to speak up, she didn't know what to say. If there was one sure-fire way to blow the words from her lips, it was to see her sister crying. Immediately concern rose up in her chest, her ears pressing down against the back of her skull with her worry. "Alizeti?" she asked in a soft voice, a voice that encouraged her sister to tell her what was wrong. She supposed they could have normal conversation later. What was important right now was comforting her sister, as Alizeti had done for her in the past.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying?" her voice now was a little more insistent, needing to know what had wronged her sister so much to make her cry. She supposed Alizeti did not want to be part of the Dhati, and she didn't put it past her to believe so. If that was true, Samehe would have to convince her to see the light of the situation. Samehe would have to convince her when others couldn't. But, until she knew what was wrong, she could do nothing.
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Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:16 am
"Oh- Samehe!"
The golden-coated lioness' head shot up in the direction of her sister standing just a few feet behind her. For just a moment, all of Alizeti's previous woes and worries had disappeared and her mind drew a complete blank- the shock certainly shone in her blue eyes. It was her sister, just as she remembered her. Nothing had changed- at least, Liz thought that was the case. As far as she knew, Samehe was also miserable within the confines of the Dhati.
"I-," she stuttered and attempting to regain her composure quickly swiped a paw across her eyes, chuckling in a fairly convincing manner despite how forced it was. "Don't be silly Samehe! I'm just fine. Trying to keep away from those ruffians is all..."
For a moment it felt as if they were home, and with that thought Liz found herself able to calm down a considerable amount. However, just as soon as she found her tears drying up they threatened to well up once again, emotions pouring forth at the "reunion" with her sister. All that was missing was Majaliwa, but no, he was safe within the comfort of the Mizimu'Tungika.
"This is all just... a little overwhelming is all." This time around she gave her sister a genuine smile, though not without pain behind it. After she had spoken, the lioness' thoughts drifted to their brother, and the possibility that this may have been his doing. Alizeti resolved to speak of it with Samehe later, but not now, not when they had just spoken to one another for the first time in days. Assuming her sister would agree with her, even a little worried that her few doubts would concern the other, Liz foresaw the conversation as being light and jubilant, relief from the oppression the Dhati forced upon her; she hadn't a clue how drastically wrong she was.
"I just... wish we were back home is all," she muttered, voice weak with longing.
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Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 10:32 pm
Her expression froze, and really, she should have expected this. They had been abducted, even if for their own good. To hear how unhappy her sister was, and what she thought of the Dhati only pulled her in two opposite directions - her sense of right, and her strong family bond. For a long moment she was silent, trying to figure out what to say to Alizeti. She knew she should comfort her first, but she wanted her sister to know that she wasn't being wronged in this situation. Rather, she was being rescued from a wrongful death. If the spirits had wanted her in the Mizimu'tungika, she would be there now, and not here with the Dhati. It was hard to comprehend that Alizeti did not understand that.
"They aren't ruffians," she replied, a little more defensively than she had intended. Maybe some of them were brutish, but not all, and besides, they had saved them. Alizeti should have realized this, and should be feeling grateful right now rather than feeling like she was wronged. She tried to right her error, and gave her sister a kinder expression. "I don't, I wish us to remain right here, Liz." She took a step closer to her sister, allowing the warmth to leak back into expression. Really, now wasn't the time to argue... she needed to convince her sister that all was well.
"Don't you see? The Dhati saved us. They took us because the Spirits knew we weren't supposed to be ill-Sacrificed. Majaliwa didn't come for us because he read the Spirits will and knew it to be true. We're meant to be here, Alizeti. I don't want to hear that we aren't. We were saved. I am thankful for that." Samehe sat down, her gaze trained on her sister's face, waiting for the moment when her sister realized the truth. Only then could they be happy, and she could see about making her sister more comfortable in her new surroundings.
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Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 10:37 am
Immediately Alizeti's ears pressed down against her head and she looked at her sister in subtle shock. What had these rebels done to her dear sister? It couldn't be so- had Samehe really turned against the Mizimu'Tungika, against their family and friends and the spirits? The lioness was very nearly overcome in a cold sweat as she searched for a way to respond, to retaliate. As her sister approached with what Liz saw as feigned kindness she felt herself wince a little, as if Samehe being near would taint her faith as well.
"Samehe..." her voice was hushed and appalled. Even among the faithful Mizimu Alizeti was one of the more progressive ones and did not completely agree with all of their customs and practices, but this was unacceptable. This was treason. It was as if she could feel the spirits writhing and scowling down upon them.
