Post by Therdde on Apr 4, 2008 14:32:17 GMT -5
Characters:
Maulisho – Female Cougar
Kasim – Male Cougar
Chesmu – Male Cougar
Kein – Male Cougar Cub
Nium – Female Cougar
- Stone Formations -
From her perch on top of the tallest rock column in the clearing, Maulisho surveys the area yet again. She's confident that she'll spot any threat long before it can reach her cubs, but her dreams of late have once again left her in a somewhat pessimistic mood bordering on paranoia. Amber eyes gaze keenly at the treeline, then across to each individual rock in turn, and finally back to her cubs. They keep growing faster and faster; already they're wanting to push the limits of their 'home' and explore. Not that Maulisho doesn't understand and sympathize with them, but there /is/ the little detail called 'safety' -- no sense in satisfying the curiosity of a cub only to have said cub end up dead before sundown. But now that Kasim's back, Maul has been mulling a few possible ideas over in her mind... a few surprises for her cubs. Possible surprises, anyway.
Not one to travel far after just recently getting back, the form of the newly arrived Kasim can be seen on a nearby rock simply laying down and locking around him. Being reunited with his mate and 'family' after such a long time has really kept the cougar's mood in high spirits. Now instead of falling asleep all by himself, he can finally feel content at night as he falls asleep next to his mate. It's been so great seeing her again, and the cubs are by no means any exception. Not a day seems to go by without something fun happening with one of them. Sure, being a pretend father can be hard for Kasim at times, but seeing the cubs smiling faces always makes it worthwhile. Letting a smile show itself across his face, the cougar breathes in deeply, and exhales it out with his tail flipping idly behind him. Yep, life seems great right now.
To one such as Chesmu, there is no question of who is the real father of the cubs. He could care less what some selfish cougar like Azriel may have to do with the cubs. To Chesmu, fatherhood is being more than contributing one's side of the cubs. Kasim is their father to him. He heads up the hill toward his friends, hoping to assure himself of their safety. Chieftain duties.
Kein has gotten better at climbing the rocks recently, but he's not so good at looking up there for his family. After all, who could possibly think of using his own tactic against him, right? As such, shortly after awakening from a nap, he quickly comes to the conclusion that both Mom and Kasim are gone. He sits for a moment, trying to decide what to do since the adults are nowhere to be found and his siblings have been rather quiet. He doesn't get far before Kasim's tail manages to enter his line of vision, which generally remains ground-level. Bingo. Kein has found his entertainment. Grinning, the small cub stands, then crouches down to stalk towards the vulnerable tail.
Ahh, cubs. They either don't know anything about something and want to learn it, or they know everything about something and want to play with it. Maulisho is half-tempted to say something in warning to her mate, but decides that Kein's entertainment is something she'll be willing to risk Kasim's wrath for. Instead, she keeps as straight a face as possible, gaze flicking across to note the arrival of their Chieftain. Personally, she can't imagine a more boring position, given what she knows of his responsibilities. Good exercise, but still... she'd much rather spend the time in fellowship with her mate and cubs. Family time, yeah!
Kasim has yet to notice his notson emerge into the open and, as such, isn't aware that his tail has become a target for the little cub's enjoyment. No instead he's just content with staring out into the open nothingness of space while he thinks over some thoughts in his mind. Nothing of importance enters his mind, but it's a way to spend some time, right?
After several days of hiding herself to rest and catch up on her sleep, Nium stands tall on a hill and spots a small gathering of cougars. She doesn't spot Chesmu, the only one she at least knows around here. She sits for a while, still waking up entirely. Nium stretches, yawns loudly, and decides to make herself acquainted with those who live on the land she is a guest to. Down the slope she goes. She is slow and very balanced.
Chesmu approaches the rocks and smiles. An eventuality that has been increasing much as of late. He never used to do it so much before all this Chieftain business, back when all he had to care about was finding food for himself. Damn his mother. "Maulisho?"
Kein's attention is focused on Kasim's tail. He doesn't notice Mom or the stranger nearby, and he only casually flicks an ear towards the voice of the chief. After coming within a few feet of the rock on which Kasim is lying, he stops creeping forward. For a moment, all he does is stare at the tail, preparing to attack it as soon as he's confident in his ability to capture it. Finally, with no more warning than just the sound of his breathing, he leaps towards the tail, aiming to grab at it with the small claws that are just /barely/ long enough to be felt through fur. Mine!
