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Post by lexx on Aug 30, 2007 19:28:08 GMT -6
Loki was glad to of found a temporary home. Yet he felt outcast... very outcast. With a deep sigh the dark lion looked up into the morning sun. His dark pelt turning a dark brown red in the sun's rays. It felt good to finally be able to look into the morning sun. Like his father before him it was a blessing, a blessing from the other kings. A soft smile crept across his lips. His golden eyes swelling to keep the memories back. The big brute was soft at heart just as he was strong. It was difficult to sit here watching the sun rise with out his son. The few they watched together flooded back to him. It hurt and as much as he wanted to take his eyes away he couldn't. Out of respect for the dead he could not!
He stood up and roared loudly. Not in anger or in hate or challenge. It was of pain. The deep bellow rang like thunder as he roared to the rising sun Roaring wanting answers of why things happened as they did. He could not stop his eyes from crying now. But he roared, roared to his family that was no longer with him. Roared to his queen of how he longed for her touch to comfort him and help clean his wounds. But it would not happen again. He roared once more as animals fled and yet... soon there was a silence. They knew he was no threat they ran from his anguish.
The land was quite. Not even the sounds of the morning bugs could be heard. Not the steps of prey, nothing. Only the sad song that came from a broken heart. And as the sun rose higher the dark one's voice grew stronger as he tried calling to them as hopes somehow it was all a bad dream. Like this was just a bad dream and he had woken up alone since they were out hunting... He only hoped. The pain... The pain from his heart was so strong he wanted it to stop! Looking down water splashed his face. He blinked for a few moments before looking down. He saw himself... but not how he was now, when he was just a cub. He almost smiled as he hoped it was his son. But a breeze soon blew and the water rippled the memory away.
Why... Why have I been damned... He asked himself before letting out one last roar and he laid down flat on his side half buried in the marshes cool waters. He kept asking himself that question as if saying it over and over it would bring an answer. Yet each time... it was silence... pure silence...
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Post by Lassiel on Aug 30, 2007 20:04:45 GMT -6
ooc: Oh fun! I could bring in Lothril, or one of her daughters. I'll let you decide. 
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Post by lexx on Aug 31, 2007 9:25:46 GMT -6
ooc- bring who ever you like ^_^
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Post by Lassiel on Sept 1, 2007 14:17:10 GMT -6
In all reality, she preferred the clear waters of Beseni to the mud of Kinamasi, perhaps being the reason she begged her mother to be allowed to watch over that land. But still...the marsh was her home, and she loved it. And of course, the majority of the pride--including her mother and sister--resided there, and it would stand to reason that Tari would enjoy visiting them now and then. And along with visiting Lothril, she would have to tell her mother of any business concerning Beseni. So this little jaunt into the other lands would be taking care of pride business, and family business. In short, the youngest princess of Akina was quite satisfied with the occurrence of things.
Her paws traveled easily over the ground, never forgetting her birth place and the care it took to travel safe and swiftly through it. Her pelt, which had lightened from the rich deepness of Lothril's to the common gold of other lionesses, still became splattered with mud and water though, no matter how much care she took. As she splashed through one particularly muddy patch, a smile lingered on her face upon remembering her cubhood days. Almost every day, she and her sister played the same game--one that involved surprising the other and shoving her into the mud. A childish game...but wouldn't it be wonderful to see the look on Almira's face if she managed to get her with that old trick? The smile changed to one that could only be described as cunning, and a plan began to form in Tari's mind.
Unconsciously, her stride lengthened when she came to firmer ground, eager to see her family again. But as was often the way with the marsh, the land changed again to moist earth and Tari was forced to slow so she could carefully pick her way through. She frowned lightly as she came to a portion that she would literally have to wade through--compared to her mother, Tari's love of water was much less. But she really did not want to take a detour, so the muddy water was her only choice. Paws sunk into the muck as she stepped into the pool until the fur on her stomach touched the water. Reaching the other end, she climbed to the shore, shaking herself fully before taking a few minutes to lick some of the clinging dirt away--not that it did much good.
