|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:04 am
Watching several small cubs prance across the open flats of the Tuait, giggling and weaving through her long legs before finding somewhere else to play Mamake smiled tenderly at them. It seemed like only yesterday that Beltaine had been that young. A wary and restless little slip of a thing that had watched everyone around her with uncertain eyes. Thankfully things had eventually fallen into a normal rhythm for them all, Beltaine, Kimya and even herself.
Unsurprisingly, Beltaine had shown great promise to be a future artisan and had been taken under wing by the masters in the pride. She had been a difficult student, Mamake was sure, given how prone her daughter was to stubborn fits of determination. Bel wasn’t the sort to let others deter her artistic vision. Grinning to herself at the thought the middle-aged doe shook her head and sighed. Hooves causing the waters edge to ripple as she found her way to the peaceful drinking place, nodding gingerly at the familiar faces.
Dropping her head to drink, distant thoughts continued to wander listlessly. If Mamake had only one complaint about Bel’s chosen profession it was only that it gave the lioness an excuse to seclude herself from others. Humming softly in distress at the thought that she hadn’t seen her child in days. That girl...
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:10 am
The vizier was busying himself that day with calmer matters. There was plenty to be done still and he intended to take his time. Now his grandcubs were all grown and had started their careers he found there was, again, a lack of little ones to fill his days with-- at least little ones related by blood.
He had actually already stopped to take a break and was resting in the shade of the thick plant life growing all along the sides of the temple lake, though well tended enough that they didn't encroach upon the steps. He was surprised by Mamake's sound of displeasure.
Is something the matter, Mamake? The (fairly) old lion rumbled curiously, concern tinting his voice with no effort to hide it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:11 am
Gazing at the ripples that distorted the otherwise mirror image of her face in the lake, the doe was caught off guard by the gentle beckon of a familiar voice. Had she realized that there were others listening in Mamake might have better kept her concerns to herself. Comically large ears twitched, moving with a surprising elegance despite their size as they were directed towards the lion nearby. A gentle expression following in a leisurely way to take in the lounging form of the Vizier Matifu. Despite herself, a smile of fondness touched her features. It was hard not to regard him in such a way. The giant had always been exceptionally kind not only to her, but to to her daughter as well. And for reasons she still didn’t quite understand, Matifu had been one of the biggest influences on Beltain--Aaah.. Beltaine!
Reminded of her earlier thoughts, Mamake sighed heavily in exasperation. Pivoting towards the resting frame as stiltish legs carried the waterbuck closer, though in no particular hurry. No.. not particularly, but you’re a dear to ask. Sorry if I worried you.
Slowing her approach when she had reached a companionable and easy distance for conversation Mamake swayed on her hooves. I find myself muttering often these days. I think I could handle a rebellious daughter.. but a reclusive one. Sometimes I find myself a little at odds. After all.. it completely defeats my reasons for bringing her here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:14 am
He really had no idea just how much he fit the image of the lion and the lamb, or as it were, the lion and the water buck...?
Something like that.
He watched her expression soften and tense slightly again after, somewhat suddenly as if reminded of something. He simply gave a shake of his head at her apology.
It's my duty to worry, in a way. The deep voiced lion chuckled. Think nothing of it, it's no trouble if I can be of assistance. I'd heard from Dafina and princess Maa-nefer that Beltaine is taking her craft rather to heart. Is that by chance what you're referring to?
His mirth melted away to leave just concern now. He hadn't been sure what to make of it, hearing that she went off on her own a lot, and he didn't have the details but it was worrying. Many things could still happen even within the pride territory, depending on where she was slipping off to.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:17 am
Did you? Mamake was surprised, but after hearing the sound of shock in her own voice she quickly wondered why it caught her so off guard. Admitting more to herself than to Matifu, I suppose it makes sense that they would say as much. She’s not passionate about many things, but those that grip her become nearly an obsession.
There was some small measure of resignation in her tone. She didn’t like to take away from the young lioness that made her eyes light up and really, she wasn’t a needy girl. Stars and sculpting. That was all she needed to be happy. You know how...
The words had begun to form in a sort of placating way, before rose colored eyes widened a little with the shock of realization. Gazing at Matifu a little more intently now, You know how she is!
