The Scars On His Heart

Chapter 10 ~ Try Try Again

Serena woke as a small weight suddenly appeared on her stomach causing the air to rush out of her lungs. Cracking the crust of her eyes as she looked at what woke her she met the worried green eyes of Kovu.

" Is momma sick?" He signed worried expression on his face.

Smiling to assure the young bonobo Serena sat up hugging him to her chest.

"No not sick. Just couldn't sleep last night."
Getting up with Kovu in her arms she headed to breakfast. Once she was outside it seemed like most of the males were already gone hunting. Plastering a fake smile on her face Serena approached Cornelia who seemed to be patiently waiting for them to come to breakfast. Seeing the queen Kovu hooted happily. He jumped out of Serena's arms to greet her.
"Good morning!" He signed politely and the queen returned his greeting.

"Good morning Cornelia. " Serena spoke as she sat to eat her breakfast. The previous nights' interaction with Koba had not happened in the way she had wanted. She was determined though not to let this keep her from trying to befriend the ape. He didn't trust her yet or had any reason to.  She got that but, she couldn't quit just yet. Koba was one of Caesars trusted advisors. If he managed to convince the Ape king of her "evil" human ways, she would lose Kovu. She couldn't let that happen. It was still a little embarrassing to let him almost see her cry. Normally she wasn't that sensitive so she wondered why she cried. Finishing breakfast she waited for Kovu to finish his meal chatting with Cornelia as she did so. The queen seemed to sense her sadness but, wisely kept the conversation away from her and signed about other things such as how the horses faired. 

Once he was done they both said their goodbyes to the queen before Serena headed for Maurice's class to drop Kovu off.  She was trying to decide what she was going to do for the day. It wasn't too cold today and the females didn't seem to need any help with any of the basket making or other things. Bored she decided to care for the horses again. She grabbed a comb she had made out of bone so she could groom the horses and a few items such as a light lunch of fruit and a change of clothes just in case she decided to bathe.  She walked the familiar path to the valley listening to the sounds of wildlife around her.  It was a beautiful day today. Not too cold and; not too hot. Just perfect. One of the many reasons she loved the Fall.  

Reaching the valley she made here way down and immediately was surrounded by horses. There was not as many as usual because the males were hunting. Sadly her Dark Knight was not there to greet her either. She made due though and started grooming the few horses that were there. It was relaxing to her and also the horse. Once she was done with that she decided to bathe. There were no apes guarding the horses and she really needed a bath. 

Once she was done she sat on the edge with her legs still submerged in the water she had dressed in a clean skirt made out of doeskin. This one had light spots showing the young age of the doe and reached above her knees and only had one slite on her left side where she tied it in a nice knot. For a shirt, she had a white tank top she had made out of an old ripped t-shirt she had. cutting the sleeves and tieing a not at the bottom around her waist so it didn't cover her like a dress. combing thru her hair with the same comb she used on the horses she moved all her hair to one side and started to braid her long black hair. Tying it with a piece of fabric she ripped from the ratty tank she had.

  She had just finished with braiding her hair when she heard the sound of hooves approaching. Looking up towards the valley entrance she saw the apes return from the hunt. She mearly glanced but when she spotted Dark Knight she gasped in surprise when she saw who was riding him. Koba.  She had been spoiling Koba's horse this whole time! Once they reached the bottom the apes who were on a horse or had a horse in tow, jumped off and took off the reins of each horse before giving them a gentle pat on the rump to head towards the rest of the herd.

 As Koba attempted to take off his horse reigns, Knight had spotted Serena and with a happy neigh trotted towards her almost making Koba fall as the reins ripped out of his hands. She quickly got up from her seated position and walked towards Dark Knight petting his muzzle softly as he greeted her. She grabbed his harness and gently worked it off, thankful that the tall horse had lowered his big head closer to her so she didn't have to stretch. 

Giving him a scratch under the chin she walked towards Koba who had been glaring the whole time as his horse disobeyed him. The rest of the apes had left, done with returning the horses and either left for lunch or returned to their posts. Leaving Koba and Serena alone. 

Determined not to cry again, Serena met his green gaze while she walked to him until they were a foot apart. She held out the reins and as he reached for them their fingers touched a slight tingle rushed through her. He must have felt it too as he quickly took the reins and tried to turn to leave. Grabbing his hand before he could leave he glared at her for daring to touch him. 

"I...am sorry for last night," Serena said gently as they stared at one another.  " I shouldn't have yelled at you but, you had scared me and it brought up bad memories. It wasn't fair of me to take out my anger on you." Surprisingly Koba sighed and looked down silently as he seemed to think of what to say.

"Koba...understands. Will not scare human again." He replied. Serena was shocked he had been civil. Wondering if she could push this along a little more since he seemed to be in such a good mood, she spoke softly " Koba? Could you please call me by my name instead of human? "  wondering if he would follow her request.

Turning to meet her gaze he nodded before walking towards the valley entrance. Serena sighed happy that this conversation ended better than the last. Dark Knight snuck up on her and laid his muzzle on her shoulder again making her jump slightly from the contact. kissing the horses nose she started to groom him and the other horses that just returned before she decided to head back to the colony.

~

I am sorry for taking so long to update. Life is a little crazy at the moment but, I will manage. Have a great week everyone and let me know what you think.

DarkSpiritDemon