[Private] Kiarasmate and Kivuli

[Baya]

Shwari listened to her response in his relaxed state and smiled. "It's not your fault for thinking that way. After so many attempts at connecting with males only too fail... Well I'd react the same way to be honest." Shwari said reassuring her that he was not at all offended. Shwari then waited for her question, and when she asked it the blood drained from his face. Though his heart rate stayed the same, he waited for a bit before looking to her again.

"This herb is a bother." Shwari groaned, in a very relaxed tone. "Guess I'll have to answer anyway huh? When I first met you, I took note of your beauty. At one point I was really bitter about you because of the whole paralysis incident. Now that we've spent some time together, I can see my brother was wrong about...love." Shwari said quietly, but with a small dazed grin.

~ Vitani and Ayari ~

For a moment, Ayari saw a bit of the cub she used to be when she scorned him softly. He knew this was an extremely touchy subject, and he had NEVER seen Vitani cry. Not even after all the tough training, injuries or verbal abuse from Zira did Vitani cry. Here she was in front of him now, pouring out her emotions in tear form. He sighed as he complied to her request as he placed his head over hers so that her head fit directly into the crook of his neck. "Vitani, I won't promise you I'll stay alive but I'll always love you." Ayari whispered quietly.

"Ugh can you two just cut the gushy crap for two minutes?!" Husudu growled, totally destroying the moment. He went over to the watering hole and began to take a long drink. He then lifted his head with a grunt.

"First you two, then Kivuli and Siri and even now my brother and that Zina girl have been absent for quite some time! This is ridiculous! Is love a disease?" Husudu said angrily. Ayari rolled his eyes.

"Again. May I repeat. J-E-A-L-O-U-S" Ayari said slowly. "Besides...I don't mind suffering from this disease. I'd rather stay sick then be cured." Ayari purred as he nuzzled Vitani some more.

"Oh blow it out your a-" Husudu paused for a moment, and huffed. "I'm going to go hunt. At least that will not be ruined by love" Husudu said, emphasizing love with disgust.

[KiarasMate]

Feeling her heart skip a beat at the mention of love from Schwari, Zina couldn’t help but to blush as new emotions started to swell inside of her. Trying to look unaffected from what the grey furred male had stated however, although it was almost glaringly obvious that his words had made some sort of impact upon her, the white furred lioness smiled politely as she responded in a genuine voice.

”I don’t really know what to say right now Schwari, and that’s the honest truth.”

Rising to her paws, Zina glanced down at the grass below for a moment before she looked back over to Schwari. Sighing dejectedly, the crafty Shaman spoke up in an apologetic tone.

”Okay, I lied Schwari. A small part of the way herbs work is by the power of suggestion. Those herbs we just took…they’re nothing more than placebos. They don’t make you tell the truth.”

Hoping that her little white lie wouldn’t change the way he viewed her though, Zina quickly amended for her actions as she moved in a few steps closer to where Schwari was positioned.

”Listen, I didn’t mean to pull a trick on you but I was just too nervous and scared to ask that question straight out. I’d understand if you’re cross with me, but it’s just so hard for me to get attached to anyone and this day we’ve spent together Schwari, even with what happened to us earlier. I just feel as though I’m getting too attached to you and I had to know if you felt the same way.”

Lowering her head once more, Zina’s voice lessened as she continued, unable to keep eye contact with the grey furred male at this point.

”I know I said that we should take things slow, so it’s not fair of me to ask you such things but these feelings inside of me. They’re foreign to me. I’ve never felt this way towards anyone and it’s very confusing. Maybe I can blame my heat cycle for this but something tells me it’s much more than that.”

Making mention of her heat, Zina carefully removed her herb pouch from around her neck and retrieved the small reed that she had tucked inside of it earlier. Taking another small amount of the horrid tasting plant, Zina chewed quickly and swallowed before she returned the remaining amount of the reed back into her pouch and repositioned it around her neck. Finally bringing herself to meet with Schwari’s gaze again, Zina merely stood there, waiting for Schwari to say or do something to break the uneasy tension that seemed to have formed around the pair.

