Post by Therdde on Jul 30, 2009 10:57:02 GMT -5
Characters:
Sweet-Rain - Female Cougar
Kein - Male Cougar
Maul - Female Cougar Cub
- Sloping Gradient -
It's morning once again, the sun has been above the horizon for a long while. Sweet Rain returns to the den of the newest cubs of Amaranth. Her previous encounter with the daughters was to apply their tribal markings, however it grew mysterious when Maul began to apparently remember another's markings. That's what Sweet Rain intends to speak with her Chieftain about. The den is in sight now, and so is Kein. She hopes he hasn't been waiting for her too long, she did take longer than last time. With her, same as last time, is a branch which holds many small leaves and tiny red berries hidden within.
She was so upset. So apologetic. It was all Kein could do to remain with his daughter and try to comfort her instead of seeking Sweet Rain out to ask what happened, so that he might have actually explained to his daughter why she didn't get the marking that she obviously wanted, once she learned what the 'present' was. Nayeli and the cubs are still in the den, and when Kein spots Sweet Rain approaching, he stands to walk towards her, so their voices won't wake those in the cave. When he is a little closer to her, he says, "Sweet Rain." It's a terse greeting, and he can't keep all of his annoyance from his tone. She has a reason. He knows she does. It's just amazingly difficult to be so logical when there is an upset cub nearby.
"Good morning, sir." Sweet Rain replies after droping her branch needed for dying. She tries to look into the den, but it's too dark to see anything. "I want to speak to you about Maul." That much is clear, they both know it. "She was so upset yesterday..." She can't words for how bad she felt to finish her sentence. Instead she shakes her head. "...Mmmm... Did you tell Maul about when I came to Amaranth? Or Nayleli maybe? ... Did you tell her anything about me aside from I was coming?" She wants to clear a few ideas in her head before she confesses what she believes to Kein.
Does Kein /know/ anything from when Sweet Rain came to Amaranth? Not... Really. He can't remember the day he first met her, and if he can't, Nayeli surely can't, so... Slowly shaking his head, Kein asks, "No... Why?" It's so difficult to be even remotely patient when his child is hurting, even if he knows that being impatient won't help matters any.
For a moment, Sweet Rain eyes widen. "I was beginning to apply Maul's markings... and she told me it wasn't right." She sits down, trying to say this accurately as possible. "I told her it wasn't supposed to look like anyone else's, that they were unique... But then she told me she remembers somebody's. She *said* that I've seen the markings myself, when I came to the Tribe, and you were a cub. She said that, and I... I mean, I can't figure out how she would say that, or why." It's pretty quick, how fast she says it all, but she's uncertain how else proceed, save for simply explaining the facts.
She's remembering? Kein... Well, he was never sure what to expect, but he was accepting that Maul, even if she is his mother's spirit in a new body, does not have her memories, or personality, or... But then, what exactly /is/ a spirit, if not those nontangible parts of an animal? "I... I don't suppose you would remember what my mother's markings looked like, would you?" Kein does. She wore them proudly even while they were in the desert. How to explain them, though, if Sweet Rain doesn't remember?
Sweet Rain stops herself to think... It's only a brief moment before she nods her head. "Yes, I remember." Though she isn't exactly the sharpest cougar, she isn't forgetful by any means. "Yes... why?" She can't seem to figure out why Kein would ask her about his mother. Though she does know Maul is named in honor and memory of Maulisho, but she doesn't guess anything beyond that.
Kein sits down. Now, with an understanding of why Maul didn't get her marking, he is more patient... And somewhat worried. "Before they were born, Nayeli and I... We were visited by... Well, by Paoro's spirit. She told us that Nayeli was carrying two girls... And that one of them was the returned spirit of my mother." And the other... Ohanzee's never-born daughter... "We didn't tell anyone, because... We didn't tell anyone." 'Because' doesn't matter. He's glad he told no one. Now, though...
"...Wow!" Sweet Rain is nearly in shock. Paoro's spirit visited Kein and Nayeli? And the entire tribe is oblivious? "Wow..." She shakes her head, stunned. "I never would have guessed, but it makes sense now, she *must* know everything Maulisho does." Well... obviously not, but the large puma is amazed by the thought of it. "Uhm... I also want to apologize for not completing the markings at first but... It's a good thing I didn't. But... Sir, I'm sorry for upsetting Maul, I trust you know I didn't mean any harm by it."
