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 Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 4:05 pm
It was strange for Esther to not have anything to do or anything to worry about. She had always been both for so long, that it was a rather unnerving feeling. Still, her son, Taa'Hewa, was fully grown now and did not need Esther to be around all of the time. He still enjoyed spending time with her, as did she, but he now had a life of his own and it was time for Esther to find her own as well.
"It really is quite nice out here," said Tambuzi, his head resting somewhere near her left ear. "Did you have a specific destination in mind tonight?"
Esther thought for a moment before replying.
"Do you remember that nice little watering hole we found awhile ago? I can't quite recall where it is, but I thought it would be a nice place to rest for awhile. You know, the one with the large tree and the rocks?"
"Yes, I recall that one. It should be just over that ridge, to the south."
Esther corrected her directions and quickened her pace. In no time, the pair arrived at the spot. It was just as peaceful as Esther remembered. Tambu slid from her neck and quickly found a warm rock to curl up on. Esther chuckled before making her way to the water's edge to take a long drink. Strangely enough, there was no one else around. Esther would have expected the spot to be a popular one, but she had not run into anyone here and it was a nice place to simply relax and think of happy times.
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Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 5:19 pm
 The day had been not out of the ordinary, though good weather had promised itself throughout, making the inviting evening a perfect time for anyone to wander off without much worry. Soft grass gave away to a very dark, black hyena, white hair ruffling as the small winds embraced it. His walk was slow and aimless, but rather calm and gentle. The day called to him to draw towards the watering hole he discovered not very long ago - he was used to its lack of inhabitants, for most of his life had been lived out in solitude as well.
It was surprising to see then, that a gray and white female hyena had taken up the spot he himself stood upon before. To further increase his curiosity of the situation, a patterned snake seemed to be lounging near the female hyena, that it would have been puzzling if the two did not acknowledge each other with such close vicinity. With that in mind, the black hyena inferred that the two didn't pose much of a threat to the environment or himself, and so he trudged on in their direction, surprised that his scent hadn't been caught yet.
He watched with mild interest as the female dipped her head down to the water's edge to drink, and made his way towards her, eyes and body alert in the slim chance she did mean any harm with her snake companion.
"Hello?" he inquired as a greeting, hoping it wouldn't be met back with an offensive response. It wasn't often that he ran into company that seemed good enough to keep, much less hyenas like himself; they seemed to have scattered themselves sparsely throughout the lands.
"You... two, are a new sight; is there anything that brings you here together?" he added hopefully, switching his focus just briefly on the snake.
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Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:29 pm
Esther was startled out of her quiet relaxation by the sound of an unfamiliar voice. She started visibly and turned, taking a instinctively cautious stance. Her green eyes narrowed as her gaze caught sight of the male hyena. She was surprised that he'd been able to sneak up on her. She had not noticed his scent while she was drinking. Tambuzi also woke with a start and quickly slithered over to her and up one leg to coil around her neck.
Unfortunately, her first response was one of suspicion. It had been pounded into her by the years of scouting and of motherhood. It was with an effort that she throttled down the feelings. After all, the male had not attacked her while her back was turned, which would have been a very good opportunity for him. Because he hadn't taken it and had also announced his presence, it was unlikely that he meant her any harm. Perhaps the spot was a favorite of his as well. Calming her startled nerves, Esther took a few deep breaths before speaking. Her manner was still cautious, but she made an effort to look friendly.
"Hello there. I'm very sorry for my reaction, but you did startle me. I did not sense your arrival at all."
His question threw her off for a moment and she frowned, glancing down at Tambuzi. The snake had coiled back down her legs and had taken a defensive stance in front of her. After a moment, she chuckled. She'd forgotten what a strange sight they must have made. Tambu had been around for so long, she was used to his presence.
"Oh yes, Tambuzi here is my friend and companion. He means neither you or me any harm and I assure you that we both hope you feel the same."
Tambuzi nodded but stayed quiet and wary, ready in case the situation turned bad. He was always prepared for the worst, having defended Taa'Hewa, Esther's son, while he grew from a pup to an adult.
"I am sorry if we are intruding upon your spot. I've been here a few times before, but have not seen anyone else here," continued Esther, "Do you mind if we stay?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:05 am
It shouldn't have came as a surprise to him that his presence would alarm the pair before him; he suspected he had given the two a rather sneaky entrance, though he wasn't trying to aim for that in particular. Perhaps the peaceful quiet of the clearing made it all the easier to lower one's guard. Whatever the reason, he stopped his pace respectfully and offered a small though still perceivable smile to the pair. His gaze couldn't help but linger on the coiling snake; had it been less evident that the female was aware of its presence, he would have thought that a very audacious snake was attempting to down a more than formidable opponent.
