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 Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 11:08 am
 Eeva was out on the borders of Ela'wadiyi territory that day. She didn't usually come out so far but she'd had word from her sister that their brother had been in a terrible mood. Terrible in that he had been miserable, which was odd for him. Poa was a grump and more than a little anti-social but he was more stern and serious than miserable. If the gossip was to be believed, he'd found himself a girl (quite a feat for him, to be honest) so it had been only natural to jump to the conclusion that something had gone wrong.
Maybe he'd been dumped. Or maybe it just hadn't worked out. Or maybe he'd taken a liking to a girl who had no interest in him. The last one seemed like the most likely scenario.
In any case, her search seemed to have proven fruitless. Her brother was almost always out on patrol in the area and so far there seemed to be no sign of him. That in itself was worrying. He was a workaholic, out on patrol rain or shine. What if something had happened to him? What if he'd just wandered away in his misery? She stamped out those thoughts as quickly as they had come and paused to catch her bearings. Perhaps he'd simply gone further than normal. That made sense, after all. If he wanted to be alone perhaps he had extended his patrol. Eeva just hoped that she had picked the right direction, otherwise she'd tire herself out for nothing.
Ugh. Family. She loved them with all of her heart but having so many siblings meant that there was usually one of them having a crisis. She was thankful that it was very rarely herself.
She broke into an energetic lope and descended the bank to splash through the trailing end of a shallow stream before ascending up the other side. The cool water revitalised her paws and put a skip into her step as she plunged onwards across the meadow. Here, at the edges, the grass had been cropped short by rabbits and the long-eared animals darted away at the sight of her appearing out of the blue. Further out, amongst the tussled grasses, a large herd grazed. One of its number lifted its head and stared at her with dark, liquid eyes. Eeva paid it no heed, simply loping past without even flicking an ear. Seemingly satisfied that the lioness was not on the hunt, the antelope snorted loudly and returned to grazing.
Well, looking on the bright side, Eeva could at least say that if she didn't find Poa, she had - at the very least - enjoyed a very lovely walk.
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Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 9:08 pm
Oh, he knew the pride was not his but he was a loyal member. Though they were made up of all sorts of clans and personalities, and though he honestly had yet to actually meet a rogue roaming too close to the borders, he felt it was his unspoken duty to at least try to guard the lands. It wasn't just his can he wanted to look out for, it was all of the Ela'wadiyi. He knew the stories, he knew of prides that were caught unaware and off guard by outsiders. And while he had no doubt the spirits would protect them, he still liked to be sure.
As the large lion trotted up the smallest of inclines, making his rounds, blue eyes looked down at the expansive grasslands. He knew a river wasn't terribly far from where he roamed, and the savanna was sprinkled with a small herd of prey beasts. Movement caught his eye, and turning his head he saw a lioness picking her way through the grasses. In fact, he almost did a double take, because he recognized the familiar coat.
A rich brown, touched with points of a ligher brown on the muzzle and legs. And the tattoos, the palest browns that covered her body. He recognized the shape and form of them, and even from a distance, he knew exactly who it was!
Eeva Subiani, of Shadow Clan.
The large lion stared for half a moment, a great joy causing his maw to spread in a smile. It had been a while since he had crossed the lionesses path, ever since they had returned from their mountain adventure. Granted, it wasn't unusual -- they were from two different clans, after all, and she certainly had been touched with responsibility! But the blue eyed male had nothing but fond thoughts for her. She was his friend, and though they might not have known each other for long, he couldn't help but feel at ease in her company. At the very least, she seemed to genuinely like him, and not think him silly for his great dreams.
Quickly trotting down the slight hill, in to the grasses, the large lion strode across in hopes of catching up to her. "Eeva!" He called out, hoping the wind might carry his voice. There was no denying his pleasure in this most unexpected meeting.
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Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 12:35 pm
Her name was on the wind.
Blinking with surprise, Eeva Subiani slowed to a halt and threw a glance around her, unsure of which direction the voice had come. The wind liked to play tricks and her first thought was to look back and see if a family member was giving chase. Maybe Poa had arrived back home and her morning walk would be prematurely cut. Fortunately, as she swung her head around to look she spotted Udadalsvli coming towards her from the direction of Ela'wadiyi territory and she spun to face him.
