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 Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 5:03 pm
He was pacing, as was his new typical behavior. His nerves were on edge as of late as he tried to decide whether his dreams were worth the effort. His Mother and Father had told him they would support him no matter what, but in his heart he knew neither of them wanted him to go. He wanted to stay so badly, his last time in the rogue lands had not been pleasant. It hadn't been until he'd met Haziel, that things had begun to calm down. But then, just as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone again. Then his parents had taken him home to the Pridelands, and there he had remained. But now as he and his siblings grew older, he couldn't help but think about the life he was missing out on. His siblings were all taking mates, finding love, and having children. It was a life he wanted for himself, but he only wanted it with her. The trouble with that dream was that he didn't know if it could ever come true. The only way to find out was to venture to a place, he didn't think he'd ever have to face again. The Roguelands. He didn't know if he could do it, and even now as he paced he could feel his feet trembling in fear. His fear had always kept him close to the den his parents called home. Even now as an adult, he couldn't bring himself to move very far from them. He knew it was childish, and he apologized for it repeatedly, but his issues with abandonment were too deeply rooted. Not only had his Mother abandoned him, but so had Haziel .... He didn't know if he could leave them. Ghubari's breaths began to speed up, and he tried his best to calm them. Breathe in ... breathe out .... in .... out .... He was probably a weird sight to walk in on, but that was also the least of his worries at this point.
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Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 7:48 pm
She'd been watching him for a while from under the sprawling branches of a tall Acacia tree which spread it's vast shadow over the landscape and gave some relief from the midday heat. It wasn't that Chai meant to stare, but the dark lion, with his startling pale mane was such a contrast he was hard not to notice. His desperately anxious pacing made him all the harder to look away from. Being so new to the pride herself, she didn't know his name, or much else about the distressed stranger or whether or not her help would be welcome. After five long minutes of watching him worry a track in the ground with his constant back and forth Asali'kama Chai finally decided to risk disaster to find out.
Plucking her pale frame off the ground she made her way over with a gentle call, hoping not to startle him, though she wanted his attention. H-Hello there... are you.. uhm.. are you okay?
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Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:13 pm
The gentle female's call wasn't enough to startle him, or break him from his pacing. Though it did catch his attention, and he moved his head in the proper direction to face her. She was a sight, that was for sure. He very pale coat, and even paler mane ... he'd never met her before, and imagined she must be new. Then again, the Pridelands was a very big place ... "Yes .... I mean no .... I mean ... I don't know?"He was exhausted, both mentally and physically! Stopping in his tracks, he turned and faced the female head on. "I'm not really sure to tell you the truth." The worry in his voice was apparent, as was the tremble within it.
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Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:00 pm
Despite the fact that he was clearly in some sort of predicament, Chai couldn't help but giggle, if only because she knew exactly how he was feeling. If anyone knew how it felt to be uncertain, it was this previously homeless rogue. Carefully putting herself in his way so that he was forced to stop moving about so frantically, Chai tilted her head, to peer up through the veil of her forelock with curious blue eyes as pure as the sky. It's alright.. sometimes I feel that way too.
Ducking her head with embarrassment to admit such a thing--wasn't she too old to act so immature?--the lioness continued bravely. Seating herself with the intention of helping the Pridelander as best as she knew how, which might not have been much help at all truthfully. Still, even in knowing what a hopeless case she was, Chai was willing to try. Maybe I can help? I-if you want that is! My name is Asali'kama Chai, but.. it's kind of a mouthful.. you can call me Asali.. or Chai, or whatever suits you really.
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Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:20 pm
Ghubari was thankful to the female for preventing his pacing. His feet were exhausted and were yelling for relief. He knew he should probably sit, but his brain was hearing nothing of it. "You do? I-Is there any way to fix it?" Ghubari asked eagerly, his ears perked and his head moving slightly closer to the female. He quickly jerked his head as she ducked her head away. He wasn't sure why she'd done it, but he was pretty sure he'd overstepped into her personal space. He tried to look away too, but her offer had him on his toes with excitement. "I would love your help! Please help me?!" Jumping up and down in excitement, it seemed his pacing had taken on a new form. "I-I'm Ghubari ... you can call me Bari if you'd like." Offering her a sweet smile, he sat down on his haunches and tried to relax. "Its a pleasure to meet you Asali, i'm only sorry you met me under such strange circumstances."
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Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 4:44 am
Well, I'm not sure, Chai admitted honestly, peering up at him again. Fearing that her answer might make him all the more distressed, however, she hurried to add. I-I mean usually, when I feel nervous someone always comes along to make me feel better! So I'll try to do that for you, but I don't know if I'll be much good at it. I'll try though!
