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 Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:34 am
He was growing fast, the tuft of black fur on his head slowly extending down his neck to lay cradled between his shoulder blades. Kidondo was not yet an adolescent but he was close, very close.
By the time he got home it would be most likely that another growth spurt had taken him that step further into becoming a fully-fledged Firekin Prince.
However, the brilliant red lion had followed his dark-pelted companion towards her home, the Pridelands. He had heard about this place from a slave he had helped to escape and he had to admit from the looks of it, it was a beautiful place.
"No, are we almost there?" He questioned, scenting the air briefly.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:47 am
The black cat knew the road back home. She’d crossed it many times- although never from such far off corners. To go home meant trekking into the very heart of the pride lands; to pride rock itself. And there was something about the finality of it that had her unsteady. She knew what she needed to do- and what she wanted to do... but walking there was not so easy. She wanted to be there and gone, but the growing female knew better then to think this would be a quick run.
Mother wouldn’t be happy. It’d been over two days now since she’d been gone, and after the incident with Xu...
No paused, and scrunched her head, turning her sleek neck back towards Kidondo. As he approached, her ears perked and she looked towards the rock in the distance. “Not too far yet. The rock there- pride rock. That’s where my family dens, at the mouth.” Looking at him reminded her of their mission, and she felt another string of decision chord through her. She had to do this. How long would it be, if not this? Let her leave for something that truly mattered, and not because the winds cast her out.
"It's been a while...I wouldn't be surprised if they're looking for me." She remarked with a slight smile, and hung back besides the male. Were Kidondo's parents looking for him? Or worring what he had been up to?
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:05 am
But then, what did that mean had become of their middle-daughter?
Jing'fei hadn't seen her mother this worried before. She couldn't keep herself still, and when she did, she seemed dejected and at a loss for what to do with herself-- keep a strong face or let her worry and grief show. Jing himself wondered where No had gotten off to, and honestly, what she must be thinking to disappear like this. He wanted to be angry instead of worried, because as long as they believed that her disappearance was of her own achord, it meant that she was probably safe and fine.
He sighed out his frustration and turned to draw closer to Ausi, who had finally taken to lying down with her head between her paws. He purred softly, gently nuzzling her head with his own before heading out of the den again. He moved far out enough from under the shadows to gaze out, hoping to see his sister's dark form on the horizon.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:11 am
His eyes raised almost nervously to the towering structure and he quickened his step a little to walk alongside her. Their fur contrasted beautifully with one another in the sunshine and for a moment his eyes shifted towards No's form.
"It must be nice to have parents who worry for you." He spoke quietly, wondering himself if his father had even noticed. "Family is important to have around."
Would No regret her decision? Would she change her mind and stay? Kidondo was not sure what would be worse. He wanted No with him now but he would understand if she stayed. For who would want to give up their peaceful life for one of war and possible death? He knew if given the choice he would have preffered peace and calm.
"No...it's not too late to change your mind you know."
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:32 am
She smiled, and inhaled the scent of grass and the lingering smell of lions in the distance. It was humid smelling; rain would come soon to the land. But for now, the sun was out. And against it the two of them probably stuck out like a sore thumb to anyone watching in the distance. No had no need for subtlety in a place like this- and she found she did not mind it.
Her ears perked as he asked, and her head craned back around. She had a perplexed expression pulled across her face for a moment, before pulling it into a clever quirk. “No, no.” she responded, shaking her head, and stepping through the grasses. She always felt somewhat amused as her name came up as a pun. No- it was a good, strong statement of finality, she had decided. How many other names could fit it in two letters?
“I know what I’m doing.” She was sorry for it, but she did. And every time she looked back to Kidondo, she felt resolved in that decision. She wasn’t going to leave him.
“Also- I’m very hard to get rid of, you know.” She remarked and curved her tail upwards, a grin stretched across her face. "You'll like my family. They're good people. They-" She paused, and the smile dropped for a moment. "-Well, they might not be too happy about this. But they're good people."
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:46 am
A flash of red, and Jing'fei's ears perked atop his head, catching a bare snippet, not even clear, of the two spots out in the grasses approaching. The breeze seemed almost kind, drifting it's way across the land to reach his nose, carrying with it his sister's scent.
"NO!!" He exclaimed, and immediately bounded off in their direction on lanky growing legs. White and gold, nearly two hundred pounds worth, hurtling towards them at as fast a speed as he could manage. He didn't need to hear Ausi'juu to know that his mother would be up on her paws in a flash at that shout of relief from her son.
Ausi immediately moved to the mouth of the cave, staring ahead to see what her son had seen before giving a small exclamation of surprised joy herself, and moving to follow Jing'fei.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:52 am
He actually took the time to smile back at her, his heart warming as he realised he'd finally made a true friend. No would never realise how much it meant to him to have her at his side. No longer did he feel alone, in fact he felt empowered just by having her with him.
