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 Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:38 am
(AIM log between Moon and Kim)
Laka emerged into the morning sunshine and moved out amongst the tall, willowy grass. It was a fine, bright morning and – as always in the mountains – the air was fresh. She breathed deeply and smiled up at a flock of birds flying low above the trees.
“Good morning!” She called up to them brightly. Then after another pause she moved further away before sitting in the dust and taking a moment to groom her whiskers.
So…what adventure was she going to find today?
---
Qaletaqa’s eyes followed his paws as they moved, watching the sunlight glinting off of the individual brown hairs. They shone almost golden at the tips. Each one lit afire by the rays of light. A small, amused smile dance round around his mouth and warmed his violet eyes as he took in the little details around him that made the world so beautiful. The green feather braided into his mane that matched his tattoos so well dangled against his face as he walked with his head down, and for a moment, his gaze turned to watch it as well, as if the who were sharing a secret.
The moment broke when the sound of a familiar voice interrupted the silent, imagined bond between lion and feather, and the young lion glanced up, eyes searching for the origin of the voice. His sister was nearby. His face lit up as his gaze landed on the familiar pelt and tattoos. “Well, good morning to you, too.”
---
The pale grey and brown female – small in stature but great in heart – lifted her head at the sound of her brother’s voice. She lifted her scruffy whiskers and drew forth both ears. She hadn’t expected anyone else to be around, but here he was! Her brother! Scrambling to her paws she clambered over the rough terrain to greet him, pressing her nose firmly against him.
“Where have you been, Qaletaqa?” She pouted a little. “You been on an adventure without me?” She let her tail droop and reached out to pat a paw against the feather in his mane.
---
The dark lion grinned, shaking his head. “Oh, I wouldn’t dare go adventuring without you, Laka.” He said with a small laugh. “Wouldn’t risk it. You might pummel me out of jealousy.” He said so jokingly, but the risk, no matter how small, was enough to make him reconsider any adventuring he might have planned without Laka. He wasn’t much of a fighter, after all, andit was a small stretch of the imagination to think that any one of his sisters would have little trouble beating him if they set their mind to it. Already, he had figured out that females were to be messed with lightly.
---
“That’s right!” She chirped, though in truth she would never purposely harm her family members. They were family after all and both parents had taught them the importance of kin and the clan. “So where have you been then? I didn’t hear you go this morning, so either I was sleeping really deep or you were extra sneaky!” The thought of being sneaky was a good one. For a shadow was quiet and sneaky and that was the namesake of their clan.
“I’ve been practising my sneak skills, too! Someday I’m going to be the sneakiest lioness ever!” She puffed out her chest and then flopped onto her side and reached up with both forepaws to bat at her brother’s muzzle. “Then I’ll be able to hear you sneaking!”
---
“Course I was sneaky.” He puffed his chest out proudly at the notion that he had been able to sneak past his family. In truth, he rarely had to consciously attempt to be sneaky in order to be able to slip past the others. His quiet nature gave him an edge in allowing him to blend unassumingly into any situation All he really had to do was sit very still for a while until everybody stopped paying attention to him, and then he left. He had never considered it being very sneaky indeed, but…perhaps Laka was onto something.
He giggled. “S’what you think. ‘Course you’ll never be able to hear me sneaking. I’m much sneakier’n you are, Laka.”
---
Yes, Laka was not the quietest of creatures and nor was she very happy to be ignored…a flaw in her otherwise brightly thought out future. Even still, she was stubborn and persistent. She’d get the hang of it in the end – even if it did take her years! “Sneakier than me?” She blinked up at him, a paw pressed over her heart as if in shocked dismay. “But I’ve been practising. Lots and lots! Besides that, I’m a girl and girls are always best at everything!” She smirked and then rolled onto her paws, lifting herself up to stand. Stray leaves stuck on her back and didn’t even shift when she shook herself. “So if you think you’re better, how about a contest? We can get big sis to judge. I’m sure she’s not busy.”
---
Taqa’s grin widened. A contest? He would win a contest! Of course he would! Although he worried about taking time out of their sister’s day, he enjoyed the idea of being able to prove himself. Quiet as he was, he rarely put himself in a position to show off any of the skills he might have considered impressive, and he looked forward to being able to do so for once. After all, if Laka considered what he did on what seemed to be a day-to-day basis sneakiness, he might just be able to stand out for once. It was such a novel idea. Who knew, maybe he could get used to it.
---
Smirking back at him as she caught the competitive look in his eye, Laka turned and took off for their sister’s den. Eeva was now clan leader but Laka had a feeling she wouldn’t mind some time out. After all, you couldn’t live every day being boring and responsible! Besides, there was a seriousness to this contest too, right?
The juvenile moved as fast as her paws could take her, emerging into the clearing and cutting through it middle into another bank of undergrowth. On the other side of those bushes was Eeva’s den. Laka was sure she’d be home.
