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 Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:34 pm
Narindima'moyo lay contentedly in the embrace of the swamps, enjoying another quiet moment in his home. At some point the sheer wonder of it might wear off some, but for now his adventures were still fresh on his mine; all the while he had pined for home, and now finally he was back. There was life everywhere here, and something in the air that the savannahs lacked almost entirely. Soon, it would be the tall, dry grasses that seemed like dream.
The brown lion sighed deeply, rolling onto his back and covering himself even more thoroughly in the excellent muck of the shallow swamp pool in which he lay.
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:42 pm
Asali'jua followed her son's trail to the spot of his afternoon nap, her own muddied paws disturbing the water of the pool as she stepped close and pushed her nose against his chin. With a touch of playfulness, she ruffled his thick mane and whispered in his ear, "Wake up, Narindima'moyo!"
She took great delight in calling him by his new name, and did so every chance she got. Perhaps, at some point, the novelty would wear off, though of course the pride never would.
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:48 pm
Eh? What was that, tickling his ear? Nari batted his paws halfheartedly at the mystery offender before the voice registered with him - Mother! It had been months and months before he'd gotten such a wake-up call. With a great yawn that left a lazy smile behind it, he blinked his brown eyes open and looked into his mother's amber ones.
"Mm, hello Mother," he greeted her, rolling slowly to his feet - he didn't want to splash her, after all.
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:52 pm
"We need to speak, my son," she said, once he was awake and on his feet, and hopefully aware enough for coherent conversation. This one, after all, was particularly important. "If you have the time, of course," she added teasingly, eyes twinkling. Even when she was being serious, there was almost always a touch of lightheartedness about her.
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:59 pm
"Speak?" Nari blinked owlishly, baffled. She obviously had something serious to talk to him about, but what on earth could it be? Although it didn't worry him, it certainly left him confused and waiting for an answer. Pale ears flicking forward, he tilted his head, anxious to know. "I always have time. What is it, Mother?"
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:07 pm
"I've remade this pride, as you know, with the help of your father,"Asali answered, "Given the spirits a people to speak with again, but...it is a very small pride. Almost to a one, we are family by blood. Only your friend, and Zimwi and Safura'miezi, are not tied to you by blood. It is only you, your siblings, and your cousins."
"If any of you are to have a future, there is one vital component that cannot be found here." The Queen watch Narindima'moyo, awaiting his reaction.
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:14 pm
It was astonishing, sometimes, the way his mother had of speaking. Sometimes it was direct and to a point, others roundabout and yet still spoken with the same directness of gaze and weight of words. No matter what, her bearing always commanded respect, not to mention attention, and she certainly had his.
"You mean a...a mate," he said slowly, ducking his head sheepishly. His mother was telling him he needed a mate? How embarassing!
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:20 pm
Asali'jua favored him with a smile, nodding in confirmation. "A pride made up of only such close relatives can't hope to survive, you know that. You don't need to press yourself to take a mate, however," she assured. "If nothing else, you ought to find friends...seek out those who might care to make a life here - males, females, any."
"Well, not any," she added as an afterthought, "But I trust your judgement."
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:30 pm
Narindima'moyo, as his name suggested, was far from a coward of a lion, but this intimidated him beyond words. He was good with others, sure, but never before had he been confronted with such responsiblity before. His life as a child had been carefree, and as soon as his naming quest his begun and his childhood ended, his first responsibility had been only his own wellbeing. The quest was one thing...this was different.
"I...you want me to go, then?" But he'd just gotten home!
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:36 pm
"You don't have to go far," she reassured him, bumping her cheek against his, "Or for long. You can come back whenever you want, whether you find others to bring with you or not. There may even not be others for you to find."
"But it is a possiblity, you see? A chance worth taking, for the good of your pride." It could also mean grandchildren for her - an exciting potential result. Soon it would be time for her second litter to leave for their own quests, after all, which meant that it was almost time for her to do the Goddess' bidding. It would be wonderful to see more than one litter at a time, playing together in their beautiful home.
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:46 pm
Nari returned the gesture of affection after a moment of hesitation, still shocked by the request. Surely his mother would never ask something of him that he couldn't do, right? It wasn't that bad, anyway! All he had to do was go travelling again and meet a few new lions, no problem. Easier than finding a name, he was willing to bet.
He was an adult. He could do this. Besides, saying no to Asali'jua was practically impossible anyway. "I'll search," he said finally, nodding, "I'll go out and look."
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:50 pm
She smiled brightly at her son's acceptance, beaming with pride, and reached out with a forepaw to ruffle his mane again. It wasn't quite so easy, now that he was so much taller than her! She could remember when he was small, and his mane just an unruly fluff of hair on top of his head. Mng'aro's would be the same now, she was sure.
"Thank you, Nari," Asali said, offering him an embrace. "I'll see you soon."
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:54 pm
"Soon," he echoed, accepting and returning the hug. It got her pale fur muddy, but it was hardly an unusual state for one's coat to be in when you lived in the swamps. Holding that way for a moment longer, he then broke the embrace and backed away with a nod, ready to go. "I'll see you soon, Mother. I promise I'll do my best."
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:00 pm
"I know you will," she purred, with one final smile, "It's why I asked." It wasn't in her son's nature to do anything less than the best he could, no matter what it was that was asked of him. He simply couldn't stand to let anyone down.
Turning from him, to leave him to his thoughts and his tasks, she headed back towards the den.
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