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Literature Text
Kyarako
Morning had arisen over the lands, Imamu yawning from the crook of her hidden notch hiding in the cave wall of the Hukumu standpoint. It was the furthest away from the Cave's entrance, the roaring noise of the cave was sometimes almost so deafening, it was a wonder how anyone would ever get some sleep.
The standpoint was nice though, cool inside, warm and kept out any morning chill at least but it was terrible for letting light in. The only way Imamu found herself to wake up was when she didn't hear the boring drabble of her leader Wakali. When it was too quiet, she couldn't stand it and rolled over with a groan, "Great...he left again... Wonder how long this time." As she had noticed often, she was left alone but wondered if anyone was around. Surely there must be others still around this lonely standpoint. She slowly got up to stretch; being that the cave was hidden away behind a large waterfall, she would only have to see whom she would find, if they hand't taken off on a hunt already.
ShindosGirl
The buzzing of a blow fly caught Zawadi's attention, her eyes focused she wiggled her butt like a cub and pounced, her paws missing the disgusting creature as she flounced around the grass, circling it and coming back for a second chance. When it chose to fly up out of reach and away she sighed, flopping her hind quarters down on the ground, her eyes taking in the sights around her.
The waterfall to her left was loud, now that she'd gotten closer it reminded her that she was supposed to have checked in with their leader again that morning, but when she slid behind the flowing falls into the darker, cooler chambers of the cave behind them she noticed he'd already left. Again. Instead she was left with Imamau, the older she cat stretching giving her the perfect opportunity to pounce.
Crouching down and stalking as best she could in the darker light, tail swishing back and forth, she let her butt wiggle before pouncing, landing just short of the darker cat, her unusual markings making her obvious to spot even among the other cats.
"Morning sleepy head," she announced, all smiles and laughter.
Kyarako
Imamu was mid yawn before popping open her left scared eye to see the light pelted female, "Zawadi....where have you been....? Do you know where Wakali is...?" However, she doubted the bubbly female would know, but still had to ask. Imamu stood up and stretched before looking around the cave and then to the waterfall, suddenly feeling parched from not haven't anything to drink in a few days. Her mind was too distracted with other things, hence her sleeping in a lot recently.
ShindosGirl
Prancing round the small cave pleased with herself she almost missed Imamu's questions, catching the older female's voice as it echoed against the concrete walls. Zawadi loved to hear the echoes, but she didn't think Imamu was in the mood for her to start being all silly and meowing and chirping against the walls. "I was out chasing a fly," she answered as honestly and simply as was the truth. "I don't know where he went, when I came back in to check with him he was gone and I found you sleeping. He leaves a lot now doesn't he." It was more an observation, a musing, than a direct complaint or whine. Though she wouldn't really openly admit it, Zawadi wondered where she would be, or would have been if it wasn't for these cats that she'd joined now. They were the family she had, they were a little messy sometimes, and distant or even gone, but they were all she had. She missed her mom sometimes, but she knew she was happy now, and with new cubs around and a new mate she wouldn't have time for her now. Grown up, it was time to move on, make friends of her own and maybe find a mate someday. Zawadi thought about that, sitting on her haunches and cocking her head to the side, tail flicking back and forth. It was difficult for her to picture a mate, but she knew she wanted cubs. Little balls of fluff that were cute and made cute noises. She would have to learn to be a better mom, but for now, she could pretend.
"Do you want cubs someday Imamu?" Zawadi asked out of the blue. Just as suddenly she stood up, shaking her light coloured fur and heading back outside. It was too cold to be sitting on cold stone ground for long periods of time, and even though it was winter, it was still a clear day. All be it a rather chilly one.
Kyarako
Imamu was listening to her talk, watching her move arund with her chipper attitude. She couldn't fathom why or how anyone could be so happy and cub like at her age. Still, She was somewhat amused that she had at least someone to talk to for the moment. She had sat down as Zawadi had, licking her paw and cleaning herself. When Zawaki had mentioned the question about cubs, Imamu flicked her green gaze up at the female and tilted her head with an incredulously.
However, before she could respong, Zawadi was already heading out; Imamu rolled her eyes and got up following after the younger female, "Pheh...who needs a mate..." She said with a low tone. At her age, she didn't think any male would bat an eye her way. A couple more cycles and she would be considered and elder. And No one had ever heard of an elder having cubs. She looked up, the waterfall pounded the rocks beneath it, making the ground slippery.
Imamu followed the trail that lead out of the cave, maneuvering around the waterfall until they were completely outside, overlooking the land beyond their standpoint. The older female sighed as she breathed in the fresh morning air.
ShindosGirl
Zawadi grinned, her paws dancing over the cool ground as she pounced and pranced around, pausing only to watch a pair of birds fly past on the breeze. There weren't as many animals around for her to chase and play with during the winter, so she was left amusing herself in other ways. Trotting back to Imamu's side she found it fun to mimic the she cat's walk, keeping pace with her for a time till something else caught her eye. A cheetah, far in the distance, but recognisable for the cats they were. Swiveling her ears and watching it with curiosity in her blue eyes she turned back to Imamu to ask, "What do you make of the cheetahs from the tribes?"
Her mom had spoken about the tribes occasionally when she was growing up, but not with any real degree of love or affection. "They are interesting, but I wish they hadn't caused such a big fuss over territory, a lot of the coalition cats got hurt cause of that." Her mood brightened again, her focus changing back to Imamu instead of the cheetah - who wasn't really that interesting anyway. It was just walking around, stopping every so often to sniff things. No, not very interesting in her opinion at all. She respected the older she cat, as much as she did their leader, and though sometimes she may not seem like she was listening or paying attention she still looked to them for guidance and leadership. She continued to walk, stopping every so often to check the position of the other cheetah, still cautious even as she played around in the long grass.
Kyarako
"My father.... he spoke of them as well... still does actually." She lowered her gaze and looked to Zawadi, remembering her talking one time about the tribes. She didn't pay much attention, most times a little too preoccupied with the wonders and stories her father had told her, "I thought they were just stories....but I saw their strange abilities..." She remembered during the battle, among the screeches and flying claws for territory rights, she saw the glowing marks of those in the tribe.
Their territory was quite a distance off, but to one side Imamu could clearly make out the outline of the Zamani Dhambi Coalition standpoint. She narrowed her eyes before turning her eyes to the cheetah Zawadi had spotted. After a moments staring, the cheetah was quickly receding away heading back to the tribe's territory, "Hmm...Seems like that Sunning Rock Leader is becoming very curious these days...."
ShindosGirl
Zawadi listened to Imamu with an ear, her focus still on the moving cheetah for the moment. She was right, they did have weird abilities, scary when used in battle like the recent one. She tried to think back to seeing those glowing marks on her mother's face, but if she had Zawadi didn't recall it. "Was that the one that started the battle?" She hated battles, fighting, it was so destructive and meaningless. At least to her. And it always ended up hurting people, for some it was worse than others.
Flicking her tail she turned away in disinterest, turning her attentions towards the Zamani Dhambi territory. Their leader was one she cat Zawadi went out of her way to avoid, she was scary and mean. At least she thought she was, she'd never really gone to try to get to know her or anything, that would be silly. "Your father? He knew them as well?" Zawadi wondered if Imamu's father knew her mother at all, it was unlikely, but still the possibility was there. Flicking her tail back and forth she laughed at the fluffy tip tickling her side, easily distracted and amused. "I never met my father, but mama says he was strong and proud, all the things a good tom should be. What was your father like?"
Getting up and circling the darker she cat, Zawadi checked their differences, noting them in her memory bank for a later time and date if they were ever needed. She was good like that, it was how she recognised other cats so easily from so far away. "Why do the ones they call chief have different spots as well? They look like stripes and silly." Full of questions she inhaled deeply before exhaling and grinning at the hot air that caused a small cloud to form in front of her muzzle.
Kyarako
"No...That one was not the one who started it. It was that big one with the one ear and eye...." Imamu flicked her tail and and when Zawadi's question turned, she tilted her head and sighed, "My father is getting on in years...and he's stubborn but wise I guess." Before she could really say anymore, she had trailed off noting that Zawadi was studying her and them suddenly a topic change about the tribes once again, "My father says the leaders or...chiefs as he said, are given stripes by their "keepers" as a sign of respect or show of leadership or some nonsense." She shrugged her shoulders and turned away, "Don't expect me to answer any more questions, my father knows more about them than me..."
ShindosGirl
She sat down, cleaning the lighter coloured thick fur that covered her chest with her rough, pink tongue. Flicking her ears every so often to keep them from becoming cold, she exhaled and smiled at the puffs of air. "Okay, no more questions about the tribes then," she conceeded, Imamu was fun to bother, but only for so long before she seemed to get grumpy or annyoed. The bonus about being herself, Zawadi was hardly ever bothered by anyone else's mood, finding fun and enjoyment in almost everything. Fluffing out her fur to try and keep warm she rose and wandered a little, not straying too far from Imamu's side as they walked the lands. The scars and marks on the other she cat often caught her attention, and Zawadi wondered how it was that she'd gotten them. But.. something held her back from asking. Curious as she was her mother hadn't raised her to be outright rude. Changing tactic she decided to ask about their leader. "Imamu, where do you think Wakali goes so early in the day?" Eyes lighting up with mischief and laughter she grinned, "maybe he has a girlfriend now? Oh if he does I wonder what she's like. I think she'd be nice. I hope so. Not mean like those other she-cats or that other leader. Nope."
She was so distracted thinking about the possibility of whether or not Wakali might be sneaking off to see another female she missed spotting a stick laying on the ground and stubbed her paw, yelping slightly and holding it up for a few seconds to let the pain subside. "Curse these large paws sometimes," she huffed under her breath, prancing a little till she the feeling came back. Chuckling a little at herself, and so Imamu didn't feel the need to laugh at her, she spoke a little louder. "I think I got them from my father, they come in handy for catching things but get annoying when I trip over things because of them."
Kyarako
"Didn't you hear during the battle... Seems that Kifo and Wakali are siblings... Of some kind..." Se narrowed her eyes and shook her head. Granted she was use to Wakali's ways, she only assumed he wandered to talk with the other coalition leaders, especially now after their battle with the tribe cats.
"Wakali finds an interest in females but... He's not ready for any serious relationship. Then gain who knows... He's been recovering from the battle..." She looked away and shook her head, "meh... Well guess I should do my rounds around the place..." She turned her head and started to sniff around, looking out to check the surrounding area before heading for the trail that lead above the waterfall, "come along... And bring your hoofer paws with you." She teased lightly in response to Zawadi's comments about her own paws.
