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 Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 10:41 pm
It had been a surprisingly quiet week of late, not that Ozark was complaining. A quiet week for the Usher meant no deaths to mourn and that was always a good thing. Of course, with nothing to do, the dark blanketed lion was left wandering the forests of the Kizingo'zaa aimlessly searching for lost bodies he would not find. That didn't mean he wasn't always on the alert.
Inhaling the myriad of scents that wafted across the forest, creating an unseen canvas of the various flora and fauna that surrounded him. It was further enriched by the various sounds that filled the air, causing his ears to twitch and swivel. Always listening intently for sounds of distress. All that greeted him now though was the various trills and shrills of the birds that flitted from branch to branch and the various forest inhabitants who slithered, crawled and stalked across the landscape.
It was strange though that a faint sweetness seemed to hang on the air in a trail that Ozark unconsciously followed. The familiarity of it leading him in a winding, nonsensical pattern around the shadowed woodlands. Whatever the source was, it certainly seemed to be lost given the awkward means of travel. His own strides were startlingly silent despite the debris and blockades that might have proven laborious for a sightless lion to traverse around. Effortless as it may have looked Oz was nothing if not incredibly meticulous about every step that was placed by his enormous paws.
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Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 10:50 pm
Not again....! Lifting her muzzle she gazed upwards at the patchwork sky filtered by the gently waving leaves of the trees all around her, trees that looked so benign and harmless but had, once again, proven deadly. If only her Voice was around... he would know the way she was certain... Pahana never seemed to be lost no matter where he went, yet she had only come into the treeline to seek out a certain herb, but somehow she had gotten turned around and now, everywhere she looked it was endless tree trunks, stretching forth into the distant shadows and completely blocking her line of sight of anything even remotely familiar.
"Oh no...." She was lost she realized with a sinking heart, despair suddenly welling up within her chest to prickle at her eyes with threatening tears. The last time she had been this lost she had ended up wandering across the savannah for weeks and finding the cove-based pride where she had been living recently. She had come to love her new home, and many of the lions within it had slowly started to become her friends... and then there was the muscular Usher with the stunningly blue eyes who also happened to be blind. Her heart skipped a little at the thought of him, but almost immediately it dropped like a stone to rest heavy in her paws. If she was truly lost.. if she couldn't find her pride again.. she wouldn't see him again, ever...
Lowering her head, ears pressed low and tail down she had to swallow back a tiny keening of helplessness. Every way she looked appeared just the same, her nose only scented the forest and the various animals around her... prey, plants.. a herb she had been seeking.. but now, she only wanted to smell the sea but the familiar salty touch was entirely absent. Swallowing down panic she gazed round... maybe there was a piece of high ground, or even a tree she could climb... Willing to try anything and more than a little panicked at the idea of loosing her home, she set off again, amber eyes worried.
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Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 10:55 pm
Oh no.. The words echoed through the forest, haunted and ghostly as it grew fainter the further it carried. Luckily, Asali's distress carried far enough to whisper against the ears of the forest wanderer. Ears pricking with curiosity. A voice? There were usually only two reasons Ozark heard voices.
A nearby spirit or a nearby living body, either way, it seemed an appropriate response to investigate. Perhaps said voice was actually the source of that mild, nectar scent that intrigued him? Picking up a quicker pace Oz leapt over a fallen log that would have brushed the belly of most males with ease. Embarrassing as it may have been for all those around him to watch the lion call out to a spectre, Ozark had a feeling that the local wildlife was probably accustomed to the peculiar ways of the Kizingo by now. Is anyone there?
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Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 11:10 pm
The forest ignored her, small animals scurrying past under-paw, leaves swaying gently. Ordinarily it would have been relaxing but for Asali it was claustrophobic. Panic was slowly raising within her, making her pulse jump and race as the very real possibility that she would never find her beloved sandy shore or the rest of the pride rapidly over whelmed her. Then, suddenly, a voice spiraled out of the shadowy forest, tickling her ears and making her crane her neck around as she struggled almost desperately to locate its origin. Unthinkingly she called back, voice soft yet clearly upset, wavering slightly.
“Hello? Yes.. I am...” She never considered that maybe the voice was someone who may harm her, as trusting as she was she felt only relief at the sudden sound of life, of someone who might be able to show her the way back and rescue her from this endless maze of trees.
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Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 11:12 pm
With every heavy step the gripping fear became more palpable to Ozark and his concern that something unfortunate had occurred began to seem like an even more realistic possibility. The quiet control of his voice was echoed back with a tone that was far more desperate and the closer he encroached the more aware the Usher became that he recognized this voice and the accompanying scent. This aroma. That meltingly docile voice--jagged though it was currently with fear--it had to be the healer he had come to know over the past few months.
