"[JRP]" -- New Faces. (Jozo x Haruma)

[bipolar bee]

Jozo tended to his duties with quiet diligence; though there was very rarely an outright attack on the borders of the pride, one could never, ever be too careful when protecting beloved pridemembers. As one of the few and rare immune lions within the plague-infested pride, Jozo was determined to do all that he could for the other lions -- the sick ones who were unable to care for themselves needed him, and he took the weight of his duties personally.

It was a quiet day. The sun was out as it usually was, and Jozo was making his way back into the pride. He'd done his border patrols, kept a keen eye out for any strangers that might be lingering about, and now it was time for a little relaxation. A little peace and quiet. Perhaps he would seek out Eppie. Her health was worrying him each day.  

[Talencia]

She made an incongrous scene. A little orange and white cub, sitting in the blowing green grass, staring at the setting sun intently, eyelids shuttering her pupils against the bright light. She had taken the time away from her sibs to mull over what she'd learned about the pride recently. It was sobering stuff, though with what she'd gone through in her short life already, it probably was easier for her to take than an average cub.

Lions were dying. Every day, or nearly so. It troubled her little heart to think of this. But even worse, it was catching. No lion was safe from it, or at least very few were safe. The idea of infecting others unknowingly bothered her greatly. Though there didn't seem to be any solution to the situation, she still sat and wracked her cubbie brain for what she could do to make it better. Sure, the adults weren't family, not nearly as closely bonded as she and her brother and sister were. But they were her pride now. Surely there was something she could do as she got bigger?  

[bipolar bee]

Jozo found himself distracted by a small orange and white cub. She looked utterly thoughtful and a bit distracted. She was a cub that Jozo hadn't yet seen, and, as usual with cubs, he felt his heart soften.

Jozo, the staid and strong warrior, had a soft spot in his heart a million miles wide. Perhaps that stemmed from the loss of his own cubs with Gerda, or perhaps it was simply because despite his gruff and strong exterior Jozo had a heart of gold, one that ached for the pride that he loved.

He watched her for a moment before moving a bit closer, being sure to make some sort of ruckus so that he didn't frighten the pretty little cub away.  

[Talencia]

Vigilant black ears tipped towards the sound of someone approaching, and by the time she looked, she already knew it was an adult. Heavier pawtread, more noise of fur against foliage. Her face was a solemn mask of soberity as she gazed at the approaching lion. She'd come to realize it really was true that no intruder would be coming into the pride's territory this far, so this was definitely a member of her pride.

"Hello, sir," she greeted him formally, as she did all adults, save perhaps her adopted mother. With her new knowledge about the disease, she thoughtfully assessed the male. He looked very healthy and hale, compared to most other adults in the pride. it seemed he was stronger than those with the diease, though she didn't know enough to determine what exactly that likely made him within the pride.

It occured to her suddenly that he might have been looking for her for a specific reason. Her ears came more to attention at the thought. "Does my mother want me, sir?" He might have had another reason for approaching, but it seemed best to offer a willingness to obey first and foremost. If mother was calling her home, she'd dutifully trot off.  

[bipolar bee]

Jozo watched the cub carefully; she didn't seem to be frightened, which wasn't strange to Jozo. Most of the cubs in the pride were raised knowing they would be kept safe and secure in part because of the warriors and guards that diligently kept watch, and in part because of the disease that ran rampant throughout much of the pride.

"Greetings, little one," he replied to the cub with the pretty green eyes. She was so polite, and in the back of his mind he let himself idly wonder if his cubs would've been the same way had they had a chance at life. "I do not know who your mother is, cub. I just saw you sitting here looking rather deep in thought and decided to stop and make sure all was well."

He watched her for a moment, wracking his brain trying to place her mother. "I am Jozo, a Warrior of the pride. What is your name, little one? And who is your mother?" He must be getting old and forgetful; he wasn't able to figure out just who her mother was.  

[Talencia]

She attempted to file his name and rank away in her mind for later knowledge. For now, she answered him obediently. "My name is Haruma'moyo, and my mother is Kubwa'na Kiburi." She turned her eyes away, back to the sun, avoiding his gaze as she finished. "She isn't my real mother, though. She was kind enough to adopt my siblings and I," she finished matter-of-factly. No sense in hiding the truth. It wasn't as if it was shameful to be adopted. In fact, she felt rather lucky on that point. She just... well, she hadn't bonded with the lioness she called "mother" yet.

"I am just a cub, but I want to be a Healer," she informed him somberly, returning her gaze to h im. "To help others in the pride, so they can feel better, or have comfort before they go." Such a mournful look on such a young lioness! It tore at her heart, knowing what misery those in her pride must be suffering, even while she stood here in the warmth of the sun, talking to this stately male.  

[bipolar bee]

"A Healer? A proud title within our pride," he smiled brightly at her, the sad expression on her face wrenching his heart. "My mate, Gerda, is a Healer. She takes great joy in helping others who are sick, and she herself is not well at all times." Such a young face shouldn't carry such a sad expression, and the ache it caused Jozo simply wouldn't be ignored. He wanted to set things right in her little world. He wanted to protect her.

"You must be strong, Haruma'moyo. I know that pain surrounds us, little one, but can't you see the strength in our pride? The close bonds we share with one another no matter how short ones life might be, the love we have for each other; these things make like worth living, hmm? Do you agree?"  

