Post by Therdde on Sept 28, 2008 16:36:38 GMT -5
Characters:
Nayeli - Female Adolescent Cougar
Kein - Male Adolescent Cougar
Maulisho - Female Cougar
Scene:
Kein and Nayeli go to tell his family about the confrontation with Chesmu, only to learn that Maulisho had been watching pretty much the entire time and has her own idea for how to handle Chesmu.
- Sloping Gradient -
Nayeli breathes a little easier as her father walks away, though she still feels very much on edge from the whole ordeal. So, what now? Kein's going to just leave? He's walking back toward his family, so Nayeli figures that the least she can do is accompany him long enough to see him safely there, and then go back to see what her father wants to talk to her about. With a few quick steps, she's back alongside of Kein, trying to decide what to say. Apologize for what her father told him? Try and cheer him up? Suggest a possible course of action? She's really not sure what to say, so she does the only thing she can think of. Nayeli leans slightly to the side, just enough to let her friend know that she's right there with him. She figures that says enough, at least for now.
Kein is still angry, and he tells himself he will remains angry, at least until he's alone. He can't let Chesmu know how much the chieftain hurt him, and the only way he'll be able to hold off expressing that sorrow until there is no one around is to hold on to being angry. Being angry with Chesmu doesn't mean being mean to Nayeli or to his family, though. He's never going to make that mistake again. When Nayeli brushes against him, he slows his pace just slightly so that he can rub against her without tripping himself. As bad as his current situation may be, at least she is back in his life, even if he can't be in her home.
Back when they were a lot younger, Nayeli wouldn't have dared trying to walk alongside her friend like this. Anything that would force him to slow his pace... never. That wasn't her place to do. She was more than content to simply follow him. Follow and admire. But now, it's far different. She feels as though, especially with everything going on, that she /needs/ to be alongside of him. It's not that he needs her or anything, but.. she still needs to be there for him, regardless. It's an odd feeling that Nayeli isn't really sure how to define.
Kein got by without Nayeli well enough, and he would have gotten by if she had gone off to speak to Chesmu instead of coming with him. It's entirely possible that he doesn't /need/ her, but... Since she decided to join him, he would say otherwise. It's far from the point that it would make him apologize to Chesmu just to be with her, but there's no doubt that he wants her to stay with him for as long as she will. He can't think of anything to say anymore than she can, and as they get closer to where he left his family, he mostly just focuses on taking deep breaths, because after what just happened, he feels like he might forget to breathe if he didn't remind himself every couple seconds.
"You both look wonderful together, I must say." The words don't come from behind a bush, or a rock. They come from somewhere up in the branches of one of the very few trees in the surrounding area. Maulisho had been observing everything that had gone on in the past short while, ever since the loud yelling had alerted her to come take a look. Leaving Kasim back with Pelutho, she had watched with amazement and motherly pride as her son had stood his ground before the chieftain. Not that she doesn't have things she'd like to discuss with her son /about/ that. And to see him confess his love to Nayeli before all of that, in an unusual display of humility and affection. Yes, she's very proud of him.
Nayeli jumps slightly, startled by the voice. She feels herself blushing slightly even before she recognizes where the voice is coming from. Looking closely up into the tree, she realizes that Kein's mother /was/ there behind that tree, watching them! But how much did she see or hear? And why hadn't she come out and confronted Chesmu? Isn't that why they came back to Amaranth?
The voice is very familiar, and so doesn't quite cause Kein to tense, but he does stop walking abruptly, about the same time that Nayeli jumps. It doesn't take him too long to spot the source of the voice, since he could tell that it was coming from above them. "Mom." His tone sounds... Mostly relieved. For once, it really doesn't upset him that she was watching him while he was supposed to be on his own, in part because he knew she had to be nearby, but mostly because he had no idea how he was going to explain why he had to leave. If she was watching, though... It means she already knows, and she certainly doesn't sound angry. Unlike Nayeli, he doesn't wonder why she didn't come out to face Chesmu. He just assumes it's for the exact reason he told Chesmu. She wasn't ready yet, and she can't be forced into it until she is. His breathing is still slow and deliberate, and he waits for her to join them on the ground. Hopefully, she will.
There were indeed reasons for why Maulisho didn't come out to challenge Chesmu. Namely, that she didn't want her son in jeopardy. With Chesmu a lot closer to Kein than Maulisho was, there was no way she was going to risk having Chesmu suddenly snap and use Kein as a hostage. Or who knows what else he might have tried? But it turned out okay, and now they have a respite before taking the offensive again. "If you're up for hearing an old cougaress talk to you both, feel free to come join me up here in the tree. You both look like the type who might enjoy tree climbing every once in a while."
Nayeli can't help but smile at the intended joke. She knows Kein's mother is quite familiar with how tree climbing has affected both of the adolescents' lives. Would she mind climbing to talk to Maulisho? Not at all, though she knows that her father might decide Kein's doing of the same to be in violation to his leaving. And so, she turns her head to the side just enough so as to look at Kein's expression and see what he intends to do.