"I don't think she does. She may know... Some things." This is the first Kein has seen of her actually remembering something, instead of just being odd. "Not everything, though... And it has to be better that way." For all of her oddities... She's still a little girl. Remembering absolutely everything that Maulisho experienced... It would be horribly traumatic. It would have to be. "That's sort of why we've kept it quiet, and why I hope you'll do the same." He makes no mention of the apology. There was no need for her to apologize. He understands.
"Oh. Right, okay." Sweet Rain nods obediently. "I understand." She sniffs at her branch used for dying. She knows that the girl can't remember all of Maulisho's reveries, otherwise she would act only like her, not of an energetic cub. "If Maul is awake then, I'd be more than happy to apply Maulisho's markings."
Will that satisfy the girl? After the rough night last night, Kein can only hope so. Nodding his head, he says, "I'll go get her. And thank you." He doesn't wait for a response before tuning to walk to and enter the small cave. He'll stay here long enough to make sure that the girl actually gets her marking, today. Oh, he'll be in the cave, but he'll at least be nearby. And, just maybe, he can get a little bit more sleep before really starting his day.
As Kein leaves, Sweet Rain smiles and digs another hole; glad both because Kein isn't upset with her, and because she gets to see Maul again. Hopefully she isn't in too poor spirits now. Instead of beginning to tease berries from the branch after, she stops and thinks about the marking again. She sees it in her head now, Sweet Rain begins it illustrate it on the dirt and thin grass with a powerful claw.
It is many minutes before a young cub leaves the cave. She is still sleepy. Perhaps if she were more awake, she would have been faster to believe her father's statements that she'll definitely be getting her marking today. As it is, the girl's gait is timid. She is prepared to apologize again for being difficult, if Sweet Rain seems to want her to apologize. The fact that Sweet rain is really here, and with more of those red berries, though, brightens her mood some. Maybe it will really happen today?
The shamaness-in-training waits for the cub to come closer before she says anything. Quietly, she greets her. "Well good morning, Maul. Did you sleep well?" Sweet Rain continues her drawing in the dirt, she wants Maul to notice it, to show her that she understands now what she wanted, and why she wanted it.
No, she didn't really sleep well. She doesn't want to complain about anything ever again, though, and so she nods as she continues to approach, fighting off a tiny cubby yawn. Then, once she is a little closer, and she spots the drawing on the ground, she stops walking abruptly. "Is that... Gonna be mine?" Her voice is clearly excited as she asks. If it's not, she is well prepared to beg and please until Sweet Rain agrees that /is/ what Maul's marking should look like.
Sweet Rain smiles and holds back a laugh as the cub nods and yawns. "Okay, cub." As she finishes the marking of Maulisho, she nods with a huge grin; Sweet Rain is very proud of herself for being able to do this. "Yes! This is *yours*!" She shares in the excitement of the cub. The cougaress knows she has it right this time.
It's possible, even likely, that Maul has not been this happy since... Well, since she was born. The girl remains standing where she is for a moment, looking very well like she might start crying. Then, finally, she rushes forward to bump her head against Sweet Rain's leg in an affectionate nuzzle. "It's perfect! Thank you!" When she thought she wasn't going to get a marking at all, she would have gladly accepted one that wasn't right. This, though... It's exactly what she saw in her mind.
"Ah, well you're welcome." Sweet Rain immediately begins the rather annoying task of picking berries with her paw and brushing them into the hole she's dug all while studying the drawing and keeping Maul entertained while she waits. "I'm so happy you like it." She really felt bad for the cub when she didn't get what she remembered because she couldn't correctly explain herself.
If the older cougaress were to ask Maul if the confusion and wait was worth it, Maul's answer would be a definite yes. As Sweet Rain sets about preparing the dye, the young girl lies down on the ground and begins purring softly. After a moment, the purring fades slightly, as something occurs to Maul. "I'm... I'm sorry I didn't trust you. Or Daddy." Had she trusted that she would get her marking, the *right* marking, the following day... She never would have had to be upset for so long.
"Trust? You... Oh. Hey, it's okay, cub." Sweet Rain is in disbelief that the cub would apoligize, and be extremely sincere and honest about it. "It's a bit complicated right now, but you'll understand when you're a big girl, I promise." Man, that will be interesting to explain... that is unless she can figure it out on her own. Enough berries are collected a good bit faster than last time, and are dropped and mashed into the hole. Moment of truth, but Sweet Rain isn't concerned, she's practiced this dozens of times over; she's prepared. "Sit up for me, Maul. We're going to give you *that* marking."
