The woman watched as the sweet cub reluctantly consumed the mush of herbs, a soft chuckle coming from her maw as she expressed displeasure at the taste. Sorry I could not make it taste better. It may take a little while to start working, but hopefully it will make you feel a little like your old self. She smiled. She wanted her to feel young, and able to be a child... At least for a little longer. She wondered if she should visit the pride, offering the names and locations of the herbs she used to treat her this time to the girls parents. She just wanted @Cordi to be able to breathe as clearly as possible, for as long as she had left. What are your father's names? She asked, a smile on her maw as she settled down onto her haunches, pulling the turtle shell back toward herself. She would clean it for reuse later. Perhaps I could tell them how to make the medicine, so you can start feeling a little better every day. Her voice nearly cracked at the words "every day". How long was that? How many days would it even be? She wanted the cub to still be here for her to visit, the next time she came. She wanted her to be okay, for.... As long as possible.
August Y12
Summer
The summer season has finally reached its peak. The sunshine is plentiful, the days are long and the air is hot and humid - but the evenings do not seem to provide the same relief that they once had, and remain somewhat stuffy. Thunderstorms have also began appearing more frequently, particularly in the rainforest and eastern region, though the rain is welcomed after a relatively dry season thus far.
Map & Calendar
Pridelands
Amaryllis' discovered prides
Be not Afraid
01-27-2023, 12:23 AM
The woman watched as the sweet cub reluctantly consumed the mush of herbs, a soft chuckle coming from her maw as she expressed displeasure at the taste. Sorry I could not make it taste better. It may take a little while to start working, but hopefully it will make you feel a little like your old self. She smiled. She wanted her to feel young, and able to be a child... At least for a little longer. She wondered if she should visit the pride, offering the names and locations of the herbs she used to treat her this time to the girls parents. She just wanted @Cordi to be able to breathe as clearly as possible, for as long as she had left. What are your father's names? She asked, a smile on her maw as she settled down onto her haunches, pulling the turtle shell back toward herself. She would clean it for reuse later. Perhaps I could tell them how to make the medicine, so you can start feeling a little better every day. Her voice nearly cracked at the words "every day". How long was that? How many days would it even be? She wanted the cub to still be here for her to visit, the next time she came. She wanted her to be okay, for.... As long as possible.
code by loki - art by Aurora
01-27-2023, 12:31 AM
She almost corrected the older lioness by saying that her "old self" wasn't much better than this one, but opted to leave it alone. @Arachnae seemed to genuinely care for her well-being and it seemed rude to try to dash any hope she was trying to create. Aquila and Caligula. She gave her papas' names without issue, especially since she offered to teach them the medicine. I'm sure they'd think it was helpful. Cordi didn't mind feeling less bad whenever the time rolled around. Though she lifted her gaze to look at Arach's directly. I'm dying, just like the shadow monster wants, aren't I? The question just abruptly dumped in the clearing between them.
01-27-2023, 12:58 AM
The names met her ears and she ensured to keep them in her mind. She would visit the Vermeda pride, and ask for the two. She was familiar with one of the names though- Aquila. A allied Valour, and trusted friend of Astridr. The precious child, fading so quickly from her father's. She hated it. I'll make sure to visit there very soon, and tell them how to make it then. She grinned, trying to keep a bright composure before the little cherry colored fluff. Oh, but how quickly that would be shattered.
I'm dying, just like the shadow monster wants, aren't I?
Her face fell, and this time, she could not hide the hot tears that began streaking down her face. Shadow..... Monster? She whispered. Could she see spirits? Or was it a creature of her nightmares that plagues her? Oh, honey..... She couldn't cease herself from rushing forward to gently try and embrace the small child with a paw, There is always.... A reason. She began, her words careful. You have two fathers..... Do you know if you were perhaps a gift from Maua? The witch asked. She would do her best to try and make an explanation that would be less heart shattering.
@Cordi
I'm dying, just like the shadow monster wants, aren't I?
Her face fell, and this time, she could not hide the hot tears that began streaking down her face. Shadow..... Monster? She whispered. Could she see spirits? Or was it a creature of her nightmares that plagues her? Oh, honey..... She couldn't cease herself from rushing forward to gently try and embrace the small child with a paw, There is always.... A reason. She began, her words careful. You have two fathers..... Do you know if you were perhaps a gift from Maua? The witch asked. She would do her best to try and make an explanation that would be less heart shattering.
