|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 8:51 am
The sun sat high in the sky, casting long shadows over every rock, tree, and animal in its wake. The day was clear and beautiful; only a few fluffy white clouds littered the skies. A soft breeze rippled throughout the land, raising the bits of fur that sat upon the heads of many a lion - including one in particular; Adina.
Normally, she wouldn't be out and about, roaming the lands in search of the Sultan, Aali. But her case was different; though technically she was a Kajira, she had amended her ways and wished to become a Banu - she'd even found herself a Pad who'd offered to take her in; Riad'naim. He was a kind, handsome male, and she knew any girl would be lucky to be able to call him their Pad. And now, the reformed Adina was in search of permission to re-join the pride as a new lioness; as a Banu.
When she'd heard his voice, Adina felt herself stop in her tracks. Swivelling her ears, she could tell that he was near. But, instead of stepping forward and speaking to Aali, she felt her muscles tense; she was rooted to the spot. What should she say? What should she do? Many thoughts ran throughout her head, terror spreading to her every crevice; what if he said no? But before she allowed her thoughts wander any further, Adina stepped forward and extended a paw, bowing he head in what she hoped to be the correct direction. She'd seen others do this before when approaching the Sultan. 'Before I was blinded,' she thought bitterly, trying ever-so-hard to make sure she wasn't frowning at this thought. Not daring to move forward before given some signal that she had the okay, Adina pricked her ears and listened especially hard for a sign of recognition from Aali.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 4:58 pm
Aali paused as he spotted the kaji-no no she was no longer a kajira, the blinded female who paused and tried to extend a bow in his direction was a banu now. She deserved to be treated like a banu, especially after what she had endured. Her loyalty was clear for any to see, it was right there across her eyes. A symbol that a kajira was a heartless creature, and that a banu knew how to forgive and forge onward. He moved closer and sat down infront of her his paws falling heavy on the ground to help her better orient herself.
He paused for a moment trying to recall her proper name then smiled. "Adina, please sit, what are you doing out here all alone?" He glanced around worried she had wandered off. He knew she was learning to cope yet he also could imagine how hard it would be to face the terrain alone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 5:06 pm
As it turned out, Aali was much more sensative than she'd predicted he'd be about her 'condtion.' Pricking her ears and being especially alert was not needed; it seemed as if he'd walked straight up to her by the sound of his heavy paws settling into the ground. Blinking a bit, she smiled slightly and sat back on her haunches, looking towards the place his voice had come from.
"I'm sorry, Sultan Aali, but I didn't believe it'd be of harm to anyone if a sought you out myself; I certainly didn't want any assistance." Adina blinked a bit, hoping deep inside she hadn't offended him at all. "I'm sorry, I just... I wanted... you know of the troubles that have come about with me recently, I hope?" She flicked her tail, hoping he'd catch on that she was speaking of Lemya's attack on her; Adina didn't wish to go into much detail on that subject.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 5:12 pm
Aali was mildly surprised by the banu's desire to do things on her own, he was worried she would retreat and become miserable without her eyes. Instead she was showing fortitude, coming out to find him was surprising. What had she wanted him to know, he wondered, there was so much speculation about her and her sister.
"I have heard about what happened to you, and what many say is the reason why, but I should like you to tell me yourself. You wanted to become a banu, and your sister...disagreed?" as it was he was seriously contemplating the death of the kajira, he could not risk such a violent outburst happening again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 5:20 pm
Adina found herself only a bit surprised by Aali's compassion and ability to catch on so well - there was, after all, a reason he'd become such a great Sultan. Nodding somberly, Adina winced a bit, remembering the incident. Quickly, though, she washed the memory from her mind to concentrate on the task at hand. "Precisely. I sought you to ask you of my... of my becoming a Banu." Adina could hear her voice quieting as she got to the point of her finding him. It would probably continue to be a sore subject for her for quite a while.
Taking a deep, shaky breath, Adina knew deep inside how much she wished to become a Banu - to finally fit in with the pride, instead of feeling like an outcast. But did Aali? She could only hope so; and she could only prepare for the worst. Though Aali was, indeed, a great lion, she could recall many a times that she had caused quite an uproar within the pride; only a few months ago, it seemed, she was a completely different lioness. She had done a one-eighty - but did Aali see that?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 5:34 pm
"You are a banu now Adina, tell me what makes you think my word is any better then your Pads. You were accepted by him, as you well should be, you have proven your loyalty to this pride. You know the pride is based on trust and love, and if you think you can love your pad and trust him, then you are a banu. I am just sorry that your sister..." He trailed off and forced a smile, though she couldn't see it it helped him feel better.
"Well nevermind your sister for now, I am really not certain what we can do for her..." More like what they would do about her, so dangerous, and to the one she loved, imagine what she would do to an innocent banu or cub.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 5:41 pm
Hearing his word, Adina smiled. Though most of her expected to be accepted as a Banu, she hadn't expected such a warm acceptance. She bowed her head, now giggling a bit hysterically from relief, a large grin now spread upon her face. "I suppose you're right," she said, a smile also laced within her voice. But both of her supposed smiles soon faded at the mention of Lemya.
