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 Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 9:22 am
Having returned from visiting her daughters Hounfor as she did every morning, Mahalia was in high spirits. She'd felt such peace at Violine's Hounfor and that in itself was strange. Usually Mahalia felt so desperately sad that she didn't want to leave her daughter's final resting place, but she knew she had to. She had to make sure each and every shrine that the pride had was well-kept and tended to, and she had to watch over all the other Shrinekeeps that assisted her in tending to the shrines. The Loa came first, always and for eternity.
Spotting one of the newer Shrinekeepers, Ghislaine, Mahalia changed course and approached the lovely brown lioness. Of course Mahalia knew who Ghislaine was, but she'd yet to form a friendship with the younger lioness. Now was as good a time as any to remedy that.
"Ghislaine," Mahalia greeted the other as she drew closer, "Good morning."
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Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:30 pm
 Ghislaine was returning from visiting the Hounfors early in the morning, as she often did. She'd stopped briefly at her mother's, just long enough to leave a couple herbs and flowers. She'd had to return quickly, having duties to tend to today, and wanting to get out early, as was her habit. As she was preparing to go back out for her day, although she didn't actually have to leave for a while, she heard her name called out.
Turning around, the young Shrinekeep gave a small, polite smile to a kindly looking lioness with a gorgeous purple pelt. She had seen her before, in discussions and helping other Shrinekeeps such as Ghislaine. She remembered the lioness' name was Mahalia, a very experienced and devout Shrinekeep. This was someone Ghislaine knew she could probably get along very well with, and certainly learn from. "Hello, Mahalia. A good morning to you, too. This is the first time we've had a chance to really talk, isn't it?" asked the younger one.
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Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 8:14 am
"Mmm," Mahalia dipped her head in agreement, a soft smile spreading over her features. "Unfortunately this is the first time a conversation has taken place between us, and for that I am sorry." Mahalia idly lifted a paw up to brush against the skull she wore around her neck as if she was assuring herself that the skull was still there. It wasn't a conscious gesture, really, nor a nervous one. It was just... habit.
"Off to tend to your duties so early, Ghislaine?" That pleased Mahalia. It was important to take ones duties very seriously, and the younger lionesses dedication brought a ghost of a smile to Mahalia's features. "Shall we walk together, then?"
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:18 am
Ghislaine shook her head with a small smile. "I'm sure it couldn't have been helped. And we're talking now." Ghislaine noticed the skull at Mahalia's neck, but didn't ask. The other Shrinekeep barely seemed to notice it, and it was not out of the ordinary for Shrinekeeps to wear such jewelry.
Ghislaine was happy that Mahalia seemed pleased with her work ethic. "Yes, I am. I prefer to get an early start. It allows me more time to take with my duties, and spare time to do small extra tasks." Some people thought Ghislaine was too serious about her position, but now she had found another of a like mind. "I would be honored," she replied as the two began to set off.
"So, how long have you been a Shrinekeep?" Ghislaine asked her companion. The young lioness loved to learn, and she was sure Mahalia would have much she'd be happy to teach and tell her.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:37 am
"My mother was a Shrinekeep, and her mother before her. It is the duty of the daughters in my family to take up the title." Her voice broke the slightest, but she offered Ghislaine a small smile. It was a tradition that Mahalia herself would never pass down, but perhaps she could take Ghislaine under her wing and teach the younger lioness everything that she knew. Mahalia liked that thought. The pretty adolescent seemed to cherish her duties and that was the most important thing to Mahalia.
"What made you decide to become a Shrinekeep yourself, Ghislaine?" The purple lioness wanted to learn more about the younger female. "And have you any questions that I might be able to help you with?" Mahalia offered a gentle smile, a motherly smile, to Ghislaine.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:56 am
Ghislaine quieted at the explanation. "That is a beautiful tradition," she said. Her mother had been a Gatherer, not that Ghislaine had much to remember about her. It must be nice to have such strong family ties. The younger lioness noticed the hitch in Mahalia's voice, but once again did not comment. If the older lioness wanted to tell her whatever personal story was behind it, she would.