[Talencia]

His words cut her to the heart, and she felt shame and guilt for how she and her siblings had kept the pride at arm's length, despite the love and caring that had been showered on them. She bowed her head, tears gathering in her eyes and dripping down her nose. "I haven't been so much a part of those bonds," she said softly. "Everyone has been so nice, but it's been so hard." She wiped a paw across her eyes in an adorable cubbie gesture, slowly licking the moisture from the side of her paw before again swiping her eyes. "We really should be stronger, but it's been so hard, being so alone and on our own." Or at least it had felt that way. How could they depend on adults, when it was an adult, their own mother, who had abandoned them?

"I'm sorry," she said heart-feltly, raising her gaze to his again, sincereity deep in her expression. "I'm sorry, I'll try harder to be better." And she meant it. Her siblings needed her, yes, but so did the pride, it seemed. Or would need her, anyway. For now, what could she do for the pride? Perhaps... learn? "Sir... do you think your mate would mind if I talked to her? About being a Healer?" She didn't know much about how to be a Healer still, but surely she could learn by watching, or by asking questions. It seemed the right thing to do, and her expression brightened with the thought.  

[bipolar bee]

Jozo watched Haruma quietly, not wanting her to feel any shame for her tears. In a world of constant loss and heartbreak, it was natural to feel sad, but one also had to remember the good things that came with the sad - especially in their close-knit pride. "You aren't alone now, little one," he said kindly, hoping to comfort her as she wiped away the tears that streaked down her face. "You are a part of our family now." He hoped she would remember that; sometimes it was difficult for he himself to keep it in mind.

"Of course she wouldn't mind," he tried to get her to smile. He knew how those tears felt; he'd shed many of his own while in solitude. Jozo would never, ever admit such a thing to anyone aside from his dearest Eppie. "In fact, little one, I think Gerda would very much enjoy having her brain picked. She's been having rough time as of late, and seeing your pretty face would make her smile, of this I am certain."  

[Talencia]

Where a normal cub might have flung herself at him for comforting cuddles, Haruma just huddled in on herself, physically closing herself off. Her eyes remained bright and clear, her mind on the possibilities for the future, and for improving herself. She straightened with hope at his words of assurance that his mate would like to have her come asking questions. That was good news!

However, when he paid her a compliment, she stared at him blankly. How was she supposed to take this? Other that sweet nothings murmured at them by various well-meaning lions, she'd never been paid a compliment before, and she honestly wasn't sure how to respond. What was the point to telling her she had a pretty face? Perhaps it was an attempt at truthfulness? Except Haruma didn't feel as if she was remarkably pretty or ugly. She just... was. So instead of smiling as might have been expected, she simply stared owlishly up at him with an expression nearing confusion and bafflement. "Well... if you say so," she replied vaguely, glad at least that he was saying Gerda would welcome her visit. She'd have to ask mother immediately, for sure.  

[bipolar bee]

Jozo was a bit baffled by the cubs response to his soothing words, but he didn't show it outwardly. He tried to put himself in Haruma's position; it wasn't difficult, really, as it was a life he led himself. Surrounded by so much sickness and death was a sobering experience, and it saddened him that so many cubs would never be able to live their lives to the fullest.

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he brought himself back to the situation at hand. "Shall I escort you home, then? You can ask your mother if a small visit would be acceptable, and from there I can take you to Gerda?"  

[Talencia]

She glanced back at the setting sun, thinking visibly. "Thank you, but," she began slowly, "I think I'd rather stay here for a bit." She turned an apologetic look to him. "Thank you kindly for the offer, sir." She meant her thanks, as well, very much so. She merely didn't feel like dealing with more right now. "I need to think still, and mother knows where I am." She paused then, glancing back towards the den. "I'm in a safe area, aren't I? It's okay that I'm here?"

She turned concerned eyes towards the grown male. Her facial expression begged foregiveness for her refusal as well as assurance about her safety. She hadn't caught on yet, but she was beginning to subconciously rely on all these strange adults in ways she never would have imagined before. Her mother had only been somewhat reliable to bring them food, and little else. But her young mind was being slowly give the impression of what pridal life should be like, and she was adapting. It was a subtle process, and one she hadn't caught on to as yet.  

[bipolar bee]

Jozo nodded, smiling as he rose to his feet. "Gerda and I live in a den not far from here; perhaps your mother knows where we stay." It was safe to assume that nearly all of the pride members knew where Jozo lived; after all, he was one of the few immune warriors in the pride. "You are safe here, Haruma. Our borders are well protected, little one." It was obvious she hadn't hurt his feelings. She was free to do as she wished, and Jozo was glad that he'd been able to help her in a small way by directing her towards Gerda's tutoring.

"I must go check on my mate," Jozo peered at Haruma. "You are always welcome at our den. Gerda will be excited to meet you."  

[Talencia]

"Thank you, sir," she said decorously, resuming her serene if thoughtful expression. "I hope you and your mate have a good evening." The words were formal, but so was the attitude. Haruma wasn't one for endearing familiarities, especially with those she'd just met. This was the best she could offer in the way of friendly farewells.

The sun was nearly gone now, laying on the horizon like a glowing coal of fire. It gave no heat now, as she returned her gaze to it. Heat still radiated up from the earth, though, and as she turned her gaze upward, the stars were already gleaming through the haze of dusk. She'd likely sit until it was full dark, then return home. Her siblings might need her.