"Udadalvsvli!" His name was certainly a mouthful. She'd have to think of a nice way to shorten it someday - if he didn't mind too much, of course. Eeva had to smile, though, at how much it suited him. It was a grand name which took a journey just to say. For an adventurous lion like him, it seemed a perfect match. She shook her head to free up the fur that had fallen down across her eyes - sending the leather neck adornment ringing about her neck as she did so. "Good morning!" Was it still morning? A quick glance upwards at the sun confirmed that, yes, it was still early, well early-ish. "And when I am in need, my honourable knight comes bounding to the rescue." She beamed up at him as she moved to close the gap between them, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. He was so much bigger than her father and many of her brothers, too. "How have you been?"
She recalled their adventure up into the mountains with great warmth. It had been her first true journey outside of the safe bubble of her clan and she had been buzzing with excitement for days afterwards. She imagined her friends and family must have been quite fed-up with hearing her talk about it. But hey, it wasn't like she went on an adventure every day. For all she knew that might have been her last one ever.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 10:21 am
The lion was pleased at his friends reception of him, and he couldn't quite hide the genuine smile that beamed from his face. To say he was pleased by this turn of events was an understatement! But then, he didn't often get to run in to the Shadow Clan, or it's lions. Now that his cubhood friend, Iyunge, had been heavily involved with Earth Clan and her own life, the poor lion hadn't a good track record when it came to really meeting others. Now and again he bumped in to a small animal here, or saw passing strangers from other clans in the distance, but . . . The nomadic lifestyle of the Ela'wadiyi often meant there were few opportunities to meet those outside ones home. The day they had first met had been purely coincidental, though he was grateful the spirits had blessed him such good-natured company.
Slowing down as the distance between the two of them was bridged, he offered her a great bow. This wasn't just because he knew of her real title -- Udadalvsvli often tried to play the gentleman when he could. He had been raised with proper manners, after all. "Good morning to you as well," he began, his bright azure eyes sparkling in delight. He puffed out his chest a bit as she referred to him as her honorable knight, and though he was certain she spoke mostly in jest, he did pride himself on following in the footprints of all those heroes and legends of the past. He might not truly be a knight or hero, but that didn't stop him from acting like one.
Of course, the ember maned lion did not forget about her earlier inquiry. Was she really in need? Or was that merely jest as well? Thankfully she didn't look upset or wear, there were no tears or anxieties that appeared to give way to trauma. Hmm. He'd have to politely inquire. "I have been well, thank you. I've been kept busy in Bird Clan, but have found a little extra time on my paws most recently. And what about my lady fair, hmm? I do trust you've been well, and all of Shadow Clan."
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 10:47 am
Coincidences did seem to work in their favour. Eeva adored the days when she'd come across an unexpected face and make a friend. It was especially appreciated because she didn't really get to stretch her legs and wander out on her own all that often. Usually she was accompanied by one of the younger members or out as a group in a hunting party. It was even better, of course, to bump into a friend she already had come to treasure.
She laughed at his bow and playfully batted out a paw, swatting the air just in front of his nose. "Stop. Stop. You're going to make me blush." And she laughed again, her eyes bright as she watched him. "I've been well enough. Very well, in fact. The litter in our clan has just recently come of age and we're in the process of planning a hunt for them. Us Shadows will find any excuse for a celebratory hunting expedition." And that was very true. Her clan prided themselves on their hunting expertise and it was something that had been passed down from mother to daughter for many a year. Eeva had found the whole thing rather distressing as a youth but as she had grown she had come to accept that the prey must die so that they could live. So long as they didn't gorge and respected nature, sources would be plentiful and the herds could raise their young well. Her mother had taught her that lesson well. She would never forget it.
"However, one of our members is not so happy. I was actually out looking for him. He's my brother and a border guard. I've been told that he is less than happy; more so than usual. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have found him yet and it's odd that he's gone so far. It's not like him." Her tail twirled thoughtfully. "I'm not worried about him yet, but it is uncharacteristic of him. He's usually so diligent."
