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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:00 pm
Kizuka was back home, having brought Spenta along with her so he could relax a few days. The first day back was busy for her and she had not had a chance to see him, which she was not happy about. She had eaten in the morning and was to report to the temple and the scribes, not returning until dusk. She was not sure what he had done that day, though she figured he ate and slept.
It was the second day he was there and Kizuka had slunk her way away from the rest of the Umbikezeli and the Temple and towards the river that divided the valley in hlaf. Once she crossed the river she'd be able to head to the male dens to see him, which she was very excited about.
The river was nice that day and while she could easily just cross the many shallow points within it, Kizuka figured a swim was in order for her. She placed one paw in after the other before leaping in, letting some of the rambunctiousness she concealed inside her while performing her duties out to play. The water felt wonderful on her skin underneath her fur. Hopefully Spenta would not be too upset with her for taking a moment for herself.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:10 pm
Spenta had enjoyed the respite found in Kizuka's pride. It seemed a peaceful enough place, one set between two towering mountains, nestled deep in the valley there. He could actually breathe here; it felt good to not have to look over his shoulder in fear of his brother showing up. Spen had been well-fed and had slept deeply the previous night, waking with bright eyes -- and one thing on his mind.
Kizuka.
He hadn't seen her since they'd returned to her pride. Spenta found himself rising early on the second day with the intent to seek out Kizuka's company. Of course, he was unfamiliar with the lands and knew only that she resided on the other side of the river. Following his ears, Spen headed towards the river, his step light and his eyes glowing warmly.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:37 pm
Kizuka spent a good couple minutes in the river, splashing around happily, memories of her childhood popping up in her head with every stroke. She quickly had her fill of swimming as she heard some of the hunters and huntresses passing by to go out on hunt. They were very chatty, and she preferred silence when she swam.
She got out from the river on the side that housed the male dens, dripping from nose to tail. Kizuka shook herself vigorously, attempting to get as much water off as she could, figuring that by the time she reached the male dens she'd be either completely dry or only a little damp.
She watched as the water danced off her hair and flew through the air glistening. They really did look like they danced in the air. She wondered if any of the others had even visioned actual dancing water. She bet it looked beautiful.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:52 pm
Spen heard voices as he drew closer to the river, though they passed him without notice. He didn't recognize Kizuka's voice as one of them, so he continued forth on his search for Kizuka. The sun warmed him pleasantly and for the first time in a long time Spenta felt almost carefree. Almost.
As he drew up to the shoreline of the river, Spen attentively glanced about. It was then that he saw Kizuka; she was drenched to the bone in river water, though it did absolutely nothing to detract from her beauty. Spenta stood, transfixed, and drank her in before he caught her attention. The flutters acted up in his belly; nose and ear-tips both flushed pink. Feeling like something of a voyeur, he softly cleared his throat before calling out her name.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:25 pm
Kizuka looked up upon hearing Spenta's voice. She was slightly taken aback by it as she was wet and had not planned to be seen so disheveled. Oh well, she was caught and he had such a cute blush on his face. It caused her to become a little pink in the ears and nose herself.
"Hello Spenta," She said, wandering over to him, a slight purr in her voice, "I'm sorry I was not available yesterday. I hope it did not disappoint you. I had to take care of my responsibilities."
She figured Spenta would understand on some level, but she still felt terrible he had be alone by himself for a whole day. Especially when she had wanted to spend time with him, but now he was here, and she had slipped away and they could enjoy each other's company.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:31 pm
Spenta moved closer, a grin creasing his muzzle. She looked adorable. "You could never disappoint, Kizuka," he purred, shyly bumping his nose against her shoulder before moving back a step. "I slept for most of the time. I guess I was pretty exhausted." A strained look flitted through his eyes, gone in the next instant. "I've been hard-pressed to find a place where I could sleep comfortably without my brother pestering me." Spen tapped a paw against the damp ground below Kizuka, smiling at her. "Why are you so wet? Fall in?"
He was completely charmed by a girl for the first time in his life and really had no idea how to proceed. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten her off; he doubted he could do that, anyway. She seemed to enjoy his company as much as he enjoyed hers, and for this he was thankful.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 5:14 pm
Kizuka couldn't help but nudge back before he moved away from her. It was like a response she had no control over, automatic in every way, but despite that it didn't mean she hadn't wanted to. It felt nice, being so close to him like that.
She chuckled a moment as Spenta suggested that she fell into the river, and she shoook her head, "No. I decided to take a swim since I had the river to myself. I was actually going to head to see you when I was finished..."