Ghislaine was quiet for a moment, deciding if she would share her story. "My mother died when I was only a cub. She never talked about my father, and the rest of her small family had already passed away. I was incredibly lonely, and I would sit by her Hounfor every day for company instead of playing. One day when I was especially distraught, I felt this comforting wave wash over me. I felt safe and protected, like I was being watched now that my mother was gone. I knew it was the Loa," she finished simply, raising a shoulder. "I chose to devote my life to them because they are my family."
Ghislaine looked at the other lioness. "I'm certain I do, but I'll need a moment to think of any," she said. She hadn't told many people other than those who had already known about why she chose her particular position. She just needed to take a minute to get her mind back on track.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:12 am
Mahalia was silent for the longest time. It was so strange how the Loa could affect one in different ways. Perhaps Ghislaine was a gift to Mahalia from the Loa? It pleased Mahalia to think like that. Their histories were both filled with pain, and they were both dedicated to tending to the Hounfor of the Loa. She could tell that Ghislaine had taken a huge step in telling Mahalia about her decision to care for the Loa and their Hounfor.
"I thank you for sharing your story with me," Mahalia whispered softly as they walked. Perhaps someday she would share her story with Ghislaine. Someday she would tell the younger lioness about Violine - as both a word of caution and a way of returning the favor by sharing something of herself.
Someday, but not today. Someday Mahalia would be able to speak freely of Violine, but not yet.
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Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:31 am
Ghislaine waited in silence for Mahalia to respond. She took quite a long time, and when Ghislaine looked, she saw a personal thought process going on inside the purple lioness, so she remained quiet. Ghislaine let out a small sigh of relief at Mahalia's simple reaction. She was happy that the other lioness seemed to truly appreciate what she had told her.
Now that she'd had time to think, Ghislaine had come up with something to ask the elder Shrinekeep. It was something Ghislaine was working on herself, and she didn't like to admit it, but she figured Mahalia would be able to advise her better than her own mind could. "I have a question for you," the young Shrinekeep began. "Or more of a challenge, really. I do not have the...best temper in the world. I know it's not proper behavior for a Shrinekeep, to get angry, like, spitting angry at others, and I've been trying to work on it. But," and here Ghislaine's lip curled, thinking of the infuriating Fon Youn from the day before, "I find when it comes to certain people, I lose control over my anger. It has never seemed to lessen or go away, no matter what I do."
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Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 11:18 am
Mahalia listened carefully to Ghislaine, long moments stretching between the two before Mahalia had come up with the proper words to say. For Mahalia herself, a temper had never been a problem she'd had to deal with. No, Mahalia had found too much joy in being a reckless youth and she'd paid the price for such things.
"I would say to you, Ghislaine," she paused for a moment while sending the pretty younger lioness a soft look, "that with age will come control. Experience will teach you ways to watch your temper and your tongue. It is acceptable to show anger or to be upset when the circumstance calls for it, but lashing out in a hurtful way does nothing. Spend more time with the Loa, ask them for advice and guidance. Remember the time that you felt such peace at your Mother's Hounfor?" She fell silent for a beat before continuing with a small shrug and a secretive smile, "The Loa will always look out for you, Ghislaine."
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Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 9:31 pm
Ghislaine listened to the other Shrinekeep as she thought of what to say. Ghislaine was not all that surprised, Mahalia did not seem like the type of lion who had a quick temper. When Mahalia did speak, Ghislaine gave a small sigh. So she would simply have to continue to wait and pray, it seemed.
"Thank you, Mahalia," Ghislaine told the older lioness with a small smile. It helped to be reminded of the peace she had felt with the Loa, what had started her on this path. "You remind me of my reasons for being a Shrinekeep. I shall additionally try to remember that in situations where I feel strained."
Ghislaine was a little surprised. Normally, she didn't like socializing much, and while she had had an idea that she and Mahalia would get along, she didn't think she'd find it quite so nice. This was pleasant and comfortable, not something Ghislaine was accustomed to being with other pride members.
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