Kein can't decide how he feels about anything right now. He doesn't want to delay leaving Amaranth territory, if only because he doesn't want to risk seeing Chesmu again. It was enough of a strain on Kein's self-control to hold himself back the first time. He's not sure he could handle another encounter so soon. Still, it will take less than a minute to climb the tree, and he doesn't mind the idea of talking to his mother, so... With only a brief hesitation, he walks to the tree to begin climbing, just until he's high enough that he finds a branch that will be comfortable enough for the duration of the conversation. Ideally, one that could hold both him and Nayeli, since he wants to stay as close to her as possible for as long as possible. It has been a /long/ time since he has climbed a tree. Not since... He can't even finish thinking about the last time he was up a tree as he adjusts to the unfamiliar feel of climbing, but his young legs get him up to a suitable branch in a very short amount of time.
In quite a contrast to her friend, Nayeli reaches the base of the tree and with almost no delay at all, leaps up to one of the lower-hanging branches, using her claws when necessary, and continues leaping upward and climbing the trunk until she's right alongside of Kein. Ever since Kein's cutting remark that one day about how she was afraid of trees, Nayeli made it her goal to conquer that fear, and as the weeks passed and as she grew stronger, climbing trees became almost second nature. With a grin at Kein, she sits down and looks over at Maulisho, waiting to hear what she's going to say.
Maulisho makes no comment as the two younger cougars climb up, though there's a tiny smile that's threatening to overtake her muzzle. Once she sees their choice of a branch, she moves down the tree a little to take up an opposing branch where she can talk to them on more of a horizontal plane. "Kein," the cougaress begins smoothly, "you probably know that I was watching your confrontation with Chesmu. But before we talk about all of that, I want to just tell you how proud I am of how you conducted yourself. I know it wasn't easy for you, standing up to him like that, and yet exercising restraint." It wasn't too difficult for Maulisho to tell that Kein was more or less on a hair-trigger, and the fact that he /didn't/ attack Chesmu was impressive enough.
Kein presses lightly against Nayeli, cautious to keep from upsetting her balance, once she settles against him. So much has changed in the last little while that he's having a hard time keeping up with it all, but that still feels pleasant. Right. As he sits there, he watches and listens to his mom. Though he does not purr or smile, he remains capable of holding his head high because of what she says. Oh, there's no doubt in his mind that he was right, despite everything he has been taught about being respectful and polite. But if his mother had disagreed, had been ashamed of his behaviour, it would have gone a long way to causing him to question, again, whether he has any right exercising any judgment, or whether he's more like his biological father than he cares to admit. There is still some relief in his tone as he says, simply, "Thank you." She did compliment him after all, right?
"I'm proud of you too," Nayeli whispers with a smile as she leans her head against Kein's neck, still looking toward his mother. There's no question that he still contains that inner desire to do great things--probably what she found so admirable as a young cub--but it seems to have been tempered over the time he's been away from Amaranth, and now he has a quieter and gentler side to him as well.
Maulisho continues on as if she hadn't noticed the girl's small show of affection, though that same tiny smile quirks again to negate the possibility that she might have missed it. "I want to bring up something again, Kein, and while I realize that the last time we talked about this... well.. I meant for that to be the last time it was brought up, at least by me, but with circumstances being what they are, I think it's only fair to discuss this again. Namely, what you want to do with your life." The cougaress takes a breather to compose her thoughts, as there are certainly plenty of those. After a moment, she continues. "Chesmu, as chieftain of the Amaranth tribe, has banished you from all tribal lands. By law, he has that right. /However/, Kasim and I are going to do everything in our power to have him removed as chieftain. But until that point, and as much as I hate to say this, there's nothing we can do to change the law. If you do stay, it's not you against Chesmu. It's you against the tribal law and everything that Amaranth stands for." Now on to the really difficult matters. "I know you want to challenge Chesmu yourself--it was very easy to see in your actions and hear in your words. But Kein, I'm begging you as your mother not to do this. At least not yet. I know your heart is in the right place, but you are still too young! And if Chesmu killed you, that would be even more pain and sorrow that he will cause me. I've already lost my only daughter, and I don't know what I would do if I lost a son, too." Maulisho has to stop, feeling emotion threaten to overtake her voice. It's already noticeably creeping in, and for the sake of the seriousness of this conversation, she doesn't want to break down now.
And then the conversation takes an unpleasant turn, and Kein looks down to the ground. He is still listening dutifully, but for his own sake, he needs to remain stoic, in this moment, and if either Mom or Nayeli noticed him being upset and tried to comfort him, he doubts he'd be able to remain as strong as he needs to be. How can he explain to Mom everything that he was thinking while he was speaking with Chesmu? He honestly wasn't thinking of challenging Chesmu today, or tomorrow, or next week... In fact, he did everything he could to hold himself back from letting his anger drive him to issue such a stupid challenge, and he openly admitted that such a challenge would end in his death, something that was difficult for the proud young male. If she heard all of that, and she is still worried, what can he possibly do, especially now that emotion threatens to overrun him again? It takes several breaths before he even begins to find his voice. When he does speak, his tone is deceptively calm, but he speaks slowly, searching for the right words before he says them. "I don't want to cause you any more pain, Mom. I'm going to leave." He would continue, say that it's only for now, that it absolutely will not last any longer than until he is fully grown, no matter what happens when they confront Chesmu, but he feels like he's dangerously close to crying after having said that. He doesn't want to leave them yet, but it's his only option.
