Pekee Pamoja Pride from Ukumbi wa Paradiso

[Tiger♥Bear]

S3 : Write about an internal argument/conflict within the pride, whether its an argument amongst pride members, political struggles, or otherwise. What happened as a result? How was it resolved? Was it ever resolved? (500 word minimum)

"Shomari." Shani was trying to catch up to her brother. "Shomari, wait! We need to talk."
"No, we don't."
She groaned, picking up her pace. They'd been putting this off for too long and they needed to talk. She'd been in the pride for nearly six months now and he had seemed fine with her being here but, whenever she tried to bring up his past he shut her out. They had to get over this. Move past it. She needed him to know how she felt about it.
"Come on, Shomari. Don't push me away."
"I've already told you: I don't want to talk about it."
"You can't just bury it. We're going to have to talk about it some time."
"Yes, I can and no, we don't." His voice was practically pleading.
Shani sighed. "Shomari, please."
With a sigh of his own he stopped, allowing her to pause and catch her breath. His eyes were screwed shut and his expression almost haunted. "Shani. You don't understand... I did things I regret. Horrible things."
She wanted to say that everyone had done something like that but held her tongue. She knew this was different. Different for him. The things he had done... not everyone did them. Maybe later she would remind him that it was just that- the past. He had moved past it. Gotten better.
"I just... I can't talk about it."
"Sho..." She placed a gentle paw on his arm. "I know it's hard. I already have an idea. Kind of."
His head snapped up to look at her. "You do?"
"Well, when I was searching for you, people talked."
He hung his head again. "Oh, great."
"Hey." She nudged his head back to look at her. "I'm not upset or mad or... Look, it's in the past. I know you're moving past it. I just wanted to move past it too. I want things to be fine between us. But it can't be fine if you keep shying away from the one dark thing in both our pasts."
He looked at her, hesitant. "I... I need time, Shani."
"How much time? I've been here for six months and we haven't talked about it once. At least not enough to be significant."
"I honestly don't know."
She looked at him again, forcing herself not to push him, and sighed. He said he needed time and she was just going to have to wait. "Can you at least promise me that you will tell me? When you're ready? I know you need time, but that could be anywhere from tomorrow to next year to the next decade. I just... can you promise? Swear to me we'll talk about this."
Again Shomari hesitated before slowly nodding his head. "I promise. I can't say when, but... I will tell you."
Still fighting against wanting to complain, she nodded her head back once. "I suppose that'll have to do."
"I'm sorry, Shani."
She chuckled but there was no joy in it. "It's alright. I'll just have to get over it."

(509 Words)

[Tiger♥Bear]

S4 : Write about one lion’s feelings towards parenthood. What do they want for their cubs? What are their fears and worries? How do they discipline their little ones when they misbehave? What would make them proud of them? Or disappointed? (500 word minimum)

The two males walked side by side along the border of Kikoa cha Zamani and Ukumbi wa Paradiso. Talib's thoughts were running. There wasn't really a reason for his mind to be where it was but for some reason he couldn't move past it.
"What's on your mind?"
"Hmm?" He looked over at his father who was studying him.
"You look deep in thought. What's got your attention?"
"Oh." He turned to look ahead, faintly aware his father had done the same. "I was just...thinking."
"...yes? What about?"
"Cubs, I suppose."
Even from the corner of his eye he could see his father turn his head back to look at Talib. "Oh? Got your eye on a girl already?"
Unbidden thoughts of a blue lioness bearing a furred collar came to mind. He shook his head, clearing the image and answering his father simultaneously. "No. Not really."
Sayyid looked like he wanted to question it further but didn't, instead referring back to the cubs. "What about them?"
"I don't know. I guess I'm wondering when you knew it was the right time to have them."
"You thinking of settling down?" Talib shot his father a glance which earned him a laugh. "Okay, okay. It... doesn't quite work that way though. Honestly, I don't know if I'd say I was ready for you or your siblings but I knew it was a possibility when I got with your mother. I suppose that's the best you can do. Understand when cubs could happen and realize that you're fine with that."
"So...it's just something I have to decide for myself?"
"Pretty much."
Talib nodded his head. "I guess that makes sense." They continued along and another question came to mind. "Were you ever worried about it?"
"About having cubs?"
"No. ...yes? Were you worried about us as cubs?"
"Ah. Well, I wasn't aware I was expecting you until later on. Much later. As I had said, I had already decided I accepted the chance of having cubs. When you were brought here to be with me, I worried about how to raise you. I didn't have support and there are occasionally threats her in the valley. You could get trampled. Snatched by a bird or hyena. Lost. It was probably one of the few times I was close with the lions. Some had offered help in watching you."
"Do you not like the lions?"
"It's not like that. They're fine neighbors. More than most are friendly. I just don't feel I have a place among them."
Talib let the information sink in. "I suppose I can understand that." He took a breath. "Probably not soon, but I could see cubs in my future. Though my upbringing may have seemed a bit unorthodox, I wouldn't trade it for anything. And I think I'd make a good father."
Sayyid smiled. "I think you will too. After all, I'd like to think I'm a pretty good father. Perhaps some of my parenting skills can rub off on you."