ShindosGirl
"Whaaaat??" Stopping dead in her tracks she turned to Imamu, eyes wide and mouth open. "But.. but.. Wow." It seemed inconceviable to her, that the two of them could be related. He seemed nothing like her, at least in her opinion (which of course was somewhat biased). "She doesn't seem that nice but. Oh well." Wasn't like there was much she could do about it anyway, so why bother. She followed along regardless, happy to be talking with the darker feline rather than herself.
Flashes of the battle filled her mind and she shivered, blocking them out as swiftly as she could. "I still think he has a giiirlfriend," she giggled, enunciating the 'iiirl' part in a teasing way. Imamu was probably right, but she could pretend never the less. It was fun. And silly. Laughing at the comment about her paws she skipped along, her tail held high in the air, tip leaning towards her head like she so often did when she was walking. The trail was damp and a little uneasy to navigate in places, but she managed leaving Imamu to do all the checking and sniffing and general watching out. As always she was enamoured with the view, it was the one thing that could distract her from anything and everything else around her - the view. "Do you think we should check the other coalitions? It was a big battle, and they might be hurt."
Kyarako
"They aren't really our concern at the moment Zawadi and at this point the only thing anyone is doing is pointing paws at who didn't do what to win the battle.... We lost, and thats why he had no choice but to give those Tribes more land...." She was climbing the incline that lead a trail up a nd above the waterfall, finally the view of the grasslands was clear and open to them. Imamu took a long heaving breathing and exhaled it out slowly. She somehow always loved the one view, feeling on top of the world. She wondered about her father and his stories and looked to the sky, a few clouds in the sky but they looked swirled like ripples on water.
ShindosGirl
Zawadi hopped from spot to spot, her paws plonking down solidly with each step. She didn't like the tribes taking their lands, and she didn't like the other coalitions laying blame at everyone else's feet. It took away all the fun, and all the places to run around in. But, unlike the other cats, Zawadi could be content here, with this, with her small coalition. "We should spend more time worrying about food and finding mates than everyone does laying blame. And chasing butterflies, at least that's fun." Huffing slightly she sat down next to the older cat and followed her gaze out over the land. "Even if he's never around, Wakali picked a good place to make ours. The view from up here is beautiful." She gently exhaled, closing her eyes and turning her face towards the sun to soak in what little warmth it could offer. Already the snow was beginning to fall, the frost setting in deep into the bones of the land. "It's going to be a cold winter," she shivered, thankful for the extra warm fur she had as she wrapped her tail around her closely. "What's your favourite season Imamu?" As her stomach grumbled softly she grinned, lower jaw hanging wide making her look like she was trying to inhale the cold air for sustenance.
Kyarako
Imamu listened intently to Zawadi's words and smirked at the mention of finding mates and food. She thought it odd they be placed in the same sentence. No, Imamu would not willingly look for a mate, she has gotten this far in life without one, she knew she could handle a little more until death claimed her. Even if alone, she would be happy. Then again she was never alone, not if she had others like Wakali and Zawadi around."
She continued to look at the view, nodding with a 'hmm' at Zawadi's words about Wakali choosing the best standpoint. The cold air did feel a bit nippy and she shook her pelt, fluffing out the fur around her neck and spine. And looked to the sky, "I'm not really sure which is my favorite... I'm still getting use to the seasons... For a long time my father and I were captives to humans. Sure we were cared for but it was alike the weather never changed. It was always dry with a window to the outside. We could see the weather changes but rarely were we ever let out to experience it. My father said I was too young and the humans acted like... It was better for me to simply stay inside. When we were set free... Everything changed. I saw the wind in the grass, felt the sun on my coat... But I just don't feel like I have experienced each season to its fullest just yet. Every season, winter... Spring, summer or fall... They are never the same." She smiled and flicked an ear and turned to Zawadi, hoping the perky female would understand what she meant.
ShindosGirl
The she cat was different to talk to, but Zawadi enjoyed the way she thought about what she said before she said it. Her mother often used to say to her that she needed to do that more - but she'd just never really got the hang of not blurting out exactly what she was thinking or feeling. Her head cocked to the side, her teal eyes full of life and wonder. "Humans, they are funny looking creatures." She shifted, wiggling forward to sit closer to the other cat and let her borrow some warmth. "I think my favourite season is spring, lots of baby animals and there's always so much to eat." She paused, thinking over something she'd learnt herself before she joined the coalition and followed Wakali. "New things can be a lot to take in, but it's always fun to at least go through the experience." Grinning at the darker female warmly she wasn't sure she completely understood what it felt like, but she hoped she'd at least said the right thing.
Kyarako
Imamu smirked, "Mmm.....Fresh Kudu Fawn or Impala babies are delicious... such tender little pieces of meat." She gave a somewhat of a sarcastic laugh and looked to Zawadi to show she was only kidding....partially anyway, "Yeah...experiencing things is good.... but, what i need now is food so... I'm heading back into the cave and see what we have in our stores.... otherwise...I guess I'll have to go on another hunt or something..." She stretched her body and yawned lightly as she stood up and shook her pelt, though the sun felt so good on her finally dry coat, she had to venture back down the path and back into the cave. She only prayed she didn't stumbled down and accidentally roll into one of the many pools.
ShindosGirl
Zawadi's stomach grumbled and she frowned, sometimes she wondered if she could not eat animals and still live, but the thought was a fleeting one - Imamu was right. They were yummy. "Wanna go for a hunt?" Sure, they could eat whatever scraps they could find in their den, but she felt like stretching her legs and burning off some energy. Plus, it would warm them up. "Oh come on Imamu, please, please, please?" Rising she bounced back and forth on the balls of her feet, eager to hear the older cats' decision. Even if she said no Zawadi would probably head off, staying in the den all day was far too boring for the likes of her.
Kyarako
"Very well then... Perhaps we can find my father. I need to check on him anyway..." She glanced over the land once again, a worried expression crossing her for a moment, "let's get a move on. I saw a herd of gazelle moving east. If we go now, we can cut them off before they head into tribe territory and we lose them..." She reached the end of the path and turned heading out, shaking her pelt and yawning off the rest if the sleepiness she had.
ShindosGirl
"Oh yay!"
Happy to be leaving the den and not having to go out on her own for a change she bounced around, her tail flicking back and forth with excitement. Zawadi didn't notice the worry on Imamu's face, far too busy being happy and hungry and excited about getting to stretch her legs. The mention of tribe territory had her flick her own gaze out over the land around them before shrugging, enjoying the way her fur simply puffed up as she did so.
Gazelle were fast, but they were high on her list of favourite foods and if they caught something the reward would definitely be worth the effort. Following the older she-cat out onto the open plains of their territory she suggested they head off at a lope, gazelle were fickle beasts and could very well head into tribe territory before they got there simply because they thought the grass tasted better.
Grass tasting better, Zawadi snorted in amusement. She'd tried eating grass once as a cub and her mother had asked her what she was doing with confusion. Zawadi had replied that she wanted to know they the food ate it when it tasted so bad and her mother had simply laughed and told her not to worry about it - to this day she still had no clue as to why their food ate such terrible tasting stuff but tasted so good themselves.
"We can bring him some food - maybe that will make him happy?"
Kyarako
Imamu nodded, "yeah. I haven't a chance to bring him anything in the past few days. He must be starving unless he managed to catch himself something." She glanced at the bouncing female and smirked lightly.
They moved on slowly and carefully across the grasses, stopping every so often when the herd stopped. Imamu wasn't going to lose the herd and every once in a while pressed on even if the herd had stopped, letting them graze as she rounded the group, trying to have her presence be enough to steer them in the other direction.
"My father be happy we're doing this for him." She grumbled lightly under her breath. Despite the annoyance in her voice, she seemed happy enough to be able to do something for her father, "Zawadi... Come in from the left side, spook me if you have to. Move them back." She lashed her tail as she eyed those few who bounded around, wanting to pass her towards the robe territory.
"Not all the grass is better you stupid grunting grass eaters!" She hissed with an annoyed chirp. At this some had moved away as she wanted, but still the herd was just too large and knew they would lose quiet a few to the tribe territories.
ShindosGirl
Zawadi shrugged, it wasn't up to her and in the light of things she didn't spend a lot of time worrying about others. Or really worrying about anything.
The herd was full and lush, their bellies looking ever so tempting. Crouching low in the grass she followed close enough to Imamu to be able to hear her, but not so much that she'd get in the way. She'd done that when she was younger and learning and had been scolded by her mother rather severely for it - food and survival were not things to trifle and joke around with.
Twitching her ears to indicate she'd heard her the light coated she-cat backed off and circled further around to the left hoping she could time it right. Too long and she'd run out of stamina and speed, too short and she could end up tumbling right over the top of Imamu herself. "I can do this, I can do this," she softly chanted to herself with each crawling step. The heard was getting agitated, some of the does sensing something was wrong, their big eyes and ears seeing and hearing almost everything around them.
Deciding it was time Zawadi sprang forward, the surge of a cheetah in hunt was a thing of action, speed and above all agility - within moments the gazelle and herself were leaping across the long grass as if airborne. Left. Left. Left. She had to head them towards Imamu - trusting the older cat to see the herd coming and move out of the way if she had to.
Kyarako
Imamu saw them coming and lowered herself flat against the ground. Gazelle leaped high above Her. Bounding just to get over the obstruction of because they had seen her at the last moment. The herd moved as one, moving farther away from the tribe Territory as they had wanted. When the last of the herd was still bounding towards her, she jumped up, springing forward to try and catch the doe by surprise. However, the doe, had quickly changed directions mid bound and was racing away. Imamu chirped but skillfully chased after it. Her tail lashing as the herbivore dashed one way then another, doing anything to get her off its trail. Skidding through the lightly sanded area, Imamu had almost lost sight of the runner, twitching her ears to listen to the hoof beats as they changed directions on her once again. Imamu leaped forward, swiping a paw low and feeling spindle legs catch between her claws.
The Gazelle stumbled and tripped over its own legs, tumbling in a roll on the ground. Imamu was quick to catch the rolling prey and hold it firmly in her jaws. Now out of breath, the only thing she could do was stay where she was, cutting the life out of the gazelle she held in her jaws. It kicked in frustration, fear and soon, the bright eyes that held life were now stone cold and eerily lifeless. Imamu dropped the prey and sighed heavily.