But.. wait! Kein's not supposed to leave! They're supposed to figure out a way around this--some alternate plan that doesn't involve him having to leave the tribal lands. He only just got back here, and now that the two of them have restored their friendship, he's going to be gone again, just like that? Nayeli feels like all of this is just slipping away and there's nothing she can do about it. So, she listens in silence. And in dismay.
"I'm so sorry that this isn't turning out like I had intended. Kasim and I haven't even really had a chance to do what we came to do, and already Chesmu is causing me more grief by banishing you, my son, and a member of Amaranth for nearly the same amount of time that /he/ has been, from being allowed home again." There's emotion in her voice again, but now it's not sorrow. It's anger. It's almost as if just saying those words is causing her to make decisions on the spot. "No. He's not going to. No! If he's going to exile you from Amaranth it will only be because he's ripped your Amaranth markings from your fur, and I will /die/ before I let that happen." There's a gleam in the cougaress' eyes, and while their markings have all but disappeared over the months they've been away, it doesn't take a whole lot of thinking to realize that Maulisho doesn't care about how bright and shiny and new they might be... or not be. Once in Amaranth, always in Amaranth.
"No, Mom!" Kein came here to help protect his mother, not to get her hurt because she rushes into something out of anger before she's ready for it. She will /not/ die here. None of them will. Especially not because of /him/. The thought of her dying returns his anger to him, driving away the guilt and despair that he felt for just a few moments, and he looks up. "You wouldn't let me help anyway. You don't need me." That's a given. When the time came, she would have told him to protect Pelutho or do something else that had him well and truly away from Chesmu, he knows it. And he would have done it, for her, even though acknowledging it causes tears to sting at his eyes. "You and Kasim should go ahead with what you've planned." What they've neglected to fill him in on, another glaring hint that he would have been on the sidelines. "/When/ you win, then I can come back." He won't express the doubt he feels in their ability to do what they set out to do. But if they fail? Then he'll be back the moment he can fight Chesmu on his own, and if Chesmu does anything to hurt any of his family while he is gone...
All the fire leaves Maulisho's eyes as she stares at her son. "I can't believe I'm hearing that from you, Kein," she says, voice barely above a whisper. "You've done so well up to this point... please don't give up now." She goes silent again, meeting Nayeli's anxious gaze before turning her amber eyes back on her son. "Why do you think we came back, Kein? If you think it was about revenge, I want you to think very carefully about that mouse and remember your motivations for killing it. Think about the discussions we've had on revenge." There's obviously more that she wants to say, but she falls silent to let her words sink in before she continues.
Kein is a little bit thrown off by what his mother says. He's not giving up. He's just... Well, he's /not/ giving up. A couple tears escape, and he looks away from both Mom and Nayeli before he speaks up again. "I can't get anyone else hurt Mom. I just... It's... It's safer." It's why he wishes he were older, wishes this could wait until he's an adult and /he/ could challenge Chesmu, alone. Just him, and no one else in his family would have to get hurt, ever. He wants to help his mom, not just sit by while she and Kasim go off to do whatever they intend to do, but since he can't, he definitely doesn't want any of them trying to defend /him/ and losing sight of what they meant to do.
Maulisho now wishes she was on a branch a little closer so that she could give her son a comforting nuzzle. "Dear one, let me finish. Believe me, I know that you're trying so hard to make things work out where nobody gets hurt again. But.. sometimes risks have to be taken." She only has to think back to a certain young she-wolf to remember plenty of risks. But was that journey worth it? Emphatically yes. "But as I was saying, I don't want you to think this trip back to Amaranth was motivated by revenge. And... it wasn't for Kasim or myself, either." It's so clear to Maulisho, and she wishes that Kein could see through her own eyes, even just for a moment. While Maul /would/ consider Amaranth her true home, she'd be perfectly happy staying back in the desert, among family and among dear friends. Away from enemies. But she's staring at one of the primary reasons for this whole journey and inevitable confrontation. Despite any fears that she may have had about Kein and Nayeli never returning to being friends, she was always confident that it would indeed happen, and so coming back was a prerequisite for that happening. And what of Pelutho? Her other son certainly wouldn't be finding any possible mates far out in the desert. But here, among friends that he grew up with. Or other cougars that perhaps would eventually move into the area? "You can't say that we don't need you, Kein. You're part of the whole reason for why we've come back." There's that smile again, growing into something that can only be described as motherly love.
Nayeli still remains silent, though her mind is going full speed. Many bits and pieces are coming together, and although she's already heard rumors and partial explanations, it's still somewhat fascinating to hear this all coming together. Even if it /is/ leaving her still feeling anxious about what's going to happen to Kein. And yes, to the rest of his family, but it's /Kein/ that her father banished! What if he runs into someone like Azriel while he's all out there on his own? She tries to dismiss that disturbing line of thought and focus on what's being said.
Kein doesn't look back at his mother, and he doesn't respond, not right away. This is /not/ how he had expected this whole encounter to go, and he's certain that, if Chesmu ever had /any/ intention of doing what he said he was going to do, this defiance will drive him to change his mind. But if his mother is as resolved in this as she seems to be, despite the fact that moments ago she seemed to be urging him to leave, and if they all stand against Chesmu together... Then does it matter? Finally, unable to find his voice, he just nods. He will do whatever it takes, and at least right now, whatever his mother thinks is best. Whatever will help her to keep the strength /she/ needs in order to see this thing through, even as his is rapidly draining from the strain of the past hour.