He noticed that there was a pronounced, uncomfortable tension in the air as he made himself known, and he wasn't sure whether he could so much as take another step without upsetting the strangers; he did know, however, that the female hyena and snake pair's eyes were locked onto him, which sparked a desire to immediately turn back, not wanting to cause any further disturbances or wary looks. It was clear to him that his appearance wasn't garnishing the tranquility of the scenery, so he regretted speaking out, and was only able to patiently wait for any signs of response from either the other hyena or snake.
When the female finally returned his greeting, even offering an apology, he breathed a sigh of relief and gingerly took another step towards her. His eyes had wandered back onto the snake, and he stopped again, seeing the protective positioning in front of the female. He wasn't sure how to take it; if anything, the situation should have been reversed--he had only seen it several times before: a hyena guarding their prey from hungry onlookers, keeping the meal to themselves. It was apparent, now, that the two saw each other as more than hunter and hunted.
He nodded at her words, waiting for her to finish before taking another couple tentative steps towards them, very aware of the snake's suspicions; it was normal for animals of his size to very well attack smaller prey, so he shouldn't have been any different. If only he could make it known that he was far from presently hungry, and one of the last things he would want to do was cause conflict if he had injured a female hyena's miniature friend.
"Ah, no," he started, halting his movement at a far enough distance from Tambuzi--there was no opportunity for him to strike should the snake worry over it, "I'm not much of the harmful type... In any way. I've seen many, though. Had to deal with them with my mother."
His eye contact momentarily broke off, gaze trailing towards the water beside him. Thinking on the past, he owed everything to the one he considered his mother, despite the fact that she merely bumped into him, taking care of him when his real parents weren't in sight. What he knew so far was thanks to her, and he certainly wouldn't be standing here now had he not been found.
"Sorry about that. And for coming here at a bad time. It is the same for me--coming to this spot. I don't have much of a home, so I was going to pass through once things got less quieter here. It is as much mine as it is yours, though I am glad to have met you, and not something more..." he paused thoughtfully, "Threatening. And Tambuzi. It's not every day I see a snake guarding a hyena. You two were here before me, though, so I should be the one asking to stay."
He looked to the female and Tambuzi, searching for a signal of approval; if not, he wouldn't mind; after all, he had no territory to claim his own, nor would he be aggressive over it even if he did.
"I'll move on if you two require your peace," he added with an assuring nod.
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Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 2:02 pm
Esther shook her head vehemently at Otieno's last statement and hastened to reassure him.
"Oh no, please stay! There is plenty of room here for the three of us and I know that I am always glad for some friendly company," she said with a smile. She glared down at Tambuzi who caught her eye and nodded before backing down. He still kept a wary gaze on the male hyena as he slithered a short distance away. He would stay close enough to be able to help if Esther needed it, but was also far away enough to be respectful.
"You'll have to forgive him, please. I met Tambu a good while ago when he slithered too close to my son. I was ready to kill him, but he begged for mercy and persuaded me to let him live in return for utter devotion and protection for my son. He is a very clever snake and he has been incredibly loyal."
Esther always said that she was proud of her boys: Taa'Hewa and Tambu. It was also something of a comfort, after Hewa left, to still have someone to talk to. Life had gotten a lot more lonely recently and she was glad to have him around.
In an effort to ease the tension from the situation, Esther deliberately took a visibly relaxing position, reclining on the ground. She hoped that Otieno would do the same, knowing that it would ease poor Tambuzi's wariness. There was of course another reason for such a degree of tension and Tambuzi knew why Esther might feel uncomfortable being alone with a male hyena. She was a little on the small side and with her past . . . she had reason to be cautious.
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 7:58 pm
Before he could even make a move to leave if the other two willed it, the gray female quickly expressed her eagerness for him to stay, which put a smile to his mouth. He watched curiously as Tambuzi slunk off, and began a tentative, short stride towards where the other was standing while she spoke.
"Interesting story," was all he could remark, understanding the kindness that went in her decision; he turned to Tambuzi and pondered on the watchful but small companion. "A snake with a hyena friend, or family to protect - that's a pawful. Well... er," he stopped, realizing snakes had none, and nervously chuckled, "If you had any."
