Post by Therdde on Nov 8, 2008 19:07:45 GMT -5
Characters:
Paoro - Female Elder Cougar
Nayeli - Female Adolescent Cougar
Kein - Male Adolescent Cougar
Nium - Female Cougar
- Stone Formations -
The shamaness of the Amaranth has retreated to one of her favorite areas on the mountain, the edge of the upper cliff hanging over the valley of the wolves below that features such unusual formations of rocks. To the aging cougaress, the stones have always seemed imbued with spiritual energy from their mysticism, and so she has often come here to pray or perform rituals or communicate with the spirits themselves. She's gathered now with various items of importance to her role, the black-and-white squirrel that intercepted Nayeli and Kein only days earlier present as well, its paws currently stained red with crushed berries as it reapplies the meticulous designs to the shamaness' pelt. Paoro's eyes are closed as Will-o-Wisp fills in the small oval on her forehead, perhaps deep in thought -- or prayer -- as her proud markings are painted over.
This is going to be a big day. Nayeli can't put a claw on a particular reason /why/ she feels this way, but something seems to be generating a thrill as she and Kein head back toward the stone formations. Or maybe it's just nervous butterflies. Either way, she's trying to fight an anxious smile in order to look serious for the occasion. Or would solemn be better? It's been a hectic past few days, and Nayeli doesn't imagine that the next few are going to be any easier. Perhaps less traumatic, thankfully, but no doubt filled with their own worries and situations to deal with. How thankful she is that Paoro is still in Amaranth, and hopefully willing to give advice if needed!
Kein doesn't speak much as they approach the area where they've been sleeping. Though he told himself he understood what he was getting into, since the conversation with Yuma and his encounter with that bobcat, he is really only beginning to come to terms with it... Despite all of that, he does feel some... Not really happiness... More like hope.
Paoro's eyes slowly slip open as she hears - or perhaps just senses - an approach, and when Will-o-Wisp scurries down off the rock she's currently perched on to dip her paw in more of the crushed red berries, the shamaness' head turns towards where Nayeli and Kein are coming from, a subtle smile appearing on her maw. "Granddaughter," she coos in a first greeting to the familiar female, bobbing her head low at the male so that he does not feel excluded. "Have you made your decision yet, Nayeli?"
Nium has arrived.
Nayeli is rather surprised to see the same squirrel again, but then again she's used to being surprised by the shamaness. Either the squirrel is getting ready to be sent out with a message, or else.. it's more than just a simple messenger. A 'familiar', if Nayeli remembers correctly? Whatever /that/ is! "Shamaness," she greets in return, forcing her voice to be, perhaps, a little more formal than she would normally offer a hello to her grandmother. "Yes, I have made my decision." A tiny smile quirks at the corner of her muzzle. "Or should I say, /we/ have made our decisions?" That should answer Paoro's question, but it doesn't have the particular level of formality that Nayeli is fairly sure that her grandmother would want or expect for something as important as this. "I accept the role of Matron, and have asked Kein if he would agree to be the Chieftain." Her head turns slightly to the side to offer a smile toward her best friend.
To some degree, Kein rather wishes Nayeli had actually said he'd agreed to be chieftain too. He does not know Paoro. He can remember her, vaguely, and he knows who she is, but it has been a long time since he has even spoken while she was nearby, much less spoken /to/ her. In a situation such as this, he feels rather awkward due to the fact that he's basically a stranger to everyone but Nayeli. That awkwardness portrays itself in his tone and expression as he says, quietly, "I accepted her offer."
Paoro's smile widens at Nayeli's acceptance of the role, rising gradually onto all fours again so that she may approach the pair, a wistful expression over her facade. But even with the lingering sadness in her eyes, she is happy. If she does not know Kein as well as she should, it is by no fault of her own, and she nonetheless trusts her granddaughter's judgement of him. She at least has known him for longer than either Ayashe or herself had known Chesmu before making him their chief. "Your mothers are proud of you," the shamaness murmurs, no doubt whatsoever in her tone as she speaks of the recently deceased. It wouldn't be surprising if Paoro had managed to speak with their spirits already. "I know they are both watching over you, and will be there to guide you throughout the rest of your lives as you lead us onward into whatever the future may bring." She glances back at Will-o-Wisp, nodding at her and signaling for her to come nearer and touch up their faded markings before giving them their new ones. "Nayeli. Kein. I have much faith in you both. Do not be afraid. If you lead with your hearts, you will not stray from the path before you. Are you ready?"
Nium, the quiet huntress of the tribe, has be literally following her nose for the past several days. It wasn't all that long ago that she learned the only person in world she could really call a friend was executed. She believes it was a justified execution, as much as it hurt her. Finally her searching has lead her to the gathering of cougars. Nium notices who is there and immediately has a good idea as to what exactly is going on. She recognises Paoro, who was present for Nium's induction ceremony into Amaranth. Generally speaking, Nium is hard to forget with her size and disposition. Wanting to come closer, she begins heading over to Paoro, Kein, and Nayeli, hoping she's welcome there.