"To have raised you they must be amazing." Kidondo replied, "No..." He flicked his tail idly and let his eyes lower to the ground. "I'm not sure why you want to do this but I must let you know...I must thank you for it. It means a lot to me to have you as a friend. It truly does." He wanted to say more but was interrupted by a loud yell.
His head snapped up, golden eyes fixing upon a large white form hurtling towards them. For a moment he hesitated but then raising his head up high he took a step closer to No and continued onwards.
"Someone you know I take it?"
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:07 am
No paused the Cheshire’s grin to look back at him. She folded her ears and gently shifted, taking in the words. His eyes moved downwards, and compulsively, so did hers. For such a statement- they stared at one another’s paws rather intently. She was delighted though to hear it, even if she had a hard time finding a response in herself. She’d never imagined she’d end up on this path- with him. She’d always had her family, and she’d had Inari- but she’d never really planned to have a friend quite like she did in him. She was still getting used to the ever evolving picture, but she knew she did not want to be in it without him in it. But she hated to think it was choosing between her family and him. It wasn’t- she tried hard to settle that in her thoughts. They would be fine, no matter what she did.
Apologetically, she smiled, and shifted her tail. A careful grin cross her face, and she leaned a bit closer, finally fluttering her eyes upwards, although he was still look at the ground. “I’m really glad that we-“
And then, she heard the sudden shout as well. Her head jerked around and her tail curled upwards, her jade green eyes catching the propelling and golden form of light moving towards them. A chuckle fluttered into her chest, and she braced herself. “Yes, I'm afraid. My brother- Jing’Fei.” She couldn't remember a time when she had been more happy to see him. Even if he did seem to be coming on awfully fast!
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:30 am
"No!" He exclaimed again, anger fading fast as a grin slipped onto his maw. He just couldn't stay angry with her now that she was back and clearly unharmed. He slowed in his gait then, but faultered a bit as he realized that she was with-- not just someone, but some-- BOY.
Both of the golden-streaked boy's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he finally slowed to a complete stop to allow them to close the distance in hopes of regaining his composure by the time they reached him. Oh, dad wouldn't like this. The young male, however, put on an uncertain smile, oh gods, just don't let this be akward.
"No... where'd you run off to? We've been looking for you for hours!" He rumbled, closing the distance finally to brush against his sister affectionately, circling back around to face their oncoming mother.
"No, I'm so glad you're alright..." Were the first words out of her mouth, the dark lioness who clearly had given No her dark pelt, allowing said relief to show as Jing made room, pushing her head against her daughter's with a purr that rattled the small mother's frame. Normally she wouldn't have disregarded Kidondo like this, but having far too many scares regarding her cubs lives, it was too much for her to simply let go.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:34 am
Kidondo took a small breath of relief and stepped back, waiting for the reunion to come to an end. He didn't want to ruin it, especially when it was obvious they were close.
He glanced towards his friend, wondering what she would say and how she would approach this subject. He gathered that they wouldn't be too happy about her leaving with him...
Nervously he twisted his tail, waiting with his posture strong and elegant. He was a prince and he would not act lower than his status, though he would not overly flaunt it either.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:51 am
No broke into an adoring smile, stepping forward to greet her brother. “I know, I’m sorry.” She apologized honestly, and just then, realized how relieved she was to have been back. If only briefly... She rubbed her head against her brother’s, who by now, was taller then her. “I just got a bit-...”
Then Ausi came, and she flattened her ears and bowed her head as her mother’s ebony form bumped into hers. The rattling purr made her nervous, and with the end of her paw, she looped it around her mother’s neck and pressed her head to hers. “It’s alright mom... Don’t you know I’m always looking out for myself?” She spoke, trying to settle her.
Carefully, she swallowed and pulled away, taking a few steps back to stand by Kidondo. “Mother, Jing- this is Kidondo.” As they had been traveling, No had known this particular introduction was important. She wanted them to see him as she saw him. And know there was not just futility ahead.
She had thought lying might have been best- asking to leave maybe on whim, or, just because it was the thing some adolescents did. But she knew her family didn't deserve that explination. Particularly if this was to be the last time she could ever explain. Hopefully- there would be another day. But she couldn't make concessions if there was not. "The prince of the Firekin." She explained further, and craned her sleek neck.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:09 pm
Jing'fei just smiled softly. He could've told No that Ausi would've worried regardless, but it was obvious by now and a moot point. No had it under control.
