Post by Msasi on Jun 26, 2007 0:00:07 GMT -5
Involved:
Waset, Female Barbary Lioness. Queen of Tyne.
Almasi, Female Lioness Cub. Princess of Tyne.
Stara, Female Lioness Cub. Princess of Tyne.
Summary:
Just a little mother-daughter time in Tyne.
[Tyne] Tyne Rock Base
Almasi is settled down at the entrance of the cave, head resting on her forepaws while she just peers out at the grasses that stretch out before her. Someone is bored.. Her tail lashes a few times behind her while her forepaws grip at the rocky surface.
The sound of pitter pattering little paws can be heard coming the inside of the cave. A good yawn and a stretch are given before she continues out into the evening air. A sibling of hers is spotted and, instead of leaping on her, Stara simple pads up along side her plops down onto haunches, staring out into nothing with her. "Yup." she says blandly, her ears flickering as she glances down at the other girl.
Almasi blinks and licks across her maw and lifts her head to peer at her sister. "Hey Stara." Large forepaw lifted to half swat out at her sister glad to see someone awake finally.
Stara grins,"Hey hey," she responds, raising a paw to block the playful swat from the other cub. She rolls her shoulders in a stretch and pretends to fall asleep, flopping over onto Almasi's back and snoring loudly. "Its so /boring/ around here.." she whines, snoring loudly again and pretending to be lifeless.
Almasi peers crosseyed at her sister as she falls over. She pouts as she is pressed down against and the snoring. "Hey.. I an' a bed here." She grumbles and wiggles about trying to get herself up.
Stara snorts,"Aw lighten up.." she giggles, allowing herself to plop down onto the hard ground beneath them. The cub finds herself comfortable on her back, all four legs sticking straight up above her. "Better being a bed than just layin there." A forepaw reaches out and swats at Almasi's face. "Whatcha gonna do about it huh?" she taunts after a moment, her expressive ebon brows furrowing over her eyes playfully.
Almasi ees softly an nips out at the paw faintly while her tail flickers about. "I dono.. tickle you?" She grins right back and lifts a forepaw to press against her sister's shoulder.
[ Waset goes IC. ]
Stara's determined expression doesn't last long. If it's one thing this girl is is ticklish. The cubess squeals and quickly rolls over onto her stomach to protect herself from such attacks,"No fair!" she laughs, scrunching her face up and sticking her tongue out at her.
The heavy paw steps of Tyne barbary queen sound as Waset emerges from the mouth of the pridal cavern and pads down the path to the base of the rock, muzzle splitting in a wide yawn. Awakened and refreshed, the lioness means to make a quick patrol of the land immediately surrounding Tyne Rock, get a count of who is around and about and that sort of thing, maybe round up a few of the lionesses to take a fresh shot at a hunt. But the sound of playful cubs distract her and, smiling at the sight, she is pleased to discover that it is two of her own messing about. "Girls," Waset chuffs in greeting, slowing her pace to a slow walk as she nears. "Having fun, are we?"
Almasi wiggles about while trying to latch onto her sister's ear with a faint raw escaping her before a fit of giggles. Her ears twitch backwards and she tilts her head to peer over at there mother, she quickly forgets about her sister's ear and bounces up to her paws and runs on over to her. "Mama!"
The girl tries to fold her ears back against her head to protect them, growling playfully at the other girl and grinning from ear to ear. It's nice to have someone to play with instead of the usual wandering about by herself. But as soon as the mama comes onto the scene, like her sister, Stara's attention is held completely by her. However, she doesn't get up immediately to go attack her. She'll let her sister get her time in so that when /STARA/ goes to greet her, she gets her complete attention. A broad smile crosses the girls face and she sits up a bit more. "Hi mama" she churrs, waiting for her turn for affection.
She never would have thought that one little word could warm her heart so, but just hearing her daughters chorus "Mama" is nearly enough to make Waset melt into a puddle right there where she stands. And to think that she could have missed out on this. The barbary's smile grows, eyes twinkling happily, as she dips her head to greet the first girl. "Almasi," She purrs, lifting a forepaw to hold Almasi close, swiping several kisses across her face and nuzzling her warmly. And once Waset figures she has handed out affection in spades to Almasi she turns to Stara, relieving the other girl of having to come to /her/, and repeats all the same gestures. "Stara." Straightening once more, the queen beams at the two she-cubs. "And what are the two of you up to, then?"
