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 Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 11:48 am
Hala was defeated. Not dead, but defeated and Altair was back in the lands; tired and wounded but feeling strangely lighter for all that he was exhausted.
But he was...free. Free for the first time in...well, since his birth.
He'd parted with Nyota and Alienor after they had crossed the border of the lands, leaving his daughter to show the newcomer around the territory and headed straight towards his home den. He hoped that Makhi would not be out on patrol. Hoped she would not be angry with him for leaving without telling her everything.
He had been gone for five days in total and no doubt his disappearance would have been noticed. He just hoped that Runako and Anya were fine. They must be worried, too, though it was likely Yuma would be able to convince them that all would go well.
Limping heavily, he drew closer to his den and paused to brace himself. What would he say? How would she react? For a fleeting moment he feared going into that den and telling her all the things that he should have told her long ago. He shook his head and padded onwards, calling out to her in a gentle voice.
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:36 pm
Makhi had indeed had a patrol today. However, she was quick to cancel it, letting someone replace her for the time as she waited, patiently, in their den for her mate to return. She had, at first, been very worried for Altair. And that was when the visions began... She had sensed things before, smaller things, especially around her love... But never has she so clearly seen...
And what she saw did nothing at all to settle her fears. Altair, in the middle of a battle...
But, he had come out the victor, with others help... Even their own daughters help, though she was hardly thrilled about that. Their children were far too bold for their own good sometimes. Had it been one of the boys, they no doubt would have leapt into the middle of things to help their father, despite obvious disadvantages... Well, perhaps not Yuber...
Still, it was over. And he was coming home. In fact, if the visions were to be believed, he was almost home now. She remain laying on the soft furs of the den, waiting, until her pale ears perked up, hearing Altair's voice softly at the head of the den. A soft smile graced her lips as she got to her paws quickly, moving to help her injured mate back into their home.
She hurried to press to his side, supporting some of her weight as she guided him in to lay down. " Welcome home.. " She said softly, not even asking questions. He would tell her soon enough, she knew. Once he was settled she began to gently lick at his wounds, Some were deep.. But they looked like they would heal.
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:56 pm
And then she was there, supporting him, welcoming him and he felt luvky, grateful and deeply ashamed that he had ever kept the truth from her. He sagged against her as she helped him the last few steps into the shade and the confines of the den, relaxing against the cool floor and closing his eyes briefly.
And then, after a long moment, he spoke.
"I'm sorry, Makhi. I'm so sorry." For lying. For leaving. For not saying anything. For endangering their daughter. For worrying her. For...being at a loss for words when he needed to speak now - more than ever before. He turned his head to touch his muzzle against her and released a shaky breath. "There is much we need to speak of, dearest. I...I have been a deceiver and...and a coward." He winced a little from the pain in his wounds and then turned to look at her again. "My past mistakes...have finally come back to bite me. Running and hiding did not work. I don't know why I ever thought it would."
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 1:06 pm
" But you weren't, my love.. " She said softly, nuzzling her head up under his chin a moment, pale eyes shutting. " It has been a long, long time since you last ran from anything. And you were not hiding away here, all this time. " She said softly, finally lifting her head back up to meet his eyes. " If you let your brother put so many doubts in your heart, you're letting him beat you.. " She said, speaking things she really shouldn't have any way to know.
" You are no deceiver... And certainly no coward. You had your secrets, but they were yours to keep. " Shifting, she settled down against his side now that his wounds were tended as best she could take care of them. Slowly, another smile came to her lips. " Surely you know by now you can tell me anything. Even if you ran away from me, I'd be right here waiting for you... "
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 1:24 pm
He didn't deserve her. He didn't. She was kind and patient and her eyes were full of trust and warmth and...and he had done nothing to earn it. Oh, but he loved her. Loved her more than he ever thought possible. Leaning closer to her, he shook his head again and let his eyes track back to the entrance of the den.
To the glimpse of the outside world.
"There was a time when I belonged to another pride. I was happy there. And proud of my heritage and how I lived and raised. I was part of the Abdul Muntaqim family. It means: one who punishes wrongs. I lived there with my parents and with my brother. We were...assassins. There is no better way to word it. We were sent out to end the lives of sinners; murderers, cub-nappers. I thought it right and just. I thought of it as cleansing the world of darkness. My brother and I...we were among the best in the pride and we were admired and respected for our work and how we worked as a team. Unfortunately, that was not to last. I...fell in love with a female who I attempted to court. Then, one day I caught her with my brother and could not control my jealousy and rage. I attacked him with the intent of ending his life but the female intervened and called for help. Attacking one of our own is a crime punishable by death. I heard the sounds of the pride coming to aid and I fled. I ran for days knowing they tracked me. Then, at last, they gave up. But not my brother and I knew he wouldn't."
He paused, closing his eyes. "When I met you. When you found me asleep and curled up close. I had been running for days, afraid that if I stopped for even a moment, that they would find me and kill me. That was why I left without a word." He looked across at her and his eyes were filled with apology. "That was why I continued running until...until I found you again and realised that...that a life on the run was not one worth living."
His expression turned rueful. "But my actions against my brother twisted him into a hateful creature who lived only to see vengeance done. I...can't say I blame him."
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