Once he was comfortably near for conversation, the black hyena noticed how smaller she was in comparison; while he hadn't been one of the particularly bigger or muscular hyenas around himself, it was still something he had to note - judging by what she said about having a son, she didn't look old enough to be a seasoned mother. And when she laid down, he followed suit, lowering his head to the water beside him to draw a quick mouthful.
"Oh, yes! If you'll allow for the late introduction, I am Otieno. So you have a son..?" he said suddenly but thoughtfully, instinctively turning his head to look elsewhere for signs of another hyena, "And is he near here? And his father, too?"
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:09 pm
Esther smiled, pleased that the male hyena chose to stay. She chuckled at his sally at Tambuzi, who also chuckled despite himself. Esther knew that Tambu would stop sulking after awhile and join them. He just had to get over his instinctual caution.
She watched as the male also reclined on the ground and took a drink of the water and she waited patiently for him to finish.
"Otieno, it's nice to meet you. I am Esther," she said. She nodded, grinning at his next question. She was always pleased to discuss her son. "Yes, I have a son named Taa'Hewa."
The next two questions made her falter. First off, it was still difficult for her to get used to not having her darling boy around. The second . . . despite the amount of time that had passed, it was still a dark memory. She took a deep breath to steady herself before she answered.
"No, he's off on his on now, to make his way into the world. I figured it was time to let him find his own path. His father . . . no. His father is not, nor has ever been in the picture."
Tambuzi could sense Esther's distress and quickly slithered over to her and wrapped himself around her paws, attempting to comfort her. She hoped that Otieno would see that it was a tough subject for her and wouldn't press it. To help him out, she attempted a change in the subject.
"I used to be a part of a pack that lived nearby, but there were some struggles and I decided to leave for now. Where do you come from?"
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:50 pm
Otieno was beginning to think that he could fully enjoy himself, judging by the beginning pleasantness of this meeting. Esther's smiles raised his leveling appreciation of the moment, as she was a mother he could find to be rather similar to his own in disposition and gentleness, which was something he missed ever since they separated. Until he noticed the brief yet cold pause that lingered after his inquiry, Otieno thought there wasn't much he could say to break the friendly atmosphere, though it was only for a fleeting moment.
He looked off, embarrassed at himself for bringing up undesired memories, he assumed, and stretched the silence longer, reaching in his mind for something else to say to no avail. He studied the coiled snake, wondering if his innocent words would warrant his departure despite him having just settled down. It was Otieno's fault, for he hadn't interacted with much aside from his foster mother - if only the two weren't generally labeled as outcasts, he might have known how to make a suitable apology, or known not to ask about certain things.
"I see," he finally said, after Esther was the one to speak out, though in turn, she was now the one who inquired something rather personal of Otieno.
"I never was a part of a pack," he stated simply, offering a meek smile, "I always traveled with my mother, and others... Others weren't very keen to her appearance, to say it in a way. Though I look nothing like her, because she found me when my birth parents weren't around."
Otieno maintained a warmth in his tone, not wanting to dissuade Esther from inquiring further, yet he wasn't exactly joyful when thinking on his past, either. It had been a struggle, and he left when his mother thought it was best for him, like Esther, but he only did so when he knew she would be content without him. There were rough times, but Otieno was able to speak of them matter-of-factly, setting aside the negativity of the past in favor of enjoying the present.
"So my mother and I were alone no matter where we went, and only had each other for company. And now I'm satisfied on my own, as I guess I'm used to it, so it's been all right. It sounds like maybe there are some perks to not being in groups, then, huh?"
Otieno laughed lightly, and added, "And it sounds like you like being on your own without a pack, too - though you have good company in Tambuzi!"
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:06 pm
Esther could tell that her reaction had affected the conversation and she wished that she had better control of her emotions. Though it had been quite some time, the memories of that night were still like deep injuries, scabbed over, but still there. Esther's size had always been a detriment, even though she was not so much smaller than the average female. She knew that she'd been the runt of her litter and she knew that it was miraculous enough that she'd survived to adulthood.
She knew that it was time to move on. Despite the horrific experience, Esther had gained something precious: her son. He was completely grown, but Esther was still rather young and she knew that she still had time to find a mate and settle down properly. It had been her wish all along and though her desires had been side-tracked, that dream was still fresh in her mind. However, she did not want to assume or presume anything about her new acquaintance. It was a wonderful first step that she was meeting new company and she was not about to spoil it by being negative.
She listened carefully to Otieno's comments and could tell that family was a bit of a sore subject for him too. Perhaps a completely different topic was called for.
Tambuzi could sense Esther's struggle and decided that he liked the male hyena well enough to help her out. Slithering forward, he smiled at Otieno before speaking.