“Are you keeping up, brother? She called back in delight.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:42 am
Darn it! He leaped to his paws as Laka bolted, running after his sister as fast as his little legs would allow him. He wouldn't win any sort of medal based off of his reflexes... that was for sure. He tucked his head tight against his head, both to keep the wind out of them and to keep them free of the feather that flapped wildly beside his face as he ran. Sometimes, he would see that feather and wish he could be as free as it was when the wind blew it every which direction. Then he would remember, it was tied into his mane, and so just as tied down as he might ever be.
"Course I am!" He replied, pushing his legs to go just a little bit faster still. "I'm gaining on you!" Oh, ho, she had better watch out. He was gaining on her fast.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:53 am
With a squeal of delight and panic at hearing her brother call out to her, Laka put on an extra burst of speed, determined not to lose to him. She was a girl, after all! She had to beat him!
She threw another glance over her shoulder and saw just how close he was getting. That wasn't fair! Why were his legs stronger and faster! She didn't think she could put on any more speed now! Even still, she attempted it, and lived to regret it. Her paws tangled beneath her and she went tumbling head first across the ground, rolling just into view of big sister's den.
"Ouch..." She lay on stomach, waiting for the dizziness to subside, her legs spread-eagled across the grass.
At the same time, Eeva was emerging from her own den, lifting her head to glance around outside. She had not heard the youngsters coming and was thus surprised to see the two of them there.
She blinked away the surprise and smiled. "You should be more careful Laka." And, with that she sat down and glanced between them. "What are the two of you doing here today?"
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:01 am
One moment, he was running and getting close enough to pounce on Laka, and the next moment... she had disappeared from view. On reflex, he slid to a halt, head tilted to one side in confusion as he attempted to figure out just where she had disappeared to.
By the time he had slid to a stop, he had located his sister, sprawled on the floor outside Eeva's den, looking dazed. Immediately, he felt guilty as he realized that she probably wouldn't have fallen if she hadn't been trying to run faster than he. He should have known! Boys were faster than girls, after all, and he could at least have just... let her win. Lesson learned for the next time this happened.
He made his way toward Laka, looming over her as he peered down to make sure she was okay. "Sorry," he said with a sheepish grin.
He looked up as Eeva appeared, settling his rump into the grass beside Laka. "Eeva! I told Laka that I was the sneakies' one, but she wouldn't believe me," he explained.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:13 am
Laka grinned up at her brother and though there was embarrassment there she wasn't annoyed. Fair was fair and if he was faster than her then she'd have to just make sure that she was better at something else. Like...sneaking for instance.
"My paws got tangled up!" She replied.
And then big sister Eeva was there and the little grey pelted girl pulled herself up onto her paws.
"That's because I'm the sneakiest one, Eeva! But he won't listen to me either. So that's why we're here! You have to decide.
Eeva blinked. "Me?"
What it was to be that young! Eeva envied her siblings more than they knew. She missed the freedom and innocence that cubhood offered. "So, go on then, tell me. How can I help you two with your predicament?"
Her tail twitched as she waited for their response.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:23 am
Taqa nodded his agreement, bouncing to his paws in a rare display of excitement and boisterousness. "You're the judge," he said patiently, sounding for all the world as though he was explaining a game to a lion his own age. "Laka wants to have a sneaking contest. But, I don't know what kind of contest..."
He sat back down, looking expectantly at Laka. After all, she was the one who needed the proof before she would believe that he was the sneakiest one. She should be the one to decide just what it would take before she could be convinced.
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:33 am
"That's right! A contest! Not sure what kind of contest, but I thought you could come up with something, Eeeeva!" She moved over to stand next to her brother, lifting her head high to make up for the height distance between the two of them.
"Please Eevie! Pretty, pretty please!"
"Okay, okay! I'll help! But I won't be an easy judge so you're both going to have to try really hard!" The female stood and glanced around the clearing. Then, with a small smile, she turned back to her siblings.
"Okay, I've got an idea. Follow me!"
She would lead the two through the clearing and back into the trees. Here many leaves and branches had fallen - battered to the ground by the recent rainstorm. The floor was now littered with objects that could trip little paws or make sound under pad.
The task would be simple.
The siblings would start at one end of this 'noise-ridden corridor' and try to sneak their way down towards their sister - who would wait on the other side with her back turned. If Eeva heard a sound she would quickly turn around and, if one of the two were caught mid-step or stumbled - they were out and the other would be proclaimed the winner.
She was curious, in fact, to see how well they did and eager to help because this would help them with their hunting skills - a skill that the Shadow Clan prided themselves on.
She reached the designated area and paused to explain her idea to her brother and sister.
"So? How does that sound to you two? Are you up for it?"
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:54 am
He jumped up once again, nudging Laka with his nose and then trotting after Eeva enthusiastically. Now that Eeva had an idea and the contest was a reality, he felt rather excited, and if he hadn't been moving, he might well be wiggling with glee.