She never really came right out and said the reason, and from Kein's limited response, she's not sure if he really understands. Maulisho takes a deep breath and then slowly lets it out, stalling for time if nothing else. It's one thing to discuss this with her mate in private. It's another thing altogether to tell her son, especially with Nayeli present. Funny, as it would probably be far easier if she /wasn't/ there, but, considering what Maul is about to say, she more or less /needs/ to be there as much as Kein. "You know, of course, how I've tried to raise you to be strong, and brave, and a leader. The truth is, Kein, that this trip is not just to see Chesmu removed as it is to see him /replaced/. And not by Kasim." Those last words bite a little, as Maul truly /would/ like to see Kasim as Chieftain, but they both know that he simply isn't the best fit for the position. "Why do you think I only watched when you had your confrontation with Nayeli? And then with Chesmu?"
No, Kein didn't understand the reason why they came here. He was willing to accept that he was part of the reason why without knowing beyond some vague explanations of being home and protecting others and reuniting him with Nayeli and all that, but he did /not/ know the reason Mom is implying now, as evidenced by the sudden surprise in his expression. Him? Now? "But... I can't. I can't /yet/." If he's not old enough to challenge Chesmu for the territory, then he's not old enough to protect it from anyone else who would come along. Surely there's /someone/ better for the position. Not Kasim, no, but... /Someone/.
"And why can't you, Kein? Everything that you've done so far since stepping paw back onto Amaranth soil has proven to me that you are indeed ready. Okay, so maybe you aren't at your absolute strongest, but is a leader only about physical prowess?" Maulisho keeps her voice steady and serious. "You /care/ about others more than yourself. /That/ is why I think you're ready. Just the fact that Nayeli is sitting there next to you and-" her voice takes on a hint of amusement "-so obviously enjoying your company... this demonstrates that you were willing to humble yourself for the sake of a friend." Okay, so maybe now she's rambling, but she desperately wants Kein to understand her point. "Kein, you have your family behind you, supporting you every step of the way. You have Nayeli /with/ you!" Surely he can realize that leadership is not dependent solely on his own strength and abilities?
Okay, so maybe she /is/ enjoying Kein's company! One question that does come to Nayeli's mind: what about Yuma? Or Misae? Granted, her siblings haven't exactly shown any intention of taking over the leadership of Amaranth in the near future, but... don't they factor into this somehow? Or does removing Chesmu as chieftain mean that his entire family is removed? There are still questions and inconsistencies that Nayeli really wishes would be addressed. She doesn't even want to think yet of what Kein being chieftain would mean for /her/. That thought had never occurred to her before, having always assumed one of her siblings would end up in her parents' position.
No, it's not only about physical prowess. Kein and his mother have certainly had enough decisions about what qualities make a good leader. But physical strength /is/ part of it, and... There are just too many things about what his mother is proposing that Kein has never bothered to think about. Such as who will likely be chosen as the next matron in the matriarchal tribe, and... Well, just /everything/. Things he never bothered himself with because the potential day seemed so far off. Now that it's looming before him... "I... I need some time to think, Mom." Time that isn't spent trying to continue a conversation while The Way Things Are keeps shifting around him. Time that would, ideally, be spent lying down with Nayeli, in silence or in light-hearted, easy conversation. Conversation that doesn't require thought and carefully processing ideas and chosing his words. She still has to go speak to her father, though, and... What is she going to tell him? That Kein defied his orders and that he and his mother were discussing having him removed from his position?
Maulisho nods after a brief hesitation, but doesn't say anything. She can only hope that her communication was clear and that Kein understands exactly where she's coming from--or rather, where his /parents/ are coming from as Maul is more or less speaking for both of them. It suddenly dawns on her that instead of waiting for Kein to leave for his own private solitude, that she'll give him this place up here. It's quiet enough, or at least it will be once she and Nayeli leave. And so, the cougaress digs her claws into the main trunk and moves herself sideways across the tree to where she can give Kein a quick lick and whisper, "Never forget how proud we are of you, son." And then she's gone, gracefully climbing down to the bottom and trotting off.
And while she'd love more than anything to stay with her friend, Nayeli knows the value of solitude quite well. After all, she spent plenty of time seeking just that after disagreements or conversations with her father. "I think you'd make a great chieftain," is her parting whisper as she turns and hops down to a lower branch, preparing to depart as well. How long will it be before she will get to see Kein again? What if her father changes his mind and forbids her from any contact with Kein? It's time to go find out.
Kein closes his eyes when his mother licks him, and doesn't open them until Nayeli whispers to him. Hearing her say that is, well... Kind of comforting, since if Nayeli does pass on all that happened here, he would expect Chesmu to come storming through any time now. Maybe, though... Maybe she won't tell him. And as he watches her hop down to a lower branch, he says, "Nayeli? I love you. Be careful." If she has to tell him about what happened here, Kein will understand, but... He has no idea what Chesmu might be capable of, and if she says something to anger her father, and Chesmu hurts her because of it...