"Hello to you, Chesmu." Maulisho's voice is courteous but still with the warmth of a good friend. "Good hunting as of late?" She gives Chesmu a quick visual examination, looking for any recent scars or signs of battle that could indicate any new threats to the tribe. A tiny blur of motion out of the corner of her eye causes the cougaress to turn her head just in time to see Kein make his predatory attack on Kasim's tail...
Ahh, everything just seems so relaxed and peaceful and--whoa! Kasim is suddenly thrown out of his trance as he feels as slight and sudden tug on his tail. Giving a slight jump of alarm but not enough to throw the cub off, he looks back down at his tail to see what caused the disturbance, only to smile widely when he finds who the culprit is. "Hey there Kein," he offers in a warm greeting. "See you find my tail to be a nice play toy." His tone is playful and casual, showing that he doesn't mind in the slightest at the cub's playful manner. Looking over as a new voice reaches his ears, Kasim smiles again as he sees Chesmu and gives him a slight nod of respect. "Hey there Chesmu."
Nium reaches a low spot of the hill, a valley, and then begins climbing to the top of the hill-plateau on the other side, where the group has gathered. She comes up slow, trying to stand tall so she doesn't spook the cubs and others there. She spots Chesmu and stops to makes an audible noise to inform him and the others of her presence. Nium looks down at her first step, then continues up.
Chesmu is happy to see Kasim and Maulisho together. He is about to say so: "Eh--" And then Kein pounces and Nium makes a sound. He turns to look over and see the new cougaress. "Greetings, Nium." Chesmu says. "I take it your stay has been a pleasant one?" Chesmu looks down at Kein and enjoys this spectacle. "And I am glad to see Kasim has found his way to you, Maulisho."
The proof of Kein's ability comes only from that small jump. Sneaking up on his siblings is much more satisfying, because the signs that he was successful are more obvious. Well, that, and they actually play back. With a mind towards drawing Kasim into a scuffle, even if it's one in which Kein is vastly overpowered, since he knows Mom and almostDad both allow him a fighting chance, the cub keeps ahold of Kasim's tail as well as he can and proclaims, aloud, what he thought moments ago. "Mine!" If Kasim wants to reclaim ownership of his own tail, he'll have to fight for it.
Maulisho laughs softly at Kein's antics, idly wondering how Kasim will take the challenge. She's about to consider the possibility of joining in on the fun when her attention is suddenly arrested by the appearance of a new and strange cougar. /Not/ good. With a smooth and practiced motion, Maulisho goes from relaxing mother to defensive mother, leaping easily to a casual--yet cautious--stance between her cubs and this newcomer. Not that she wants to seem paranoid, but it's always better to err on the side of caution with cubs involved, no? The irony that by her new location she's now protecting Kasim as well doesn't escape her. Well, he can keep Kein from rushing forward to prove his hero-ness while Maulisho decides how to handle the situation.
The first thing noticed is that the newcomer's name is Nium and apparently has met Chesmu on a previous occasion; why hadn't the chieftain said anything to her about it? It's not like Chesmu doesn't know how she intensely dislikes anything new that might be a threat to her cubs. Well, what's done is done. She might normally offer her own greeting, but decides instead to let Chesmu atone for his lack of foresight by getting to be the one responsible for introductions. In the meantime, she'll just stand and watch. Not hostile, but... patiently cautious.
Ohh it's a challenge the cub wants, eh? Well if that's what he wants then it's a challenge he'll get! Smiling with a hint of mischief in his eyes, Kasim starts to softly bounce his tail up and down to try to dislodge the cub from his tail before the real 'challenge' begins. However, he is interrupted from his playful manner by Maul suddenly swooping down upon the new stranger. Instantly, Kasim stops his tail bouncing and eyes the new cougaress with caution, also making sure that Kein and his siblings aren't in any danger. For now, play time will have to wait.
Nium arrives next to Chesmu. She looks large next to him. "Yes, sir, thank you. It was quite peaceful." Nium speaks with a deeper-tone voice. She had been hiding on lower ground and resting from her long trek. Maybe shy, maybe not the talkative type, but she doesn't introduce herself to the others. Perhaps she believes the chieftain has the right to that. Nium sits down, showing better her primarily minor scars and scratches.
