|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:27 pm
While away, however, she had almost forgotten of her former friendships. Kei had slipped her mind and only, when she had been given a moment to herself, in order to think, did she remember suddenly how much time had passed. "Kei.." she whispered to the rogue territory, though it was merely to speak his name aloud. Now that she had finally left, she realised how much she missed him.
Stepping further into the lands, she realised how much it was like her home. Though she was happy in the pridelands, it was still not yet her home. The rogue lands, as ironic as it was, was still a great comfort to her.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 2:52 pm
The massive male lay in the tall grasses. He had managed to flatten out a large portion of it and create a somewhat soft area to lay in the sun, soaking in the heat. The lion lay on his back, forepaws in the air, and lower body slightly twisted to the side. His large crania was shifted back, throat exposed and maw open. His teeth were stained with recent blood and the taste of gazelle blood still lingered on his pallet. He lay awake, though his odd colored eyes were closed. He listened though to his surroundings, not entirely worried of anything coming to challange him. For he was the largest predator in this area as far as he had noticed.
The sun was successfully heating his blackened coat and silvery mane and this caused him to relax, stomach full and mind wandering. He had a good life. A nearly constantly full gut. Places to rest and sleep. Thought he female he had considered to be his one true friend had vanished without a word many moons ago. Kei let out a sharp breath at this thought. It was obviously that that was what he had signed up for when he had opened up to another.
Obviously she hadn't cared enough for him to up and leave. It troubled Kei that he was still thinking this over after so much time had passed. The female must have had some sort of big impact on him. He certainly did miss her company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 3:17 pm
The thought of her most recent friend, Chunuka appeared in her mind as she looked for Kei. The two lions shared many similar qualities and Shiri was glad to have met both. And while she had left Kei to visit the pridelands, she realised that she did the same to Chunuka when she left. A sloppy goodbye was all she could muster. The lioness had offered a farewell on many occassions, but something about Chunuka was special. Having left so many friends in her past, Shiri was no longer willing to simply leave.
Shaking the thought from her mind, Shiri continued on, searching for some site of her friend. When the lioness was growing tired, she spotted a blood stained male laying, rather dead-like on his own. Wide eyes began to water and Shiri continued to step forward to get a better look. When Shiri spotted the dead gazelle she was not satisfied in knowing her friend was alright. A gazelle was large prey for one lion? Perhaps in his hunt, he had been greatly wounded?
Shiri's back legs pushed hard against the ground as she propelled herself towards him at a rapid speed. "Kei..." She began quietly, eyes still watering. He couldn't be dead. He couldn't! "Kei!" She yelled louder now, nearly at his side.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 3:27 pm
At the sound of his name, Kei's eyes opened abruptly. It had broken his concentration and startled him at the same time for no one on these lands knew his name, let alone spoke with him often. Once again his name was shouted, though from a much closer distance this time. Licking his maw and turning onto his side he rose his head to look in the direction the yelling was coming from.
A yellow form was rushing in his direction and if he had not recognized it he might have stood and readied himself for a fight. His heart slightly skipped a beat as he now registered the sound of Shiri's voice and her very form bounding towards him. She had come back? His slight happiness was not obvious on his blood stained features and he then rose a brow.
On one paw he was glad for her return, on the other though.. She could have remained gone. If it was so easy to walk away froma friend then why would he allow her to return in his company? Surely she would do it again. Letting out a large breath he grunted and remained laying where he was. There was no standing to greet the female at the moment, merely a recognition that she was there and he was fine and well.
"Shiri.." Kei's husky voice sounded when she got close enough as a greeting, followed only by a nod. His odd eyes glanced to the gazelle. " help yourself if you are weary from travels. Im done. "
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:11 pm
Shiri, having already neared the male at a great speed, was not able to stop herself as quickly as she would liked. When she was close enough to realise that Kei's eyes had opened and that he moved, she skid her paws into the dirt, sending up a thick cloud of smoke. "Kei! I thought you were hurt! Or even dead!" The lioness' eyes were still thick with tears that wouldn't fall.
Realising that Kei still hadn't raised, Shiri was not completely certain that he was alright. "A-are you okay?" She questioned finally, sitting where she was and trying to catch her breath. Shiri's heart was still racing. So many emotions had been pumping through her, she felt as though she was going to simply collapse.
