The news he had recieved was still taking some time to fully sink in. Eonar was still alive, if what the stranger had said was true. Not only that, his son may also be alive, and perhaps even together. Even taking care of Risheera he had not let go of the small hope that they had escaped safely. Sure it had seeemd unlikely, but admitting they were gone had been too hard. Now he walked perhaps towards a reunion with his family. Aman'thul felt as if he moved through a dream, slow and bogged down by some unseen force. Though his pace was quick, even to the point of perhaps pushing himself a little, it felt as if he were getting nowhere at all.
Days passed as he walked, and the dream-like feeling faded only slightly with each passing day. The days had been a blur, and recalling them was hazy at best. Sleep, eat, drink and walk, that was all the days had consiste of. His mate and son ever on his mind as he went.
Taivaalla was out hunting, or rather practicing. A lame gazelle or old zebra were easy prey, and not of much interest to the lioness. No, she wanted to be able to take down the big ones. The strong males in the prime of their life, and determination was deeply set within her. Success of fail, way she would get that much better, learn from it. Gold eyes stared out from the grass, locked keenly upon a herd some distance away and below her. They grazed and drank beside the water, unawares of her presence for the time.
Aman'thul turned his gaze upwards. It was nearly midday, and he was unsure how close he was. The bird had only been able to tell him what direction to walk, but could give no guess on how long it might take. He could be within a days walk, or still many away. A deep sigh escaped him as he paused, looking around for somewhere to rest. there were a couple trees in the distance, and to the other side a watering hole with a herd beside it. The male had managed a meal earlier in the day, a bit of a lucky catch, and so he had no interest in the herd. The watering hole was of some interest though. The male glanced up at the sky once more before making his way towards the water.
The lioness watched the herd silently, ears perked forward. Slowly she started to creep forward, making her way down the small slope. As she descended she noticed movement to her left. Taivaalla paused and lowered herself, staring out over the grass at what it was. A male lion was making his way towards the herd, upright and in plain sight. "What is he doing?" She spoke softly to herself. Surely he wasn't planning to catch anything, and just as the thought crossed her mind an alarm set out through the herd and hey were off. The lioness let out a soft growl and stood, finishing the descent down the slope and walking swiftly towards the male. "What are you doing!" Tai roared out at him, ears flicking back as her tail lashed in annoyance.
The herd easily saw him as he made his way closer, and in a short time they were off, calling out alarms of predators and making their escape. Of course he did not give chase, his attention set on the water. The male was nearly there when a shout caught his attention. Aman'thul turned, easily spotting the blue on the female as she strode towards him. "Getting a drink." He replied, a bit confused and curious as to why it mattered. "Why do you ask?" He returned.
A sharp snort escaped her at his reply. "So you felt the need to scare off the only herd within sight so you could sip some water? I was stalking that herd, and now my meal has run off without even a chance for me to pursue." Taivaalla looked the male over. He was a rather large male, though that meant little to her. Scars covered his body though, and she wondered silently for a moment how he got them. Likely some mad lioness smacked him around for scaring off her hunt. "Besides," Tai started, staring hard at the male. "You are entering my father's lands, so I would suggest you turn back and leave before he catches word that you are here."
"Oh, my apologies. I did not know that herd was being hunted." Aman'thul turned his head to stare off after the retreating herd, who were now too far away to bother giving chase. They'd likely slow soon, however it was just that much more work for a hunter. "I really am sorry, had I known I may have looked for another place to drink." Aman bowed his head lightly towards her. "I am Aman'thul. I was on my way to a place I believe is called the Pride Lands, but I was also not aware that your father's land was between it and me."
Taivaalla continued to silently study the male. He didn't seem as bad as she had hoped. Truthfully she had bee hoping for a worse attitude so that maybe she could add a few scars to his collection, but the male apologized, twice in fact, and seemed truly unaware. "It's fine. Luckily it was only a practice hunt." At his introduction, and further explanation of his presence, she nodded to him. "I am Taivaalla. It is a good thing I came across you first. My father is not known for his understanding when it comes to unknown males in his land. I do know this pride you are searching for. It is beyond here, though I recommend taking a route around here."
Aman'thul looked from her to the route ahead, which he had been previously taking. He certainly did not want to end up bumping heads with a pride leader, and even less so in that male's own territory. He gave a nod of understanding, trying to hide his disappointment in having to change his course. "Well thank you, I'll do that then." Aman turned and paused. "Though I do not know what land is your father's and what is not."
Taivalla looked from him to the lands of her father. That would be a problem. The male was clearly not fro around here, and he could easily wander into her father's land and possibly even meet Durin. "Alright then. I have nothing needing my attention." She started, smiling faintly at his obvious confusion. "I'll lead you around my father's lands, however I can not escort you all the way. Once we are to the other side you are on your own once more."
"Thank you." Aman'thul spoke, truly meaning it. While he did not wish to burden her with his problems he could not help but accept. If it meant getting to the Pride Lands sooner, then he was more than willing to accept her help.
"Come then." Tai spoke, more of a command than a request, however her tone was friendly enough. She walked past him, towards the watering hole. "We'll backtrack a little, then walk around the borders until we reach the other side. Should have you on your way with enough light to go the rest of the way."
Aman'thul quickly followed after, trying to keep the excitement from being so near his destination from speeding up his pace. He was almost there, and as much as he just wanting to rush the rest of the way there was no need to exhaust himself before even finding the pride.
[Word Count: 1290 ]