|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 8:38 pm
 Madzimoyo had been traveling alone in the jungle for several days now. It was hard for him to remember just how long. The time was kinda of blurred together since he'd parted from his friends Belial and Niade.
He was moving forward with their blessing and encouragement, but it was so very difficult. He had not been on his own since Belial had found him, a young lion left behind by his family. Zimo had thrived and become a skilled hunter during his time under Bel's wing, so he was capable of taking care of himself on this journey. He had a very set goal in mind, to find the pride that was supposed to live in this jungle and with them his friend Clermeilli-Pie who had likely joined them with two of her cubs.
Zimo paused at a little stream for a drink. The water in this place fascinated him in it's clarity. He felt a wave of peace go through him as he lapped. Though, yes, one of his friends was here, it wasn't enough of a reason to leave two he considered like siblings. This sense was why he had returned, this connection to something more he felt when in contact with the waters of this place. There was a sense of belonging here he had never felt anywhere else.
"I wonder how much longer it'll take," he said quietly as he looked around giving some serious thought to finding a meal.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 9:17 pm
 This week, Peya Tse'a was larking as a guard and listening to everything he heard around him on the borders. And so it was that he was the first to see the stranger come into the pridal lands.
Peya was up in the trees, and peering down at the newcomer. The other lion was looking about, and drinking from their stream. Maybe the newcomer was actually looking for something, instead of just blindly wandering in to the jungle? Most blunderers did not look that . . . intent. This was rather fortuitous, actually. He could see what the newcomer was like before he was colored by other's opinions.
Peya descended, not as gracefully as some, but gracefully enough, to take a closer look at the outsider. If he was here for a reason; good. He could evaluate him before bringing him into the lands. If he wasn't worthy of being here . . . well, it wasn't for Peya to decide. He was just the observer.
"I can see you, outsider," he said, emerging suddenly from the undergrowth across the stream from the other lion. "What brings you onto these lands?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 10:46 am
 Clermeilli-Pie crept silently through the jungle, seeking something small for a snack. She would also keep an eye out for something suitable to take back to the pride, but for now she was more concerned about keeping herself going. She was not planning on this being a short day of hunting. There was a big hunt planned for tomorrow, but today was just a day that the hunters were going out in small groups or individually.
She spotted movement, pounced, and missed, but not by much. The creature had run from the sound of voices drifting from nearby. Clermeilli-Pie waited, very still, and watched to see if it would stop. Sure enough when the thing realized it wasn't being followed, it stopped to catch it's breath and look around. It had not gone far. Clermeilli waited for it to stop looking every which way and crept up for a second pounce, this time she got it. She says a prayer over her king. "Thank you, brother. Though your soul goes with Eywa, your body remains to feed the people."
She picks up the mongoose and carries it with her to investigate the voices. As she gets closer she is sure she knows one of those speaking. Clermeilli-Pie shook her head. It could not be Zimo, could it? He had been thinking of coming to the pride, but as far as she knew he'd returned to Bel with Niade. Then again, maybe he decided to come back after Niade was safely with Bel. It would make sense. When she steps out of the cover of a few ferns and looks at the males, Clermeilli-Pie sets her kill down. "I see you, Peya Tse'a. I see you, Madzimoyo."
She gives Zimo a smile. "It is good to see you again, my friend. I see you decided to seek the People, afterall. Are you hungry?" She had hunted the mongoose for herself, but Zimo was a dear friend, so she would gladly give him the small creature and find something else later. She looks over at the other male. "I heard your talk as I was hunting, I wished to see if there was trouble. I am happy to see it is no such thing... I am sorry if I am interrupting, but I know this lion from the outside, Brother." She had heard good things about Peya Tse'a, but did not really know the lion. Of course more than a few of the women had pointed him out to her, thus why she knew his name. She was lead to believe he was quite charming and highly desirable. Clermeilli-Pie just hoped he was as kind as she had heard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 1:54 pm
Zimo turned hearing something move across the stream. Even with the slight warning thump of the others descent, the young lion jumped back as the lion emerged from the undergrowth. His first words had a cadence to them of an oft used phrase, perhaps a traditional greeting. There didn't seem to be threat here, suspicion perhaps, but as of yet no threat.
"Hello," Zimo replied. "Are you one of the pride that lives in this place? I've come seeking them and a good friend who came with her cubs to join them." He paused not quite sure what else to say. He wasn't quite comfortable enough to offer his name to this stranger.
More movement in the brush and Zimo turned to see a welcome and familiar sight. She too used the same phrase in greeting. He danced back so that he was able to face both Clermeilli-Pie and the lion who was apparently called Peya Tse'a. As much as he wanted to give a more enthusiastic greeting, he still wasn't sure of Peya and how he might react.