(502 Words)

[Tiger♥Bear]

S7 : Choose a song, and write or draw an in-depth breakdown of how it applies to your lion and their life, story, relationship, ect. You can break it up by lines, sections, ect. (500 words / 3 art pieces = 2 points | 750 words/4 art pieces = 3 points | 1000 words/5 art pieces = 4 points)

Oh no, did I get too close?
Oh, did I almost see what's really on the inside?
All your insecurities
All the dirty laundry
Never made me blink one time

Khamisi has been with Naigh for some time now. Even had four cubs together. When they first met, he was still considered a cub. But not for long. There were just two months before his run through kuja kwa uzee. The king and queen had deemed him a knight after his trial. One of his first assignments as a knight was to assist Naigh while she moved some of her medicinal herbs and special fruits to a hollowed tree King Imamu had found in the plains. Of course, even before this assignment he had seen her around. He recalled seeing her joining the pride, escorted by the hunters. She was different. She had a mane. Not a traditional full mane, but noticeably a maned neck. Regardless, he thought she was beautiful. Her mane had been a touchy subject for her. She was aware there weren't other girls that had manes in the pride- even in her home pride there weren't any. How she had ended up with one was anyone's guess. But Khamisi was never disturbed by it. It was a part of who she was. It didn't make her any less of a lioness.

Come just as you are to me
Don't need apologies
Know that you are worthy
I'll take your bad days with your good
Walk through the storm I would
I do it all because I love you, I love you

When they had started spending time together, he was aware she was like him. Soft spoken. A bit fearful of the unknown. There were times when she was worried about how she was. Would he still accept her? Would he expect her to change? Even after they had made their relationship official between them, she would voice her concerns. Khamisi was quick to reassure her. There was nothing he would change about her. Nothing. Anything bad, not that there was anything of the sort, was accepted just as much as thethings that were good. He loved her with everything he was and that would never change. Nothing she could do or say would make him feel different. He loved her for her. When she was down, he helped her through it. When she felt discouraged, he would do what he could to encourage and uplift her. She never had to apologize for who she was or how she was feeling or acting. He understood.

So open up your heart and just let it begin
{...c u t...}
Acceptance is the key to be
To be truly free
Will you do the same for me?

During the times she felt unsure, he would reassure her. Show her how much he accepted her. All of her. Whenever there were times when she was still a little uncertain, he'd ask her how she felt for him. Did she love him? Yes. Did she accept him for who he was? Yes. Did she do all she could for him? Yes. With that, he'd show her how he could feel that way for her. It was the same. They were equal. It might have taken a few times to get it across, but she eventually understood and slowly grew out of her uncertainty. It was a hard thing to learn but something rich to remember. Acceptance of herself and also of his feelings for her, towards her, set her free from those invisible restraints that left her feeling discouraged.

