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 Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 8:32 am
Rustle. Rustle. The sound of savannah grass twitching and quivering caused pitch black ears to p***k at attention, though the owner of said audits was slow to stir from his fitful dreams. Unlike most mornings Pachinko couldn't feel the gentle warmth of the morning sun on his fur. It was unusual for him to awake this early, yet the disturbance couldn't be ignored. Vibrant blue eyes flickered wide lazily, taking on a subtle glow in the surroundings darkness. A purple haze lay over the land with the promise of the coming sunrise, but it had not yet even begun to peek in the horizon.
A chill crept into the young cheetah's coat, causing him to writhe in the tall grass where he had dropped from exhaustion the night prior. A soothing stillness lay over the rogue lands as the masses slumbered on. Rustle. Rustle.
Well. Except for one it seemed.
The call of an empty belly was all that kept him from deciding to catch just a couple more winks. Hoping that whatever was causing the ruckus was small enough to be caught and consumed in a manner not requiring of much effort. Murmuring to himself as he dug his claws into the ground and leaned low into a stretch that slid through his entire body. It's too early to be this noisy, whoever you are...
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Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 8:45 am
Step by step, Uhuru was moderately aware of her surroundings. It was early and prime hunting time for some larger predators hoping to find a snack or meal before the heat of the morning overwhelmed the land. Thankfully though, Uhuru was not concerned with hunting. . . not at this moment, at any rate. There was something more important to witness, a something that out ranked even the emptiness in her belly....
The sunrise.
A lover of beauty, the pale coated mistress of the morning rarely missed such a scene. She made it a point to greet the day as softly and serenely as the morning; and always enjoyed watching the sun set on the horizon come dusk. Nature was her companion, her only constant companion. One could never trust another's company, but shadows and sunlight and the tickle of wind against ones ears or the music of the monsoon season were always with her. She never had to look far to ease the emptiness in her soul.
As it was, she hardly noticed Pachinko until it was too late. When he rose and slid in to a stretch, commenting about the early hour, Uhuru froze. Her head lifted and two violet eyes blinked out at the black and white cheetah. He wasn't far from where she trekked, in fact, had he not rose she very well might have stepped upon him had she proceeded without looking.
Grinning lightly, the leopardess paused in her trek and offered a small bow. "Ah, forgive me for disturbing your sleep. . . .It's just, I am in a bit of a hurry. It won't be long now before it begins." Glancing over her shoulder, the leopardess studied the sky, noticing that it was already beginning to lighten. Stars still lazily dotted the sky, especially west of the horizon . . . but those trees weren't going to walk to her, after all.
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Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 3:19 am
Admittedly, the young male was startled by the gentle voice that greeted him apologetically, leaping backwards on springy legs like a grasshopper. He certainly hadn't expected anyone to be nearby and had honestly only attributed the noise to a scampering hare or some other savannah rodent making its way across the land before the morning predators could be any the wiser of its location. And although the bristling cheetah thought another feline nearby to be a surprise, upon greeting an unfamiliar face with round, clear blue eyes he was met with a far more appealing realization.
It was a female leopard that greeted him! Sharp stare quick to take in her attractive features as he straightened from his stretch, suddenly feeling rather abashed for his grumbling. It wasn't like Pachinko to be even slightly maltempered and he flushed ruefully, ducking his raven-hooded head in regret. Ah.. I'm sorry. I.. didn't realize. I thought you were a hare or something. She was so light on her paws...
Murmuring the last bit to himself under his breath, he realized quite suddenly that the stranger seemed to be in a hurry. Well, perhaps he could be of assistance? He had, afterall, been born of the fastest breed in Africa. Cocking his head hopefully now that he finally seemed able to meet her gaze, Pachinko queried curiously, eager to repent for his previous social faux pas by way of aiding the the buttermilk colored leopardess if it were at all possible. Before what begins? Can.. I be of help some how? I'm not good at a whole lot of things, but I'm pretty quick. Kind of comes with the territory.. being a cheetah and all. Heh.