The mention of their mothers being proud of them brings Nayeli's gaze back toward the shamaness, and causes her smile to remain. She hopes that her mother is indeed proud of her, both now and during her leadership. As for her father... well.. if he's sane once again and at peace, than hopefully he can, for once, be proud of her, the same way he might have been proud of Yuma. It isn't very reassuring to think that her father might only notice her now, after he's dead, but it /is/ comforting to think that she might finally have /both/ parents watching her. She takes a step forward, throwing the squirrel a quick glance before giving Paoro a nod. "I am ready." She's deliberately not speaking for Kein in that she wants him to understand that she doesn't see the Chieftain position as inferior in the slightest, despite the matriarchal emphasis of the tribe.
The idea that his mother might be watching over him yet... One of the things that upset him the most was that he would never be able to seek her guidance again, wasn't it? There are many things that he will miss about her, but that is the biggest. It was true even just when he and Nayeli were leaving Amaranth, and he managed then. Is it possible that she's just a little further away now, a little harder to stay in contact with, but still there? His desperate desire to believe that is the biggest part of why he /does/, and it allows him to remain collected, to step forward alongside Nayeli and respond simply with a nod of his head.
Will-o-Wisp quickly finishes up the reapplication of their childhood markings, her paw wet with dye as she waits for Paoro to speak again before reaching forward to dab a thick dot directly in the center of the adolescent female's chest. "Nayeli, your strong heart will provide healthy blood, sustaining the tribe as it sustains your own life. You will serve as a loving mother to both your tribemates and to your own children, giving birth to a new generation that will carry forward our proud bloodline." Paoro finishes the first part of the ceremony, now turning to face the male head-on as the fox squirrel does something that might be seen as rather peculiar -- she climbs right up Kein's foreleg, over his shoulders and up to the top of his head, her feather-light weight making little difference as she reaches down to smear the berry dye across his forehead and cheeks. "Kein, you will protect the tribelands and those who live within them, forever putting the safety of your family ahead of your own. Your red-stained face will serve as a double-sided mask, instilling fear in those who would threaten our happiness while inspiring courage in your tribal Sisters and Brothers." Paoro steps back, the squirrel leaping gracefully off of Kein's back to sit near the shamaness as she finishes up. "The spirits will always be there to guide you, Matron Nayeli and Chieftain Kein. You will make Amaranth proud once again."
Nium eventually is close enough to be noticed and hear what they all are saying. With a flick of her tail she sits down and remains silent, watching the ceremony with respect. The warrior sits tall and proud, as usual. She does look for hints from Paoro or Kein that would instruct her to leave, she doesn't want to intrude on anything, Nium can't say she ever witnessed a ceremony like this before.
Nayeli doesn't notice the other female quite yet, as her back is to Nium and all of her immediate attention is focused on the shamaness. And the squirrel, too, of course, as it's hard /not/ to watch Kein get his Chieftain markings. She gives him a big grin and resists the temptation to make any kind of joke about him having a perpetually red face now. Of course, he probably could just as easily tease her for her own markings as well. And Paoro's own words toward her.. Nayeli could feel herself blushing a little, acutely aware that Kein probably would have looked over at her. Smiling? Serious? Or intentionally /not/ looking at her? Nayeli certainly keeps her gaze locked on the shamaness until the elder cougaress' attention diverts from her over to her friend.
Kein does watch as the squirrel applies Nayeli's markings, but unlike her, there is no amusement. No fear either, though. He was willing to take her off to where they would be completely alone and try to start a life with her there. Doing in the same thing here... In some ways, it will have to be easier, won't it? During this time, he hears Nium's approach, and though he glances back to the large cougaress, the look is breif as his attention is drawn forward again when Paoro addresses him. He is still when the squirrel applies his new markings, and when it is over... When Paoro addresses him as Chieftain and everything becomes /official/... He feels a surprising lack of everything he thought he /would/ feel. There is no concern he will let them down, no worry that they will think he isn't good enough. It's more that everything that has been said is restoring his confidence than inspiring any new feelings in him, but his self-confidence beginning to return feels, well... /Good/. Right. After taking a deep breath, Kein says in a voice considerably less awkward, "Thank you, Shamaness Paoro." For her faith in them. It is one thing for Nayeli to believe in him, but for a cougaress who barely knows him to do the same, to welcome him to the Chieftain's position without even the slightest show of reluctance? He would do /anything/ to make sure that faith is never betrayed.