Unconditional, unconditionally
I will love you unconditionally
There is no fear now
Let go and just be free
I will love you unconditionally

Perhaps not from the very beginning but definitely from earlier on, Khamisi knew he was undoubtedly and unconditionally in love with Naigh. She was wonderful. She was intelligent. She was sweet. She was...perfect. Asking her to be his mate for life had been the most nerve-wracking day of his life. He knew she liked him but would his love be returned? Could she love him as much as he loves her? Honestly, it was fine with him if she didn't. As long as she agreed to be his, that would be enough. Shortly after they had made things official, she had opened up about a small worry for their relationship. Of course she cared for him and didn't doubt he cared for her, but she had a relationship in the past that had left her a little broken. It was what had led her out here in the first place. A change of scenery. She still felt that vulnerability and wanted Khamisi to understand that. He wasn't worried, though, sure he could dissolve her doubts. Every day he made sure to tell her how much he loved her and how much she meant to him. He often got her small gifts. Bouquets of flowers, more herbs for her stock, her favorite treat of cape hare, or even a small vacation for the two of them. As their time together grew, his unconditional love for her was returned in full. The love they had for each other was completely and totally unconditional.

(750 Words)

[Tiger♥Bear]

S10 : Use this random image generator to write a story about one of your lions. Link to the image somewhere for reference. (250 word minimum)

Image

Aberash sat beneath the shade of the trees, trying her best to keep out of the sun. It was about mid afternoon and fairly cloudy. The chilling breeze was a clear sign it was late in the year. The pond rippled with the wind blowing over it.
"It's cold enough out here already and you're hiding in the shade?"
The pale bat feline looked up at her guest. It was the cheetah. The lost heir he called himself, accompanied by his son. "Sayyid. Talib. What brings you out here?"
"We were just wandering the region."
Talib interjected. "Actually, we just came back. We were out by Kikoa cha Zamani."
"Yes. Why are you in the shade?"
"Oh." Her tail twitched nervously and she dropped her head. "I'm... not a huge fan of the sun."
"But..." Talib looked up at the cloud covered sky. "The sun is barely out."
Her small frame hunched in just a little bit more, embarrassed. "I- I- I know."
"I take it you're sensitive?" Her head shot up to look at Sayyid, eyes wide. "To the sun, I mean."
Her expression relaxed a little though she still felt overwhelmed. "Y-yeah. A little. I'm...not really a fan of the heat."
"I suppose it's a good thing it's the winter season then, huh?"
Aberash gave a small smile, nodded her head.
"Well, we won't keep you. Just wanted to say hi." Sayyid bowed his head with a grin before turning away.
"See you around, Aberash." Talib offered a smile of his own before joining his father.
"Goodbye." She watched them wander off for a moment before turning her attention back to the ripples on the pond.

(278 Words)

[Tiger♥Bear]

S10 : Use this random image generator to write a story about one of your lions. Link to the image somewhere for reference. (250 word minimum)

Image

"Where are you taking us?" Tabia had joined Imani on a walk. He had dropped by the cave and asked if she wanted to come along. They weren't an official mated pair but they had been spending a lot of time together recently. Perhaps at next years msimu wa upendo they could declare their bond official.
"I thought it would be nice to get out. Take some time for us."
She smiled. "That's sweet, Imani."
A shy smile crossed his face. He was leading her through the trees but noticeably up the mountain. The season had already brought them snow. It was thick here, passing their paws by a few inches. They walked in silence. Neither was much for talking. The company was enough. They were reaching the peak.
"We're almost there," Imani stated.
Tabia picked up her pace a little, a slight bounce in her steps. She was approaching the edge and stopped short, Imani walking up behind her. "Wow..." She looked out over the valley. "We're above the clouds!"
"We're on top of the world."
She smiled brightly, turning to look at him. "It's beautiful up here."
He returned her smile. "I thought you might like it up here."
She gently nuzzled into his mane then moved back to the edge to look down at the valley. "I can see everything from here. The lake. The other mountains across the way. It's all so small."
They sat together looking down over the region. It was cool up here, the snow on their paws even more so. The breeze was minimal which was a nice reprieve but it was helping stay even the slightest bit warm sitting together.

