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 Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 7:08 pm
The morning after.
How was it possible to awake feeling so awkward beside a beautiful lioness that he had fallen asleep with in a state of complete euphoria?
Had it been anyone else Ozark would have slid away into the predawn darkness, but it was Asali. How could he even fathom the idea of leaving her in such a way? Still submerged deep within the belly of the forest there was little chance she would have been able to find her way out on her own. So he had lingered, listening to the sounds of the small frame beside him slumbering. Feeling the swell of her side as each breath caused their bodies to press into one another.
Awake. Alert. Dreading.
That had been the most uncomfortably silent walk back to the heart of the pride Ozark had ever endured. Uncertain of exactly what he should say after all that had transpired the night before the Usher had chose to say nothing at all, fleeing to the Twilight Caves as soon as he was able.
It had been several weeks since that night. Several weeks since Oz had run into Asali. He'd gone out of his way to avoid her as selfish as that was to the ill and dieing that he tended. Needless to say they were the first to notice though very few were brazen enough to ask about it, not that they would have likely gotten any sort of an answer from the stonily quiet mountain lion.
Unfortunately the time apart, even if was spurred by the shame the male felt for his actions, had left Ozark feeling strangely empty. Separation had done little to remove Asali from his mind or his heart. Something was missing in his life.
No.. not something. Someone.
A someone with a honey sweet voice and the personality to match. The same someone whose bubbly laughter caused his stoic expression to falter against his will and gentle nuzzling warmed him from the inside out. That someone was Asali.
A long talk with a lonely spirit had helped set the awkward lion straight. Crazy as Ozark must have appeared to anyone else, holding a conversation with himself.
Best tell her you love her.. before it's too late.
Tell her I love her? Ffft.. I don't even know where to begin with that mess. Snorting to himself, Oz sighed grimly at the memory of the conversation and straightened his physique, trying hard to carry himself in a manner that wasn't slinky and cowering. He was following the familiar female's scent with a strong stride though still cautious. Spirits help him if he ran into her unexpectedly. He was still trying to decide what to say.
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 2:45 pm
 The memories of that night still made her grow warm from the inside out, butterflies springing to life in her belly every time she turned around and thought she caught a glimpse of him in the distance. If she closed her eyes she could almost feel him pressed against her, his rich, masculine scent surrounding her, his strength holding her close, protective and strangely careful as if he were afraid she may break.
Yet he had not come to see her about his patients since their return and she feared he no longer desired to speak to her, let alone be interested in maybe something more.. But try as she might, she could not recall anything from that night that he had seemed to dislike or that might have made him change his mind about her. But surely she had done something to turn him away? She could not come up with any other possibility for not having since him since then.
The slender lioness was mixing a new salve while these thoughts tumbled round her mind, crushed leaves having stained her paws green and bits of flowers were scattered about everywhere, several having caught in her fur and mane. The paste was in a large, flat tortoise shell she had found sometime ago and she had a small coconut held tight in her maw with which she was slowly grinding the bitty paste down into a smoother texture. She was trying not to think about what had happened, why he would not come to visit any more... it made her chest hurt too much and stained her cheeks with worried tears. So she had turned to her work, keeping herself busy and distracted so she didn't have to think on the pain in her heart or the fear that he no longer wished to speak to her. Yet the longing that filled her remained, she wanted to see him, to talk to him, to reassure herself that he still cared, even just a little bit. The silence between them was putting a heavy strain on the young healer and she hadn't eaten for several days as she lost herself in her work.
Putting the nut down she searched around for a particular leaf she needed but, typically, she was out of them. Luckily she knew they grew on the very edge of the forest, well within reach of her den and there for a minimum risk for getting herself lost. But she needed her shell-basket to carry them in and she had misplaced it the day before. With petals in her fur and green paws, she started searching high and low for her basket, slowly growing worried when the item in question didn't appear, and soon enough she had started pulling out her collection in its search, leaving the wrapped bundles of vegetation, roots and flowers all over her den..
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Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 8:56 pm
Just grab the basket.
She might see us!
Your name is shadow..
We could still get caught! She'll be mad!
When she's not around then.
What about some leaves instead? Those are easy to carry!
It has to be the basket.
You better not be tricking us...
Just grab the basket!
The plan had taken some arranging.. and a whole lot of bribery, but eventually Ozark had accomplished his goal. A conversation starter. Simple as that was obtaining the item had been a pain in the a**. He could only hope it'd be worth the mess as he waited patiently at the edge of Asali's den area, listening to her work.
She was too deep in concentration to notice him. It was better that way though. Inevitably the healer would go searching for the item in his possession in time and when that moment came Ozark would be ready to make his move.
Waiting with the basket carefully grasped between his jaws, attentive ears piqued as Asali began to shuffle about the clearing. Was she searching for it yet? The smallest movements set his nerves on edge with anticipation. Heart racing as small paws carried the lioness across the threshold of the clearing. Lighter than usual, Oz wondered distractedly if his lovely little mink had lost weight.