Paoro settles back stiffly onto her haunches, smiling as she looks over the newly-marked pair, nodding her head to the quiet Nium as well. This is an open ceremony for all of their tribe -- she does not believe in withholding secrets, especially ones of such a happy nature. "You are free to go now, my children. Familiarize yourself with your tribelands, and the Sisters and Brothers within it, through the new eyes of a leader. Together, now, we can begin restoring the bonds broken by the mistakes of our past."
Nium looks to Kein and Nayeli, wondering what they will do now. The ceremony is over, or at least appears to be nearing completion. She remains motionless, in case there is a part to this event that isn't over yet. She thinks about Chesmu, one of the very few cougars anywhere who was patient enough to befriend Nium. It's a very sad, and counter-conflicting happening in her head.
Perhaps it's because everything still seems so surreal that Nayeli doesn't feel as solemn as she probably should. The weight of what's taking place /is/ slowly pressing down on her, and it'll probably take another few hours of conversation and walking around before it makes its full impression on the girl. She doesn't have anything to say in immediate response to the dismissal, but does, however, still feel that thanks is in order. She walks the several steps over to where the shamaness is sitting and gives her an enthusiastic nuzzle, taking care to make sure that none of her new markings rub off on the elder female. "Thanks, Grandmother," she murmurs, feeling the beginnings of a purr.
Should Kein stay and wait for Nayeli, or should he go and greet Nium? His temporary indecision keeps him rooted in his place while Nayeli walks over to Paoro, but when the new matron nuzzles her grandmother, Kein finally turns around. Nium is not far away, and if Nayeli wants them to stay together for a while longer rather then wandering the territory separately, then catching up will be easy. As Kein approaches Nium, he takes another deep breath, then greets her first with a nod of his newly-marked head.
Paoro easily returns the nuzzle to the much younger female, purring as her painted broad forehead presses against Nayeli's. "Thank -you-, granddaughter. I have faith in you." She glances over to the young male, obviously a little confused as to what he's supposed to do first as chief. "Go and guide your chieftain, now," she murmurs quietly to the girl, a secret little smile shared between them as she gestures for Nayeli to join her companion.
The huntress dips her head in respect, both due to his new title, and the unsual habit of showing very formal respect to everyone, often including prey. "Sir." She greets with the faintest hint of a smile. Understand that Nium's coming to terms with the idea that her only friend will never be around again, and Kein is taking his position. "Congratulations." She looks behind Kein and sees Nayeli, then looks back to the cheiftan. All of this aside, Nium trusts Paoro's decisions, and trusts Kein and Nayeli.
Nayeli gives that same secret little smile back to her grandmother, feeling a rush of affection for the older female. Paoro never will be able to replace her mother, but she still shares a unique bond with the shamaness, nonetheless. And if Paoro is intending on staying in Amaranth for any length of time now, that relationship will hopefully deepen. "I promise I'll do my best for him," she murmurs back. She was hoping to get guidance /from/ Kein! But if Paoro thinks that he needs her help, then she'll do what she can. At the words spoken behind her, she turns to see Nium offer her congratulations, and Nayeli can't help but smile. It's a weird feeling, being younger than everyone present but still holding leadership over them all. An enormous responsibility that she's quite sure she doesn't understand the depth of, just yet. But as it looks like Nium is about to leave, Nayeli just sits down where she's at, waiting for Kein to rejoin them, if he wishes. Nayeli has a few questions for the shamaness that she's sure Kein would benefit from, too.
It will take a long while to get used to this, but Kein is not as uncomfortable as he was when they first came to this area. He resonds to Nium's statement with, "Thank you." After speaking, he follows Nium's gaze back to where Nayeli is sitting. Where his Matron is sitting. He glances back to Nium as she takes her leave, and when he finally turns around, there is a small smile on his face too. So much of this is new, unfamiliar, and not as pleasantly exciting as just exploring new land with Nayeli, but she is still here, so at least he has one familiar point. He makes his way back to where Paoro and Nayeli are waiting.
Yes, there are no doubt questions that she'll have to ask Kein when they're by themselves, but Nayeli doesn't want to assume that Paoro won't leave Amaranth again. Especially seeing that it might be another year-long trip. She waits for Kein to approach, then turns around to sit next to him. Okay, so she's also leaning slightly into him! Her attention is given to Paoro, however, and her first question is one that she's been meaning to ask for a while now: "Are you going to be staying here now?" She's almost afraid to ask, because she doesn't want the answer to be a definite 'no'.. but she /does/ need to know if she can expect Paoro to be here for advice, if needed.
Paoro nods in response to the adolescent's question, smiling softly. "I imagine my travels are finished, child. I don't think my aching bones could stand to walk such distances again. No, I intend to remain in the lands of my family for the rest of my short life, especially after seeing the aftermath of what might have been prevented had I not been absent for so long."