(279 Words)

[Tiger♥Bear]

D2 : Write a 400 word scene/story of your choosing involving your pride members

I hate this abysmal place... So dry. And hot. The pride nearby... It wasn't large. He'd seen less than a dozen. Not that he'd seen all of them at once. Just after being here for some time, he had never seen more than nine familiar faces. His paws were dusted in a rusty hue from the cracked ground. Clay and mud and sand were common in this region. He shook his head as he neared the river. Or...rather, the empty river bed. Of course it's already dried out. He sneered. Another reason to dislike this place. But there wasn't anywhere else to go. The jungle had those wild dogs. If he hated the heat, he loathed the cold and kept away from the snowy regions. The valley plain was nice and open with that enchanted pond but it was already claimed by the main pride. He wouldn't be welcomed there. The other region here... kikoa cha zamani was nice enough but too open. Again, too many lions. And it was rather close to that other pride in the desert. He didn't want to be a part of that so here he was. In maeneo ya kufa. With no water to wash his paws, he sulked back to one of his holes. There was an abandoned mine in the mountain not far from river that he liked to stay in. It was away from the pride. At least, far enough away. The air in the cave was arid. Cool but sticky.
"Ah. You've finally returned."
Kivuli lifted his head at the voice but didn't see anyone. The fur on his neck raised in alarm. "Who's there?"
Despite not seeing anyone, he could almost swear he heard a shift in the shadows. And a soft chuckle. "Someone you should fear."
The fur raised even more. "Show yourself, coward."
"Ooh. Such...bravery." The voice shifted again, this time sending a chill down his spine. "But I am no coward, Kivuli."
"How do you-"
"I know a lot more than you think."
This time, the voice came from behind him. He turned around swiftly to spot a rather small lion. Or at least it looked like a lion. Golden eyes gleamed with the pupils of a snake. The coat was a deep red though there were some points that were a soft cream. More than that, there were shadowy black markings over the body that seemed to shift. The mane also shifted gently giving Kivuli the impression it was made of shadow. The feline grinned making him feel a bit uneasy.
"We need to talk."

(430 Words)

[Tiger♥Bear]

D8 : Write a description of two pride member’s relationship. (150 word minimum)

Naigh and Nuru were both lionesses that filled a specific role that not just any lion could fill. Naigh's role was easier to fill than Nuru's. She couldn't ask for a better mother in law. Nuru was attentive and intuitive and not just because of her abilities. Though that may have a part in it. When Khamisi had asked her to be his mate, Nuru wasn't surprised in the slightest. She had revealed later to Niagh that she had received a vision of her son's life with the healer. It happened again when they discovered she'd be expecting cubs. It was no accident her bouquet consisted of four flowers. No doubt for her four cubs. She was appreciative of Nuru. Always willing to step in and help with anything. The family. Even helping with her healing practices. Though her expertise is different. Having the seers insightful ability came in handy with reluctant patients.

(153 Words)

[Tiger♥Bear]

S26 : Write a story/journal entry about an NPC lion’s visit to your pride or create art of them.
250 word minimum or 1 art piece (art must be fullbody, shading is optional)

"Do you get to spend much time with them?"

"Yes and no. I visit on occasion but I wish I had more time to spend with them. They also take time to visit with me." Nuru smiled as she thought of her family. They were spread out across the regions. She had Khamisi and Niagh in the valley with her so she saw them the most often. Badru had Almasi up in the snowy pines along with Subira. Ashura, Sanaa, and Elewisa all resided in the region bordering the desert. It would be nice to see them all during this impromptu vacation. "What about you?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you have cubs? A mate, perhaps?" She glanced over at him trying to read anything but still had no luck. It was as if he had a protective shield around him. He looked thoughtful and deeply so, his forehead crinkling with the thoughts.

"I..." His voice trailed off, his expression still one deep in thoughts. "I don't know. It's all very hazy." After a moment, he let out a soft breath. "My apologies. It must seem strange for me to not recall...well, anything."