==========

Savoring the moment as Ayari fulfilled her request, Vitani could feel herself beginning to break down emotionally. Fortunately for the distraught lioness, Husudu’s abrupt appearance seemed to clear the air as Vitani hurriedly pulled herself together. Listening to Ayari and Schwari’s older brother verbally exchanging words, Vitani couldn’t help but to smile at their cub like display. Once Husudu had taken his leave, Vitani moved herself away from her old friend’s side, giving her body a quick stretch before she spoke in a much calmer voice now.

”That lion is a total mood killer, you know that Ayari.”

Giggling lightheartedly, Vitani began to make her way over to the edge of the waterhole to quench her own thirst, her pink tongue dipping sensually into the cool pond as her tail swayed thoughtfully behind her. Having her fill and feeling a bit more refreshed, Vitani turned back to Ayari as she stated, licking away the remaining drops of water from around her mouth in a seductive fashion.

”Okay Handsome. We should get back now. There’s still a little day light left and I could use all the time I can get to shape those lionesses for our battle.”

Waiting for her lover to join her, Vitani started back towards Pride Rock. Playfully rubbing the length of her soft body against Ayari’s as the couple traveled along, Vitani spoke to him in a loving voice.

”You think Husudu will be okay on his own? Not like I’d blame anyone for not wanting to go out into The Grasslands with him, but my brother did make that rule fairly obvious, didn’t he?”

[Baya]

Shwari looked at her with that same grin planted on his face. "You didn't need to be nervous about asking me anything this whole time. I would've given you an honest response either way." Shwari pointed out as he stretched. He didn't mind that she deceived him, because he knew it was difficult for her to even think about such things. He smiled as her gaze met his again.

"By the way. I really did mean it." Shwari said as he looked down. "I understand that you've never felt this before, and to be honest neither have I. I've never felt this way about anyone or anything." Shwari said quietly. Shwari looked down for a moment. Even he needed time to think his emotions through.

"We should still stay with the idea of taking it slow." Shwari said as he continued walking without making eye contact with Zina.

~ Ayari and Vitani ~

"I wouldn't judge him Vitani. He's probably just really lonely. You always acted tough and stuff like that, but look at you now, crying over something that hasn't happened yet." Ayari said as he walked alongside Vitani. He watched pride rock as it got closer, and closer.

"I know it's REALLY early to be thinking about this Vitani, but...when this is all over, what happens then?" Ayari asked quietly as he looked to Vitani. He figured she would want an answer to that question considering he was the rogue.

[KiarasMate]

Letting a sigh of relief escape her muzzle, Zina’s body relaxed as Schwari put her worries to rest. Knowing that they both were going through the same emotional changes made it much easier on the white furred lioness and it showed as her posture and appearance showed absolutely no sign of anxiety or tension as she continued to walk alongside her grey furred companion, speaking in a pleasant voice in response to what he had told her.

”I really meant everything I said too Schwari. What you did for me, it truly was the nicest thing anyone had ever done and the fact that you didn’t expect something specific in return, it just makes it that much more meaningful to me. Thank you.” Adopting a warm smile, Zina met with Schwari’s gaze for a brief moment as she stated. ”Yes, slow and steady should work just fine.”

Staying quiet while the reality of the situation sank in, Zina couldn’t help but to watch Schwari out of the corner of her eye, not out of suspicion anymore, but out of genuine interest. Something had changed about him in those fleeting moments that they had just shared, expressing their true feelings to one another and it was as if she were looking at him for the first time once again. No longer did she see a ruthless rogue who only had malicious intentions in mind. Now, walking along beside her, she saw a kind hearted, understanding and a misunderstood soul who cared enough to put up with the likes of her. It was at that moment that Zina’s outlook on life changed, but whether it would be for the better, was still undetermined.

Finally breaking the silence that had come over the pair, Zina’s eyes fell upon the distant grey figure that wasn’t too far off from where they were. Turning to her traveling partner, the white furred Shaman spoke in a playful manner.