Awkward male chuckled sheepishly and rolled his shoulders, watching her gaze towards the distant horizon with anticipation. Was she being chased? Or perhaps it was something she was running to? He could only wonder given the breathless state of anticipation she was in.
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:41 pm
The female took a moment to study the lithe cheetah before her. He was rather striking from what she could discern at this very early hour, a pale coat coupled with a layer of shadows draped across his shoulders and back. Very striking, really, and as a great admirer of all things beautiful, the violet eyed femme could only guess he harbored a great many fans upon the savanna.
Chuckling lightly as the stranger admitted his err, Uhuru gave a small shake of her head, violet eyes bright with good humor. "No apologies necessary," she quietly reassured, dipping her own head in apology. "It is I who should apologize for disturbing your slumber and not being more observant to my surroundings."
It wasn't like she'd never witnessed a sunrise before. . .
Furthermore, it wasn't like her to be so rushed or come off so rude. To be like the sun rise, to be serene, gentle and to step silently unnoticed over the world. . . Uhuru had seen much of the desert and plains Africa offered, but she made sure to keep her tracks light and her travels short. Like the stars in the heavens or the sun and moon over head, she didn't linger long in one place.
Tail swishing, the pale femme found the cheetah offering to assist. . . Her look of surprise was obvious, but swiftly she allowed a warm smile to cross her features. He seemed genuine in his desire, even if he appeared a bit bashful. . . Truly though, he'd done nothing wrong. Stealing one last look over her shoulder at the ever lightening sky, the leopardess turned back to the stranger and offered a bow of her head.
"I fear there's nothing much to help but . . . It has been awhile since I've had an escort. Perhaps you might accompany me to those trees down yonder?" She nodded her head to the distant silhouettes littered behind Pachinko. "A lovely show is about to begin. . . I can't promise you'll enjoy it, but I can guarantee a few pleasant sights along the way."
Not everyone, she remembered, enjoyed nature as much as she. In fact, she was strange in her ways, her love of nature becoming something of an obsession. It was the one thing she could count on, the one thing that gave her an excuse to run, to flee from the shadows of her past. . .
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Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 1:17 pm
Pachinko was put at ease to hear that there were no hard feelings for his off putting initial greeting, hurriedly interjecting to immediately disregard the leopardess' own assumed misgivings. No need for apology on your part, honest! It was about time for me to wake anyway.. it seems without my brothers I'm a useless layab---
He hesitated in mid sentence as soon as he realized his tongue had gotten away from him, looking flustered. A half-hearted cough giving the young cheetah a chance to start over. I mean, ehh, it's alright. Really. No harm done.
Why did everything he attempted to say suddenly sound so ungainly and without tact? He was certainly no casanova like Hanta, but he had also never been the sort to get awkward and goofy around females. Always, thank the gods and goddesses, at least capable of maintaining his composure. And it wasn't as if she were the first leopardess he'd come in contact with, but there was something about the way she looked at him. Realizing that her gaze was admiring. That caused him to flinch and shiftingly dance into her peripheral vision.
A generic look was one thing, but there was an unspoken compliment in her gaze that made him feel surprisingly sheepish, given that he'd done nothing to deserve it. Monotone feline was, of course, making an attempt to correct that though. Canting his head at the visible expression what appeared to be shock. Pachi wondered if he hadn't overstepped his boundaries by offering, rocking back on his haunches uneasily. However, the charming smile that blossomed upon her maw reassured him that he was making good to fill paw prints of a male deserving of her praise.
Vibrant lagoon blue hues drifted towards the horizon the femme seemed so intent on before returning with a swivel of obsidian audits as she spoke. Jaws parting in almost immediate protest. Whatever it was, he could help! He wasn't so completely worthless as to leave a lady to her own devices when in need! Just as he was about to speak in the silence of her pause the conversation was lifted once more with her request for an escort. Well hey now! He might not have been a very good hunter, yet, and hadn't tested his skills in a fight, yet, (and as such was glad there was no violence involved in said request) but he was certainly capable enough to walk a lady to the nearby tree line! Is that all? Err.. I mean.. not.. that it's not a fair request. I'm actually kind of relieved.. to be honest. That you aren't in any sort of danger, I mean.. not because I don't want to get involved or an--
His tongue had run off again. Pachi clicked his jaw shut to stop himself from rambling any further like some crazed lunatic. Taking a breath before he tried again. His grin apologetic. I'm just glad you're okay and I'd be honored to escort you.