Almasi purrs happly and snuggles up against her mother. "Not a lot.. Just playing.. Can go with you when you hunt.. PLEASE?" The girl would love soemthing to do other then just be a botspot on the front of the cave here.. "Were bored heres."
Stara purrs warmly and tries to wrap herself around her mothers much larger forepaw, tail and all. In fact, just for fun, the cub even tries to put her jaws around the limb (without biting down). Realizing that it's useless, she proceeds to groom the fur on her leg back down before peering up like a lemur. "You can go..I'll be Queen." she cackles, beaming at her sister. Hah, a much better idea. XD
Waset has a child attached to her limb. Not that she seems all that concerned about it. "/You'll/ be Queen?" She echoes in amusement, glancing down at Stara. "I'm sure there are many would say the pride would be better off that way, though." Again does she lean down to nuzzle Stara briefly. "And perhaps someday, you actually will be." Waset smiles next to the other cub snuggled against her. "I'm afraid you're still a bit too young for hunting, Ally, my love," She says. Goodness, Waset can see it now. Her little /babies/ being all trampled by gazelle hooves or something. A quick glance is given to their surroundings. Hm. A hunt would be useless without the other lionesses anyway. "I was thinking of going scouting. I might need some help, though..." She trails off, pretending to be lost in thought. Then, suddenly, she dips her head down, looking between Almasi and Stara. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could find two helpers, though, would you?"
Almasi pouts at the talk of not being able to hunt, she sits before her mother, ears lowered and bright eyes peering over to her sister. "What makes you think /your/ be queen and not me?" She questions with a grin and lift of her head while her tail lashes about. Wait.. HELPERS? The child looks up at her mother bouncing on her paws. "I will help!"
The girl hugs Waset's leg tighter as she's nuzzled. "Only while you're gone Mom.." she giggles, beaming up at her. A look of mischief is given to her sister-she won't bother to answer her question, out of kindness. XD Though as soon as the word 'scouting' is uttered, a paw shoots up in the air. "Me, me, me!" she squeaks, relinquishing her graps on the limb and rolling backward onto the ground. "Lets go!"
Waset laughs, straightening. "Well! Who knew I had two incredibly willing helpers right under my very own nose?" Though this won't really be a true hunt scouting trip. Such things require long periods of being completely still and silent, something that even Waset herself still has trouble with, so she figures two /cubs/ would definitely struggle with the concept. /Msasi/ would probably be teaching the little scamps now to be silent and watchful hunting scouts.. but Waset isn't Msasi. Right now, Waset doesn't even desire to be a queen. On this 'scouting' trip, she will be simply a mother out with her daughters. "All right, then. Come along, girls." Grinning at her daughters, Waset moves off into the jungle, seeking out and staying on the southern path.
Almasi licks across her maw and grins at her sister, whom she lean sover an nips at faintly before turning to trod quickly after her mother. "Gona go exploring!" She giggles out happly, about time they get to leave like the older cubs.
Stara swats at the air infront of her sister. She may not be able to have complete alone time with her mother, but having only her sister along is better than the rest of her siblings as well. The cub pulls herself up onto her paws and begins to trot down the path infront of her mother, tail straight up and little tuft waving like a flag behind her. Her head is held high and her spirits are up. Look, she is her mother's daugther! That is until a small rock makes it its buisness to interupt her pace. The girl blatantly stumbles and glances back bashfully at her mother. 'Heh.." she chuckles before settling in at Wasets side, keeping pace with her.
[Tyne] Tetesi Grasslands
Waset can recall the feeling of getting to explore beyond Tyne Rock. Although in /her/ case she had /come/ from out there. But she hadn't been able to explore Tyne with her new friends - the newly born Aitan, Elimnyama and Falme - for some time. First she'd had to wait for them to grow up and be able to walk and talk, and /then/ she had to wait for them to be old enough to actually explore beyond the pridal cavern. Waset did a lot of waiting when she was a youngster! But it was all worth it, just as she hopes this little trip will be worth it to her daughters. The barbary queen leads the two young females south through the jungle, which she suspects would be interesting enough but it does border Tyne Rock. So Waset's destination is the grasslands. Leading the way out from the tree grove, Waset slows to a halt at the top of the hill that then slopes down into the large, flat green and gold grasslands, with the mountains looming to the west. "Well, girls," She says, after a moment to let the scenery sink in. "What do you think?"
