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Kokojicho was lost, but at the moment she didn't really care. She was far too excited by the simple fact that she'd crept past the guards that patrolled the borders of her pride. The Ukuucha'Wafalme had little tolerance when it came to females escaping the pride, and she was lucky she'd done so with her life. Thrilled now that she was free, Koko inhaled deeply and peered around. She'd been running for what felt like hours and well, that meant she must have gotten a safe distance from the pride. Turning to glance over her shoulder, Koko smiled smugly before leisurely padding forward.

She was an apt huntress so starving to death wasn't a worry in Koko's mind. No, nothing could stop her now. She was free from that awful pride, free from Kwea and her mother, and nothing would stop her.

Naturally Koko was wary of any male this close to the pride she'd just risked her life to escape. He didn't appear to be menacing in any way, but most of the males in the pride had a way of coming off sweet and warm. It was how they suckered you into the pride. Koko had seen many poor females attracted by sweet words and gentle glances only to be crushed when they had to share a male they'd grown so attached to.

Koko wasn't stupid. Then again, she hated being alone. Honestly, this was the first time in her young life that she'd found herself... well, all by herself.

"Greetings," she said warily, ready to bolt if he identified himself as a male from her pride. She hadn't come this far only to be dragged back to the pride.

Koko peered up at the sky, closing her eyes and breathing deeply of the musky rain-laden air. It was refreshing, and... kind of cleansing, spiritually. Perhaps the Gods were really looking down upon her today. They'd even sent her some company.

"Mhm, rain is a very welcoming sight, and lovely in its own right." Opening her eyes again she watched him carefully. The scent of wet earth clogged her sense of smell. Perhaps she would have recognized his scent if she hadn't been so overwhelmed by the strong smell of rain and dirt. "I am Kokojicho, but please, call me Koko." She smiled a clipped little smile, obviously tense.

"Where do you call home?"

Koko relaxed a little and offered a small, soft chuckle. "Very good answers." Canting her head to the side she watched him carefully. He seemed genuine in his polite conversation and she was a sucker for pretty words. Always had been. Perhaps that would be her downfall eventually, but for tonight she was still riding on the high of her escape.

His compliment had her chuckling again. "No need for apologies," she said softly, a trace of a smile flitting across her muzzle. He was a breath of fresh air to her, respectful and genteel. He probably had never even thought of collecting females as a symbol of status. That thought brought a scowl to her face, one she resolutely forced away.

"Your home is near here?" It was going to start pouring soon enough, and shelter would become a necessity.

Koko nodded gracefully and turned to make her way to the grove of trees that would offer at least a little protection from the impending storm. Waiting for a friend, to what purpose? That was odd in itself, but she didn't let her thoughts linger on it for too long. Her mind was too preoccupied with avoiding discovery and avoiding the rain that was now falling at a swift pace.

Upon reaching the protective cover of the trees, Koko shook the dampness from her coat and began grooming herself. She hated being this wet, in all honesty, but it couldn't be helped. She supposed she would have to grow used to it, at least until she found her own den.

Mid-lick she paused and glanced towards Behnam, "I apologize if I am intruding on a meeting between friends. If you must go, I will not hold you here." She offered a slight smile before turning back to her grooming.

Koko chuckled warmly. Oh, he was a rogue! She liked that, she always had been a sucker for straight-forward males. There was something exciting about his bold and brash question, something that sent shivers up her spine and set fire to a warmth in her chest.

"A fine idea," she murmured, inching closer to the big male. "Perhaps a quick grooming behind my ears and then I shall return the favor?" That seemed a practical enough reply, plus she could soak up his body heat and soon enough she would be dry.

"Excuse my nosiness, Behnam, but what kind of friend are you waiting for here in the middle of a storm?"

Koko froze mid-lick, having been in the process of cleaning one of her paws while Behnam looked after the impossible-to-reach spot behind her ears. She... didn't particularly like being grouped together, but perhaps he merely meant family. Perhaps he spoke of a mother and a father that he adored. Yes, that had to be it. She honestly couldn't picture him being like the lions she'd fought so hard to escape.

Nervously she laughed and shook her head. "You toy with me now, Behnam," she chided softly, "would you have me believe that you would elevate me to such a status already, having just met me?" Koko grinned at him and went back to grooming herself, amused by his words.

Perhaps the Gods truly were shining down on her today. Securing her safety during her escape from the pride, providing her with a cleansing rain and now... giving her this male that honestly made her believe that if she kept by his side he would keep her safe and sound. He would cherish her and love her and provide for her and never stray from her.

She believed that with all of her heart.

Koko murmured softly, "I want you as well, Behnem," drawing to her feet in order to lead him deeper into the small grove of trees -- to privacy. Caught up in the moment, the storm fueling her excitement, driven by his honestly spoken words... Koko firmly believed that she had found her happily-ever-after.