Ahli'mtima walked next to him and nudged his shoulder, "You seem so nervous, why?" her tail flicked and touched his side, trying to tickle him, trying to make him smile and see that nothing was wrong and he should be happy, thrilled, she was happy. He was going to meet her sister she felt closest to, and though this might be an awkward set of events, she wanted her sister's blessing.
"I'm just nervous. You talk of her in such high regard all the time, what if she thinks not the same of me, what if she doesn't approve or something? Should I have gone to talk to her earlier? Should I have-?" but he was cut off by Ahli standing in his way as they made their way through the swamp. There were so many things he could say, but what would be the right one, he was unsure. He took deep breaths, trying to calm himself, there was too much to risk her sister not approving, and that was all he wanted. All she wanted.
"You have nothing to worry about. She is my sister, not some monster!" she laughed butting her head against his and walking again, he joined her, though his stature still made him look nervous. "She isn't going to boot you away like some pestering mosquito, relax, remember earlier? There is a path waiting for us both, it has already been forged, nothing can break it and I don't my sister would try." Her sister had had cubs not that long ago, and she doubted that she would try to fend Majini away from her.
"I care for you, that is the only thing that matters. That we care for each other, and will be together, she will see it in you, just don't be so nervous!"
He knew he shouldn't be fretting. He was a lion after all, not some little creature sneaking through the swamps stalking a lovely lioness. They were together because they wanted to be, because they loved each other and wanted it to be this way. She was right nothing could ever change what was between them, but he still wanted her sister's approval.
"Is there anything I should say? Are you sure this is the right time?" he couldn't help but be nervous. Ahli's family was so large and his, he felt, so small.
"Oh shoosh yourself and just listen as we walk, it will calm your heart and mind," although her mind was reeling as it was. Ahli knew Majini's father quite well, he was like a father to her before she left, though she never had met Majini when he was little. Majini's father was her surrogate father, and from there was a tiny little family. But now since they had returned, all was well, even if Nafsi'gharadi gave them looks when they were together.
But none of that mattered. It was the past and they weren't related, not by blood, just a strange little family twist. Majini always said it never mattered, but with looks from Gharadi, it was hard to ignore.
"I think my father is warming up to us being together by the way, I spoke with him the other night, and he finally let go, it seems. But he said he will always care for you as a daughter, no matter what. And he said this way, it would be in truth, and he would be so happy that in this way, the family would be forged more and grounded like the great trees of the old edge of the swamp."
They walked together still a bit further and his eyes watched as the roots and trees parted, opening up. Only a little bit farther and he would see her, could he take it, would he be able to stand it? He had to, for them.
"I am glad then. I would never want to disappoint your father. He did so much for me when I was small. And it was strange having things explained, but it all makes sense now. It is his heart that is strongest I think, and that is what makes him such a fine lion and father. Your family should be proud to have him be at the head of line, in a manner of speaking. I know a lot of your family is widespread, even your father's brother."
Though she had never personally met Nafsi'gharadi's brother. Though she had heard of him quite often. They were twins, he had said, and Gharadi had not seen him for a while while he and his mother traveled. So strange.
"I know things will be interesting in the future if anyone ever questions it, but we will have answers and that is that." He smiled and felt more assured now, though he knew when he saw her sister when alone, he would be nervous again. He wondered if she would have any of the little ones in tow, or if they would be with their father, or have Ahli watch them while they spoke.
He just wanted it to be alright, be okay and have nothing be questioned. But he couldn't also turn the world on its side and change everything, opinions and all. But it would be alright, it had to be, and regardless, they would be together, always.
"This is where I leave you," she said stopping. She knew her sister would be ahead, perhaps even with the cubs, but she would be sure to stop by the dens to see if any help was needed. She loved her sister dearly, and only wanted her approval in this. She knew it might be difficult for Kimya to understand, but Majini held her heart, and she wanted Kimya to approve of his grasp.
"You'll be alright, and just try to understand everything she states. I trust her Majini, and you should as well. You'll be alright," she touched her head to his and offered him a purr before she turned, gave him a final nudge and was off running into the swamp towards her sister's den to check on the little ones, if they hadn't escaped already. She just hoped it would go well.
"But-" and she was suddenly nudging him adn then off before he could say a word. But he nodded at her fleeting form, turned and took a break before making his way forward. There was still a little way to go but he had to do it on his own. His fur touched the branches beside him and he found strength in the sounds and feel of the swamps all around him. He could do this, he told hismelf, and there was nothing he had to be worried about. Their family was bound in a strange way, but he would make this right, somehow, make Kimya approve.
He walked through the brush and saw yellow peeking through the leaves and he kept his heart calm. This was it, he told himself, and there was no turning back now. He loved Ahli so much, and he hoped Kimya would see it and give them her blessing. It was now or never.