Chesmu looks over at Maulisho and isn't surprised to see her leap to cover her cubs in case of danger. However, Chesmu might be able to dispel the unease. "Maulisho, this is Nium, a traveler from far away. Nium, this is Maulisho, my best friend from even the days before I belonged anywhere."
Kein has nearly lost his grip on Kasim's tail, despite his best efforts, when all of a sudden the tail stops moving. Not only that, but Kasim's attention is most definitely elsewhere. Kein is capable of recognizing when he's supposed to settle down, but he's capable of recognizing a lot of other things he /ought/ to do as well. That doesn't mean they're the funnest, and, hence, most desirable courses of action. Dropping the short distance to the ground with a frown, he attempts to take a single step to the side to get a better look at the cougar that has taken the adults' attention away from him.
Kasim feels slightly bad for Kein that their little playing had to end suddenly but he'll make it up once the tension is cleared. But for now, it's pretend father mode. "Stay behind me Kein," he tells the cub, taking a side step to block the cub from moving closer to the stranger. Sure Chesmu may know her, but that doesn't mean anything until he's sure that she isn't a big threat.
A big threat, no, a big cougar, yes. "It's nice to meet you ma'am." Nium nods her head, slightly. Upon lifting it up, she notices a curious kit. She looks at it, then back to Chesmu. Nium's face is rather stoic and unchanging, but she does not mean to be disrespectful or intimidating. She understands she will in the spotlight for a while being the newcomer. Her mind is clear and her body is strong yet again. "Thank you for letting me rest on your lands."
Chesmu stands between Maul and Nium. His message is clear: Stand back from the cubs. "It is the least I could do for a friendly traveler." Chesmu says. "Is there something you need from me?"
"Nium. A pleasure." Maulisho's greeting is brisk and lacks the same warmth shown to the chieftain, but it does contain just enough cordiality to keep from being suspicious or outright hostile. Time will show whether Nium is worthy of her trust. Noting the brief glance from stranger to Kein, Maulisho nods briefly, taking a slight step to the side in a very simple display of protection. The message is clear: this is MY cub.
Kein's frown deepens when Kasim steps in his way, preventing him from getting any sort of look at the stranger. It is rather reluctantly that he obeys Kasim rather than moving again, but he /does/ stay put. For the moment. He remains standing and his ears remain perked, his curiosity leading him to, in rare form, be interested in what the adults are saying.
Well at least the stranger--Nium--doesn't seem like a big threat. And with Chesmu, Maul, and himself here, Kasim highly doubts that Nium could do anything wrong even if she wanted to. Content with the situation, the male takes a seat next to Kein and licks the top of his head. "Sorry about that Kein, we'll do something else, ok?" he says to him with a smile.
Nium understands the extent of doubt some have about her. "Where ever I've gone, many worry about a newcomer to their lands." Nium tries to avoid eye contact with the kit. "They usually expect me to leave, but to be completely honest, I would rather stay." Nium is a straight-to-the-point kind of girl, kind of suiting.
Chesmu looks at Nium for a moment. Well that is something to consider. He has not thought of Nium deciding to stay. "You mean... to join Amaranth as a sister, Nium?"
Though she had a suspicion the newcomer would eventually mention the word 'stay' Maulisho hadn't anticipated such a quick turn to the subject. Chesmu's question speaks for Maulisho as well: does this Nium really anticipate a future membership with the Amaranth? Hmm. Maulisho hopes that Chesmu is thinking about common sense and not just about having another female. Smart thing to do: get Paoro's advice, for starters. Definitely get Ayashe involved as well, and have a probationary period for Nium before Sisterhood is even discussed. Maulisho frowns. If Chesmu decides too quickly, is there really anything she can do about it? She's just another Sister, and he's the /Chieftain/, after all.
Kein nuzzles Kasim lightly after the lick to his head. He doesn't say anything immediately, though, more curious about this newcomer now that his play has been interrupted than he is interested in finding a new game, for the moment. Even when he does answer, he continues looking in the direction of the voices, even if all he can see is Mom, and his answer is nothing more than casual acceptance of what Kasim said. "Okay."
Hmmmm, now Nium wants to stay here as well. That seemed.... quick. While Kasim may agree with Maul in theory, it all comes down to what Chesmu wants in the end. He can't really do anything but maybe put in a complaint should the need arise. But, for now, let’s not focus on that. Turning back down to the cub, he asks, "So you wanna do anything Kein?" Explore, wander, talk, whatever. As long as Maul is ok with it then Kasim doesn't mind doing whatever the cub wants to do.
