Post by Kasim on Jan 30, 2008 18:35:17 GMT -5
Involved:
Chesmu- adult male cougar
Moonseeker- adol. female cougar
Kasim- adult male cougar
Chesmu has been adhering to his duties as the Chieftain. Marking his territory. The clear message: "This land is mine!" He's also been searching. For either Kasim or Azriel. Kasim to be friendly, Azriel to run off. So far he hasn't had a terrible amount of luck finding either. As such, he is still enjoying the nice walk, the time to himself, and the curiosity about what Ayashe might be doing at this moment. Is she busy talking to a sister? Is she exploring the lands again?
Speaking of someone that is wandering around, while it’s not Ayashe it is her sister Moonseeker. The young feline slowly moves along, her mind working over the problems that happened the night before which still bothers her. Her ears twitch at times as she takes in different sounds, she pauses at the pausing breeze and lifts her as she takes in a breath to check on the different scents. Catching Chesmu's scent not to far away she ponders if she should keep going or turn around...
Kasim, on the other paw, hasn't been doing all that well. Physically, he couldn't be in better shape. But mentally... well let’s just say that that's what's wrong with him now. Not being able to be with his mate in her time of pregnancy is somewhat of a blow straight to the cougar's heart and, while Chesmu might have been the one who banished him, Kasim isn't angry, just sad. That's why he had come to the stone formations once he had to leave Maul behind. For some reason, as creepy and ominous as they were, they seemed to provide some sort of comfort and understanding to him. Why? He has no idea but it's given him time to try and think some things through. Right now, the male was laying in the shade of one of the bigger rocks, simply staring at the ground and not moving, thinking things through. From a distance, he might to be asleep since he wasn’t moving at all, but if you got closer, you could see his eyes were wide open and his mind clearly not in his body right now.
As Chesmu get closer, he catches Kasim's familiar scent. Finally! And at least! And other phrases of triumph! He's happy to have finally found Kasim. Good thing Kasim followed his advice and stayed close by. He starts to lope quickly toward the scent. He has not picked up Moonseeker just yet. He's a little focused now that he's found Kasim. "Friend Kasim!"
Moonseeker ears twitches as she hears the voice, her bright gaze narrowing slightly as she thinks over the name but can't fully place it. With a sigh escaping her she starts to move forward to find out what might be going on. Her tail flicking as she goes while she pays attention to her surroundings still.
Since half of his mind isn't even present at the moment, Kasim doesn't immediately respond to Chesmu calling out to him. But once it finally registers in his mind that there's someone else here, he snaps out of his trance and look around to see who it is. Once he sees Chesmu coming towards him, Kasim quickly wonders whether he was as far off of Amaranth lands as Chesmu had wanted him to be. He doesn't know that the Chief is actually looking for him and is a little surprised when he sees him so soon again. Quickly getting to his paws, Kasim gives a respectful bow of his head and says, "Hello again Chesmu. I must say I'm surprised to see you so soon."
"First off, I must apologize for how I had treated you back there. It was necessary. Allow me to be the first to let you know you were never unwelcome." Chesmu says, then he rests on his haunches, so that Kasim shouldn't have to feel like he's being put on a spot by Chesmu. "In fact, something very good will be happening to you soon, Friend Kasim. Something that I am certain will assure your happiness as well as Sister Maulisho's."
Moonseeker tilts her head while peering towards the two males that are now in front of her. An ear twitches while she lifts her head taking in sight of the pair while she hangs back as she doesn't want to interrupt there talk at the moment.
Kasim is slightly taken aback by what Chesmu says. Not that he's complaining or anything, but it all seems so strange. He had just banned him a short while ago, and now he was saying that it 'necessary.' Wonder what that could mean. In fact, he's about to ask why, but then the last bit of Chesmu's words reach him and he stops dead in his tracks. Well, sure it will make Kasim happy when Maul finally has her cubs... but the fact that they aren't his but in fact /Azriel's/ of all people just looms over him like a dark cloud. Of course, he'll raise them like his own but just the fact that they are really Azriel's makes it all worse. Trying to hide his sadness at the situation, Kasim nods to Chesmu, trying to feign a faint smile. "Y-Yeah. I'm looking forward to Maul finally having her cubs."
Chesmu nods to Kasim. "I understand that you're not the father... yet. I intend to make you their father anyway, which brings me to my next point." Chesmu takes a deep breath, and he continues speaking. "I am going to offer you an opportunity. I think you'd take it." No sense beating around the bush. "For now you'll need to remain out of the territory. It is temporary. However, what would you say to becoming a member of my tribe, like Maulisho?"