Nuru turned to look at him more fully. She might not have been able to glean anything from him but she could still read his expressions and body language. If he didn't sound so calm and collected, she would almost wager a guess that he was frustrated. Which she would understand. Not being able to recollect any memory? She couldn't imagine it. "There's no need to apologize. While I can't say I've met another lion with memory loss, I have had my fair share of odd run ins. Quite frankly, I'm sure I come off as strange myself. A lion with glowing eyes who claims to see visions of the future?" The lioness chuckled.

Midas was quiet, his expression still thoughtful. Nuru fell silent and observed. Something obviously weighed heavily on his mind. What it was, she wasn't sure. Surely it was more than just not being able to remember anything. Or perhaps it was and the extent of which she just couldn't comprehend. She coughed as to clear her throat. The golden lion looked up at her as if just remembering she was there. "My sincerest apologies, Nuru. I am..."

She shook her head. "Don't worry about it." With a deep breath, she tried to think of something else to talk about. Turns out she didn't have to as Midas spoke up again.

"What can you tell me about the region we're going to?"

"Kuni wa mkondo. The region is a jungle. Humid most days. Our sub-pride that resides there is still new to the area. There's a pack of wild dogs that also live there. They've been here since the pride was founded. You could say we're allied with the pack. As for the area, it's dense with foliage. If there's not trees, there's probably a river. Tons of rivers run through the region as well. There is a ruin not far from the boundary. Pakiti ruins. That's where the pack has made their home. That's really all there is."

"What of the cave housing the eternal flame?," Midas inquired.

Nuru smiled, casting a glance his direction. "You remembered." The faintest of smiles appeared on his face as he gave a nod. It would seem his short term memory was intact. If only his long term could be found. "We haven't spent much time exploring the cave nor the flame itself. The pack had made mention of their being a rumored cave with, again, a rumored flame that never went out but they spent little time observing it as well. When we stationed the princess to the area, the pack informed her of it's location. We've only recently sent scouts to confirm both rumors."

"Have you seen the flame itself?"

"I have not. Not yet, at least. Though I suppose with this tour I'm taking you on, we could make stops at each regions mystical location. I assume you would enjoy visiting these places."

"Indeed." This time, his smile was the widest she'd seen him show since his arrival. It was still fairly modest. "Not that I mind the company or the conversation but could you say how long it will take till we arrive at kuni wa mkondo?"

"Despite the heat, the weather is fair so we shouldn't be hindered by any storms. This late in the season the crowds are starting to thin as they've already made their way through. We should arrive by nightfall. Unless you wish to stop sooner?"

"I do not mind the long travel. Whatever you think is best."

She considered the options. With no obstacles they'd make it to the prides location in the region just after nightfall. They could rest there the night and head to the cave the following day. Should something come up along the way, it might be better to rest before they reach the pride. It was difficult to navigate the darkness of the jungle when it's late into the night. "In that case, I think we should push on. It would be easier to rest with the pride and make leave for the cave tomorrow morning."

"Of course. That seems the easiest course."

They fell back into a comfortable silence. On occasion, Nuru would observe her companion and catch him subtly looking over the land. The tall grass of the plain was starting to shorten so they could see one another better. Ukumbi wa paradiso was quiet out here. With the herds already passed to kamwe kuisha, there wasn't much to run into. The scouts and couriers didn't have much to do out this way and the knights were keeping close to the pond what with the high traffic. Hopefully the hyenas were keeping their distance. She had noticed that spreading the prides reach out to the jungle alongside the wild dogs had kept the hyenas from sight more often. They weren't likely to see the dogs either until they got closer to the region border.

Conversation fell light as the day grew dark. She had to admit they were making great time. They'd also avoided running into any obstacles along the way. The sun was starting to set but she could just make out the area where the pride reside. Closing in on the pride, they were greeted by Azizi- one of the scouts. "Nuru. I wasn't expecting to see you all the way out here."