"I don't mean to be a sister of your tribe." Nium elaborates. "I don't expect you to simply allow that. All I request is just to be allowed a place to live. I'll be out of the way." She sighs, hanging her head, slightly, closing her eyes. "I'm just... tired of traveling. I found what I was looking for a while ago... Then I was told of another range of mountains this way. I had to see it." She opens her eyes and they are set momentarily on the kit, then Chesmu. "I'll obey any order."
Chesmu considers this a few moments. The thought had actually crossed his mind. Why would he accept her so quickly? "I shall speak to my mate and the shaman. I have to consider many sides of this request." Chesmu says. "For now, you remain a guest on these lands."
Though her full preoccupation is on the safety of her cubs, Maulisho can't help but feel a little empathy for the other cougaress. How long ago was it when Maul herself was a stranger to these lands, pleading with Ahiga for a place to stay for the night? She certainly was tired of running from her nightmares, half-crazy as it was. Again, though, she is silent as Chesmu renders his verdict. Nium is to be a guest, so Maulisho will respect her as such. That doesn't give her free license to hang around the cubs, though, as far as Maulisho is concerned.
Wait, huh? Is there something he wants to do? Still at least partially focused on the conversation between Chesmu and the stranger, it takes Kein a moment to turn his head, to actually look at Kasim. "Uh, sure." The cub does not have a particularly well-developed attention span, and now that he is no longer focused on the conversation, he is more easily capable of focusing on the idea of a new game. With a slight grin, he raises a paw, and bats lightly at Kasim. "Tag!" He doesn't give Kasim a chance to respond before he turns to run off, away from Nium, Chesmu, Mom, and Kasim. At least Mom won't have to worry about him getting too close to the stranger, that way.
Nium views this as a positive start. "A guest, then. Thank you." She looks to the others with respect and, after the verdict, is a bit at a loss for words. She got the courage to ask what she wanted to, and that's good enough by her. Nium yawns again, being less formal now, but never losing that air of formality about her. It's quite a distinguishing feature she has, aside from the height.
Chesmu nods and begins to walk back down the hill. He has many other things to attend to. Border patrol, checking on his own cubs, and the like.
Maulisho – Female Cougar
Kasim – Male Cougar
Chesmu – Male Cougar
Kein – Male Cougar Cub
Nium – Female Cougar
- Stone Formations -
From her perch on top of the tallest rock column in the clearing, Maulisho surveys the area yet again. She's confident that she'll spot any threat long before it can reach her cubs, but her dreams of late have once again left her in a somewhat pessimistic mood bordering on paranoia. Amber eyes gaze keenly at the treeline, then across to each individual rock in turn, and finally back to her cubs. They keep growing faster and faster; already they're wanting to push the limits of their 'home' and explore. Not that Maulisho doesn't understand and sympathize with them, but there /is/ the little detail called 'safety' -- no sense in satisfying the curiosity of a cub only to have said cub end up dead before sundown. But now that Kasim's back, Maul has been mulling a few possible ideas over in her mind... a few surprises for her cubs. Possible surprises, anyway.
Not one to travel far after just recently getting back, the form of the newly arrived Kasim can be seen on a nearby rock simply laying down and locking around him. Being reunited with his mate and 'family' after such a long time has really kept the cougar's mood in high spirits. Now instead of falling asleep all by himself, he can finally feel content at night as he falls asleep next to his mate. It's been so great seeing her again, and the cubs are by no means any exception. Not a day seems to go by without something fun happening with one of them. Sure, being a pretend father can be hard for Kasim at times, but seeing the cubs smiling faces always makes it worthwhile. Letting a smile show itself across his face, the cougar breathes in deeply, and exhales it out with his tail flipping idly behind him. Yep, life seems great right now.
To one such as Chesmu, there is no question of who is the real father of the cubs. He could care less what some selfish cougar like Azriel may have to do with the cubs. To Chesmu, fatherhood is being more than contributing one's side of the cubs. Kasim is their father to him. He heads up the hill toward his friends, hoping to assure himself of their safety. Chieftain duties.