Nayeli - Female Adolescent Cougar
Kein - Male Adolescent Cougar
Maulisho - Female Cougar
Scene:
Kein and Nayeli go to tell his family about the confrontation with Chesmu, only to learn that Maulisho had been watching pretty much the entire time and has her own idea for how to handle Chesmu.
- Sloping Gradient -
Nayeli breathes a little easier as her father walks away, though she still feels very much on edge from the whole ordeal. So, what now? Kein's going to just leave? He's walking back toward his family, so Nayeli figures that the least she can do is accompany him long enough to see him safely there, and then go back to see what her father wants to talk to her about. With a few quick steps, she's back alongside of Kein, trying to decide what to say. Apologize for what her father told him? Try and cheer him up? Suggest a possible course of action? She's really not sure what to say, so she does the only thing she can think of. Nayeli leans slightly to the side, just enough to let her friend know that she's right there with him. She figures that says enough, at least for now.
Kein is still angry, and he tells himself he will remains angry, at least until he's alone. He can't let Chesmu know how much the chieftain hurt him, and the only way he'll be able to hold off expressing that sorrow until there is no one around is to hold on to being angry. Being angry with Chesmu doesn't mean being mean to Nayeli or to his family, though. He's never going to make that mistake again. When Nayeli brushes against him, he slows his pace just slightly so that he can rub against her without tripping himself. As bad as his current situation may be, at least she is back in his life, even if he can't be in her home.
Back when they were a lot younger, Nayeli wouldn't have dared trying to walk alongside her friend like this. Anything that would force him to slow his pace... never. That wasn't her place to do. She was more than content to simply follow him. Follow and admire. But now, it's far different. She feels as though, especially with everything going on, that she /needs/ to be alongside of him. It's not that he needs her or anything, but.. she still needs to be there for him, regardless. It's an odd feeling that Nayeli isn't really sure how to define.
Kein got by without Nayeli well enough, and he would have gotten by if she had gone off to speak to Chesmu instead of coming with him. It's entirely possible that he doesn't /need/ her, but... Since she decided to join him, he would say otherwise. It's far from the point that it would make him apologize to Chesmu just to be with her, but there's no doubt that he wants her to stay with him for as long as she will. He can't think of anything to say anymore than she can, and as they get closer to where he left his family, he mostly just focuses on taking deep breaths, because after what just happened, he feels like he might forget to breathe if he didn't remind himself every couple seconds.
"You both look wonderful together, I must say." The words don't come from behind a bush, or a rock. They come from somewhere up in the branches of one of the very few trees in the surrounding area. Maulisho had been observing everything that had gone on in the past short while, ever since the loud yelling had alerted her to come take a look. Leaving Kasim back with Pelutho, she had watched with amazement and motherly pride as her son had stood his ground before the chieftain. Not that she doesn't have things she'd like to discuss with her son /about/ that. And to see him confess his love to Nayeli before all of that, in an unusual display of humility and affection. Yes, she's very proud of him.
Nayeli jumps slightly, startled by the voice. She feels herself blushing slightly even before she recognizes where the voice is coming from. Looking closely up into the tree, she realizes that Kein's mother /was/ there behind that tree, watching them! But how much did she see or hear? And why hadn't she come out and confronted Chesmu? Isn't that why they came back to Amaranth?
The voice is very familiar, and so doesn't quite cause Kein to tense, but he does stop walking abruptly, about the same time that Nayeli jumps. It doesn't take him too long to spot the source of the voice, since he could tell that it was coming from above them. "Mom." His tone sounds... Mostly relieved. For once, it really doesn't upset him that she was watching him while he was supposed to be on his own, in part because he knew she had to be nearby, but mostly because he had no idea how he was going to explain why he had to leave. If she was watching, though... It means she already knows, and she certainly doesn't sound angry. Unlike Nayeli, he doesn't wonder why she didn't come out to face Chesmu. He just assumes it's for the exact reason he told Chesmu. She wasn't ready yet, and she can't be forced into it until she is. His breathing is still slow and deliberate, and he waits for her to join them on the ground. Hopefully, she will.
There were indeed reasons for why Maulisho didn't come out to challenge Chesmu. Namely, that she didn't want her son in jeopardy. With Chesmu a lot closer to Kein than Maulisho was, there was no way she was going to risk having Chesmu suddenly snap and use Kein as a hostage. Or who knows what else he might have tried? But it turned out okay, and now they have a respite before taking the offensive again. "If you're up for hearing an old cougaress talk to you both, feel free to come join me up here in the tree. You both look like the type who might enjoy tree climbing every once in a while."
Nayeli can't help but smile at the intended joke. She knows Kein's mother is quite familiar with how tree climbing has affected both of the adolescents' lives. Would she mind climbing to talk to Maulisho? Not at all, though she knows that her father might decide Kein's doing of the same to be in violation to his leaving. And so, she turns her head to the side just enough so as to look at Kein's expression and see what he intends to do.