"Clermeilli-Pie! I'm so glad to see you. I was beginning to think I'd be wandering forever before I found anyone, or anyone found me." With such a secretive Pride he was not much surprised to find it was the later. "I am a little hungry, I had just been thinking of hunting myself," he answered a little nervously.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 9:48 pm
Peya was pleased to see that this lion was known to one of the People. It made things simpler in the long run if there was someone to vouch for him. But he would still escort the newcomer deeper into pridal lands to see the Leaders. It was the Way Things Were Done, pretty lady knowing him or not.
"I see you, Clermeilli-Pie. I see you have had good luck hunting, Sister."
He turned back to the outsider. "Is Clermeilli-Pie correct, outsider? Have you come to the jungle to seek the People?"
Once the outsiders intentions were established, Peya could drop the formality a little and turn up the charm. It was always easier to let people talk to you when they thought you were charming.
"If you have, and you desire to join us, you should come with us. After you've eaten, of course."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 10:22 pm
"Hunting is what Eywa blessed me with." Clermeilli-Pie picked up the mongoose to lay it practically on Zimo's foot. She wasn't really the spiritual creature the others in the Pride were, but she played along regardless. There was no harm in it that she could see, so why not humor them? It did not hurt matters that it was honoring what her parents taught her when she was young.
"Eat, Zimo. You have traveled a long way. I have more hunting to do before the day is ended, unless you wish me to walk with you back to the pride... I am sure the leaders could forgive me one kill to bring back such a sweet lion as you." She nuzzles his cheek and purrs at him. She was being a bit flattering perhaps even flirty, but she wanted Zimo to know that he was a dear friend to her and that she had missed him.. "I am glad to see you, Zimo. Were Bel and Nia well, when you saw them last?"
Clermeilli-Pie was more focused on Zimo than on Peya, but she kept an eye on Peya as well. She needed to judge his reaction for future reference. She would not wish to upset one of the People by speaking, even to Zimo, in a way they did not approve. She did not wish to mess up what she had here. These were her people, even if she was raised outside. That made them HER pride and valued to her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 3:38 pm
"Yes, I have come seeking," he replied to Peya cautiously. "I think that yes, I'd be very interested. There is something special about this place."
Zimo smiled as Clermeilli-Pie gave him the mongoose, "Thank you, very much." He purred and nuzzled her back. "I wouldn't want to take you from your duties, especially since I have another guide here." He smiled tentatively before turning part of his focus to his meal.
Clermeilli-Pie's inquirey about Belial and Niade caused him to frown a bit. He lingered over his current bite before replying. "Yes, they were well. Niade was quite glad to be going back to the plains. Belial, I don't think deep down he wanted me to leave them, but he understood my need to return here. I've come with their insistance and blessings." He ducked his head blinking back tears. "I will miss them very much."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:23 pm
Peya settled down where he was standing, wanting to let the two have at least space, even if he couldn't grant old friends privacy when one was an outsider.
"We don't really need to rush. Take your time; eat your mongoose, and Clermeilli-Pie and I can escort you into the pride lands together. It will be easier on you, especially if we take the high path."
Besides, the grass was comfy and Peya could listen and lounge just as well as listen and walk.
"Sister, what do you think? Should we let your friend rest before we drag him into the jungle?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 12:43 pm
"You are welcome, Zimo. I have plenty of day left to hunt yet." Clermeilli-Pie was put at ease by Peya settling down. It seemed he was not going to be hard to get along with at least. That was always a good thing. She noticed the frown from Zimo at the mention of the others too, but she suspected that was from missing the others more than not wishing the question. "You miss them already, Zimo? I miss them as well, but pride life is not for everyone. I am sure that at some point you will get to go out to visit them if you wish it."
She sits and watches Zimo eat. Peya had mentioned her going along, so she was not about to argue. He probably outranked her anyway. "Brother Peya, that would be up to Zimo, I think. I would not wish to guide him on a trip he was not ready to embark upon." She stretches almost lazily while they sit there and stood again. If Zimo decided to rest first, she would continue hunting to get something for Peya and herself to eat. If Zimo decided to move onward, she would grab something once they got back to the pride and then go out hunting again later.
"The high path is definitely easier than the low one for fast travel, though." Clermeilli-Pie still was not sure what to make of Peya, but perhaps in time she would get to know him better. Just from this encounter, Peya had peaked her curiosity. She had a feeling he would be a very good friend to have if she took the time to speak with him later. But for now, they had Zimo to see to, and that was more important than trying to form a new friendship.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 9:56 am
Madzimoyo turned to Peya, "Thank you very much." he wondered about this "high path," but decided to wait about asking and returned to Clermeilli-Pie's comments. The other lion seemed content enough to let the friends talk. He wondered what place Peya had in the pride; his old friend seemed to have already settled as a hunter. She really was a great hunter so it was an obvious choice.