Kein has gotten better at climbing the rocks recently, but he's not so good at looking up there for his family. After all, who could possibly think of using his own tactic against him, right? As such, shortly after awakening from a nap, he quickly comes to the conclusion that both Mom and Kasim are gone. He sits for a moment, trying to decide what to do since the adults are nowhere to be found and his siblings have been rather quiet. He doesn't get far before Kasim's tail manages to enter his line of vision, which generally remains ground-level. Bingo. Kein has found his entertainment. Grinning, the small cub stands, then crouches down to stalk towards the vulnerable tail.
Ahh, cubs. They either don't know anything about something and want to learn it, or they know everything about something and want to play with it. Maulisho is half-tempted to say something in warning to her mate, but decides that Kein's entertainment is something she'll be willing to risk Kasim's wrath for. Instead, she keeps as straight a face as possible, gaze flicking across to note the arrival of their Chieftain. Personally, she can't imagine a more boring position, given what she knows of his responsibilities. Good exercise, but still... she'd much rather spend the time in fellowship with her mate and cubs. Family time, yeah!
Kasim has yet to notice his notson emerge into the open and, as such, isn't aware that his tail has become a target for the little cub's enjoyment. No instead he's just content with staring out into the open nothingness of space while he thinks over some thoughts in his mind. Nothing of importance enters his mind, but it's a way to spend some time, right?
After several days of hiding herself to rest and catch up on her sleep, Nium stands tall on a hill and spots a small gathering of cougars. She doesn't spot Chesmu, the only one she at least knows around here. She sits for a while, still waking up entirely. Nium stretches, yawns loudly, and decides to make herself acquainted with those who live on the land she is a guest to. Down the slope she goes. She is slow and very balanced.
Chesmu approaches the rocks and smiles. An eventuality that has been increasing much as of late. He never used to do it so much before all this Chieftain business, back when all he had to care about was finding food for himself. Damn his mother. "Maulisho?"
Kein's attention is focused on Kasim's tail. He doesn't notice Mom or the stranger nearby, and he only casually flicks an ear towards the voice of the chief. After coming within a few feet of the rock on which Kasim is lying, he stops creeping forward. For a moment, all he does is stare at the tail, preparing to attack it as soon as he's confident in his ability to capture it. Finally, with no more warning than just the sound of his breathing, he leaps towards the tail, aiming to grab at it with the small claws that are just /barely/ long enough to be felt through fur. Mine!
"Hello to you, Chesmu." Maulisho's voice is courteous but still with the warmth of a good friend. "Good hunting as of late?" She gives Chesmu a quick visual examination, looking for any recent scars or signs of battle that could indicate any new threats to the tribe. A tiny blur of motion out of the corner of her eye causes the cougaress to turn her head just in time to see Kein make his predatory attack on Kasim's tail...
Ahh, everything just seems so relaxed and peaceful and--whoa! Kasim is suddenly thrown out of his trance as he feels as slight and sudden tug on his tail. Giving a slight jump of alarm but not enough to throw the cub off, he looks back down at his tail to see what caused the disturbance, only to smile widely when he finds who the culprit is. "Hey there Kein," he offers in a warm greeting. "See you find my tail to be a nice play toy." His tone is playful and casual, showing that he doesn't mind in the slightest at the cub's playful manner. Looking over as a new voice reaches his ears, Kasim smiles again as he sees Chesmu and gives him a slight nod of respect. "Hey there Chesmu."
Nium reaches a low spot of the hill, a valley, and then begins climbing to the top of the hill-plateau on the other side, where the group has gathered. She comes up slow, trying to stand tall so she doesn't spook the cubs and others there. She spots Chesmu and stops to makes an audible noise to inform him and the others of her presence. Nium looks down at her first step, then continues up.
Chesmu is happy to see Kasim and Maulisho together. He is about to say so: "Eh--" And then Kein pounces and Nium makes a sound. He turns to look over and see the new cougaress. "Greetings, Nium." Chesmu says. "I take it your stay has been a pleasant one?" Chesmu looks down at Kein and enjoys this spectacle. "And I am glad to see Kasim has found his way to you, Maulisho."
The proof of Kein's ability comes only from that small jump. Sneaking up on his siblings is much more satisfying, because the signs that he was successful are more obvious. Well, that, and they actually play back. With a mind towards drawing Kasim into a scuffle, even if it's one in which Kein is vastly overpowered, since he knows Mom and almostDad both allow him a fighting chance, the cub keeps ahold of Kasim's tail as well as he can and proclaims, aloud, what he thought moments ago. "Mine!" If Kasim wants to reclaim ownership of his own tail, he'll have to fight for it.