"So she told you, did she?" he asks, looking up clearly surprised at Chesmu for knowing this. After all, it wasn't something he thought Maul would freely talk about. Just the mention of the name Azriel would make her-- and him for that matter-- get really angry. It was really something they tried to avoid talking about. However, the talk of a proposal pushes all those thoughts to the side for the moment as Kasim looks up curiously at Chesmu. The first offer doesn't sit too well with the cougar at first, until he hears the second offer which catches him completely off guard. "You... would let me join the tribe?" he asks almost disbelievingly. Ahiga didn't seem to even think about letting males join his tribe, so the sudden proposal is a bit surprising to Kasim.
Seems Moonseeker is but a listener in this little conversation. And while she might have had the idea to leave to give them there privacy she doesn't turn to go. Her gaze drifts from Chesmu to Kasim while her maw twitches. "Evening." Finally escapes her, might as well her herself been known so they don't think she is here just to spy or something.
"On three conditions. You never threaten the tribe. I won't tolerate any danger. Next, you do your part. I won't have freeloading. You will assist me in protecting the tribe, you will listen my mate, and the shamaness, understand. Finally, and I cannot stress this enough..." Chesmu looks Kasim dead in the eyes. "You keep Maulisho happy. You cause her any harm and I *will* kill you. Am I clear?" He looks over and sees Moonseeker. "Good evening, Sister Moonseek."
"You don't even have to tell me Chesmu, it all goes without saying," he says politely with another bow of his head. "And I can assure you that you don't have to worry about that last one at all." She /is/ his mate after all whom he loves very much; it's his job to keep her protected and happy. Kasim would never do anything to put the tribe in danger either. After all, he's grateful to Chesmu for allowing him in so ruin the trust there seems to be coming from him. "Thank you Chesmu," he adds honestly with another bow of his head, then looking up again to see the Sister and giving her a nod of recognition but saying nothing for now.
"The name is Moonseeker." Moon offers while looking to Chesmu, her mother can shorten her name how ever she wants, not someone she doesn't know even if he is in charge of the group now. She glances to Kasim and offers a slight nod back to him as well. "How are you both?"
Chesmu is not going against Maulisho's wishes, so he cannot yet explain why he can't enter the territory. "I will speak with Paoro about your marking. As far as I am concerned, you are my Brother. I do this because Maulisho and I go back. She has always been a dear friend to me. And I wouldn't do anything to endanger her. Or make her unhappy. They best thing I can offer is a place for you with her. Welcome to Amaranth, Brother Kasim. You'll still have to wait out here. The cubs must be born. That is out of my paws, though I have the power to simply allow you in anyway." Chesmu look at Moonseeker. "Deep apologies, Sister Moonseeker." He looks at Kasim. "From this moment forth, I am your Chieftain, but I would rather be your friend first."
Wow... this is all so sudden. Wasn't he mopping around just about, what, five minutes ago? And now he's suddenly been invited into Amaranth... It's all happening so quick. However, if it means being able to see Maul again without having to be hidden away this time, then Kasim could honestly care less. "Thank you Chesmu, I look forward to that day." And, trying to joke around a bit, he says, "So do you prefer Chieftain or just Chief?" He's obviously joking by the smile on his face before turning back to Moonseeker and giving her another nod of his head. "Hello there Moonseeker, it's nice to meet you."
Moonseeker nods to Chesmu, her head tilts to the side. "It’s alright...” She glances over to Kasim. "Hello Kasim, nice to meet you as well." She thinks that she seen him before but she isn't fully sure, so many have wandered through the lands after all.
"We've discussed Azriel at length. And before you ask again, Maulisho never told me. Paoro only told me that the cubs were important, and that you are not their father. I don't know the circumstances behind it, either." Chesmu says, and then he looks at Moonseeker. "It is important that if Azriel is seen again, that I or Ayashe are notified. I am personally searching for him. I have also been notified of a treat to our neighbors to the north, the wolves. A fox named Crimson?"
The very mention of the name Azriel causes Kasim to suddenly growl lowly, before stopping quickly after realizing what he just did. "Oh, I'm... sorry. It's just that I can't help but get angry when I hear of him." For what he did to Maul is just unforgivable. Forcing her to do that for him... it sickens Kasim to the stomach to just think about it. And then Crimson's name suddenly gets spoken too. He doesn't know much about the fox, but enough to know that he must be stopped. "Please, if there's anything I can do to help find them then please let me know. I want them stopped just as much as you do." And possibly even more so.
"A fox?" Moonseeker questions while a smirk crosses her maw. "I don't see how a fox to threaten a pack of wolves...” She looks back to Kasim, a brow lifting as she hears him growl and then what he says about Azriel. The young feline can only wonder what brought that on. "I will make sure to tell you if I see anything." This is offered to Chesmu after a moment.