Stepping from the darkness of the tree line the warmth of the sunlight which poured into the open space--unfiltered by sprawling branches--warmed the dark color of his pelt soothingly. Willing the confidence to steel his tall frame as he finally spoke. Voice calm. Imploring. Looking for this?
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:37 am
It had to be around here somewhere... Close to the edge of despair and more than a little frantic as the illusive basket remained absent, the slender healer had started throwing rather than just moving her bundles of herb and flower heads. Twisting round with the intention of going through everything she had just pulled out, the sudden rumble of the deep, oh so familiar rumble brought her up short.
Amber eyes round she lifted stunned eyes to the huge mountain-like form of her friend-and-maybe-something-more.. "O-Ozark..?" The lost basket was completely forgotten as she stared up at the massive male, her vision dangerous close to fogging over with tears but she managed to hold them in as the startled look faded from her expression to be replaced by a smile of such pure happiness and relief it was heartbreaking.
Without thought and for the first time since they had come to know each other, Asali threw caution to the wind and launched herself at the lion she had thought no longer liked her. Burying her face in the thickness of his mane she finally collapsed into quiet but heartfelt tears of relief, pressing her whole body as close as she was able even as she hid against the plush fur of his expansive chest. Faint tremors slid through her as she almost sagged against him, knowing she as making a very improper display of emotion but equally unable to stop doing so. She never wanted to feel like that again, to not see him for so long and to worry so that he might hate her.
"I'm sorry.... " She murmured into his mane, staying where she was, too nervous to even look up at him and not wanting to ever leave the warmth of him again. "I thought.... I don't know what I thought, but I haven't seen you and I thought I'd lost you... I'm sorry...." She knew she was rambling again and struggled to stop, but ended up just pressing her face more deeply into his fur.
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 2:15 pm
There was a gasp of shock in her voice as his name stumbled off Asali's tongue. That was only to be expected given his absence, but in the silence that followed Oz felt the anxiety spike through his body. He couldn't see that beautiful smile and it was so quiet that it escaped the notice of his other senses as well. Perhaps because it was so beyond the realm of what the Usher might have expected in response to his sudden appearance.
In the silence that seemed to stretch on forever a heavy breath weighed like jagged rocks in his lungs. A two-tone face tried to appear imploring, he must have been a sight with the braided handle of her basket hanging from his mouth. He was waiting for the inevitable moment when she began to yell at him and curse his name knowing damn well he deserved it.
But that moment never came.
That just wasn't who Asali was.
For once Ozark wished that she had been. Her small body collapsed into his at a full sprint, though he barely budged, accepting the closeness unflinchingly. Listening to the sound of her wrenching sobs as her tears moistened the fur of his chest was torturously painful. The quiet whisper of her apology was worse.
With a grim sigh Ozark set the basket aside, it'd be easier to talk without the cumbersome item in the way. To avoid muffling words which could have been the most important ones he would ever speak. Asali. No. Wait.
Edging backwards to place a careful amount of distance between them, the actions may have seemed callous, but Ozark wanted to explain himself first, before she forgave him for his disappearance. It's my fault. I needed time..
Time to think.
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Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:51 pm
The young lioness stayed pressed against him, letting his scent fill her slowly, gently pushing back the up-welling of emotion she knew she wouldn't be able to control if it over took her. Instead she cuddled close, relief like wings at her shoulders, taking the burden of her fears away as if they had never been.
Only when he started to inch away did she finally lift her head, giving her muzzle a quick rub against her forelimb before turning nervous but shyly happy amber eyes up to the hulking male. Something was going on that she didn't quite understand, but he had come back, he came to see her, and that was all that mattered to her right then.
Carefully she took a couple of deep breaths, calming herself down as she sensed that he had something important to say to her and she wanted to give him the best of her, and that meant no hysteria in a somber situation. Though his total serious did make her heart skip a beat. Settling down on her rear, the mess of her den surrounding them like a mini-whirlwind had spiraled through, she looked up at him quietly, chewing on her lower lip without realizing.
His words brought a slightly confused expression to pass across her delicate features, head tilting to the side as she tried to fit them into the space between the two of them. ".. your fault..?" She replied softly, voice uncertain but she held back her argument, not fully understanding his position just yet but wanting to. He was too important to her for her to bumble something up and lose him. She turned his words over in her mind, puzzled but knowing she should know something.. they were familiar somehow, and yet not. It was frustrating, feeling like understanding was just out of her reach.
"You can always take time.." She offered gently, head lowering as she looked up at him, wanting to move towards him but obediently staying in place.
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Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 4:36 pm
I don't need it. Ozark stated shortly, his tone quiet but heart-felt. He hoped she understood what he meant. He was bad with words. Bad with this whole 'being social' thing, but the Usher liked to think that Asali brought out the best in him.