ShindosGirl
She'd chased them in the direction of Imamu, feet pounding across the hard ground in time with her increased heartbeat. She loved to run, but even she tired quickly as the herd of gazelle moved fast across the ground. Reaching out a front paw she tripped one, but it recovered quickly and bounded away, much to her disappointment. Having to slow down due to being near exhaustion herself she watched in disappointment as another meal got away.
Scanning the horizon for Imamu she found her, spirits rising immediately when she saw she'd caught something. It wasn't a lot of food to share between at least three grown cheetahs, but it was better than nothing. She made her way towards her and shook out her fur and muscles.
"Nice catch Imamu," she grinned, "sorry I didn't catch anything. Next time dinner's on me." Passing closely but not so close as to stand on Imamu she lay down next to her and licked her paws while she waited for her to catch her breath. Hunting wasn't an easy business, she understood that. As silly as she may be sometimes Zawadi was nothing if not considerate of others.
"We eating here or do you want to take it to your father first?"
Kyarako
Imamu flicked her tail as she looked around. He was still breathing pretty hard. The gazelle she had scoped had been much faster than it let on. She smiled faintly as Zawadi as she had laid down beside her, "I suppose she should get it to him. He'll like the company." She sat and waited a few moments, finally able to catch her breath.
The herds had moved back and quite a few had wandered toward the tribe territory,"Well... We should get moving. Before a hyena or vulture get whiff of this kill. And my father's den is way on the south side of the Human's Reserve." Imamu yawned, stretching her jowls as they had momentarily ached from clamping on the jugular for so long. She stood, and shook her pelt, dust flying off her white mane and she glanced down at Zawadi, "Just carry the catch and we'll overlook your missed catch." She teased but at the same time it was small favor. Imamu was too tired to drag a gazelle at the moment. Her jaws hurt enough and her legs were partially shaking with adrenaline that was still slowly seeping away.
ShindosGirl
Humans.
They both fascinated and terrified her at the same time, as a tyro she'd been caught in their traps more than once and with paws as large as hers they weren't as simple to get out of the wires as the smaller animals such as gazelles or young cubs. The thought of having to pass their reserve made her mane fluff up a little.
"Sure, can't be that hard to carry." Rising to her paws she stepped forward and grabbed the small, tan coloured creature around its thin neck and pulled it, waiting for Imamu to join her, before continuing on. She hoped it wasn't too far, but only cause she was hungry and the gazelle tasted good.
Managing to still talk around the burden in her mouth she enquired about Imamu's opinions on humans and their traps. They were getting closer and closer every year.
Kyarako
Imamu sighed as she moved along side Zawadi. She had mixed feelings about humans as she was once their captive as a cub. She didn't know there was much of anything else, least not until she and her father were released.
"They... Are okay. Well some are... I guess. I was born early according to my father and the humans helped raise me since my mother couldn't feed me as a tiny cub." She looked to Zawadi and shrugged as she walked, "some are evil but I don't think they all are..."
ShindosGirl
Zawadi listened, waited, and... promptly lost interest. Humans were humans. Why worry about them until she had to? And besides it was far more entertaining to watch the herds move about them. Most large prey had nothing to fear from cheetahs, they were too light, too small to kill them. But their instincts told them to, and so they did. She laughed inside, her eyes dancing with amusement as a particularly nervous critter scattered away from them in such a hurry it seemed to run into a rock.
She hadn't known about Imamu though, and it explained why she was a little, not odd, but not quite completely cheetah either. Her father then must know the humans. Ah well. Not having met him before she wondered what he would be like, would Imamu look like him? Or would she take after her mother? Thoughts passing through her mind as lightly as ever though consequential likely never voiced.
"Do you want to stay with him for a while after we take him food?"
Kyarako
"No... After we eat, I think it best we just head back to the standpoint. Wakali should be back and I'm sure he'll want to review SOMETHING he saw out on his walk. It would just be better rather than having someone relay the message when we can just get it directly from the Zebra's mouth." She grunted lightly as they had continued walking for a long time, not entirely interested in the herds so long as they stayed in coalition territory.
She felt momentarily awkward, not use to asking or sharing stories with others but when she did open up, it felt good. She didn't want to have Zawadi talk while carrying the prey so was unsure what to really talk about to pass the time while the headed toward's her father's den. They had another good mile at least.
ShindosGirl
The younger she cat waited for her to continue, but when Imamu was no further forthcoming with anything to say she simply kept quiet. It wasn't the easiest thing to talk around a carcass you were dragging across uneven ground with paws as large as hers, so for once she was having to concentrate just a little more than normal.
Well, normal for her. Probably still considered scatterbrained for those around her.
Thinking over points of their conversation so far it occured to Zawadi she may have a chance to join the tribes, should their be another battle for territory and they won. Her mother had been from them, and her father - and though she didn't know it, her own brother was a member of one as well. But glancing over at the cat next to her, thinking of Wakali, she wondered if she truly would just abandon them like that. In a moment of unexpected emotion she chirped at Imamu, rubbing her shoulder against the other she cats' pelt and then continuing on as if nothing happened.
A few more feet and the silence was becoming awkward.
Kyarako
The moments silenced had passed and Imamu was surprised by Zawadi's sudden moment of affection. Imamu wasn't sure what to say after but still there was a light smile crawling over her face. Imamu never had anyone close enough to call a sibling and she had always considered those of her Tribe to be family. She glanced over at Zawadi, "Not long now. He's just over there." She pointed her nose to a large rock and sandy dunes. Not far off From the Reserve, "I hate that he placed his den so close to the place but...what can you do.... I'll run ahead to let him know we've got food okay...?"
She darted forward and chirped. The den was well hidden by brush and bushes. If any human was looking for a cheetah den, they certainly wouldn't be looking so close to the reserve. She heard her father stir and move out from his den.
"Imamu...? Imamu is that you...?"
"Father!"
"There's my girl." He smiled and stopped seeing another figure with her, "Who's this...?"
ShindosGirl
Her eyes followed the direction of the she cat and spotted the unmistakable large rock, at least he'd chosen a decent land mark if he ever got lost she thought. In her opinion that was a very smart thing, getting lost was far too easy to do (she'd only been lost a few times but those times had been a very scary few moments).
"Old cats are strange, sure," Zawadi replied with a smile as best she could manage. Glad to let Imamu take the lead she waited for her to pass in front before following her forward. The chirped greeting was as mich a hello as it was a warning that someone was approaching she thought, you don't want to go sneaking up on an animal in it's den nope nope nope. The bushes caught on her fur and the bundle she was carrying, but Zawadi ignored them as best as possible and pushed through, hearing Imamu's voice mingled with that of a male cat, gruffer and older.
"It's nice to meet you I'm Zawadi," the lighter pelted cat introduced herself after releasing the food from her mouth, "Imamu has told me about you and thought you'd appreciate a snack."
Kyarako
Imamu smiled and Bushiri only nodded and stepped forward. Long white hair flowing around his face as she dipped his head to Zawadi, "I am Bushiri...a pleasure to meet you Zawadi. Imamu has told me about you as well. Quite the chipper girl heh. Thank you. I'm very glad someone could be with Imamu. She is always so serious." He dipped his head and sniffed the prey brought with a warm humble smile. Imamu flattened her ears at her father.
"Only because you worry me so much. You should join the coalition so I can keep a closer eye on you."
"Oh hush daughter, I've already told you...Coalition life is nothing like the Tribes." He rose his head before smiling back to Zawadi, "Come we can lay down and joy this snack together. I couldn't possibly eat it all by myself."
ShindosGirl
She watched the interaction with amusement, a tiny speck of jealousy rared its ugly head but she just pushed it down and ignored it, it was nice to see family sharing their bonds and affection. Besides, Imamu's dad was rather handsome for an older cat, with his long hair, regardless of his many scars.
She snickered at the remark on her seriousness, nodding her head in agreement. Feeling as comfortable as she did around Imamu it was no suprise to her that she felt relaxed around her father, sitting herself down and curling her fluffy tail around her body.
"Coalition life isn't that bad, Imamu's pretty fun and she at least puts up with me," Zawadi grinned stupidly, "we already have two serious members, so you can join if you promise to be fun." Not at all in any rush to turn down the offer of food which she'd just help to drag all the way over here, she happily tore a chunk of meat from a thigh of a back leg.
Kyarako
Bushiri and imamu both laid down, the female already digging in without thinking and Bushiri only chuckled, "life is too precious to always be serious. In my growing age... I am best loving every moment than worry about what will happen. Life with move on regardless and I'd much enjoy it rather than be a grump." He smiled before licking the prey. The belly was soft, tender. He tore into it, his maw becoming bloody as he did so. The softest pieces always held much more blood than the rest.
Imamu held her father with a partially concerned stare before she looked to Zawadi. She thought it very nice for her father to be social seeing as he didn't get much aside from the few cheetah within the reserve who came to the fence. In most cases however, he father was more a loner than anything.
"How have you been?"
"Must you ask Imamu... I'm fine."
"You're getting skinny. I have to worry. You don't hunt for yourself. And it's been a week since I've seen you. What about that cough you had?"
"Imamu... Your beginning to sound like my mother... Please dear, do t worry about your old father." He looked to Zawadi and winked in her direction, "see what I have to deal with...?" He said in a joking tone. Imamu seemed to puff up, the blood on her maw making her look angrier than she was.
"Excuse me for caring!!!" She chirped sharply. It sounded angry but her body language was completely relaxed.
ShindosGirl
Ignoring the slight bickering between the two of them as anything more than exactly what it was she just grinned around the chunk of meat that sat haning out the corner of her mouth.
"Your lucky your daughter cares about you so much, though you don't seem like an old grump much to me," she amended her original statement at a slight observation of Imamu out the corner of her eyes. The she-cat appeared as relaxed as the rest of them, but Zawadi wasn't about to test her true patience or anger when she already had her father to deal with, and that rather tasty looking smearing of blood on her maw.
"My mama has a new family now, and my father was never there when we were little or growing up, something happened to him that made him go away, but I think he would be like you when he got older."
Kyarako
Bushiri laughed at his daughter's expense, while still listening to Zawadi speak. He took another rasping lick over the food before giving an interested smirk, "Well... Fathers are fools. I was when I thought leaving the tribes would solve all our problems...but we learn and move on." There was a moment of noticeable sadness in Bushiri's tired voice but he seemed to push past the feeling as he chirped to Zawadi, "what do you mean by your mother having a new family..? If you don't mind me asking..?"
