Kismet padded towards where Nana was denned, for now, his mother at his side. If she would have him...he would protect her as she traveled. It was what he was meant to do, he was SURE of it! Once he reached the entrance of the den, the adolescent-sized juvenile sat outside. "Miss Nana?"
Na'ima sat near her son, curious about this female that had incited such a strong protectiveness in her son. It was odd...he'd always been the one most adamant about the values she'd taught, bu they'd never really CLICKED for him until now.
Nana was quiet, thinking silently as she rested. She couldn't simply leave her pride to ruin, but she knew that returning could be a danger. A voice calling snapped her out of her distraction, and she rose when she saw who it was, and padded, ears pricking curiously at the female with him. Once close, she bowed her head to the female politely, then looked to Kismet.
"Hello." She smiled.
Kismet smiled slightly at Nana. "Good day, Nana." He nodded to his mother. "This is Na'ima, my mother and Chief Healer of the pride. She...insisted on meeting you, because of an idea I came up with." He would tell the idea once his mother had spoken.
"It is nice to meet you, m'lady. My son's told me a bit about you...and I am sad you cannot stay with us, but I am glad you chose shelter with us for the short time." Her smile was a warm one, making her seem far less intimidating than her size often made her seem.
"I thank you, ma'am." Nana bowed deeply. "I appreciate your people's kindness in times such as these." She smiled a bit again, mind wondering what was going on. Something told her it wasn't a social call.
Good...his mother had met her, now he could speak his mind. "Nana...I've decided that if you will have me, I wish to leave with you when you go, to protect you." He'd likely follow anyways,and protect her from 'afar' if needed.
Na'ima sighed and shook her head at her son. Never one to beat around the bush. She bowed her head to Nana and scooted back a bit.
Nana's ears pricked and she smiled, bowing deeply, trying not to cry. She wanted to scream her gratitude, pounce, hug, anything. But she couldn't. No now.
"I would be honoured to have a strong warrior by my side."
Kismet kept his own glee inside. She accepted! He'd be able to protect her now, to keep her safe without having to be 'sneaky' about it. He bowed. "I shall do my best to keep you safe, until my dying breath."
Na'ima nodded, and gave her son a lick on the top of his head as she stood. "Just remember to come say good bye to the Commander, myself, and your sibs before you leave." Oh she would miss her son. But he'd chosen his path. And it seemed to be the right one for him.
Nana smiled kindly. She wouldn't leave immediately, but her gratitude was visible, and she smiled a bit..
"Thank you..."
Kismet smiled. "It is no problem. You need a guardian...and I just happen to have been training for such a thing my whole life." There was some humor in his voice...enough to show he saw some hilarity in how well her need matched his training, but not so much to take away the seriousness of what he'd offered.
Na'ima padded away, to let the needed parties know. Once out of sight and hearing of her son and his new 'guardee', she sighed, and hoped the rest of her cubs wouldn't grow up so fast...
Nana chuckled softly, smiling.
"I'm glad. Though I hope you had time to learn yourself as well." It was good natured, and gentle.
Kismet nodded. "I did. I know who I am, what I want...Mother made sure my sibs and I grew up whole. How can one know others, after all, without knowing themself?"
"Precisely." Nana smiled, warmly.
Yes.....
This was the beginning of hope.