”Looks like trouble is coming our way. Husudu, dead ahead.”

==========

Giggling from Ayari’s statement, Vitani turned upon her old friend, quickly pouncing him into the soft grass below them as she playfully teased him.

”Shut up! I wasn’t crying, okay. I just…was a little teary eyed is all.”

Grinning deviously, Vitani leaned in and gave Ayari a loving lick over his chin before she let him up and thought about the question he had posed to her, causing the former Outlander’s expression to fade as she stood with a puzzled gaze upon her face, replying to him in a confused manner.

”What do you mean Ayari? Isn’t it obvious?”

Melding over Ayari’s words a bit more carefully, Vitani seemed to grow a bit uneasy from what he had asked, causing her to question him back as she exclaimed in a bothered tone.

”Why would you ask something like that Ayari? I thought we were on the same page here? You know, we defeat Maju, things get back to being normal around here and you and I, we start a family together. Isn’t that what you had in mind too?”

[Baya]

Shwari squinted and noticed his brother who was walking towards them with angry muttering. Shwari sighed. "Best to stay out of his way. He's having a fit right now." Shwari said quietly as he watched his brother get closer. Shwari's ears twitched as all he heard was a long line of curses and obscenities.

"I don't think mom would like you using such language." Shwari stated with a raised eyebrow.

"Well is mom here? No? So hah!" Husudu said sticking out his tongue, and continuing to utter his obscenities. Shwari looked to Husudu as he walked past them.

"He is a troubled, troubled guy." Shwari muttered as he looked forward. "I'm sure he'll be fine after her cools off. Better ask Ayari what Husudu's worked up about. Do you have any siblings?" Shwari asked Zina as he began walking alongside her again.

~ Vitani and Ayari ~

"Yeah I was...on that same thought. You just have to remember Vitani, I am a rogue. I was born one. Why do you think I left the outlanders? I didn't belong there. I went looking for where I belong, and after this little escapade...I don't know where I want to go. Only reason I would stay here, is for you to be honest. After this is all over, my pride will be broken up. Siri will be staying here for sure, so she can provide for her cub. Husudu will probably run off on his own, Shwari will stay with Zina and I just don't know where I'm going to be." Ayari explained. He looked to her for a moment, knowing it would be difficult for her mind to digest what he had just said.

"I am not a regular lion Vitani. I am the rogue king, and I must maintain my status." Ayari muttered quietly. "I sort of...hoped that you'd be coming with me when the time came. I know what im saying sound's terrible..." Ayari stated.

[KiarasMate]

Perking her ears from the waves of obscenities that leaked out from Husudu’s muzzle, Zina found herself blushing from Schwari’s older brother’s words as she watched him depart, turning back to the younger of the two siblings as she stated in a smug voice.

”Wow, and I thought I had a colorful vocabulary.”

Listening to Schwari’s next inquiry, Zina shook her head and responded in a reflective voice.

”Nope. I was my mom and dad’s first and only cub. That’s probably why I was such a disappointment to them. My dad, he expected my mom to birth him a son. A mirrored image of his own bloated ego. I guess having a daughter meant nothing more than a perverse way to get his rocks off to him. My mom, well, I think she would have been fine with any gender, but the fact that I turned out the way I did and my fur color alone…it was too much for her to accept.”

Snorting in a disgusted fashion, Zina refused to have an emotional break down in front of Schwari, especially right after she had started to feel this way towards him. Quickly speaking up once more, Zina closed the matter as she stated.

”Who knows now though. Knowing my parents they probably got their wish and have a cub that doesn’t disappoint in every way possible. I honestly could care less though. Those two can burn in hell for all I care!”

Growling contemptuously, Zina hurriedly changed the subject before her temper got the better of her. Turning to Schwari with an innocent stare, Zina asked curiously.

”I know you and your brother don’t always see eye to eye, but I also know that there’s some sort of bond between the two of you that’s stronger than anything I’ve probably ever felt…that is, until recently of course.” Zina added in with a tender smile as she went on. ”So why do you think your brother is always so bitter Schwari? I know you both have lived a rough life, but look at you. You’ve overcome all that. I just don’t understand how two siblings…two creatures that share the same genes, could turn out to b such polar opposites. Did something happen along the way, or was this always the case?”