Imamu was eating quietly, knowing that her father had made the choice to leave the trives because back in the old days, cross tribe Cubs was suppose to be forbidden but he was in love and stupidly dragged his mate out into unknown territory where she had difficulties during birth due to being trapped and brought to the mainland, thus losing two cubs and the very mate he treasured. She glanced at Zawadi, also with interest about more of her backstory. He perky cheetess said some but Imamu admitted to herself that she sometimes was too busy to really listen to the bubbly spotted female.
ShindosGirl
Finding a particularly juicy chuck of bone she gnawed on it for a few moments before answering. Used to being laughed at, and with, she still felt somewhat uncomfortable being made the center of attention and to talk about her history. Things weren't like that anymore, she had to remind herself, they were okay now. Resting with one of her big paws laid over the top of another she took a deep breath before starting (really to calm herself down but she smiled at the way it made all her fur puff up).
"You know, she has a new family. When we were little I had brothers and sisters, but they all.. well, we left our home, mama carried me across the big water and we ended up here. It wasn't easy, but when I got big enough to help I tried really hard, but mama used to be gone for hours at a time, then days. One day she came back and told me she was leaving, I was big enough to look after myself now." Taking a break for a moment Zawadi smiled softly, the warmth in her voice still there even after all this time. "I followed her and found she had new babies, three little balls of fluff. Then I knew it was time to go, so I did and eventually I found Imamu and Wakali and, well, here we are."
She wasn't big on talking about her family, or her past, but he'd asked so kindly it seemed like the only real polite way to answer. Zawadi was still left in the dark that her brother had survived, or that her father had actually been alive until they'd left the island.
"But, cubs are really cute so it's good she had more!" She perked up visibly as she moved on, thinking about the small fluff balls. "Imamu, when are you having cubs?"
Kyarako
The change in subject was done and Imamu glanced to her father who gave a satisfied nod. His question was answered now Imamu had to answer hers. Bushiri smiled, "I doubt anytime soon. If Imamu is anything like her mother, she'll be picky."
"Who needs toms anyway... I've got enough to deal with.... Like taking care of you. Hunting parties with Zawadi here and the others... And don't get me started on Wakali... When he disappears, who else is gonna keep watch over the standpoint...?" Imamu shook her head and smiled almost embarrassed, "Besides... I'm already into my fifth cycle... I'm already scarred and beat up... What Tom would want me anyway..." She gave a glance to the plains around them. Oh how the thought of Cubs was such a lovely though but a natural scare of losing her life or the life of her cubs just as her own mother had, still worried her mind. And for that reason alone was probably why she pushed any toms away. Of course, after awhile, it was just her attitude that made her seem uninterested, even if she was.
ShindosGirl
Glad the focus was off her, she listened happily to Imamu spout of excuses not to have cubs, and her fathers' comment about her picky mother had her wondering, just what was Imamu's mom like anyway?
Laughter rose at the comment about Wakali, it was true he did do an awful lot of disappearing, maybe he was going to have cubs soon instead. But she couldn't believe that no tom would ever want to not be with Imamu, she was pretty and kind, and a good hunter and she looked after everyone. Waiting for her to finish speaking she piped up with her opinion.
"Lots of toms would Imamu! You're pretty and you have lots of hair, you're a good hunter. Maybe we can go looking for a tom one day, I can come with you in case he's not very good and then I can chase him off," mimicking an African Wild Dogs' crouching position she hissed in example. "See, I can be scary too. But, what was your mother like Imamu? Was she old too when she had cubs?"
Kyarako
Imamu giggled to Zawadi, glad for the offer but embarrassed all the same. When the question came about her mother, she only looked to her father briefly who didn't seemed to bothered to share despite his quietness. Imamu decided to speak for him, "my father said my mother wasn't that old... They had just reached their third cycle. A sickness had apparently come upon the tribes and my father wanted to get her away before she got sick, not only that, it was forbidden for cross tribe Cubs... And he and her would have gotten into serious trouble. But... When they had finally run away together, my mother did get sick. And she couldn't recover from it because it was a scarce winter. No food, frozen water..."
"Then we were picked up by the humans. They brought us to the reserve...she died from sickness and loss of blood. Imamu was the only one of three to survive.... And even that was just barely." Bushiri finished with a solemn glance to the reserve not far off. His one good eye geared, the only seemed blank with his scared face, "She is with the Keepers... No disease could ever hurt her now...nor the Cubs that were stillborn."
ShindosGirl
This place... this place felt like what it used to feel like at home. The den, the sharing of food and the talking and teasing of each other. So this was what a family was like, Zawadi mused. If she ever had cubs she wanted them to grow up in a place just like this.
Letting her stomach feel so full she could pop she set about to cleaning herself discreetly while listening to Imamu talk, her voice was pleasant on the ears and it was nice to see her having a bit of fun instead of being so serious all the time. When the subject of her mother came up the tension in the room changed, ever so little. Glancing between Imamu and her father in case something was wrong, cleaning now forgotten, Zawadi listened intently. Thinking to herself how hard it must have been to lose your mate and almost all of your cubs, to try and do the right thing but only have it all go so wrong in the end. She sympathised with this family and wondered if perhaps she was more like Imamu than she'd at first realised. Quietly rising she made a spot closer to Imamu's side and lay down, her fur touching the older she cat's, if she chose to move away Zawadi wouldn't be offended.
"She's with the stars in the sky, my siblings are there too, maybe they're all playing together and having fun. That would be nice, wouldn't it?" She avoided looking directly at anyone as she spoke, instead just smiling to herself. "Playing with all the pretty stars and butterflies.."
Kyarako
"I'm sure they are..." Bushiri grunted with a smile before a small cough escaped him. Imamu tensed when he had done so but after it seemed to pass, she relaxed, more comfortably beside Zawadi as if we're natural to lay beside her.
"If I ever have Cubs... It will be in memory of Mother and my siblings... But that's only IF!!" She gave a sideways glance to Zawadi, not wanting her to get any ideas. A purr grew in her throat, amused and her father seemed to lighten up with an amused chuckle.
"Yes and you'll have Zawadi here to help watch them... Not me though, by the time you have Cubs..."
"Father stop it! You still have many years ahead of you!" Imamu didn't seem to care for how her father so willingly throws his life. She wanted to believe her aging father would live forever. Not wanting to be alone, she pressed herself against Zawadi. Her father chuckled softly and dipped his head in apology.
"Yes my dear... Perhaps..." Although the there was a look in his eye that betrayed the reassurance he offered to his daughter, "you have your coalition... And you have your aunt and cousin..."
"Yeah....sure dad... We're so close." She rolled her eyes at the thought of her kin in the tribes. They were nothing in comparison to what kind of relationship she had with those of the Hukumu Coalition.
ShindosGirl
Warm, with a full belly Zawadi was struggling to stay awake enough to really partake any further in the coversation, but her ears perked up with the mention of cubs and more of Imamu's family members. Glancing at the two adults next to her she wondered what Imamu's cubs would look like and pictured tiny balls with really long hair. It made her giggle. She wondered if Imamu's mother had long hair too, imagine a whole tribe of long hair cheetahs. Wow, they'd be impressive to look at, her mind drifted over what it may possibly look like. Thoughts were interrrupted by the sharp tone of Imamu's voice and Zawadi tried to focus more on the conversation.
She wondered, no one lived forever but Imamu seemed to be in denial about that. She'd suffered through the deaths of her siblings, and though she didn't wish it upon anyone, it was a fact of life. Letting out a small huff of air she interjected into the conversation.
"I will look after you Imamu, and your long hair cubs," she grinned up from where she had lain her head on her paws. "But your dad's too handsome to pass away yet, too much hair," she tutted.
Kyarako
"See!? Even Zawadi says so." Imamu chimed after. Although gave Zawadi a curious glance about the long haired Cubs. Her father chuckled, seeing he was defeated in the conversation.
"It's starting to get late. Your coalition will start to miss you." He looked to the sky. It was nearing the late afternoon. Imamu looked at the sky and then Zawadi.
"Yeah we'd better get going. Before Zawadi ends up falling asleep." She purred as she stood and nudged the pale cheetess beside her, "we'd better get going."
ShindosGirl
The warm thing she'd been leaning on moved, shocking Zawadi back to full awakeness. Yawning widely she protested, "I'm awake, I'm awake."
Pushing her front paws forward she stretched her back and tail, enjoying the feel of it after sitting for so long. So it was time to leave, pity, she'd been quite happy to stay and sleep and be warm but he was right, they were probably long overdue back at the waterfall.
"It was very nice to meet you, next time Imamu wants to go hunting for you I'd be happy to help and come along," Zawadi purred, making sure to remember her manners. "Imamu, do you think Wakali will have hair like that some day? I think he'd look handsome," she remarked with a grin as she joined the darker she-cat.
Kyarako
"Maybe... And maybe not. His hair is kinda wild really." Imamu giggled slightly and padded to her father, nuzzling him gently, "I'll visit soon father. You just get rest and make sure you hunt and clean yourself!! No more looking like a corpse."
"No promises my dear Imamu but I will try." He purred deeply and turned to Zawadi, "and thank you for joining my Imamu and me today. It was a pleasure." He dipped his head thankful and Imamu beckoned for Zawadi to follow as she pranced off, heading back to the waterfall standpoint.
Morning had arisen over the lands, Imamu yawning from the crook of her hidden notch hiding in the cave wall of the Hukumu standpoint. It was the furthest away from the Cave's entrance, the roaring noise of the cave was sometimes almost so deafening, it was a wonder how anyone would ever get some sleep.
The standpoint was nice though, cool inside, warm and kept out any morning chill at least but it was terrible for letting light in. The only way Imamu found herself to wake up was when she didn't hear the boring drabble of her leader Wakali. When it was too quiet, she couldn't stand it and rolled over with a groan, "Great...he left again... Wonder how long this time." As she had noticed often, she was left alone but wondered if anyone was around. Surely there must be others still around this lonely standpoint. She slowly got up to stretch; being that the cave was hidden away behind a large waterfall, she would only have to see whom she would find, if they hand't taken off on a hunt already.
ShindosGirl
The buzzing of a blow fly caught Zawadi's attention, her eyes focused she wiggled her butt like a cub and pounced, her paws missing the disgusting creature as she flounced around the grass, circling it and coming back for a second chance. When it chose to fly up out of reach and away she sighed, flopping her hind quarters down on the ground, her eyes taking in the sights around her.