"Of course! With me, she is in the very best of company." The snake somehow managed to look sheepish. "I am sorry about my reaction earlier. When watching over a young, precocious, and dangerously mischievous hyena pup, one learns not to trust anyone or anything."
Esther grinned at her familiar and added a comment of her own.
"He is quite pleasant to talk to, unless he feels like sulking. He's also a remarkably good hunting partner."
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 12:37 am
Tambuzi's movement towards Otieno gave him a bit of a surprise; he had accumulated some anxiety from even the smallest tension felt beforehand, and was afraid he did something wrong to provoke Tambuzi's attention. Apparently he was wrong, judging by his words thereafter.
He had to stifle an amused laugh at the bold statement; still, despite seeing the obvious good relationship between Esther and Tambuzi, it was hard to imagine how the two actually got along and survived with each other. Maybe this pair had something he could learn from, should the future permit it. Though for the moment being, Otieno shook his head cordially, brushing the apology away.
"No more apologies, we've had enough for a full night, I think," he said with an entertained wink, "I can relate with the not trusting nature, anyways."
He had to evoke another laugh at Esther's own comment, adding jokingly himself, "Maybe I could find a snake partner to hunt with too, without the sulking."
As Otieno was speaking, he had crawled closer towards the edge of the watering hole - enough for half of his body to remain on land - and felt safe enough in the duo's company to immerse his front in the water. He let his whole head dip in completely, and, should his company find that action to be slightly erratic and sudden, the purpose would soon be revealed.
When he brought his head up, shining scales wriggled against his maw, but his jaw held them still. He got up, getting into a steady walk nearer Esther and Tambuzi, hoping he would be allowed the space. His jaws slowly crushed the two bodies captured in his mouth until he felt no more flailing, and dropped them in front of the two. He offered a bright (albeit slightly bloody) smile, youthfully pleased with himself.
"For now, though, I think I'm pretty okay with hunting by myself. They're small, but I saw the silver flash nearby, and couldn't help myself."
He then leaned over on the side of the water Esther had been on, searching out any more signs of fish that wandered too close.
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Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 3:09 pm
Esther had been watching Otieno shift slowly towards the water and had been curious as the reason. However, she didn't want to be rude and ask. Her curiosity increased as he slipped almost half of his body into the water and then submerged his head. She frowned slightly, wondering if something was wrong, until he reappeared with two struggling fish trapped in his jaws. Esther and Tambuzi both blinked in surprise, as they knew from experience how fast those fish could be.
When he walked over and dropped the two dead fish in front of her, Esther couldn't help but smile broadly at Otieno. Tambuzi still gaped in astonishment until he could finally laugh and speak.
"Well done!" said the snake, "Those fish are mighty fast! You definitely seem to be doing quite well on your own. You'd give any of us snakes a run for the kill." Tambuzi chuckled and eyed one of the snakes hungrily.
Esther nodded emphatically. She and Tambuzi could hunt very well on land, but fish were almost impossible to catch. She was very impressed indeed.
"Now I have to ask," she said, "Where did you learn to do that?"
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Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 7:58 pm
Otieno brushed any excitement or appraisal from his feat, not thinking much of the skills he had to learn in life to survive. When prey had been taken from his mother and him from territorial packs, more often than not the two had to live on the most elusive scraps of food they could find. It could be said that this lifestyle, however, perhaps made the black hyena more capable in hunting than the average scavenger who had aid from company. Skills for finding food was easily gained when even sometimes, prey was intentionally either stolen away from him, or when his mother's coat had been too noticeable amongst the savanna grasses to sneak around.
So it took a moment for Otieno to think about an answer to Esther's inquiry, unsure of whether it had been a specific lesson demonstrated to him by his mother, or perhaps something just simply... learned without noticing as time passed.
"Go ahead," he started, ushering the two to forgo any type of manners they may have had in mind to perhaps politely wait for him, "Unless you don't like fish; they are less filling than regular meat, I have to admit... But it was sometimes the only things we could find and get. So it's a living, I guess. The bigger question is how do you two collaborate on a hunt together when you do."
He laughed, poking his nose into the water momentarily, and waited once more for any sign of aquatic life; no doubt whatever had been near was scared away by his previous strike, but with time, other fish would eventually wander close enough again.
"I..." Otieno began tentatively, a quiver of anxiety in his tone, "I have to admit, though I'm fine on my own, I miss the company sometimes. Though the only one I've kept is my foster mother."