==========

Feeling a bit at a loss for words as she truly wasn’t expecting Ayari to say such things, Vitani stood speechless for a minute, her mind racing to find the right thing to say. Finally opening her muzzle to speak, her voice came out a bit shaky as she responded.

”I…I wasn’t expecting you to leave after this was all over Ayari. I mean…why would you leave these lands after you worked so hard to fight for them? If it was to make me happy, that’s not good enough! You’re what makes me happy Ayari, not the lands I live in. I know you care about me deeply Ayari but how could you expect me to just up and leave with you after we’ve been through all this? I have history here and these lands here are my home.”

Moving in a bit closer to Ayari, Vitani looked him straight in the eyes as a more serious expression etched its way upon her face, her voice adopting a concerned tone as she asked.

”Would you really just up and leave if I chose not to go with you Ayari?"

[Baya]

Shwari wondered if bringing up the subject of her having siblings was a smart idea when she almost lost her composure. When she asked him the question regarding her brother, he looked hard to the ground for a moment and shrugged. "He wasn't always like this...I mean...not when we were younger. He would play, laugh, smile and just be a cub I'm guessing. When the subject of war came up in the jungle he was the first to ask why it was necessary. To be honest, I think it was when my father died that he really became like this. He got worse and worse for every life he took and eventually he became what you see today. Violent and merciless as he is...he is still my brother. I could never look down upon him for what life has turned him into." Shwari explained. He didn't like talking about his brother all too much, because he didn't have much of the grounds to talk about him. If Husudu figured out what Shwari had just told Zina, he would be furious!

Soon they approached pride rock, and the sun was beginning to set. They had a long day, and Shwari was happy it was almost over. With the passing of another day, it was also a day closer to the great battle that was to come.

~ Vitani and Ayari ~

Ayari looked at Vitani for a moment, and he smiled. "Never. I would never leave you again. I made that mistake once already, and I'm not going to be making it twice." Ayari murmured as he nuzzled her. "I guess i'll just have to swallow the pain of belonging to a pride, and have that family with you. No point in being king...If I have no queen." Ayari murmured.

[KiarasMate]

Seeming genuinely intrigued by what Schwari was revealing about him and his brother’s past, although sensing the duress that was barely noticeable within his tone of voice, which Zina chalked up to being from the subject matter at paw, the white furred lioness didn’t press the matter further, only opting to reply in an understanding fashion.

”I guess we both have pasts that we’d rather not talk about and siblings, or lack there of, that really have impacted us personally.”

Seeing that they had almost circled all the way back to Pride rock now and noting the fading amount of light within the once bright sky, Zina knew that this almost picture perfect day was coming to an end. Remembering that no pride member was permitted outside the vicinity of Pride Rock after dark, Zina realized that her and Schwari would only have a short while longer to spend together, before they would both have to go back inside of the main den, where both Siri and eventually Husudu once he got back from wherever it was he had gone off to, would be there to judge their every action. Even though Siri wasn’t family per say, Zina still considered her the closest thing to it and looked up to her as a sister. Now, thinking how Siri might take to her new found interest in Schwari, Zina felt nervous for some reason. Trying to put off the inevitable for as long as was possible, Zina turned to the grey furred male as she asked in a hopeful voice.

”Do you want to…erm, sit with me for a little bit? Outside I mean. Maybe over on the promontory? I just don’t feel like going inside just yet.”

Smiling in a somewhat embarrassed manner, Zina tried to hide the fact that she longed to be with Schwari at this very moment, although to any observant individual, this fact would have been glaringly obvious from the way she looked at him, to the way her body seemed to slowly gravitate towards him as the two stood at the base of the majestic structure. Even if their relationship was new and would be taken slow, Zina’s feelings felt as though they were passing at a million miles per hour, making her feel rather confused, yet in the best way possible.

