Sitha had, unfortunately, needed to forgive Jua for his earlier transgressions a few weeks ago. He didn't want to, but he needed to keep his pretty face from being marred by scars and to do that he'd need the healer on his side. His face, after all, was how he made his living as a bard. And even more unfortunately, Jua knew this, and exploited it at every given chance. This time? Well, Sitha was to accompany the sour lion about the territory to refresh his supply of healing herbs. It was boring work, and it took everything in Sitha to not complain about it. It made his skin crawl.
"What's next?" Sitha prompted after Jua had gathered the last bit of herb they'd stumbled upon. The sooner they had everything, the sooner he could leave. It didn't matter that Sitha was one of the healer's more regular customers, and likely had used up most of the healer's stash just for himself. This sort of work was beneath him.
Jua'kali was well aware of the power he held over Sitha, and he was no stranger to using that power for favors. It seemed they had both come to terms with this sort of relationship, and though it annoyed Sitha to be doing the work, it annoyed Jua just as much to have Sitha around constantly. There was only so much he could take of the impatient fool in one day. "Hold your zebras," the older lion grumbled as he delicately placed the last herb into a makeshift bundle that he had swung over his shoulder. It was nothing special, but one of these days he dreamed of having one of the crafters in the pride make him a true satchel. Perhaps one made of buffalo hide, as it would be thicker and wouldn't tear as easily. Until then, he was making do with a few scraps left behind by the hunters.
"There's one last patch to check, for today," Jua huffed as he turned to slowly plod his way through thick brush. He didn't like being away from the main part of the pride, as he was no fighter and did not wish to be caught off guard. It made him even more sour than normal, as he realized the only reason, he wanted Sitha around was so he wouldn't be out alone picking medicinal herbs. Ugh, is this what his life had come to? A lonely, grumpy old man too afraid to go off on his own? The thought made him sick, so instead he lashed out at Sitha as he was want to do. "Hurry up!"
Candle Wick Ghost