Almasi is quick to follow after her mother and even gets ahead of her a few paces before they come to the jungle. She blinks while hopping up onto a fallen tree and ooos while her rump and tail wiggles about behind her." Truthfully she's been here before.. Well she had to go see her FRIEND and Hy was this way. Not that she'll ever say that. "THis is so cool.." The girl spouts off while trodding to the end of the fallen tree and hops downwards to catch up with her mother.
Stara continues to walk trot quietly at her mothers side, taking in all the sights and smells. She stops every few seconds to examine a plant or bug and then, after realizing that she's being left behind, skitters up toward the safety of large paws. The other animals out here seem to make a heck of a lot of noise and it causes the girl's ears to twitch this way and that. She's never left the rocks herself, finding the small meadow just through the caverns a good place to romp. Though soon the winding, misty jungle path opens up to a large open sea of tall grasses. Both eyes widen considerably and an approving 'oooooooooooooo' sound is heard. After a moment of thought, Stara makes a motion to that of a rearing horse before speeding off into the grasses at full speed, 'woohooing' the whole way. She doesn't notice just yet how far back she's leaving her scouting party.
Warmth spreads from her heart at the approval Almasi and Stara seem to give of the land stretching out before them. And it probably is a good thing that Waset is unaware that Almasi has been out this far before, because it would surely give her a heart attack. These are her little /babies/ for goodness sake! To have come out here on their own means they are /growing up/ and Waset isn't sure she's ready for that. Already they are no longer the teeny, snuggly little beans that cuddled against her belly and nurses and slept for hours on end. The barbary does blink in momentary surprise as Stara takes off running and in that moment she knows a tiny tingle of fear. But her senses do not pick up on any threats nearby and Waset is able to let that fear melt away, allowing a wide grin to spread across her face. And with a glance and a wink to Almasi, Waset takes off after Stara, adding her own, laughter-filled 'woohoos' ring out.
Almasi blinks and peers after her sister as she races off like a zebra.
"What she doing ma?" She questions and then her mother is doing the same thing?.. Err. Blinking the girl watches a few moments before giggling and tromps on through the grasses after them happly. "Wooo!" She cries out along with the mother and sibling.
Both eyes are forced to squint shut as she continues to run around through what seems like a maze as the grasses go whipping past her face. Though all it takes is a good leap for her to get an idea of where she is. A small group of wildebeast in the distance don't seem to be enjoying her little romp nearly as much as she does and so they go honking and squealing in another direction. Another good leap is made out the grass and it is at this point that she not only sees but hears her mother and sister racing off after her. A large toothy grin is flashed behind her as she giggles and races in a zig zag pattern just a few feet ahead of Waset. Keeping a bouncy pace and panting with her little tongue hanging out of her mouth, Stara asks,"Mama, why are they makin that all that noise?"
Waset enjoys, for a moment, just the feel of running. For a while after the hyena attack she hadn't thought she'd be able to move normally every again. Even as she carried her cubs in her belly, she thought she'd be limping around forever. Whatever the Kivulian healer did.. whatever magic she worked (for it sure seems like magic to Waset).. it was amazing. The scars are still there, of course. The scars will always be there; one under her left foreleg, another on her left side, and a few smaller, less noticable ones on her hindquarters. But she can move and stretch and not feel the tight pull of the skin, the pain and discomfort that came with it. She could kiss the Kivulian healer (but she won't, see as how the healer was both a monkey and female). The queen does not run full out at her fastest, though, wishing to keep her daughters somewhat in her line of sight. The wildebeast don't go unnoticed either, but Waset figures that they will run off to avoid the fully grown lioness and since Waset isn't going after them to hunt them.. well, things should be good. Waset laughs lightly, grinning in Stara's direction. "They're scared!" She calls back. "Someday you'll be big and strong enough to hunt them. And they know that." Well, maybe not. Maybe they're just running because they can't tell that Stara is little. Or maybe they KNOW Waset is there, since she is easier to see, and are nervous about her presence.
Almasi bounces on her paws catching sight of the wildebeast and just watches them wideyed while she pauses and half stands up on her hindpaws for a few mere seconds to eye them better. Though soon enough she has fallen over and is kissing the ground. Sputting she gives herself a shake and is chsing after her mother and sister once more. "There /HUGE/.. Even better then pa." The girl chimes out.