Jing moved and made room once more, this time stepping to Ausi's side and offering a steady shoulder pressed against hers as the introductions were at last made, though for a moment Jing'fei didn't quite understand the significance of this. He knew very little of the Firekin, something that only Ausi would be able to understand, having been born to the Mistweaver-pride. He was fully aware of the title of prince, however, and his eyes widened as he realized his folly. Princes were, as he was told, supposed to be dignified and kind, sometimes a little spoiled (mother had jokingly added with a glance to their father), but in general looking out for the well being of their pride.
Dad had been a prince, once upon a time, though Aunt Tai didn't hold the same standing for some odd reason. It didn't really matter now, but it made him swell at the time to know they had some form of royalty in their blood.
((Ausi: |D; *doesn't have the heart to break her kids bubbles*))
Ausi'juu allowed No to calm her shattered nerves, but felt it was all too soon that her daughter was drawing back away again. Realizing then that there was another lion there with them, Ausi directed her gaze to Kidondo, recognition lighting her eyes. Prince of the Firekin? What was he doing here in the Pridelands?
She'd never quite understood the need for rivalry between the prides, and having never encountered a firekin herself before, saw no reason to carry on any grudges. She knew the stories, though. It seemed a lot had changed within the Firekin, if No trusted this one. She could also clearly tell that something more going on here that she yet didn't know about. Was he a suitor?? It was the natural assumption to be had, given how the pair seemed to behave.
A short pause, and Ausi'juu finally closed her eyes, bowing her head forward and down in greeting.
"I'm sorry for my manners, Kidondo, it's a pleasure to meet you."
That was mom, always polite. Jing glanced to No, to see if she thought so as well, following Ausi'juu's example.
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 9:23 am
He took his time to observe the pair with his strange, golden eyes, turning his head from the white male to the elder, dark-pelted female. Both seemed polite and kindly which wasn't a surprise considering how No behaved.
Then suddenly he was aware that he was being introduced and with a small tip of his head he took a small step forward, his expression calm. "The pleasure is all mine." He replied, his tone deepening with his age.
"It is nice to meet the ones whom No loves so dearly." He blinked then and let his tail rest upon the ground, trying to keep his posture as relaxed as possible.
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 9:46 am
No nodded her head appreciatively towards Kidondo, and then, towards her mother. She was hesitant, and the end of her tail slowly swayed. Introductions made, done- and now, the real reason. Her mother and brother were two of the things she adored most in the world. It would have been nice, she thought for a moment, to dismiss it all and everyone go back to the den and go to good times. But with a stoic shifting of her jaw, she shoved them aside. Happy times were good and full- but they did not hold the life she wanted in them.
“Mother-...” She started, and although she was hesitant about phrasing it, her voice was unshaken. “I think-“ She paused a moment, and took a step forward, her head craning forwards. “-I think it’s time for me to go, Mother.”
“I wander, you know- and look how you worry! But I can’t stay here any longer. I don’t want to cause more worry." Her face moved towards Kidondo. " Times are changing in other places- Kidondo hopes to make them change. And I want to make it change." Her eyes moved upwards, and she watched the reaction on her family's face.
Would they question the reasoning? She wasn't sure what kind of reaction it would bring. "The pridelands here have had all the joy and prosperity it can hold. It is a wonderful place. But for all it has, it doesn't have any left for me. I have to make it elsewhere."
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:28 am
Jing looked shocked. Ausi felt slightly taken aback, but for all her surprise, none of it was angered.
She looked over her middle-child as fear and worry gnawed at her insides, and it showed for a moment as if she was reluctant to let her baby go, but it wasn't like Ausi to hinder anyone's dreams.
So it was that Ausi hardened her resolve, and gradually the sorrow in her eyes made room for understanding.
"You always did take the most after your uncle..." She smiled faintly, the expression wistful. She spoke of someone that No had never met, but her half-brother Nukta knew very well. Ausi's first litter had displayed the strongest signs of wander-lust, but where Nukta was brash and short tempered and lazy, Mosi had been patient and compassionate. He'd been a very giving and helpful child.
Ausi's expression sombered softly, and she shifted her paws to stand straight again considerably calmer, without Jing's support.
"I'll always worry, No, you're my daughter, that's just the natural way of things... but I also do understand. You and Jing both have an undeniable sense of leadership, loyalty, and compassion for others. I do believe you get that from my side of the family... You yourself are of royal decent, after all." She murmered quietly, not wanting to sound arrogant about the fact.
Jing'fei remained silent, though his curiosity had been peaked. What was this cause that No and her friend Kidondo were pursuing? Was this... just... goodbye forever? Jing looked at his sister with uncertain worry, he didn't like the idea of never seeing No again, but mother and No, between the two of them, knew what was best... and speaking of mother--
Mother had never mentioned royalty on her side before, only father's. Come to think of it they didn't even know how their parents met. Could it have been an arranged marriage then? But then why did they end up here in the Pridelands?
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