Chesmu acknowledges Moonseeker with a grateful nod. "Brother Kasim, perhaps you can be of help. You and Maulisho more than anyone else in Amaranth might know the last whereabouts of Azriel. When and where did you last see him, and it might give me an idea of how alarmed I must be." He looks over at Moonseeker. "Thank you."
As much as he would love to just pour information about Azriel out to Chesmu, he simply can't. It's not that he doesn't want to, it just that he has absolutely /no/ information on Azriel at all. Aside from that one time where the two met, Kasim hasn't talked to, seen, or even heard from or about Azriel. The mad cougar was practically a ghost. Sighing sadly, he says to both cougars, "I'm sorry, but I have no information on him at all. I met him briefly once when I was staying near the wolf pack up north but that was a long, /long/ time ago. Then, the sickness came around and I focused on that. I'm sorry I don't have anything useful for you."
Moonseeker has disconnected.
"That is fine. I suppose Maulisho is the one to ask. I'd hate to burden her." Chesmu says, and then he looks at Kasim. "Azriel or not, I consider you their father. You will of course be responsible for their safety, as am I. I believe it is a mutual responsibility we can both share. Numbers are important to a tribe, I believe." He looks in toward the lands. "I look forward to the day you may walk among us, Brother. You've earned it by looking after Maulisho."
"It would probably be best not to talk about Azriel with her until after she gives birth. We're both a little sensitive on that topic and I don't want her to be any more troubled than she already is." Chesmu can at least honor that request, right? "And as for he cubs, you have nothing to worry about. I'll raise them like they were my own." After all, they may not be his but they are Maul's cubs so they disserve the same treatment as such. He loves Maul dearly and will always be with her. "Your acceptance of me means more than you can understand. Thank you very much Ches- uhh, Chief." Better get used to it now and early, right? "Would this be a far enough distance to stay or do I need to go further?"
Chesmu chuckles. A rare thing for him. "Remember, I prefer I be your friend first, then your Chieftain. Call me Chesmu. And if you prefer, I will call you Kasim and drop the 'Brother.'" Chesmu is notably friendly to those who prove themselves to be his friend. Kasim is a friend. "Tell me more about yourself, Kasim."
Kasim smiles at Chesmu when he says this, glad he doesn't have to say Chief yet. It just makes him feel a little awkward. As for calling him 'Brother', "I don't mind if you want to call me that or Kasim, it doesn't matter to me." It makes him feel welcomed in the tribe either way. Taking a seat finally, he looks back at Chesmu, thinking slightly at his last request. "Well... what do you want to know?" There's a lot to tell.
Chesmu takes a moment to think of a few good questions. "How about we make it a game. I ask you a question, and then you ask me a question. So we can both get to know each other." Chesmu decides he'll start. "Have you been part of a tribe before?"
"Sound fair enough," Kasim says with a smile before waiting for his question. Well that should be an obvious answer, spoof "No I haven't. It's not exactly a common thing for cougars to do but I must say I'm looking forward to it." It'll be something new and different to try out and, with Maul by his side, it will be even better. He things for a minute or so before asking, "What's it like being Chief already? You're pretty young I'll be honest when I say that I was surprised to hear of your accomplishment."
"I was not expecting it. After the cure was found, I was planning to live in the desert. But it turns out the desert is no home for a cougar. Least not for me. I wanted to check on Paoro, see if she was okay. I wanted to be sure she made it home safe. One thing led to another, and Ayashe came home, heard the story and was named Matron. Before I could do anything else, she chose me to be her mate and the Chieftain." Chesmu has to be honest, he's had a spiritual growth. "I was as surprised as you, if not more. However, I must believe Ayashe and Paoro had good reason to believe I would be a good Chieftain. I must prove myself worthy of their decision, every day." Chesmu thinks of another question. "How did you and Maulisho first meet?"
Oh now /there's/ a story to tell! Smiling widely and almost uncontrollably, Kasim actually starts chuckling a bit, clearly finding Chesmu's question amusing. He'll never forget the day they first met. "Well it was more luck than anything. I was just walking along aimlessly one day before I ran into her lounging I think. When I said hi to her," and here he has to stop to stifle a few more laughs coming through before he continues, "and when I said hi, she completely flipped out at the sight of me. Back then, she was still so afraid of males she just couldn't help it." Looking back now, that story is just funny for some reason. "She's come a long way," he adds before thinking of another question. "What about you, when did you first meet Maul?"
And now Chesmu is surprised. Maul used to be afraid of males? She never seemed even remotely afraid of them to him. "There's a story I'd have to think about. I used to be a wanderer, not even attached to my own name, why would I attach to other cougars. She was quite friendly, and I even came about to explaining my lonely lifestyle to her. We became fast friends, and I was always pleased whenever I would find her on my journey." Chesmu looks somewhat serious. "When was Maulisho afraid of males? Why?"
