When the healers arrived, Laini had taken to going hunting for himself and Cae. And he generally came back just as they left. This time he dragged an antelope with him, The large lion ducked into the den, dropping the antelope not far from the Amazon. "I brought lunch. Thought you might be hungry."
Caellagh was still adapting to live away from the jungle, but Laini was there, always. If he did leave, she wasn't alone, a comfort, and a surprise. Being raised, told men were only for cub making, she was pleasantly surprised, although she attributed it to a unique trait of Laini that made him special. She also had no way to express love for a male. The thought scared her, but she didn't fight.
She looked up and smiled as Laini came with the antelope, rising slowly as she limped for the meal.
"Thank you..." She purred softly. Healer visits often did leave her peckish, and the antelope was welcome-- but not as welcome a sight as Laini
Laini sat, calm smile on his muzzle. "No problem." He liked doing things for Cae. He was also quite certain he'd fallen for her. Despite everything, she was strong of heart even though her body was damaged, and there was...something else. He wasn't sure, but he hoped that once she was healed and her pride regained...he would be able to see her again.
Caellagh smiled warmly, bending to eat slowly, carefult to ensure he too, had access to choice peices. She thought of home, the return of Hippolyta, and would sigh if she didn't think it would upset Laini. She wished, and wished hard, he could live with her. Come home and meet her mother and sisters.
But he was a male. It was forbidden. What if her mother learned she loved a man?
She stopped thoughtfully. Love. That word. Even she was accepting it, it seemed. Realizing this... She felt a bit better. Was caring for a man so bad...?
Laini started in on one of the legs, tail swishing back and forth lazily. "So...how are things healing?" Well, he hoped. He'd seen wounds that never healed right, and he wouldn't wish them on his worst enemy. (Death was preferable for them. Quicker.)
"They say I'm improving." Caellagh smiled, tail swishing slowly.
"I'm hoping I heal soon though."
"That's good!" He frowned a bit though, as a though hit him. "What will you do once you're healed, Cae?" Whatever it was...he hoped he could follow for a bit longer. He wanted to hoard every moment he could with her, if she would end up leaving one day.
"I'm... not sure yet." She hadn't thought that far, and blinked, tail switching slowly.
"I've never been away from home before." She confessed.
Laini nodded. "Well...whatever you choose to do, wherever you choose to go...I will stand by you, if you'll let me." IF she let him. She was someone not to be forced into anything. It was her choice if he could stay with her.
"...Please do come." She smiled. "I just... Hope I know what to do soon."
Laini felt his heart skip a beat. He could stay by her! "I'm glad. And...we could always go looking for your mother." He gave her a reassuring smile.
Caellagh smiled, shaking her head.
"I trust the Mwako, and.... Too many may give us away." She smiled feebly. "All I feel we can do is wait..."
But she wanted more. To help, do anything...
Laini reached a paw over to brush against her shoulder. "We'll figure something out. Something that...isn't just sitting around and waiting." It was probably tearing Cae apart.
Caellagh smiled, and moved suddenly, rubbing him. It felt so good, so warm...
"Thank you...."
Laini blinked, a little surprised. But he didn't mind at all, leaning into Caellegh's warmth just enough to enjoy it, but not enough to put his weight on her. "Your welcome." Another small moment to keep close to his heart.
Caellagh looked up to his eyes, and smiled a little. Damn, how did he do that? She felt herself shy, befor one paw snaked around him. Before she knew it, she licked his cheek gently, affectionately. He was so handsome...
Laini purred and nuzzled her. "Caellegh...I know you...don't really think much of men but..." He drooped a bit. "The time I've spent with you...I believe I've fallen in love with you." He prayed she'd let him down easy if...if she didn't feel the same.
Caellagh blinked, then looked at him shyly, then her paws, which she'd removed quickly, looking down at them before shyly curling her tail 'round his.
"I... I..." It was hard. Why? Instead, she fell against him, purring.
It wasn't a rejection. It wasn't a verbal accepting...but it was a sort of acceptance. And he took it. Laini nuzzled her more, his purring increased. "No matter what, I will always be here for you. Even when your mother takes back your pride...I won't stray far, so you can always find me."
Cae purred at first, until her mother came up.
What would she do?
...Caellagh resulved Laini was important too. He saved her. He was a good male. And she'd stay with him. Lightly, she leaned, purring lovingly.