A jovial laugh following the statement before attempting to quiet her enthusiasm. Perhaps it was under-hooved to request something of this nature from a Vizier, but Matifu was not a lion Beltaine could deny. With a mother’s keen intuition she would use her daughter’s weakness against her. Matifu... you know, I hate to bother you with trivial favors, but would it be too much of me to ask you to stop by the quarry? Bel hasn’t been home in days.. I mean.. I’m sure she’s just gotten caught up in her sculpting..... again, but I worry about that girl. I know she listens to you.
The knowing smile was almost impossible to bite back as Mamake gazed at the male a creamy outline against the shade he rested beneath. If you could be so kind as to remind her that she has a family who enjoy seeing her lovely face around the pride and that having passion for her work is fine, but... it wouldn’t hurt her to at least come home to the den to sleep. I would be eternally grateful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:19 am
He couldn't have declined her even if he wanted to. The request of a mother was somewhat sacred to him, as a parent, as a male. When he was just an adolescent Kauta's mother had begged him with much more intensity to look after her daughter, a memory that he took to heart till this very day. He was inclined to do whatever it was in his power to grant the request of any mother in distress.
Slowly he got to his paws, more because of his girth and the heat, rather than age or weariness.
Rest at ease, Mamake. I cannot deny a mother her request. I'll find her for you. He reassured with a deep chested rumble meant to reassure her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:26 am
I knew you would. You’ve always been someone I could rely on, a wry smile cooked her maw gently. Even in this pride there were a handful who found the waterbuck’s presence among lions somewhat disconcerting. She had learned over the years which were to be avoided. Not always because they acted malevolently towards her, some simply saw her nearness as an awkward situation for them. Mamake had never been out to make anyone uncomfortable and so it was out of respect for those that had accepted her as family that she treaded with care. Well that and, honestly, Beltaine was a stubborn creature willing to hold on to a grudge until the end of time. Unable to neither forgive nor forget trespasses against her mother, she would have made an enemy of the entire world if the situation called for it. Thankfully it’s never come to that.
Mamake thought gratefully, craning to fondly lick Matifu’s nose as he rose to comply with her request. It was difficult for her not to treat him as a brother, the way she treated Kimya as a sister. She was glad to have them both in her life and Beltaine’s. Don’t be long or I’ll begin to worry about both of you.
Across the desert sands, wedged somewhere between the ruins and the base of Mount Bahku a valley littered with crumbling rocks of various shapes and sizes had once sat desolate and forgotten. That was, until a young Artisan had stumbled across it in her travels one day. A treasure trove of material with which to mold as she pleased. No one to interrupt her concentration. No one to demand she make better use of her skills fashioning jewelry. No one but Beltaine and the blank slates which would yield to her design. It was here in this place that the sculptor was truly in her element. The only place where her social incapacity fell away, replaced by a natural sense of understanding. Beltaine was bad at comprehending others, but wood and stone and earth. These were things she knew intimately.
Over time it had become the creamy lioness’ haven. Easier to escape to now that she was old enough to wander away without a nanny nipping at her haunches. The fruits of her labor littered the area, many in various stages of completion. Canvases that pleaded to be brought to life by the knowing paws of an artist. Smooth lines had begun to form the shapes of a couple in the throes of passion. Another etching into the maternal shape of a lioness cradling a cub between her forearms, eyes filled with a tender devotion that seemed to make the sculpture come alive.
And then there was a piece at the center of all the rest. The rock was hard and sharp. Two males rearing up on their hind legs as they roared their fury and lunged at each other in combat, paws swinging. There were certainly mediums that were easier on the Artisan’s paws, but Beltaine loved the satisfaction of unearthing the poses that lay beneath the bulbous surface of each boulder. It was what drove her.
Today, she worked diligently on the finer details of this piece, ever so painstakingly drawing the fullness of each male’s enraged expression to the surface of the stone with claws and various tools fashioned to make the job a little easier. Her lanky, almost weasel-like frame looped around the forearms of the entangled pair. Beltaine looked almost like a lizard clinging to the surface of the rock as she worked, humming a fragile tune. Completely absorbed in her work and loving every moment of it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:28 am
Once the vizier had reassured Mamake and gotten on his way he let his thoughts turn more introspective. If she was secluding herself more there had to be a good reason. She seemed to be fine when he had spoken to her, but he realized that he hadn't been as persistent as he could be. Sleeping out away from the dens was a bit reckless, too, he realized belatedly. There was the dessert cold for one, and the heat, and the lack of water. His concern was growing.