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:58 am
Udadalvsvli chuckled a bit as the lioness swatted at him. His blue eyes were full of his usual mirth and good humor, and he was pleased to see her in such good health and humor. Where she was no doubt a beautiful lioness before, to see her smile and laugh so easily, she truly became radiant. Ah, but that was neither here nor there. Silly of him to think such things, after all.....Even if it was true.
Curling his tail loosely about his paws, the lion listened to what his friend said. It was good to hear that the Shadows seemed to being doing particularly well. Sometimes it still amazed the lion that, though they were all part of the same pride, the various clans could be so different from each other. There was much he didn't know about Mantis, Earth, Wolf and Shadow, but he hoped he might someday learn. Though the various clans roamed and moved, there were certain times they came together. Furthermore, he was lucky enough to know a few faces outside of Bird clan, though much time could pass between meetings. Such was the way of things. But at least he could treasure these few moments he did have with his friends.
Perhaps that's what made seeing Eeva so special. Because he never knew when he might see her again, or what might change between in the down time. A very small part of Udadalvsvli feared that, like Iyunge, Eeva too would soon become too overwhelmed with her duties and her own life to find much time for a friend. It would make sense, after all -- she was not only of a different clan, but had great responsibilities upon her shoulders. Their friendship was strong, but someday, somewhen, life might very well interrupt.
Thankfully, today was not that day.
"Well, it sounds as if the spirits are smiling down upon the Shadows. I wish you and the rest of your clan a most successful and glorious hunt. I'm quite sure those newly invited to join will find the celebration memorable, and may they do both Shadow and the Ela'wadiyi in general, proud." Not that Udadalvsvli had any doubt about it. He had confidence enough for every lion in the pride, whether they realized it or not.
Ah, but then the lioness came up with her reason for roaming close to the borders. She was searching for her brother, one who she thought to be upset or at least unhappy. The orange and spotted lion knit his brows a bit in though, even as he gave a small frown. "I'm sorry to hear you have no success in finding him. With luck his paws will find their way back to Shadow Clan, and he may find comfort in thought and soul, spirits willing. At the very least, when ready, I hope he'll find some comfort in his family." It was what family was all about, after all. There were good times and fond memories, yes, but there was also a need for support.
Friends could let you down, but those closest to your heart, your family, were there for you through thick and thin. While fights might happen, arguments, disagreements, or even just bad days, family was supposed to love unconditionally. And when life grew hard, you were there to help and support. Sometimes that support was the only thing that could keep a lion on his paws.
"By all means though, please don't let me take up your time or hinder our search. I'd be happy to help you hunt for him, but also understand this is a bit of a family affair as well." She might not wish for another to get involved. While she wasn't panicked and claimed not to worry yet, the sooner she found him, at least her concern might be lessened.
"At the very least, I can keep my eye out for him upon my return to Bird Clan, or see if any of them may have seen him." He added with a firm nod. It was his heart and his way to help others, so even if Eeva did not wish it, he had to at least offer.
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Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 1:02 pm
The not knowing when you might see someone again certainly made those meetings all the more special. This unexpected meeting was more than enough to brighten the worst of days as far as Eeva was concerned. They had only known each other for a relatively short amount of time in the grand scheme of things but she felt so comfortable around him. She felt like she could be herself and not have to put on a pretence to fulfil her role. With him she could just be Eeva and cast aside whatever ranks they had.
And he had such a way with words! She laughed again, flicking her hair out of her eyes as she peered up into his face, framed by that golden-brown mane. "The spirits certainly are smiling, although I hope they are smiling on every clan at the moment. Perhaps our clans a little more than most, though, considering we took the time for a pilgrimage to visit them in their country." She paused a moment to think on that journey they had taken. She knew it would be something that she would remember and cherish for the rest of her life. Yes, it may have been a bit precarious but Eeva truly believed that every Ela'wadiyian should be given the chance to go commune with the spirits of old in that ancient and magical place. She had experienced so much up there. Been humbled by the presence of the world all around her, to be so close to the clouds. And the perspective at seeing how small she was in comparison to everything else. A small working of something much greater. "Some of my siblings were incredibly jealous when I gave them an account of that adventure." She continued.