Kein can't decide how he feels about anything right now. He doesn't want to delay leaving Amaranth territory, if only because he doesn't want to risk seeing Chesmu again. It was enough of a strain on Kein's self-control to hold himself back the first time. He's not sure he could handle another encounter so soon. Still, it will take less than a minute to climb the tree, and he doesn't mind the idea of talking to his mother, so... With only a brief hesitation, he walks to the tree to begin climbing, just until he's high enough that he finds a branch that will be comfortable enough for the duration of the conversation. Ideally, one that could hold both him and Nayeli, since he wants to stay as close to her as possible for as long as possible. It has been a /long/ time since he has climbed a tree. Not since... He can't even finish thinking about the last time he was up a tree as he adjusts to the unfamiliar feel of climbing, but his young legs get him up to a suitable branch in a very short amount of time.
In quite a contrast to her friend, Nayeli reaches the base of the tree and with almost no delay at all, leaps up to one of the lower-hanging branches, using her claws when necessary, and continues leaping upward and climbing the trunk until she's right alongside of Kein. Ever since Kein's cutting remark that one day about how she was afraid of trees, Nayeli made it her goal to conquer that fear, and as the weeks passed and as she grew stronger, climbing trees became almost second nature. With a grin at Kein, she sits down and looks over at Maulisho, waiting to hear what she's going to say.
Maulisho makes no comment as the two younger cougars climb up, though there's a tiny smile that's threatening to overtake her muzzle. Once she sees their choice of a branch, she moves down the tree a little to take up an opposing branch where she can talk to them on more of a horizontal plane. "Kein," the cougaress begins smoothly, "you probably know that I was watching your confrontation with Chesmu. But before we talk about all of that, I want to just tell you how proud I am of how you conducted yourself. I know it wasn't easy for you, standing up to him like that, and yet exercising restraint." It wasn't too difficult for Maulisho to tell that Kein was more or less on a hair-trigger, and the fact that he /didn't/ attack Chesmu was impressive enough.
Kein presses lightly against Nayeli, cautious to keep from upsetting her balance, once she settles against him. So much has changed in the last little while that he's having a hard time keeping up with it all, but that still feels pleasant. Right. As he sits there, he watches and listens to his mom. Though he does not purr or smile, he remains capable of holding his head high because of what she says. Oh, there's no doubt in his mind that he was right, despite everything he has been taught about being respectful and polite. But if his mother had disagreed, had been ashamed of his behaviour, it would have gone a long way to causing him to question, again, whether he has any right exercising any judgment, or whether he's more like his biological father than he cares to admit. There is still some relief in his tone as he says, simply, "Thank you." She did compliment him after all, right?
"I'm proud of you too," Nayeli whispers with a smile as she leans her head against Kein's neck, still looking toward his mother. There's no question that he still contains that inner desire to do great things--probably what she found so admirable as a young cub--but it seems to have been tempered over the time he's been away from Amaranth, and now he has a quieter and gentler side to him as well.
Maulisho continues on as if she hadn't noticed the girl's small show of affection, though that same tiny smile quirks again to negate the possibility that she might have missed it. "I want to bring up something again, Kein, and while I realize that the last time we talked about this... well.. I meant for that to be the last time it was brought up, at least by me, but with circumstances being what they are, I think it's only fair to discuss this again. Namely, what you want to do with your life." The cougaress takes a breather to compose her thoughts, as there are certainly plenty of those. After a moment, she continues. "Chesmu, as chieftain of the Amaranth tribe, has banished you from all tribal lands. By law, he has that right. /However/, Kasim and I are going to do everything in our power to have him removed as chieftain. But until that point, and as much as I hate to say this, there's nothing we can do to change the law. If you do stay, it's not you against Chesmu. It's you against the tribal law and everything that Amaranth stands for." Now on to the really difficult matters. "I know you want to challenge Chesmu yourself--it was very easy to see in your actions and hear in your words. But Kein, I'm begging you as your mother not to do this. At least not yet. I know your heart is in the right place, but you are still too young! And if Chesmu killed you, that would be even more pain and sorrow that he will cause me. I've already lost my only daughter, and I don't know what I would do if I lost a son, too." Maulisho has to stop, feeling emotion threaten to overtake her voice. It's already noticeably creeping in, and for the sake of the seriousness of this conversation, she doesn't want to break down now.
And then the conversation takes an unpleasant turn, and Kein looks down to the ground. He is still listening dutifully, but for his own sake, he needs to remain stoic, in this moment, and if either Mom or Nayeli noticed him being upset and tried to comfort him, he doubts he'd be able to remain as strong as he needs to be. How can he explain to Mom everything that he was thinking while he was speaking with Chesmu? He honestly wasn't thinking of challenging Chesmu today, or tomorrow, or next week... In fact, he did everything he could to hold himself back from letting his anger drive him to issue such a stupid challenge, and he openly admitted that such a challenge would end in his death, something that was difficult for the proud young male. If she heard all of that, and she is still worried, what can he possibly do, especially now that emotion threatens to overrun him again? It takes several breaths before he even begins to find his voice. When he does speak, his tone is deceptively calm, but he speaks slowly, searching for the right words before he says them. "I don't want to cause you any more pain, Mom. I'm going to leave." He would continue, say that it's only for now, that it absolutely will not last any longer than until he is fully grown, no matter what happens when they confront Chesmu, but he feels like he's dangerously close to crying after having said that. He doesn't want to leave them yet, but it's his only option.