He picked up on her scent eventually and followed it through the old ruins. Matifu had to be more cautious with his bulk, but he picked his way through with grace surprising for his size and age. Gradually her trail grew stronger until the path opened up ahead of him and he saw exactly what could have kept her so occupied.
Beltaine? The tan leader called, scanning with his ghostly eyes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:31 am
Given the usually quiet atmosphere of the quarry, undisturbed by voices except the occasional trill of a bird as it passed overhead the sound of her name echoing off the solid rock was sudden and unexpected enough to startle the girl from her work. Suddenly scrabbling to hold on to her awkward position weaved between the two lions. Positively uncomfortable for a lion not accustomed to contorting into odd spaces at unnatural angles. Wh-whoaa.. that was close.
Beltaine mused with good humor, glancing ominously at the ground several feet below, though her attention was already beginning to stray. Mismatched ears twitching in response to the quickly fading reverberation that passed as quickly as the wind when it chose to stir through her studio. That.. that sounded like Mat--
A pet name slid easily off her maw when in private, though the rogue-born female would have never called someone like the Vizier such a thing to his face. She didn't permit herself such luxuries in his presence no matter how familiar they might have been.
Though I don't know what he'd be doing all the way out here. The thought made her expression twitch with annoyance. Perhaps it had been her imagination? Aaaaih, if I'm imagining his voice.. I must be working to hard.
Well, maybe that was going a bit far--she couldn't resist laughing at the mere idea of overworking. Happily resettling in the crook of the left warrior's arm, giving his snarling muzzle a thorough once over. You're missing.... something but what is it? I don't suppose you'll tell me, will you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 3:18 am
The elder blinked as he drew closer, drawn to the sound of her voice echoing through the rocks. It was easy to pick up once he caught it the first time and knew to be wary of the echos. He found her with some effort, peering around stones and finally the giveaway was the slight bit of debris that fell when she shifted, picking up his step.
Once he was beneath her it became a question of how to call up to her without startling her? Having her fall was absolutely unacceptable.
Instead he tried gently clearing his throat, watching nervously from below. Maybe he could throw himself underneath her in time if something happened. How could she stand it up there anyway? Goodness...!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 3:20 am
Ho hum... I should have expected as much. Warriors don't consort with the likes of me.. I don't suppose one of stone should be any different. The words were breathy and mildly exasperated as she drew the small tool between her teeth and decided to try and see if his opponent might be more willing to fill her in on the significant little details that made each sculpture come alive. Twisting as she slithered towards the adjacent body when a soft sound drew her attention towards the ground below.
Beneath the curtain of her bangs, vibrant blue eyes widened in surprise to find the Vizier standing below. How long had he been there? Long enough to hear the conversation she'd been having with herself? Oh good god, I hope not.
Forcing herself to remain composed, Beltaine used every ounce of strength to keep from blushing profusely. Removing the tool from between her jaws to rest it in the mouth of the lion she was currently curled around. V-Vizier, what brings you out to my neck of the sand?
Though surprised, Matifu's presence certainly wasn't unwelcome and her friendly tone suggested as much. Possessing a warmth that often didn't fully reach the edge of her voice when she spoke to those who weren't inside the lioness' circle of comfort. Matifu, though, like Mamake and Kimya had always possessed a special place above any other. Their relationship often a source of much teasing amongst the few females of similar age with Bel who had managed to befriend her. It's not like that though.. it would never be.. we could never...
...I'll ways be some rogue runt. Bel thought to herself as she gazed down at the handsome figure below, crossing her paws gently to rest her chin upon them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 3:23 am
Now, Matifu's options obviously included telling the straight forward truth of the matter, which was that her mother sent him out of concern and he'd come along out of his own as well, or... he could perhaps claim to have found an unfamiliar path and opted to follow it, or even that it was her scent he'd picked up. What did he ultimately decide?
