Welcome to Gaia! ::

Shadowstep didn’t know what she’d find out there. She’d just been curious, nothing more. She’d been told how being a loner was dangerous. How without the protection of her family hunting would be harder and the dangers would be harder to see without more eyes. Even so, the pull to leave had been strong. She wouldn’t be gone long or go very far, she told herself.

Until she met Smokey River. Then the days just started to stretch out. She couldn’t recall how long it had been, but then again she was worried to think too long on it. She didn’t want to break the spell that had been cast over them and their time together. She’d never met another that was so fun to talk to, but especially hunt with. They had fallen into such a beautiful rhythm it was almost like he could read her mind as they stalked prey together. She’d definitely had better meals with him around.

Speaking of, her ears twitches and she popped open an eye as the male entered the den. She’d been awoken when he’d left, but let him go. There had been a measure of anxiety in her heart wondering if today was the day. That’d he’d up and leave and never come back, but she’d just watched him go and hoped. Why would it matter in the end? He had every right to be done when he was done even if she wished it could last. Instead, here he was again. She lifted her head and her tail gave a happy wag as the warmth of joy filled her chest. He managed to do that to her constantly.

“I would, but I’m gonna be mad at you for hunting without me,” she teased. She stood up and stretched out her back before pausing before the meal. She bowed her head to him with gratefulness for the catch before starting on it. It was quiet for a moment, but it was almost just as comforting. There didn’t always need to be words between them.

“How'd you sleep?” she asked, motioning for him to join her. She wasn't sure if he'd already eaten. Though it wouldn't be able to fill them both up, it could at least take the edge off. "I am guessing the hunting was good as ever."

Shadowstep tilted her head, causing one ear to flop over onto the other as she peered at his paw. She almost howled with laughter at how perfect his words had matched. “It’s almost like you planned this whole conversation! You’re way too deep in my head there, sir.” Even so, a huge grin was painted across her muzzle. His next words gave her pause, she tilted her head up and made a noise in her throat as though she were thinking about it. Without pulling her head down she turned her eyes to him, trying (unsuccessfully) to keep the smile away, “You’ll have to hunt with me every sunrise until we’re both dead, I guess. A pity!”

She could feel a chill run up her spine, causing reverberating tingles to run down her legs into her paws. Her mind was running wild with his meaning, but couldn’t be sure. Even though they connected so well, there was still something he was guarding. She tried to calm herself down not letting her thoughts run amuck with his words. It could mean anything. Instead she smirked and rolled her shoulder, “Lets keep an eye out for something that might help soften it some. That could help.” She hoped it was enough to let him know she meant to stay awhile if he was willing… without right out saying it. It could be a good way out too if he needed it.

His words had her on her paws and alert instantly. Her tail was wagging madly, “These paws are totally ready!” There wasn’t anything better than a good hunt with the male. To feel the breeze rushing through her fur as she ran, to see his silhouette passing the ground below them at the same speed, and when they’d actually make the kill... It was thrilling! It had always been fun with her family, but never so… fulfilling? She couldn’t put a paw on the words.