The feel of the jungle, around her and under her, was wonderful. Sayuri had missed it in her time on the plains. Out there, it was far too dry, far too open. She felt exposed, constantly thirsting. Here, the trees created a comforting canopy. The thrum of life here was loud and constant, with no stifling silence. Here, there was also home, the temple ruins with their many passages. Sayuri was home..

From what seemed his favorite place, Nava watched as Sayuri approached. Slowly climbing down, he went down to the main walkway to greet her. Within a few feet, he could smell the scents of the plains, not yet diminished by time in the jungles. When he got closer, he smelled the faint scent of another leopard. "Sayuri... You came back alone?"

Pausing on her way to her den, the female looked to the white cat. "Maybe, maybe not..." She stretched just a bit. "Leopards, it seems, are as Lakshmana said they are outside our lands... Few and far between, and many with lions and cheetahs... Or at least, the ones I found.." She paused again, regarding him. "Where's Fu? Her smell is faint..."

"Out looking for others... You smell of a strange leopard..." Circling slowly, he looked her over. Freezing, the male stared at the marks across her face. "Oh, Sayuri... Your face... Who did that to you?" His ears moved back. To Nava, Sayuri was like a sister. Then again, so was Fu. He shared being alone without family with Fu, but he shared some of the same distrusts as Sayuri. Reaching up, he gently placed a paw on her cheek.

Closing her eyes, the female leaned a bit into the touch. "I met Mkorogo out there... Before you jump to the conclusion, he didn't do this... He saved me from being torn apart by crocodiles." Opening her eyes, she stared at Nava. "No, a lion left these..." She wouldn't mention that it was just a cub. "Nava, there might be some hope left for the colony yet..."

Sitting down, he looked at her, black ears lifted slightly. A lion had marred his adopted sister's face? Leaning back, he regarded her. "No lion will ever enter these lands safely... And I hope no more leave a mark like that on you again." Taking another good look, he frowned. "Just what did you and Mkorogo..." He stopped, ears going back. "Wait, with HIM? Sayuri, you don't even like him, do you? Why would you want his cubs?"

Looking away, Sayuri started past him. "Nava... I..." She couldn't say it. She couldn't say that deep down, she liked Mkorogo. Digging her claws against the stone, her ears moved back. "It's my business as to why I did what I did." Looking back, she frowned. "Besides, what does it matter? The cubs won't be related to anybody still in the colony's lands... They won't be related to you or Fu, only me, anybody in Lakshmana's family if they come back."

Following after her, Nava frowned. "I'm just worried.. What if you've made a mistake? What happens if your plan, whatever it is, backfires, and they all turn out to be lion lovers like I hear Mkorogo is?" Circling around her, the male frowned. "I don't want to see you regretting this, or the colony regretting with you."

Letting out a grunt, the female pushed past. "Mistake or not... I'll make SURE there's no lion-lovers..." Climbing a set of stairs, she looked back. "Besides, like I told you... It's my business." Tail flicking, she turned and continued on her way. Through the temple, she heard the distant rumble of thunder. Another day's rains... It was a beautiful sound she felt her cubs would grow to love like she did. Even if she'd made a mistake, though... She'd still love them.

Nava let out a sigh, then looked up. The blue skies slowly covered over with clouds, the signs of another rain storm. As the first drops hit the ground, he closed his eyes, simply feeling them and listening. "Gods... Please don't let her choice be a mistake..." Only when his coat was soaked through to the skin did he head back up to his perch, prepared to continue to wait for Sayen's return. Gods but how he missed her...