((after his short sojourn in Akiiki Chibale, Kai realizes that's growing too comfortable in this new pack, and needs to get moving again. He stops off briefly to say farewell to Naiad))
Naiad: What, that's it? Two days and you want to get going?
Kai: *wincing a little* Er...yes. Pretty much. *tries to think of a way he can explain, but braces himself for a thrashing*
Naiad: Real princely of you. *hmphs* Just stroll through, grab a meal and a place to sleep, and move along? I don't get you travelers.
Kai: *sighs* It's not like that. I just...*looks around, debating whether or not honesty would be the best choice. How do you explain to a wolf that loves her pack that the exact reason you're leaving is because you can imagine yourself staying there?* I don't mean to take advantage of your kindness, Naiad.
Naiad: Mmhmm. *doesn't believe that, but shrugs a little* We're a friendly pack, so I suppose I can't stop you or anything . . . You sure you don't want to stay though?
Kai: *that was an unnecessarily complicated question* I've got a ways to go, yet. I promised Verdauga I would meet him inland, before the heat sets in. *and that, at least, was true* ...You could come with me, if you wanted. *averts his eyes quickly* But you wouldn't, of course, not with all your family here....
Naiad: *frowns a little with curiosity* And where would you be headed to with this Verdauga?
Kai: We...he has a pack, of sorts. *realizes he hadn't mentioned this earlier and shifts a bit awkwardly, not sure how she'd feel about their plans* A band of wanderers, really. None of the hierarchy and politics of a pack, not tied down...but helping each other. Like brothers. And...*debates whether to mention the thieving parts*
Naiad: *still frowns* That hardly sounds like a pack if it doesn't have rules. How do you know it's not just a bunch of villains gathering together, huh?[/gold]
Kai: ...depends how you define villains *muttered, mostly under his breath* It...it would be hard for you to understand. You've got a good thing here, with your family and everything. But...c'mon. There's got to be politics here that you don't agree with?
Naiad: Not really. We don't have politics here. Respect the alphas, treat each other like family, don't over-fish or over-hunt, be open to travelers - common sense things. I like knowing they're there, thanks.
Kai: *a pack without politics? that threw a big wrench into his worldview, to be sure, but he wasn't going to waver now. Still, when he spoke, there was a slight twinge of frustration in his voice* Well, fair enough then.
Naiad: Fair enough? *makes an annoyed sound* So much for a nice goodbye, then, O prince. Sorry my pack's not good enough for you.
Kai: *sighs, exasperated and not sure why he's even trying to defend himself* Will you stop calling me that? I'm not a prince anymore! *winces at his outburst and looks away* It's not that. That's not it at all.
Naiad: Then what is it, /prince/? *His outburst only fueled her, though she didn't know why she was getting mad at all* My pack is just fine, but you're going to go away to some hooligans in gods know where! Why?
Kai: Because if I don't leave right now I'll stay here forever! *can't believe he just said that, but it's too late now* Because...after just a few days, I can imagine myself here. Settling down. Some nice girl and a dozen fat puppies. And I...I can't.
Naiad: *tilts ears back at the shout with perplexion, for a moment not able to find a word - and then it comes rushing back* What the heck, Kai! Why would you not want that, then? Why would you decide to not follow your heart and go chasing after some Ver-whoever and his team of ragtags?
Kai: Because...*sighs, deflating a little; when he looks up, looks genuinely miserable* I didn't abandon my people just to turn around and settle down a few miles from home. There's...something I'm supposed to be doing. Something BIG that I'm meant for. ....There has to be. *with some effort, meets her eyes* -That- is what my heart is telling me.
Naiad: *meets his eyes in a glare nonetheless, muzzle crinkling for a moment before she huffed out her held breath and turned away, getting to her paws* Fine. Get going. Bet your buddy's waiting for ya.
Kai: *ears drooping, but knows when to stop pushing his luck* ...I'm sorry, Naiad. *voice low, before turning and beginning to leave*