==========

Although Ayari’s words did comfort her a bit, Vitani couldn’t help but feel slightly hurt from what he had stated previously. Refusing to let this little incident put a damper upon the day however, Vitani swallowed her feelings and acted as though everything was right as rain, returning her lover’s affectionate nuzzle with one of her own as she replied in a convincing voice.

”Thank you Ayari. That’s all I needed you to say.”

Planting one last soft kiss upon Ayari’s muzzle, Vitani began to head towards pride Rock once more. Quietly melding over her own personal feelings as the pair made their way home, Vitani halted at the base of pride Rock, where the path split with one direction leading to the little den to which she and her soon to be mate, were planning on crashing for the night, and the other leading up to the main den. Turning to face Ayari, Vitani spoke in a loving tone.

”Why don’t you go and get yourself settled in our special little den Ayari and I’ll be in shortly. I need to tell my brother where we’ll be, just so he won’t freak out. I know he’s not going to approve of this idea, but that’s just too bad for him. He might be the king, but I make my own decisions when it comes to my life.”

Smiling fondly at her old friend, Vitani left his side as she bounded quickly past Schwari and Zina who also seemed to be plotting something together not too far off. Making her way into the main den, Vitani located her brother’s location within the main den before she made her way over to where he was. Taking a deep breath, the former Outlander stated in a firm, yet polite voice.

”Kovu, Ayari and I are going to spend some alone time together in the small den just under the promontory. We promise that we won’t go off in the middle of the night and we’ll be careful. We just…want some time alone.”

Keeping her voice slightly lowered in the hopes that Siri wouldn’t overhear her plans, as she really didn’t feel like dealing with another lecture about her love life from Ayari’s friend, Vitani waited for her brother to acknowledge her statement, her facial expression clearly indicating that this wasn’t a request and she wasn’t asking for his approval or anything.

==========

Growing restless and bored while he waited within the dim lands of The Elephant Graveyard, Xepher fidgeted uncontrollably as time seemed to tick by. With nothing happening and there being nothing to do within the dull area, the bored male quietly rose to his paws and made his way past Kiburi, who was resting not too far off, calling over to her in a lackluster voice as he passed.

”I’m going out for a walk, as if you care Aunty Kiburi…”

Not giving his aunt even a second glance, Xepher slipped away silently into the fading light of day. Making his way back into the heart of The Pride Lands, hoping to come across something of interest, the lone male’s travels brought him to the northern hunting grounds. Pausing for a minute, Schwari took in the scenery around him, noting the various herds of grazing animals that blotted along the dissolving sunset in front of him. Not being nearly skilled enough to hunt any sort of prey, yet having plenty of strength to take down any one of the numerous creatures that lay before him, Xepher sighed softly as it looked as though, there was nothing intriguing to keep him situated. Turning to take his leave however, the observant male’s eyes caught sight of something in the distance. Something other than potential prey. Quite the contrary even, as Xepher’s eyes locked squarely upon Husudu, who was still momentarily unaware of his own presence.

Typically, Xepher would have left such a delicate and seemingly dangerous situation alone as he knew well enough just what Husudu was capable of, but being pressed for things to do and having nothing but time on his side, Xepher risked a quick encounter with the temperamental male as he casually started making his way towards the far off figure of Husudu, calling out in a brazen tone.

”Well well well. Slap me around and call me Kiburi. If it isn’t Husudu. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Funny, first Tume and I run into your bratty little brother, and now you show your face here. What’s the chances of that, aye?”

[Baya]

[OOC: Wow, you worked ALOT on this one O_O]

Shwari walked alongside Zina slightly silent, and felt a little strange. His heart rate was increasing and skipping beats when he was near Zina. He couldn't tell if it was her scent, or if it was the escalating feelings he was having for her. He knew of course that he'd still have to take it slow. Zina had too many problems in the past with males before, and he wasn't about to push himself onto her. Shwari's thoughts were interrupted by Zina's question.