He wasn't sure what she meant by "a lovely show" but even if he didn't enjoy it there was certainly plenty enough in his new companion for him to appreciate.
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Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 6:48 am
Fortunately for Pachinko, his newfound companion was quite patient and even in temper. She rarely found herself faced with exasperation and only bared her fangs or snarled when backed in to a corner. So the young cheetah's ramble and prattle did little to upset the pale leopardess. . . . In fact, it was pleasantly amusing and refreshing. Many creatures on the savanna kept their distance or weren't keen on companionship or conversation. It was nice that the monotone cheetah before her could at least speak.
Her ears pricked lightly as he mentioned something about brothers. Family, huh? Perhaps she had trodden upon their territory or hunting grounds? Still, he had mentioned without his brothers, which meant a lacktherof, so perhaps he was roaming away from home? Or vice-versa? Either way, she chose not to poke and pry, still rather newly acquainted with her new friend.
Ah, but then he danced away, jerking out of her gaze and causing her a need to turn her head if she wished to look him in the eye. Part of Uhuru wondered why he chose to dance away, but it didn't cause her much grief or concern. To each their own, after all. . . .
But it was his response to her request, his initial words did cause her a moments confusion. Is that all? But any moments concern that crossed her features washed away like a wave upon the shore as he continued speaking. The poor soul didn't seem to know what to say, and the leopardess couldn't help but chuckle. A light purr in her throat, she gave a shake of her head and a small stretch of her body as she spoke, "Though your sentiments are well received, let me assure you there is no danger here to speak of. And that it is I who am honored to find such good company this morning, so thank you. Now, my fine sire, shall we be off?"
Stepping forward, she glanced over to the lithe cheetah, making sure he was prepared and ready. It wouldn't take long to get to the tree line, and the sight that might await them surely would be stunning. With their backs turned to the eastern skies, it would be pleasant to see what awaited them upon their arrival.
As they started their small crossing of the savanna, the leopardess DID realize she had been most rude. Dipping her head as they loped along, she did add apologetically, "Might I know the name of my dutiful escort? I'm Uhuru . . . a fact I should've mentioned much earlier."
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Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 1:14 pm
Had the wave of relief not been evident in his voice? Her expression for a moment verged almost on offended--or maybe that was the young cheetah's over active imagination playing up on his fears. Whatever doubt may have taken root in his chest, she didn't let it fester there long as the leopardess' quiet sound of amusement caused a wave of relief to wash over him. Shoulders immediately settling into a more relaxed position as the tip of his tail bounced joyfully. It had been too long since the last time he'd heard the sound of laughter, soaking it up with an almost childish exuberance. Such lightheartedness, he missed that most of all.
A momentary twinge of loneliness caught him off guard, but Pachinko brushed it aside quickly. This was no time to feel discontentment, not when he had such a charming leopardess to keep him company! Purring tone causing him to smile with pleasure. Well that's reassuring. It's too early in the morning to be dealing with dangerous threats. Haven't even had breakfast yet.
Glowing eyes sparked with a teasing humor playfully, bobbing his head in an enthusiastic nod as he took up a carefully measured stride beside the leopardess, trying not to overpower her pace with his long legs. The male's jog was light and effortless, his movements fluid as sinew moved elegantly beneath his hide, like a well oiled machine. Yea.. lets be off before we miss this show of yours, you've got me curious now.
As they picked their way across the open plains, still with slumbering creatures as the dawn approached rapidly upon the horizon, and the femme took a moment to introduce herself Chi realized that he hadn't even offered her his name. He really was rather scattered brained this morning wasn't he? Of course he'd blame it on the fact that he was still gathering his wits after being stirred so abruptly from his sleep.
Uhuru.