And when she had begun to relax, she noticed that Kei was certainly not too pleased to see her. Surely no apology could make up for her absense. The two were growing close and suddenly the lioness left. Having never enjoyed saying goodbye, the lioness hoped that if she didn't, she could return shortly and they could continue on as they had. For all those other goodbyes she had said, she hadn't seen those friends in quite some time. She didn't wish the same for Kei.
Approaching the gazelle now with Kei's permission, Shiri ate. She was careful not to eat too much and finally lay to the ground near Kei. Licking the blood from her maw, Shiri released a sigh and then spoke quietly, "Kei.. I am so sorry.."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 5:13 pm
There was water in her eyes. She had thought him injured? Dead? Well, it seemed she wasn't as heartless as he had forced himself to believe since she had left. Seeing this the male sat up partly, his lower half still draped across the savannah grasses, soaking in the sun's rays. Inside he wanted to comfort the female and tell her that he was fine and not to worry. Tears were not meant to be shed for him.
Kei managed to control this emotion though for he was still angered inwardly at the female. He concealed all these thoughts though with a blnk face, mouth slightly opened and tongue exposed as he panted lightly. The sun was high in the sky and at the peak heat of the day. At times he loved his dark coat and others it was a burden to deal with in the hot savannah wheather.
He had no answer to her question. He was not injured, no. But was he okay? Definately not. Though he would not be admitting that openly. He remained silent for he could think of nothing else to do and watched as she indulged herself in his catch.
Once full she took a place laying nearby and this caused Kei to twitch, unsure if he enjoyed her being so close just yet. Her words were soft and he looked down. They stung at him. She was sorry for leaving with no word? He would have let her go and welcomed her back as she pleased. He wouldn't forget about her.
"That so?" He was being sarcastic, yet it was the only way he could think of to deal with it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 5:43 pm
Shiri could not deal with the male's absolute silence. He had offered her a meal, but other than that, he said little to her. Having already filled herself to the brim with guilt, the lioness was not quite sure of what she was supposed to do. She had returned and apologised and though she understood that it might not be enough, she didn't know what she could do to make it up to him.
It was then that Shiri realised just how much she hurt Kei. His words stung at her and she was too soon in taking her place beside him as his friend. Raising once again, the lioness began to take a few steps back, though she didn't turn her back on the male. "Yes.. I am sorry, Kei. This was something that I needed to do.." Her voice was quiet and she felt as though she was simply making excuses. Could anything she say make it up to him?
Remaining on her feet, the lioness took a great swallow and began to speak again, "I was born outside the pridelands and have, ever since longed to join the pride. I do not know where my parents came from, but feel a strong connection to that pride.. I think I might find some answers there.. and I know I simply left, but I couldn't bring myself to say goodbye. My life is full of goodbyes, Kei and I.." The lioness felt weak pulling all her innermost thoughts to the surface, but she felt she owed this to Kei. Perhaps this intimacy was what created a strong friendship?
"I didn't want to lose you.. not yet."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 6:06 pm
Her talking had the male staring in the other direction. He was allowing her words to sink in and he wasn't entirely pleased with what she had to say. He understood her desire to leave, he didn't mind that. She had a connection to the pride, he hadn't asked her to remain with him forever. She went on and on and spoke of not wanting to say goodbye.
" You didn't have to say goodbye, Shiri. " Kei replied after a moment of silence, his gaze slowly returning to view the female whom had backed off several steps. " You could always see me later. "
Those were the only words that could come to him at the moment. Even though he was angered at the female for leaving without a word, which caused him to worry, he was happy to see her. Standing he crossed the distance seperating them and nuzzled her in the rough manner that was Kei.
" I am not lost to you." A rough breath was released from the male as he spoke in his husky tone. " Please don't worry me again.."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:52 pm
Shiri could tell by the way Kei didn't look at her that he wasn't buying anything that she was saying. Unable to control herself, small tears began to slide down the lioness' cheeks. How could she expect him to understand? It was true that he was a rogue, but he hadn't shared the exact same experiences as her. What friends did Shiri have to prove once she had said goodbye? Even her closest of friends had become impossible to find.
"I didn't know that, Kei... I've had no proof to tell me that's how it would be.." Shiri took a few more steps back, creating a larger distance between her and Kei. She felt the need to run off once again, but perhaps this time not return. The life of a rogue had certainly made Shiri into a distant line and it seemed that even when she thought she was improving, she still couldn't put the past behind her.