But.. wait! Kein's not supposed to leave! They're supposed to figure out a way around this--some alternate plan that doesn't involve him having to leave the tribal lands. He only just got back here, and now that the two of them have restored their friendship, he's going to be gone again, just like that? Nayeli feels like all of this is just slipping away and there's nothing she can do about it. So, she listens in silence. And in dismay.
"I'm so sorry that this isn't turning out like I had intended. Kasim and I haven't even really had a chance to do what we came to do, and already Chesmu is causing me more grief by banishing you, my son, and a member of Amaranth for nearly the same amount of time that /he/ has been, from being allowed home again." There's emotion in her voice again, but now it's not sorrow. It's anger. It's almost as if just saying those words is causing her to make decisions on the spot. "No. He's not going to. No! If he's going to exile you from Amaranth it will only be because he's ripped your Amaranth markings from your fur, and I will /die/ before I let that happen." There's a gleam in the cougaress' eyes, and while their markings have all but disappeared over the months they've been away, it doesn't take a whole lot of thinking to realize that Maulisho doesn't care about how bright and shiny and new they might be... or not be. Once in Amaranth, always in Amaranth.
"No, Mom!" Kein came here to help protect his mother, not to get her hurt because she rushes into something out of anger before she's ready for it. She will /not/ die here. None of them will. Especially not because of /him/. The thought of her dying returns his anger to him, driving away the guilt and despair that he felt for just a few moments, and he looks up. "You wouldn't let me help anyway. You don't need me." That's a given. When the time came, she would have told him to protect Pelutho or do something else that had him well and truly away from Chesmu, he knows it. And he would have done it, for her, even though acknowledging it causes tears to sting at his eyes. "You and Kasim should go ahead with what you've planned." What they've neglected to fill him in on, another glaring hint that he would have been on the sidelines. "/When/ you win, then I can come back." He won't express the doubt he feels in their ability to do what they set out to do. But if they fail? Then he'll be back the moment he can fight Chesmu on his own, and if Chesmu does anything to hurt any of his family while he is gone...
All the fire leaves Maulisho's eyes as she stares at her son. "I can't believe I'm hearing that from you, Kein," she says, voice barely above a whisper. "You've done so well up to this point... please don't give up now." She goes silent again, meeting Nayeli's anxious gaze before turning her amber eyes back on her son. "Why do you think we came back, Kein? If you think it was about revenge, I want you to think very carefully about that mouse and remember your motivations for killing it. Think about the discussions we've had on revenge." There's obviously more that she wants to say, but she falls silent to let her words sink in before she continues.
Kein is a little bit thrown off by what his mother says. He's not giving up. He's just... Well, he's /not/ giving up. A couple tears escape, and he looks away from both Mom and Nayeli before he speaks up again. "I can't get anyone else hurt Mom. I just... It's... It's safer." It's why he wishes he were older, wishes this could wait until he's an adult and /he/ could challenge Chesmu, alone. Just him, and no one else in his family would have to get hurt, ever. He wants to help his mom, not just sit by while she and Kasim go off to do whatever they intend to do, but since he can't, he definitely doesn't want any of them trying to defend /him/ and losing sight of what they meant to do.
Maulisho now wishes she was on a branch a little closer so that she could give her son a comforting nuzzle. "Dear one, let me finish. Believe me, I know that you're trying so hard to make things work out where nobody gets hurt again. But.. sometimes risks have to be taken." She only has to think back to a certain young she-wolf to remember plenty of risks. But was that journey worth it? Emphatically yes. "But as I was saying, I don't want you to think this trip back to Amaranth was motivated by revenge. And... it wasn't for Kasim or myself, either." It's so clear to Maulisho, and she wishes that Kein could see through her own eyes, even just for a moment. While Maul /would/ consider Amaranth her true home, she'd be perfectly happy staying back in the desert, among family and among dear friends. Away from enemies. But she's staring at one of the primary reasons for this whole journey and inevitable confrontation. Despite any fears that she may have had about Kein and Nayeli never returning to being friends, she was always confident that it would indeed happen, and so coming back was a prerequisite for that happening. And what of Pelutho? Her other son certainly wouldn't be finding any possible mates far out in the desert. But here, among friends that he grew up with. Or other cougars that perhaps would eventually move into the area? "You can't say that we don't need you, Kein. You're part of the whole reason for why we've come back." There's that smile again, growing into something that can only be described as motherly love.
Nayeli still remains silent, though her mind is going full speed. Many bits and pieces are coming together, and although she's already heard rumors and partial explanations, it's still somewhat fascinating to hear this all coming together. Even if it /is/ leaving her still feeling anxious about what's going to happen to Kein. And yes, to the rest of his family, but it's /Kein/ that her father banished! What if he runs into someone like Azriel while he's all out there on his own? She tries to dismiss that disturbing line of thought and focus on what's being said.
Kein doesn't look back at his mother, and he doesn't respond, not right away. This is /not/ how he had expected this whole encounter to go, and he's certain that, if Chesmu ever had /any/ intention of doing what he said he was going to do, this defiance will drive him to change his mind. But if his mother is as resolved in this as she seems to be, despite the fact that moments ago she seemed to be urging him to leave, and if they all stand against Chesmu together... Then does it matter? Finally, unable to find his voice, he just nods. He will do whatever it takes, and at least right now, whatever his mother thinks is best. Whatever will help her to keep the strength /she/ needs in order to see this thing through, even as his is rapidly draining from the strain of the past hour.