The process of her rough tongue sweeping over her gold coat was halted when she heard a roar...a roar the was very close to where she was currently sitting. Unable to identify its owner, her head snapped up, ears perked as she sought out the lion...but she was unable to block the sheer agony of it from her mind, and she knew that even if it really was someone who should not be here, she would be unable to deny them what they needed. Her gaze swept over the land, only halting when she noticed a rather dark shape with a large mane laying on the ground. Was it Crow? No--the form was much too dark to be him. Tari stepped forward, curious, but cautious of this stranger. Being away from the Akina homeland, she had no way of knowing if this one was a member or not. Upon coming closer, she halted a few feet away, only then choosing to speak. Excuse me... Tones were soft and worried. Are you alright? |
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Post by lexx on Sept 3, 2007 8:23:24 GMT -6
ooc - forgive Loki >.< He's seeing things!
Loki laid there still. The sun climbing higher into the sky. His fur damp and his mane ever frizzy. He took a deep breath and then laid there again motionless. He could care less if birds started eating his flesh. He could only remember the pain of loss. He kept thinking this was all a bad dream. Loki closed his eyes tightly then opened them. He was only playing tricks on himself. He could hear a heavenly voice and it was calling to him? Sarrah?... he was alive?! His queen alive!? Loki soon rolled over onto his stomach stood up and turned his head to the voice.
His golden eyes looking into the lioness who had showed up. She looked like Sarrah... His daughter lived! His ears had perked up a smile crossed his face as he moved towards her. "Oh thank the Stars! Sarrah you lived!" He look one giant bound to her as he did not hesitate to nuzzle her and lick her neck with affection. His mind was really gone and he had no one to even slap him back into reality. "I am better now knowing your alive!" Loki finally answered her. It didn't really sink in that her scent matched NOTHING like his daughters. But lack of sleep and a mind who refused to let go did not help. He kept nuzzling her grooming her doing all he could to somehow make sure this was real. But he could feel her. His heart was pounding but it was clear he was not going to hurt her.
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Post by Lassiel on Sept 3, 2007 10:50:18 GMT -6
The dark lion shifted, rolling to his side and standing up, gazing at with...recognition? Hope? And then a smile of pure joy spread across his face and he was striding toward her, speaking a name that was not hers. Although everything in her told her to step away from him and not allow the older male to near her, Tari stood her ground, somehow reassured by the love that shone from his eyes. He nuzzled he over and over, and were it not for complete astonishment at his actions, she would have done something by now. His grooming was...rather strange for one who's own father had left her at an early age and had limited associations with other males since.
Something had to be done about this though, and Tari took a few steps away from the lion. It was obvious he was out of his mind, at least for the moment, so with a voice made as gentle as possible, she spoke. Sir...I'm sorry, but I am not Sarrah. She watched him cautiously, waiting for a reaction. I am Tari, the youngest daughter of Lothril. Her muscles were tensed slightly, unsure how he would react to this--if he would even acknowledge it! And at the same, she was curious as to who this Sarrah was. A daughter? Mate? Someone he loved greatly, obviously. |
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Post by lexx on Sept 3, 2007 20:03:06 GMT -6
Loki stood there for a moment after she spoke. "Not Sarrah..." Loki seemed puzzled and he closed his eyes shaking his head to clear his mind. Then hearing a name that was familiar with him. "Lothril... Oh I am so sorry!" If lions could blush he would have. The large black lion backed away from her head low shown out of respect. How could he have not been thinking clearly! She didn't even smell like her! Loki took a deep breath before he could finally look her in the eyes.
The big brute was sorry for what he had done. "Forgive me princess... I.. I am dreadfully sorry. Its just you looked like my daughter... who was taken from me by the human hunters... my entire family gone..." Why was he going about this again?! He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts but they would not leave. "Please don't tell your mother... I... I shouldn't have let memories flood me like that... I am so very sorry!" He was slightly panicking. He was gentle though it was plain from his voice. He would never harm another lion unless if there was harm to be done to him or his cared ones.
Yet part of him felt the anguish... the pain of failing to do his job. Those hunters came for him and instead he was the one that managed to get away. He should have run right for them instead of trying to force his pride to run. If they had his life maybe they would have left? No... They would have killed all of them anyways. His head hung low and his shoulders slouching slightly as it almost seemed he could barely hold himself up. Why did this happen to him?
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Post by Lassiel on Sept 3, 2007 20:54:28 GMT -6
He seemed confused as what she said registered, and then recognition swept over. So he knew her mother? Good...at least that meant he wasn't a stranger in Kinamasi. Tari's form visibly relaxed, though in reality she was still ready for anything. Males...unnerved her slightly--probably from going up in a pride of females, though her sister sure didn't turn out this way. He backed away, bowing his head, and she bit her lip. Another thing that bothered her...respect for a rank that she hadn't earned, but been born into.