Honestly, Beltaine, I realized it's been some time since I've seen your charming, smiling face about with the rest of the pride and managed to follow your scent here... He stared at her for a moment before allowing his eyes to leave her face- sure she wouldn't fall if he took his eyes off her for a moment or two -to take in her work. Not just the two lions, it seemed, but others as well.
Bel was the best at her craft, no doubt about that, knowing better than to wear down her claws with the stone (He imagined they were more useful for climbing), but somehow finding a way to carve by other means.
True, they might not reach the level of humans simply for a lack of dexterity that all lacking opposable thumbs suffered, but you could not say she failed to exceed expectation.
You've been very busy...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 3:25 am
Flicking her bangs from her face, it gave her but a moment to arch a brow down at the Pharoh's advisor before they slid back into place. Leaving that quirky gaze hidden and thankfully shielding the color that came through the creamy hue of her fur. Oh? Are you sure you're not here spying on me for my mother?
The fact that Matifu had never been here before suggested that Mamake had some manner of involvement in his presence here now, though how much was still under debate. Watching as his gaze drifted towards the other statues that littered the grounds, many in various stages of completion, she felt a pang of self consciousness. Still Beltaine smiled fondly at the the large boulders that surrounded them, she could see the shapes they wanted to take and would help to the best of her ability to aid them in becoming the beautiful forms they wished to be. Then again, maybe she was crazy to prefer spending her time shaping cold stone bodies than amongst warm flesh and fur of living beings.
Even if that were the case.. at least I feel like I belong here. Smiling wanly Bel tried not to think of her failure as a huntress, one situation amongst many that had led her to this solitary lifestyle, feeling so out of place amongst her kin. At least Matifu always seemed to accept her for what she was and the least she could do was greet him properly. Slowly slithering from her perch with that estrangedly sinewy agility until she landed lightly at the mountainous lion's side. I... yea, I guess, hmh.
Giving the area a thoughtful once over her gaze didn't leave him long tittering hum-drumly, ...I still haven't figured out what else I'm good for around here. I suppose I over compensate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 3:27 am
Hmm... she may have given me an idea in which direction I should begin my search. He conceded It really was concerning, and... Matifu being all for being one's self of course but... she definitely needed to extend her circle beyond just her mothers and himself.
It seems to me that perhaps you've found your calling. My only concern is that you need to spend more time with the rest of us. He rumbled softly, moving closer to one of her carvings to admire it, obviously.
Then again I suppose with an open supply of canvases like this, anyone would feel inclined to spend all of their time doing something they love so much. You're a very passionate young lioness, Bel, you must see that for yourself. The old lion rumbled with pale eyes sliding her way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 3:31 am
Aah.. embarrassing. S-sorry if she made you worry unnecessarily.. she shouldn't be wasting your time with such tedious things. It was awkward to admit, did Mamake still think she was young enough to send Matifu to cubsit her? Did she still think she needed to be cubsat? Beltaine sighed softly, she knew her mother meant well, but to send a male of such an important station after her---well, then again perhaps he was the only one she thought would do it. It's possible...
After all, though she'd come of marriageable age it wasn't as though they were lining up to court her. She was well known for being an odd duck. You think so? I've been coming here for a while.. nobody seemed to mind my absence... so I didn't think.. it would hurt anyone.
She let Matifu wander her gallery, intently focused upon his expression just to see what sort of emotions her work invoked. The effort she put into each piece was literally painted upon the stone, particularly the warring center piece. The sharp stone repeatedly cut her paws leaving smudges of dried blood upon the surface as if flecked by the wounds the pair inflicted upon each other. Tear stains marked the grey slate lioness that cradled her cub, the piece in itself possessed far less detail than others as if Beltaine tried to capture a moment with her biological mother that she had never had. And the lovers.. well. Pfft. In her elder's presence she tried to force her eyes to gloss over it as if in doing so she possessed the ability to cause Matifu's view to do the same.
In her distracted state, Bel would have missed the compliment that was carried her way if it weren't for the feeling of his eyes on her. Taking her in the same way he did her artwork, no.. she was imagining that, right? I.. uhhm? P-passionate? I... I wouldn't say that. I just.. I understand them. It's the only thing I know for certain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
