Back Home at Last...

[Narifia]

Continued From "A Lost Son Returns."

      It so happened that a lone gazelle had crossed their path on the way back to the Outlanders' main territory. By reflex Decimus had swiftly taken it down and had deposited it wordlessly at Narifia's feet. He wasn't particularly thrilled to be hunting for Azra and that thing, but that didn't change the fact that he still had a duty to please his Queen. Narifia was pleased, hesitating only a little at the thought of that injured zebra that was still out there suffering. Putting her trust in the fact that Anasi and the others would take care of the zebra later, Narifia invited her newfound siblings to eat, insisting that they eat first. Decimus sat a small distance away with his back to them as usual, keeping alert for any signs of mischief.

      After they'd all had their fill, Narifia noticed the overwhelming exhaustion creeping up on the older lioness and insisted that Azra take a rest in the shade. They weren't too far from the main territory, so Narifia felt safe in leaving her sister here to recoup her strength.

      "Nuka," Narifia said, turning to her brother, "You're welcome to come back to the Clearing with us, or stay here and rest with Azra." There was a hint of hope in her voice that Nuka would choose to come with her so that she could get to know him a bit better, but she knew that he might feel uncomfortable meeting the rest of the pride without Azra by his side, and didn't push the issue.

Legend:
"Speech" | 'Thoughts'

[Kai]

Nuka paused for a moment, seeming unsure. These lions were mostly strangers, but then, they were Outlanders. He glanced back at Azra quickly, but then nodded.

“I’ll come with you.”

[Narifia]

      Narifia visibly brightened and motioned eastward with a nod of her head. She waited for Nuka to fall in beside her, then began walking with him. "It isn't far now. I can't wait for you to meet everyone," she said genially, "There's Kivuli and Shetani, and you probably already know Kurunzi, Anasi, and Ardilana, don't you?"

      Her eyes flicked to Decimus, who had moved a ways ahead of them. Though she was trying to make friendly conversation, part of her was also trying to gauge how smoothly this meeting with the pride going to go. Things had been tense between her siblings and Decimus, after all. Again Narifia reflected on just how unaware she was of the history between the members of the old Outlander pride. 'Maybe there's something I can learn from Nuka,' she thought as she turned her curious, searching gaze back to her older brother.

Legend:
"Speech" | 'Thoughts'