As he continued speaking, Tari's face turned into one of sadness. So Sarrah was his daughter...and she had looked like her. Please don't tell your mother... Her head tilted a little, though she understood why he didn't want her to know. Feeling that she should put him at ease, the young princess spoke up. Don't worry...you just startled me. I have not been in Kinamasi in awhile, and I did not know who you are. She let a smile pull at her lips, hoping it would help him calm down. He really didn't seem to be all that bad. I still don't know who you are. The small smile turned into a frown though, as she thought of Lothril. My mother...she would not think less of you--I can promise that. But I will not tell. No, Lothril would not think any less of this male. Tari remembered the other male her mother had met--Chi, his name was--and how his memories had overwhelmed him sometimes. Despite that, not only did her mother speak highly of him, she offered him a home in Akina. But he disappeared before long, and Tari never met him herself.
She sighed softly, lowering her defenses enough to settled her haunches on the ground. Tari did not want him to think that she was wary because of the way he acted. No...it was simply because every experience she had with a male ultimately turned out bad. Her father abandoning her scarred her the worst though. Her golden eyes glanced toward the dark one in front of her. Would her father have acted in such a way if she had been killed? Her gaze lowered, and she spoke almost to herself. You must have loved her greatly. I would that my own father loved me that much. The words were said without thought, and looked at him again, hoping her words had not stirred anymore memories. |
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Post by lexx on Sept 3, 2007 21:15:56 GMT -6
Loki looked up at her again a slight yet strange smile crossed him. As if he had forgotten how to smile. "Forgive me. I am Loki." He took in a deep breath still trying to figure things out a bit. She did look so much like his Sarrah. He had so hoped it was her. He fought himself to believe it was her but he knew it was not. It was a shame how eyes played tricks on the lost souls. "I am sure your father thinks of you every day." Was all Loki could say. He remembered his father. A dark large lion like himself. Proud and strong. Yet kind and caring. It was custom and hereditary in his blood.
The thought of the word father even brought back pain. The day his father died and asked him, his only son to take his place. His mother had died long before his father and a female from another pride came to be his queen. Yet now he was completely alone. He to was once a father... but how is it a father lives to see more days then his children? He shivered slightly as a breeze blew by. "I loved my Sarrah very much... my first child... She was very special. Strong and proud like her mother... yet stubborn like her grandfather..." He looked at her. "I can see you... grew up alone... with out a father?" He hoped he wasn't right. But her tone was so sad. It made him want to come back and give her a nuzzle to let her know she was not alone right now. He would not judge her for her past as he hoped she would not judge him.
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Post by Lassiel on Sept 4, 2007 20:54:22 GMT -6
Her gaze fell at his question. Neither her or her sister had told anyone exactly what they went through back when they were cubs--and she knew her mother seldom spoke of it. Really...the only ones that knew were probably Vishar and Asaki, who were the only two other members back then. It would be...strange...to tell another of what happened--though it probably seemed like very little to others. But for a young girl to grow up with that knowledge...it did shape Tari, and cause her to grow up differently.
She didn't know why she chose to open up, to one she only had the name of and a small slice of his past. Perhaps it was the kind way he spoke, or the knowledge that he had at least loved his family. Or maybe it was the just the cub inside of her grasping vainly for anyone resembling a father. My father, Ibalo, was the first Akina King. Tari's head rose, searching his face for any reaction. My mother loved him, and at least thought he loved her--but one day he just...left. Without a word to anyone. She paused, her eyes suddenly swinging to the side as she examined the land around them. She felt...unsure of herself, and kind of naked by telling another of this. Even she could hear the sorrow in her voice as she opened her mouth once more. I met him once, and then never saw him again. Do you know what it is like to grow up with the knowledge that your father left you? To meet another your age, and to know that at home there is a father waiting for them, watching over?