Well, that's a question that might not be right for him to answer. After all, it was her business alone, not his. But... Chesmu will eventually find out, right? Suddenly dropping his cheery mood, Kasim lets out a small sigh before saying, "First off, I want you to know that this isn't something you should go around and tell everyone. I'm telling you because you're the Chief and her friend, so I hope you can keep her privacy with it." Once that's done, Kasim takes in a breath and says in a suddenly serious tone, "Her sister was killed by a male cougar looking to mate with her mom when she was just a cub. It's affected her whole outlook on males and whether or not to trust them. I expect that's why she's asked for no males to be around when she's giving birth." That would also explain why she might have wanted to come here alone earlier. "She's gotten better, but she still has trouble at times. With her cubs expecting soon, she might not even let us near the den for a few days, I honestly don't know." Sometimes he wishes Maul wouldn't be so closed up like this but, then again, he never experienced trauma on that kind of level. "You won't tell anyone, right?" he asks, just to be safe.
"Never. I won't tell a soul. I was just... I was surprised. When I first met her, she was very friendly to me. She didn't seem to think about the fact I was a male." Chesmu looks down. "Dear Maulisho. I can only hope she hasn't been living in fear her entire life. We really must be sure she is well cared for. Not just as her Chieftain or her mate, but as her friend and someone who cares for her." He finds himself in conflict with Maulisho's requests and what he feels is absolutely right for her and Kasim. "Just between us. This will be the only time I will go against Maulisho's wishes. It was by Maulisho's request that I chased you off the territory. Please, do not be angry with her, but I am beginning to understand. I will try to convince her to see you at least once before she gives birth. I think it would do you both some good."
Angry? Never. A little hurt and upset? He might have been if he didn't just realize why Maul wanted him away in the first place. Kasim knows it's just her fear of males showing again, so there's no reason for him to get upset for telling Chesmu to keep him away. He can understand she has fears and is, well... afraid of them. It's not like he doesn’t have his. "I'm not angry at her in the slightest. I lover her and understand what she must be going through. I thank you for talking to her about me but, if she doesn't want to see me then please just leave it at that. I don't want her feeling any more uncomfortable than she must already be."
Chesmu nods. "Then I suppose time will tell if this goes as well as I imagine it will. I will likely speak to her on your... new place in things. She will be overjoyed." Chesmu says. "Try not to go too far. I can understand if you go hunting, but, as I mentioned before, I am going to go as far as to *beg* Maulisho to see you."
Kasim can't help but chuckle slightly when Chesmu mentions begging to Maul to see him. The thought of the Chief begging something to a Sister just comes across as funny for him. "Well, if you insist," he replies with a soft laugh. "I'll be staying right here in this area then, if that's ok with you of course." He doesn't know if this is far enough from the den site or not. Then again, he has no idea where the den is... or if they even have a den. Kasim was never brave or foolish enough to try and find that out while Ahiga was still in charge.
Chesmu nods. "Of course. And don't worry. It will all work out in the end." Chesmu says. "Remember that your situation is temporary. If you're not confident you can hunt, then I'll see what I can do to have some food brought to you."
"Don't worry, I can hunt just fine. Thanks for the offer though." After all, he had to teach himself how to catch food for himself when he was just a wanderer, right? Giving a smile and another nod of his head, Kasim says, "Thank you for everything Chesmu. If there's anything you ever need, just come find me and I'll be glad to do it."
Chesmu nods. "I'm sure something will come up. Like myself, life in this tribe will likely be a life of proving one self day in and day out. I must strive to live up to expectations, and so must you." Chesmu offers Kasim a smile. He doesn't smile often. "And if you need my assistance, you don't hesitate to ask." Chesmu turns and begins to saunter off.
"I'm sure you'll make a fine Chief, Chesmu." He's certainly already exceeded the expectations that Kasim had set for him and then some. It's safe to say that he didn't have very /high/ expectations for the Chief, but he's certainly been proven wrong. "I will be sure to ask for it, thank you Chesmu," Kasim replies, returning the younger cougar's smile before he starts to walk off. Plopping back down on his stomach, he starts to think about everything that's just happened with a smile on his face. These thoughts are certainly a lot happier than his thinking before Chesmu arrived. Never once did the thought of joining Amaranth ever seem possible in his mind because of stubborn rulers, but now everything's changed and for the better. At least he'll be able to see Maul again and not have to do it in secret now. Yeah, everything for the future is looking surprisingly bright for once, strange as that may sound. Freely spending time with his mate, cubs soon on the way, and a tribe to look out for and protect one another... yeah, everything is certainly looking bright.
