User ImagexxxxxUser Image


After the play had concluded, Dhoruba'Kali was kind of shocked. The sienna lion had to admit, that was not at all the mood he had expected for a play performed at a party, and he almost found it inappropriate. Really, that was a bit too depressing - even with the defiant and somewhat flattering end - to kick off a party with. Nema, however, was ecstatic about the whole performance, choosing to focus more on the excellence of the actors and the brilliance of their portrayal than on the "appropriateness" of the choice of theme. With that fact alone, Dhoru decided to keep his opinion to himself and see the play through her sapphire eyes; there was no way he would ruin Nema's enthusiasm for the theatre, and he agreed that the actors had done very well, regardless as to whether he enjoyed the show.

Nema jumped to her paws and bounced a few pawsteps away, all but pulling on Dhoru to follow. "Come on, Dhoru! We have to go congratulate them!" she squealed, and rushed off toward the stage where the actors were still gathered; a small crowd had already flocked to the stage with similar intentions to Nema. With a laugh, the large lion strolled after his lively mate - at a much more leisurely pace.

Dhoru caught up to his spouse as she was chattering to the "Cheetah Who Would Not Bow". He gladly followed Nema around - at a small distance - as the white Mummer excitedly flitted between the performers and gushed about the presentation and their great jobs. While Dhoru didn't know how he felt about the play, and he was none too fond of fawning over strangers, he relished his mate's elation and watched from a tail-length away with a soft smile, occasionally offering positive words of his own. When Nema was finished with her rounds of congratulations and praise, she trotted over to join Dhoru and the two turned toward the fires, where many of the partygoers had already gathered. In fact, a small circle had formed and several Mummers were putting on performances for the gathered Kizi, Bahari and rogues. Dhoru draped his tail over Nema's back and the two padded side by side to join the ring.

They had only made it about halfway when Nema suddenly exclaimed, "Ou, Honey! Look at that! Isn't it pretty?" Dhoru turned to look in the direction Nema was facing, and noticed a merchant with her wares set up off to the side.

Nema bounced animatedly over to the merchant, and Dhoru followed with a chuckle. Their pridemate smiled and turned away, allowing them to browse without actively trying to upsell, but not before making a joke about Dhoru being a Thief. Nema gently pawed at a neck band made of alligator's hide.

"Wouldn't this be perfect for Hana?" she enthused, a large smile plastered across her face. "It would protect her when she's on duty, 'cause you know she has a dangerous job, and it would look amazing! So tough."

Even though Dhoru highly doubted that Hana cared what she looked like - and, really, she didn't need help with coming across as "tough" - he had to admit that he agreed with Nema. Plus, he was pro anything that improved the safety of his family. He called the merchant back and bartered a deal - the choker, for a rabbit and a few small gemstones he had been keeping for just such an occasion. They came to an agreement that the merchant would keep the alligator hide safe until the party was over; she would bring it by Dhoru and Nema's den afterward and they could exchange products. The rabbit, of course, would need to be caught and brought to the merchant in the next few days.

After the purchase was made and the merchant thanked, Dhoru and Nema resumed heading to the fires. On the way, Dhoru caught sight of one of his niece's speaking to a Bahari male. Their eyes met very briefly, and he threw her a sly, teasing look and winked. His niece made a snarky face and went back to her conversation. Well, that is the purpose of this whole event, isn't it? he thought to himself with a chuckle.

"What's funny?" Nema asked, cocking her head in her adorable way, eyes wide with curiosity.

"Ah. Just Hana making a new friend," he answered, motioning with his head. Nema caught sight of the "new friends" and laughed herself, a smile so large that it crinkled her eyes. Dhoru was even more amused now that his mate shared his delight in Hana's new interest. Hana had never seemed the type to want to find a mate, but things seemed to be changing. In fact, Dhoru had heard rumors that Vanellope had found a special someone, which was just as unexpected in his eyes. Maybe it was just because he was their uncle.

The happy couple reached the bonfires, and Dhoru promptly settled his rump into the flame-warmed sand. Nema, on the other hand, immediately started wiggling her rump in tradition with her rank. It was a gentle swaying for now, but she was waiting her turn to perform - a dance and song tribute to the stars, her forever muse. Dhoru would never be able to take part in her frivolity, but he understood and admired his mate, and loved watching her perform. For now, he was more than content to sit close to the comforting flames and watch the little butt-wiggle that Nema wasn't even aware she was doing. When the other Mummer finished his story, Nema rushed to bump her muzzle against Dhoru's, before hurrying off to the center of the circle and starting her honor to the stars.

Dhoru laughed quietly to himself at just how adorable his mate was and how lucky he was to have her. As she started to get into her routine, his laugh turned into a calm and mesmerized smile; Dhoru watched, overwhelmed with love, as Nema cherished the wonderful way that performing and her beloved mate made her feel.