Idir had no idea on the proper ways of courting a female, but he had to learn fast. He knew that the pride embraced relationships of all kinds, and that marriage wasn't necessary for the production of offspring, but Idir was a moral, upstanding citizen of his pride, and the technical part of his brain did not allow for him to think out of the box when it came to the life he imagined for himself. He would have a wife, and he would have his cubs, and he would live the rest of his life out in the pride he'd been born into.
That was the plan. He even had his eye on a female, though she didn't know it - they weren't absolute strangers, but Ledasha had no idea that he was going to ask her to become his mate. They'd known each other for quite some time and Idir was friends with Ledasha's brother Mikal.
He wasn't nervous about it. He wasn't afraid that she'd say no. He was handsome enough, and he was strong and had his own set of aspirations. Idir had a good family, too. He really felt that he was everything that a female could look for in a mate, and Idir wasn't being egotistical when he had that particular thought.
Almost as if she'd known he was thinking about her, Ledasha settled herself next to him and offered him a slight grin.
"Good morning, Idir."
Ledasha had always had a crush on Idir. He was so handsome, and so strong and lively. He was an accomplished hunter, and Ledasha had little doubt that he'd be able to provide for his family - when the time came that he had one. She'd always thought him handsome beyond compare, and it wasn't until she'd gotten older that she'd realized her puppy love had turned into a deep, unrequited love that she knew she'd never be able to admit to.
Unless, of course, he admitted his love for her first. Not that he ever would, because Idir - while not stoic and emotionless - had a very factual mind, and Ledasha was certain it was difficult for him to harbor fanciful and romantic notions. She didn't really expect him to. He was a very serious lion, and Ledasha fancied him the way he was. If she'd wanted someone romantic, she'd have chosen someone romantic.
As it was, she'd set her sights on Idir.
"Good morning, Leda. How are you?"
"Very well, thank you. I'm sorry if I interrupted your thoughts."
Idir gave her an almost-smile. That almost-smile was the only smile that Idir ever made, and Ledasha adored it.
"You didn't. I was thinking of you, to be quite honest."
Ledasha wasn't sure what to think, and she was silent for a moment while she tried to decide what to say next. She wanted to know why he had been thinking of her, of course, but how did she ask?
Finally deciding that with Idir, honesty was the best policy, Ledasha lifted her brows and gave him a curious look.
"Oh? Any reason in particular?"
Idir was silent for a long time. Now was as good a time as any, he supposed, but while he'd much prefer to simply come out and say what he had to say, it was difficult for him to phrase his words in such a way that would spare Leda's feelings.
Perhaps he'd wait. Perhaps now wasn't the best time to talk to her about what was on his mind. There would be other chances. He wasn't going to let the topic go, as it always seemed to occupy a corner of his mind. Perhaps he needed to spend a little more time thinking about how he'd like to propose to her, so to speak. He wasn't sure what he'd do if her answer was anything but favorable.
"Simply wondering how you were doing," Idir replied with that odd half-smile of his. His words were not the truth, and usually speaking lies would cause an internal struggle - but the last thing he wanted to do was hurt Leda's feelings. A plan was crucial, with all outcomes planned and accounted for.
Ledasha's smile faltered, just the slightest. She hoped that he didn't notice. She wasn't really certain what she'd been expecting from him. It wasn't like he'd go all willy nilly talking about his feelings and emotions, and oh Leda will you marry me, I can't live without you, I've loved you for so long - Ledasha shook herself free from her thoughts and offered Idir another smile. It didn't quite reach her eyes, but it was enough.
"I've been well. Mother is well and father is well."
Everything was well. She sounded annoying even to her own ears.
"And you? How is your father, and your mother? Your sisters?"
"All doing well."
The conversation stalled. Ledasha cleared her throat and sent Idir a glance out of the corner of her eyes. What was really going on in that head of his? Leda had to wonder. If only she were a mind-reader, this whole relationship thing would be so much easier. It felt like some sort of odd dance that neither of them were skilled at, and Leda felt like she was desperately trying not to step on his toes - and failing miserably at it.
"I was just heading out to hunt. Would you like to tag along, Idir?"
His own thoughts had turned to the awkwardness of the conversation, and when she spoke again, Idir had to clear his throat and offer a faint, "I'm sorry, what was that?"
"I said I was going to head out to hunt. Would you like to come along?"
Idir nodded immediately, and was rewarded with a bright smile. Ledasha returned the smile and rose to her feet. Idir followed, and the two began walking. The silence was nice. Sometimes it felt a little awkward, but he had to wonder if that was due to his own feelings.
At any rate, he'd come up with a plan. He'd figure something out, and at the end of it all he'd ask Ledasha to become his mate.
Ledasha walked in silence, her own thoughts turned slightly introspective. Their hunt was filled with easy laughter, and once they returned home Ledasha was filled with an optimism that she hadn't had in quite a long time. Everything would turn out the way it was supposed to.
WC: 1073