"You can't be serious, have they really turned you against our tribe? Our home?" She bowed her head and narrowed her eyes, averting her glare to the ground. Liz was not a confrontational lioness, but this was her sister and a question of faith and life.
"I agree with you- the spirits would not have sent us here if we weren't meant to be here, but... Samehe, this is treason. This is blasphemy. How can our sacrifice be ill if it is for the gods, for the good of our home?!"
Alizeti stood abruptly and took a few steps back from her sister, shaking her head as she continued to focus her troubled eyes at the ground.
"If Majaliwa believes the Dhati to be right, then why isn't he here with us- where is he?! He-he's back home, safe and well with the spirits, while we're here among these dissenters. Even if I got to go back, who knows how long it would take to be purified of the Dhati- I-I'll never be a Sacrifice now!"
Lip quivering with despair and rage, she bit down on it. Maybe that was the whole point- for her not to be a Sacrifice. It certainly seemed like she wasn't meant to be. But why?
"What are we meant for if not to be sacrificed...?"
Defeated by her own reasoning, her haunches met the ground roughly, head bowed in submission.
"I'm so confused, Samehe. I just wish I knew what the spirits were thinking," she said quietly, with a slight rasp in her voice from being raised.
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Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:45 am
She knew something was wrong the moment Alizeti's ears pressed against the back of her head. Samehe stopped her advance on her sister, her whole body stiffening with tension as she prepared to hear what her sister had to say. That disgust in Alizeti's voice made her twinge, eyes darken with anger. Her sister was disgusted with her! The last lioness on the earth who should be against her couldn't stand to hear her own beliefs. Samehe wanted to stalk off, wanted to be done with this conversation, since it would bring them nowhere. All she could foresee was them fighting, because it was unlikely that either of them would back down from their beliefs.
"Don't talk like that to me!" she snapped at her sister, her jaws clicking together audibly. What irritated her more than anything else was that her sister thought her such a traitor. She was the one following the will of the spirits, the very thing their home pride was based around.
"If you agree with me, then why are you arguing with me? I am doing what is right for myself. The Sacrifices are being wasted! The spirits do not demand so much blood from us. Would you want to be killed for no reason? Would that give your life meaning, Alizeti?" Even her sister's more demure state couldn't soften her anger towards it. Her eyes were harsh, shielding the hurt of her sister's betrayal away from view.
"You're infuriating, Alizeti. You're not seeing the big picture, you're only seeing yourself. You're better off not being a Sacrifice in the Mizimu's current condition, unless you want to die like that, for no reason." It was hard to look at Alizeti now, and with a growl Samehe turned from her sister and paced back and forth, trying to release her pent-up energy. Alizeti was being stupid, and Samehe wanted to defend her beliefs, but fighting with her sister like that was taxing. But, she wouldn't back down, it wasn't like her to back down.
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Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:06 am
This time around Alizeti was even more taken aback- Samehe was yelling at her, yelling at her! The lioness felt her heart sink, her stomach plummet into nothing inside her and the tears she had been fighting back begging to be freed from their captivity. It felt as if she was falling apart, drifting away from her sister on a piece of driftwood in the sea- she was beginning to drown. But she could not back down from this, not if she was going to save her dear sister so that the both of them could be reunited with Majaliwa and return home once again. Brows furrowed with a new spark of rage, Alizeti blinked a few tears away and retaliated.
"What's the matter with you Samehe?! I was never talking down to you- I already said that I believe the spirits sent us here for a reason, what else do you want from me? It's just difficult for me to understand how you seem to be able to know what the spirits want more than me- more than the entire Mizimu'Tungika! I'm being selfish? Just look at yourself!"
It was all she could do simply to glare at the ground as to keep herself from focusing her anger entirely upon her sister- all she had at the moment. Chest heaving just slightly from her outburst she looked back up to Samehe, pacing back and forth. It only added to her frustration.
"The only thing we know is that the spirits didn't want us to be sacrificed right now, that's all! And we aren't even certain of that!" Alizeti blinked and narrowed her eyes at her sister, a kind of revelation washing over her.
"Did you talk to Majaliwa before all this happened? What all do you know, Samehe? I deserve to know just as much as you if you're keeping something from me!"
As her voice began to rise with the end of her statement, she also rose from her sitting position, juxtaposed with her pacing sister. From the beginning she suspected their brother of having some kind of hand in their abduction. The lioness was not so blind that she couldn't see that if so, he had only been listening to the spirits and wanted them to live on, and she couldn't be angry with him for that. However she did feel as though she was missing some details- why else would Samehe dissent like this?