It was very rare for him to socialize and talk as often as others, much less open up to someone else. Perhaps it was the calm company that the snake and female hyena made that made him relax more--whatever it was, the moment was for sure one of the more positive encounters he had in his life.
"I'm glad I ran into you two, though," he ended.
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Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 8:30 pm
Esther watched Tambuzi happily begin working on one of the freshly caught fish and she chuckled at the obvious glee on the snake's face. It was clear that fish were a delicacy that Tambuzi had tasted before and enjoyed. Esther took a few bites and was surprised at the flavor: different but quite pleasant. Yes, they weren't as filling as some, but the kind gesture made them all the more tasty. She only took a few bites, so she could finish the conversation, and set aside the rest to enjoy later on.
While Otieno had his muzzle dipped into the water, Esther took a moment to really look at the male. He was very handsome. A bit simple in coloring, but Esther had always favored the more simple look. The thing that really hit her was that Otieno looked a great deal like her son, Taa'Hewa. Not identical by any means, but instead, it looked as though Otieno could actually be Hewa's father.
Of course, he wasn't really his father. Esther had managed to push away most of the memories of that male hyena, but she remembered enough in case she ever saw him again. If she ever did run across that hyena, she would tear his throat out for what he did to her. Granted, she had gotten one good thing from the experience: her son.
Esther shook herself out of both lines of thinking. The past was the past and she did not need to bring it up again. Also, Otieno was a very handsome and kind hyena, but she could not presume to make assumptions, though she wished she could. Rather, she would allow herself to enjoy this conversation and not assume anything after that.
She noticed that her question had caused Otieno some anxiety, so she seized on his other statement to change the topic. She did not want to cause him any emotional pain or bad memories. She knew how awful that could be.
"We're so glad to have met you too," she said with feeling. Tambuzi nodded his enthusiastic response, since he was still working on the swallowing the fish. "It's been awhile since we've had such pleasant company."
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Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 9:29 pm
Unaware of the thoughts that flowed through Esther's mind and her appreciating examination of his appearance, Otieno's gaze did not move away from the surface of the water he had been peering at. Something about the quietness that followed wasn't discomforting to the male, even if it stretched for longer while Esther finished eating; silence was of course a well known presence for him.
Despite his embrace of the encounter and his comfort in dealing with the hospitable natures of both Esther and Tambuzi, there was discomfort in his unsureness of what to make of it. This had been by far the longest he endured conversation with strangers that went beyond the shallow notifications of leaving someone else alone when they were minding their own business, or passersby who desired to know where the nearest watering hole was located. It had been a fine start of an evening, but Otieno began to wonder what would happen to the female and snake as time progressed. Perhaps they would rejoin their pack Esther noted leaving, or perhaps they would run into her son again and unite as a family again. Whatever the case, he felt it would be best to just wish the two luck and good fortune whenever they departed.
But for now, it didn't seem like any more fish were going to swim by for him to snatch again; his eyes moved towards the horizon, instinctively scanning for signs of a good hunting ground. It may be best for him to seek out something now to fill himself before he grew sleepy and tired for the night.
"We will hopefully meet again another day, then," was all he could say in lieu of a proper farewell; while he wished he could spend time with the two longer, Otieno felt they had endured his company long enough, and would be fine with his departure.
And even if he stayed, it would have been an odd moment when the time came to find a clearing to sleep in. Nights of solitude were assumed for the black hyena, and intrusion was something he was very careful in avoiding.
"Take care, and I am sure you'll find pleasant company amongst others again. For me, packs may not be an appealing option at first, though," Otieno said as he began padding slowly off to the side.
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Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 9:40 pm
Esther knew that Otieno would have to go on his way and that she and Tambu would have to go on theirs, but it was still a very sad moment. She found that she really liked talking to this hyena. He was so unlike the other hyenas in the pack she had left. He wasn't tough for the sake of being tough, he wasn't rude or mean. He was kind but also clever. Esther definitely hoped that she would be able to see him again some day.
Esther wished that she had the courage to ask him to stay, but he probably had somewhere he needed to go, and she didn't want to burden him with her presence and that of Tambuzi. Still, she wished she could have some more time to get to know him. But, apparently it wasn't to be.
"Definitely. I agree. Hopefully we will see each other again some day."
His last statement was a little puzzling, and Esther frowned, but tried to formulate some kind of response.
"Indeed. You take care as well. I think Tambuzi and I will be on our own for awhile. We don't have the best history with packs," she said with a rueful smile. "Goodbye and thank you. For the fish and for the conversation."
Esther watched Otieno retreat into the horizon and she sent her best prayers and wishes after him.
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