Welcome to Gaia! ::

Arlo had been seated in the shade, watching Tabi'nasi as she enjoyed the suns warm rays on her fur. She seemed to be in pure delight, causing him to smile at her happiness. Being away for awhile as a scout had both its advantages and disadvantages, one of which was his inability to learn as quickly as he wanted about the pride... and also left him away from his first true friend of the pride.

It made him feel awful, but he knew he was helping them as well. Earning the trust of his leader and the rest of the clan. Perhaps he would surprise her with a visit? He couldn't even remember the last time he had spoken with, Tabi, would she remember him?

Ears perking at her announcement, this was a perfect chance to reintroduce himself and catch up with her. Picking himself up and bounding after Tabi, Arlo called back to her.

"Boring? I think it rather enjoyable being here myself, Miss Tabi'Nasi." He had a big grin on his face. It had been a couple months now, and anyone who knew him would be able to tell he had filled out more, muscles more pronounced. Arlo had definitely grown up a bit and he was more than proud of that fact.

"It is good to see you."

"Unfortunately." He seemed genuinely upset at his absence, however knew regretting his actions about taking his position was not an option either. He rather enjoyed being of use to his new home and wouldn't have it any other way. Life created obstacles that you had to overcome to gain anything from it.

Moving in closer to break the distance, he bowed. Enjoying the glow that her smile created. He wanted to see that smile more, however wasn't exactly sure why. Did he deserve it after being away for so long?

Brushing off the tease as more of her being nice about his new title, he replied softly. "Of course, I have become of great use to the pride. However..." Bright eyes glittered as they looked into hers, a sudden seriousness falling into place. "I miss being around others as well. You especially. I feel like I broke a promise to you in taking this position. I wish to make amends for that. If I may, that is."

He waited, keeping his gaze direct. Hoping that somehow she would be okay with having him as company for a few hours, possibly days even. He didn't want to take off for several months again. He wanted to just scan the area a few days out now. It would give him time to make friends and learn more about everything, including her.

Upon hearing her laughter, Arlo quickly came to realize that perhaps he was being a bit moody. Deciding to talk to her more of his feelings later and enjoy the time he was allotted, Arlo chuckled back. "I guess I am just a bit worried you would dislike me." Moving into a seated position, Arlo looked up at the sky and reminisced upon something before bringing his gaze back to Tabi. "The first few months I was out there, it felt almost exactly the same as being a rogue. I wished every day I could come back and see my pride and family." Becoming quiet for a few moments, Arlo shifted before continuing. "From now on though, I should be only a few days out. So I can come visit and tell you about all the things both beautiful and scary I see!"

Jumping up and moving forward so he was in front of her, he suddenly had a very excited aura about him. He had forgotten about that! There were so many stories he could swap with her now from his experiences as a scout and he could show her around some of the unused, but beautiful landscapes that dotted the area. Perhaps he could even bring back some of the beautiful items that he came across during his travels.

"You should have seen some of the places I was at, Tabi! The wild flowers blooming all over, a small stream glittering and rolling slowly away from its mother river..." Turning to face her again, his tail twitched with delight. He really wanted to take her to that place, the Natives Garden.

"Perhaps I could even take you there one day. It is a three days journey from here. And I promise I won't get lost. Not again anyway..." Suddenly looking bashful, he waited, would she be alright with that? Yes, he had gotten lost, that was probably part of the reason he took so long to get back, but the wind still on his side and it guided him back. Perhaps he could even show her how he followed the wind.

"Enough about me though. How are you, Miss Tabi'Nasi? Has anything exciting happened since I have been gone?"

She had a point in what she said, however he always knew he had a home. The spirit of wind and travel blessed him with a home, he just had to follow the winds trail to find it. He had, and here he was in the Ela lands. It was beautiful knowing he was given such a precious gift. "You do have a point, however I have always known I had a home to go to. It just took to following my path to find it. I believe that is why it felt like déjà-vu for me."

Listening intently to Tabi's reply,only becoming more excited by the second. She was actually interested in travelling with him to a couple of the areas. The mere thought of being able to travel with her made his heart palpitate in such a way that he was sure it would jump out of his chest in mere seconds. Moving to her with a quickness he didn't even know he had, Arlo brushed his cheek on hers, then moved away.

"I would cherish every moment, and I would be certain to bring you back safely." Bumping his nose to hers, he winked. "You can be certain of this."

Waiting for her to speak upon her days, he felt almost sad she didn't have anything amazing to tell him. However, that only fueled his need to help her earn some amazing stories. At least she was well, and happy. That he had to be thankful for. She was also happy to see him, the mere words make him dance with glee inwardly. Tabi wasn't upset with him.

"That is alright. You are safe, beautiful, and seem happy. That in itself is a blessing."

Some sort of feeling was washing over Tabi, a feeling not exactly easy to pinpoint. However, Arlo knew he had done something wrong. He felt it in his gut, the giant butterflies he had swallowed rapidly moving as though they were fleeing from something. This wasn't good at all. Backing up, the teal eyed lion watched and waited for what ever was to come. Every now and again he would twitch his tail. It felt like hours were going by when really, it was mere seconds.

What was she thinking, what would she do, did he upset her? Perhaps she wasn't feeling well. No.. He had to wait. Stop freaking yourself out, Arlo! Taking a deep breath in, he calmed himself down. Taking the advice he had given himself. Why regret something? He was only being truthful himself and her.

It was when she smiled, did Arlo really feel calmed. Was that.. shyness on her face? No.. It couldn't be. Not, Tabi. However, he words seemed to say something else.

Was he being too forward? Well... that wasn't supposed to happen. He was just being honest.

"I would apologize... but I was only being honest with you, Miss Tabi." He smiled genuinely, wondering what she would say to that. Perhaps he would tease her to lighten the mood?

"Buuuuuut... if you rather me not..." He paused, waiting to see what she would say to this. It would be kind of cute for her to stop him, however he didn't really know what to expect. Which was half the reason he enjoyed her company.

"If you say so, Miss Tabi." His face and posture mirroring hers, he seemed to do that often around Tabi, however didn't really pay much attention to it. There was no need to after all. Right? This was something normal that you would do with a special friend. "Of course I did. I hope you had felt the same way to be honest with you..." His eyes glittered at her, hoping she was say something to reconfirm her missing him, however he didn't wait for long for it. Instead he moved ahead of her and grinned.

So she was starting to pick up on the fact that she was rubbing off on him? Well... that was slightly embarrassing, but pleasing at the same time. It was true. She was rubbing off on him in a good way. He couldn't possibly think back to when he had been more reserved and lacked the ability to tease well. It was like looking upon another character.

"Never. Why would I tease you? It was be faaar too easy." Winking at her, he stuck his tongue out at her and raced off. He wouldn't want the possibly frustrated lady clobbering him easily now! Plus, they should probably get back to the clan lands before it got dark. And what a better opportunity to present his idea of a light vacation with Tabi than as soon as they got back?

He was going to continue to push himself forward, excited to be able to show off his ability to run, but her soft voice pleading with him to not run off stopped him mid stride. The ending result being him toppling over himself like an idiot.

Wincing at the sudden closeness with the earth, Arlo looked behind him at Tabi. He probably looked like an idiot, but.... that was a small price to pay for her. "Umm... So. About the hero thing?" Laughing at his current situation, his eyes pleaded with her to comfort him.

"Maybe... we should just take our time..."