Stara seems to get a rather large ego boost at the idea that she's scaring them (of course it's not her mother that's scaring them..no, just a small fuzzball XD) and it causes her to puff up again. She beams as she continues to leap out of the grass to get a better look at them. "Yea!" she yells back toward her sister in agreement. Hmmmmm...The cubess grins mischievously to herself and quietly zips further in the grasses and around the side of her mother. She listens closely for sister as she crouches down, her bottom wiggling in anticipation of the prank. This is gonna be a good one.
The lioness has to chuckle at that, Almasi's words. Even bigger than their father, yes. Even still, wildebeast are not the largest of the prey beasts on the savannah. Which, for the moment, Waset is thankful for. Better to be closer to wildebeast than the buffalo. After a few more moments, Waset slows her pace from run, to trot, to walk, panting heavily.. but of high spirits. It's nice, being out here with her daughters, just messing around just for fun. A quick glance is cast around, noting the position of each of the girls, smirking as she catches on to Stara's intentions. Cubs are so cute.
Almasi trods onwards, tail swaying as she is still watching the prey and licking across her maw, her full attention on them instead of her sister it seems. "So.. we're gona hunt 'em?" She questions to her mother as she toodles on up to her and tilts her head. "Hey.. Where did Stara go?"
Buaha! She's done for now. The words 'Where did Stara go' are the perfect cue for devised plan. Just as the other girl goes prancing past her, Stara leaps into action with both front legs splayed out on either side and her mouth wide open. She screetches her version of a roar and attempts to frog splash her opponent.
Waset finally halts, foldering haunches beneath her. A quick glare is shot at the wildebeast - one that clearly says, 'threaten my babies and I will end you' - before, having caught her breath, she looks to Almasi. "Oh, sure.. someday. When you're older." The queen's eyes twinkle merrily for a moment, recalling how she /hated/ to hear that when she herself was young. "They may not look it, but they're pretty dangerous things, wildebeasts. You won't be even attempting to hunt them until you're almost a grown up like me." She says nothing else, however, as Stara launches her attack at that moment, causing Waset to chuckle.
A half squeal escapes Almasi as her sister gets her and sends her sprawling upon her back. She blinks as she lays there panting hard a few moments. THAT was scarey! "I didn't know Stara turning into a ICKY monster!" Her forepaws batbat out at the other cub.
Stara lands her ariel move with a certain lack of grace, but it works nontheless. The cub laughs hysterically as she scrambles trying not to get bitten or thwapped by a flailing paw. "I win!" she giggles, pushing herself off after getting a few bops on the nose. She stands victorious; head held high, staring down her nose at..well, her nose.
Waset remains silent, watching the two girls play and enjoying the feel of a nice breeze that picks up and blows through her longer-than-average fur. A sidelong gaze is slanted to the wildebeast, who she is pleased to note seem to be settling down again a bit further away. Waset's attention is drawn back to Almasi and Stara and, standing up, the barbary nudges them both lightly with her nose. "OK, girls. We came out and played.. I reckon it's about time we get back now. Betcha your daddy'll be there by the time we get back. Think we could get him to tell us a story?" The lioness queen begins to walk back in the direction they came from, moving at a pace she knows the girls can keep up with. Waset would love to let them stay out and play longer.. but overplayed cubs are overtired cubs, and overtired cubs are very, very cranky cubs! Which Waset wouldn't want to deal with on the long walk back. But it was a good outing.. a fun one, at that. She may be a queen, but she has to get in time with her children somehow! "Maybe we can get him to tell us /two/ stories," She says, beaming at Almasi and Stara. "And the first two who reach home get to pick which ones!" Yes. It's time to go home.
Almasi pouts as she pushes herself up eyeing her sibling as she talks about winning. She huffs some and glances towards the wildebeast watching them a few moments. Licking across her maw she gives herself a shake and starts to follow after her mother still pouting it seems. Though as she hears her mother about who ever get's home first and pick the stories she grins. "I'm gona beat you Stara!" The girl calls out as she races off back towards home. She will win this one that's for sure!
Stara resists the urge to start whining to her mother about having to go home. She could honestly stay out for the rest of the night with no problem whatsoever. Though if she started whining, Waset might not want to take them out again and that would be worse. Both eyes squint with determination as Almasi goes speeding off ahead of her. Oh no ya don't! Stara begins to move forward but pauses a bit to head bump her mother's leg and grin before she's off at full speed. "No way, I'm pickin' the story!" can be heard off in the distance.