Hopefully Kasim will agree to something similar. He's not sure Pelutho would, but it would be nice to have some family nearby, and like Yuma, Kasim is a male that Kein would never worry about having around. Kein remains silent, allowing Nayeli to speak with her grandmother, with the shamaness, as he sits down beside her. Paoro suggested they both leave, but so long as they are all here, he will take the opprotunity to relax, physically if not mentally, and just listen.
It's quite a relief to know that the shamaness will stay. Nayeli looks immensely pleased, nods, and moves to her next question: "Is there anything that you need to tell me that you or Mom-" She falters just a bit at mentioning her mother, but does her best to quickly regain her composure, "-would have explained to Misae about becoming the new Matron?" Any inside secrets to running the tribe, or bits of tradition that might come in handy when making decisions further down the road?
Paoro just smiles at Nayeli for a moment, before her maw opens to reply. "Your mother was able to figure things out quite easily on her own, and so I can't imagine that her own blood would fail where she succeeded. As long as you keep your family first, and listen carefully to anything the spirits might whisper on the wind, then all the wisdom you need to lead should come to you naturally, matron Nayeli."
Nayeli gives a slow pair of thoughtful nods, wondering how helpful such advice will be. It's not the intent behind Paoro's words that she doubts, but.. listening to the wind? How's that going to help when she's faced with a hostile stranger? Or faced with the inevitable death of a tribe member? "I guess.. the only other question I had was about what to do with some of the males in the tribe. I know that your mate was a lot more strict in who he allowed..." She trails off, eyes rolling over to glance at Kein's profile for any reaction. It's a decision that he'll ultimately have to make, but surely he won't mind some advice from Paoro on the subject?
Paoro shakes her head, the faint smile still lingering. "That is not my place to give advice. Chief Kein will make that decision for himself, based on his own personal feelings on the matter. He will be the one enforcing such laws, after all." She glances over to the male now, too, curious if he's given it any thought yet.
Kein refocuses his gaze on Paoro. He is not afraid of losing any female of the tribe... His tribe... To the love or lust of another cougar... As long as the female is willing, and from what he has seen, there are many times when that isn't the case. Way too many times for him to trust any male he doesn't know, and the only males he knows are Yuma, Pelutho, and Kasim. Yuma only makes that list because, for a short while, he was standing in as the Chieftain, and because he is Nayeli's brother. The only other male he knows /of/ is Tohopka, and he's really uncertain about allowing Chesmu's brother to remain... And almost just as uncertain about trying to remove him from the territory. He perhaps mistakenly interprets the looks from Paoro and Nayeli as wanting an answer, and though he feels slightly put on the spot, he figures it's something he'll have to get used to. There will be a need to make snap decisions in the future, so as soon as he finds the words he was looking for, he says, "With the exception of those who are already here, males will not be welcome as females are. And I prefer to meet with all those who are already here fairly soon." Tohopka, especially, but if there are others he does not know about... Them too.
Nayeli knew that it would be Kein's decision, but she wasn't expecting Paoro to offer /no/ advice at all. Saying that the Chieftain's decision would be based on personal decision... it wasn't quite what she was expecting. But, then again, maybe it's for the better. She didn't know /what/ she would have based such a decision on. Probably a good thing, then, that it's Kein's decision. It doesn't seem to take him long to decide, probably evidencing that he's already been thinking about how to answer that question. Hmm. It sounds like a good policy to her.
Paoro nods to them both. "I would consider that to be a very good policy, chieftain," the shamaness answers solemnly. "If neither of you have any further questions at the moment, however, I do think it time for you to go back to the heart of our home and begin mending the broken bonds between so many of us after...recent events." It's getting easier to speak of it, but that wound on the shamaness' heart will never fully heal.
Kein does not stand immediately. Rather, he looks to Nayeli, to see if she has any other questions. He doesn't... Or at least, he doesn't have questions that take priority over following Paoro's advice. He has not yet had enough time to decide how he wants to phrase what he might, potentially, ask her, or even to decide if he intends to ask her anything, so that all can wait.
"Thanks, Grandmother." Nayeli smiles, stepping forward to nuzzle at Paoro once again. "For everything." She's going to make her proud, no matter what. The girl turns around once more, stepping back toward Kein and brushing up against him. "Time to go, Chieftain?" she murmurs, fighting a grin. Formality is good and all, but there are times when it seems as though it's better used for friendly teasing. So what now? She'll need to ask Kein, but she thinks their first priority needs to be a decent burial for their parents. Maul might not be as exposed to the elements and carrion eaters in the birthing den, but she should be buried as quickly as possible too. Unless.. Kein is too troubled to go in there, like last time.
Kein stands again. Before saying anything to Nayeli about where they intend to go, he offers Paoro a slight nod of his head and says, "Farewell Shamaness." Nayeli knows well enough that he is capable of playing, that he enjoys playing, but around Paoro, that side of him may never present itself. It will certainly take time, as it will take time with almost everyone here, and time is something that Paoro hinted she may not have much of.