Chesmu- adult male cougar
Moonseeker- adol. female cougar
Kasim- adult male cougar
Chesmu has been adhering to his duties as the Chieftain. Marking his territory. The clear message: "This land is mine!" He's also been searching. For either Kasim or Azriel. Kasim to be friendly, Azriel to run off. So far he hasn't had a terrible amount of luck finding either. As such, he is still enjoying the nice walk, the time to himself, and the curiosity about what Ayashe might be doing at this moment. Is she busy talking to a sister? Is she exploring the lands again?
Speaking of someone that is wandering around, while it’s not Ayashe it is her sister Moonseeker. The young feline slowly moves along, her mind working over the problems that happened the night before which still bothers her. Her ears twitch at times as she takes in different sounds, she pauses at the pausing breeze and lifts her as she takes in a breath to check on the different scents. Catching Chesmu's scent not to far away she ponders if she should keep going or turn around...
Kasim, on the other paw, hasn't been doing all that well. Physically, he couldn't be in better shape. But mentally... well let’s just say that that's what's wrong with him now. Not being able to be with his mate in her time of pregnancy is somewhat of a blow straight to the cougar's heart and, while Chesmu might have been the one who banished him, Kasim isn't angry, just sad. That's why he had come to the stone formations once he had to leave Maul behind. For some reason, as creepy and ominous as they were, they seemed to provide some sort of comfort and understanding to him. Why? He has no idea but it's given him time to try and think some things through. Right now, the male was laying in the shade of one of the bigger rocks, simply staring at the ground and not moving, thinking things through. From a distance, he might to be asleep since he wasn’t moving at all, but if you got closer, you could see his eyes were wide open and his mind clearly not in his body right now.
As Chesmu get closer, he catches Kasim's familiar scent. Finally! And at least! And other phrases of triumph! He's happy to have finally found Kasim. Good thing Kasim followed his advice and stayed close by. He starts to lope quickly toward the scent. He has not picked up Moonseeker just yet. He's a little focused now that he's found Kasim. "Friend Kasim!"
Moonseeker ears twitches as she hears the voice, her bright gaze narrowing slightly as she thinks over the name but can't fully place it. With a sigh escaping her she starts to move forward to find out what might be going on. Her tail flicking as she goes while she pays attention to her surroundings still.
Since half of his mind isn't even present at the moment, Kasim doesn't immediately respond to Chesmu calling out to him. But once it finally registers in his mind that there's someone else here, he snaps out of his trance and look around to see who it is. Once he sees Chesmu coming towards him, Kasim quickly wonders whether he was as far off of Amaranth lands as Chesmu had wanted him to be. He doesn't know that the Chief is actually looking for him and is a little surprised when he sees him so soon again. Quickly getting to his paws, Kasim gives a respectful bow of his head and says, "Hello again Chesmu. I must say I'm surprised to see you so soon."
"First off, I must apologize for how I had treated you back there. It was necessary. Allow me to be the first to let you know you were never unwelcome." Chesmu says, then he rests on his haunches, so that Kasim shouldn't have to feel like he's being put on a spot by Chesmu. "In fact, something very good will be happening to you soon, Friend Kasim. Something that I am certain will assure your happiness as well as Sister Maulisho's."
Moonseeker tilts her head while peering towards the two males that are now in front of her. An ear twitches while she lifts her head taking in sight of the pair while she hangs back as she doesn't want to interrupt there talk at the moment.
Kasim is slightly taken aback by what Chesmu says. Not that he's complaining or anything, but it all seems so strange. He had just banned him a short while ago, and now he was saying that it 'necessary.' Wonder what that could mean. In fact, he's about to ask why, but then the last bit of Chesmu's words reach him and he stops dead in his tracks. Well, sure it will make Kasim happy when Maul finally has her cubs... but the fact that they aren't his but in fact /Azriel's/ of all people just looms over him like a dark cloud. Of course, he'll raise them like his own but just the fact that they are really Azriel's makes it all worse. Trying to hide his sadness at the situation, Kasim nods to Chesmu, trying to feign a faint smile. "Y-Yeah. I'm looking forward to Maul finally having her cubs."
Chesmu nods to Kasim. "I understand that you're not the father... yet. I intend to make you their father anyway, which brings me to my next point." Chesmu takes a deep breath, and he continues speaking. "I am going to offer you an opportunity. I think you'd take it." No sense beating around the bush. "For now you'll need to remain out of the territory. It is temporary. However, what would you say to becoming a member of my tribe, like Maulisho?"