And then, to the topic of her brother...
"I hope he'll find comfort, too. It's hard to tell with Poa. He always has been a bit of a loner, never liking to rely on anyone too much for support, almost as if he has to be the rock everyone leans on. A rock that never crumbles or cracks. Except that he's not a rock. He's a living, breathing lion with feelings and he's hit a stumbling point. I was hoping to find him, to see if I could help, but at this rate, I don't think that's very likely." She sighed. "And even if I do, he probably wouldn't talk to me about it." Perhaps she should have fetched her father, instead.
Trying to push past the brief burst of negativity she stepped closer, bumping his shoulder with hers and then continued on walking - slowly, so that he would know that he was welcome to walk with her. "I'd appreciate your help. Maybe you can be of more use than I could with this. I mean, you're a male, he's a male, maybe he'd open up to you a little more than he would with me. Besides, if this is a family matter, maybe talking to someone outside of Shadow Clan might be easier for him. He wouldn't feel like he was burdening those he was supposed to be protecting. Sometimes I really don't understand him. After all, what's the point of being part of a pride and clan if you're not going to let others support you?" Her tail swung from side to side as she walked, mulling it over.
And, at Udada's offer to look for Poa when he went his separate ways, she smiled anew, turning to peer at him over her shoulder. "You're the best, Udadalvsvli." There was a spark of appreciation in both eyes. "I really mean that. But, if I'm being a bother, you must let me know. I don't want to take up your day with my family's troubles."
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Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 8:38 am
Udadalsvli gave a low chuckle as the lioness spoke of their adventure. He didn't miss the fondness in her words, and it warmed his heart that he had been able to help grant her such a memory and joy. His trip up to the mountain, to pay reverence to the spirits of the land, had been a wonderful adventure. It had felt good to be able to pay the old ancestors the respect they deserved, especially because if was their sacrifice that gave him such a wonderful home.
"Jealous they might be, but perhaps our journey might inspire them to someday take a trip all their own." It was something he could hope for. While it was a risk involved, it was a pilgrimage that every Ela'wadiyi, he would hope, could someday make. It had been inspiring on a spiritual level, and had helped him forge a better bond with Eeva as well. Yes, it had been a very good trip indeed.
Udadalvsvli's ears pricked and focused on Eeva as she spoke about her brother. He could easily read the concern from her body language, could tell that she was truly concerned about her sibling. Ultimately though, she was right -- no lion was an island, as the saying could go. When she rose and bumped shoulders with him, encouraging him to walk, the splotched coated male didn't hesitate to follow. He walked next to her, giving Eeva his entire focus as she explained about her sibling.
"Try not to despair quite yet. There is still light this day, we may yet be able to find him." He encouraged with a small smile. At the heart of his roots, he was ever an optimist, after all. Things would work out as they would, that much he was sure. "It makes sense that he might take time to try to sort out whatever might be ailing him first. He must take his job seriously as protector, and may have forgotten that family and clan are there to protect him too. Even the strongest of lions can suffer doubt and weakness and pain; he just needs to remember that family and clan are there to help. It is good you're seeking him out. . . Perhaps your discovering him might remind him that he needn't fight all battles alone."
It made sense to Udadalvsvli, at any rate. With his super-hero complex, with his desire to be strong, he could understand needing to take time to sort out his own battles. Even he did his best to always be strong, when times got tough, he knew without a doubt that his beloved family and Bird Clan were there for extra support. And sometimes that thought made all the difference.
"I would be more than happy to speak with him though, if you think it might do him well." Udadalvsvli added with a firm nod of his head. There was no question about that, either. He would help her seek out her brother until she deemed it time to return to Shadow Clan. This was, after all, what he strove to do; to help others, to be there when those in pride and clan might need him.