Zimo nodded, "I don't see either of them settling down to a pride. Though Belial does talk of finding a mate. He'd join a pride for that mate, I think." He ate some more giving thought to her comment about visiting. "I think the break is better clean and once I settle, I doubt I'll venture far enough out to see them," he replied finally.
It didn't take long for the young lion to finish his meal, but he felt much better for the time. Though both of his greeters seemed willing to wait for him, he didn't want to needlessly waste their time. Still, if the pride's home was hard to reach, maybe a long rest would be in order.
"I feel much better now after the meal. Thank you very much for letting me have it Clermeilli-Pie. You speak of a high path? Is it the best way? Just how hard is it? I think I'll be ok now, but ..." He left it hanging awaiting input from the two that knew the way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 4:39 pm
Peya grinned at Zimo when he asked about the high path. It took outsiders time to get used to traveling the way the People did.
"The high path is the fastest way to travel in our jungle. It might take some getting used to, but if you want to go anywhere, this is the fastest way. We go up."
Peya trotted a few yards down the bank, leapt onto a rock, and from there, leapt onto one of the wide and lower branches of the trees. He was to heavy to walk in the really high canopy, as he had as a cub, but the lower branches were the strongest and the best for someone just learning the high path.
"This is the high path, Zimo - this is how the People travel. This is how you will travel. We will go slowly, but it will still be faster then fighting through all the brush. Clermeilli-Pie, would you like to lead?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2010 2:37 am
Clermeilli-Pie grins and flicks Zimo playfully with her tail before stretching and following after Peya. "The high path is up into the trees, my friend. You will become accustomed to it." She leads the way after Peya and past him. She waited on the tree branch for Zimo to follow. "Zimo, it is wonderful here... it is just as I was raised... i wish my parents could see this. And there are others that look like me here." She may have sounded a bit more excited than necessary on that last, but it was not every day that an old friend came by that she could tell about these things. And well, she had a family she never knew about here!
Clermeilli-Pie's eyes glowed with excitement which in the usually practical lioness was a rare sight. She could not wait for Madzimoyo to settle into the pride and see her cubs. He would love it here and she was sure her cubs would love him. She had to say this pride was turning out better than she had hoped. New family, plenty of kind males, and even an old friend joining her here. It was enough to make her feel that life was perfect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 11:17 am
Zimo was wide-eyed as the two explained the highpath was up in the branches. He hadn't done much climbing since his cubhood and that usually involved a lot of sliding back down. He admired the ease of their leaps and the way Clermeilli-Pie talked as she went. Well on the big branches it wouldn't be much different from leaping among rocks, right?
He followed trying to move cautiously but confidently from rock to branch. He trusted his old friend to find a path that wasn't too difficult for him as a newcomer. "No wonder no one can find you in here," he commented. "I'm so glad you're happy here," he told Clermeilli-Pie, while he kept to himself. More like her, must be a pride of great beauty then.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 9:51 am
Peya spoke encouragingly to Zimo as he got used to the branches, and noted how the other lion watched both of them. It was good to be observant, especially on the high path. It would be better if he watched his surroundings more, and Clermeilli-Pie not as much, but he would get better, especially if he fell and broke something due to distraction. Still, a more gentle reminder would not go amiss.
"Watch the branches and the leaves, Zimo, not your paws or Clermeilli-Pie. The branches are the path, and if you don't trust them, Clermeilli-Pie won't be able to take you any where."
Peya thought it would be good if Zimo attatched himself to Clermeilli-Pie. She had proven herself, and seemed anxious to stay. It was easier for outsiders if they had someone to be here for.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2010 12:12 pm
Clermeilli-Pie, being in the lead, had not noticed Zimo's distraction. She just jumped from branch to branch and listened to make sure the other two were following. She was watching where her own feet were landing more than anything else so she did not have time to look back at the others. She was listening for any sound that would indicate one or the other of them slipping though.
Because she was listening closely for indications of someone having problems, she heard the males' conversation. When Peya mentioned watching the leaves and branches to Zimo, Clermeilli-Pie smiled a little. She was not expecting to hear the part about watching her, though. Zimo had been watching her? His paws, she expected, but her? Why would he be watching her? Perhaps he was worried he would lose sight of her. Was she moving too fast?
Clermeilli-Pie slowed her steps a bit more and glanced back at the others. "Am I moving too quickly for you, Zimo? I must admit I am eager to get you back to the pride, but if you need me to go slower, I certainly understand." Climbing was something she loved and was good at. Zimo might not be so thrilled at the idea. Or as good at it for that matter. The idea that Zimo might be looking at her for a not so innocent reason, never even occurred to the lioness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
