It had been months since Adala had slept well, and tonight was no different. Even with her long-lost mate by her side again, sleep did not come. She was relieved - no, overjoyed - to have him back, but it was not enough to quiet her mind or still her restless paws. She had lain beside him for a time, but not wanting to disturb his rest with her fidgeting, had eventually moved away to toss and turn and finally stand and pace. She spent the entire night that way, up and down and back and forth, until dawn finally came upon the oasis.
They were not fully alone, as the oasis was occuppied by roughly half of the Qyrhyeshti, their forces divided between the only two oases they currently held. Of course, there were always patrols and excursions, so a full half of the pride was never here all at once, but there were enough that it made her uneasy. They had been ordered to give Adala and Kotu their privacy, but it wouldn't last. They would need explanations sooner rather than later.
And the cubs...they were in the charge of Sabit and the buyuks for now, until Kotu was ready. Until she'd told him. Loosing a sigh, Adala glanced back at her mate, waiting for him to wake.
Strawberry Gumi Bunny