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 Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 9:08 am
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The day had finally come. As far as weather went it was a very average day, which pleased Ting Lan.
Though when the idea of sending one of her cubs off so soon had at first been rather terrifying to the Empress, it was safe to say she was now pretty at ease with the idea. Her son was leaving, but to someday rule the Pridelands! How exquisite! She couldn't have hoped for a better future for him, as he was not the Crown Prince here.
Despite the pride she felt there was a lingering sadness that day. Lóng Jinse had already said goodbye to his siblings the previous day, before she and Miandui had began their trip over to the South House's border with him. They were just reaching the border, where it would be their turn to say goodbye. There they would also meet up with Ruìshī, the historian who would serve as her son's tutor, and Ping, the guard who would accompany them on the trip.
She had actually just caught sight of the two up ahead, and glanced at Miandui, who had been walking beside her, then at Jinse. "It's almost time," She said, almost hummed. It was an obvious statement, but she wanted to fill the empty air. |
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 9:26 am
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Maindui was jealous of his son. Though he had come to be something bigger here in Tianxia, the Pridelands were his homelands, and he missed them terribly. To send his son back, essentially taking his place as part of the royal family, was like torture. He felt his insides twisting around as he looked at his son. Jinse fit the look of a Pridelander perfectly, and it would help ease the worry that he was certain some members would have. Why take the blood of a stranger to place on the throne? Regardless of the fact that he was King Simi's grandson, Miandui still worried about the Jinse's future.
Jinse was excited. He'd get out of here and be a king too! Well, maybe not as fancy a title as his brother would get one day, but he'd be the top of them all at these Pridelands. Whatever that was.
"I wish you could come with me," he said whistfully, his voice a little raspy from all the bouncing around he had been doing earlier. It was hard to hold in his excitement, and though he knew better than to be a silly little cub, he felt like it might not matter so much, since he was moving out!
Well, besides the fact he'd have a cubsitter with him all the time....grumble grumble. |
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 9:43 am
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She smiled. Ting Lan idly wondered if he'd miss home; in the end he hadn't even spent that much time with them before being sent off. It pleased her that he was in high spirits, and hopefully that would remain during the long trip to his new home.
"I'll go visit you, someday." A long trip. She had never even left Tianxia, not really. But she didn't want this to be the last time she ever saw her cub. She glanced at her mate. "Your father will, too." She was sure he wouldn't object to it. The problem was they couldn't both vacate Tianxia at the same time until Fengwei became Emperor. "And you'll make many friends there, and Ruìshī will also keep you company." Though she had a feeling the historian wouldn't be Jinse's favorite companion.
It didn't take more than a few minutes to finally reach where Ruìshī and Ping waited. So she would greet and intimidate them a bit before saying goodbye to Jinse.
They did the proper thing and bowed politely, which pleased her. "Good afternoon," She said, and glanced down at her son. Ting Lan was still his mother, and so she still looked out to make sure he was polite!
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 9:58 am
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Miandui nodded at his son when his deep violet eyes looked at his father longingly. "You know I'll visit you. You have much to learn from your grandfather on the ways of the Pridelands, but I know you'll do well." Miandui suddenly felt like he wanted to see his own father and mother, but that wasn't possible right now. They were the leaders of the Pridelands, and as such couldn't leave their own home either. Hopefully he'd see Jinse again, though probably not until his mane was completely grown in.
Jinse was satisfied with his mother and father's promises, and so he was looking even more forward to this adventure, even if he didn't understand just how long it was going to take to get there. When he saw the awesome guard and rough tutor, Jinse had a hard time containing himself. His body vibrated with excitement.
"Good afternoon," Jinse said, nodding his head to his two guardians. He was certain that he'd still be expected to behave properly....which was a bummer, but he knew that somehow, if he got out of line, his parents would find out.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 10:14 am
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Ping was very nervous. Very. Nervous. Honestly he shouldn't be, but good heavens, a Prince was being placed under his responsibility. While he was certain there wouldn't be trouble you... you never knew! And he hardly wanted to screw this up, and be trounced by the Emperor and his wife afterwards, just... gosh. In his fretting he even managed to miss the greetings, and only realized he hadn't replied when Ruìshī turned to glare meaningfully at him, already having given his own greetings.
"Oh– good afternoon!" he stammered.
Ting Lan was very pleased with her son being the proper little cub, but the same could not be said for the guard. "Ping. I should hope you will be quicker during the trip," She said, coolly. Her disapproval was apparent enough, though she didn't speak too sharply.
If Ping could blush, he would be bright red. Fortunately, the Empress had mercy on him and moved on to other affairs.
"Jinse," He voice was noticeably kinder when addressing her son. "You will remember Ruìshī and Ping." She had introduced them at least once before. Ruìshī offered the cub a smile, though he wasn't the friendliest looking of lions and it might really seem a little menacing. "You must listen to them, and do as they say during the trip." Just a reminder. Ting Lan glanced at her mate, in case he might want to add anything.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 10:28 am
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Jinse internally rolled his eyes. He knew it was going to come, but it was still annoying to hear it. "Yes, Mother," he said, politely nodding his head. Even if he was going to be far from his parents, he didn't want to feel his mother's wrath down on him! No matter the distance!
Miandui nodded, keeping a serious face, as this was serious business. This was important, and it was clear that while Ping wasn't quite mentally prepared, Ruishi was ready for the task at hand.
"It is nice to see you both again," the emperor said with a nod. His wife was much better at instilling a respectable amount of fear, though Miandui could be harsh when he needed to be. It was important for the pride.
"I'll be a good student," Jinse pledged, though he had no idea how he'd behave once he was at his new home.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 10:57 am
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She felt a little giddy and almost laughed, because for whatever reason Jinse was now particularly cute and funny to her. Probably because he'd be leaving soon. Of course she didn't laugh, because of the present company. Ruishi and Ping still had to be properly scared of her.
"Equally, your Highness." The pale lion dipped his head respectfully at the Emperor's words. Ruishi wasn't really very scared or nervous at all, though he knew better than to test the Empress. Honestly, this whole ordeal was a little bit of an inconvenience to him, he wasn't as young as he used to be and hadn't expected to be signed up for such a trip, and then a prolonged stay away. But, since it was done, he couldn't argue. "I'm sure, my Prince." He said, amiably.
When he spoke, Ting Lan was briefly irritated, just because. But she wasn't feeling the most patient with people today, so that might be why. "You two may wait for the Prince by that tree." Which was her way of saying 'get lost'.
Neither of them needed to be told twice. Ping managed to say goodbye without stammering or looking stupid, and Ruishi guaranteed the Prince was in good paws. So she hoped. With them out of the way, all that remained was saying goodbye.
She hesitated, and decided she'd let Miandui take the lead there.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:24 am
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 12:06 pm
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 12:14 pm
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 12:30 pm
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Oh...
Ting Lan smiled, if a bit sadly, and stooped, then ended up having to lie down because he was just a cub and rather small and that was the only way she'd be able to properly nuzzle him.
"You will be great," She didn't say it as an order, like when she wanted him to behave well. She just knew he'd be great. How could he not? "You'll love it there and they'll love you." She was also saying it to herself, a little. She knew Jinse was even excited about the move, but in the event that he ever felt a little insecure...
Well, at least he could remember her as at least somewhat of a softie.
Ting Lan didn't want to delay his future, so soon enough she had to sit up and just let him go. "You can go meet them now." She said, only glancing briefly to Miandui in case he wanted to say anything else. If Jinse wanted they could walk with him, but she thought it proper he walk the distance over to where Ruishi and Ping waited, maybe to give him confidence.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 12:49 pm
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:14 pm
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