Shwari tilted his head, and smiled slightly back at Zina. There was nothing more he wanted then to spend more time with her. "If you want..." He replied hesitantly as he walked with her to the base of pride rock. He then sat next to her gazing at her with a smile, and an adoring look.

~ Ayari & Vitani ~

Ayari looked to Vitani as she spoke. His ears twitched as he nodded. "Be nice!" Ayari joked with a small chuckle. He walked at a slower pace then Vitani and got to the base of pride rock. He noticed Zina and Shwari getting alot closer then Zina's usual boundaries. "Oh my. Look who's bonding." Ayari said with a small grin. Shwari looked to Ayari for a moment.

"Don't you have a mate to get to?" Shwari asked with a raised eyebrow, not liking having his alone time with Zina interrupted.

"Yeah, but we are sort of going to be in that small den behind you. Don't let us disturb your moment." Ayari said as he passed Zina and Shwari, making his way into the den.

~ In the den ~

Kovu was talking about some defensive measures with some of the lionesses when he noticed Vitani walk up to them. Kovu turned to his half sister with a smile. "Looks like you've been doing well. Alot of these lionesses are stronger then they were this morning." Kovu commented. He then listened to what his sister said and he frowned slightly.

"I can't restrict you from doing anything, but please stay safe. They might be as bold as to attack us down there." Kovu said with a monotone. He watched his sister leave the den, and looked down.

"What's wrong Kovu?" Kiara asked as she nuzzled him.

"I'm afraid for Vitani. I don't know why, but I just don't like all the time she spends with Ayari." Kovu replied. Kiara giggled.

"You are just like my dad. You are over protective of your sister. Don't worry Kovu, I'm pretty sure she can make her own choices, and that she's old enough to realize what's right and whats wrong." Kiara assured.

"I hope so. Love makes lions do weird things." Kovu said with a grin as he nuzzled Kiara.

~ In the heart of the pride lands ~

Husudu made his way across the pride lands, not even bothering to hunt anymore. The truth was that he wasn't hungry, but angry. All around him, everyone was letting their emotions get the better of them. That would be their own down fall when Maju decided to attack. Husudu knew that his brother was in love with that lioness the moment he offered her his help. Husudu hoped that she would still be rude and bitter to him so it would make Shwari drop the friendly rogue routine. It didn't work. If anything, Shwari was even WEAKER now.

Husudu's thoughts were interrupted by an obnoxiously familiar voice. He glared at Xepher as the male approached him. "Well, well , well. If it isn't the indecent flirt? Hope you haven't moved onto males now." Husudu said with a snort. Husudu never liked Xepher, or that spoiled brat Tume. The boy thought he knew suffering, but he'd been trained by his mother. Husudu was trained by hardship, and nature.

[KiarasMate]

[lol, not really, It's just taking me longer to think up decent replies as my creative muse seems to be wearing thin as of late, but I still try to reply as quickly as I can Kivuli. lol. ^^]

Sitting peacefully at the base of Pride Rock next to Schwari, Zina’s mind searched desperately for the right thing to say. This whole love thing was still quite foreign to her and understanding that it was a delicate situation to handle, or so she had observed with Siri and Kivuli, as that was probably the only example she had to base her own perspective off of, Zina didn’t want to screw things up so early on in this newly blossoming relationship. Fortunately for the white furred Shaman, Ayari’s momentary presence provided her with a few minutes to compose her thoughts while Schwari and the former rogue spoke. Watching as Ayari made his way and passed them, disappearing into a near by den, Zina turned her focus back to Schwari as she stated in a kind voice.

”You know, even with what happened to us earlier Schwari, I really had a nice time with you today. I can’t remember the last time I’ve actually felt so…well, like myself. Like…I don’t have to try and hide who I am from you. Does that make any sense?”

Smiling in an embarrassed fashion as she felt as though she was tripping over her own words, Zina managed to inch herself a tad bit closer to where Schwari was seated, although the two weren’t quite close enough yet to make actual body contact with one another but it was a start at least. Peering up into the fading daylight above, Zina spoke once more, this time, in a slightly more reflective voice.