At Eeva's exclamation of appreciation, the pale faced lion couldn't help but smile back. The fact that she didn't think him an additional burden or meddling in her own family affairs pleased him greatly, and he couldn't help but be warmed by such an announcement. He was glad Eeva put faith in him, and found there was just something . . . more. . . .wonderful about such a thought. Mmph, but that wasn't something to think about now. . . She was simply becoming a dear friend was all, kindred spirits from two different clans. "You are not bothering me in the slightest, m'lady. I'm here purely to help where I can and I choose to be here. If I felt bothered or burdened, or had promised my time elsewhere, I would have said as much, I assure you."
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Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 7:13 am
"I do hope so." Eeva replied. "Perhaps one day, if I have my own cubs, we shall go up as a family together." She'd definitely not turn down another trip and if her family found it as comforting as she had to go and feel close to the ancestors they had never known in life, then she would not deny them. It was also a comfort to know where one went when one's own life came to an end. To know that another life awaited them; one lofty and bright and beautiful. To fly with the clouds, to be untied from the land and spread one's wings. It had soothed her greatly to know that they were being watched with gentle eyes from up above. "I think the spirits would appreciate the company, too. It must be nice for them to know they haven't been forgotten."
She smiled at talk of her brother. "Oh yes, he takes his duty very seriously. Not a scrap of danger has ever threatened us and yet he patrols the borders as if we are hounded by vicious rogues on a daily basis." She had teased him when he had been a youth but he refused to relax and she had long given up on those teasings now. He wanted to work and work he would. Nothing anyone could say would ever change that. "I do hope you're right, though. We need to get through to him somehow. He wants to help us but he should understand that he doesn't help us when he keeps his problems hidden and has us all worried about him."
She gave Udadalvsvli a grateful smile, relaxing a little. She hadn't realised how tense her shoulders had been up until that moment. "Thank you, my knight." Her words were little more than a sigh. "Truly." If she had had no other friend than he, she would have been wholly content. Udadalvsvli was a lion in a thousand. In the grand scheme of things they had known each other only a small amount of time but already Eeva felt like she could not be without him. Dependable and courageous, he had a way of cheering her up and giving her strength that few lions ever could. When he assured her she felt, without a shred of a doubt, that everything would be alright somehow.
"What would I do without you, hm?" She smiled, continuing on ahead. "Worry myself sick, most like, and return empty-pawed." She laughed. "If I get home and find that brother of mine already there, I think I will give him a smack for worrying me so. And, if it turns out that some girl has upset him - as my sister expects - maybe I'll go and give her a smack, too, just for good measure." And she laughed a second time, amused at how unlike her that sounded. She'd not struck another lion her whole life. "Do you think you'll be in the area for a while? If so, you should join us for the celebratory hunt - or the feasting of it at least. I'm confident that the Galvlati children will be successful."
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Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:18 pm
The orange lion could see it all ready -- his friend, Eeva, complete with dark furred cubs bounding underneath her paws, preparing for the great trip to the mountains. It wasn't a difficult thing to imagine in the least, and he was certain that someday, a new generation of Subiani would be able to make the uphill climb. Chuckling, the large lion gave a slow nod of his head. "I think the spirits would enjoy the visit of you and your future offspring greatly. To hold our ancestors dear to our heart, to teach the youngest generations about some of the oldest; surely it would benefit all in the Ela'wadiyi. And as you say, I do believe the great spirits would delight in being remembered and visited, especially by ones so young." A small part of Udadalvsvli wished that perhaps his own family had taken such a journey. But perhaps his parents, who had been rogues before settling in the Ela, had journeyed too far and too long for such an excursion.
. . . and it was very possible if he had gone up in to the peak as a cub, he wouldn't have ever left.
Udadalvsvli could definitely understand Eeva's concern over her brother. He had sisters and brothers within Bird Clan, and there was little he would not do for them. Family ruled, and while they had all grown up, and maybe didn't see one another quite like they had when they were all in one den, that didn't mean his love had lessened. Oh no. All he needed was to find out one of his siblings were in need, and he'd be there. He couldn't imagine how he might feel or react if one his sisters or brothers disappeared, or at least fell in to the clutches of negativity.