Maul doesn't hesitate to scoot closer to Sweet Rain, after which she sits up as tall as she can, offering her shoulder for the marking. Her purrs picks up again, and she doesn't bother to twist her head to watch, this time. She knows everything will be okay, now. After all, she already saw the design of the marking that Sweet Rain intends to give her.
And so she begins the marking, working brilliantly off of the design she remembered and placed on the earth. The berries are a bright red now, but fade somewhat to the permanent crimson color of Amaranth tribe members. Sweet Rain is almost another cougar now; she acts and speaks freely with the cub. Her claw is precise and steady, albeit slow. "You haven't forgotten what you promised me, have you? When this marking is on, you have to make sure to let it dry. Nayeli will tell you when it is for sure, that way you don't even have to worry about guessing."
Maul nods her head eagerly. "I remember, and I'll be super careful. I promise." She won't do *anything* but sit or lie down until she knows for sure it's dry. There was so much trouble surrounding getting it just right... She wouldn't risk doing anything at all to damage it.
"I had a feeling you would." Sweet Rain continues, and is getting closer to finishing Maulisho's markings on Maul. Slowly she draws the elaborate symbols and conects them. "I guess I don't have to tell you this is a big deal, do I? I'm really happy that you're so eager about your place in the Tribe." That last long sentance is just the time she needs to finish. Sweet rests her paw back on the dirt, looking at the remainder of dye, then back at the girl. "Wonderful. It looks great." There's no chance anybody could lie in a situation like that. Sweet Rain smiles and lies down to her level. "You can move now, cub."
Maul understands how very important it is, yes. The first thing she does, as she is allowed to move, is to turn and try to nuzzle against sweet Rain affectionately. She really doesn't think she could possibly be happier. This is the best ever, and she is so grateful. And, not that she finally has her marking... "Should I go wake up An'a now?"
Sweet Rain is nuzzled with gusto by a grateful a cub, it causes her to smile and nod. "You're welcome, Maul. Yes, bring out your sister now, it's her turn." She sits up tall and looks into the den, but is still unable to see inside. She feels so honored to do this, it's an entirely new chapter for her.
Sweet-Rain - Female Cougar
Kein - Male Cougar
Maul - Female Cougar Cub
- Sloping Gradient -
It's morning once again, the sun has been above the horizon for a long while. Sweet Rain returns to the den of the newest cubs of Amaranth. Her previous encounter with the daughters was to apply their tribal markings, however it grew mysterious when Maul began to apparently remember another's markings. That's what Sweet Rain intends to speak with her Chieftain about. The den is in sight now, and so is Kein. She hopes he hasn't been waiting for her too long, she did take longer than last time. With her, same as last time, is a branch which holds many small leaves and tiny red berries hidden within.
She was so upset. So apologetic. It was all Kein could do to remain with his daughter and try to comfort her instead of seeking Sweet Rain out to ask what happened, so that he might have actually explained to his daughter why she didn't get the marking that she obviously wanted, once she learned what the 'present' was. Nayeli and the cubs are still in the den, and when Kein spots Sweet Rain approaching, he stands to walk towards her, so their voices won't wake those in the cave. When he is a little closer to her, he says, "Sweet Rain." It's a terse greeting, and he can't keep all of his annoyance from his tone. She has a reason. He knows she does. It's just amazingly difficult to be so logical when there is an upset cub nearby.
"Good morning, sir." Sweet Rain replies after droping her branch needed for dying. She tries to look into the den, but it's too dark to see anything. "I want to speak to you about Maul." That much is clear, they both know it. "She was so upset yesterday..." She can't words for how bad she felt to finish her sentence. Instead she shakes her head. "...Mmmm... Did you tell Maul about when I came to Amaranth? Or Nayleli maybe? ... Did you tell her anything about me aside from I was coming?" She wants to clear a few ideas in her head before she confesses what she believes to Kein.
Does Kein /know/ anything from when Sweet Rain came to Amaranth? Not... Really. He can't remember the day he first met her, and if he can't, Nayeli surely can't, so... Slowly shaking his head, Kein asks, "No... Why?" It's so difficult to be even remotely patient when his child is hurting, even if he knows that being impatient won't help matters any.