@Cordi
code by loki - art by Aurora
01-27-2023, 04:45 PM
Cordi simply nodded at her promise to visit her fathers. Maybe it would be enough to soothe whatever pain they felt for Cordi’s circumstance. Her question was a shattering of @Arachnae cheerful demeanor and she felt bad about it. What else was she to do but ask? Wouldn’t it be insane if she was the only one who figured that she was dying?
Her friend closed the space and Cordi allowed the embrace that was offered. I.. uhm. Had an episode and a shadow monster was chasing me with the intent to kill me. How scared she had been when it charged at her, the fear pulling her out of the in between but the fear remained. Arach would bring up Maua and she would nod. Yeah, I have older siblings from Maua too.
Her friend closed the space and Cordi allowed the embrace that was offered. I.. uhm. Had an episode and a shadow monster was chasing me with the intent to kill me. How scared she had been when it charged at her, the fear pulling her out of the in between but the fear remained. Arach would bring up Maua and she would nod. Yeah, I have older siblings from Maua too.
01-27-2023, 05:04 PM
She was relieved, a little, to be allowed to give the child a hug. The circumstances were heartbreaking, but it was more heartbreaking that this child was suffering in her mind. Something was plaguing her, a creature that chased her when she was down from this illness. Perhaps that shadow monster isn't quite what it seems.... Maybe it's your fear. I can only imagine you are afriad, little one.... She said, I'm so sorry this is happening, that you were destined for a fate like this.
The crimson cub confirmed she was indeed a gift from Maua, the deity that protected Amaryllis, doing their best to protect it's creatures from the wrath of the more malevolent divine. Maua gifted you to your fathers for a reason, she began, and for reasons we don't know yet Maua has decided he will need you back, in his realm. He believes you have a greater purpose there. The witch swallowed once, the feeling like a sharp rock traveling down her throat. He knows that your siblings will do well to help heal their heartbreak, and that you will always still be there, even if they cannot see you. A small, soft smile managed to lift her maw, but you will not be alone, either, little one. There are places here, in Amaryllis, where we can visit our lost loves.
The witch didn't know if her words would be comforting to the child, after all, how do you explain to someone so small, with so much potential for a future that their future was in another world? That they would never grow? She wanted to break down into tears again, but managed to steel her resolve and refrain.
@Cordi
The crimson cub confirmed she was indeed a gift from Maua, the deity that protected Amaryllis, doing their best to protect it's creatures from the wrath of the more malevolent divine. Maua gifted you to your fathers for a reason, she began, and for reasons we don't know yet Maua has decided he will need you back, in his realm. He believes you have a greater purpose there. The witch swallowed once, the feeling like a sharp rock traveling down her throat. He knows that your siblings will do well to help heal their heartbreak, and that you will always still be there, even if they cannot see you. A small, soft smile managed to lift her maw, but you will not be alone, either, little one. There are places here, in Amaryllis, where we can visit our lost loves.
The witch didn't know if her words would be comforting to the child, after all, how do you explain to someone so small, with so much potential for a future that their future was in another world? That they would never grow? She wanted to break down into tears again, but managed to steel her resolve and refrain.
@Cordi
code by loki - art by Aurora
01-27-2023, 06:05 PM
Does fear make you feel like you’re being… hunted? She saw the creature in the shadows at the corner of her eyes. Sure, she’s been scared of nightmares or spooked at an unexpected noise. But this thing seemed like it was everywhere. How could she find comfort and peace?
Cordi did appreciate @Arachnae message about having a different purpose. She didn’t understand everything about spirits or dying or what it all meant. Her young mind was happy to have something concrete. A now mystical purpose. You think so? Maua needs me elsewhere? She asked, looking up at the older lioness. Where do we go to visit?
Cordi did appreciate @Arachnae message about having a different purpose. She didn’t understand everything about spirits or dying or what it all meant. Her young mind was happy to have something concrete. A now mystical purpose. You think so? Maua needs me elsewhere? She asked, looking up at the older lioness. Where do we go to visit?
