|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 11:08 am
 He had walked as she slept and his progress had been slower than he might have preferred given his lack of familiarity with the territory. The further in he got, the less and less he knew, leaving him with a a great deal more discomfort than he would otherwise have had a preference for. Fortunately, the necessity to reach the lioness's den had distracted him more than enough to keep him from dwelling on this issue. Sure enough, within half a day of walking the familiar scent of multiple dens hit his nose and in doing so, caused the nostrils to flare.
He'd found it.
Unfortunately, it was not the sight he would have wished to lay eyes on and his face creased into one of unspoken grief. The wave had struck without care or concern for what lay before it and it appeared that the main hub of the pride had been hit the hardest. He'd seen much bloodshed in his day but there was something about this sight that caused him to ring hollow - there had been absolutely no reason for this, had there...?
"Afina," he murmured and gave his shoulder a brief jolt, just in case the adolescent lioness was still asleep on his back. "We're here," he increased the volume of his voice and glanced over his shoulder. "At least I think we are..." he ammended, he could have been wrong, this wasn't one of the places he was familiar with after all.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 11:38 am
Having gotten so used to the gentle roll of Xenon's gait it was almost shocking when he lifted his shoulder and nudged her awake. Blinking owlishly, she blinks away the fuzzy cast from her gaze. Familiar scents bombarded her senses, but, but nothing looked the same. Her breath caught in her chest and she looked around a panic rising. "This..it can't be." She whispers, her voice strained and panicked. Looking around from her position she let her gaze fall on the den where her family lived together, seeing the folded in front, a gap in the previously large opening big enough for lions to go in and out, but not nearly as large as it had been.
"Th..This is home." She whispers her brow pulled in a tight frightened frown. She couldn't believe it. How had this happened and where was everyone?
Trotting down the beach where he had raised his family, where he had watched them grow to young adults. He growled quietly and lowered his head.
Frowning deeply he lifts his head back up and his gaze falls upon the gray shape. Someone was coming, someone by the dens. It had a mane though, a male, and defiantly not his daughter. His heart sank but he should definitely see if this was someone from the pride and direct them towards the survivors. "Ahoy there laddy! Do ya be needin' a hand?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 12:12 pm
He was thankful for small favours and Afina's confirmation was enough to bring at least a mild, wry smile to his lips. His expression was still strained though, an inner war continuing to rage as he regarded the ruined dens. He may not have been in a pride for many years but some things still got to him, particularly whenever it came down to the innocent cubs that may very well have perished in the wake of the tsunami. Regardless, there was really no time to dwell on the issue and he gave a curt nod as the lioness spoke - so this was her home, he'd managed to get her back in one piece.
This in mind, the lion pushed himself down the sand dunes at a much slower pace, picking his way through the uneven and unsteady surface so that he didn't unseat his passenger. It made for slow progress and was a clear indication that he was not off these lands, but his efforts were rewarded and he eventually reached the bottom. It was only then that he paid heed to the approaching lion, his head lifting once more to meet the 'beast' that was of a similar height to himself.
...Evidently, not everyone in these lands was petite!
Still, Xenon was not a male that was easily cowed and instead, he levelled his gaze on Poseidon with an ease only afforded towards one who was well trained. A further pause followed as he assessed the black male and then concluded that he was of no immediate threat, his offer had been one of assistance and not warning.
"I bring one of your own to you," he replied at last, his voice raised to be louder and more audible than normal. "She is injured and in need of a safe place to rest," he finished.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 12:49 pm
Poseidon's ears flickered, he was bringing someone home? His heart leapt in to his throat as he picked up his paws and ran towards the gray male. As he ran he glimpsed the deep blue. That familiar colour that ran through his children and his mate. His ears tilted forwards and he pulled to a sandy stop looking behind Xenon and finally laying eyes on his daughter.
"Daddy!" The young female peers around Xenons mane, tears falling down her cheeks, her deep bronze eyes full of sadness and fear. "Daddy is it really you?"
"Afina." He breaths a sigh of relief touching his deep blue child on the shoulder. "I was worried sick about ya lassy." It takes a moment for him to realise that she was being carried and he turned his gaze on the gray male. "Where'd you find her lad?"
Afina sniffles and reaches for her father "Xenon rescued me from the tide pools daddy." She whispers, her voice cracking. "Is..Is everyone else okay?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 1:16 pm
"She was found on the outskirts of your territory, within the tidepools," he replied, sensing that there was little reason for him to hide the facts. As Afina's father, Poseidon was entitled to the information and Xenon would be the definition of dishonuorable if he withheld it. "It would seem that the wave cast her out, quite far beyond your pride's normal haunts," he continued, shifting the angle he was standing at so that Afina could see her father properly from her current vantage point on his back. He'd never really been one for reunions, but there was a sense of relief to be had when he realised that at least some of her family were there.