Maulisho laughs softly at Kein's antics, idly wondering how Kasim will take the challenge. She's about to consider the possibility of joining in on the fun when her attention is suddenly arrested by the appearance of a new and strange cougar. /Not/ good. With a smooth and practiced motion, Maulisho goes from relaxing mother to defensive mother, leaping easily to a casual--yet cautious--stance between her cubs and this newcomer. Not that she wants to seem paranoid, but it's always better to err on the side of caution with cubs involved, no? The irony that by her new location she's now protecting Kasim as well doesn't escape her. Well, he can keep Kein from rushing forward to prove his hero-ness while Maulisho decides how to handle the situation.
The first thing noticed is that the newcomer's name is Nium and apparently has met Chesmu on a previous occasion; why hadn't the chieftain said anything to her about it? It's not like Chesmu doesn't know how she intensely dislikes anything new that might be a threat to her cubs. Well, what's done is done. She might normally offer her own greeting, but decides instead to let Chesmu atone for his lack of foresight by getting to be the one responsible for introductions. In the meantime, she'll just stand and watch. Not hostile, but... patiently cautious.
Ohh it's a challenge the cub wants, eh? Well if that's what he wants then it's a challenge he'll get! Smiling with a hint of mischief in his eyes, Kasim starts to softly bounce his tail up and down to try to dislodge the cub from his tail before the real 'challenge' begins. However, he is interrupted from his playful manner by Maul suddenly swooping down upon the new stranger. Instantly, Kasim stops his tail bouncing and eyes the new cougaress with caution, also making sure that Kein and his siblings aren't in any danger. For now, play time will have to wait.
Nium arrives next to Chesmu. She looks large next to him. "Yes, sir, thank you. It was quite peaceful." Nium speaks with a deeper-tone voice. She had been hiding on lower ground and resting from her long trek. Maybe shy, maybe not the talkative type, but she doesn't introduce herself to the others. Perhaps she believes the chieftain has the right to that. Nium sits down, showing better her primarily minor scars and scratches.
Chesmu looks over at Maulisho and isn't surprised to see her leap to cover her cubs in case of danger. However, Chesmu might be able to dispel the unease. "Maulisho, this is Nium, a traveler from far away. Nium, this is Maulisho, my best friend from even the days before I belonged anywhere."
Kein has nearly lost his grip on Kasim's tail, despite his best efforts, when all of a sudden the tail stops moving. Not only that, but Kasim's attention is most definitely elsewhere. Kein is capable of recognizing when he's supposed to settle down, but he's capable of recognizing a lot of other things he /ought/ to do as well. That doesn't mean they're the funnest, and, hence, most desirable courses of action. Dropping the short distance to the ground with a frown, he attempts to take a single step to the side to get a better look at the cougar that has taken the adults' attention away from him.
Kasim feels slightly bad for Kein that their little playing had to end suddenly but he'll make it up once the tension is cleared. But for now, it's pretend father mode. "Stay behind me Kein," he tells the cub, taking a side step to block the cub from moving closer to the stranger. Sure Chesmu may know her, but that doesn't mean anything until he's sure that she isn't a big threat.
A big threat, no, a big cougar, yes. "It's nice to meet you ma'am." Nium nods her head, slightly. Upon lifting it up, she notices a curious kit. She looks at it, then back to Chesmu. Nium's face is rather stoic and unchanging, but she does not mean to be disrespectful or intimidating. She understands she will in the spotlight for a while being the newcomer. Her mind is clear and her body is strong yet again. "Thank you for letting me rest on your lands."
Chesmu stands between Maul and Nium. His message is clear: Stand back from the cubs. "It is the least I could do for a friendly traveler." Chesmu says. "Is there something you need from me?"
"Nium. A pleasure." Maulisho's greeting is brisk and lacks the same warmth shown to the chieftain, but it does contain just enough cordiality to keep from being suspicious or outright hostile. Time will show whether Nium is worthy of her trust. Noting the brief glance from stranger to Kein, Maulisho nods briefly, taking a slight step to the side in a very simple display of protection. The message is clear: this is MY cub.
Kein's frown deepens when Kasim steps in his way, preventing him from getting any sort of look at the stranger. It is rather reluctantly that he obeys Kasim rather than moving again, but he /does/ stay put. For the moment. He remains standing and his ears remain perked, his curiosity leading him to, in rare form, be interested in what the adults are saying.