Nodding quickly, she decided not to respond on that subject. He seemed to be undecided on what to do with Lemya; and Adina didn't want to think any more on it. But a part of her was fighting to say something. She loved her sister! What if he wished to exile her? Or... worse? A deep frown etched itself upon Adina's muzzle at the thought, and she could feel tears welling up in her otherwise useless eyes. 'Oh, don't cry! Don't cry, don't cry...' Adina hoped with all her might he didn't notice this sudden break in her otherwise impenetrable wall on the subject of her sister. It was his decision on what to do with her, and her input might make the punishment even more sever.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 5:46 pm
Aali could see the moisture in her non-seeing eyes, he could tell how distressed she was, he needed to explain. He would not want her to turn back to old cruel ways simply because of her sister. "Adina...you know...you know that Kajira who are dangerous to themselves and others...often the only way we deal with them...is...to end their lives, to keep them from harming those nearest and dear to us. I can understand how much that thought would pain you, and we will try and find some other means for your sister..."
He paused for a long moment before taking a deep breath. "But if she does not come to her senses, if she continues to be a danger, we cannot allow cubs or our banu to suffer an ill fate...you should not have suffered such an attack."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 5:54 pm
Adina nodded quickly, feeling the tears slipped out from under her lids. "I just... I don't want her hurt," she said, her voice little more than a whisper. "I understand, I do, I just..." Her lip quivered, and she knew she couldn't go on. She swallowed down any more potential tears, leaving the reamining ones to fall freely, streaking their way through the black and white fur on her face.
Pulling herself together a bit, Adina found that all she could do was nod numbly. Though she loved her sister deeply, she did completely understand Aali's stance - what would happen if Lemya lashed out on a cub or a Banu? Though Adina was still alive and, for the most part, whole, Aali couldn't be sure the same would happen if Lemya continued with her over-rebellious behavior.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 6:08 pm
"Your love and compassion are great, you will be a good banu, and I will try and keep you from having to suffer through any ill fate that may befall your sister. I only want you to know that she must try as well..." Even now he wondered if he should not send the Kajira to Tariq, of all the males he was best equipped to deal with this case of cruelty.
He could still remember the way his paws felt, the blood on his claws, and the way a body went lifeless because of him. He despised the Kajira he was forced to put down, because he took no pleasure in their deaths, only felt angry and wasteful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 6:17 pm
At Aali's next words, Adina couldn't help but smile a bit. "Thank you," she said, bowing her head a bit. Compliments would always go far with her, and they especially seemed to help in situations such as this. "You are a kind lion, Aali, and though it pains me a bit to say so, I... I trust your judgement. You are a great Sultan, and I know... I know I'm safe in your paws; and I know you'll continue keeping your pride safe... no matter what the cost." She blinked, thinking about Lemya, but feeling a bit stronger as the wave of emotion came at her; possibly because the words she spoke were so true - Aali was a great Sultan and he would, in fact, stop at nothing for the safety of his pride. He would do what was best, and though it pained her to admit so, Adina felt safe because of that.
Flicking her tail, she smiled. She smiled because she was now focusing on the one thought that she knew could never bring her down; she was now a Banu. Officially, a Banu. She had a Pad, and though another female was his Beybanu, she felt important all the same.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 6:20 pm
"You have a new harem sister as well, Jivu is it? I'm sure you two will get along wonderfully soon. Once you feel a bit more comfortable you can also come down to the lake, all the other banu will be happy to meet you I'm sure." He knew that there was nothing like ones blood sister, but the prides females were often so close, perhaps it would help a little.
Yet what did he know, females were strange and perhaps some wounds could never fully be mended. He hoped however for both their sakes that Lemya straightened out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 6:29 pm
Adina nodded, smiling softly. "Yes, Jivu. I do hope to meet her soon - she sounds quite... uplifting." The thought of bonding with another lioness still scared her, though Adina was afraid to admit it. The last time she'd bonded with a lioness, she came out without her sight; and some had even told her of the terrible scars upon her face. But still; of what she'd heard about the harem's Beybanu, she sounded like a very fun, kind sort-of girl. And so there was hope.
Smiling at this, Adina decided it best to leave Aali on a good note. "Thank you so much, Aali. I appreciate your... your kindness, and I hope to serve in your pride well." She bowed her head one last time, and carefully picked herself up, turned, and walked away, hopefully in the direction she was hoping for. Though, even if she wasn't off in the correct direction, Aali had certainly given her a new emotional direction - hope. And it swelled up inside her so that she found herself unable to care about finding her way back toward which she came. Because there was hope.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 6:34 pm
Aali normally would have wanted to escort any female back to her pad, but he felt offering to escort Adina would somehow take something from her. She was regaining confidence and he didn't want to undermine that. He had faith she would find her way just fine, he smiled as he watched her go impressed that she had come so far from a rebellious Kajira.
He was proud of Riad as well for moving above his own past and offering the banu a new future. Well that would be an interesting harem to look at in some time, with a soft smile he stood and shook off heading to patrol.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