"So she told you, did she?" he asks, looking up clearly surprised at Chesmu for knowing this. After all, it wasn't something he thought Maul would freely talk about. Just the mention of the name Azriel would make her-- and him for that matter-- get really angry. It was really something they tried to avoid talking about. However, the talk of a proposal pushes all those thoughts to the side for the moment as Kasim looks up curiously at Chesmu. The first offer doesn't sit too well with the cougar at first, until he hears the second offer which catches him completely off guard. "You... would let me join the tribe?" he asks almost disbelievingly. Ahiga didn't seem to even think about letting males join his tribe, so the sudden proposal is a bit surprising to Kasim.
Seems Moonseeker is but a listener in this little conversation. And while she might have had the idea to leave to give them there privacy she doesn't turn to go. Her gaze drifts from Chesmu to Kasim while her maw twitches. "Evening." Finally escapes her, might as well her herself been known so they don't think she is here just to spy or something.
"On three conditions. You never threaten the tribe. I won't tolerate any danger. Next, you do your part. I won't have freeloading. You will assist me in protecting the tribe, you will listen my mate, and the shamaness, understand. Finally, and I cannot stress this enough..." Chesmu looks Kasim dead in the eyes. "You keep Maulisho happy. You cause her any harm and I *will* kill you. Am I clear?" He looks over and sees Moonseeker. "Good evening, Sister Moonseek."
"You don't even have to tell me Chesmu, it all goes without saying," he says politely with another bow of his head. "And I can assure you that you don't have to worry about that last one at all." She /is/ his mate after all whom he loves very much; it's his job to keep her protected and happy. Kasim would never do anything to put the tribe in danger either. After all, he's grateful to Chesmu for allowing him in so ruin the trust there seems to be coming from him. "Thank you Chesmu," he adds honestly with another bow of his head, then looking up again to see the Sister and giving her a nod of recognition but saying nothing for now.
"The name is Moonseeker." Moon offers while looking to Chesmu, her mother can shorten her name how ever she wants, not someone she doesn't know even if he is in charge of the group now. She glances to Kasim and offers a slight nod back to him as well. "How are you both?"
Chesmu is not going against Maulisho's wishes, so he cannot yet explain why he can't enter the territory. "I will speak with Paoro about your marking. As far as I am concerned, you are my Brother. I do this because Maulisho and I go back. She has always been a dear friend to me. And I wouldn't do anything to endanger her. Or make her unhappy. They best thing I can offer is a place for you with her. Welcome to Amaranth, Brother Kasim. You'll still have to wait out here. The cubs must be born. That is out of my paws, though I have the power to simply allow you in anyway." Chesmu look at Moonseeker. "Deep apologies, Sister Moonseeker." He looks at Kasim. "From this moment forth, I am your Chieftain, but I would rather be your friend first."
Wow... this is all so sudden. Wasn't he mopping around just about, what, five minutes ago? And now he's suddenly been invited into Amaranth... It's all happening so quick. However, if it means being able to see Maul again without having to be hidden away this time, then Kasim could honestly care less. "Thank you Chesmu, I look forward to that day." And, trying to joke around a bit, he says, "So do you prefer Chieftain or just Chief?" He's obviously joking by the smile on his face before turning back to Moonseeker and giving her another nod of his head. "Hello there Moonseeker, it's nice to meet you."
Moonseeker nods to Chesmu, her head tilts to the side. "It’s alright...” She glances over to Kasim. "Hello Kasim, nice to meet you as well." She thinks that she seen him before but she isn't fully sure, so many have wandered through the lands after all.
"We've discussed Azriel at length. And before you ask again, Maulisho never told me. Paoro only told me that the cubs were important, and that you are not their father. I don't know the circumstances behind it, either." Chesmu says, and then he looks at Moonseeker. "It is important that if Azriel is seen again, that I or Ayashe are notified. I am personally searching for him. I have also been notified of a treat to our neighbors to the north, the wolves. A fox named Crimson?"
The very mention of the name Azriel causes Kasim to suddenly growl lowly, before stopping quickly after realizing what he just did. "Oh, I'm... sorry. It's just that I can't help but get angry when I hear of him." For what he did to Maul is just unforgivable. Forcing her to do that for him... it sickens Kasim to the stomach to just think about it. And then Crimson's name suddenly gets spoken too. He doesn't know much about the fox, but enough to know that he must be stopped. "Please, if there's anything I can do to help find them then please let me know. I want them stopped just as much as you do." And possibly even more so.
"A fox?" Moonseeker questions while a smirk crosses her maw. "I don't see how a fox to threaten a pack of wolves...” She looks back to Kasim, a brow lifting as she hears him growl and then what he says about Azriel. The young feline can only wonder what brought that on. "I will make sure to tell you if I see anything." This is offered to Chesmu after a moment.