When Kei began to approach her, Shiri almost shivered. She wasn't sure just what the male was going to do, but when he nuzzled her, she felt her muscles relax lightly. It was a relief to know that Kei was willing to forgive her, "..I promise.." she whispered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 11:47 am
A large paw rose and settled on Shiri's back. In a way it was a motion that Kei wanted to keep her close. He sisn't want her to run away. He would hate for her to never return. A life without seeing Shiri again would be a lifetime of searching for her. His strong form tugged her closer to his him and he buried his head in the nook of her shoulder and head, nuzzling all the while. It was nice to simply smell her again. The scent, a mixture of earth and some of his favorite grasses, calmed the male from his angered and yet saddened state.
" I missed you, Shiri. " Kei whispered roughly. This was hard to say. For the rogue male had not become attatched to anyone or anything in his life out on the savannah's besides food and the sun. To tell the female this was certaily something he meant and felt deeply.
Pulling back finally Kei let out a deep breath and gazed upon Shiri's face. Tears stained the sides of her maw a darker hue and the site pained Kei for he knew it had been he that had caused her to distress.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 12:00 pm
When Kei pulled Shiri close, the lioness' form almost went rigid. He was not angry and was being incredibly gentle. As his large, dark colored head nested in the nook of her shoulder, Shiri blushed. Kei was breathing in and taking her scent and Shiri was completely taken back. Was this proof that he had forgiven her? Did they need words to express the horrible pain they had felt away from one another's presense? Clearing the tears from her eyes, Shiri suddenly allowed the male to pull her, eager to feel the warmth of his fur against hers. She said nothing and as they remained within one another's paws, Shiri allowed her eyes to shut. She too breathed in and took in Kei's scent.
Shiri's eyes continued to remain shut, even after the male confessed how much he missed her. The golden lioness needed no words to understand Kei's feelings. In her own chest, her heart beat rapidly, thrilled to be in his presense. In the pridelands, she thought she did not think of him at all, but when she stepped foot outside the borders, Shiri realised that every thought in her mind had in some way been connected to Kei.
Hunting with Chunuka had been pleasant, but nothing compared to the thrill of chasing alongside Kei. Meeting new smiling friends seemed shallow when her closest companion searched for her outside the borders. Shiri had desperately missed Kei and only realised it now.
When Kei pulled back, Shiri's eyes slowly opened to reveal a pair of happy pale green optics. Despite the stains from tears, Shiri had not been more happy for a great deal of time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 12:43 pm
As Shiri opened her pale green eyes Kei couldnt help but hold his breath as he stared at her. Even now, with tears in her eyes and staining her maw, she looked happy, but above all, she was beautiful. Leaning forward Kei gave a caring lick to her right cheek and then slowly lay down. Before Shiri had arrived he had just finished his meal and was slowly drifting to sleep. Att he moment he realised that he was still full and still in the need of rest. Perhaps Shiri would agree to spend this time with him?
On the inside Kei didn't want to close his eyes. What if, when he opened them again, She would be gone? No. She wouldn't be. He could feel it. The bloodstained male slowly lay on his side and tilted himself over so that he was lying ont he ground comfortably.
" You must be tired after your travels.." Kei spoke softly, his voice rough as he gazed up at her, pawing lightly at her foreleg. " Would you care to join me in rest?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 12:48 pm
Shiri continued to smile and watch Kei as Kei did the same. It was rather reassuring to know that the male before her would be willing to forgive her incredibly foolish act. When the two first came across one another again, Shiri was certain that Kei was not willing, in the least, to accept that she had apologised. And a part of Shiri understood this. She knew that her simply leaving Kei was not excusable by anything she could come up with. It was that type of behavior that made rogues so skeptical about others and Shiri wished for Kei to trust her.
As Kei began to lean down and become more comfortable, Shiri could feel his warmth leaving. He was only a few inches away from her and yet, without the embrace, Shiri was nearly shivering. The shy lioness watched Kei, uncertain as to what to do now. She began to take a few steps back in order to get comfortable, but Kei suggested she join him. Kei was very correct about Shiri being exhausted, but it seemed more from her fear of losing him than from her actual wandering.
Lowering herself to lay before Kei, the lioness snuggled backwards, allowing their forms to touch only lightly. Shiri's body became warm again and she shut her eyes to rest. It was not long before the lioness was completely asleep.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