...That was a part of her concern addressed, right?
"Alas, she did not come away from it unharmed -" he sucked in a breath and then promptly released it in a small, soft sigh. "She has sustained a broken leg and will otherwise be useless in a hunt until it has healed and been given ample time to regain its strength," he explained, motioning with his tail towards Afina's leg. The splint was holding well despite how often it had brushed against his own thigh, he could only hope that it lasted for the entire duration that it was needed... otherwise, he'd have to hope the healers in the pride knew how to replace it.
"A little spooked perhaps," he added softly, glancing out of his peripheral vision towards Afina, "But she's a strong one, she should be fine..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 1:45 pm
Poseidon's nose drifted down his daughters body and rested carefully upon her hind leg. "You did this laddy?' He raises a brow, such a large male, he would have thought soldier, warrior, guard, healer would not have fallen in to his thought pattern. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Words to live by. "Do ya be needin' a releif? I can take 'er if you need me to. I spect you'll be comin' back with me. Afina's ma will be wantin to meet her rescuer. Tis a good half days lope from tha tide pools."
He smiles gently at his deep blue daughter licking her on the nose. "Ya had me worried sick lassy, ya don't be floatin' orf none again alright?" He looked at Xenon, feeling grateful but weary, such a large mal, he'd found his daughter but perhaps he would want something in return? Every fathers worry, a male in his daughters life she could idolise.
Afina smiles weakly at her father. "So..So mother is okay too?" She sniffles happily, she still wondered how much more of her family was still alive, a lot of her family lived on this beach, ties she had made from a very young age.
She nuzzles her father back when he reaches over to him and she buries her nose in to Xenons mane to wipe away her tears. "My leg hurt and Xenon fixed it. He's ..he's been so kind to me." She snuffles, eyeing her father a little nervously. He sounded almost stern about her being missing but she knew he was just worried for her, or maybe he was worried about her being with Xenon? She wasn't sure, she was just so glad to be home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 3:41 am
Poseidon spoke in the most peculiar manner and as a consequence, the grey lion was forced to delay his replies until he was certain he'd understood. That was one of the problems of entering foreign territories, he rarely dealt directly with the locals while passing through and as a result, had little exposure towards what the accents they developed. Nevertheless, his patience paid off and within moments he had ascertained that Afina's father was both relieved and a touch surprised - Xenon received such a reaction quite regularly, something to do with being a jack of all trades that made other creatures lift a brow.
"I did," Xenon conceded at last, the surprise washing off his back like water to a duck's. "The rogue lands are unforgiving and kindness is never a guarantee, I learnt a long time ago to tend to most of my own wounds," he explained and shook his head gently. He would deny that he was any skilled healer, but his age and experience ensured that he could by without too many issues, or rather, he'd gotten by without too many issues until today, apparently things were about to become much more complicated for him!
Unsurprisingly he hesitated briefly at the invitation of rest, it wasn't that he didn't need it, it was more than he didn't wish to be a burden or to meet another parent. Surely this would come across the wrong way if he did? He was no fool and understood the connotations of meeting a female's parents, harmless as the intentions might have been, what if the mother got other ideas? He'd seen meddling mothers before, they were positively terrifying!
"I..." he cleared his throat and then shook his head again, now really wasn't the time for those type of concerns. After all, he would be passing beyond shortly and as such, was unlikely to see these lands for quite some time, or at least that's what his intentions were. "There is no point unseating your daughter for such a small walk," he replied softly and glanced briefly over his shoulders - she'd had issue getting on the first time, he wouldn't want to put her through it again. "Just lead the way and I shall go with you," he added.
"Once we are there I will seek out a place to rest, but I do appreciate the sentiment," he finished and trailed off into silence...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 9:01 am
The big black and white lion gave a nod. He could trust this new lion to care for his daughter for a little while longer. Once she was settled back amongst the family he could care for her and be the doting father he always was.
"You'll least accept a meal from us lad." It wasn't really a request more of a statement. If the male who had saved his daughters life wouldn't accept his hospitality he would have hospitality thrust upon him.
Looking at Afina he gives a roguish grin. "Come on lassy, lets get ya home to ya ma she'll wanna look at that leg." He rolls his eyes at the big male. "Ya know how wimmin are lad, have to check everything." He chuckles, though the laughter didn't reach his golden eyes. bad things had happened and though he was pleased to see another member of his family, alive, if injured, things were still very wrong with the pride of his birth.