But then, the brown lioness smiled and seemed to relax. This pleased him. What pleased him more were the words that soon followed. While he was ever certain that she might be a touch facetious, a very small part of the lion couldn't help but cherish such kind words. Though Eeva was still a new friend, the blue eyed male couldn't deny the fact that he did wish to stay in her good favor. She was an extraordinary lioness, one who had as much humor and heart as she did devotion and seriousness toward her Clan. He was fast coming to treasure their meetings, and for once in his life almost, almost began to regret living in such different Clans.
Giving another small chuckle, and an obvious dip of his head, offering her a small bow, the lion continued to follow her over the plains. "You are far too generous with your kindness, m'lady, and far too quick to dismiss yourself. I think," he murmured, shaking some of the orange locks from his face, "if I were not here at this moment, if we had not met. . . you would be in exactly the same situation you are now. Worried about your brother, doing all that you could to find him, and you wouldn't stop until you had. Your radiance far outshines my own, after all; I'm just a pair of blue eyes to compliment an already accomplished and devoted lioness." He spoke sincerely, though his own good humor shone bright in his gaze. He wasn't offering her lip service, he truly did find her to be a source of great light and leadership.
Shadow Clan was lucky to have her.
"Though I would say," he added hastily, realizing that maybe he was being too free in how he spoke, "your life would be without any of my great tree battles. It would be a great loss that you would never know you missed." He chuckled again, not at all object to poking fun at himself. He knew he was a little eccentric from time to time, especially when it came to his training.
"But I am certain we will find your brother. If not tonight, than soon. And if he is back home among the Shadows, then I would say, after the joy of finding him has passed, a small smack might be well deserved." He understood how family could bring out the best and the worst in another; and while he didn't believe Eeva might actually do it, to her brother or a potential beau, he also understood that sometimes that thwap was necessary.
"Ah, love, and all its complications. I almost hope it is not the heart of another that is bringing him down. Such an ache can be uneasy to mend, and slower still to heal." His features dimmed, ever so briefly, as he considered this new matter. While he had never truly been in love, he had once thought he had been. Granted, he had been young and foolish and hardly more than an awkward adolescent, but it was enough of a taste of affection for him to know what it was like to be without. "But at least, if it is. . . . I will hope that joy might return to him sooner rather than later." Be it through love of another, love of his family with time and acceptance, or any number of other ways. Thankfully, heartache was not a permanent hurt.
When Eeva inquired about Bird Clan, he was surprised at her request to join in the hunt. . . or at least the feast. "From what I understand, Bird Clan has no intention of migrating from our current residence quite yet. So if you feel I wouldn't be interrupting the celebration, or upsetting any traditions or other Shadows, I would be most honored to attend." It wasn't everyday a Bird might be offered such an invitation. And if Bird Clan did move from the area, there was never any real guarantee when he might see his friend again.
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Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:42 am
"I do believe you are right." She replied smoothly, turning her eyes to look at him. It would teach the youngsters about their ancestors. About their roots. About what lay ahead for all of them and not to be afraid of it. Death was not something to be feared. It was the step into another plane. Another life. Another adventure. How could a spirit just fade into nothing? How could it just disappear without a trace? The answer was simple. It couldn't. Life was eternal. Eeva believed that. "The right to go into the mountain will not be denied to them." She assured. "I'll see to that."
Perhaps one of their clan could become a guide. A specialist in the rocky paths and the changes of the weather that would mean a safe trip. She would have loved to have taken that role herself but as Alu'nadi, it was out of her jurisdiction. Another then. Someone dependable who would not leap into danger without a thought for their own safety. It was something to be considered, that was for certain.