It had a lilting quality and rolled off his tongue pleasantly. A measuring gaze was canted towards her before he glanced away again towards their goal of the distant trees. His tone tinged with bashfulness but acknowledging none the less as he tried to keep from staring at her like an idiot. It's a pleasure to finally learn it, I'll admit. I'm Pachinko... but I'm called every variety of nickname you can imagine so feel free to call me what you like. I don't mind.
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Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:49 am
The leopardess followed quickly, doing her best to keep up with the fluid motions of her new companion. Cheetahs had always been fascinating, with their thin frames and their agile movements. Though she wasn't a vain creature by nature, Uhuru couldn't help but feel a little clumsy and boxy in comparison. Even walking or jogging, his longer-legged gait kept him the champion of the savanna.
Of course, when it came to brute force or climbing, Uhuru understood her talents well. Amazing how they all had been blessed with unique gifts. Chuckling again at the cheetah's words, Uhuru gave a nod of approval. "Quite right you are," she purred, eyes bright, "Any threats should be proper and at least wait an hour after lunch, that way we're all well fed and ready to take on such adversity." Silly, really, but Uhuru couldn't help but be amused. Similarly, she hadn't been given much laughter these past few months; as a rogue it came with the territory, not all company was pleasant or in good spirits. So meeting this unexpected stranger was quite a pleasant change indeed.
"Pachinko it is," she added happily, allowing his name to tickle her tongue. It was fun to say, very catching, and seemed to fit the dark and cream cheetah before her very well. "It's quite a pleasure to meet you," she added cheerfully, turning her lope in to a run as she zipped past.
The treeline was fast approaching, and as it was, the leopardess prepared herself for a running leap. She doubted her friend would have as much luck (she'd never seen a cheetah climb a tree before) but low perches were her most favorite place to sit. Bunching her muscles from her sprint, she neatly sprung on to the lowest branch of the tree, pleased that it held her weight firmly. Turning round, she made room just in case the gentleman wanted to accompany her, otherwise she was still low enough to have a pleasant conversation.
"To the east is where it has begun. . . and today proves to not be a disappointment." She added cooly, dragging her gaze off the cheetah and focusing on the horizon before her. Sure enough, the sunrise had begun and the clouds were stained a war of violet and orange; rich reds and pinks and oranges were burning away the night, pushing it back like a scroll and heralding the arrival of dawn.
To Uhuru, it was a beautiful sight and even poor Pachinko took second to this moment. How many took a sunrise for granted? Not Uhuru. Nature was her love, her solid companion that never ceased to entertain and never would leave scars upon her form.
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Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 8:21 pm
Her purr of amusement at his joke caused Pachinko's chest to swell, he was glad that she hadn't taken his comment in any aspect of cowardice as it had been meant only in jest, of course. Nodding along as Uhuru seemed to catch his playful tone and teased along with him. Exactly! Can't be fighting for your life on an empty stomach, it's just plain rude to attack someone before they've had breakfast at the very least.
Likewise! Panting with a grin on his face he watched the creamy outline of the blur of leopard dart past him at a full out run, easily passing his languid jog. Lips quirking further, delighted by her spirit as he picked up his pace, enjoying the feel of exerting more force on his lean muscles as they flexed and tightened with the leap in speed, though well controlled as he remained ever several paces behind her. Just far enough to avoid the flagging length of her tail as it whipped behind her with the sudden burst of speed.
Following Uhuru towards the treeline the young male suddenly skidded to a halt when his companion vanished into thin air, digging his paws into the earth to skid to a halt and spin several times. She'd been ahead of him just a minute ago, he'd barely blinked and she'd gone and turned invisible! Obsidian ears quirked at awkward angles in distress as Pachi spun around and around in tight, dizzying circles while scanning the surrounding terrain. The sudden sound of a familiar voice from over his head causing sky blue eyes to lift to the branch just over his head, having missed the tree trunk at his side in his state of distressed confusion. Ahh right. Leopard. Tree. He suddenly felt a painful rush of embarrassment, causing his features to color through dark fur.