Chesmu acknowledges Moonseeker with a grateful nod. "Brother Kasim, perhaps you can be of help. You and Maulisho more than anyone else in Amaranth might know the last whereabouts of Azriel. When and where did you last see him, and it might give me an idea of how alarmed I must be." He looks over at Moonseeker. "Thank you."
As much as he would love to just pour information about Azriel out to Chesmu, he simply can't. It's not that he doesn't want to, it just that he has absolutely /no/ information on Azriel at all. Aside from that one time where the two met, Kasim hasn't talked to, seen, or even heard from or about Azriel. The mad cougar was practically a ghost. Sighing sadly, he says to both cougars, "I'm sorry, but I have no information on him at all. I met him briefly once when I was staying near the wolf pack up north but that was a long, /long/ time ago. Then, the sickness came around and I focused on that. I'm sorry I don't have anything useful for you."
Moonseeker has disconnected.
"That is fine. I suppose Maulisho is the one to ask. I'd hate to burden her." Chesmu says, and then he looks at Kasim. "Azriel or not, I consider you their father. You will of course be responsible for their safety, as am I. I believe it is a mutual responsibility we can both share. Numbers are important to a tribe, I believe." He looks in toward the lands. "I look forward to the day you may walk among us, Brother. You've earned it by looking after Maulisho."
"It would probably be best not to talk about Azriel with her until after she gives birth. We're both a little sensitive on that topic and I don't want her to be any more troubled than she already is." Chesmu can at least honor that request, right? "And as for he cubs, you have nothing to worry about. I'll raise them like they were my own." After all, they may not be his but they are Maul's cubs so they disserve the same treatment as such. He loves Maul dearly and will always be with her. "Your acceptance of me means more than you can understand. Thank you very much Ches- uhh, Chief." Better get used to it now and early, right? "Would this be a far enough distance to stay or do I need to go further?"
Chesmu chuckles. A rare thing for him. "Remember, I prefer I be your friend first, then your Chieftain. Call me Chesmu. And if you prefer, I will call you Kasim and drop the 'Brother.'" Chesmu is notably friendly to those who prove themselves to be his friend. Kasim is a friend. "Tell me more about yourself, Kasim."
Kasim smiles at Chesmu when he says this, glad he doesn't have to say Chief yet. It just makes him feel a little awkward. As for calling him 'Brother', "I don't mind if you want to call me that or Kasim, it doesn't matter to me." It makes him feel welcomed in the tribe either way. Taking a seat finally, he looks back at Chesmu, thinking slightly at his last request. "Well... what do you want to know?" There's a lot to tell.
Chesmu takes a moment to think of a few good questions. "How about we make it a game. I ask you a question, and then you ask me a question. So we can both get to know each other." Chesmu decides he'll start. "Have you been part of a tribe before?"
"Sound fair enough," Kasim says with a smile before waiting for his question. Well that should be an obvious answer, spoof "No I haven't. It's not exactly a common thing for cougars to do but I must say I'm looking forward to it." It'll be something new and different to try out and, with Maul by his side, it will be even better. He things for a minute or so before asking, "What's it like being Chief already? You're pretty young I'll be honest when I say that I was surprised to hear of your accomplishment."
"I was not expecting it. After the cure was found, I was planning to live in the desert. But it turns out the desert is no home for a cougar. Least not for me. I wanted to check on Paoro, see if she was okay. I wanted to be sure she made it home safe. One thing led to another, and Ayashe came home, heard the story and was named Matron. Before I could do anything else, she chose me to be her mate and the Chieftain." Chesmu has to be honest, he's had a spiritual growth. "I was as surprised as you, if not more. However, I must believe Ayashe and Paoro had good reason to believe I would be a good Chieftain. I must prove myself worthy of their decision, every day." Chesmu thinks of another question. "How did you and Maulisho first meet?"
Oh now /there's/ a story to tell! Smiling widely and almost uncontrollably, Kasim actually starts chuckling a bit, clearly finding Chesmu's question amusing. He'll never forget the day they first met. "Well it was more luck than anything. I was just walking along aimlessly one day before I ran into her lounging I think. When I said hi to her," and here he has to stop to stifle a few more laughs coming through before he continues, "and when I said hi, she completely flipped out at the sight of me. Back then, she was still so afraid of males she just couldn't help it." Looking back now, that story is just funny for some reason. "She's come a long way," he adds before thinking of another question. "What about you, when did you first meet Maul?"
And now Chesmu is surprised. Maul used to be afraid of males? She never seemed even remotely afraid of them to him. "There's a story I'd have to think about. I used to be a wanderer, not even attached to my own name, why would I attach to other cougars. She was quite friendly, and I even came about to explaining my lonely lifestyle to her. We became fast friends, and I was always pleased whenever I would find her on my journey." Chesmu looks somewhat serious. "When was Maulisho afraid of males? Why?"