Waset, Female Barbary Lioness. Queen of Tyne.
Almasi, Female Lioness Cub. Princess of Tyne.
Stara, Female Lioness Cub. Princess of Tyne.
Summary:
Just a little mother-daughter time in Tyne.
[Tyne] Tyne Rock Base
Almasi is settled down at the entrance of the cave, head resting on her forepaws while she just peers out at the grasses that stretch out before her. Someone is bored.. Her tail lashes a few times behind her while her forepaws grip at the rocky surface.
The sound of pitter pattering little paws can be heard coming the inside of the cave. A good yawn and a stretch are given before she continues out into the evening air. A sibling of hers is spotted and, instead of leaping on her, Stara simple pads up along side her plops down onto haunches, staring out into nothing with her. "Yup." she says blandly, her ears flickering as she glances down at the other girl.
Almasi blinks and licks across her maw and lifts her head to peer at her sister. "Hey Stara." Large forepaw lifted to half swat out at her sister glad to see someone awake finally.
Stara grins,"Hey hey," she responds, raising a paw to block the playful swat from the other cub. She rolls her shoulders in a stretch and pretends to fall asleep, flopping over onto Almasi's back and snoring loudly. "Its so /boring/ around here.." she whines, snoring loudly again and pretending to be lifeless.
Almasi peers crosseyed at her sister as she falls over. She pouts as she is pressed down against and the snoring. "Hey.. I an' a bed here." She grumbles and wiggles about trying to get herself up.
Stara snorts,"Aw lighten up.." she giggles, allowing herself to plop down onto the hard ground beneath them. The cub finds herself comfortable on her back, all four legs sticking straight up above her. "Better being a bed than just layin there." A forepaw reaches out and swats at Almasi's face. "Whatcha gonna do about it huh?" she taunts after a moment, her expressive ebon brows furrowing over her eyes playfully.
Almasi ees softly an nips out at the paw faintly while her tail flickers about. "I dono.. tickle you?" She grins right back and lifts a forepaw to press against her sister's shoulder.
[ Waset goes IC. ]
Stara's determined expression doesn't last long. If it's one thing this girl is is ticklish. The cubess squeals and quickly rolls over onto her stomach to protect herself from such attacks,"No fair!" she laughs, scrunching her face up and sticking her tongue out at her.
The heavy paw steps of Tyne barbary queen sound as Waset emerges from the mouth of the pridal cavern and pads down the path to the base of the rock, muzzle splitting in a wide yawn. Awakened and refreshed, the lioness means to make a quick patrol of the land immediately surrounding Tyne Rock, get a count of who is around and about and that sort of thing, maybe round up a few of the lionesses to take a fresh shot at a hunt. But the sound of playful cubs distract her and, smiling at the sight, she is pleased to discover that it is two of her own messing about. "Girls," Waset chuffs in greeting, slowing her pace to a slow walk as she nears. "Having fun, are we?"
Almasi wiggles about while trying to latch onto her sister's ear with a faint raw escaping her before a fit of giggles. Her ears twitch backwards and she tilts her head to peer over at there mother, she quickly forgets about her sister's ear and bounces up to her paws and runs on over to her. "Mama!"
The girl tries to fold her ears back against her head to protect them, growling playfully at the other girl and grinning from ear to ear. It's nice to have someone to play with instead of the usual wandering about by herself. But as soon as the mama comes onto the scene, like her sister, Stara's attention is held completely by her. However, she doesn't get up immediately to go attack her. She'll let her sister get her time in so that when /STARA/ goes to greet her, she gets her complete attention. A broad smile crosses the girls face and she sits up a bit more. "Hi mama" she churrs, waiting for her turn for affection.
She never would have thought that one little word could warm her heart so, but just hearing her daughters chorus "Mama" is nearly enough to make Waset melt into a puddle right there where she stands. And to think that she could have missed out on this. The barbary's smile grows, eyes twinkling happily, as she dips her head to greet the first girl. "Almasi," She purrs, lifting a forepaw to hold Almasi close, swiping several kisses across her face and nuzzling her warmly. And once Waset figures she has handed out affection in spades to Almasi she turns to Stara, relieving the other girl of having to come to /her/, and repeats all the same gestures. "Stara." Straightening once more, the queen beams at the two she-cubs. "And what are the two of you up to, then?"