He stopped behind Eeva at the edge of the cover of trees, reaching out to carefully pat at a fallen leaf. It rustled gently beneath his paw, and he swept it away to uncover a snapped twig hidden underneath. Hmm.
Nodding in response to Eeva's question, he glanced back at Laka with a cheeky grin plastered to his face. "Careful, Lala," he warned. "I'm reeeeeaally sneaky."
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Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:07 am
She sensed her brother's excitement and couldn't help but feel somewhat nervous. He was really fired up for this! It was not going to be an easy challenge and she was certain she'd have to try her very best if she wanted to beat her brother at this.
She paused next to him and watched as he uncovered the challenge that awaited them...sticks, leaves...tangly grass. It certainly did look challenging!
She gave him a light nudge back and stuck her tongue out at him. "We'll wait and see about that!" She settled herself into the grass, setting her paws firmly and lifted her ears.
"We're up for it alright!"
"Very well. If you're ready, let's begin! I'll move over there and when I'm ready I'll call out to you." She smiled, glad to see how excited they were. Such competitive little spirits!
With a last look she bounded down the gaps in the trees, treading heavily to show them just how easily their presence could be made aware if they took a wrong step. Then, when she was at the far side she settled onto her stomach, her back turned to them.
"Okay!" She called. "I'm ready! Begin!"
She directed both ears backwards and prepared to listen hard for any sounds that little paws might make.
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:10 pm
"She's loud," Taqa giggled as Eeva bounded away, cracking sticks and leaves everywhere. He was certainly giddy today, though whether that was because of the competition, or whether it was just being with his two sisters was uncertain.
"Okay, let's go!" He jumped up at his sister's cue, feeling for all the world as if he might charge right through the tunnel regardless of the noise.
Hey... calm down, Taqa. He thought to himself. It was that sort of carelessness that would make him lose. A small frown of concentration spread across his face and he dropped down low, as he would while stalking prey, bracing every muscle as he took the first step into the noisy corridor.
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Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 2:55 pm
"She is! But we won't be. Me especially!" She stuck her tongue out at him and then bounded forwards as both her brother and sister proclaimed that it was time to begin.
She set her paws in the grass and, with a glance at her brother, started off, moving very carefully. She placed her little paws between leaves and sticks, looking for the patches of grass that would make barely a sound beneath her pads.
So far so good!
But her brother was being quiet too. Maybe there was a way she could win this?
She paused, picked up a little branch in her mouth and then twisted her head, aiming to throw it at him.
Was it cheating?
Well...maybe...
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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 2:24 am
He took a step, then another, keeping his eyes peeled for anything that might betray his presence. He dipped his nose to the ground, carefully brushing back loose leaves to uncover the treacherous tangles of twigs that lay beneath.
Not too bad.
For the while, his world shrunk until it contained nothing else besides the steady, coiled movements of every muscle in his body, the path before him, and the gentle thrum of his heartbeat in his ears, amplified by the deep breaths that he drew into his chest. For the while, nothing else existed.
He was only vaguely aware of either sister, and continued on obliviously as Laka picked up the little stick.
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:34 pm
Aware that she was dropping behind - and she couldn't have that! - Laka strengthened her posture, tightened the muscles in her neck and twisted her head, releasing the stick at the last moment to send it hurtling towards her brother.
She closed her eyes, not wanting to see if it hit or missed, but hoped it would cause enough noise for sister Eeva to turn around and see him move.
And if that happened! Well, game over! Laka the winner!
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Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 8:08 am
The stick smacked against his face, a loose finger entangling itself into his forelock and dangling precariously by a thread, ready to fall to the ground at the slightest jolt. Taqa gritted his teeth, fighting the urge to turn and shoot his sister as furious a glare as he could possibly muster. Which, on a second thought, would likely have amounted to very little. It was difficult for him to hold a grudge, even in the midst of a competition as intense as this one.
He had flinched, but even in the shock of the moment, he had managed somehow to remain still. Instead, every muscle in his body had tightened, effectively rooting him to the spot as the stick had attacked him.
So far, all was still going as planned - more or less - and once the stick had stabilized itself in his hair, he crept forward again, eager to make up what ground he had lost to Laka in his frozen stillness.
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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 4:49 am
Dammit, no faiiirrrrr! Why hadn't he fallen over or at least stepped on a twig! But no, he didn't, he just held his ground and kept all silent like. Her whiskers flexed and, with a whine, continued onwards, realising she had better keep going if she wanted to keep the lead she was hastily loosing.
And in her haste she did what Laka does best.
She tripped.
And though she did well to minimise the damage done - just catching herself in time - she could not help the little squeak of surprise.
Eeva, at hearing the sound, whipped her head round a second later, eyeing the 'corridor' for her siblings. Would she catch any of them moving?
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