Well, that's a question that might not be right for him to answer. After all, it was her business alone, not his. But... Chesmu will eventually find out, right? Suddenly dropping his cheery mood, Kasim lets out a small sigh before saying, "First off, I want you to know that this isn't something you should go around and tell everyone. I'm telling you because you're the Chief and her friend, so I hope you can keep her privacy with it." Once that's done, Kasim takes in a breath and says in a suddenly serious tone, "Her sister was killed by a male cougar looking to mate with her mom when she was just a cub. It's affected her whole outlook on males and whether or not to trust them. I expect that's why she's asked for no males to be around when she's giving birth." That would also explain why she might have wanted to come here alone earlier. "She's gotten better, but she still has trouble at times. With her cubs expecting soon, she might not even let us near the den for a few days, I honestly don't know." Sometimes he wishes Maul wouldn't be so closed up like this but, then again, he never experienced trauma on that kind of level. "You won't tell anyone, right?" he asks, just to be safe.
"Never. I won't tell a soul. I was just... I was surprised. When I first met her, she was very friendly to me. She didn't seem to think about the fact I was a male." Chesmu looks down. "Dear Maulisho. I can only hope she hasn't been living in fear her entire life. We really must be sure she is well cared for. Not just as her Chieftain or her mate, but as her friend and someone who cares for her." He finds himself in conflict with Maulisho's requests and what he feels is absolutely right for her and Kasim. "Just between us. This will be the only time I will go against Maulisho's wishes. It was by Maulisho's request that I chased you off the territory. Please, do not be angry with her, but I am beginning to understand. I will try to convince her to see you at least once before she gives birth. I think it would do you both some good."
Angry? Never. A little hurt and upset? He might have been if he didn't just realize why Maul wanted him away in the first place. Kasim knows it's just her fear of males showing again, so there's no reason for him to get upset for telling Chesmu to keep him away. He can understand she has fears and is, well... afraid of them. It's not like he doesn’t have his. "I'm not angry at her in the slightest. I lover her and understand what she must be going through. I thank you for talking to her about me but, if she doesn't want to see me then please just leave it at that. I don't want her feeling any more uncomfortable than she must already be."
Chesmu nods. "Then I suppose time will tell if this goes as well as I imagine it will. I will likely speak to her on your... new place in things. She will be overjoyed." Chesmu says. "Try not to go too far. I can understand if you go hunting, but, as I mentioned before, I am going to go as far as to *beg* Maulisho to see you."
Kasim can't help but chuckle slightly when Chesmu mentions begging to Maul to see him. The thought of the Chief begging something to a Sister just comes across as funny for him. "Well, if you insist," he replies with a soft laugh. "I'll be staying right here in this area then, if that's ok with you of course." He doesn't know if this is far enough from the den site or not. Then again, he has no idea where the den is... or if they even have a den. Kasim was never brave or foolish enough to try and find that out while Ahiga was still in charge.
Chesmu nods. "Of course. And don't worry. It will all work out in the end." Chesmu says. "Remember that your situation is temporary. If you're not confident you can hunt, then I'll see what I can do to have some food brought to you."
"Don't worry, I can hunt just fine. Thanks for the offer though." After all, he had to teach himself how to catch food for himself when he was just a wanderer, right? Giving a smile and another nod of his head, Kasim says, "Thank you for everything Chesmu. If there's anything you ever need, just come find me and I'll be glad to do it."
Chesmu nods. "I'm sure something will come up. Like myself, life in this tribe will likely be a life of proving one self day in and day out. I must strive to live up to expectations, and so must you." Chesmu offers Kasim a smile. He doesn't smile often. "And if you need my assistance, you don't hesitate to ask." Chesmu turns and begins to saunter off.
"I'm sure you'll make a fine Chief, Chesmu." He's certainly already exceeded the expectations that Kasim had set for him and then some. It's safe to say that he didn't have very /high/ expectations for the Chief, but he's certainly been proven wrong. "I will be sure to ask for it, thank you Chesmu," Kasim replies, returning the younger cougar's smile before he starts to walk off. Plopping back down on his stomach, he starts to think about everything that's just happened with a smile on his face. These thoughts are certainly a lot happier than his thinking before Chesmu arrived. Never once did the thought of joining Amaranth ever seem possible in his mind because of stubborn rulers, but now everything's changed and for the better. At least he'll be able to see Maul again and not have to do it in secret now. Yeah, everything for the future is looking surprisingly bright for once, strange as that may sound. Freely spending time with his mate, cubs soon on the way, and a tribe to look out for and protect one another... yeah, everything is certainly looking bright.