The Arrival
Mini-Plot 2010 - Part 1
Kimaria Self RP
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They had set off into the desert at first light, determined to get as close to the Firekin lands as they could before night fell. They had eaten well the day before, too, enough that they’d be able to get in and out of the desert before starving to death. And, when they drew nearer they planned to find shelter to rest for the night before making their move as the sun rose the following day.
Rap had come alive again to feel the sand beneath his paws. He hadn’t ever thought he’d be homesick, but he had to admit that it felt good to be back on the gold expanse, feeling it shifting and turning beneath his paws. Hakan – who was not as well versed as his companion – moved slower than normal, but he had been here before and he would learn to adapt quickly.
They spoke little as they crossed, saving their energy to press on as quickly as they could and, by evening – parched and tired – they settled by a small oasis to rest. Rap’s old home laid perhaps half an hour’s walk from here and part of him craved to return to see how time had changed it. But he knew it would do him no good to go back to that place. It would bring back bad memories and he didn’t want to be haunted by such things before the task ahead of them.
He needed to focus.
“How’re you doing?” Rap asked his dark-pelted companion.
“Fine.”
“We’re almost there, now. Should be there as night falls, I’d imagine.”
“And you say there’ll be shelter?”
“Yes. A place I used for a while before setting out into the outside world.”
“And once we’re there, how will this friend of yours know we have arrived?” Hakan paused to drink thirstily, ears tilted back to listen to Rap’s response.
“I’ll call him.”
“What?” The dark lion lifted his head, water dripping from the corners of his mouth. His brow was furrowed in disapproval. “Won’t that alert the others?”
“No. If they can’t see an intruder, they’ll think we’re just passing by. Rowtag will know my roar.”
“And none of the others will?”
“None of my family went there and only he’ll be expecting it.”
“We’re relying heavily on this Rowtag of yours. I hope he’ll be trustworthy. We’ll have to keep an eye on him whilst he’s playing his part.”
“Don’t worry so much, Hakan. It’ll be fine.”
They rested for as long as they dared and then struck out again, quicker now that the temperature was dropping and the light was easier on the eyes. Soon – and quite suddenly – the scent of lion was carried to them on the wind. It was faint, but close enough that they knew they were heading in the right direction. Rap dropped back to walk alongside Hakan and indicated a dark shape just before them – a shadow against the skyline. The shadow was the den where he had stayed the last time he was here and again it would provide them with shelter from the cold night that was drawing in all around them.
Hakan entered the den and settled gratefully onto the ground – out of the wind. Gritty sand had made his eyes sore but otherwise he had adapted reasonably well to the travel, his injury behind him now.
Rap threw back his head and roared, unaware that – away in the Motoujamii Simo – a firekin’s heart lurched with fear and regret. Then, with a soft huff, he turned and entered the den, too.
“Tomorrow justice is served. I can’t believe we finally got here.” His voice was rather dull in comparison to the usually lively tone he spoke with.
“You doubted it?”
“I just…I spent my whole life waiting for this moment and…it’s hard to believe its here at last.”
Hakan nodded.
“You don’t have to join me, you know. You can wait here if you like.”
“Wait here?” Hakan sounded surprised.
“You needn’t risk yourself for my battle, Hakan.”
“I made you a promise, didn’t I? I’ve made many in my life and broken most of them. I will not break this one.” He growled. “No. When you go out to see justice is done, I will be there at your side. No matter what happens.”
“Thank you, Hakan. I mean it. No one has ever stood by me like you have.”
“Maybe because you never gave them the chance.”
“Even still…it means a lot to me. You’re my friend and my teacher but Hakan…I think of you as a father, too. Don’t laugh!” He added hastily. “I mean it. You have taught me so much and, you being here with me, it…it means an awful lot. I’m not sure that my real father would have done the same.”
“I’m sure he would have if you had gone with him.”
“No…I don’t think they would understand. Not any of them.”
“Your mother?” Hakan asked quietly. “Would she understand?”
“Yes.” And there was no hesitation there. “She would know in my heart that I cannot move on without doing this. I’d be ruled forever by my anger and…I can’t let go. Not without seeing those who harmed her have suffered as much as I have.”
And so the cycle of bitter anger still continued. Born from the child of slaves once kept by the Firekin and circling round and round again.
They were silent for a long time and then Hakan spoke up, quite suddenly.
“You’re the closest thing I’ve ever had to a son, Rap. No matter what happens tomorrow, no matter the outcome, know that I’m proud of you. Nothing will change that.”
/fin.