For a moment, Sweet Rain eyes widen. "I was beginning to apply Maul's markings... and she told me it wasn't right." She sits down, trying to say this accurately as possible. "I told her it wasn't supposed to look like anyone else's, that they were unique... But then she told me she remembers somebody's. She *said* that I've seen the markings myself, when I came to the Tribe, and you were a cub. She said that, and I... I mean, I can't figure out how she would say that, or why." It's pretty quick, how fast she says it all, but she's uncertain how else proceed, save for simply explaining the facts.
She's remembering? Kein... Well, he was never sure what to expect, but he was accepting that Maul, even if she is his mother's spirit in a new body, does not have her memories, or personality, or... But then, what exactly /is/ a spirit, if not those nontangible parts of an animal? "I... I don't suppose you would remember what my mother's markings looked like, would you?" Kein does. She wore them proudly even while they were in the desert. How to explain them, though, if Sweet Rain doesn't remember?
Sweet Rain stops herself to think... It's only a brief moment before she nods her head. "Yes, I remember." Though she isn't exactly the sharpest cougar, she isn't forgetful by any means. "Yes... why?" She can't seem to figure out why Kein would ask her about his mother. Though she does know Maul is named in honor and memory of Maulisho, but she doesn't guess anything beyond that.
Kein sits down. Now, with an understanding of why Maul didn't get her marking, he is more patient... And somewhat worried. "Before they were born, Nayeli and I... We were visited by... Well, by Paoro's spirit. She told us that Nayeli was carrying two girls... And that one of them was the returned spirit of my mother." And the other... Ohanzee's never-born daughter... "We didn't tell anyone, because... We didn't tell anyone." 'Because' doesn't matter. He's glad he told no one. Now, though...
"...Wow!" Sweet Rain is nearly in shock. Paoro's spirit visited Kein and Nayeli? And the entire tribe is oblivious? "Wow..." She shakes her head, stunned. "I never would have guessed, but it makes sense now, she *must* know everything Maulisho does." Well... obviously not, but the large puma is amazed by the thought of it. "Uhm... I also want to apologize for not completing the markings at first but... It's a good thing I didn't. But... Sir, I'm sorry for upsetting Maul, I trust you know I didn't mean any harm by it."
"I don't think she does. She may know... Some things." This is the first Kein has seen of her actually remembering something, instead of just being odd. "Not everything, though... And it has to be better that way." For all of her oddities... She's still a little girl. Remembering absolutely everything that Maulisho experienced... It would be horribly traumatic. It would have to be. "That's sort of why we've kept it quiet, and why I hope you'll do the same." He makes no mention of the apology. There was no need for her to apologize. He understands.
"Oh. Right, okay." Sweet Rain nods obediently. "I understand." She sniffs at her branch used for dying. She knows that the girl can't remember all of Maulisho's reveries, otherwise she would act only like her, not of an energetic cub. "If Maul is awake then, I'd be more than happy to apply Maulisho's markings."
Will that satisfy the girl? After the rough night last night, Kein can only hope so. Nodding his head, he says, "I'll go get her. And thank you." He doesn't wait for a response before tuning to walk to and enter the small cave. He'll stay here long enough to make sure that the girl actually gets her marking, today. Oh, he'll be in the cave, but he'll at least be nearby. And, just maybe, he can get a little bit more sleep before really starting his day.
As Kein leaves, Sweet Rain smiles and digs another hole; glad both because Kein isn't upset with her, and because she gets to see Maul again. Hopefully she isn't in too poor spirits now. Instead of beginning to tease berries from the branch after, she stops and thinks about the marking again. She sees it in her head now, Sweet Rain begins it illustrate it on the dirt and thin grass with a powerful claw.
It is many minutes before a young cub leaves the cave. She is still sleepy. Perhaps if she were more awake, she would have been faster to believe her father's statements that she'll definitely be getting her marking today. As it is, the girl's gait is timid. She is prepared to apologize again for being difficult, if Sweet Rain seems to want her to apologize. The fact that Sweet rain is really here, and with more of those red berries, though, brightens her mood some. Maybe it will really happen today?
The shamaness-in-training waits for the cub to come closer before she says anything. Quietly, she greets her. "Well good morning, Maul. Did you sleep well?" Sweet Rain continues her drawing in the dirt, she wants Maul to notice it, to show her that she understands now what she wanted, and why she wanted it.
