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Orad honestly couldn't remember a time that he'd been so happy, so complete. He'd come across a few lionesses in his day, had even traveled with one for a time, but he'd never felt the way he did with his Ampa. She was the best thing that had come into his life in the longest time, and she brought him such joy that he felt like he could just simply burst.

He'd not told her yet just how he felt about her; they traveled long days, resting when it was cool enough to do so. The right opportunity hadn't come up, but Orad was fully intending on staying with Ampa when she settled with the Dawn Walkers. He would woo her if need be, but he hoped that a little part of her felt the same way that he did.

As they walked, he 'innocently' bumped his shoulder against hers. He loved her pretty fur, and her pretty eyes. She was just so sweet and good company to boot. He liked making her laugh most of all; that sweet sound just made him feel all fuzzy inside.

Orad grinned sheepishly at her. She was on to him, that much was evident. The only reason he bumped into her was because he enjoyed being close to her. "A rest does sound good," he murmured. It was easier to stare endlessly into her eyes when they were still. They were such a pretty color, like warm sunlight. He could just stare into them forever. Orad wasn't worried about creeping her out or being too forward; she didn't seem to be repulsed by him, and that was a good sign, wasn't it?

Orad was convinced he would know when the time was right to tell his sweet Ampalaya exactly how he felt. He just didn't want to do it too soon. What if she was just being friendly? It hadn't been long since they'd met, really. He had to keep reminding himself of that. It felt as if they'd been together forever.

"I see a nice spot of shade ahead," he murmured, fighting the urge to just nuzzle that little spot beneath her ear. "We can rest there, if you'd like." She was gorgeous.

If Ampalaya enjoyed the view of Orad walking towards her, he was certainly enjoying the view of her jogging away from her. When she turned, he made sure to swiftly avert his eyes from her hind end; being caught staring would certainly be rude and off-putting. With a hefty sigh, he dropped onto his side next to her, taking careful steps to make sure that he brushed against her as often as he could. She smelled so nice...

"It shouldn't be long now," he grunted, squinting his eyes as he peered at the sun high overhead, "I'm sure you'll love it once you see it. I'm looking forward to getting there, myself," he grinned at her, inhaling deeply. She had an earthy fragrance, one that he was clearly addicted to. And those pretty eyes...

Orad flicked an ear at her words, processing them slowly. What did she mean by that? Shooting her a sideways glance, his pale eyes watched her closely while he tried to act as nonchalant as possible. He didn't want to say too much too soon, didn't want to frighten her off. "Oh? Why is that?" Orad turned his gaze towards the ground they rested on. He couldn't meet her eyes, too afraid of what she might say... and what she might not.

That definitely was what Orad wanted to hear. He watched her carefully, those defined eyes of his warm and full of something that might've been love. It was just so hard to say the words, but he would say them and deal with the consequences if she turned him down. If that was the case, he'd bid her farewell at the borders of the Dawn Walkers and take his leave like any gentleman would.

"I enjoy spending time with you, too, Ampalaya." He clenched his jaw, turning his glance away for just a moment before he turned those pink eyes back to meet her pretty golden ones. "I've become... quite fond of you." 'I love you!!!!' his heart screamed, but his head took the more defensive route and after he spoke, he watched her carefully. How would she react?

Gods, he'd done the one thing he hadn't wanted to. When he saw those tears glisten in her eyes, he'd just about come undone. He'd bungled this all up without even trying, and part of his felt stupid while the other part felt heartbroken. How could he fix this without seeming like he'd had to force himself to tell her his true feelings for her?

"I.. don't cry, Ampalaya... please?" Orad edged closer to the lioness who'd swiftly become the center of his life. When he woke in the morning the first thing he wanted to do was see her face, and the last thing he wanted to see when he fell asleep was her face. Gods, even in his dreams all he could see was her face. She was everything to him, and Orad couldn't even comprehend living a day without having her there by his side.

He nuzzled in close to her, grooming her cheeks free of any tears that might fall from her damp eyes. "I'm stupid." More grooming, her ears, cheeks. "If I were a braver lion, a lion confident enough to know his feelings might be mirrored, I would have said that I love you." He gave her a pained look. "I am not confident enough, nor am I brave enough. But Ampalaya," he paused, drawing back to glance into her eyes, "I do love you."

He smiled softly as she spoke, his voice gruff when he finally responded. "I will never leave you, Ampa. You couldn't force me away." He continued nuzzling her around her ears and muzzle, trying to reassure her that his words were true and he'd never purposefully do anything to cause her grief or worry -- or pain, for that matter. She meant the world to him and the thought of living his life without her in it? Incomprehensible.

Orad's heart was full to bursting. Life felt complete with this lioness by his side and never again would either of them be alone. They would have each other to go to for love and guidance. It seemed all they had to do now was reach their destination and create a home for themselves. Perhaps in time, they might start a family together.