((1297 words ))
Jawara lounged beneath the acacia tree, his tail swatting at a few evening insects that circled him. There was half of an antelop lying dead beside him, the meat fresh from an earlier and successful hunt. It had been a few weeks since he had bumped in to the shadowy female named Yejide, but her orange eyes still haunted him. She had been a beautiful creature, and he could only hope that she would someday find happiness. He wasn't a particularly lustful lion, he was easy going and relaxed, but he had enjoyed her companionship. Perhaps it was because she was one that could never be caught, one who was constantly on the move. She was like the colors of the sky at dusk, their beauty apparent to all but it was a beauty that could never be caught nor duplicated. Strange for him to have been so smitten in such a short while, and for her memory to plague him so.
Oh well.
There wasn't much else he could do but reflect on the shadowed vixen. She was still very much a stranger, but he couldn't help but wonder where she might be now, where she may have fled.
It appeared as if the spirits had their own agenda. For not far from where Jawara rested trotted Yejide. She had left the lion after escorting him to the watering hole. They had spoken, she had admitted the death of her sister, but hadn't gone in to great detail about the subject. They were both familiar to the touch of death, and she respected him for not chattering her ear off or forcing her to do anything she didn't wish.
His company hadn't been terrible, in fact it had been a refreshing change. It was only after they had parted ways that she found her thoughts lingering on his form. He had been handsome, with a pale coat and gentle lavender eyes. While she had never been the most sociable of lionesses, she wouldn't have minded lingering with him. There was something comforting in the knowledge that there were others whom she could appreciate, and Jawara had such a kind personality it was very difficult not to like him.
But, they had parted ways, she had silently drifted off and left him at the watering hole. No doubt she'd never see him again.
Picking her way through the savanna, the lioness might have missed him had she not caught sight of his large figure. He blended in well with his environment, certainly, but he was a big lion and a figure was hard to miss. Sure enough, pausing in her travels, the female couldn't help but stare. Was that really him? It couldn't be, but sure enough, it was! "Jawara?" She called out tentatively, her words uncertain and coated with doubt.
The pale lion opened his eyes, his ears twisting to focus on the source of the voice. It was oddly familiar. Thankfully, there was no mistaking the black lioness standing not far from him. Her orange gaze was vibrant, and the marking on her face made sure he knew exactly whom it was. "Yejide!" He smiled gently at the female, quickly rising to his paws. She was more beautiful than he had remembered, but they did say something about absence making the heart grow fonder.
The black female couldn't help but smile herself, and she quickly bridged the distance between Jawara and her position. "I didn't expect to see you again," she murmured softly, her joy at seeing the familiar face apparent. It was the most she'd smiled in a very long time.
The pale lion gave a small chuckle and nod of understanding. "It's quite the surprise, but one I'm not sorry for. How have you been?" The lion shook out his mane and turned his attention fully on the female.
Yejide gave a small shrug, settling down before the male and wrapping her tail loosely about her paws. "I've been all right. There's not much new to speak of since we last parted ways. I suppose I don't lead a particularly exciting life. And yourself?" She questioned, much preferring that the conversation linger on the pale male before her. She had never been particularly comfortable at the heart of conversation and would much rather hear what her friend was up to.
Jawara didn't seem to mind. Giving a smile snort, the male grinned. "I don't think excitement sums up a lot of the rogue lands. So long as you're alive and safe, there's not much more one should ask for. Sometimes excitement doesn't end well." This certainly was the truth! A hunt gone wrong could be considered exciting until one was trampled or broke a bone. And then such excitement could lead to infection or death! "I have been well though, and like you, have roamed quietly these past few weeks. I've met a few prides in my travels, but nothing of particular to note. Like you, I suppose I too don't lead much of an exciting life." He grinned a bit, his violet eyes bright with good humor.
Yejide smiled, though her gaze turned to linger upon the kill that sat beside him. Her stomach churned and snarled, her jaws suddenly salivating. It wasn't that she was incompetent when it came to hunting, but luck sometimes eluded her. These past few days she had attempted to hunt, but had always left empty pawed. It was unfortunate, but the fact there was an antelope lying not even ten feet from where she was sitting was a bit distracting.
Jawara wasn't blind, and he couldn't help but grin. Glancing over to where her gaze lingered, the male gave a small smile. "I've been lucky this past morning. I've eaten my fill, but if you'd like to share by all means."
Once again, Yejide was surprised by his generosity. Frowning she tilted her head. "Are you always this generous? Most keep their kills close, especially around strangers."
The male gave a grin and small shrug. "Truly, it's no loss. I would prefer to be on my way sooner rather than later. And if you on't finish my kill, than the hyenas and vultures of the world will. Please, I insist."
Yejide hesitated, though she couldn't stop licking her muzzle. It did truly look good and it was hard to resist his insistence. "I am a little hungry," she admitted as her stomach snarled once more. "If you're certain that it won't be a problem though." Sneaking forward the female crouched down in front of the kill and began to eat. Her luck seemed to change when she was around the male, but it was likely because of his generosity. She'd never met a rogue who was so damn open and generous!
Jawara watched as the female tore at the meat. He allowed her to savor his kill, and was glad he was able to help. After she finished, the lion gave a tilt of his head. "Might I convince you to linger awhile? A spot of friendly company would be good." He didn't exactly have high hopes, but he might as well offer.
Yejide gave her tail a thwap as she began grooming her paws. The antelope had been delicious, and she felt no rush to leave. Grooming herself, the lioness gave a small shrug and nod. "I suppose I could linger for awhile if you'd like, especially for one who gave me a meal. So tell me a little about yourself, Jawara. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship."
The male grinned, glad that the female seemed to be open to the idea. And for the rest of the day, the pair enjoyed the savanna together, sharing views and thoughts on the day.
