Jasiri'ka yawned, stretching before throwing a backward glance at his sleeping family; it wasn't that late yet, but everyone was worn out physically from all the travelling. He had decided to stay up just a little longer to make sure that it was safe; although his step children were no longer cubs and near adolescence, he still felt so protective of them... Nearly a year ago, he wouldn't have understood this feeling; after all, he was all alone, and the only reason he survived was because he wanted to find his own father after his mother had passed away... It’s been so long, and so many things had happened during his journey! His father is probably dead as well...
He shook his head, as if to shake the thoughts away, and walked out from the temporary shelter they found for that night. His limb was starting to act up again; the wound had healed a long time ago, but on cool, quiet nights like his, the leg he had injured when he was swept away by a river and lost his father days after finding him... Sometimes, the lion wondered if the recurring pain was psychological. A reminder that he could not forget his painful past; no, it was more like he refused to forget...
Ebere sighed softly as her ears flicked back. Hippy was still recovering and wasn't yet fit to travel which left the mint lioness at odds. Checking on her again, Ebere paced from the safe den they had found to hunt while it was still cool. The wounds on her legs and hips had nearly healed over, leaving only faint scars now, but the scares embedded in the young healer's heart would never fade.
Heaving a sigh, the male headed towards where he remembered seeing a river; he needed a drink and some time away to clear his thoughts... He would be back before they realize that he was gone. With that in mind, Jasiri left the temporary shelter, ears alert in case he could pick up the sound of running water. However, he froze suddenly, having heard what sounded like paws on the forest floor that didn't belong to him. Changing directions, he soon saw a lioness in front of him, and kept a distance, wondering if he should approach the female.
Ebere's ears perked as she turned her head, her golden eyes piecing as she smiled gently at the new comer, how she knew he was there was odd but her eyes where bright and welcoming. "Hello there!"
Jasiri'ka relaxed slightly at the friendly greeting; although he was still cautious, this lioness seems friendly enough. Offering a warm smile in return, he shortened the distance between them before giving a nod, "Hello!" Taking a quick look around, he quickly added, "I'm not trespassing, am I?"
"If anything I am likely trespassing. I am traveling and didn't realize I might be on your land, I am sorry if I am."
"Ah, no, no," The male laughed, rather relieved at the fact. He turned his head to the direction where he came from, and continued, "I'm travelling too; my family and I were actually passing through here to get back to our pride... They're resting right now, some distance away from here." Turning his attention back to the female, he smiled again, "My name is Jasiri'ka, but most just call me Jasiri... How may I address you?"
"I am Ebere" she inclined her head to him as she sat down, "Forgive me, I am still recovering from an attack." She hated to seem rude by lying down when he was standing but she was tired and sore.
"An attack?" The lion looked horrified for a moment, but his expression soon softened and turn into one of worry; was the attacker still about? Siti and the children... If that's the case, they must leave first thing in the morning! Shaking his head, Jasiri continued, "No, its fine... Do you need me to examine the wounds? I'm a healer in my pride, although I'm not the best..." He forced a laugh; despite never making a mistake before, he knew that it was because all he had ever treated were cuts and bruises - the same kind of injury that he was inflicted with when he was young. If someone was ill, he probably wouldn't know what herbs to use.
"No I am a healer or sorts," Ebere smiled gently, “And do not worry, the attack was some time ago and far from here. You do not need to fear for your family."
A fellow healer! His interest was piqued; sitting down on his haunches, the male nodded and heaved a sigh of relief at the information. Giving an embarrassed smile, he laughed, "Ah, I see... That's good then. Since it happened some time ago, I was worried it might be infected. The feeling of worrying for someone else. It’s still quite new to me... I never knew that feeling till I gained a family..." His voice faded away, and he looked serious for a moment, "If you don't mind sharing... Why were you attacked?"
"...." Her expression froze before she shook her head, “I do not speak of it. Forgive me but I am not ready to yet." Shaking herself out she sighed softly, “if you wish to check my wounds I will not object."
"No, no... Its fine," The male quickly replied, blushing a little; it was insensitive of him to say that! After all, they had just met and an attack... It must not be easy to talk about something as frightening as that. Feeling rather guilty at his thoughtlessness, the male nodded his head at her next sentence, "Where were you injured?"
Ebere smiled faintly as she turned slightly so he could see the healing wounds on her legs and hips. The wounds were clean and healing well, barely more than scars now, but it was obvious she had been savaged with the intent to kill.
Jasiri'ka looked at the wounds, frowning a little; it was quite obvious that whoever attacked showed no mercy at all... Secretly, he wondered who the attacker was as well as his motive for it. Looking up at the lioness, he offered a small smile, "The wounds are healing just fine... I'm sure there is no chance of infection."
"Thank you healer," her voice was soft and full of warmth as she smiled at him. "The attack was long ago, when I was but an adol.” The fact the wounds where that old and still healing was shocking testament to how brutal the attack had been. "They will heal in time, luckily I know the salves to keep them from leaving scars."
"You're most welcome! You seem to know a lot," The male commented with a nod, trying not to get into the topic of the attack in case it upsets her. Flicking his tail, he looked around before speaking again, "Are you travelling with someone?"
"Aye I am traveling with my friend who has recently had some troubles of her own." She rumbled gently, " But enough of our troubles. You said you travel with your family?"
"Yes, yes I do," Jasiri'ka replied; there was a hint of pride in his voice, as well as bliss. Talking about his family makes him happy - it was a fairly new experience for him, being about to talk about family without feeling upset and lost. After all, most of his life, the only family he had were either dead or missing. "My mate and her - our - children."
Ebere purred softly, he reminded her of her own father. When anyone asked him about his family, the same note of pride and love entered his voice. "tell me about them?"
He was literally beaming now as he nodded, "Well, my mate's name is Siti. When I met her, she was already a mother of 5. She had also adopted 2 children... Its great being part of such a big family since.... Well, since I was never part of one before." He paused, a chuckle escaping his lips, "Its great to be a father, although I guess I feel more like a friend sometimes..."
"You should be able to be your cub's friend. Sometimes being a friend that they can rely on is more important than being a stern father.”
"That's true," He laughed, giving another smile; he felt so insecure about being a father before, but maybe he was just afraid of rejection from the children... At least even if they do not see him as their father, they could see him as a friend that they could go to if they need a listening ear.
Ebere laughed softly as she got to her feet, “Well I shouldn’t be gone too long. Hippy and I should be on our way soon. I wish you and your family joy and safe travels.” Her gold eyes were bright and kind. “Remember being a strong father is not always as important as being an understanding friend.”
Nodding her head to him, the light green lioness turned back into the night, her heart lightened by her encounter with the big male.