Tari had never said so much about this in her life--and she had no idea why it had to happen now. The questions she asked weren't accusing--in them was the tone of a child simply wanting answers, wanting to understand why this happened. Unknown to her, tears had started to appear in her eyes. Upon noticing, she quickly blinked them away before turning back to Loki and giving a wobbly smile. My sister hates him. I am confused by him. And my mother...I don't think anyone really knows what she thinks. And suddenly, all her words dried up, and she just sat there, watching the other. Would he think her weak for this? How could it compare to the deaths he had suffered... |
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Post by lexx on Sept 6, 2007 13:30:19 GMT -6
"I can imagine its very rough. I knew my family mostly but my mother was always off hunting. I rarely saw her. She loved it. And after I was just a year old she never came back. My father told me that her age and love for hunting caught up with her..." He took a deep breath and moved over to her slightly. His eyes watching her as a father would a daughter. He felt a need to protect her. But from what? He had no idea. Maybe it was her story of not having a real father. Maybe he could kind of show her what it would have been like? No she's not a cub that wouldn't work. But why did he want to protect her like his daughter? Possibly the fact she looked like Sarrah...
He tried to manage a smile. "Well we can always go ask her how she feels. I mean it doesn't hurt to ask right?" He said softly trying to cheer her up a bit. It would never hide what they felt about their losses. But at least the company was nice. It didn't feel good to be alone. Least thats what he felt. He was a bit afraid of it to tell the truth. He took a deep breath moving over to her and giving her a friendly nuzzle to at least get her spirits up. "Plus your mother would probably like to see you." He said trying to force himself to change the subject and forget the past. Lord only knows its hard to forget...
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Post by Lassiel on Sept 12, 2007 20:53:02 GMT -6
Despite the age difference, despite the distinctions that separated them--it seemed she had something in common with Loki. Granted, he had known his mother for a year before she disappeared, it still seemed he had grown up closest to his father. Just like him, Tari had grown without the presence of one parent, though it was her mother for her. The mother and her two daughters were close, though some may fail to see that considering they were seldom all together now that Almira and Tari were grown. Lothril had taught them...everything. How to hunt and defend oneself...the importance of loyalty and courage, no matter who or what you were dealing with. Above any other being in the world, Tari respected her mother the most, and so took on the duties of a princess even when it did not really appeal to her.
But...ask her about her feelings on Ibalo? His departure hurt her mother so much...Tari didn't even know if Lothril would answer such an outright question. But like Loki said...it wasn't as if such a question would hurt anything. Yet for some reason the young lioness still felt hesitant about it. Her breath escaped her in a quiet sigh of uncertainty, eyes lowered to the moist ground. Unaware to her, Tari's form had relaxed completely around this lion, put at ease by the calm aura that came from him and even by his sadness--for sadness over such happenings meant a capacity for great love, and Tari was perhaps naive enough to believe anyone with such feelings could not be all that horrible.
The air caught in her throat as Loki moved forward, nuzzling her in a friendly fashion. Once again, such affection from a male startled her, so unused to it she was, but then golden eyes closed halfway as she felt her spirits lift a little. Just because her own father had caused so much distress and sadness did not mean did not mean every other man was the same. Loki, at the least, wasn't like that. But there was still an air of grief about him, and Tari could not, in good conscience, leave him without any consoling words when he had done what he could for her. She returned the nuzzle before finally speaking softly. Thank you, for your kind words. For the way you have treated me, a lioness you did not even know, I cannot but have faith that they knew you loved them, and would not have ever done them harm.
A faint smile touched her lips, one of gratitude and consolation. As for your suggestion... The small head shook a little. Although I suffered the loss of my father in the process, I did not know him well and would feel out of my element, if you understand. Gaze sparked a little at an idea, but she glanced hesitantly at Loki, wondering what she would think of her idea. Tongue darted out to lick her lips nervously, before speaking. If you do not want to do this, do not feel obligated...but I think of the two of us...you would benefit most from a talk with her--and she would benefit from speaking with you. Words tumbled out then, slightly worried that her request would be silenced before she could finish. More than anyone, I think you would understand her, and she you. Her gaze turned pleading as she faced the dark lion. Please--could you talk to her of it? Her speech halted, and Tari waited with baited breath for Loki's answer.
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Post by lexx on Sept 14, 2007 11:16:46 GMT -6
Loki listened to her. Mostly reading her as he had spoken to her. He could almost feel t pain from it. He stayed close to her but not so close that she would feel uncomfortable. He knew very well that he was still a stranger to her in a sense. Then when she returned the nuzzle he felt relief. He felt he had probably gone to far to cheer her up. He remembered hos much his children loved the soft nuzzles and licks and grooming to cheer them up. It was a time of bonding of love and understanding. Dwelling on the past it hurt but it brought things to light too. The joys of the past and not of the pain. They still live on in the memories of others. Yes this was very true.
