Laoch - Truth.Be.Told
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Aisling - Das Tor
She'd talked with her mother. That had been easy, easier than it had been talking to her father. But now...she had to speak with Laoch. Her older brother. She admired him so, looked up to him. And she didn't want him thinking she was...loose, or that her morals had disappeared. She finally gathered her courage while he prepared for his shift in the night watch. While the others prepared for sleep, she approached him, head down, ears back.
“Brother...we must talk.” Oh she prayed he would understand as their father had.
Laoch had noticed his sister's uneasiness. Iontaoibh, it would have been usual. But Aisling? Aisling was as self-assured and confident as Imani. (He never could call his father's new mate 'mother'...she was the same age as him, for Mar's sake!) And ear flicked back as he head Aisling's voice, breaking his meditation. Now what did they need to talk of? The blue lion opened his eyes and looked back to his youngest sister, nodding to her.
“I will listen. What is wrong, sister? You've not been the same all evening.”
Aisling moved to sit beside Laoch, settling herself carefully before looking to him, still nervous. “I...I have something I must do. It will take me away from the group for some time, and I want everyone to know that I am not abandoning anyone, and that this is the right choice.” She would let him absorb that first. It was best to start small.
Laoch listened and raised a brow. Now...what in Mar's name was making Aisling so nervous she was taking it in small steps? “Alright...continue on, sister.” He wanted to know. And if need be, stop the crazy idea before it took full root.
Aisling sighed. “I met a male. He is...like me, a seer. But his visions also come when he touches another. When he touches me, however, the visions do not come. He seeks to have cubs, to bring them home to his pride...but since he cannot touch another female to do what's needed...he has asked me. And I have agreed. Please do not think me lacking morals for this. I...I only want to help. And I've heard his name in visions before. It brings no taste of danger.” There. It was out in the open.
Laoch stared at his sister a moment, before frowning. “I do not think you lack morals. You're being rather noble. But...how do you know it is safe. HE might be safe, but what about his pride? Those he might associate with? You have not thought this through entirely, Aisling.” That was very, very unlike her.
Aisling shook her head. “I have thought it through, Laoch! And...” She sighed. “Alright, perhaps I have not. But...there is something different about him, brother. This is a decision not simply of the head...but of the heart as well.” Tuli was different to her. He was sweet, in a bit of an awkward way, and made her heart flutter a little. She wasn't sure anything more would come of their next meetings beyond the cubs...but it would be enough to know he was happy, that she had helped him.
Laoch studied his sister...then sighed and nodded. “I see. You're determined to do this, aren't you? If so...I will stay behind with you. You'll need someone to help protect you.” He was a direct descendent of Mar himself. He was a warrior, a prince, and he would not leave his sister to fend for herself. She was...well, he cared a great deal for her. Perhaps more than he'd ever admit. “What is this male's name?”
Aisling was surprised by her brother's offer. She was still going to ask Rohodamu come morning to stay with her...but for her brother to offer to protect her as well? That meant a great deal. She nodded. “I am determined, brother. And his name is Kusimamia'Utulivu. Just...be careful not to touch him, brother.” She didn't want her brother setting off any of Tuli's visions.
Laoch nodded. “Unless he proves to be dangerous, I will not touch him.” He smiled slightly at Aisling, leaning over to groom her ear. “So will you bring Father and Imani back any grandcubs to meet?” He hoped so. It would be a shame if she could not bring any of the litter home...wherever home was going to be now. Would they even find a home again?
Aisling shrugged. “I am not sure. It would depend on their coloring, partly. And the size of the litter.” She smiled sadly. “Small litters might run in the family. After all...Mother only had Corcoran and I.” Her mother had been part of a huge litter, though...so maybe...
The once Oidhre chuckled. “True. Well...I hope I get to see some of my nieces and nephews grow up. Now, who were you planning to ask to stay with you? I suspect you talked to Father before me, and I know he wouldn't let you stay behind alone.”
Aisling nodded. “He suggested Rohodamu, since she's so used to finding her way back to a group after they've left. And she's good company.” Aisling was fond of the older lioness. Despite the fact Roho could be her grandmother, she was light and spry and had a lovely since of humor and a flair for stories.
Laoch nodded. “She's a good choice, yes. Speak with her come morning. And I shall still stay with you. Now...go get some rest.” He nudged her shoulder with his own. It was good that she sought to help others, part of her once-pride or not. “Mar would be proud to call a kind soul like you part of his clan.” Blood or not, she was a Scion of Mar, there was no doubt about it.
Aisling nodded, standing. “Thank you, Laoch. And you...you are a true descendent of Mar.” She licked his cheek, then made her way back to the rest of their group. Tomorrow, she would speak with Rohodamu. And in two nights, she would speak again with Tuli, and bear his cubs.
