They had come so far. The entire family had left all at once, one large 'mass' of them, an entire bloodline. Some had broken off into their own groups, going other places. Though the main group said goodbye, they knew they would stay in touch somehow, a family bound by more than just blood. They had a bond that ran deep and strong. And the 'main group' was still...large. Very large. And now...the main group had come to their destination. And Tama'sindikiza had gone forward in the night (it was too hot during the day lately...) to scout the border of this pride they were seeking, partly because he wanted to ensure his family's safety, and partly to represent them, as the 'patriarch' of the family. He was the oldest male. He was the one that had become a father first.
He hadn't expected to see one of his daughters on the border, one of the near-twins he'd said goodbye to so they could go where they were meant to be. That didn't stop him from being insanely happy about it, though. “Ngoma!” He saw pink hears twitch his way, and the white-and-pink head turn to follow. He saw her blink...and then heard her cry out happily.
“DA!” She bounded over, and tackled him. He made a most undignified squeak when she bowled him over, but he was laughing and smiling, nuzzling her right back. One of his baby girls that he hadn't thought he'd see again was right there.
“Ngoma...oh my baby girl, you're safe and sound and alive...” Ngoma giggled and mouthed his ear.
“Of course, Da! Shairi is, too. We didn't encounter too many issues. And the ones we did...well, my new mate took care of 'em!” She frowned. “Why are you here, Da?” Tama shoved down the wave of protectiveness when Ngoma mentioned a mate.
“Your aunt and mother both had visions. The Mizuka'nyevu has died, and we...we could no longer stay there. The entire family has moved. Some have gone to the rogue lands, some to other prides. But most of us...have chosen to join here. Your mother found sanctuary for a short while here once.” Ngoma looked a bit sad now.
“The pride is gone? I...I'm sorry, Da. Maybe Shairi and I should have stayed...”
“No. It would have died anyways. My dear one...you and Shairi did what was right for the two of you. Now...tell me about this...mate of yours. Does Shairi have one as well?” Ngoma perked and let her father up, grinning happily.
“No, Shairi doesn't have a mate, Da. And mine is called Baba Croix! He's a wonderful lion, Da! He has only one thing he ever kept secret from me, but that's been cleared up now. And...” She looked sheepish now. “He makes my heart flutter, and makes me feel safe and happy.” Tama couldn't deny that his daughter was in love. Her tone of voice, the look in her eyes...He smiled and nodded.
“I would very much like to meet him. And to see how your sister is doing once I get the others. So...what is it you do in this pride?” Ngoma's sheepishness turned to excitement again.
“I am a Guardian! I help out with the hunting, but I'm doing what I trained to do now! I help guard the borders, to keep the pride safe. Mind...it's all during the night now. It's-”
“Too hot during the day.” Ngoma blinked, then frowned.
“It's been bad for you, too?” Tama nodded, and Ngoma's face gained a look of worry. “Mathair? Aintin?”
“They're surviving. But once we become unable to find shade during the day to stop in...I fear what may happen.” Ngoma made a sound of worry, pacing in a circle before looking to Tama again.
“Have them stay where they are for the moment. Tomorrow night, I can bring my mate and Shairi to help guide everyone.” And Croix...maybe she could convince him to transport her mother and aunt. She knew they weren't the youngest of lions. “How are YOU holding up, Da?” Tama smiled slightly and moved to nuzzle his daughter, then groom her ear.
“I am holding up well, dearheart. You'll have quite a surprise when you meet up with the rest of the group.” He coughed, looking a bit ashamed. “It seemed...I have fathered one litter aside from yours. One of your half-sisters found me, and has chosen to join the family.” Ngoma blinked...then grinned.
“Oh! More family! I look forward to meeting her, Da!” While most would have felt some sort of betrayal...she simply accepted that her family, already huge, had just gotten a little larger. “What's she like?” Tama felt as much relief as when Muscail had accepted Haruka.
“She's a sweet girl. And she has a lovely singing voice...likely from her mother. Her mother is from a pride that sings and dances, and that's where Haruka grew up.” Ngoma giggled.
“That sounds nice! Is her singing voice better than Shairi's?” Tama nodded. “Oh! I look forward to hearing it! Maybe...I think I know the perfect place in the pride for her, if she likes the Gods. There are those who sing and dance the prayers offered to the gods here.” The white lion smiled, sitting.
“That does sound perfect for her. I think she will like such a place in the pride. Would you like to come back with me? The place we're denning in for the day isn't far, so you'd be able to get back before sunrise.” Ngoma nodded.
“Yes...I want to see Mathair and the others again. And to meet this half-sister of mine.” Old and new family...it would be interesting once they were all within the pride. Either way...Ngoma was gleeful, and feeling more energetic then usual. Screw the heat wave and the sandstorms in the Deshret. SHE HAD HER FAMILY! Nothing could damper her spirit now. Nothing at all.
