[PRP] With thorns [Yksivarinen x Akahana]

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YKSIVARINEN

The monochrome male was taking a few breaths of leisure to relax and enjoy the beauty of the night. Or maybe he was just catching his breath after a patrol of the pride. Not the sort that the Guards might make, to protect the pride from outsiders, but a different patrol, to make sure King Shangyue was safe from the pride.

There hadn't been any real problems in the moons since he'd taken over, but Shangyue believed in being prepared and Yksivarinen was prepared to do whatever it took.

Of course, it took a whole lot more out of 'Varinen than most others. So it was with relief that he spotted a fellow Royal Guard, Akahana.

"Oh! Akahana! Hi there! What are you up to?" the male called out, coming into easy conversation range.  

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The monochrome male laid his ears flat and gave Akahana a hurt look. She didn't have to be so mean to him, did she? It wasn't as if they were in different classes. They even had the same rank!

"I am on my feet," he replied with a frown. "And I wish you wouldn't call me that. My name's Yksivarinen, but if that's too long, you can just call me 'Varinen." "Icky" was an old childhood nickname that he just couldn't seem to shed, no matter what he did. And he hadn't particularly liked it then either.

It really sucked that someone like Akahana, who hadn't even been born into the Mwezi'Johari, had found out about it and started using it.  

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"I can only move so fast," the male explained, still frowning. Oh sure, others, including Akahana, could do the same patrol faster, but that didn't mean he wasn't doing his best! Besides, if they were going so much faster, they might be missing things that he could catch.

Well, overlooking his reputation for failing at most things. But it wasn't his fault! His forelegs went one way, his back legs went another, and soon enough Yksivarinen was flat on his stomach, or his back, again.

Red eyes blinked in surprise at the lioness' sudden outburst. Then he glanced up at the moon's position in the sky and smiled.

"It's quiet because it's late, the moon is nearly set, and dawn will come soon. People are going to bed," he pointed out sweetly.  

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The lion blinked at the savage reply his simple words garnered. He really didn't understand why Akahana was so angry - from his point of view, everything was right with the world. The nights were beautiful, there was plenty of food, just about everyone had all they wanted, there were even new cubs, somewhere...

'Varinen was genuinely confused by the lioness.

"Maybe you should consider sleep," he said at last. "Everything will look better when you wake in the evening." At least, it did for him, and he saw no reason why it shouldn't work for everyone else.  

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Yksivarinen watched the lioness stalk off. He shook his head. He really didn't understand her at all. Not that this was a new sensation, but it just seemed like such a waste. She obviously had energy to spare physically, but was all tense and ready for a fight where there was peace!

Ah well, she was rihgt about one thing. He should do another round of patrolling. It was possible that something bad might be going on, though 'Varinen privately doubted it. Even those who had been so resistant to Shangyue's rule - Uchanjaa came to mind - had been quiet.

Quiet was good. It meant that everyone was getting along and things were peaceful, just as they should be!

On that note, the monochromatic male began moving again, in the opposite direction of Akahana.