1x1 between Alpha* and Daisy!

[Alpha*]

He lays one paw across her forearm, "I was concerned you were asking me to be your mate: not because I dont like you, as in do, but because... we are new friends. " the hulking, melanistic Lynx tells her - voice soft and warm. He draws away his paw and settles beside her, watching the entrance of this network of caves. For so long it had been empty- to have it filled with live would be immeasurably satisfying.

--

FallenRains slowly adjusts himself to a more comfortable position, finally starting to get warm. Feeling pretty safe and content. "You have lovely blue eyes, " he tells Ice.

[Lemon Tea Rain]

"oh!" Kipsa gave a quiet exclamation as she finally understood what the lynx's hesitation had been about. Still, somewhat satisfied the miscommunication had been cleared up, she was happy to settle within his company and imagine the possibilities of this future group.

Ice's whiskers twitched in vague amusement. "Thank you," he said warmly, settling down close beside his mate. "You too - they tend to catch me off guard, your eyes."

[Alpha*]

(I dont know what to put for Bowen)

FallenRains smiles widely, teeth flashing in the halflight; "you seem familiar, " is hazarded, "As if I had known you for a long while." The cat hasnt moved, breathing shallowly, slowly he pulls his tail over his paws - ignoring the searing pain when he curls himself up.

"I... " he doesn't remember this cat, which irks him, and the dead arent being helpful, though they do gesture from the corners of his sight. Whiskers twitch at the thought of them, feeling.... annoyed. Why is this cat here? "Why are you here?" He cant help the cold and anxious - wary- notes that creep and linger in his otherworldly voice.

[Lemon Tea Rain]

"I should hope I seem familiar," Ice murmured softly. "I am your mate, after all." He watched Fallenrains quietly for a moment, wishing he could just understand what was running through his head, and wondering just how long it would take for his memories to return. "I'm here to keep you company, silly."

[Alpha*]

FallenRains flicks an ear, too tired and afraid of more pain to move. "I... I'm sorry. " is repeated, "i.. I dont remember. " the blue eyes of the cat fix on a speckled feather and not his mate.

His mate? What is wrong with him? Yes. Okay, yes, this cat is pleasing and oddly comforting... but mate? It might be true. "What's your name?"

[Lemon Tea Rain]

"Ice. Ice from Frozen River." He answered softly, letting out a gentle sigh. "Are you in a lot of pain, Fallenrains? Can I do anything to help?" He asked, getting to his paws. If he could find something to make this more bearable for the tom, he would go find it; else he would do his best to make him comfortable here.

[Alpha*]

Is he in pain? He considers it a moment, "I've had worse." Is responded nonchalantly, like he doesn't matter. Lord Rolyuk didnt emm.... well he wasn't so kind to those injured or ill. The weak were killed, he remembers. "I will recover." Is assured plainly, "I only need a break, then we can continue, Ice from Frozen River. "

What can he do to help? Does he need anything? Those arent safe questions. Those arent answers he is used to giving without punishment.

FallenRains offers a smile, "thank you for your concern mate, but I will be fine."

[Lemon Tea Rain]

Ice let out another sigh and settled back down. "Okay, that's.. fine." He murmured. "You don't mind if I have a nap, do you? I may as well rest along with you." He looked in to the other tom's eyes, silently searching for some emotions to give away his thoughts.

[Alpha*]

Does he mind this cat taking a nap.. here.. with him.. touching his fur.. at his most vulnerable? Does he mind the urges it incurs to pull his claws through his flesh and pelt and be coated with ruby? Does he mind it?

He avoids the searching blue gaze that sears into his very soul. He doesn't understand what he is looking for. So instead he speaks softly, "not at all," (like a prayer - half subjugation and half truth and only a little bit a lie) and curls up just a little tighter to make room and wonders why this tomcat is wearing BirdsShadows red cloth... he must not be lying. He doesn't just hand it around. It isnt done. It's all he had of his old mate.... But why cant he remember anything of his new one?

Only Rolyuk and the Mera and the warnings hissed into his ears by the dead.

Rolyuk would be wroth with him. There would be punishment by his order from the Mera: and for once he is willing to take it. Because this.. this Ice character is warm and kind and hasnt lied to him yet. Its almost as if he is to be protected. The dead are keeping their distance..

Huh. How strange.

Blue eyes close slowly - hes trying to remember. Trying to relax. What's wrong with him? Why cant he remember?

Surely this cat is important to him! Else why.. why would they be mates? Are they even mates? Surely he wasn't lied too. Not again. Fallens' bones ache, though he is silent about it, and soon he falls asleep.

He wakens to darkness outside of these strangely warm dens: and he takes the time to assess his companion. This cat around him has lovely markings and soft fur. This cat around him isnt weak, not by a long shot. This cat around him... dare he call him kind?

He does remember now, just a little bit more. His forgetfulness having stemmed from intense labor, overuse of his gifts and not enough rest and food. Or maybe it was a blow to the head (he isnt entirely sure. Perhaps it was both. Or all... probably all.)

FallenRains remains absolutely still - all too aware of his injuries and the dead which press against him. Their healing paws too hot and cold at the same time, touching his wounds and taking them slowly but surely away. Not completely, no... never completely, just enough to survive. To make him just a little better. To be put more to use and so he can again be used. Used again and again until there is nothing left to take and he becomes nothing more than a used up husk.

(That is a fear for another time.)

"I'm sorry. " is the first words out of his mouth when Ice from Frozen River wakens - words quiet and afraid and horrified as if he will still be hurt. As if he will be left or hated or all three. He is sure not to waken Kipsa or Bowen: keeping his voice only loud enough so this cat.. his mate.. could only just hear. And he is dreadfully sorry.

Why?

The only way he will tell is if he is ordered too: he, for once, doesn't cringe away, neither is he overly proud.

[Lemon Tea Rain]

Ice settled down besides Fallenrains, resting comfortably in the space he was left. He didn't want to push too hard against any of his mate's injuries, and so he had simply laid around instead of curled around him. The space almost felt too empty, and Ice longed for the time he' be able to curl tightly around Fallenrains once more. For the time he'd remember. But, until then, he would stay a little further back, and keep from overwhelming him. From hurting him any more than he was already hurt.

Ice had awoken before he even realized he had fallen asleep; he had a smooth, dreamless sleep. He had been awake for all of three seconds before Fallenrains had already begun to apologize to him. "You're sorry?" Ice echoed softly. "What for?" His gaze lingered on him, confused, caring and concerned. There was no malice, no silent threat in his gaze; just a longing to understand. He couldn't think what would be warranting an apology after he had only just awoken.