Kizuka had a big smile run over her face, she felt...playful. Something she hadn't felt in ages, or at least since she took her position as an Umbikezeli. She pressed her face against Spenta's, water from her hair dripping onto his and laughed, a sincere little laugh, "Now I'm not the only one with wet fur."
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:47 pm
Spenta chuckled, the sound rumbling up from deep in his throat. Her playfulness brought out his own; it was quite infectious. It pleased him that she felt no fear in being close to him, that she was comfortable enough to spend this time with him. Kizuka was becoming an addiction to Spen; when he was with her, he only wanted more. Without her, he felt alone. Strange for only knowing her such a short time, he thought. He didn't question it too much. He would only enjoy the time they spent together.
"Aaack," he cried laughingly, "you minx!" Kizuka's face held a glowing beauty when she smiled, and before he knew it Spenta swiped his tongue quickly, fleetingly across her nose. It was a spur of the moment show of affection, one that shocked even himself.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:19 pm
Kizuka had been as shocked as Spenta looked. She had not been prepared for such a gesture, and after the initial shock had worn off her, she was so red in the ears and nose it almost looked as if her fur itself was turning red in those areas.
Kizuka's heart raced so fast in her chest she felt it couldn't be contained. She returned the lick and nuzzled him, feeling that for some reason it was the right thing to do. The feeling in her chest changed from a racing power, into a knowing calm and she purred.
"Spenta..."
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:33 pm
Spenta was utterly shocked at himself and fairly glowed red with his embarrassment. He had never in his life done such a thing, and he was terribly mortified by his actions. "KizukaIamsosorry," he blurted, speaking so fast the words seemed like one. He was terrified she'd think him crass, but when she breathed his name and that little purr rumbled into his ear, he was gone. Smitten. Completely.
"Forgive me if I have offended," Spenta breathed, inching closer to his companion. He didn't think she'd run, but she deserved a proper apology. "I... have never met such a lioness."
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:53 pm
"It's alright," She said, giving him a nudge. She could relate to what he was attempting to convey, because she felt the same. There were plenty of males who had courted Kizuka before, but she never had any connection to any of them and had never been interested in them before.
"I...," Kizuka had a hard time looking for the words. She was raised to be respectful and proper in his words and manners in terms of her pride as she was a part of their importance and should act as such. "There is something about you, Spenta. And I don't know what it is, but it makes me want to be around you."
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:02 pm
Spenta nodded and fell silent. He knew the feelings she spoke of for he felt them as well. They'd known each for such a short time, though he was as comfortable with her as he was with lions he'd known for longer. Spen was at a loss for words, and really didn't know how to proceed. He just wanted to be closer to her.
"I cannot stay here," he murmured softly, regret lacing his words. "My brother.. he will find me. He will hurt you, and me in the process." He leaned in and nuzzled her cheek without hesitation. "I doubt I will remain here much longer, Kizuka. I would not have you hurt by him." Sadness made his words heavy, his expression mirroring his tone.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:33 pm
Kizuka's purring had waned. Deep inside the pit of her soul ached at his words, but she understood, because she would do the same in his position. This was that situation people always talked about, having better felt than never felt at all. She sighed, feelings were hard; obligations were easy.
She nuzzled him back, giving him a purr to let him know she understood, and licked his cheek, "You're a kind lion, Spenta. I know you would do only what you feel is right."
She was despondent at the fact he was going to leave her, but she was determined to make her last and only days with him the best she could. She gave him another lick on his nose and a small smile, "There is this small den I know of that is never being used. I would love it if you stayed with me there. None of the males or females would bother us."
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:53 pm
Spenta inhaled deeply, all of his attention on the lovely lioness before him. He couldn't believe that she would offer herself to him in such a way; the gods surely must favor him. "I... Kizuka, I would be honored to spend as much time as I can with you." He spoke softly as if he feared a louder voice would send her running.
Nipping her ear, he purred loudly at her; the sound rumbled up leisurely from his chest and burst from his mouth. "Lead me to this den, Kizuka. Let us have this small bit of time together before I must go." He knew once he left he'd likely never be back, but to have lived without knowing this extraordinary feline... well, he would rather cherish this time he had. "We shall not speak of the future. Let us only enjoy this time we have now, and not be saddened by thoughts of what paths our lives will take."
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:15 pm
Kizuka lead him off in the direction where the den she had mentioned was hidden, sharing in her affections for Spenta along the way. She would enjoy her time with him even in its briefest, and cherish the memories of it until she breathed her last. She knew feelings like these weren't the kind that were fleeting, but weren't the kind that were meant to be. She would accept this over time, even if it hurt to do so. At the very least their feelings were true, even if only for a time.
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