Paoro - Female Elder Cougar
Nayeli - Female Adolescent Cougar
Kein - Male Adolescent Cougar
Nium - Female Cougar
- Stone Formations -
The shamaness of the Amaranth has retreated to one of her favorite areas on the mountain, the edge of the upper cliff hanging over the valley of the wolves below that features such unusual formations of rocks. To the aging cougaress, the stones have always seemed imbued with spiritual energy from their mysticism, and so she has often come here to pray or perform rituals or communicate with the spirits themselves. She's gathered now with various items of importance to her role, the black-and-white squirrel that intercepted Nayeli and Kein only days earlier present as well, its paws currently stained red with crushed berries as it reapplies the meticulous designs to the shamaness' pelt. Paoro's eyes are closed as Will-o-Wisp fills in the small oval on her forehead, perhaps deep in thought -- or prayer -- as her proud markings are painted over.
This is going to be a big day. Nayeli can't put a claw on a particular reason /why/ she feels this way, but something seems to be generating a thrill as she and Kein head back toward the stone formations. Or maybe it's just nervous butterflies. Either way, she's trying to fight an anxious smile in order to look serious for the occasion. Or would solemn be better? It's been a hectic past few days, and Nayeli doesn't imagine that the next few are going to be any easier. Perhaps less traumatic, thankfully, but no doubt filled with their own worries and situations to deal with. How thankful she is that Paoro is still in Amaranth, and hopefully willing to give advice if needed!
Kein doesn't speak much as they approach the area where they've been sleeping. Though he told himself he understood what he was getting into, since the conversation with Yuma and his encounter with that bobcat, he is really only beginning to come to terms with it... Despite all of that, he does feel some... Not really happiness... More like hope.
Paoro's eyes slowly slip open as she hears - or perhaps just senses - an approach, and when Will-o-Wisp scurries down off the rock she's currently perched on to dip her paw in more of the crushed red berries, the shamaness' head turns towards where Nayeli and Kein are coming from, a subtle smile appearing on her maw. "Granddaughter," she coos in a first greeting to the familiar female, bobbing her head low at the male so that he does not feel excluded. "Have you made your decision yet, Nayeli?"
Nium has arrived.
Nayeli is rather surprised to see the same squirrel again, but then again she's used to being surprised by the shamaness. Either the squirrel is getting ready to be sent out with a message, or else.. it's more than just a simple messenger. A 'familiar', if Nayeli remembers correctly? Whatever /that/ is! "Shamaness," she greets in return, forcing her voice to be, perhaps, a little more formal than she would normally offer a hello to her grandmother. "Yes, I have made my decision." A tiny smile quirks at the corner of her muzzle. "Or should I say, /we/ have made our decisions?" That should answer Paoro's question, but it doesn't have the particular level of formality that Nayeli is fairly sure that her grandmother would want or expect for something as important as this. "I accept the role of Matron, and have asked Kein if he would agree to be the Chieftain." Her head turns slightly to the side to offer a smile toward her best friend.
To some degree, Kein rather wishes Nayeli had actually said he'd agreed to be chieftain too. He does not know Paoro. He can remember her, vaguely, and he knows who she is, but it has been a long time since he has even spoken while she was nearby, much less spoken /to/ her. In a situation such as this, he feels rather awkward due to the fact that he's basically a stranger to everyone but Nayeli. That awkwardness portrays itself in his tone and expression as he says, quietly, "I accepted her offer."
Paoro's smile widens at Nayeli's acceptance of the role, rising gradually onto all fours again so that she may approach the pair, a wistful expression over her facade. But even with the lingering sadness in her eyes, she is happy. If she does not know Kein as well as she should, it is by no fault of her own, and she nonetheless trusts her granddaughter's judgement of him. She at least has known him for longer than either Ayashe or herself had known Chesmu before making him their chief. "Your mothers are proud of you," the shamaness murmurs, no doubt whatsoever in her tone as she speaks of the recently deceased. It wouldn't be surprising if Paoro had managed to speak with their spirits already. "I know they are both watching over you, and will be there to guide you throughout the rest of your lives as you lead us onward into whatever the future may bring." She glances back at Will-o-Wisp, nodding at her and signaling for her to come nearer and touch up their faded markings before giving them their new ones. "Nayeli. Kein. I have much faith in you both. Do not be afraid. If you lead with your hearts, you will not stray from the path before you. Are you ready?"
Nium, the quiet huntress of the tribe, has be literally following her nose for the past several days. It wasn't all that long ago that she learned the only person in world she could really call a friend was executed. She believes it was a justified execution, as much as it hurt her. Finally her searching has lead her to the gathering of cougars. Nium notices who is there and immediately has a good idea as to what exactly is going on. She recognises Paoro, who was present for Nium's induction ceremony into Amaranth. Generally speaking, Nium is hard to forget with her size and disposition. Wanting to come closer, she begins heading over to Paoro, Kein, and Nayeli, hoping she's welcome there.
