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 Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 12:49 pm
Tulia found herself falling into a routine with Nila. They did the same things each morning after waking; the little bird slept nestled against Tulia's chest. The two had been inseparable since Tulia had brought Nila back to the pride.
After waking, they went to find food. Tulia would usually grab a few scraps from the food cave before taking Nila out on a small tour so that the little bird might find a few berries to feast on.
This morning was no different. Tulia had eaten, and Nila was softly guiding Tulia around to different bushes in the area. Tulia would then take Nila to Sebae so that her sister could check the bandage on the bird's wing.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 12:51 pm
"This way," Nila chirped, indicating the proper direction with a small tug of Tulia's fur. She was always careful not to pull too hard. She wasn't afraid that Tulia would snap at her, she just didn't want to cause her friend any discomfort.
As Tulia drew close to a small berry bush, Nila reached out with an eager beak and snatched a mouthful of sweet, tart berry. "Mmm," Nila almost purred, swallowing the delicious food. "That hit the spot. I think I'm done," she trilled to Tulia, ruffling her feathers. "But don't head back to Sebae just yet... I want to try my wing out."
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 12:58 pm
Tulia knew that the day would come where Nila would try and fly. Her wing had mended wonderfully; there was no pain now, just stiffness that Nila would mention. Perhaps today was the day where they would breach the topic of Nila's plans for her future. Tulia desperately wanted the bird to stay, but she didn't want Nila to remain here just because of Tulia's needs.
She wanted Nila to stay because she liked it here.
Tulia lowered herself to the ground so that Nila could hop down and they could remove the bandage from her wing.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:01 pm
Having hopped from Tulia's back, Nila waited patiently while Tulia nosed around to find the end of the bandage that Sebae had tucked around her wing. Her wing felt great; a bit weak, a bit stiff, but no pain or discomfort. She was excited to see if she could utilize it once more; she'd missed flying desperately.
"There you go. Now pull." Nila affirmed when Tulia'd found the end of the strip. Instead of using multiple pieces of fur, Sebae had taken to using one long strip because the pressure was more effective and didn't dig into her feathers.
A swift tug later and Nila was free. She paused before giving the wing a strong flap; no pain.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:04 pm
Tulia heard the flapping of wings, and she smiled. "Does it work?" She hoped it did. Nila had talked often of flying through the air and the amazing freedom that came with it. Tulia had to admit she was a bit jealous about Nila's gift of flight.
There was a slight tug as Nila climbed back aboard Tulia's back. Automatically Tulia rose to her feet and waited in anticipation of Nila's first flight in weeks.
She wouldn't be disappointed. One instant Nila was on her back, and a moment later there was the flapping of wings and Nila was gone! Tulia laughed brightly. "Wonderful!"
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:13 pm
Oh, how Nila had missed this. Carefree and flying through the air like she owned the world. It was due to the kindness of the lioness below her and the ministrations of her sister that Nila was able to fly again. She owed the two her life, and she realized this. It wouldn't be right of her to leave this pride.
It was her home now.
Soaring over to a branch that was near Tulia, Nila ruffled her feathers in delight and chirped at her friend. "It's fantastic. No pain, no twinges. I think it must've been just sprained!" That being said, Nila flew down to rest on Tulia's back once more, settling in comfortably.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:15 pm
Tulia was a little surprised when Nila alighted on her back. It was comforting to know that little bird was there, posted up like Tulia's own little lookout. "I'm glad that you are in no pain, Nila. And you can fly once more!" That saddened Tulia a bit. Would she be leaving now? She wanted to ask Nila if that was her plan, but she didn't know how to breach the topic.
Tulia just stood there, waiting, wondering what would happen next and hoping that Nila would remain with her in the pride. Tulia couldn't guilt-trip the little bird into remaining with her, though. That just would be terribly unkind of her. If Nila wanted to leave, so be it. Maybe she would come back and visit.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:35 pm
Nila began to idly groom Tulia as she usually did after they both ate. She realized they weren't moving, and softly nudge Tulia's ear. "Lets go home," she chirped, rocking back and getting comfortable once more. She couldn't wait to show Sebae that she could fly! She hoped that Sebae would feel proud of her doctoring. After all, Sebae had given Nila a second chance at flight.
A second chance at life, really, Nila thought to herself happily. She could thank both of the sisters for that. Tulia had saved her life, and Sebae had saved her wing. This pride was a wonderful pride, and after spending long hours with Tulia, Nila was starting to get the urge to start a family of her own, just like Tulia.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:40 pm
Tulia had her answer. Nila would stay. Grinning, she moved towards the den where she knew Sebae would be waiting so that she might bandage Nila's wing once more. Today that wouldn't be necessary. Tulia couldn't fight the laugh that bubbled up in her throat, the sound bursting past her lips. She was happy that Nila would stay. She was happy that Nila would be here when Tulia and Mkhai brought their cubs into the world.
"Sebae will be happy to see that her doctoring has paid off," Tulia giggled.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:43 pm
Nila paused in her grooming of Tulia to cackle in laughter. "I should fly up to her once we get to the mouth of the stream," Nila trilled, "Land right on her head and see what she thinks of that!" She was certain that Sebae would be thrilled. Nila certainly was.
Nila knew that Tulia understood that she wasn't leaving. There needn't be a conversation about it. The bond between the two was unspoken. This would be a forever friendship, one that they could rely on for the rest of their lives.
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