Times seemed to fly before blinking an eye, it felt at least to Urza. Things had been great over the years, but his bones were slowly getting old. He could feel that soon he wouldn't be able to lead the pride that he had created. It was almost time to hand over them to his oldest son. All his kids were adults now, and it was hard to believe. He felt that things went too fast. He looked at his youngest daughter as she approached him. A smile crossed his face as a greet to her.
He was hiding well the feelings that he had started to feel. The ones that said he was far too old to be doing this anymore. Just a bit longer, he would do it until it was time he was to rest forever. He didn't say anything to them in fear that they would react badly to it. It was something he didn't want. He would give them as much happiness until it was time.
"Good morning, Soyala." he said looking at her. She had grown to look much like their mother. She had become a lovely lioness, and he hoped she would settle down and make her own family one day. Though, she was still young.
Soyala smiled at her father back. She was a daddy's girl through in and out. He was her hero and wasn't afraid of anyone knowing it. "Good morning, Father." She said with inclining her head. She had finally been able to venture out into the pride without an escort of any kind. But eventually she would have to find a companion, but til then she was enjoying her new found adult freedom.
"How are you doing?' She asked as she moved and nuzzled his muzzle. Her parents were the best she could ever have, she always thought. She couldn't have felt more blessed with where she was and who she was. Everything was perfect, in her mind. "Have you seen mother?" She asked curious. She had something to give her that she had found while wondering around the pride.
Urza chuckled. "I am doing good," he said as he nuzzled back. She was such a sweet lioness, one that would not make it anywhere else. He realized. This was the reason he made this pride, to protect those who mattered. The would out there was more crazy then one would think. He wanted to protect his children from that. Though his son would have to know what it was like out there.
"No, I haven't seen her today." He said with a thought. "She's probably helping with the council today." he said with a nod. There wasn't any meeting today, but Natintrapa liked know their council members. Which was a good thing, and they had two new members that she wanted to get to know a bit better. Urza had already known them, so he wasn't worried about it.
"Then I will look for her a little later" She said sweetly and she smiled. Soyala realized he looked like his mind was else where today. "Are you sure you're okay?" She asked him with a curious look upon her face. Some times she worried a bit too much, perhaps. Sometimes she couldn't help it, however. Her parents had to deal with alot of things that looked pretty stressful.
"You should take a break today." She insisted. Though, she didn't realize that wasn't exactly what was on his mind. She always assumed it had to do with running a pride. It was hard work, she knew. She shadowed her parents enough to know that things weren't always easy. It was okay though, at the end of the day everyone seemed to be satisfied. Even when lions disappeared. Thought to have left, but maybe they got lost in the snow.
No, that was not what happened. She smiled at her father.
"Don't worry about me, Soyala my dear." He said with another smile. "I am doing alright." He chuckled at her. She was always one to worry about him, just like her mother. He wondered what she would do if he said she was almost just like her. He didn't think that would upset her too much. He knew she adored her mother and had followed her around everywhere as a child.
Not as much now, however. Soyala was becoming her own self, doing things she was interested in now, not just what others wanted of her. It was something he was happy with. He liked to see his children go their own why to make it through the life they had. He didn't want them to feel forced into things.
Of course, Urztin was the only one who wasn't fully allowed to do that. He seemed to be okay with it though, Urza realized. He was much like himself, and that was something he was glad for. He was lost right now, but once he got use to things, he would find his footing and lead them with as much success, if not more than himself.
"I'm proud of you" He said with a smile.
"Oh stop, you'll embarrass me" Soyala said with a smile. She knew both parents were proud of her. She looked at him uncertain if he was actually okay, but she wouldn't press the matter anymore for now. Perhaps he wasn't awake yet. The morning was pretty early yet.
"Okay, but doesn't mean I won't continue to worry." she said wit ha smile and decided to leave it at that. "I think I should find mother before I forget." She said with a nod. She looked at her father before walking past him going deeper into the den that they called home.
He chuckled and nodded. "Yes, go find your mother." He said and shook his head. She had a big heart, and hoped that was what would keep this place up and running. He knew his son will need all the help he could get. Urza did. He would not deny that. But that was something to worry about later. For now, it was time for him to take a walk around the pride.
Where were those two little hares of his, anyways....
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