|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 5:59 pm
She was grateful that she had kept the feather so safe. Even though she had given it to her daughter, in the end she asked for it back. And it was no real secret why; she was old, and she knew she was dying. Slowly, as every moment that passed meant you'd never get it back again. She felt it's tug stronger every day, and her fear always reflected to her young daughter. Her older children within the swamp were doing well. She even had grandchildren!
But Salma...who would she come home to? No one, Aushi knew that for certain. So she called upon the goddess that helped her so many years before, when she was younger, but just as frightful as she was at that moment.
She placed the feather between her forepaws, laying on the ground as she prayed for the wind goddess to hear her call. She had promised so long ago that she would come, with the connection of the feather helping. And so Aushi wished it, hoping that Mana would come to her aid.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 5:58 pm
The wind whispered many things to her, and what she heard concerned her. Mana wasn't one to forget a face, and not one that had been so pitiful as Nyota...or as she was known now, Aushi.
The goddess followed the whispers willingly, wondering what was wrong with the lioness. It sounded urgent, and not of good news.
She neared towards the swamp's lands and paused. Though she was a believer in many things, she wasn't one that liked to cross into the lands of another goddess. Here, Mama Asali was strong, as the faith towards her was immense. Still, Mana figured it wouldn't hurt, as she was being called for, and thus slowly made her way towards Aushi, keeping herself cloaked until she found the solitary lioness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:11 pm
Aushi was usually by herself, though she regretted it. It meant that Salma wasn't as social as she wanted her to be, because she followed her mother around so much, and Aushi worried too much about her daughter's well being. Which was the reason why she called Mana.
Thankfully, the goddess listened.
"Mana," Aushi breathed as she saw the goddess coming towards her. She felt so immensely thankful, and lowered her head in reverence towards her. Mana shook her head slightly, and Aushi flushed. "I'm sorry, I'm just so thankful that you came..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:46 am
Mana was concerned. The lioness did not look well. Had that much time passed since last they met? Time flowed so differently for the goddess, and here was a loud reminder of that. She lowered herself onto the ground, folding her long wings against her side as she beckoned the other to lay near her.
"Tell me, how have you been? What is so urgent a matter that you sounded so worried?" And frightened. Death was nipping at her heals, even the goddess could see that. Still, there must be another reason as to why she was so full of worry.
"Don't hold anything back, you know that I wouldn't judge you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 8:11 am
Aushi smiled softly as she settled down. "I have been well," she said. "I have a family, though no mate. Regardless, I am still proud. My life has been full of trials, but as it is winding down now, I can only be grateful for what I have had." She smiled again, a little warmer this time. "Even being a grandmother is something I never would have expected, when we had first met."
She shook her head. "Regretfully, that is not why I called you hear today. I have one remaining small child, a daughter. Salma. I worry that I will die before she goes on her naming quest. I fear that she will lose herself, as being an only cub with only an older half sister and brother to look upon, she might not have a safe journey. I wish for her to feel like she would return here, to her home."
Aushi paused. "There just wouldn't be much of a home for her to return to when I am gone."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:37 pm
Mana nodded. "It has been a while." At least Mana knew that she would be dying with joy, instead of how she found her so long ago, full of fear and despair.
"What is it that you ask of me?" Mana wondered. She knew that Aushi was too humble to ask of any real burden, but there was enough worry in her eyes that made the goddess take note. She thought she could sense that fear again, but for once it wasn't about herself; it was about someone else, a child.
"I will do what I can, but know that there are times I am drawn away unexpectedly."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:42 pm
Aushi shook her head, and she couldn't help but release a small laugh. "I promise, noting to weigh you down. I am sure that you are busy often, and very grateful to you for coming here today. I just...I want Salma to know that there is someone looking out for her, to care about her..."
"I know it's a lot to ask of you, but I was really hoping you could try to be there for her when she is out in the world, facing her trial of life. I want her to know that there's more to life than the fear I went through for so many years."
Aushi held her breathe, knowing that what she was asking was nearly adopting to girl when she was out, for how much she wished that Mana would keep tabs on the young girl.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 1:52 pm
Mana paused. She was aware of just how much the request weighed on Aushi's heart; it was brave to face the fact you were dying. Still, what she asked for was something nearly unattainable. Was Mana willing to put that much effort into one girl?
When she looked deep within herself, she found that she could.
Mana did not have much going for her right now. She was not one to allow herself to grieve for too long. This would be a welcome distraction.
"I will do what I can," she agreed, but with a warning. "I cannot always be there for her. If she throws herself into danger, I may not be there to save her. Regardless, she will be able to call upon me as you have. A wish that will pass from mother to daughter."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 2:19 pm
Aushi felt relieved. It might not be everything that she wanted, but it was assurance that there would be someone there for Salma.
"Thank you, Mana," she said, and could feel her eyes grow glossy from tears. They weren't falling, but the emotions behind them were there. "It means a lot, knowing that she'll be much safer than if no one was there to look out for her."
She paused, and considered. "She wears the feather that you gave me, long ago. It's very tattered, but she clings to it. I hope that will reflect in how she feels towards you directly."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 2:49 pm
The goddess nodded. "Perhaps so," she replied. "At least it will be some sort of connection between the two of us. I do not wish to interrupt her while she still has you around. However, I will step in when the time is right." At least the winds could keep her in check, for many things drifted on them, and she would be able to hear when the tragedy struck.
She only hoped that it wouldn't be too sudden.
"I will meet her then," she promised, though not explaining 'then'. The two of them both knew what that meant. When Aushi dies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 3:06 pm
"I understand," she replied in a serious tone. "She knows of you, though in a much more fantastical way than how we speak." She smiled, thinking about that. "I wanted to show her just how incredible you were. I know she'll find that out for herself."
Aushi sighed, not wanting the goddess to leave, but knowing that it must be done. "I will probably not see you again," she whispered. "So once again, I thank you for everything you have done for me. I have had a good life after meeting you. Salma will miss me, but she will have you to be a small, guiding light for her."
She paused. "Farewell."
Besides Salma, Mana would be the last soul to see Aushi alive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