The mention of their mothers being proud of them brings Nayeli's gaze back toward the shamaness, and causes her smile to remain. She hopes that her mother is indeed proud of her, both now and during her leadership. As for her father... well.. if he's sane once again and at peace, than hopefully he can, for once, be proud of her, the same way he might have been proud of Yuma. It isn't very reassuring to think that her father might only notice her now, after he's dead, but it /is/ comforting to think that she might finally have /both/ parents watching her. She takes a step forward, throwing the squirrel a quick glance before giving Paoro a nod. "I am ready." She's deliberately not speaking for Kein in that she wants him to understand that she doesn't see the Chieftain position as inferior in the slightest, despite the matriarchal emphasis of the tribe.
The idea that his mother might be watching over him yet... One of the things that upset him the most was that he would never be able to seek her guidance again, wasn't it? There are many things that he will miss about her, but that is the biggest. It was true even just when he and Nayeli were leaving Amaranth, and he managed then. Is it possible that she's just a little further away now, a little harder to stay in contact with, but still there? His desperate desire to believe that is the biggest part of why he /does/, and it allows him to remain collected, to step forward alongside Nayeli and respond simply with a nod of his head.
Will-o-Wisp quickly finishes up the reapplication of their childhood markings, her paw wet with dye as she waits for Paoro to speak again before reaching forward to dab a thick dot directly in the center of the adolescent female's chest. "Nayeli, your strong heart will provide healthy blood, sustaining the tribe as it sustains your own life. You will serve as a loving mother to both your tribemates and to your own children, giving birth to a new generation that will carry forward our proud bloodline." Paoro finishes the first part of the ceremony, now turning to face the male head-on as the fox squirrel does something that might be seen as rather peculiar -- she climbs right up Kein's foreleg, over his shoulders and up to the top of his head, her feather-light weight making little difference as she reaches down to smear the berry dye across his forehead and cheeks. "Kein, you will protect the tribelands and those who live within them, forever putting the safety of your family ahead of your own. Your red-stained face will serve as a double-sided mask, instilling fear in those who would threaten our happiness while inspiring courage in your tribal Sisters and Brothers." Paoro steps back, the squirrel leaping gracefully off of Kein's back to sit near the shamaness as she finishes up. "The spirits will always be there to guide you, Matron Nayeli and Chieftain Kein. You will make Amaranth proud once again."
Nium eventually is close enough to be noticed and hear what they all are saying. With a flick of her tail she sits down and remains silent, watching the ceremony with respect. The warrior sits tall and proud, as usual. She does look for hints from Paoro or Kein that would instruct her to leave, she doesn't want to intrude on anything, Nium can't say she ever witnessed a ceremony like this before.
Nayeli doesn't notice the other female quite yet, as her back is to Nium and all of her immediate attention is focused on the shamaness. And the squirrel, too, of course, as it's hard /not/ to watch Kein get his Chieftain markings. She gives him a big grin and resists the temptation to make any kind of joke about him having a perpetually red face now. Of course, he probably could just as easily tease her for her own markings as well. And Paoro's own words toward her.. Nayeli could feel herself blushing a little, acutely aware that Kein probably would have looked over at her. Smiling? Serious? Or intentionally /not/ looking at her? Nayeli certainly keeps her gaze locked on the shamaness until the elder cougaress' attention diverts from her over to her friend.
Kein does watch as the squirrel applies Nayeli's markings, but unlike her, there is no amusement. No fear either, though. He was willing to take her off to where they would be completely alone and try to start a life with her there. Doing in the same thing here... In some ways, it will have to be easier, won't it? During this time, he hears Nium's approach, and though he glances back to the large cougaress, the look is breif as his attention is drawn forward again when Paoro addresses him. He is still when the squirrel applies his new markings, and when it is over... When Paoro addresses him as Chieftain and everything becomes /official/... He feels a surprising lack of everything he thought he /would/ feel. There is no concern he will let them down, no worry that they will think he isn't good enough. It's more that everything that has been said is restoring his confidence than inspiring any new feelings in him, but his self-confidence beginning to return feels, well... /Good/. Right. After taking a deep breath, Kein says in a voice considerably less awkward, "Thank you, Shamaness Paoro." For her faith in them. It is one thing for Nayeli to believe in him, but for a cougaress who barely knows him to do the same, to welcome him to the Chieftain's position without even the slightest show of reluctance? He would do /anything/ to make sure that faith is never betrayed.