Uhuru.. that.. was quite a leap. Admitting sheepishly given that he was certain he couldn't have managed such a feat, nor was he about to try and make himself look anymore the fool than he already had. His pride could only stand so many degrading blows before noon. Shifting his weight to sit comfortable just underneath her an inquisitive look cast towards the east horizon in anticipation only to find the fiery hues of sunrise glowing in the distance. Is this what she had been rushing toward? Tilting his gaze up towards the femme who stared at the view completely transfixed Pachinko could only assume it was. A slow smile warming his features in response. It was such a simple pleasure and the sun, in all its golden glory paled in comparison to the rogue in his opinion, but he found her enjoyment of something so mundane charming.
It said a lot that she could appreciate something most tended to overlook. Admiring the view of her dazzling rosettes under the stretching rays of light, his voice was slightly distant, mesmerized. No... not disappointing at all.
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Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 8:28 am
Uhuru had to resist giggling at the cheetah's sudden confusion. The way he spun around, the way his ears pricked at odd angles and his obvious distress at her disappearance was amusing - did he forget that she was a leopard and was most at home in the trees? The poor fellow. . . first she startled him awake and now she upset his senses. Despite her humor, the leopardess made sure her expression was nothing but kind as she gave him a warm smile as soon as he looked up at her.
"It's a small talent," she agreed, giving a shrug of her shoulders as she settled upon the branch. "Though I must admit," she mused, allowing her gaze to drift off the cheetah and rest upon the sunrise. "It's a shame cheetah's can't climb trees...." Yes, she would have greatly enjoyed the company of the feline. He seemed to have a good heart and certainly had obliged her fancies. A fortuitous meeting, definitely. . . . but one she could better dwell on after the day was properly brought in.
Soon enough, her gaze was wrapped up in the rising of the sun. Nature truly was her only companion, her only friend. Always there was something wonderful to explore, something new to discover; too many took it for granted and yet it was always changing. It never disappointed her or caused her heart ache. . . . It was the only thing outside of herself she could depend on.
Her tail flicked lightly as she heard Pachinko's agreement. Unfortunately, she missed out on the fact that he was gazing at her instead of the rising sun. Perhaps she would have taken it as a compliment, but unfortunately, her gaze was strictly on that of the dawn.
A few moments passed, the leopardess unmoving while the rich morning colours paled. Soon all the colour would be burned away from the blue sky, but Uhuru drank it in. It was only after she was satisfied in greeting the morning that her lavender gaze returned to the cheetah. She wondered if he was even still there. . . . . ". . . .beautiful, isn't it? I don't often like to miss such a show, so I think you for indulging me. I'm quite aware you might have better things to do with your time. . ." She gave a self-deprecating smile and a small apologetic dip of her head.
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 9:57 pm
As the sun stretched over the horizon, shedding light upon the savanna and the pair who were content to drink in the vision of its rising Pachinko's expression of awe was quickly evaporating. His gentle smile twisting, ears pinned and eyes wide as the thin pink lines of abuse began to take shape upon Uhuru's lovely physique. The image upon his face was one that could only be described as disbelief. How in the world could he have been so blind? How was it possible not to have noticed such a disfiguring---
No.
The monotone cheetah quickly corrected himself. Despite the webbing of scars which seemed at one time life threatening, they failed to tarnish the pale female's beauty. That aside, Pachi felt his passive heart tighten with outrage. It seemed impossible to him, the idea that some rabid creature could have treated her so poorly once upon a time. There's definitely a story behind that sorrow..
But he wasn't sure yet if they were friendly enough to ask about it without accidentally causing the fragile friendship to crumble. When Uhuru finally returned her gaze to his own from her perch over head the young male tried his best to wear a face unfazed by this new development. Too bad Pachinko was the sort to always wear his heart on the back of his paw,a trait that made him honest, but painfully easy to read. Shaking his head as an earnest smile gingerly returned to his maw after a moment. N-no.. I should be thanking you. I've never really taken the time to appreciate the sunrise.. it really is something isn't it?
Standing quickly, the slender figure circled anxiously beneath the leopardess, shaking his head hurriedly. Uncertain why her gestures made him so uneasy. Hey... I.. I really mean it.. when I say it means a lot to me... t-to be able to share this with you. So please don't apologize.
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