Taiga shuffled slowly back in to the camp that was his home. He had kept silent much of the trek back, wishing to be left alone to his thoughts. The rest had left him to it as well. They were met by a few others as they returned, worried questions floating through the air as to what had happened and why some had not returned. The wounded were ushered off to have their wounds cared for, Taiga shouldering past those attempting to convince him to come as well. He had other things to do first. Tai moved through the came, ears flicking backwards in an attempt o deflect more questions that came his way. Finally he escaped in to a small den made up of rock and shrubbery and sat down at it’s entrance. His father watched him silently, brow furrowed and gaze steady. The silence weighed heavily on Taiga’s shoulders as he sat there, not daring to speak up first. Just as the quiet was getting unbearable his father spoke. His voice was steady and void of any hint that he was angry or upset. “It had not been hard to hear the questions others are asking. I hear some have not returned, what happened?”
Taiga hesitated for a moment, unsure just how to explain it. “We were taken by surprise. I believe we found where the thieves were hiding, but they managed to sneak up on us.” His gaze wavered for a moment, he wanted to look anywhere else but at his father at the moment, but he forced himself to meet his father’s gaze. “It was my fault. I saw something in the camp, something they were trying to hide. I thought if I could get proof that these were the thieves we had been getting reports on then I would be able to send word back quicker that we had found them. It was a mistake.”
“It was.” The words were just as emotionless as before, which made it worse for Taiga. He knew his father must be mad that he had not listened to orders, but he was unable to tell just how much. “How many returned then?”
Another moment of hesitation befell him before he replied, trying to keep his voice from falling. “Seven have returned including myself, as well as one tracker.” His father nodded slowly, eyes half-lidded as he fell silent. The older lion stood, gaze fixed over Taiga and out of the small den. When he spoke again Taiga could hear the disappointment in his voice. “I told you to stay hidden, just to watch them. You were to observe and nothing more.” His father’s gaze slowly lowered, coming to rest upon his son. “You did not listen and it has cost our family four good lives. Your negligence has brought about their deaths and has made me question putting you in charge of that mission.” With each word Taiga could hear his father’s anger creeping in, more and more until the elder lion’s voice gained a hint of a growl. His father sat back down and sighed. “We will send a group out to reclaim the bodies left behind so they can get a proper burial.” Tai’s father stood and moved slowly around Taiga to exit the den.
Taiga made no move to follow, he knew his father would return anyways and there seemed no reason for him to accompany him. It was his fault and he knew it, four lives lost do to his stupidity. He should have stayed in cover, why had he not! His claws dug at the ground as he tried to figure out why he had decided to ignore the orders he had been given.
Taiga’s father returned after a short time, stopping beside his son as he entered. “You will be forgiven in time, but I don’t believe you are ready to lead just yet.” Taiga nodded and replied, ”I know. Forgiveness may come from others quicker than from myself though.” His father simply nodded and moved back to his previous position to sit. Tai opened his mouth, keeping silent for a moment before finally managing to get out the words he had been mulling over for a time. “I think I will leave, for a time at least. Maybe my place is not here but somewhere else.” His words were unsure, but he was glad to have gotten them out. His father watched him silently for a moment before nodding.
“If that is what you wish. I hope you manage to find what it is you go looking for, eventually. You are always welcome back though.” Sadness shadowed the lion’s face, making Taiga question his decision, but he still felt it something he needed to do. With that he stood, forcing a smile across his maw. He was tempted to say good bye, but the words felt too final, as if he would never return. Perhaps he would not return, but he just couldn’t bear to say it out loud if so. And so their good-byes were said with silence before taiga turned and left.
The area seemed strangely empty, as most of those around were either taking care of those returned, or seeing to those getting ready to leave to retrieve their fallen brethren. Taiga kept distance from them, wishing to avoid any questions they might send his way, and instead left in silence. The night was creeping in as he walked away, away from his home and everyone he knew. Was this really a good idea, leaving behind all he had on some search for who knows what that he may never even complete? He was not completely sure, but the thought that he could return was of some comfort to him. Should he realize this a fool’s errand then he could come back, perhaps then he would have forgiven himself.
Taiga wasn’t sure how long he planned to walk for, or even where he was going, but he chose a direction and set off towards it, left with only his thoughts and the stars to keep him company.
( Word Count: 1018 )