Then again, maybe it was just how things had finally came to peak. It was no secret that Ozark tended to shy from his emotions. Apparently, he'd been shying from Asali too long and the truth had finally spilled out like water cascading through a dam that had broken after having been weakened by time. Licking his muzzle awkwardly his chin tilted, averting his face for a moment in thought. He could feel Asali waiting for answers, though she didn't ask for them. If only he knew how to start.
I'm not the sort... Oz began and then hesitated, amending and starting over again. I don't want it to seem... as if I had.. used you.
The words felt heavy on his tongue and hurriedly, the rest of his explanation was pushed forward so as not to linger on them. I would never have shared a den with you if I didn't want you. I mean.. not just want you, but... want you as my mate.
There. He'd said it. Despite the fact he couldn't help but feel his heart climbing into his throat. Attempting to escape out of his mouth and fall to the ground, right there before them. What if she rejected him? Asali would have had every right. Forcing her to wait a week was cruel, but he'd needed to understand what had happened that night. To know why his usual steadfast restraint had melted away. Now that he did, he was here. Appealing to her for a chance to redeem himself.
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Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:57 am
Asali lifted her ears as he spoke again, amber eyes focused on him to the exclusion of all else. She wanted to go to him, to sooth away the stress she could see etched across his face. Even the way he held himself betrayed the strain he had been under since they parted ways. Instead she made herself stay still, listening attentively, trying to understand what he was saying with his silence.
Finally, as the words spilled free in an uncharacteristic flow of emotion, understanding dawned in her breast, warmth flowed through her as her vision swam once more, though the tears this time were born of joy. She had no time to reply, to assure him she had never thought of him in such a manner, as he continued, his words lifting her spirit with each breath, sending her heart a-flutter as emotions washed through her too fast to be separated but all of them leaving a warmth behind she had never felt before.
It took a moment for her to catch herself, to collect her scattered and ecstatic thoughts. She found herself tongue tied, at a loss as to what words would adequately express her simple wonder at his request. "Ozark..." She gasped softly, vision moist now with the tears that flowed freely, finally beyond her control. Padding forwards she pressed herself into the solid warmth of him, closing her eyes and just letting herself melt against him, trusting in his strength. A million words fluttered through her mind, joy and love, gratitude and surprise all muddled together, turning inside out until they finally burst free in a jumbled mass of vocals that held far more emotion than simple words ever could fully express. "I never thought, I mean, I knew you weren't like that. I love you Ozark, I want to be with you, if you would have me..." Blushing hotly under her fur she remained hidden against him, her words muffled by his thick mane, warmed by her breath as it came in tumbled puffs of emotion.
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Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:40 am
The salty scent of tears made Ozark uncertain as his words fell still, relinquishing to a silence that was deafening to his sharp ears. For a moment, the blind male was so focused on Asali that he tuned out the entire world. Rustling branches, shrill bird calls, dirt shifting beneath the paws and hooves of the jungle wildlife around them and monkey chittering in the branches. Life outside of this moment might as well have not existed because for Oz there was nothing else but Asali and himself.
He'd wanted her to react with anger or indifference or callousness, anything but the sorrow that made her body tremble. At least, the awkward rogue had first thought it was sorrow. Until she spoke. A silvery breath of surprise but also elation filled the hollowness that often accompanied his name when others spoke it, leaving the titan momentarily stunned. She was happy?
Happy enough to cry... Ozark thought to himself in a bewildered fashion while a small face nuzzled into his chest. Half smothered words forced the Usher to be more attentive, brushing aside his bemusement in order to comprehend the timid healer's amusingly hesitant acceptance to his proposal. If he'd have her? He didn't really want it any other way. Arms closing around her slender back to pull her against himself, balancing with surprising ease upon his grounded haunches. Wouldn't have asked otherwise..
It was a simple statement from a simple lion and an unquestionable confirmation as he nuzzled the breadth between her ears gingerly. She was his and he would be hers for as long as time would allow it.
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Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 10:20 am
For one who was so often in tune with others, the little healer had been so thrown that she had no idea of the expectations her beloved Ozark was forming in his silence.Yet had she known her action could not have been any different, for she was too shocked by the suddenness of it all. As she snuggled close against his massive form, she felt him shift to embrace, her, pulling her even closer into the warm, soft fur of his mane. A soft, tender sigh of pleasure escaped as she let her eyes drift closed, her world suddenly feeling whole and perfectly right for the first time, as if a hole somewhere deep within her had been filled.
His simple and straightforward reply was so very like him usual terse responses that she had to lift her head and peek up at him, amber eyes sparkling as gentle, tender giggles slipped free to warm the air around them. And there was really only one thing she could think of to say in reply....
"You brought my basket back... Thank you."
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