Successful Pounce

Nari noticed her son seemed more relaxed than he usually was when he came home that evening. Hilael realized he was being scrutinized, but did not offer an explanation. Nari knew that when he was ready to talk, he would, and she let him be. He knew his mother was dying of curiosity, but unlike her eldest daughter, she could keep hers contained. While on the one hand he knew this would give him some breathing room, on the other, he knew he would have to tell her eventually, so it was still a little stressful and pressuring. Shanku seemed to note a change in him, but was too preoccupied with pestering the two younger cubs to harass him.

The family sat down to supper and began their usual routine. Nari served her family and Innugati, Shanku and Muso pestered each other, Zanzen trying to referee them, Banhi took longer than the others to eat because she was concerned with not making a mess, and Hilael trying to avoid drawing attention to himself. Dishes were cleaned, pajamas were donned, clothes were washed and left to dry by the stove, and the family went to bed. Hilael laid awake, as usual, staring at the ceiling, and letting his thoughts roam. Hilael glanced over at his older sister curled up in the nest she shared with Banhi, softly snoring. Would she be jealous he would be training with Gadon, champion of the Scissortails, and she would not?

Hilael shifted uneasily. His secret just got a lot more stressful. It was just going to take time to get used to this. He fell into a fitful sleep.

Morning came, as did the morning routine. Zanzen rose first and made sure the fire was still going in the oven. Nari rose next and combed her hair before getting the porridge on. The cubs rolled out of bed as they smelled breakfast cooking. Another typical meal together and dishes were cleaned. The two youngest were sat down for morning studies with Nari as Zanzen went to train outside, before both would take the cubs outside for their afternoon studies. Shanku often tagged along to share the tidbits she had learned and to help Zanzen spar with Muso. Hilael would alternate studying with his granddam Misen, and wandering outside and trying to identify the plants she taught him about. Innugati of course was always available to show him new ones and new uses for old ones.

But now, he had a new addition to his routine. Twice a week he would meet with Gadon deep in the forest and learn how to defend himself, and in return, pass on what he knew of gathering and medicine. Many of the other days were spent practicing by himself. He was careful to make sure he wasn't followed during any of his practices. It would be absolutely mortifying if he was discovered and he might not be able to continue afterward.

Shanku's tail twitched as she waited near one of Hilael's trails, expecting him to arrive soon. He was delightfully predictable, and by now even her previously erratic behaviour should be unsurprising. The leaves were all gone from the trees and bushes, and it was harder for her to hide from him on his way home. Shanku had found a convenient boulder that kept her out of sight as Hilael came into hers. As Hilael passed by, Shanku pounced. She was completely caught off guard as Hilael immediately threw her to the ground.

"Well, aren't you full of surprises!" Shanku giggled from flat on her back. Hilael looked at her with growing horror. Did he just give himself away? "I've been doing this for months trying to get your reaction time up, and you finally did it!" Shanku chirped as she got back on her feet.

"What?" Hilael asked numbly.

"Just like not all fights are fair, not all training is formal," Shanku grinned and patted him on the back. "There is hope for you yet! Jagan hasn't come around in a while, and maybe if he does again, you'll at least be able to stand your ground enough to get away."

Shanku continued to banter and gossip as she escorted him back to their home for the evening, Hilael even quieter than usual.

"Aw, c'mon, 'Lael! Don't feel bad, I wanted you to do something like that," Shanku offered supportively. "Cheer up. Let's go see Misen before supper."

Hilael sighed and followed her. He seemed to be only replacing one fear for another.

May 10, 2018, Thursday


Characters - Nari Zefana - Hilael - Shanku Ravenwing -


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