Smiling good naturedly at his eager bouncing, the creamy lioness was almost certain she'd gotten herself in over her head. Her pelt quivered over her back, making the ephemeral wings there appear to flutter as a sense of uncertainty threatened to overwhelm her. What sort of advice could she give him? Did she even have any good advice to give when most of her life had seemed doomed to one tragic mishap after another? Rin would have scolded her for thinking so poorly of herself, but it was hard to keep those thoughts in check without the hawk leering over her shoulder to berate her every time she got down on herself.
At least they had started with introductions, that was simple enough to handle. Taking a deep breath to calm her own unease, Chai nodded in agreement. It's nice to meet you too, Ghubari.. and.. and I think the circumstances are just fine! I might not have had the chance to meet you otherwise!
That could have been true given the size of the pride and how many lions existed in it. A fact that made Chai glad she'd stepped out of her comfort zone to try and assist someone else. Bari seemed like a nice male, if maybe a little young. Grateful when he finally seemed calm enough to sit, her head tipped gently to one side in question. So.. what were you pacing about?
Depawsit Sorry for the delay on this! I didn't even realize you posted!
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Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 1:58 pm
Bari's face drooped at Asali's words, so there might not be a quick fix to all this stress huh? While disappointing, he was at least happy she'd decided to check in on him. In such a large pride, it was easy for the problems of one to go unnoticed. A simple nod was all he could offer to her comments as he tried to focus on calming down, this nervous nelly attitude wasn't going to make her accepted task any easier. "Yeah I guess you're right, we do live in a pretty big place don't we?" He smiled, trying to flash her something resembling a pleasant and friendly smile. Though what came out was something more akin to a painful grimace. He knew her next question was coming, but he wasn't sure he was fully prepared for it just yet. Looking Asali in the eyes, he took a deep breath and fiddled with his paws for a moment. "I'm trying to decide ... whether I should try to find someone."Ghubari paused, allowing a moment for her to collect her thoughts. "But finding her, means leaving everything I know behind. And going back to a place, I never thought i'd have to go again."Neon Fly No worries! Sorry mine's a little late too!
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Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 4:31 pm
If it's not the biggest.. it must be close! Chai mused. Trying to imagine a pride larger than the one she currently occupied was daunting. She wasn't even sure if it was possible to maintain enough territory for such a thing to be possible. Delicately stepping out of her own reverie Chai smiled sympathetically at the pinched expression on Ghubari's face at her question. Maybe he wasn't ready to be asked, but the only way she could help was by discovering what the problem was, right?
Settling into what she thought to be her most nonjudgmental body language, pale ears rounded forward attentively, giving her full focus to the dark male's troubles. Imagine the rogue's surprise when they turned out to be not so far removed from her own! Trying to restrain the wide-eyed, slack-jawed expression that threatened to swallow her otherwise passive face, Chai cleared her throat, thinking carefully before she spoke. Well.. which is more valuable to you? Staying in the safety of what you know... A glance was cast to the vast plains around them meaningfully before continuing. ...Or being with her?
It was a pretty straight forward question, but then.. Asali'kama had found that the most important things in life usually were.
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Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 4:57 pm
Ghubari was still having trouble controlling his emotions. He was certain Chai was noticing all of the strange facial expressions his face was racing through. Though he was also certain she wouldn't bring them up to him. From the short time he'd known her, he felt she wasn't the type to be rude or hurtful in such a serious scenario. If she was .... then why on earth would she offer her help to him? As he sat there in silence, his anxiety began to eat away at him. She wasn't saying ANYTHING! That was a bad thing right? When someone didn't say something it meant there wasn't anything proper to say! Oh gods he knew it! It took nearly everything he had to stop himself from falling over and hiding himself in his paws. But he was a male darn it! He had to act the part! Just as he was ready to give up all hope - Chai finally spoke up. Her gentle voice helped him perk up, if only a little bit and he listened to her words with an intensity that couldn't be beat. But soon his ears were drooping and his posture sagged. "I ... I don't know." His voice was down trodden and nearly defeated as he admitted the truth. "I love her ... I really do. But out there ...." He nodded his head in the direction of the rogue lands. "Out there I don't know what I face ... I only know what happened the last time I was there, and I never want to do that again." As he frowned, he couldn't help but picture Haziel in his mind, and smile at her memory. "I just want to find her, and bring her back here. That way, we can both be safe."
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Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 6:58 pm
Didn't know? Well, that was rather troubling indeed! While she could understand Bari's reservations about stepping out into the wild land she had only finally escaped, the though that such fear could keep him from someone he loved seemed... unfortunate. Turning a long gaze towards the direction of the edge of the pride's territory as the lion nodded to it, then back at his forlorn face, Chai forced herself to smile for him. Scooting closer to comfortingly rub her face against the pale hues of his mane, It's okay to be afraid, you know. Everybody gets afraid sometimes, but..