Paoro settles back stiffly onto her haunches, smiling as she looks over the newly-marked pair, nodding her head to the quiet Nium as well. This is an open ceremony for all of their tribe -- she does not believe in withholding secrets, especially ones of such a happy nature. "You are free to go now, my children. Familiarize yourself with your tribelands, and the Sisters and Brothers within it, through the new eyes of a leader. Together, now, we can begin restoring the bonds broken by the mistakes of our past."
Nium looks to Kein and Nayeli, wondering what they will do now. The ceremony is over, or at least appears to be nearing completion. She remains motionless, in case there is a part to this event that isn't over yet. She thinks about Chesmu, one of the very few cougars anywhere who was patient enough to befriend Nium. It's a very sad, and counter-conflicting happening in her head.
Perhaps it's because everything still seems so surreal that Nayeli doesn't feel as solemn as she probably should. The weight of what's taking place /is/ slowly pressing down on her, and it'll probably take another few hours of conversation and walking around before it makes its full impression on the girl. She doesn't have anything to say in immediate response to the dismissal, but does, however, still feel that thanks is in order. She walks the several steps over to where the shamaness is sitting and gives her an enthusiastic nuzzle, taking care to make sure that none of her new markings rub off on the elder female. "Thanks, Grandmother," she murmurs, feeling the beginnings of a purr.
Should Kein stay and wait for Nayeli, or should he go and greet Nium? His temporary indecision keeps him rooted in his place while Nayeli walks over to Paoro, but when the new matron nuzzles her grandmother, Kein finally turns around. Nium is not far away, and if Nayeli wants them to stay together for a while longer rather then wandering the territory separately, then catching up will be easy. As Kein approaches Nium, he takes another deep breath, then greets her first with a nod of his newly-marked head.
Paoro easily returns the nuzzle to the much younger female, purring as her painted broad forehead presses against Nayeli's. "Thank -you-, granddaughter. I have faith in you." She glances over to the young male, obviously a little confused as to what he's supposed to do first as chief. "Go and guide your chieftain, now," she murmurs quietly to the girl, a secret little smile shared between them as she gestures for Nayeli to join her companion.
The huntress dips her head in respect, both due to his new title, and the unsual habit of showing very formal respect to everyone, often including prey. "Sir." She greets with the faintest hint of a smile. Understand that Nium's coming to terms with the idea that her only friend will never be around again, and Kein is taking his position. "Congratulations." She looks behind Kein and sees Nayeli, then looks back to the cheiftan. All of this aside, Nium trusts Paoro's decisions, and trusts Kein and Nayeli.
Nayeli gives that same secret little smile back to her grandmother, feeling a rush of affection for the older female. Paoro never will be able to replace her mother, but she still shares a unique bond with the shamaness, nonetheless. And if Paoro is intending on staying in Amaranth for any length of time now, that relationship will hopefully deepen. "I promise I'll do my best for him," she murmurs back. She was hoping to get guidance /from/ Kein! But if Paoro thinks that he needs her help, then she'll do what she can. At the words spoken behind her, she turns to see Nium offer her congratulations, and Nayeli can't help but smile. It's a weird feeling, being younger than everyone present but still holding leadership over them all. An enormous responsibility that she's quite sure she doesn't understand the depth of, just yet. But as it looks like Nium is about to leave, Nayeli just sits down where she's at, waiting for Kein to rejoin them, if he wishes. Nayeli has a few questions for the shamaness that she's sure Kein would benefit from, too.
It will take a long while to get used to this, but Kein is not as uncomfortable as he was when they first came to this area. He resonds to Nium's statement with, "Thank you." After speaking, he follows Nium's gaze back to where Nayeli is sitting. Where his Matron is sitting. He glances back to Nium as she takes her leave, and when he finally turns around, there is a small smile on his face too. So much of this is new, unfamiliar, and not as pleasantly exciting as just exploring new land with Nayeli, but she is still here, so at least he has one familiar point. He makes his way back to where Paoro and Nayeli are waiting.
Yes, there are no doubt questions that she'll have to ask Kein when they're by themselves, but Nayeli doesn't want to assume that Paoro won't leave Amaranth again. Especially seeing that it might be another year-long trip. She waits for Kein to approach, then turns around to sit next to him. Okay, so she's also leaning slightly into him! Her attention is given to Paoro, however, and her first question is one that she's been meaning to ask for a while now: "Are you going to be staying here now?" She's almost afraid to ask, because she doesn't want the answer to be a definite 'no'.. but she /does/ need to know if she can expect Paoro to be here for advice, if needed.
Paoro nods in response to the adolescent's question, smiling softly. "I imagine my travels are finished, child. I don't think my aching bones could stand to walk such distances again. No, I intend to remain in the lands of my family for the rest of my short life, especially after seeing the aftermath of what might have been prevented had I not been absent for so long."