Almasi purrs happly and snuggles up against her mother. "Not a lot.. Just playing.. Can go with you when you hunt.. PLEASE?" The girl would love soemthing to do other then just be a botspot on the front of the cave here.. "Were bored heres."
Stara purrs warmly and tries to wrap herself around her mothers much larger forepaw, tail and all. In fact, just for fun, the cub even tries to put her jaws around the limb (without biting down). Realizing that it's useless, she proceeds to groom the fur on her leg back down before peering up like a lemur. "You can go..I'll be Queen." she cackles, beaming at her sister. Hah, a much better idea. XD
Waset has a child attached to her limb. Not that she seems all that concerned about it. "/You'll/ be Queen?" She echoes in amusement, glancing down at Stara. "I'm sure there are many would say the pride would be better off that way, though." Again does she lean down to nuzzle Stara briefly. "And perhaps someday, you actually will be." Waset smiles next to the other cub snuggled against her. "I'm afraid you're still a bit too young for hunting, Ally, my love," She says. Goodness, Waset can see it now. Her little /babies/ being all trampled by gazelle hooves or something. A quick glance is given to their surroundings. Hm. A hunt would be useless without the other lionesses anyway. "I was thinking of going scouting. I might need some help, though..." She trails off, pretending to be lost in thought. Then, suddenly, she dips her head down, looking between Almasi and Stara. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could find two helpers, though, would you?"
Almasi pouts at the talk of not being able to hunt, she sits before her mother, ears lowered and bright eyes peering over to her sister. "What makes you think /your/ be queen and not me?" She questions with a grin and lift of her head while her tail lashes about. Wait.. HELPERS? The child looks up at her mother bouncing on her paws. "I will help!"
The girl hugs Waset's leg tighter as she's nuzzled. "Only while you're gone Mom.." she giggles, beaming up at her. A look of mischief is given to her sister-she won't bother to answer her question, out of kindness. XD Though as soon as the word 'scouting' is uttered, a paw shoots up in the air. "Me, me, me!" she squeaks, relinquishing her graps on the limb and rolling backward onto the ground. "Lets go!"
Waset laughs, straightening. "Well! Who knew I had two incredibly willing helpers right under my very own nose?" Though this won't really be a true hunt scouting trip. Such things require long periods of being completely still and silent, something that even Waset herself still has trouble with, so she figures two /cubs/ would definitely struggle with the concept. /Msasi/ would probably be teaching the little scamps now to be silent and watchful hunting scouts.. but Waset isn't Msasi. Right now, Waset doesn't even desire to be a queen. On this 'scouting' trip, she will be simply a mother out with her daughters. "All right, then. Come along, girls." Grinning at her daughters, Waset moves off into the jungle, seeking out and staying on the southern path.
Almasi licks across her maw and grins at her sister, whom she lean sover an nips at faintly before turning to trod quickly after her mother. "Gona go exploring!" She giggles out happly, about time they get to leave like the older cubs.
Stara swats at the air infront of her sister. She may not be able to have complete alone time with her mother, but having only her sister along is better than the rest of her siblings as well. The cub pulls herself up onto her paws and begins to trot down the path infront of her mother, tail straight up and little tuft waving like a flag behind her. Her head is held high and her spirits are up. Look, she is her mother's daugther! That is until a small rock makes it its buisness to interupt her pace. The girl blatantly stumbles and glances back bashfully at her mother. 'Heh.." she chuckles before settling in at Wasets side, keeping pace with her.
[Tyne] Tetesi Grasslands
Waset can recall the feeling of getting to explore beyond Tyne Rock. Although in /her/ case she had /come/ from out there. But she hadn't been able to explore Tyne with her new friends - the newly born Aitan, Elimnyama and Falme - for some time. First she'd had to wait for them to grow up and be able to walk and talk, and /then/ she had to wait for them to be old enough to actually explore beyond the pridal cavern. Waset did a lot of waiting when she was a youngster! But it was all worth it, just as she hopes this little trip will be worth it to her daughters. The barbary queen leads the two young females south through the jungle, which she suspects would be interesting enough but it does border Tyne Rock. So Waset's destination is the grasslands. Leading the way out from the tree grove, Waset slows to a halt at the top of the hill that then slopes down into the large, flat green and gold grasslands, with the mountains looming to the west. "Well, girls," She says, after a moment to let the scenery sink in. "What do you think?"