She never really came right out and said the reason, and from Kein's limited response, she's not sure if he really understands. Maulisho takes a deep breath and then slowly lets it out, stalling for time if nothing else. It's one thing to discuss this with her mate in private. It's another thing altogether to tell her son, especially with Nayeli present. Funny, as it would probably be far easier if she /wasn't/ there, but, considering what Maul is about to say, she more or less /needs/ to be there as much as Kein. "You know, of course, how I've tried to raise you to be strong, and brave, and a leader. The truth is, Kein, that this trip is not just to see Chesmu removed as it is to see him /replaced/. And not by Kasim." Those last words bite a little, as Maul truly /would/ like to see Kasim as Chieftain, but they both know that he simply isn't the best fit for the position. "Why do you think I only watched when you had your confrontation with Nayeli? And then with Chesmu?"
No, Kein didn't understand the reason why they came here. He was willing to accept that he was part of the reason why without knowing beyond some vague explanations of being home and protecting others and reuniting him with Nayeli and all that, but he did /not/ know the reason Mom is implying now, as evidenced by the sudden surprise in his expression. Him? Now? "But... I can't. I can't /yet/." If he's not old enough to challenge Chesmu for the territory, then he's not old enough to protect it from anyone else who would come along. Surely there's /someone/ better for the position. Not Kasim, no, but... /Someone/.
"And why can't you, Kein? Everything that you've done so far since stepping paw back onto Amaranth soil has proven to me that you are indeed ready. Okay, so maybe you aren't at your absolute strongest, but is a leader only about physical prowess?" Maulisho keeps her voice steady and serious. "You /care/ about others more than yourself. /That/ is why I think you're ready. Just the fact that Nayeli is sitting there next to you and-" her voice takes on a hint of amusement "-so obviously enjoying your company... this demonstrates that you were willing to humble yourself for the sake of a friend." Okay, so maybe now she's rambling, but she desperately wants Kein to understand her point. "Kein, you have your family behind you, supporting you every step of the way. You have Nayeli /with/ you!" Surely he can realize that leadership is not dependent solely on his own strength and abilities?
Okay, so maybe she /is/ enjoying Kein's company! One question that does come to Nayeli's mind: what about Yuma? Or Misae? Granted, her siblings haven't exactly shown any intention of taking over the leadership of Amaranth in the near future, but... don't they factor into this somehow? Or does removing Chesmu as chieftain mean that his entire family is removed? There are still questions and inconsistencies that Nayeli really wishes would be addressed. She doesn't even want to think yet of what Kein being chieftain would mean for /her/. That thought had never occurred to her before, having always assumed one of her siblings would end up in her parents' position.
No, it's not only about physical prowess. Kein and his mother have certainly had enough decisions about what qualities make a good leader. But physical strength /is/ part of it, and... There are just too many things about what his mother is proposing that Kein has never bothered to think about. Such as who will likely be chosen as the next matron in the matriarchal tribe, and... Well, just /everything/. Things he never bothered himself with because the potential day seemed so far off. Now that it's looming before him... "I... I need some time to think, Mom." Time that isn't spent trying to continue a conversation while The Way Things Are keeps shifting around him. Time that would, ideally, be spent lying down with Nayeli, in silence or in light-hearted, easy conversation. Conversation that doesn't require thought and carefully processing ideas and chosing his words. She still has to go speak to her father, though, and... What is she going to tell him? That Kein defied his orders and that he and his mother were discussing having him removed from his position?
Maulisho nods after a brief hesitation, but doesn't say anything. She can only hope that her communication was clear and that Kein understands exactly where she's coming from--or rather, where his /parents/ are coming from as Maul is more or less speaking for both of them. It suddenly dawns on her that instead of waiting for Kein to leave for his own private solitude, that she'll give him this place up here. It's quiet enough, or at least it will be once she and Nayeli leave. And so, the cougaress digs her claws into the main trunk and moves herself sideways across the tree to where she can give Kein a quick lick and whisper, "Never forget how proud we are of you, son." And then she's gone, gracefully climbing down to the bottom and trotting off.
And while she'd love more than anything to stay with her friend, Nayeli knows the value of solitude quite well. After all, she spent plenty of time seeking just that after disagreements or conversations with her father. "I think you'd make a great chieftain," is her parting whisper as she turns and hops down to a lower branch, preparing to depart as well. How long will it be before she will get to see Kein again? What if her father changes his mind and forbids her from any contact with Kein? It's time to go find out.
Kein closes his eyes when his mother licks him, and doesn't open them until Nayeli whispers to him. Hearing her say that is, well... Kind of comforting, since if Nayeli does pass on all that happened here, he would expect Chesmu to come storming through any time now. Maybe, though... Maybe she won't tell him. And as he watches her hop down to a lower branch, he says, "Nayeli? I love you. Be careful." If she has to tell him about what happened here, Kein will understand, but... He has no idea what Chesmu might be capable of, and if she says something to anger her father, and Chesmu hurts her because of it...