No, she didn't really sleep well. She doesn't want to complain about anything ever again, though, and so she nods as she continues to approach, fighting off a tiny cubby yawn. Then, once she is a little closer, and she spots the drawing on the ground, she stops walking abruptly. "Is that... Gonna be mine?" Her voice is clearly excited as she asks. If it's not, she is well prepared to beg and please until Sweet Rain agrees that /is/ what Maul's marking should look like.
Sweet Rain smiles and holds back a laugh as the cub nods and yawns. "Okay, cub." As she finishes the marking of Maulisho, she nods with a huge grin; Sweet Rain is very proud of herself for being able to do this. "Yes! This is *yours*!" She shares in the excitement of the cub. The cougaress knows she has it right this time.
It's possible, even likely, that Maul has not been this happy since... Well, since she was born. The girl remains standing where she is for a moment, looking very well like she might start crying. Then, finally, she rushes forward to bump her head against Sweet Rain's leg in an affectionate nuzzle. "It's perfect! Thank you!" When she thought she wasn't going to get a marking at all, she would have gladly accepted one that wasn't right. This, though... It's exactly what she saw in her mind.
"Ah, well you're welcome." Sweet Rain immediately begins the rather annoying task of picking berries with her paw and brushing them into the hole she's dug all while studying the drawing and keeping Maul entertained while she waits. "I'm so happy you like it." She really felt bad for the cub when she didn't get what she remembered because she couldn't correctly explain herself.
If the older cougaress were to ask Maul if the confusion and wait was worth it, Maul's answer would be a definite yes. As Sweet Rain sets about preparing the dye, the young girl lies down on the ground and begins purring softly. After a moment, the purring fades slightly, as something occurs to Maul. "I'm... I'm sorry I didn't trust you. Or Daddy." Had she trusted that she would get her marking, the *right* marking, the following day... She never would have had to be upset for so long.
"Trust? You... Oh. Hey, it's okay, cub." Sweet Rain is in disbelief that the cub would apoligize, and be extremely sincere and honest about it. "It's a bit complicated right now, but you'll understand when you're a big girl, I promise." Man, that will be interesting to explain... that is unless she can figure it out on her own. Enough berries are collected a good bit faster than last time, and are dropped and mashed into the hole. Moment of truth, but Sweet Rain isn't concerned, she's practiced this dozens of times over; she's prepared. "Sit up for me, Maul. We're going to give you *that* marking."
Maul doesn't hesitate to scoot closer to Sweet Rain, after which she sits up as tall as she can, offering her shoulder for the marking. Her purrs picks up again, and she doesn't bother to twist her head to watch, this time. She knows everything will be okay, now. After all, she already saw the design of the marking that Sweet Rain intends to give her.
And so she begins the marking, working brilliantly off of the design she remembered and placed on the earth. The berries are a bright red now, but fade somewhat to the permanent crimson color of Amaranth tribe members. Sweet Rain is almost another cougar now; she acts and speaks freely with the cub. Her claw is precise and steady, albeit slow. "You haven't forgotten what you promised me, have you? When this marking is on, you have to make sure to let it dry. Nayeli will tell you when it is for sure, that way you don't even have to worry about guessing."
Maul nods her head eagerly. "I remember, and I'll be super careful. I promise." She won't do *anything* but sit or lie down until she knows for sure it's dry. There was so much trouble surrounding getting it just right... She wouldn't risk doing anything at all to damage it.
"I had a feeling you would." Sweet Rain continues, and is getting closer to finishing Maulisho's markings on Maul. Slowly she draws the elaborate symbols and conects them. "I guess I don't have to tell you this is a big deal, do I? I'm really happy that you're so eager about your place in the Tribe." That last long sentance is just the time she needs to finish. Sweet rests her paw back on the dirt, looking at the remainder of dye, then back at the girl. "Wonderful. It looks great." There's no chance anybody could lie in a situation like that. Sweet Rain smiles and lies down to her level. "You can move now, cub."
Maul understands how very important it is, yes. The first thing she does, as she is allowed to move, is to turn and try to nuzzle against sweet Rain affectionately. She really doesn't think she could possibly be happier. This is the best ever, and she is so grateful. And, not that she finally has her marking... "Should I go wake up An'a now?"
Sweet Rain is nuzzled with gusto by a grateful a cub, it causes her to smile and nod. "You're welcome, Maul. Yes, bring out your sister now, it's her turn." She sits up tall and looks into the den, but is still unable to see inside. She feels so honored to do this, it's an entirely new chapter for her.