The waterfall to her left was loud, now that she'd gotten closer it reminded her that she was supposed to have checked in with their leader again that morning, but when she slid behind the flowing falls into the darker, cooler chambers of the cave behind them she noticed he'd already left. Again. Instead she was left with Imamau, the older she cat stretching giving her the perfect opportunity to pounce.
Crouching down and stalking as best she could in the darker light, tail swishing back and forth, she let her butt wiggle before pouncing, landing just short of the darker cat, her unusual markings making her obvious to spot even among the other cats.
"Morning sleepy head," she announced, all smiles and laughter.
Kyarako
Imamu was mid yawn before popping open her left scared eye to see the light pelted female, "Zawadi....where have you been....? Do you know where Wakali is...?" However, she doubted the bubbly female would know, but still had to ask. Imamu stood up and stretched before looking around the cave and then to the waterfall, suddenly feeling parched from not haven't anything to drink in a few days. Her mind was too distracted with other things, hence her sleeping in a lot recently.
ShindosGirl
Prancing round the small cave pleased with herself she almost missed Imamu's questions, catching the older female's voice as it echoed against the concrete walls. Zawadi loved to hear the echoes, but she didn't think Imamu was in the mood for her to start being all silly and meowing and chirping against the walls. "I was out chasing a fly," she answered as honestly and simply as was the truth. "I don't know where he went, when I came back in to check with him he was gone and I found you sleeping. He leaves a lot now doesn't he." It was more an observation, a musing, than a direct complaint or whine. Though she wouldn't really openly admit it, Zawadi wondered where she would be, or would have been if it wasn't for these cats that she'd joined now. They were the family she had, they were a little messy sometimes, and distant or even gone, but they were all she had. She missed her mom sometimes, but she knew she was happy now, and with new cubs around and a new mate she wouldn't have time for her now. Grown up, it was time to move on, make friends of her own and maybe find a mate someday. Zawadi thought about that, sitting on her haunches and cocking her head to the side, tail flicking back and forth. It was difficult for her to picture a mate, but she knew she wanted cubs. Little balls of fluff that were cute and made cute noises. She would have to learn to be a better mom, but for now, she could pretend.
"Do you want cubs someday Imamu?" Zawadi asked out of the blue. Just as suddenly she stood up, shaking her light coloured fur and heading back outside. It was too cold to be sitting on cold stone ground for long periods of time, and even though it was winter, it was still a clear day. All be it a rather chilly one.
Kyarako
Imamu was listening to her talk, watching her move arund with her chipper attitude. She couldn't fathom why or how anyone could be so happy and cub like at her age. Still, She was somewhat amused that she had at least someone to talk to for the moment. She had sat down as Zawadi had, licking her paw and cleaning herself. When Zawaki had mentioned the question about cubs, Imamu flicked her green gaze up at the female and tilted her head with an incredulously.
However, before she could respong, Zawadi was already heading out; Imamu rolled her eyes and got up following after the younger female, "Pheh...who needs a mate..." She said with a low tone. At her age, she didn't think any male would bat an eye her way. A couple more cycles and she would be considered and elder. And No one had ever heard of an elder having cubs. She looked up, the waterfall pounded the rocks beneath it, making the ground slippery.
Imamu followed the trail that lead out of the cave, maneuvering around the waterfall until they were completely outside, overlooking the land beyond their standpoint. The older female sighed as she breathed in the fresh morning air.
ShindosGirl
Zawadi grinned, her paws dancing over the cool ground as she pounced and pranced around, pausing only to watch a pair of birds fly past on the breeze. There weren't as many animals around for her to chase and play with during the winter, so she was left amusing herself in other ways. Trotting back to Imamu's side she found it fun to mimic the she cat's walk, keeping pace with her for a time till something else caught her eye. A cheetah, far in the distance, but recognisable for the cats they were. Swiveling her ears and watching it with curiosity in her blue eyes she turned back to Imamu to ask, "What do you make of the cheetahs from the tribes?"
Her mom had spoken about the tribes occasionally when she was growing up, but not with any real degree of love or affection. "They are interesting, but I wish they hadn't caused such a big fuss over territory, a lot of the coalition cats got hurt cause of that." Her mood brightened again, her focus changing back to Imamu instead of the cheetah - who wasn't really that interesting anyway. It was just walking around, stopping every so often to sniff things. No, not very interesting in her opinion at all. She respected the older she cat, as much as she did their leader, and though sometimes she may not seem like she was listening or paying attention she still looked to them for guidance and leadership. She continued to walk, stopping every so often to check the position of the other cheetah, still cautious even as she played around in the long grass.
Kyarako
"My father.... he spoke of them as well... still does actually." She lowered her gaze and looked to Zawadi, remembering her talking one time about the tribes. She didn't pay much attention, most times a little too preoccupied with the wonders and stories her father had told her, "I thought they were just stories....but I saw their strange abilities..." She remembered during the battle, among the screeches and flying claws for territory rights, she saw the glowing marks of those in the tribe.
Their territory was quite a distance off, but to one side Imamu could clearly make out the outline of the Zamani Dhambi Coalition standpoint. She narrowed her eyes before turning her eyes to the cheetah Zawadi had spotted. After a moments staring, the cheetah was quickly receding away heading back to the tribe's territory, "Hmm...Seems like that Sunning Rock Leader is becoming very curious these days...."
ShindosGirl
Zawadi listened to Imamu with an ear, her focus still on the moving cheetah for the moment. She was right, they did have weird abilities, scary when used in battle like the recent one. She tried to think back to seeing those glowing marks on her mother's face, but if she had Zawadi didn't recall it. "Was that the one that started the battle?" She hated battles, fighting, it was so destructive and meaningless. At least to her. And it always ended up hurting people, for some it was worse than others.
Flicking her tail she turned away in disinterest, turning her attentions towards the Zamani Dhambi territory. Their leader was one she cat Zawadi went out of her way to avoid, she was scary and mean. At least she thought she was, she'd never really gone to try to get to know her or anything, that would be silly. "Your father? He knew them as well?" Zawadi wondered if Imamu's father knew her mother at all, it was unlikely, but still the possibility was there. Flicking her tail back and forth she laughed at the fluffy tip tickling her side, easily distracted and amused. "I never met my father, but mama says he was strong and proud, all the things a good tom should be. What was your father like?"
Getting up and circling the darker she cat, Zawadi checked their differences, noting them in her memory bank for a later time and date if they were ever needed. She was good like that, it was how she recognised other cats so easily from so far away. "Why do the ones they call chief have different spots as well? They look like stripes and silly." Full of questions she inhaled deeply before exhaling and grinning at the hot air that caused a small cloud to form in front of her muzzle.
Kyarako
"No...That one was not the one who started it. It was that big one with the one ear and eye...." Imamu flicked her tail and and when Zawadi's question turned, she tilted her head and sighed, "My father is getting on in years...and he's stubborn but wise I guess." Before she could really say anymore, she had trailed off noting that Zawadi was studying her and them suddenly a topic change about the tribes once again, "My father says the leaders or...chiefs as he said, are given stripes by their "keepers" as a sign of respect or show of leadership or some nonsense." She shrugged her shoulders and turned away, "Don't expect me to answer any more questions, my father knows more about them than me..."
ShindosGirl
She sat down, cleaning the lighter coloured thick fur that covered her chest with her rough, pink tongue. Flicking her ears every so often to keep them from becoming cold, she exhaled and smiled at the puffs of air. "Okay, no more questions about the tribes then," she conceeded, Imamu was fun to bother, but only for so long before she seemed to get grumpy or annyoed. The bonus about being herself, Zawadi was hardly ever bothered by anyone else's mood, finding fun and enjoyment in almost everything. Fluffing out her fur to try and keep warm she rose and wandered a little, not straying too far from Imamu's side as they walked the lands. The scars and marks on the other she cat often caught her attention, and Zawadi wondered how it was that she'd gotten them. But.. something held her back from asking. Curious as she was her mother hadn't raised her to be outright rude. Changing tactic she decided to ask about their leader. "Imamu, where do you think Wakali goes so early in the day?" Eyes lighting up with mischief and laughter she grinned, "maybe he has a girlfriend now? Oh if he does I wonder what she's like. I think she'd be nice. I hope so. Not mean like those other she-cats or that other leader. Nope."
She was so distracted thinking about the possibility of whether or not Wakali might be sneaking off to see another female she missed spotting a stick laying on the ground and stubbed her paw, yelping slightly and holding it up for a few seconds to let the pain subside. "Curse these large paws sometimes," she huffed under her breath, prancing a little till she the feeling came back. Chuckling a little at herself, and so Imamu didn't feel the need to laugh at her, she spoke a little louder. "I think I got them from my father, they come in handy for catching things but get annoying when I trip over things because of them."
Kyarako
"Didn't you hear during the battle... Seems that Kifo and Wakali are siblings... Of some kind..." Se narrowed her eyes and shook her head. Granted she was use to Wakali's ways, she only assumed he wandered to talk with the other coalition leaders, especially now after their battle with the tribe cats.
"Wakali finds an interest in females but... He's not ready for any serious relationship. Then gain who knows... He's been recovering from the battle..." She looked away and shook her head, "meh... Well guess I should do my rounds around the place..." She turned her head and started to sniff around, looking out to check the surrounding area before heading for the trail that lead above the waterfall, "come along... And bring your hoofer paws with you." She teased lightly in response to Zawadi's comments about her own paws.
ShindosGirl
"Whaaaat??" Stopping dead in her tracks she turned to Imamu, eyes wide and mouth open. "But.. but.. Wow." It seemed inconceviable to her, that the two of them could be related. He seemed nothing like her, at least in her opinion (which of course was somewhat biased). "She doesn't seem that nice but. Oh well." Wasn't like there was much she could do about it anyway, so why bother. She followed along regardless, happy to be talking with the darker feline rather than herself.
Flashes of the battle filled her mind and she shivered, blocking them out as swiftly as she could. "I still think he has a giiirlfriend," she giggled, enunciating the 'iiirl' part in a teasing way. Imamu was probably right, but she could pretend never the less. It was fun. And silly. Laughing at the comment about her paws she skipped along, her tail held high in the air, tip leaning towards her head like she so often did when she was walking. The trail was damp and a little uneasy to navigate in places, but she managed leaving Imamu to do all the checking and sniffing and general watching out. As always she was enamoured with the view, it was the one thing that could distract her from anything and everything else around her - the view. "Do you think we should check the other coalitions? It was a big battle, and they might be hurt."