01-27-2023, 07:16 PM
Arachnae nodded her head to the girls question, her mind wandering, just a bit at her own fears. The fear of the ravenous chaos that destroyed the world and threatened to awaken Apophis. The fear of him taking control and swallowing the sun, ending all mortality. The fear of losing her vital purpose, here, to help all those who needed her. Very much so.... It's a sneaky thing, but ever so present. There is unfortunately always fear, especially in the unknown. Perhaps the next time you see this shadowy figure, you should tell it you aren't afriad. That you will remain strong and won't let it keep scaring you. Maybe it will go away. She suggested. She didn't truly know how to get rid of such a nightmare. The imagination of cubs were so strong and wild, it was difficult to tame such things.
The cubs beautiful azure eyes looked up, meeting her own ruby ringed ones, making the lioness's heart flutter and flop just a bit from the sight of the innocent child's sweet face. Was that hope she saw there? Absolutely, little @Cordi. Perhaps Maua needs your young and pure soul in his realm, so that you can keep being a happy cub forever. You can always play, and give joy to the others that come around to visit. And you will never have to worry about your breathing again. She promised. One place I know is the hidden grotto. But sometimes, Maua gifts lands to his spirits to watch over. Maybe he has a land waiting for you. The witch smiled, thinking of Valhalla.
The cubs beautiful azure eyes looked up, meeting her own ruby ringed ones, making the lioness's heart flutter and flop just a bit from the sight of the innocent child's sweet face. Was that hope she saw there? Absolutely, little @Cordi. Perhaps Maua needs your young and pure soul in his realm, so that you can keep being a happy cub forever. You can always play, and give joy to the others that come around to visit. And you will never have to worry about your breathing again. She promised. One place I know is the hidden grotto. But sometimes, Maua gifts lands to his spirits to watch over. Maybe he has a land waiting for you. The witch smiled, thinking of Valhalla.
code by loki - art by Aurora
01-31-2023, 06:30 PM
I'll try. Cordi would do her best not to be so scared of the shadow monster anymore. She would tell it she wasn't, even if it wasn't quite true. She felt a little braver now. Though she wasn't 100% okay with not being here anymore, it was a comfort to be reminded that there was somewhere else to be. So I don't grow up? This was perhaps the more upsetting bit for her: not knowing herself as an adult with full potential. Could you show me the Grotto? Cordi wanted to see the place where she could be when it came to an end anyways.
@Arachnae
@Arachnae
01-31-2023, 08:25 PM
Arachnae hated that there would never be words in this world to completely console the heart of a fading child, but for some reason she still wanted to try. Was still willing to have her soul stomped on once she failed for the simple result of trying. She wanted her to feel at least a little better, feel happy for a little while. She would give years from her own life if she could, despite how few there could be left. Her curiosity still flowed, despite the struggles she was enduring. Her questions both easy and difficult to answer. I'm afriad not.... But getting older is not so great anyways. After all, the older you get the more hardship you have to endure. And your joints start to hurt. She tried to jest, limply holding up a paw and flopping it around with a faux sad expression.
The witch was more surprised, however, that the little cherry red child wanted her to take her to visit the grotto. Arachnae was afriad of exhausting the sweet cub, especially now that darkness took over everything. But, would there be a next time to show her? I would love to take you there.... But it's in the mountains, near the tundra. A walk that far may be quite hard. She warned. Perhaps she could carry the cub of her back? She wasn't too large, and she could leave Rawkshi somewhere to lose his extra weight as well.
@Cordi
The witch was more surprised, however, that the little cherry red child wanted her to take her to visit the grotto. Arachnae was afriad of exhausting the sweet cub, especially now that darkness took over everything. But, would there be a next time to show her? I would love to take you there.... But it's in the mountains, near the tundra. A walk that far may be quite hard. She warned. Perhaps she could carry the cub of her back? She wasn't too large, and she could leave Rawkshi somewhere to lose his extra weight as well.
@Cordi
code by loki - art by Aurora
01-31-2023, 09:41 PM
I can make it! Cordi would insist. The idea of visiting the grotto was one she wasn't ready to let go of. I can be carried or just walk. Your herbs will help, right? Those bright blue eyes turned up to @Arachnae and got super huge. The lion cub equivalent of puppy dog eyes. She'd love to shake off the weight of the conversation, to trade the heaviness for a light-hearted adventure. Seeing where I'll go if I don't get land of my own is what I wanna do if I can't do anything else.