(( Adhabu-shinda - Manda
H'ray'ii - o0 Sephiros Immortal 0o ))
Adhabu ended up staying out there with the other for a couple more day, just... making sure she was all right. After that night, they moved back to 'their' tree and the food - which thankfully nothing else had come along and stolen. The next day, H'ray'ii had carefully eaten a little of it and managed to keep it down. Then she'd started getting up a bit and walking around on her own - not so shaky anymore. Adhabu was glad about that, but he insisted that she wait another night before going anywhere - and was glad that he did, because she was almost sick again, but managed to keep things down this time. The next day, though... she really did seem much better. "I think you'll probably be all right now..." he commented that night, a bit awkwardly.
H'ray'ii nodded, bobbing her head in agreement to the other's words. Tail curled about her, she watched the other, "Well..." She began carefully, "It was all thanks to you." The lion had looked after her, a perfect gentleman, and it really was a shame that she couldn't tempt him into being a traveling companion. But well did she understand the call of family and pride, duty...and Adhabu was a very good, strong lion, with all of his priorities in the proper places. Ah, a real shame, though...that she too, had no interest in staying. It was too early for her to be pride-bound.
Adhabu nodded at that, knowing that would not come back with him. He hadn't exactly ... come out and asked, but he could tell by what they -had- talked about that it wasn't in her nature to settle down anywhere yet. Besides, even he wasn't sure what he might do if she returned with him. He wasn't certain that he was ... ready for a mate or anything like that. "I ... well. Safe travels," he offered, still awkward. Despite his thoughts about not being ready, he couldn't help but notice her beauty the more time he spent with her.
The pale lioness had, however, noted that awkwardness, that hesitance, and with a soft rumble, she rose to her feet, nudging one shoulder playfully. "Now, now...you look uncomfortable, Adhabu...what's wrong...?" It was soft, probing. She wanted to know what he wanted...and if she could well....could thank him at least once...then...she would. And honestly, if life proved kind...she wanted to come back to see him. He was such a good soul...the sort of male she'd be proud to stand beside...but now, just...it wasn't the time, not yet.
Adhabu actually flushed just a little at that - though he hoped that his fur hid it. "I ... ah." He met her eyes for a moment, then glanced away. "I don't want to seem like the type who will ... take something he wants and never look back. But you ... I've noticed over the past few days that you are ... really very beautiful... H'ray'ii ... "
She actually chuckled softly, a trilling, bemused sound, "And you, Adhabu, are very handsome...though that is not at all your only good quality." Tilting her head, she nuzzled at his cheek. "I've wished to thank you, my brave comrade...I wish I could stay longer, and were I not so intent on this journey...I would, for you have made me very happy...I could not wish for a finer companion."
That startled a little purr out of him, as she nuzzled at his cheek. "I ... that's very kind of you to say," he fumbled a bit. Surely she wasn't offering... what he thought that she was?
"Walk with me...?" She inquired, nodding her head towards the way ahead of them. Without waiting for a response, as she knew he likely would, she headed towards the water...where they'd slept the previous night when she hadn't felt well. It was a lovely area...and well, no better a spot for such a...discussion.
Adhabu blinked, and then nodded at that. And indeed he did follow her - feeling at least for this moment as if he might follow her anywhere. He knew that he should go home, but ... he didn't really want to leave just yet.
As they approached the water, her pale blue eyes fixed on him, and she made a quiet sound of amusement, "I think that sometimes you aren't sure what to make of me, Adhabu..." She began, amusement dancing in that gaze. Oh, but she was fond of this new friend of hers...and if only they had time, mayhap he could be more. But not this day...not really, but later...later....she might return, if her heart deemed it so.
"I ..." he started, then sighed and shook his head slight. "I have to admit, that you're right," he said then, with a wry little smile. "I keep thinking that I should go back home. But at the same time... I don't want to leave just yet."
Another soft, trilling laugh escaped her, "Well...I wouldn't have you leave with unfinished business...and I do want to thank you, for all that you've done. I think...mayhap when all my travels are over...I'll come back..." It was quiet, a lingering promise hinted at in the words, and tilting head upwards, she nosed gently at his muzzle. Yes...indeed...she was fond of him.
Adhabu jumped a bit, eyes widening slightly. "You would come back... for me?" he asked, as if he couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. But he did return that nosing with a little purr - the movement almost instinctive.
She nodded, her smile widening, "I would...if you would not mind me doing so. I would like to see your pride...and mayhap your family as well." From what she understood, he had quite a considerable line of relatives. Nuzzling him again, her tongue flicked out teasingly this time. Ah yes...she would not mind at all returning for this one.
Adhabu's purr grew into a rumble at that and he nudged her just a bit - playfully. "I think they would like you..." he replied softly, starting to get a bit more confident about this whole thing. If she was really serious about wanting to thank him in this way ... he wasn't going to argue.
"I'm glad...for I like you..." Eyes twinkling, she rubbed her body against him, teasing, sensuous. "Now...do I get to thank you?" Crouching down a bit in a gesture that signaled play and so much more, it was obvious she was giving open invitation. Tomorrow would be another day...to say goodbye, but for tonight, well...she would be his.
Adhabu practically grinned at that and bobbed his head once. "I welcome your ... thanks, H'ray'ii," he purred in reply - and moved to pounce on the lioness in a playful sort of fashion. But he too, knew that it was to be so much more...
