Elua hummed happily as she trotted towards where she'd taken to meeting Tama and Irit when she stopped by their home. The earthy cheetah hadn't been to visit them in a while, and she felt a bit guilty...They were true friends to her, and sweet lions. Well...Irit was sweet in her own way. When she reached the spot, she blinked. Tama's scent...was old. That was odd. Perhaps he'd been too busy to stop by now and again? He was grown now, after all. And had his family to help hunt for.
Irit's scent was fresh though. And...a little different. Perhaps she was full grown now as well? If so...Elua had always thought Irit a pretty girl, and she would certainly be beautiful now. She went to the center of the area, where the grass was shorter, and sat down to wait.


Irit yawned and trotted towards The Spot. Elua was bound to show up at some point, and when she did, Irit needed to tell her about Tama. Elua would certainly be happy for the white lion, Irit was sure. So when she spotted the cheetah waiting there, she grinned.
"ELUA! It's good to see you again, old friend!" She sped up a bit and nuzzled the cheetah once she reached her. "How are things? How is little Niju? And your mother?"


Elua chuckled and nuzzled the lioness back. "Life is well! Niju is nearly full grown now! And developing quite the mane, like his father. Leru is well, and had kittens! I have such cute little siblings, Irit!" She giggled. "And Niju's father has taken to traveling with us, and a cheetah named Cassiel has joined us as well. He's...a bit of a stick in the mud, but he means well." Her smile was fond, as she thought well of her new friend. "You've grown so much since I last saw you Irit! You've gone from a mischievous, pretty little adolescent to a full grown, mischievous, beautiful adult! What else have I missed?"


Irit chuckled. "Your life does sound wonderful indeed. I almost envy you! But...I am content at home. I've had my adventure in wandering." She sat down across from Elua. "Well, Tama met a girl. I think he may have told you about Muscail? Well...he was a dumbass. Chased her off, essentially, thinking she deserved better. He realized his mistake too late, and got mopey. So....Narci and I dragged him off to find her. We found her! Narci and Tama stayed with her...and I know where they are so I can visit!" She looked rather proud of herself. "I headed back home, and all is well in the world."


Elua blinked. "Well...that's quite an adventure! Tama gets himself into the strangest predicaments, doesn't he?" She laughed brightly. "But he wouldn't be Tama otherwise! Perhaps you might tell me where he is, so I might visit?" She did miss him. He was such a sweet boy.


Irit nodded. "Too true!" She grinned. "Of course I'll tell you! Wouldn't be right of me to keep you from your best lion-buddy!" She proceeded to give the cheetah directions to Tama's new home. "Don't forget...when someone approaches you in the mists, or voices call out to you, TELL THEM WHO YOU KNOW THERE. And let them know you aren't there to cause trouble. They are a suspicious lot, with good reason."


Elua nodded, burning the directions into her mind. She'd visit Tama next. Catch up with him, see how he was doing. "I'll make sure to. So, Irit...have you found someone special? Or re you enjoying being an adult too much?" She smiled broadly at the lioness.


Irit blinked, then laughed. "Oh no! I'm still available! Not found a guy who can really keep up with me yet. Though, I...did spend a night with a rather intriguing boy..." It was a single night, and she certainly didn't regret it, though it'd ended up going that way rather by accident. "He was leaving, to search for something. I was returning...we got to talking, and things happened. It was...nice."


Elua chuckled. "Aw~ That's rather cute, actually. I hope you find someone that fits you well. Or someones." The cheetah was well aware not everyone was like her. In fact...few were like her. "Are you still pranking, little trickster?" Despite the fact Irit was far larger than her now. It seemed lions in this pride tended towards the large side.


Irit snickered. "Of course I am, Elua! Remember who you're talking to." She put a paw to her chest and smirked. "I AM the greatest trickster the Pridelands has ever seen. Though I put my pranks to good use, teaching those who would bully others and yanking depressed brothers out of their wallowing holes." And she didn't have any competition...though she would have loved accomplices. Or someone to teach. One lioness could only do so much in such a massive pride.


"True, true." Elua stretched out, then curled up at Irit's feet. "It's good to see you again, it really is." She chuckled. "Neither you nor Tama ever expect anything from me...If you weren't bound to your prides, I would ask you to travel with me. I know you would like Eisheth and Sairin and Leru. And there are always little ones about, though the current batch, other than Leru's kittens, are growing up so fast..."


Irit shifted so she could curl around the cheetah. "Yeah. But...Wandering isn't in my blood, Elua. I love this land too much. I mean...sure, I'll go out to visit Tama every now and then...But this is home. This is where my heart is, old friend, and sadly this is where my heart shall stay." She smiled softly. "But...I would still like to meet your group. Especially your mother. She sounds like a wonderful serval."


Elua sighed, both in contentedness and in disappointment. "Love as thou wilt, Irit. That applies to where you live, as much as who you love." She nuzzled Irit's side. "I just happen to love everywhere, and everyone. But you...you're not me. You have your own loves. And I look forward to when you find the who to go along with your where." She really did. Irit had so much capacity for love, as the care she'd shown her brother proved. "I'll see if I can't convince them to come this way for a bit."


Irit nodded. "When I find him, I'll let you know. And yes...it is a him. Girls are nice, but I find boys far more attractive in That way." She chuckled. "Boys are tasty~ I just need to find one who can keep up with me. Help me with my pranks. And then...we can raise a little army of tricksters. And if there's a wanderer in the bunch...I can send him or her your...way?" Irit blinked and held back another laugh. Elua had fallen asleep. Irit shook her head and lay her head on the cheetah's side. Perhaps a nap was a brilliant idea. They could finish gabbing later.