The young blue lioness nods an affirmative wrapping her paws in to Xenon's mane. "You'll like my family Xenon." She whispers holding tightly to his shoulders. "They are good and kind and I can tell that daddy likes you." She smiles weakly watching her father carefully. She thought her father liked him. He had saved her life, she would make her daddy like him.
She felt so, grateful that he had come along and saved her life. She might have died i those tide pools all alone but Xenon had come along a big fuzzy hero and made sure she got home safe. "You'll stay with us, won't you Xenon?" She asks, a little pleading sound in her voice. She wanted xenon to stay near, she had a feeling if any big waves came again he would save her.
"Please?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 11:17 am
Alas, Xenon was presented with one of those situations where escape was not an option - Poseidon's tone of voice indicated that there was no argument. Xenon was to be provided with some form of hospitality and the black lion wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer - with the additional persuasion of his daughter requesting his presence and well...Xenon found himself in that awkward position of having to concede defeat. Thus, it was with a small sigh that the grey lion bowed his head in a small nod of acceptance, his ears swivelling back briefly to listen to Afina as she spoke.
"I would greatly appreciate your hospitality," he replied smoothly, hazarding a small smile at Poseidon's joke. Unfortunately, Xenon had been years without the company of any sort of female and as a consequence, he could only take Poseidon's word for it - suffice to say that the grey lion was severely out of practice! "If you would be so kind as to lead the way, then I shall follow you to wherever you have elected to place your temporary den," he continued. He fell silent again at this point, at least for a time as he concentrated moreso on mastering his balance on the sand, than he did on being sociable.
...He was no beach bum, that was for sure!
"I am certain that they will be as pleasant as yourself, Afina," he responded after a short while, glancing over his shoulder briefly to address the blue lioness. However, he was forced to hesitate at her next question and it was only after he had weighed up his options that he gave her an answer. "I will certainly stay to provide assistance with any searches and the treatment of the wounded if it is necessary - it would seem your pride could use a helping paw or two, foreign blood or no," he murmured. It wasn't likely to be the answer she wanted but he was a wanderer and the concept of settling down was lost on him for now... Give it time and perhaps his views would change...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 4:38 am
The big black male gave a nod and turned towards the beach where he had left his family. He was a little cautious about inviting the male to stay with them but it seemed that Afina had already insisted before he could have a chance to object. He pondered what exactly his daughter thought about Xenon. He knew of hero worshiping and he hoped that Afina would be able to keep her head. In any normal circumstances, he would have thought that any sort of hero idolisation would fade, but this was far from a normal situation.
He let out a heavy sigh and grunts a little continuing on down the beach, his tail swishing behind him.
Afina smiled to herself continuing to hold on to Xenon. Maybe, just maybe she could change Xenon's mind and get him to stay forever. He was such a nice guy. She didn't care that he was a rogue, there was only this sweet, caring, male who had saved her life and brought her home to her family.
"You'll learn to love it here." She whispers. "When bad things aren't happening it's a wonderful place to live." She sighs settling her chin across his shoulders, she could rest until she was released from her piggyback.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 6:38 am
Ha! Learn to love it here - was this before or after he broke all his bones trying to maintain his balance as he barrelled down a sand dune? The nomadic rogue was a sceptic in this respect but he did refrain from disagreeing with the younger lioness. Now was neither the time or the place to hold this discussion and as it stood, he was under no obligations to consider he request. As far as the grey male was concerned, he was here to help and that was as far as his continued presence extended - once the pride were well on their way to recovery it would be time for him to take his leave. At most, he expected to leave with a growing number of acquaintances and perhaps even a few friends, he expected nothing more than that.
...Hero worship, hadn't quite crossed his mind yet.
"I'm sure it is a pleasant place to reside," he replied softly, his head bowed ever so slightly as he picked his way precariously through the sands. Poseidon was born for this sort of thing and as such, didn't appear to struggle, but for Xenon it took a little more effort. He'd adapt of course, he always did, it was just going to take a little bit of time and he suspected he would grow to miss the firm soils of the savannah very quickly. "It certainly holds a great deal of scenic beauty," he added after a few moments in which he had taken to observe the horizon. He would refrain from remarking on the current condition of dens, it was inappropriate to do so.
Nevertheless, with his replies provided he lapsed into silence once more and followed Afina's father obediently. Surely it wouldn't be long until they reached their destination and Afina could be reunited with the rest of her family, then he could simply blend into the shadows and take the brief rest he deserved...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