Almasi is quick to follow after her mother and even gets ahead of her a few paces before they come to the jungle. She blinks while hopping up onto a fallen tree and ooos while her rump and tail wiggles about behind her." Truthfully she's been here before.. Well she had to go see her FRIEND and Hy was this way. Not that she'll ever say that. "THis is so cool.." The girl spouts off while trodding to the end of the fallen tree and hops downwards to catch up with her mother.
Stara continues to walk trot quietly at her mothers side, taking in all the sights and smells. She stops every few seconds to examine a plant or bug and then, after realizing that she's being left behind, skitters up toward the safety of large paws. The other animals out here seem to make a heck of a lot of noise and it causes the girl's ears to twitch this way and that. She's never left the rocks herself, finding the small meadow just through the caverns a good place to romp. Though soon the winding, misty jungle path opens up to a large open sea of tall grasses. Both eyes widen considerably and an approving 'oooooooooooooo' sound is heard. After a moment of thought, Stara makes a motion to that of a rearing horse before speeding off into the grasses at full speed, 'woohooing' the whole way. She doesn't notice just yet how far back she's leaving her scouting party.
Warmth spreads from her heart at the approval Almasi and Stara seem to give of the land stretching out before them. And it probably is a good thing that Waset is unaware that Almasi has been out this far before, because it would surely give her a heart attack. These are her little /babies/ for goodness sake! To have come out here on their own means they are /growing up/ and Waset isn't sure she's ready for that. Already they are no longer the teeny, snuggly little beans that cuddled against her belly and nurses and slept for hours on end. The barbary does blink in momentary surprise as Stara takes off running and in that moment she knows a tiny tingle of fear. But her senses do not pick up on any threats nearby and Waset is able to let that fear melt away, allowing a wide grin to spread across her face. And with a glance and a wink to Almasi, Waset takes off after Stara, adding her own, laughter-filled 'woohoos' ring out.
Almasi blinks and peers after her sister as she races off like a zebra.
"What she doing ma?" She questions and then her mother is doing the same thing?.. Err. Blinking the girl watches a few moments before giggling and tromps on through the grasses after them happly. "Wooo!" She cries out along with the mother and sibling.
Both eyes are forced to squint shut as she continues to run around through what seems like a maze as the grasses go whipping past her face. Though all it takes is a good leap for her to get an idea of where she is. A small group of wildebeast in the distance don't seem to be enjoying her little romp nearly as much as she does and so they go honking and squealing in another direction. Another good leap is made out the grass and it is at this point that she not only sees but hears her mother and sister racing off after her. A large toothy grin is flashed behind her as she giggles and races in a zig zag pattern just a few feet ahead of Waset. Keeping a bouncy pace and panting with her little tongue hanging out of her mouth, Stara asks,"Mama, why are they makin that all that noise?"
Waset enjoys, for a moment, just the feel of running. For a while after the hyena attack she hadn't thought she'd be able to move normally every again. Even as she carried her cubs in her belly, she thought she'd be limping around forever. Whatever the Kivulian healer did.. whatever magic she worked (for it sure seems like magic to Waset).. it was amazing. The scars are still there, of course. The scars will always be there; one under her left foreleg, another on her left side, and a few smaller, less noticable ones on her hindquarters. But she can move and stretch and not feel the tight pull of the skin, the pain and discomfort that came with it. She could kiss the Kivulian healer (but she won't, see as how the healer was both a monkey and female). The queen does not run full out at her fastest, though, wishing to keep her daughters somewhat in her line of sight. The wildebeast don't go unnoticed either, but Waset figures that they will run off to avoid the fully grown lioness and since Waset isn't going after them to hunt them.. well, things should be good. Waset laughs lightly, grinning in Stara's direction. "They're scared!" She calls back. "Someday you'll be big and strong enough to hunt them. And they know that." Well, maybe not. Maybe they're just running because they can't tell that Stara is little. Or maybe they KNOW Waset is there, since she is easier to see, and are nervous about her presence.
Almasi bounces on her paws catching sight of the wildebeast and just watches them wideyed while she pauses and half stands up on her hindpaws for a few mere seconds to eye them better. Though soon enough she has fallen over and is kissing the ground. Sputting she gives herself a shake and is chsing after her mother and sister once more. "There /HUGE/.. Even better then pa." The girl chimes out.