Hopefully Kasim will agree to something similar. He's not sure Pelutho would, but it would be nice to have some family nearby, and like Yuma, Kasim is a male that Kein would never worry about having around. Kein remains silent, allowing Nayeli to speak with her grandmother, with the shamaness, as he sits down beside her. Paoro suggested they both leave, but so long as they are all here, he will take the opprotunity to relax, physically if not mentally, and just listen.
It's quite a relief to know that the shamaness will stay. Nayeli looks immensely pleased, nods, and moves to her next question: "Is there anything that you need to tell me that you or Mom-" She falters just a bit at mentioning her mother, but does her best to quickly regain her composure, "-would have explained to Misae about becoming the new Matron?" Any inside secrets to running the tribe, or bits of tradition that might come in handy when making decisions further down the road?
Paoro just smiles at Nayeli for a moment, before her maw opens to reply. "Your mother was able to figure things out quite easily on her own, and so I can't imagine that her own blood would fail where she succeeded. As long as you keep your family first, and listen carefully to anything the spirits might whisper on the wind, then all the wisdom you need to lead should come to you naturally, matron Nayeli."
Nayeli gives a slow pair of thoughtful nods, wondering how helpful such advice will be. It's not the intent behind Paoro's words that she doubts, but.. listening to the wind? How's that going to help when she's faced with a hostile stranger? Or faced with the inevitable death of a tribe member? "I guess.. the only other question I had was about what to do with some of the males in the tribe. I know that your mate was a lot more strict in who he allowed..." She trails off, eyes rolling over to glance at Kein's profile for any reaction. It's a decision that he'll ultimately have to make, but surely he won't mind some advice from Paoro on the subject?
Paoro shakes her head, the faint smile still lingering. "That is not my place to give advice. Chief Kein will make that decision for himself, based on his own personal feelings on the matter. He will be the one enforcing such laws, after all." She glances over to the male now, too, curious if he's given it any thought yet.
Kein refocuses his gaze on Paoro. He is not afraid of losing any female of the tribe... His tribe... To the love or lust of another cougar... As long as the female is willing, and from what he has seen, there are many times when that isn't the case. Way too many times for him to trust any male he doesn't know, and the only males he knows are Yuma, Pelutho, and Kasim. Yuma only makes that list because, for a short while, he was standing in as the Chieftain, and because he is Nayeli's brother. The only other male he knows /of/ is Tohopka, and he's really uncertain about allowing Chesmu's brother to remain... And almost just as uncertain about trying to remove him from the territory. He perhaps mistakenly interprets the looks from Paoro and Nayeli as wanting an answer, and though he feels slightly put on the spot, he figures it's something he'll have to get used to. There will be a need to make snap decisions in the future, so as soon as he finds the words he was looking for, he says, "With the exception of those who are already here, males will not be welcome as females are. And I prefer to meet with all those who are already here fairly soon." Tohopka, especially, but if there are others he does not know about... Them too.
Nayeli knew that it would be Kein's decision, but she wasn't expecting Paoro to offer /no/ advice at all. Saying that the Chieftain's decision would be based on personal decision... it wasn't quite what she was expecting. But, then again, maybe it's for the better. She didn't know /what/ she would have based such a decision on. Probably a good thing, then, that it's Kein's decision. It doesn't seem to take him long to decide, probably evidencing that he's already been thinking about how to answer that question. Hmm. It sounds like a good policy to her.
Paoro nods to them both. "I would consider that to be a very good policy, chieftain," the shamaness answers solemnly. "If neither of you have any further questions at the moment, however, I do think it time for you to go back to the heart of our home and begin mending the broken bonds between so many of us after...recent events." It's getting easier to speak of it, but that wound on the shamaness' heart will never fully heal.
Kein does not stand immediately. Rather, he looks to Nayeli, to see if she has any other questions. He doesn't... Or at least, he doesn't have questions that take priority over following Paoro's advice. He has not yet had enough time to decide how he wants to phrase what he might, potentially, ask her, or even to decide if he intends to ask her anything, so that all can wait.
"Thanks, Grandmother." Nayeli smiles, stepping forward to nuzzle at Paoro once again. "For everything." She's going to make her proud, no matter what. The girl turns around once more, stepping back toward Kein and brushing up against him. "Time to go, Chieftain?" she murmurs, fighting a grin. Formality is good and all, but there are times when it seems as though it's better used for friendly teasing. So what now? She'll need to ask Kein, but she thinks their first priority needs to be a decent burial for their parents. Maul might not be as exposed to the elements and carrion eaters in the birthing den, but she should be buried as quickly as possible too. Unless.. Kein is too troubled to go in there, like last time.
Kein stands again. Before saying anything to Nayeli about where they intend to go, he offers Paoro a slight nod of his head and says, "Farewell Shamaness." Nayeli knows well enough that he is capable of playing, that he enjoys playing, but around Paoro, that side of him may never present itself. It will certainly take time, as it will take time with almost everyone here, and time is something that Paoro hinted she may not have much of.