Dawn (In the Beginning)

Deception

 Time passed and Adam and Eve grew into strong, capable young humans. As they were each other’s sole companion, they kept no secrets and were very open with one another. Visits from the Father became less frequent, but did not ever stop all together. The two were very content in their oasis paradise and although they disagreed every now and then, Adam usually won out. Eve doted on him and his word was more precious to her than anything.

Eve loved the animals and several followed her everywhere she went. Any time she came upon a strange species, she alerted Adam and he would study it and give it an appropriate name. There were so many of them. They had been in the garden for at least 16 cycles of the seasons, but somehow there was always a new species to be discovered.

Fruit was another thing they continued to find new varieties of. Eve had even learned a little about planting and growing and she had a nice little garden with herbs and other tasty things growing right outside the little hut they had erected from branches, leaves and mud. They led a very content and comfortable life. Adam looked forward to the day his father allowed them to see his face and take them home to rule with him. He often imagined what it would be like to live amongst other people. To interact and laugh and run with other boys his age. Eve was beautiful and fun. Very helpful. She learned quickly and willingly everything he taught her. She was a wonderful companion, but he longed to meet others like them.

....

Back at the clan things weren't going as well as they could be. Corbin had tried everything he could think of to regain his mate's adoration, but she was unresponsive. A few times he had taken her by force because he couldn't hold back any longer. None of the other clan women held any interest to him. He wanted his beautiful Nala. He missed the mischief in her eyes when she used to slip her hand into his and lead him away from the hustle and bustle of clan life to mate passionately in some secluded area. 

The people loved and respected him more than ever, however, and his leadership was never questioned. He was by far the most respected and revered clan leader in the region and his name had even reached farther than the confines of their territory. He was happy with his position, but he wanted the companionship with his mate that he'd once had. He wanted to see the light in her eyes when she looked up at him. Instead, all he received were blank, unfeeling stares. Even the pain had disappeared, leaving her a shell of her former self. He wracked his brain for a solution. Anything to bring her back.

The children. He had to bring the children home or he would lose her forever.

....

Hera finished her son's lunch pack and looked him over.

"You know what to do, son," she said looking deeply into his eyes. "Don't you mess it up. Make your mother proud. This is going to work. I can feel it."

"I know what to do," he replied, his face set and determined.

He had grown to desire it nearly as much as she did. He wanted Corbin to recognize him as his own kin and designate him as the next clan leader. He had many ideas for the people that would surely give him the same kind of respect and prestige his father possessed. His father. He snorted derisively as he thought about how the old clan leader had tossed him and his mother aside for the abnormally beautiful Nala. He'd done so with no thought as to how Hera would feel. Of course, at the time he had no idea Daman was his son, too, but it still caused an anger to bubble up inside him he almost couldn't hide.

The now strong and full grown young man hoisted his pack up onto his shoulder and kissed his mother's wrinkled cheek. He turned to go, but stopped just inside the doorway and turned back toward her.