"Azizi." She smiled warmly at him, embracing him briefly. "It's good to see you."

"Who's your friend?"

"This is Midas. I've offered to give him a tour of the lands."

"Ah, so you're not here to visit me?"

Nuru chuckled softly. "You certainly take after your father. I'll make sure to visit with everyone before I leave. We hope to rest for the night and see the eternal flame tomorrow. Would you and Binti be available to show us the way?"

"I believe so. I'll be sure to inform her. Will you be talking with Ahadi or Reth?"

"I plan to, though I may wait till morning. It's been a long days worth of travel."

"Of course. Let me know if you need anything." He bowed his head before leaving the two of them. Midas spoke up softly as he followed her through the trees.

"Is he one of your grandcubs?"

"Not exactly. His family and mine are close, you could say. He's one of the founders grandcubs. I suppose, in a way, his maternal grandmother is my grandcub though not by blood. I took a cub in before I had cubs of my own; Faraji. Shortly after he was grown, he happened across a lost cub. Tishala is Azizi's grandmother."

"I see." He smiled warmly. "You are a kind lioness. Compassionate."

"You're too kind, Midas." Her cheeks flushed with the compliment. "It's late and we should get some rest. I will be seeking an audience with Princess Ahadi tomorrow before we set out to the cave. Azizi and Binti will act as our guides. I'm not very familiar with this region of land and I've but visited the cave once."

"Whatever you need do, Nuru." He noticed they had come to a small glade. On the outer edges among the line of trees were other lions already resting. "I take it this is where we will be resting for the night?"

"Yes. Despite the openness of the area, the trees provide decent cover. We will be safe for the night."

"I'm not worried. Just affirming."

"Of course." She took a few steps away and laid on the ground. "I wish you a good night's rest."

"And you as well, Nuru." He did the same putting some distance between them as he claimed a spot to rest for the night. She watched him look up at the canopy, the night sky only slightly visible through the branches. Perhaps he was contemplating his memory. Or rather the lack there of. Another moment passed before she turned her head, leaving him to his own thoughts and his privacy. Exhaustion soon overcame her and she slipped into a deep sleep.

"Here we are." Azizi stepped aside to reveal a small cave entrance nestled behind the roots of the kapok tree. "The path down winds and has a lot of turns but the walls have some glowing mushrooms that'll help lead the way."

Binti also stepped aside, Azizi joining her side. Nuru glanced over at Midas who was observing the entrance with rapt attention. After a moment, she turned to the others. "Thank you, Azizi. We can find our way back from here." The two scouts bowed their heads before taking their leave.

"I can...sense it."

"Hmm?"

"The magic here. The eternal flame. I can feel it's presence." He turned to the seer. "Just as I can sense you and your magic."

They held each others gaze for a moment. There was something there but she couldn't place it. Something warm but also distant. With a mental shake of her head, she turned her gaze away. "Ahem. Perhaps we should head down."

"Of course. After you?"

She gave a short nod before turning back to the cave entrance. After taking a deep breath, she pushed past the roots into the tunnel. It was as Azizi had said. Softly glowing mushrooms littered the walls making it easier to see where she was heading. The tunnel was a decent size. She'd be able to squeeze past Midas if she had to turn back but she'd be able to get by. Another thing she was told to expect was the winding path. A lot of hard angles and curve arounds. The descent was silent. Midas followed at a respectful distance. Just before she could question how much further, the tunnel opened up into a spacious cavern. As expected, there was some strange alter flanked by two braziers. Atop the alter was some statue shaped like some primate. In the braziers were flickering flames. Who could know for sure how they got lit or when they were lit. It seemed odd but surely there was some kind of explanation.

"This... is... strange."

She turned to see Midas stepping closer to the flame. "The flames are strange? Or the statue? Or is it perhaps the scene as a whole?"

"No... It is... something... else. I can't figure out what it is."

