Kucha circled once and then came to land, pausing to settle her wings and catch her breath from the extended flight. She had been searching the area for potential prides for this female to join having decided that it was not a good idea for the lioness to stay out in rogue lands all alone. She needed security and friends and people she could learn to trust.
So, she needed a pride.
"There are a few prides nearby." Kucha spoke as soon as her breathing had returned to normal. "But one in particular that seems to be the best. A good size pride filled with friendly seeming lions and with many guards to protect the lands. Would you like for us to check it out?"
Anya, who still hadn't spoken a word, nodded in response, though she seemed worried and nervous.
"Dear, you must remember. Pride lions are not the same as rogue lions. They have rules against violence. They are a committed unit who look out for one another and protect each other against the sort of beasts you have...encountered." She reached out a comforting wing and rested it against the female's shoulder.
Anya gave another nod in response.
"Okay, are you feeling up to a journey now or would you rather wait?"
The lioness stood and stretched out her wounded leg. It had been improving with each passing day and though she still limped it certainly pained her much less than it had before. She took a few tender steps and then, with a slight smile, nodded again towards the female, gesturing with a wave of her nose for Kucha to lead her.
With a chirp, Kucha flapped up to the lioness' shoulder and pointed in the direction with her wing. And so they set off, the sun setting and a cool breeze flushing across the land to cool them as they went. And as they travelled, Kucha spoke of days long gone - as she often did to fill the time.
"A long time ago, when I was still a child myself, I met a wild dog who I befriended. I became her familiar, as it were, and kept her company until she found a pack and a family of her own. I stayed there for a while, watching her joy flourish and her life take hold. I was so proud to see her living out her life in the best way she saw fit, surrounded by friends and coupled with a mate who loved her. In fact, she rose to become alpha of that pack and, before I left, she gave birth to many beautiful pups."
Anya looked up at her with wide eyes.
"Why did I leave? Is that what your eyes are trying to tell me, love? Well, the reason for that was simple. She didn't need me any more. Like a mother, I could see my daughter was grown. She was independent and living her life. So...I moved on and I spent a great many days alone, wondering whether I would get my chance to be a mother to little ones myself."
She paused, long and hard. "But then I met another. A lion, this time. A small one with a huge, shaggy mane. His name was Ona'raha and he called me Auri'rubani. It translates to golden guide. I don't think I've ever been so proud! It was a good feeling to know I was helping him. He was trying to find his new home. His pride had been obliterated by illness and he was trying to go where the others had. But he was young and all alone and his parents had just died. But, we made it there and again I stayed with him until he gained his confidence and found friends and a mate."
She paused, her wings drooping a little.
"So here I am again, spending a short time alone before finding another lost soul who needs my help. I think this is my destiny. To help others find their way in the world, to achieve happiness. I know you'll be fine, love, I know you will."
Kucha had to admit, though, that Anya most definately was the most needy creature she had come across yet. A new challenge to take on.
Anya gave a sad, sniffing sound through her nose and paused to lean back her head, giving the parrot a small lick on the cheek. She seemed to have sensed that Kucha, deep down, was rather sad herself.
She had, after all, spent her life making sure others found happiness and love, and was doomed - so it seemed - to never find that joy herself.
And it did upset Kucha, very much so.
But she h ad to focus on helping this female now. This mute, nameless female who had suffered more than Kucha ever would. If this was her calling in life then so be it. She'd rather help others than help no one at all, that was for certain.
They walked slowly, Anya's limping growing steadily more obvious as she moved. The sun rolled lower casting the sky into a fiery red hue above them. The shadows lengthened behind them, cast against the sparse grassland and on the compact earth.
And, ahead of them they could see that the terrain changed. It became soft and golden and desert-like and Anya hesitated to see it, her fur bristling very slightly. At that, Kucha took flight and landed a few strides away, turning back to look into that worried, furry face.
"It's where the pride is, dear. Don't worry. We won't have to travel too much further before we reach the border. Once there we can meet a patrol and ask about joining.
At that, Anya really did hesitate, backing up a few stpes nervously.
"Don't worry. You won't be alone. I'll be there to explain on your behalf. That you need a home. That you need sanctuary in order for you to heal. It's okay. They won't do you any harm so long as its clear you mean no harm to them. They are many and we are but two. They won't show aggression unless you attack first."
A long pause passed between them and, after a tense moment, Anya gave another small nod and continued, following after Kucha who took flight to lead them out into the desert.
/fin.