Well at least the stranger--Nium--doesn't seem like a big threat. And with Chesmu, Maul, and himself here, Kasim highly doubts that Nium could do anything wrong even if she wanted to. Content with the situation, the male takes a seat next to Kein and licks the top of his head. "Sorry about that Kein, we'll do something else, ok?" he says to him with a smile.
Nium understands the extent of doubt some have about her. "Where ever I've gone, many worry about a newcomer to their lands." Nium tries to avoid eye contact with the kit. "They usually expect me to leave, but to be completely honest, I would rather stay." Nium is a straight-to-the-point kind of girl, kind of suiting.
Chesmu looks at Nium for a moment. Well that is something to consider. He has not thought of Nium deciding to stay. "You mean... to join Amaranth as a sister, Nium?"
Though she had a suspicion the newcomer would eventually mention the word 'stay' Maulisho hadn't anticipated such a quick turn to the subject. Chesmu's question speaks for Maulisho as well: does this Nium really anticipate a future membership with the Amaranth? Hmm. Maulisho hopes that Chesmu is thinking about common sense and not just about having another female. Smart thing to do: get Paoro's advice, for starters. Definitely get Ayashe involved as well, and have a probationary period for Nium before Sisterhood is even discussed. Maulisho frowns. If Chesmu decides too quickly, is there really anything she can do about it? She's just another Sister, and he's the /Chieftain/, after all.
Kein nuzzles Kasim lightly after the lick to his head. He doesn't say anything immediately, though, more curious about this newcomer now that his play has been interrupted than he is interested in finding a new game, for the moment. Even when he does answer, he continues looking in the direction of the voices, even if all he can see is Mom, and his answer is nothing more than casual acceptance of what Kasim said. "Okay."
Hmmmm, now Nium wants to stay here as well. That seemed.... quick. While Kasim may agree with Maul in theory, it all comes down to what Chesmu wants in the end. He can't really do anything but maybe put in a complaint should the need arise. But, for now, let’s not focus on that. Turning back down to the cub, he asks, "So you wanna do anything Kein?" Explore, wander, talk, whatever. As long as Maul is ok with it then Kasim doesn't mind doing whatever the cub wants to do.
"I don't mean to be a sister of your tribe." Nium elaborates. "I don't expect you to simply allow that. All I request is just to be allowed a place to live. I'll be out of the way." She sighs, hanging her head, slightly, closing her eyes. "I'm just... tired of traveling. I found what I was looking for a while ago... Then I was told of another range of mountains this way. I had to see it." She opens her eyes and they are set momentarily on the kit, then Chesmu. "I'll obey any order."
Chesmu considers this a few moments. The thought had actually crossed his mind. Why would he accept her so quickly? "I shall speak to my mate and the shaman. I have to consider many sides of this request." Chesmu says. "For now, you remain a guest on these lands."
Though her full preoccupation is on the safety of her cubs, Maulisho can't help but feel a little empathy for the other cougaress. How long ago was it when Maul herself was a stranger to these lands, pleading with Ahiga for a place to stay for the night? She certainly was tired of running from her nightmares, half-crazy as it was. Again, though, she is silent as Chesmu renders his verdict. Nium is to be a guest, so Maulisho will respect her as such. That doesn't give her free license to hang around the cubs, though, as far as Maulisho is concerned.
Wait, huh? Is there something he wants to do? Still at least partially focused on the conversation between Chesmu and the stranger, it takes Kein a moment to turn his head, to actually look at Kasim. "Uh, sure." The cub does not have a particularly well-developed attention span, and now that he is no longer focused on the conversation, he is more easily capable of focusing on the idea of a new game. With a slight grin, he raises a paw, and bats lightly at Kasim. "Tag!" He doesn't give Kasim a chance to respond before he turns to run off, away from Nium, Chesmu, Mom, and Kasim. At least Mom won't have to worry about him getting too close to the stranger, that way.
Nium views this as a positive start. "A guest, then. Thank you." She looks to the others with respect and, after the verdict, is a bit at a loss for words. She got the courage to ask what she wanted to, and that's good enough by her. Nium yawns again, being less formal now, but never losing that air of formality about her. It's quite a distinguishing feature she has, aside from the height.
Chesmu nods and begins to walk back down the hill. He has many other things to attend to. Border patrol, checking on his own cubs, and the like.