Stara seems to get a rather large ego boost at the idea that she's scaring them (of course it's not her mother that's scaring them..no, just a small fuzzball XD) and it causes her to puff up again. She beams as she continues to leap out of the grass to get a better look at them. "Yea!" she yells back toward her sister in agreement. Hmmmmm...The cubess grins mischievously to herself and quietly zips further in the grasses and around the side of her mother. She listens closely for sister as she crouches down, her bottom wiggling in anticipation of the prank. This is gonna be a good one.
The lioness has to chuckle at that, Almasi's words. Even bigger than their father, yes. Even still, wildebeast are not the largest of the prey beasts on the savannah. Which, for the moment, Waset is thankful for. Better to be closer to wildebeast than the buffalo. After a few more moments, Waset slows her pace from run, to trot, to walk, panting heavily.. but of high spirits. It's nice, being out here with her daughters, just messing around just for fun. A quick glance is cast around, noting the position of each of the girls, smirking as she catches on to Stara's intentions. Cubs are so cute.
Almasi trods onwards, tail swaying as she is still watching the prey and licking across her maw, her full attention on them instead of her sister it seems. "So.. we're gona hunt 'em?" She questions to her mother as she toodles on up to her and tilts her head. "Hey.. Where did Stara go?"
Buaha! She's done for now. The words 'Where did Stara go' are the perfect cue for devised plan. Just as the other girl goes prancing past her, Stara leaps into action with both front legs splayed out on either side and her mouth wide open. She screetches her version of a roar and attempts to frog splash her opponent.
Waset finally halts, foldering haunches beneath her. A quick glare is shot at the wildebeast - one that clearly says, 'threaten my babies and I will end you' - before, having caught her breath, she looks to Almasi. "Oh, sure.. someday. When you're older." The queen's eyes twinkle merrily for a moment, recalling how she /hated/ to hear that when she herself was young. "They may not look it, but they're pretty dangerous things, wildebeasts. You won't be even attempting to hunt them until you're almost a grown up like me." She says nothing else, however, as Stara launches her attack at that moment, causing Waset to chuckle.
A half squeal escapes Almasi as her sister gets her and sends her sprawling upon her back. She blinks as she lays there panting hard a few moments. THAT was scarey! "I didn't know Stara turning into a ICKY monster!" Her forepaws batbat out at the other cub.
Stara lands her ariel move with a certain lack of grace, but it works nontheless. The cub laughs hysterically as she scrambles trying not to get bitten or thwapped by a flailing paw. "I win!" she giggles, pushing herself off after getting a few bops on the nose. She stands victorious; head held high, staring down her nose at..well, her nose.
Waset remains silent, watching the two girls play and enjoying the feel of a nice breeze that picks up and blows through her longer-than-average fur. A sidelong gaze is slanted to the wildebeast, who she is pleased to note seem to be settling down again a bit further away. Waset's attention is drawn back to Almasi and Stara and, standing up, the barbary nudges them both lightly with her nose. "OK, girls. We came out and played.. I reckon it's about time we get back now. Betcha your daddy'll be there by the time we get back. Think we could get him to tell us a story?" The lioness queen begins to walk back in the direction they came from, moving at a pace she knows the girls can keep up with. Waset would love to let them stay out and play longer.. but overplayed cubs are overtired cubs, and overtired cubs are very, very cranky cubs! Which Waset wouldn't want to deal with on the long walk back. But it was a good outing.. a fun one, at that. She may be a queen, but she has to get in time with her children somehow! "Maybe we can get him to tell us /two/ stories," She says, beaming at Almasi and Stara. "And the first two who reach home get to pick which ones!" Yes. It's time to go home.
Almasi pouts as she pushes herself up eyeing her sibling as she talks about winning. She huffs some and glances towards the wildebeast watching them a few moments. Licking across her maw she gives herself a shake and starts to follow after her mother still pouting it seems. Though as she hears her mother about who ever get's home first and pick the stories she grins. "I'm gona beat you Stara!" The girl calls out as she races off back towards home. She will win this one that's for sure!
Stara resists the urge to start whining to her mother about having to go home. She could honestly stay out for the rest of the night with no problem whatsoever. Though if she started whining, Waset might not want to take them out again and that would be worse. Both eyes squint with determination as Almasi goes speeding off ahead of her. Oh no ya don't! Stara begins to move forward but pauses a bit to head bump her mother's leg and grin before she's off at full speed. "No way, I'm pickin' the story!" can be heard off in the distance.