Kyarako
"They aren't really our concern at the moment Zawadi and at this point the only thing anyone is doing is pointing paws at who didn't do what to win the battle.... We lost, and thats why he had no choice but to give those Tribes more land...." She was climbing the incline that lead a trail up a nd above the waterfall, finally the view of the grasslands was clear and open to them. Imamu took a long heaving breathing and exhaled it out slowly. She somehow always loved the one view, feeling on top of the world. She wondered about her father and his stories and looked to the sky, a few clouds in the sky but they looked swirled like ripples on water.
ShindosGirl
Zawadi hopped from spot to spot, her paws plonking down solidly with each step. She didn't like the tribes taking their lands, and she didn't like the other coalitions laying blame at everyone else's feet. It took away all the fun, and all the places to run around in. But, unlike the other cats, Zawadi could be content here, with this, with her small coalition. "We should spend more time worrying about food and finding mates than everyone does laying blame. And chasing butterflies, at least that's fun." Huffing slightly she sat down next to the older cat and followed her gaze out over the land. "Even if he's never around, Wakali picked a good place to make ours. The view from up here is beautiful." She gently exhaled, closing her eyes and turning her face towards the sun to soak in what little warmth it could offer. Already the snow was beginning to fall, the frost setting in deep into the bones of the land. "It's going to be a cold winter," she shivered, thankful for the extra warm fur she had as she wrapped her tail around her closely. "What's your favourite season Imamu?" As her stomach grumbled softly she grinned, lower jaw hanging wide making her look like she was trying to inhale the cold air for sustenance.
Kyarako
Imamu listened intently to Zawadi's words and smirked at the mention of finding mates and food. She thought it odd they be placed in the same sentence. No, Imamu would not willingly look for a mate, she has gotten this far in life without one, she knew she could handle a little more until death claimed her. Even if alone, she would be happy. Then again she was never alone, not if she had others like Wakali and Zawadi around."
She continued to look at the view, nodding with a 'hmm' at Zawadi's words about Wakali choosing the best standpoint. The cold air did feel a bit nippy and she shook her pelt, fluffing out the fur around her neck and spine. And looked to the sky, "I'm not really sure which is my favorite... I'm still getting use to the seasons... For a long time my father and I were captives to humans. Sure we were cared for but it was alike the weather never changed. It was always dry with a window to the outside. We could see the weather changes but rarely were we ever let out to experience it. My father said I was too young and the humans acted like... It was better for me to simply stay inside. When we were set free... Everything changed. I saw the wind in the grass, felt the sun on my coat... But I just don't feel like I have experienced each season to its fullest just yet. Every season, winter... Spring, summer or fall... They are never the same." She smiled and flicked an ear and turned to Zawadi, hoping the perky female would understand what she meant.
ShindosGirl
The she cat was different to talk to, but Zawadi enjoyed the way she thought about what she said before she said it. Her mother often used to say to her that she needed to do that more - but she'd just never really got the hang of not blurting out exactly what she was thinking or feeling. Her head cocked to the side, her teal eyes full of life and wonder. "Humans, they are funny looking creatures." She shifted, wiggling forward to sit closer to the other cat and let her borrow some warmth. "I think my favourite season is spring, lots of baby animals and there's always so much to eat." She paused, thinking over something she'd learnt herself before she joined the coalition and followed Wakali. "New things can be a lot to take in, but it's always fun to at least go through the experience." Grinning at the darker female warmly she wasn't sure she completely understood what it felt like, but she hoped she'd at least said the right thing.
Kyarako
Imamu smirked, "Mmm.....Fresh Kudu Fawn or Impala babies are delicious... such tender little pieces of meat." She gave a somewhat of a sarcastic laugh and looked to Zawadi to show she was only kidding....partially anyway, "Yeah...experiencing things is good.... but, what i need now is food so... I'm heading back into the cave and see what we have in our stores.... otherwise...I guess I'll have to go on another hunt or something..." She stretched her body and yawned lightly as she stood up and shook her pelt, though the sun felt so good on her finally dry coat, she had to venture back down the path and back into the cave. She only prayed she didn't stumbled down and accidentally roll into one of the many pools.
ShindosGirl
Zawadi's stomach grumbled and she frowned, sometimes she wondered if she could not eat animals and still live, but the thought was a fleeting one - Imamu was right. They were yummy. "Wanna go for a hunt?" Sure, they could eat whatever scraps they could find in their den, but she felt like stretching her legs and burning off some energy. Plus, it would warm them up. "Oh come on Imamu, please, please, please?" Rising she bounced back and forth on the balls of her feet, eager to hear the older cats' decision. Even if she said no Zawadi would probably head off, staying in the den all day was far too boring for the likes of her.
Kyarako
"Very well then... Perhaps we can find my father. I need to check on him anyway..." She glanced over the land once again, a worried expression crossing her for a moment, "let's get a move on. I saw a herd of gazelle moving east. If we go now, we can cut them off before they head into tribe territory and we lose them..." She reached the end of the path and turned heading out, shaking her pelt and yawning off the rest if the sleepiness she had.
ShindosGirl
"Oh yay!"
Happy to be leaving the den and not having to go out on her own for a change she bounced around, her tail flicking back and forth with excitement. Zawadi didn't notice the worry on Imamu's face, far too busy being happy and hungry and excited about getting to stretch her legs. The mention of tribe territory had her flick her own gaze out over the land around them before shrugging, enjoying the way her fur simply puffed up as she did so.
Gazelle were fast, but they were high on her list of favourite foods and if they caught something the reward would definitely be worth the effort. Following the older she-cat out onto the open plains of their territory she suggested they head off at a lope, gazelle were fickle beasts and could very well head into tribe territory before they got there simply because they thought the grass tasted better.
Grass tasting better, Zawadi snorted in amusement. She'd tried eating grass once as a cub and her mother had asked her what she was doing with confusion. Zawadi had replied that she wanted to know they the food ate it when it tasted so bad and her mother had simply laughed and told her not to worry about it - to this day she still had no clue as to why their food ate such terrible tasting stuff but tasted so good themselves.
"We can bring him some food - maybe that will make him happy?"
Kyarako
Imamu nodded, "yeah. I haven't a chance to bring him anything in the past few days. He must be starving unless he managed to catch himself something." She glanced at the bouncing female and smirked lightly.
They moved on slowly and carefully across the grasses, stopping every so often when the herd stopped. Imamu wasn't going to lose the herd and every once in a while pressed on even if the herd had stopped, letting them graze as she rounded the group, trying to have her presence be enough to steer them in the other direction.
"My father be happy we're doing this for him." She grumbled lightly under her breath. Despite the annoyance in her voice, she seemed happy enough to be able to do something for her father, "Zawadi... Come in from the left side, spook me if you have to. Move them back." She lashed her tail as she eyed those few who bounded around, wanting to pass her towards the robe territory.
"Not all the grass is better you stupid grunting grass eaters!" She hissed with an annoyed chirp. At this some had moved away as she wanted, but still the herd was just too large and knew they would lose quiet a few to the tribe territories.
ShindosGirl
Zawadi shrugged, it wasn't up to her and in the light of things she didn't spend a lot of time worrying about others. Or really worrying about anything.
The herd was full and lush, their bellies looking ever so tempting. Crouching low in the grass she followed close enough to Imamu to be able to hear her, but not so much that she'd get in the way. She'd done that when she was younger and learning and had been scolded by her mother rather severely for it - food and survival were not things to trifle and joke around with.
Twitching her ears to indicate she'd heard her the light coated she-cat backed off and circled further around to the left hoping she could time it right. Too long and she'd run out of stamina and speed, too short and she could end up tumbling right over the top of Imamu herself. "I can do this, I can do this," she softly chanted to herself with each crawling step. The heard was getting agitated, some of the does sensing something was wrong, their big eyes and ears seeing and hearing almost everything around them.
Deciding it was time Zawadi sprang forward, the surge of a cheetah in hunt was a thing of action, speed and above all agility - within moments the gazelle and herself were leaping across the long grass as if airborne. Left. Left. Left. She had to head them towards Imamu - trusting the older cat to see the herd coming and move out of the way if she had to.
Kyarako
Imamu saw them coming and lowered herself flat against the ground. Gazelle leaped high above Her. Bounding just to get over the obstruction of because they had seen her at the last moment. The herd moved as one, moving farther away from the tribe Territory as they had wanted. When the last of the herd was still bounding towards her, she jumped up, springing forward to try and catch the doe by surprise. However, the doe, had quickly changed directions mid bound and was racing away. Imamu chirped but skillfully chased after it. Her tail lashing as the herbivore dashed one way then another, doing anything to get her off its trail. Skidding through the lightly sanded area, Imamu had almost lost sight of the runner, twitching her ears to listen to the hoof beats as they changed directions on her once again. Imamu leaped forward, swiping a paw low and feeling spindle legs catch between her claws.
The Gazelle stumbled and tripped over its own legs, tumbling in a roll on the ground. Imamu was quick to catch the rolling prey and hold it firmly in her jaws. Now out of breath, the only thing she could do was stay where she was, cutting the life out of the gazelle she held in her jaws. It kicked in frustration, fear and soon, the bright eyes that held life were now stone cold and eerily lifeless. Imamu dropped the prey and sighed heavily.
ShindosGirl
She'd chased them in the direction of Imamu, feet pounding across the hard ground in time with her increased heartbeat. She loved to run, but even she tired quickly as the herd of gazelle moved fast across the ground. Reaching out a front paw she tripped one, but it recovered quickly and bounded away, much to her disappointment. Having to slow down due to being near exhaustion herself she watched in disappointment as another meal got away.
Scanning the horizon for Imamu she found her, spirits rising immediately when she saw she'd caught something. It wasn't a lot of food to share between at least three grown cheetahs, but it was better than nothing. She made her way towards her and shook out her fur and muscles.
"Nice catch Imamu," she grinned, "sorry I didn't catch anything. Next time dinner's on me." Passing closely but not so close as to stand on Imamu she lay down next to her and licked her paws while she waited for her to catch her breath. Hunting wasn't an easy business, she understood that. As silly as she may be sometimes Zawadi was nothing if not considerate of others.
"We eating here or do you want to take it to your father first?"