”It’s kind of funny, but we Shaman’s have this belief that life is much like the art of mixing herbs. With the right combination of elements, things can be perfect, but one wrong little addition can throw everything out of balance in an instant. Even in the worst situations though, balance can still be restored if one looks hard enough for that special thing. I always thought it was a croc, but now, I think I believe it more than ever.”

Fixating her eyes back upon her grey furred companion, Zina gazed deeply into Schwari’s eyes as her voice softened and lowered to a hushed whisper.

”I believe that you are that special ingredient in my recipe of life, that will bring balance to my very unstable being Schwari.”

==========

Smiling thoughtfully at her brother as he praised her for a job well done with the training of the lionesses, Vitani took the praise in stride as she typically did. Hearing her brother’s half hearted acknowledgement of her plans for the night, Vitani sighed quietly to herself, as she knew that Kovu still had a bit of hesitancy of letting her do what she wanted, although the fact alone that he wasn’t trying to talk her out of it was good enough for her for the time being. Giving both Kovu and Kiara a polite bow, Vitani took her leave as she bounded out of the main den, down the slope leading into The Grasslands, past Schwari and Zina once more, and disappeared into the mouth of the small den to which Ayari was waiting for her at.

Upon entering, Vitani made her way slowly over to where Ayari had already comfortably situated himself at. Pausing for a moment a few paws length away from her old friend, Vitani couldn’t help but to blush as she spoke in a sweet voice to him.

”Well, you’re probably wondering why I asked you to stay with me here tonight Ayari and I don’t want to crush your hopes, but it wasn’t so we could mate. Not tonight at least. What I was hoping for…was…well, a night where we could just forget about everything that’s happening right now.”

Moving in close enough so that her soft frame was gently touching Ayari’s, Vitani nuzzled him tenderly as she continued speaking in a low murmur.

”Let’s forget all our worries, let go of all our fears and just be ourselves for just one night. It’ll be like we’re cubs again Ayari. You know? Not a care in the world, taking everything for granted, being naive but not caring about that. Consider it like an escape from reality.”

Planting a sensual kiss over Ayari’s muzzle, lightly placing her fore paw atop his, Vitani continued to kiss over her lover’s face until she reached his ear, where she whispered softly.

”That doesn’t mean we can’t have a bit of fun though and it surely doesn’t mean that we have to forget about our love for one another. I just want one night with no strings attached, no regrets when we wake up and no one to bother us. For tonight Ayari, it’s just you,” Vitani stated, bringing her gaze back to Ayari’s entrancing stare as she resumed. ”and me.”

==========

Snickering in an amused tone, Xepher held his ground as he feigned to look hurt from what his former horde member stated towards him. Replying in an antagonizing voice, Xepher placed a paw over his chest to further signify his false pretenses.

”Oh, right for the heart, huh Husudu? Some things never change I suppose, but nope, I’m still as straight as your bias upon life. It’s strange though. Seeing your bratty brother with a lioness today. I just figured that you’d have one by your side too. What’s up with that, hmm? Pride not big enough for two turncoats? I bet it really ruffles your feathers to see your little brother getting some action while you’re still being shunned on the sidelines, aye?”

Smirking indignantly towards Husudu, Xepher took this most opportune time to try and figure out just what Husudu’s plan of action truly was, as whenever it came to the older of the two grey furred males, Husudu’s motives were never quite as clear as Schwari’s and Xepher knew this. Adopting a more civil tone, or at least, as much of one as Xepher himself could muster, he spoke up again once more to Husudu.

”So tell me, was this life of luxury worth turning your back upon Maju and company? At least when you were with us, your skills, if you want to go as far as to call them that however, were at least appreciated. I’ll even admit it myself, You’re one hell of a killing machine Husudu but I could care less what you do with your miserable life. It just perplexes me how you could throw away everything that you once had, for even less. Having your brother being corrupted by the enemy and pledging your allegiance to those who don’t give a damn about what makes you great? Sure, life might not be perfect with Maju, but in my eyes, it beats the alternative now doesn’t it?”