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Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:40 am
She didn't want to see her sister cry, not because she was heartless, but it would make her weaken in her resolve to be a full-fledged member of the Dhati. If her sister was so miserable, she'd want to do anything to make her feel better, out of old habit, out of the family bond they still had. So she ignored the tears, didn't see the threat of them. She wouldn't let it block out her anger, not now, not when her sister was arguing with her so. Her anger was righteous, defensive. Samehe had convinced herself that this was the truth, and she would not be convinced otherwise now. She would not be told that she was wrong.
"If you'd stop moping around for one second of your time spent here, you'd realize that this is right! You'd have... that feeling, Alizeti, that you know what you're doing is right. The Mizimu'tungika is corrupt, you're too self-absorbed to see that. They would have you killed for no reason, Alizeti!" Her words were low from the growl in her voice. Samehe's body was stiffened with anger, her green eyes taking on an unusually harsh light. She had to defend herself, her thoughts, because they were all she believed in right now. She would let no one shatter it, not even her sister.
Alizeti's words made her pause this time, and her eyebrows creased together with thought. It was hard to recall that time when she was angry. Samehe didn't want to pay it any heed, and so she didn't. She ignored the memory for now. "All I know is that this is where we belong, that the Mizimu'tungika is being false." It was clear from her expression that there was no force on the earth that would change her mind in these precious minutes with her sister, time ill spent by fighting and arguing with her.
"So all I can suggest is that you make the best of your time here," she finished, her gaze kept strictly away from her sister. She really couldn't look at her right now.
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Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 10:55 am
"You're not even listening to a thing I say- you've not answered any of my questions or even acknowledged them, Samehe!"
Alizeti's voice had grown in strength and loudness. Any inhibitions she may have had prior of the others hearing them from the main camp had disappeared as she argued with her sister. Before she had felt emptiness and loss in her chest, but now it burned with betrayal and heaved with irritation and loss.
"I've not been moping around all the time, I've put just as much thought into all of this as you! How am I being self-absorbed Samehe? HOW? I- we- we're talking about two completely different things, we aren't even on the same page anymore!"
This time it was Alizeti that had to begin pacing about; it was all she could do to even remain in her sister's presence instead of storming off. Pacing only did so much for her captive frustration and she felt her body become uncomfortably warm as thoughts darted through her head to fast to be sorted out. Samehe seemed to literally be ignoring everything she said, the lioness' words went in one ear and out the other and that was what enraged her the most.
"You know what, Samehe. I don't know what's right anymore. But you're not helping me find that out right now. You aren't helping your case at all." The golden-coated lioness snorted, sitting down in a huff, glaring at the ground with a scowl more intense than she had probably ever had on her face before. "I can see that you won't change your mind- that's fine. But don't count on me changing mine either. We'll see how this all works out eventually I suppose..."
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:13 am
This was getting nowhere. Alizeti wasn't listening to a word she said, only defending herself because she felt attacked. Samehe was just trying to prove to her... show her that the Dhati was the best place to be right now. Here they were safe, here they wouldn't be wronged. But, her sister wouldn't listen to reason. The loyalty that tied her to the Mizimu'tungika had not been severed yet. Samehe only worried that if she couldn't convince her sister, no one could. If only Alizeti would listen...
She growled softly to herself, her gaze still not turning back to her sister. The lioness could see her out of the corner of her eyes, pacing back and forth like Samehe herself had done earlier. She felt something bad turn in the pit of her stomach, suspecting that this was going to tear them apart. Truthfully she didn't want it, but it was happening. Samehe was set firm in her ways, and Alizeti was determined not to listen to her. "Because you won't listen!" she growled in reply, teeth bared just slightly. She was tired of this, of Alizeti shrugging off her opinion, her words. Samehe did not want to be scorned like this.
"You can't trust your own sister, that's what it boils down to. You always liked Maja more... well, at least you're safe here. At least I know that you won't be killed mindlessly." That was all she could say, and even if she didn't like Alizeti all this much in this moment, she was her sister still, and she was safe with the Dhati. That was all that mattered. Alizeti didn't have to agree with the Dhati one bit, so long as she was protected.
"Enjoy your day," she said harshly, eyes lifting to her sister's face for just a brief moment before she turned away. Samehe wasn't going to waste her time further. She had better things to do than preach to a sister who wouldn't listen to her.
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