Kyarako
Imamu flicked her tail as she looked around. He was still breathing pretty hard. The gazelle she had scoped had been much faster than it let on. She smiled faintly as Zawadi as she had laid down beside her, "I suppose she should get it to him. He'll like the company." She sat and waited a few moments, finally able to catch her breath.
The herds had moved back and quite a few had wandered toward the tribe territory,"Well... We should get moving. Before a hyena or vulture get whiff of this kill. And my father's den is way on the south side of the Human's Reserve." Imamu yawned, stretching her jowls as they had momentarily ached from clamping on the jugular for so long. She stood, and shook her pelt, dust flying off her white mane and she glanced down at Zawadi, "Just carry the catch and we'll overlook your missed catch." She teased but at the same time it was small favor. Imamu was too tired to drag a gazelle at the moment. Her jaws hurt enough and her legs were partially shaking with adrenaline that was still slowly seeping away.
ShindosGirl
Humans.
They both fascinated and terrified her at the same time, as a tyro she'd been caught in their traps more than once and with paws as large as hers they weren't as simple to get out of the wires as the smaller animals such as gazelles or young cubs. The thought of having to pass their reserve made her mane fluff up a little.
"Sure, can't be that hard to carry." Rising to her paws she stepped forward and grabbed the small, tan coloured creature around its thin neck and pulled it, waiting for Imamu to join her, before continuing on. She hoped it wasn't too far, but only cause she was hungry and the gazelle tasted good.
Managing to still talk around the burden in her mouth she enquired about Imamu's opinions on humans and their traps. They were getting closer and closer every year.
Kyarako
Imamu sighed as she moved along side Zawadi. She had mixed feelings about humans as she was once their captive as a cub. She didn't know there was much of anything else, least not until she and her father were released.
"They... Are okay. Well some are... I guess. I was born early according to my father and the humans helped raise me since my mother couldn't feed me as a tiny cub." She looked to Zawadi and shrugged as she walked, "some are evil but I don't think they all are..."
ShindosGirl
Zawadi listened, waited, and... promptly lost interest. Humans were humans. Why worry about them until she had to? And besides it was far more entertaining to watch the herds move about them. Most large prey had nothing to fear from cheetahs, they were too light, too small to kill them. But their instincts told them to, and so they did. She laughed inside, her eyes dancing with amusement as a particularly nervous critter scattered away from them in such a hurry it seemed to run into a rock.
She hadn't known about Imamu though, and it explained why she was a little, not odd, but not quite completely cheetah either. Her father then must know the humans. Ah well. Not having met him before she wondered what he would be like, would Imamu look like him? Or would she take after her mother? Thoughts passing through her mind as lightly as ever though consequential likely never voiced.
"Do you want to stay with him for a while after we take him food?"
Kyarako
"No... After we eat, I think it best we just head back to the standpoint. Wakali should be back and I'm sure he'll want to review SOMETHING he saw out on his walk. It would just be better rather than having someone relay the message when we can just get it directly from the Zebra's mouth." She grunted lightly as they had continued walking for a long time, not entirely interested in the herds so long as they stayed in coalition territory.
She felt momentarily awkward, not use to asking or sharing stories with others but when she did open up, it felt good. She didn't want to have Zawadi talk while carrying the prey so was unsure what to really talk about to pass the time while the headed toward's her father's den. They had another good mile at least.
ShindosGirl
The younger she cat waited for her to continue, but when Imamu was no further forthcoming with anything to say she simply kept quiet. It wasn't the easiest thing to talk around a carcass you were dragging across uneven ground with paws as large as hers, so for once she was having to concentrate just a little more than normal.
Well, normal for her. Probably still considered scatterbrained for those around her.
Thinking over points of their conversation so far it occured to Zawadi she may have a chance to join the tribes, should their be another battle for territory and they won. Her mother had been from them, and her father - and though she didn't know it, her own brother was a member of one as well. But glancing over at the cat next to her, thinking of Wakali, she wondered if she truly would just abandon them like that. In a moment of unexpected emotion she chirped at Imamu, rubbing her shoulder against the other she cats' pelt and then continuing on as if nothing happened.
A few more feet and the silence was becoming awkward.
Kyarako
The moments silenced had passed and Imamu was surprised by Zawadi's sudden moment of affection. Imamu wasn't sure what to say after but still there was a light smile crawling over her face. Imamu never had anyone close enough to call a sibling and she had always considered those of her Tribe to be family. She glanced over at Zawadi, "Not long now. He's just over there." She pointed her nose to a large rock and sandy dunes. Not far off From the Reserve, "I hate that he placed his den so close to the place but...what can you do.... I'll run ahead to let him know we've got food okay...?"
She darted forward and chirped. The den was well hidden by brush and bushes. If any human was looking for a cheetah den, they certainly wouldn't be looking so close to the reserve. She heard her father stir and move out from his den.
"Imamu...? Imamu is that you...?"
"Father!"
"There's my girl." He smiled and stopped seeing another figure with her, "Who's this...?"
ShindosGirl
Her eyes followed the direction of the she cat and spotted the unmistakable large rock, at least he'd chosen a decent land mark if he ever got lost she thought. In her opinion that was a very smart thing, getting lost was far too easy to do (she'd only been lost a few times but those times had been a very scary few moments).
"Old cats are strange, sure," Zawadi replied with a smile as best she could manage. Glad to let Imamu take the lead she waited for her to pass in front before following her forward. The chirped greeting was as mich a hello as it was a warning that someone was approaching she thought, you don't want to go sneaking up on an animal in it's den nope nope nope. The bushes caught on her fur and the bundle she was carrying, but Zawadi ignored them as best as possible and pushed through, hearing Imamu's voice mingled with that of a male cat, gruffer and older.
"It's nice to meet you I'm Zawadi," the lighter pelted cat introduced herself after releasing the food from her mouth, "Imamu has told me about you and thought you'd appreciate a snack."
Kyarako
Imamu smiled and Bushiri only nodded and stepped forward. Long white hair flowing around his face as she dipped his head to Zawadi, "I am Bushiri...a pleasure to meet you Zawadi. Imamu has told me about you as well. Quite the chipper girl heh. Thank you. I'm very glad someone could be with Imamu. She is always so serious." He dipped his head and sniffed the prey brought with a warm humble smile. Imamu flattened her ears at her father.
"Only because you worry me so much. You should join the coalition so I can keep a closer eye on you."
"Oh hush daughter, I've already told you...Coalition life is nothing like the Tribes." He rose his head before smiling back to Zawadi, "Come we can lay down and joy this snack together. I couldn't possibly eat it all by myself."
ShindosGirl
She watched the interaction with amusement, a tiny speck of jealousy rared its ugly head but she just pushed it down and ignored it, it was nice to see family sharing their bonds and affection. Besides, Imamu's dad was rather handsome for an older cat, with his long hair, regardless of his many scars.
She snickered at the remark on her seriousness, nodding her head in agreement. Feeling as comfortable as she did around Imamu it was no suprise to her that she felt relaxed around her father, sitting herself down and curling her fluffy tail around her body.
"Coalition life isn't that bad, Imamu's pretty fun and she at least puts up with me," Zawadi grinned stupidly, "we already have two serious members, so you can join if you promise to be fun." Not at all in any rush to turn down the offer of food which she'd just help to drag all the way over here, she happily tore a chunk of meat from a thigh of a back leg.
Kyarako
Bushiri and imamu both laid down, the female already digging in without thinking and Bushiri only chuckled, "life is too precious to always be serious. In my growing age... I am best loving every moment than worry about what will happen. Life with move on regardless and I'd much enjoy it rather than be a grump." He smiled before licking the prey. The belly was soft, tender. He tore into it, his maw becoming bloody as he did so. The softest pieces always held much more blood than the rest.
Imamu held her father with a partially concerned stare before she looked to Zawadi. She thought it very nice for her father to be social seeing as he didn't get much aside from the few cheetah within the reserve who came to the fence. In most cases however, he father was more a loner than anything.
"How have you been?"
"Must you ask Imamu... I'm fine."
"You're getting skinny. I have to worry. You don't hunt for yourself. And it's been a week since I've seen you. What about that cough you had?"
"Imamu... Your beginning to sound like my mother... Please dear, do t worry about your old father." He looked to Zawadi and winked in her direction, "see what I have to deal with...?" He said in a joking tone. Imamu seemed to puff up, the blood on her maw making her look angrier than she was.
"Excuse me for caring!!!" She chirped sharply. It sounded angry but her body language was completely relaxed.
ShindosGirl
Ignoring the slight bickering between the two of them as anything more than exactly what it was she just grinned around the chunk of meat that sat haning out the corner of her mouth.
"Your lucky your daughter cares about you so much, though you don't seem like an old grump much to me," she amended her original statement at a slight observation of Imamu out the corner of her eyes. The she-cat appeared as relaxed as the rest of them, but Zawadi wasn't about to test her true patience or anger when she already had her father to deal with, and that rather tasty looking smearing of blood on her maw.
"My mama has a new family now, and my father was never there when we were little or growing up, something happened to him that made him go away, but I think he would be like you when he got older."
Kyarako
Bushiri laughed at his daughter's expense, while still listening to Zawadi speak. He took another rasping lick over the food before giving an interested smirk, "Well... Fathers are fools. I was when I thought leaving the tribes would solve all our problems...but we learn and move on." There was a moment of noticeable sadness in Bushiri's tired voice but he seemed to push past the feeling as he chirped to Zawadi, "what do you mean by your mother having a new family..? If you don't mind me asking..?"
Imamu was eating quietly, knowing that her father had made the choice to leave the trives because back in the old days, cross tribe Cubs was suppose to be forbidden but he was in love and stupidly dragged his mate out into unknown territory where she had difficulties during birth due to being trapped and brought to the mainland, thus losing two cubs and the very mate he treasured. She glanced at Zawadi, also with interest about more of her backstory. He perky cheetess said some but Imamu admitted to herself that she sometimes was too busy to really listen to the bubbly spotted female.
ShindosGirl
Finding a particularly juicy chuck of bone she gnawed on it for a few moments before answering. Used to being laughed at, and with, she still felt somewhat uncomfortable being made the center of attention and to talk about her history. Things weren't like that anymore, she had to remind herself, they were okay now. Resting with one of her big paws laid over the top of another she took a deep breath before starting (really to calm herself down but she smiled at the way it made all her fur puff up).
