Athena nuzzled the lioness' neck and groomed her ears. Her sadness ran deep and he could relate to that. He had that feeling when he was not around the others that had taken to traveling with him. He would have hated to be alone again. At least her time with her family seemed to have been happy at one time. That counted for something.
The male purred down at Mizu and put a paw over her shoulders. "I am happy that you had a home, beautiful, and I would be happy to give you a traveling home, if you wish it." He paused to let that sink in before adding. "Do not worry, I ask nothing between us but friendship, but if you decide you want more, I will not complain. I will not lie to you on that."