Then when she hesitated and she could not speak to her mother about it, his head hung low for a few short moments. He had hoped she could. Then she started to speak again. His ears perked forward as he listened his eyes bright as her smile was contagious and brought a soft smile to his lips. He tilted his head to the side listening to her and pondering on the words she spoke. "Yes I guess your right but..." His words faltered for a moment as he tried to chose his words correctly. Lothril was indeed a beautiful lioness but what did her daughter mean by he could benefit from it? He knew they both shared painful pasts. But a friend that one could always turn to in time of need and someone to listen too is a thing to cherish. He took a deep breath. "I guess you are right about that. Its just I haven't been here for very long. She might think I'd be pressing matters but like I said to you... It doesn't hurt to try at least. Least everyone could use a friend to talk to when things aren't going as well as hoped or in dealing with the past. A kindly voice is always welcomed."
He took another breath looking around as the sun had climbed higher into the sky. It was getting hotter but the waters of the marsh always stayed cool. He was glad of that fact. A dark lion such as he had to keep to the shade a lot. He stood up and looked at her giving her one more soft nuzzle of thanks. "Shall we start heading over? Its a bit of a walk." But then she probably already knew this. He tried to hide his embarrassment from saying that but he would get over it.
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Post by Lassiel on Sept 15, 2007 15:25:01 GMT -6
Her face split into a much wider smile as Loki voiced his agreement. She hadn't really thought he would agree to it, especially when they had only just met and she was suggesting he talk about his very painful past to the queen of these lands. Unable to help herself, and breaking a way from her reserved nature in the process, Tari spoke excitedly. Thank you! It was at moments like these that one could see she was still a young lioness, just barely into adulthood. I know it may seem a bit awkward at first...but I think she'll appreciate being able to talk with some one else who has experienced a grief similar to it. The young girl hoped he didn't take offense at the way she was speaking of his past--but it was the only way she knew of that could get her thoughts across. She respected him...very much, for what he had gone through, and yet was still a kind enough lion to comfort her in her own grief.
As he made to leave, Tari readied herself to follow with a slightly embaressed look in her eyes. I hope you know where she is. I haven't been in Kinamasi for awhile and don't know where she stays now. She stretched her legs and then began walking deeper into the marsh. Well, that wasn't entirely true. Tari knew that her mother often spent her time deeper in the lands, and that the would have a much better chance of finding her there. She glanced at Loki, before turning back to her surroundings. She would greet her mother, but let them speak first, and give them privacy for it as well. There was nothing pressing to tell Lothril of, and she would understand if Tari wanted to speak with her sister. No, there wouldn't be any hard feelings if Tari did not talk with her mother first.
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Post by lexx on Sept 16, 2007 7:13:50 GMT -6
Loki was still watching her as she spoke. Oh how she reminded him of his Sarah. She seemed to be the same age... or right around it. He chuckled softly to see her so excited about his agreement to her. He had to admit he was a bit scared about it but the worst that could happen is she tells him to find another pride to help protect right? He shook out his now dry mane but the rest of his wasn't the cleanest ever due to his laying down in the waters. "I believe we both will benefit. It does help the heart mend its wounds when two who have felt great loss talk. It helps to understand. You have helped me here today as well. I don't hurt as much but I will always carry their memories." He said with a nod of his head. It was true. Loki would always carry them in his heart. But he couldn't always dwell on the past. He has a new home now and those who need protection. Well they may not need it to much, but at least he can be there if they do need it. No running away this time.
When she moved up to him he nodded. "I know where she is. Most of the pride is with her minus the few that went hunting when I left this morning." He informed her. He gave her a reassuring purr so that she wouldn't feel so embarrassed. She had no reason to be. It was hard to locate anyone once they moved and you hadn't been by to see them in some time. "Your mother I believe is resting still before the hunt tonight." He added that little bit. He didn't though say he loved hunting himself. He was powerful and for his size he was rather fast. And at night he really didn't have to do much running. He was more the muscle to help bring down prey. And even bigger prey if Crow was there to help. He had to smirk softly. Crow reminded him of himself in some ways. "Well lets get going before the sun cooks us both out here." He said taking off at a slow two beat of his paws. It was clear the pride was not to far off.
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