"You know, she has a new family. When we were little I had brothers and sisters, but they all.. well, we left our home, mama carried me across the big water and we ended up here. It wasn't easy, but when I got big enough to help I tried really hard, but mama used to be gone for hours at a time, then days. One day she came back and told me she was leaving, I was big enough to look after myself now." Taking a break for a moment Zawadi smiled softly, the warmth in her voice still there even after all this time. "I followed her and found she had new babies, three little balls of fluff. Then I knew it was time to go, so I did and eventually I found Imamu and Wakali and, well, here we are."
She wasn't big on talking about her family, or her past, but he'd asked so kindly it seemed like the only real polite way to answer. Zawadi was still left in the dark that her brother had survived, or that her father had actually been alive until they'd left the island.
"But, cubs are really cute so it's good she had more!" She perked up visibly as she moved on, thinking about the small fluff balls. "Imamu, when are you having cubs?"
Kyarako
The change in subject was done and Imamu glanced to her father who gave a satisfied nod. His question was answered now Imamu had to answer hers. Bushiri smiled, "I doubt anytime soon. If Imamu is anything like her mother, she'll be picky."
"Who needs toms anyway... I've got enough to deal with.... Like taking care of you. Hunting parties with Zawadi here and the others... And don't get me started on Wakali... When he disappears, who else is gonna keep watch over the standpoint...?" Imamu shook her head and smiled almost embarrassed, "Besides... I'm already into my fifth cycle... I'm already scarred and beat up... What Tom would want me anyway..." She gave a glance to the plains around them. Oh how the thought of Cubs was such a lovely though but a natural scare of losing her life or the life of her cubs just as her own mother had, still worried her mind. And for that reason alone was probably why she pushed any toms away. Of course, after awhile, it was just her attitude that made her seem uninterested, even if she was.
ShindosGirl
Glad the focus was off her, she listened happily to Imamu spout of excuses not to have cubs, and her fathers' comment about her picky mother had her wondering, just what was Imamu's mom like anyway?
Laughter rose at the comment about Wakali, it was true he did do an awful lot of disappearing, maybe he was going to have cubs soon instead. But she couldn't believe that no tom would ever want to not be with Imamu, she was pretty and kind, and a good hunter and she looked after everyone. Waiting for her to finish speaking she piped up with her opinion.
"Lots of toms would Imamu! You're pretty and you have lots of hair, you're a good hunter. Maybe we can go looking for a tom one day, I can come with you in case he's not very good and then I can chase him off," mimicking an African Wild Dogs' crouching position she hissed in example. "See, I can be scary too. But, what was your mother like Imamu? Was she old too when she had cubs?"
Kyarako
Imamu giggled to Zawadi, glad for the offer but embarrassed all the same. When the question came about her mother, she only looked to her father briefly who didn't seemed to bothered to share despite his quietness. Imamu decided to speak for him, "my father said my mother wasn't that old... They had just reached their third cycle. A sickness had apparently come upon the tribes and my father wanted to get her away before she got sick, not only that, it was forbidden for cross tribe Cubs... And he and her would have gotten into serious trouble. But... When they had finally run away together, my mother did get sick. And she couldn't recover from it because it was a scarce winter. No food, frozen water..."
"Then we were picked up by the humans. They brought us to the reserve...she died from sickness and loss of blood. Imamu was the only one of three to survive.... And even that was just barely." Bushiri finished with a solemn glance to the reserve not far off. His one good eye geared, the only seemed blank with his scared face, "She is with the Keepers... No disease could ever hurt her now...nor the Cubs that were stillborn."
ShindosGirl
This place... this place felt like what it used to feel like at home. The den, the sharing of food and the talking and teasing of each other. So this was what a family was like, Zawadi mused. If she ever had cubs she wanted them to grow up in a place just like this.
Letting her stomach feel so full she could pop she set about to cleaning herself discreetly while listening to Imamu talk, her voice was pleasant on the ears and it was nice to see her having a bit of fun instead of being so serious all the time. When the subject of her mother came up the tension in the room changed, ever so little. Glancing between Imamu and her father in case something was wrong, cleaning now forgotten, Zawadi listened intently. Thinking to herself how hard it must have been to lose your mate and almost all of your cubs, to try and do the right thing but only have it all go so wrong in the end. She sympathised with this family and wondered if perhaps she was more like Imamu than she'd at first realised. Quietly rising she made a spot closer to Imamu's side and lay down, her fur touching the older she cat's, if she chose to move away Zawadi wouldn't be offended.
"She's with the stars in the sky, my siblings are there too, maybe they're all playing together and having fun. That would be nice, wouldn't it?" She avoided looking directly at anyone as she spoke, instead just smiling to herself. "Playing with all the pretty stars and butterflies.."
Kyarako
"I'm sure they are..." Bushiri grunted with a smile before a small cough escaped him. Imamu tensed when he had done so but after it seemed to pass, she relaxed, more comfortably beside Zawadi as if we're natural to lay beside her.
"If I ever have Cubs... It will be in memory of Mother and my siblings... But that's only IF!!" She gave a sideways glance to Zawadi, not wanting her to get any ideas. A purr grew in her throat, amused and her father seemed to lighten up with an amused chuckle.
"Yes and you'll have Zawadi here to help watch them... Not me though, by the time you have Cubs..."
"Father stop it! You still have many years ahead of you!" Imamu didn't seem to care for how her father so willingly throws his life. She wanted to believe her aging father would live forever. Not wanting to be alone, she pressed herself against Zawadi. Her father chuckled softly and dipped his head in apology.
"Yes my dear... Perhaps..." Although the there was a look in his eye that betrayed the reassurance he offered to his daughter, "you have your coalition... And you have your aunt and cousin..."
"Yeah....sure dad... We're so close." She rolled her eyes at the thought of her kin in the tribes. They were nothing in comparison to what kind of relationship she had with those of the Hukumu Coalition.
ShindosGirl
Warm, with a full belly Zawadi was struggling to stay awake enough to really partake any further in the coversation, but her ears perked up with the mention of cubs and more of Imamu's family members. Glancing at the two adults next to her she wondered what Imamu's cubs would look like and pictured tiny balls with really long hair. It made her giggle. She wondered if Imamu's mother had long hair too, imagine a whole tribe of long hair cheetahs. Wow, they'd be impressive to look at, her mind drifted over what it may possibly look like. Thoughts were interrrupted by the sharp tone of Imamu's voice and Zawadi tried to focus more on the conversation.
She wondered, no one lived forever but Imamu seemed to be in denial about that. She'd suffered through the deaths of her siblings, and though she didn't wish it upon anyone, it was a fact of life. Letting out a small huff of air she interjected into the conversation.
"I will look after you Imamu, and your long hair cubs," she grinned up from where she had lain her head on her paws. "But your dad's too handsome to pass away yet, too much hair," she tutted.
Kyarako
"See!? Even Zawadi says so." Imamu chimed after. Although gave Zawadi a curious glance about the long haired Cubs. Her father chuckled, seeing he was defeated in the conversation.
"It's starting to get late. Your coalition will start to miss you." He looked to the sky. It was nearing the late afternoon. Imamu looked at the sky and then Zawadi.
"Yeah we'd better get going. Before Zawadi ends up falling asleep." She purred as she stood and nudged the pale cheetess beside her, "we'd better get going."
ShindosGirl
The warm thing she'd been leaning on moved, shocking Zawadi back to full awakeness. Yawning widely she protested, "I'm awake, I'm awake."
Pushing her front paws forward she stretched her back and tail, enjoying the feel of it after sitting for so long. So it was time to leave, pity, she'd been quite happy to stay and sleep and be warm but he was right, they were probably long overdue back at the waterfall.
"It was very nice to meet you, next time Imamu wants to go hunting for you I'd be happy to help and come along," Zawadi purred, making sure to remember her manners. "Imamu, do you think Wakali will have hair like that some day? I think he'd look handsome," she remarked with a grin as she joined the darker she-cat.
Kyarako
"Maybe... And maybe not. His hair is kinda wild really." Imamu giggled slightly and padded to her father, nuzzling him gently, "I'll visit soon father. You just get rest and make sure you hunt and clean yourself!! No more looking like a corpse."
"No promises my dear Imamu but I will try." He purred deeply and turned to Zawadi, "and thank you for joining my Imamu and me today. It was a pleasure." He dipped his head thankful and Imamu beckoned for Zawadi to follow as she pranced off, heading back to the waterfall standpoint.
![Adoption Auction [CLOSED!]](https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/04e55558-d929-40ae-9085-354e51302b14/d8szl2u-23bc0790-7cce-492a-916d-6de752d87055.png/v1/crop/w_184,h_184,x_36,y_0,scl_0.26285714285714,q_70,strp/adoption_auction__closed___by_vooron_d8szl2u-92s-2x.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzAwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMDRlNTU1NTgtZDkyOS00MGFlLTkwODUtMzU0ZTUxMzAyYjE0XC9kOHN6bDJ1LTIzYmMwNzkwLTdjY2UtNDkyYS05MTZkLTZkZTc1MmQ4NzA1NS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI1MiJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.tZu9vHpc3jnVuXzhrmWnFwJ4VLe4nWw_bx8ziFr7Fz0)
![Adoption Auction [CLOSED!]](https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/04e55558-d929-40ae-9085-354e51302b14/d8szl2u-23bc0790-7cce-492a-916d-6de752d87055.png/v1/crop/w_92,h_92,x_18,y_0,scl_0.13142857142857,q_70,strp/adoption_auction__closed___by_vooron_d8szl2u-92s.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzAwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMDRlNTU1NTgtZDkyOS00MGFlLTkwODUtMzU0ZTUxMzAyYjE0XC9kOHN6bDJ1LTIzYmMwNzkwLTdjY2UtNDkyYS05MTZkLTZkZTc1MmQ4NzA1NS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI1MiJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.tZu9vHpc3jnVuXzhrmWnFwJ4VLe4nWw_bx8ziFr7Fz0)
First rp with Zawadi woot!!
It was a lot of fun, and I hope Imamu and Zawadi can stay close
Thanks Kya <3
Zawadi - Me
Imamu - Kyarako
+ 5 spots to Zawadi
It was a lot of fun, and I hope Imamu and Zawadi can stay close
Thanks Kya <3
Zawadi - Me
Imamu - Kyarako
+ 5 spots to Zawadi
© 2015 - 2024 ShindosGirl
Comments2
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I had fun! Zawadi is a fun and bouncy character, break that serious she'll Imamu always has.