Hesitating on the words with the consideration as to whether it was her place to speak them or not, the angel winged lioness bit her lower lip. She didn't know what had happened to him in his past, but she knew her own and the regret she lived with on a daily basis. If you let it hold you back.. then you'll always be haunted by how things could have been. I know I am..
Fortunately, this wasn't the time or place to think about her own shortcomings, but rather the time to prevent some other young thing from making the same mistakes she had. Giving a moment of consideration before offering with a suddenly exuberant smile. Hey! If you're worried about danger going out alone, you can borrow Rin! She's my hawk friend! She could help you find your lady and keep an eye out for trouble too!
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Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 9:33 pm
Ghubari's mouth fell open as he went to ask Chai more information about her comment, but he quickly ate his own words. He shouldn't meddle into her affairs, unless she invited him into them. Which she had not, and he was OK with that. Ig she ever felt the need to talk about her troubles, he would gladly lend an ear, as she was doing for him now. But he would never force her into something she wasn't comfortable with, he could only be there for her if she chose to be. "I know you're right .... my heart knows you're right ... but my fears keep throwing your logic out the window. I don't want to be that lion who dreams of what was, and not what is." Ghubari lowered his head in shame as he mulled over her words in his head. Everything she said held weight, and truth but his fears still seemed to conquer all. Driven from his thoughts, he quickly looked back up at Chai as she happily offered him her hawk for assistance. "Friend huh?" For a moment, he seemed lost again, his eyes glazed over as he stared off behind the female. "Thank you for the offer, but I could never tear apart a friendship for my own needs." Ghubari politely dipped his head at Chai one last time before sitting. His nerves seemed to be calming more by the second. "Thank you for coming to my aid Chai ... if there is ever a way for me to repay you ... I hope you will come to me with it."
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Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 8:26 pm
Rin wouldn't have been terribly pleased to know her chosen companion had lent her out like an object without free will, but at the moment such a thought never even occurred to Chai. After all, she was trying to help someone in need and wouldn't the hawk be more than happy to be a part of that effort? That was the angelic lioness' thought process, which seemed to completely neglect all knowledge of Rin's less than charitable personality. Yup! She has good eyes! I'm sure she'd spot your lady friend quickly!
If Rin could help get Ghubari in and out of the rogue lands as fast as possible, wasn't that ideal for everybody involved? It could have certainly put the male's heart to rest to have someone with him watching his back, it had come in handy for Chai plenty of times! Somehow, it didn't particularly surprise her when her offer was denied, though her ears drooped just a little with disappointment. Sure, maybe it wasn't the romantic reunion he might have had in mind to have a noisy hawk tagging along, but it was better than traveling alone! She didn't think he'd be much more receptive to the idea of her joining him in his search either. Somethings were just meant to be done solo. Oh.. okay well.. if you change our mind. We'll be here.
Leaning up to gingerly lick his cheek her smile softened fondly. Well, I really didn't do much to be thanked for, but.. you're welcome. I hope you find her and bring her back soon. I'd like to meet her someday.
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Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 6:34 pm
Ghubari bashfully dug his paws into the dirt as Chai offered him a gentle lick on the cheek. It was a kind gesture ... one lions sometimes exchanged with one another. But he had always been one to be shy around the ladies. Especially when close proximity was an issue. "Oh but on the contrary.
You confronted an obviously frazzled lion, when you didn't have to.
You then helped me with a decision that I don't think I could otherwise have made. You're a good friend Chai ... I hope to call upon you soon to be a friend back to you."Ghubari dipped his head politely to the female and smiled. "It would be my honor to bring her back here to meet you.
But in the mean time, take care of yourself and Rin ... so that I have someone to introduce her to on my return."With a simple smile, and a gentle return nuzzle Ghubari turned away from Chai one final time. Taking a deep breath, he took his first steps back out into the roguelands.
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Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 7:51 pm
Smiling at the idea that Ghubari could make her very poor attempts to comfort him simply sing of chivalry and heroics, it took everything in the lioness to resist denying any part of it and simply taking the compliment in shy silence. It felt foreign and a bit uncomfortable, but not in a bad way. The fact remained that she was glad to have met him, nodding happily when he assured her that she would be able to meet his beloved lady upon their return.
She'd have something exciting to look forward to in the near future! Biting her lower lip bashfully with an even smaller nod as she was nuzzled in both thanks and farewell. I promise I will. So you have to promise too.. I'll be waiting for you both to return home safely!
Twisting on her shoulder to watch the nervous male bravely step out into the rogue lands and a world of unforeseeable danger Chai would keep Bari and his lady both in her thoughts and hope for their safe delivery back to the Pridelands. Murmuring under her breath, Good luck Ghubari..
[ END ]
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