Carnelian had been having a pretty good day until recently. He’d gotten up, bright eyed and bushy tailed. He’d spryly hopped from the den of his parents and made his way down to the temple grounds. Everything had been going well up until that point, and then he was flat on his side, swept up by a vision that wracked his little body to the point of passing out. Minutes passed, maybe even hours. Carnelian didn’t know. He was dead to the world at the mercy of the elements. The sun blazed down on his body, burning his paws and his nose.
Orad had been feeling restless as of late, his mind constantly on the future. He was trying for a family with his Ampalaya, and though he didn’t show any outward signs of his inner turmoil, well, inside he was wracked with doubt and worries. Would he be a good father? Could he provide for his family? What if one of his future cubs was born sick or even dead? Orad never brought these things up to Ampalaya, never. Doing so would only hurt her and cause her to worry and he would rather die than have that happen.
Caught up in his own worries, Orad didn’t notice the juvenile lion until he’d nearly tripped over him. Grunting as he caught himself, Orad was immediately stricken by how sunburned the youth’s nose was, and how fast his paws were twitching in the sand. Orad froze, completely unsure about what he should do next but immediately understanding that he was responsible for this young lion.
First thing first, he supposed, and that was to move him into the shade. Grasping the younger lion around his scruff, Orad heaved and tugged until he’d gotten the other lion into the shade of a pillar. He couldn’t very well drag the other lion all the way home, so he would have to sit here with the sick juvenile until someone came by or until he felt that he could make a run for help.
Thankfully he didn’t have to wait long, nor did he have to go for help. Blearily Carnelian blinked his pale yellow eyes, his gaze meeting that of the worried Orad that loomed over him. His paw pads ached, his nose was burning, and Carnelian knew he’d been in the sun for entirely too long. It frustrated him that he had to worry about straying too far from home for fear of falling victim to his visions again, and a weak sigh rasped from his sore throat.
“Sorry,” Carnelian mumbled gruffly, trying to rise to his feet. It hurt to put any pressure on them and he knew that he wouldn’t be able to walk far – and he definitely wouldn’t be able to walk without help. “I must’ve passed out,” he said meekly. He wouldn’t be able to talk his way out of this one. This lion didn’t look like he’d be a pushover and he knew that this time he’d been caught. He’d have to explain to his mama exactly what was going on and he would have to see that worry and disappointment in her eyes. He was certain that she would be upset by his visions and more than anything that worried Carnelian.
“Why are you sorry,” Orad hedged, shaking his head in confusion. “Are you alright? Your nose is burned pretty bad, and your feet.” With a worried expression he nudged the smaller lion, his eyes bright and worried. “We should get you back to your mother, I’m sure she’s worried to death about you. Did you hurt your head or something? Do you need help up? Should I go get some more help?” Now that the youngster was awake Orad was feeling more relaxed but still feeling quite responsible for the little guy. His nose would blister for sure and probably even his paws – it would be hard for him to get around but delaying the inevitable would only cause the juvenile more distress.
“We should hurry you home, before the blisters set in,” Orad said smartly, “My mate is a priestess, and perhaps she has some sort of salve to ease the pain.” He grunted to himself and sheepishly introduced himself, “I’m Orad, by the way, a guard for the pride.”
Carnelian started to struggle to his feet with Orad’s help, introducing himself to the kind lion that had watched over him. “I’m Carnelian,” he said through gritted teeth. “My father is a Guard as well. My mother is a Scribe.” Tenderly he stepped forward, knowing that this pain now would not compare to the pain he’d feel in the coming days. After all, this hadn’t been the first time he’d fallen victim to his visions, and not the first time he’d been at the mercy of the sun. Carnelian knew it wouldn’t be the last time, either. He could only hope that he’d be able to do something to control this downfall in the future.
“Watch your step,” Orad warned before saying, “Pleasure to meet you, Carnelian. My mate and I have recently moved to these lands. Ampalaya is a priestess, as I’ve mentioned before, and together we traveled for quite a while to make it here to this pride. It is renowned for its kindness, and we have yet to be disappointed by the generosity we have been shown.” Orad wasn’t sure what you were supposed to talk about with youngsters, in all honesty, so blabbing mildly about his mate and their trek to the Tuait’tekem seemed safe enough, he supposed.
“Welcome, then,” Carnelian said softly, making out the shape of his mother’s den in the distance. “My home is there,” he mumbled with a jerk of his head, not looking forward to the upcoming conversation he’d have to have with his mother. “I appreciate all of your help, Orad.” His voice was pure with honesty. He had little doubt that if the lion hadn’t stumbled across him (literally) he would be far worse off than he was. He could only hope that Gella would understand.
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