She glanced across at him as they walked, musing at the kindly eyes set in a face framed by thick, full mane. He was a modest one, too, it seemed. "Maybe so. Maybe so. But there wouldn't be this smile on my face and I wouldn't have felt so positive without you here to encourage me on my way. Walking alone is a lot more difficult than walking with someone at your side." And she laughed again at his talk of tree battles. "My life was incomplete until that day, sir." She jested, smacking him lightly with her tail. "I'll have you know that I wouldn't give that up for the world." And at his confidence of them finding her brother, she smiled gratefully at him, nodding in agreement. "A smack first. A hug second. That's for certain. I'm not the only one he has worried by striking off on his own like this. My parents worry, too, perhaps my father more so. I'm just hoping that he hasn't found out yet - although if my sister went straight home it's likely that he has." She rolled her eyes. "Little Laka never was good at keeping quiet."
"Love." Eeva declared wryly. "The most complicated thing in the world, I like to think. Poa is young yet. He'll pick himself up, dust himself off and move on. He's not the first lion to be shot down and he certainly won't be the last. I think sometimes love just isn't meant to work out but that doesn't mean his life is over now. There'll be others, perhaps many, perhaps not. He's a good boy. He'll find himself a nice girl." She was thinking back to her own teenage crush. Stuttering and blushing and nervousness. It hadn't lasted long, though, and she hadn't seen that particular lion for a while now. She hoped he was doing well, though. Hoped that he'd found his place in his clan just as she had.
And then talk of migration brightened her heart a little. "That's good to know." The day would come, of course, when their clan's would draw further apart and closer together, but she was glad that it didn't seem likely to happen for a while. The thought of Udada being unreachable was a sad one. "You would be most welcome. Friends and family alike are always welcomed around the feasts. Ours is a small clan and it always causes quite a stir when new faces pop up. I'll send word as soon as the day has been decided upon. It will be sooner rather than later considering the improvements they have made. In any case, if you could spare the time, I'd love to see you there."
Eeva slowed a moment, cast a look about the empty landscape and then continued onwards. "We'll search until the sun crests that tree there and then I should probably look to heading back, lest I be out and about in the dark."
She smiled again, a little more sadly this time, hoping that Poa was back and that she had wasted her time seeking him. If some good could come out of this it was that she, at least, had had another chance to spend some time with her friend.
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Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 9:24 am
Udadalsvli was glad that Eeva seemed more like herself. While he understood her upset over her lost sibling, he was glad that (at least for the moment) she seemed sure of herself once more. Whether they actually found him on this journey, or picked up his trail, was up to the spirits at this point; if they did not, at least there was the reassurance that the Ela'wadiyi was in safe and capable paws. The concerns of a missing sibling might not be quite as anxiety inducing as a lion lost in the rogue lands, where there was no guaranteed safety.
"It seems the road of life is paved with both heartache and stones," he mused, his blue eyes drinking in the horizon that stretched out before them. "It is very rare, it seems, that a lion or lioness isn't touched with a broken heart. But as you say, he will grow and he will learn. What hurts now may heal in time . . .will heal in time. . . and life will continue. Who knows, perhaps the spirits have something better in mind for him? For his sake I will at least hope as much." And that was the absolute truth. Udadalvsvli believed without a doubt that some things were out of their paws. The spirits of their ancestors walked with them, looked down upon them. He believed in destiny, in fate. . . . life wasn't just a series of coincidences all the time. Sometimes things were meant to be, for reasons none of them could always understand or see clearly.
Maybe that was just his own imagination run wild; maybe it was foolish of him, but . . . it gave him reassurance, it also gave him hope. He had met gods, and there were things even they didn't know about. Surely those greater powers might have something to do with the rest of the world.
As Eeva assured him that his presence would be welcome, the large lion couldn't help but grin. He paused in his walk to dip his head low to the ground at her, before chuckling. "Well then. . . . if you would wish me present for the feast, I shall do my best to attend, m'lady fair. I will look forward to the appointed day." And that was the truth. Not only would he serve as a good ambassador from Bird Clan, but any excuse to get to see Eeva again was a good one for the lion.
He liked her. She was a good friend, even though they had not known each other long. But everything seemed just a little brighter when she was with him, life was just a little more tolerable. Ah, but that was neither here nor there. It was time to walk, and focus on searching for the lost Poa.
((Sorry to cut this kind of short -- I think it's definitely a wrap! I need to scurry though so! <3 Look forward to more RP with them soon!))
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