The Sky Ceremony was always so...EXCITING! And that two of her children were participating was even more so! She had a hide she was making notes on, just in case she forgot anything before she could get a chance to point it on a nice, safe spot where the rain couldn't touch the record. It was sad that Svgata had lost, certainly, but it was an experience he would be the stronger for. He was, after all, her and Fyja's son. Tsusdi had made up for it with her match, taking on a male who had come from the outside, much like she and Fyja themselves, and had won! She rather hoped it didn't get to her daughter's head, though. [She suspected it wouldn't, but one never knew.]
Zia sighed contentedly, making a little noise as she put the last of her notes onto her hide. A good day it was to be a mother! She was so proud of her children for even stepping up to take part! [Though Tsusdi she suspected had gotten a little encouragement from Nayu.]
Fyja had happily enjoyed every Sky Festival since the one where he himself joined up! And then the one where he'd moved to join his mate's clan. And then the first one since their cubs were adults. And now this! One after the next, it was like every year the festival came around just in time to remind him of all the good in his life. The pride was swelling each year, and more members had come into their own clan...It would be very busy for the next few days and moons, just thriving.
He'd been lounging alongside his mate as she painted the tale of their daughter's triumph and their son's...well. Attempt. He didn't plan to disturb her, and he was content to sit still in case she needed to lean on him or anything like that. "It looks good," He whispered into her ear as she seemed to finish. "We'll hang it in the den once the rest of the story's written?" Their den had become extensively painted with the stores of their family. Maybe he should consider adding another room to one side...
Zia chuckled, nodding. "I think that would be a good idea. Too much to transfer to a new canvas at this point. And it looks quite good as is." The stories all flowing together yet still being separate. Just like life itself. "Do you think Svgata might try again next year? With a little practice, I think he might do better." She always thought on the bright side. Perhaps she was where Nayu got her boundless optimism from? But really, her son would go far with a little more practice!
Fyja had to think on that one. Their son had seemed restless, leaving the family den as soon as day broke the first day of the festival and rarely returning. Any time they spotted him he'd been staring into the crowd, as if looking for someone or something. "Perhaps. He was distracted for certain." Fyja had his suspicions about what was keeping his boy out and about all the time, but until he came to them about it, he'd not mention it.
"Maybe we should have Tsusdi give him some tips. Though I won't push him into it." It was one thing if he wanted to try his paw at fighting, another to insist. "It's a whole year until the next festival;who knows how things will be. And what about you? You ever think of trying it yourself?" He had, briefly, but no. He was far too content here with Zia.
"I can't help but wonder what has him distracted..." A thought popped into her mind, and the excitement at the possibility just..bubbled up. "Oh! Maybe he's found a lady who catches his eye? Ooooh, think of more grandcubs, dearest!" More little paws running around. Sure, they might have to trek some way or wait until the next festival or keep in touch in other ways, but OH. Just...OH! It was still amazing to her that their little family was GROWING. She managed to reign her excitement in a bit, giggling still.
"Perhaps. Certainly something to consider if he seems still inclined later on." She shook her head, the giggle bubbling into a full laugh. "Oh no. I'm best suited to hunting and painting. Stories and art and survival are my fortes. I'm barely enough of a fighter to defend myself, let alone hold up against those in the pride who have honed their skills."
Fyja chuckled to himself—she'd come to the same conclusion he had! It was all the more likely then, if they both were thinking they saw signs of it. "I'm not certain. He was acting a bit mopey for a week or so after last year's festival. Maybe he's trying to reconnect with a lady he met then? He should come and tell his parents though, if it's going to go anywhere." After all, if he did marry (and it was into another clan as he suspected) he'd be leaving them. They deserved all the time they could get with their boy before then!
"And I'd not trade your talents for the world, my dear," He murmured to her. "The pride has warriors enough. You're perfect as you are." He watched as she tidied the skin, mind idling back to thoughts of possibly more grankids. He really didn't feel old enough to have grandkids at all, let alone twice over. More kids of his own, maybe...but that wasn't really a choice he could make alone. Zia did seem excited at the idea of their family growing... Hmm. He'd have to think on that offer. "We could always borrow a bird to contact him if he does move away. I wonder who's caught his eye..."