She wasn't sure what to make of this. She'd only known him for a day but this seemed a bit out of character for him. He had an intense focus on the flame but his thoughts seemed disconnected. Then he did something she had not expected. Slowly but without hesitation, he reached a paw out to the flame. "Midas, what are you-"

Her question died as his paw touched the flame. Eyes wide, she stared transfixed. He was touching the flame and yet had no reaction. No pain or discomfort. Simply allowed the flames to race over him. Except...it wasn't actually touching him. It wasn't responding like a normal fire would. How could this be?

(2,019 Words)

[Tiger♥Bear]

NEEDS TO BE EDITED

In Character Breeding : 250 Words

Pair : Faraji and Hera

Faraji was lucky. In some ways, he always had been. His relationship with Hera is no different. To be honest, before he met her he never imagined himself settling down or even starting a family. He was always so focused on his role in the pride. Perhaps it was fate that eventually led him to Hera. It was a chance meeting on one of his rare days off. It definitely wasn't a love at first sight situation. At least, it wasn't for him. As it was said before, he had not really envisioned a family so he was not actively searching for a mate. But there was definitely something about her that intrigued him. Perhaps her stubborn personality, the fact she was not put off by his own difficult personality, was what kept him around. He met with her often. Often enough that the idea of starting a more permanent relationship seemed like a possibility. Faraji had quickly grown fond of their time together and of Hera. That was what made her leaving so difficult. She had wanted to find a home for herself. A pride to belong to. He understood that. While it definitely was not as easy as it had been, he made sure to make time to visit her in her new home. Now that the chance of a good relationship was here, a chance at a family, he was going to fight to keep it. So long as Hera would have him. Regardless, he was lucky.

(250 Words)

[Tiger♥Bear]

In Character Breeding : 250 Words

Pair : Sadaltager and Kiona

This was a strange land. Brighter. It didn't have the same ethereal feel as his place of origin. Not that he didn't like it here. It was just...different. Wisps of his purple mane crossed his face in the chilly wind. The ground was soft and cold. Snow, he thinks. Didn't come across it much back home. He wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Still, he wandered among the tall pines making new tracks in the fresh snow. As he was still new around here, he hadn't a clue where to go but wasn't too worried about it. It was about the journey, not the destination.
Sadaltager wasn't aware of how long he'd been wandering for or how far. He had come across many places. Snowy pine forests, open fields of flowers, dense overgrown jungle, and even to the coasts both sandy and rocky. His travels were long and far, but he wasn't aware just how long or how far. He had found himself at some kind of port during one of his visits along the coast. Probably should have looked where he was going but nonetheless found himself bumping into someone.
"Hey!"
"Oh, my apologies!" Sadaltager dropped his head, ashamed. The lioness had been carrying some things which now lay scattered across the ground. "Please, allow me to help. I should have been watching where I was going."
"It's alright."
Together, they gathered the things and placed them back in bags. "I'm sorry."
"You said that already."
"...right. Sorry." He cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly, feeling embarrassed. "This is...a lot of supplies. Would you like help carrying them?"
"You don't have to-"
"I want to. It's the least I can do. Please?" He had felt bad and he wanted to offer his help. And, if he was being honest with himself, it'd be nice to have some company after his solitary travels.
She seemed to take a moment to consider it before agreeing. "I suppose I could use the help. Thank you."
"As I said, it's the least I could do for running into you." He grabbed some of the containers. "Lead the way."
The lioness lead them back toward the docks where several ships reside. Sadaltager didn't have much experience with ships. He preferred to keep his paws on solid ground. Not that he was against the water or even the ships themselves. Just preferred to have a sense of grounding. They hadn't said anything since his blunder and he assumed something was weighing on her. Not just because she wasn't speaking but her body language was eluding to something more. It wasn't his place to know and he wasn't going to pry. Perhaps he could offer a distraction instead. They were making their way across a gangway to a ship. She started to set things down so he did the same.
"I'm Sadaltager." He offered a paw. "Figured it only fair you know the name of the idiot who ran into you."
That earned him a soft chuckle before she offered her own paw in a mutual shake. "Nice to officially meet you. I'm Kiona."

(519 Words)