Asali? After several quick spent minutes of tracking, weaving through the narrow pathways that snaked between the columns of trees, Ozark appeared from the west. Head poking out over a bush as he called to the lioness questioningly. Sliding the rest of his monstrous frame into view as a few hiffing breaths directed his nose closer to her as his heavy head lowered. What's wrong?
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Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 11:22 pm
It was not until those powerful steps grew close that the healer heard them. Golden eyes flicked round, searching the shadowy forest almost desperately until.. there.. the shape of a large lion slowly emerged form the surrounding flora. She knew that voice and that height! "Ozark!"
Her cry was filled with relief as she bounded forwards, closing the last few paces between them though she stopped just short of cuddling up against him and never letting go, a reaction that was natural for her but she head learned of the large male's uncertainty towards physical contact and had schooled herself, with some success, into not encroaching into his space, though she did slip on the odd occasion.
Trembling, eyes bright with unshed tears of gratitude, she almost babbled as she struggled to explain what had happened. "Thank you..! thank you..! I came out here to look for herbs and got lost.. I have no idea how to get back and I thought I had lost the pride for good."
Trembling she closed her eyes and struggled to calm down, the fear having spiked into sheer relief, leaving her limp and drained after her panic of minutes ago. "I didn't think I'd see you again..."
Not realizing her own words she let out a ragged sigh, tension slowly seeping from her slender body though it left behind a nervousness, a huge 'what if' that loomed over her.
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Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 11:43 pm
Surprised by the cry of relief Ozzy braced unintentionally against those bounding steps, half expecting to be leapt on. There was a strange mix of gratitude and a muted disappointment when their bodies never made contact, though he could feel the warmth of Asali's nearness. Smell the salt of the tears that had threatened to fall. Yet despite her state of anxiety the halftone lion couldn't help but express his amusement at the situation. A thin grin curling his maw as he lowered his visage to gaze in her direction. Asali.. you can see, how is it that you can still manage to get lost?
Ozark had heard of Asali's legendary ability to lose her way even within her own pride from other Healers who occasionally frequented the Twilight Caves, but this was the first time he'd ever gotten the chance to experience it first hand. It was kind of cute. A quiet rumble of good humor vibrated on the air between them. He waited patiently for the overwhelming gratitude and disbelief to fade in a rambling surge of sound that was barely intelligible in her rush to express it. Those last words caused him to hesitate a moment longer, didn't think she'd see him again? He didn't entirely understand why that was something of concern, though admittedly, he would have missed Asali if she'd suddenly disappeared from the pride.
Touching his nose to her forehead, his voice was soft against her ears, trying to push more concern than amusement into that thick timbre. Are you injured..?
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Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 11:49 pm
It was his low rumbling voice that finally cut through her own rambling and stilled the panicked race of her thoughts. Blinking up at him she paused, startled out of her fright by the unusual sight of a smile on her friend's muzzle. Finally her thoughts slowed enough for her to regain at least the semblance of control and she blushed warmly. At a loss for anything to say all of a sudden, she mumbled something under her breath shyly about having no sense of direction and not being able to see past all the trees. Having ducked her head in an attempt to hide her blush, an automatic habit as she knew her companion was blind.
Yet the very fact that she knew the large male perhaps a little better than most in the pride meant that when his warm breath ghosted over her ear and the solid weight of him gently pressed against her brow, it made her suddenly weak at the knees, in a completely unexpected reaction. Her blush darkened even as she found herself leaning just a tiny bit into him, eyes closing as with a deep sigh, she finally relaxed and let his solid, calm presence seek into her own. "..No.... I'm fine..."
Her voice as soft, apologetic yet full of relief and gratitude, and under it, a small hint of shy tenderness. "I... I'm sorry you had to find me this way... "
She wondered if he thought her silly, or cubish now.. after all, what full grown lioness ever got lost in their own forest? Tucking her tail low in delayed embarrassment she inched a tiny bit closer.
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Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:02 am
Don't. I'm.. Though Ozark thought to say "glad to have found you first" something far less debonair fell from his maw stalely. ...not.
Reassuring Asali gently with a nudge, the mountain lion was actually somewhat relieved himself to have found her unharmed. Somehow, the idea of her being lost and alone in the forest didn't sit well with him, even if he was certain that she would have likely been found in a day or two. If not by him then by another Kizingo member as they made their rounds for certain.
Straightening to take in their surroundings, Ozzy strained silently. Essentially laying out invisible tendrils of inquisitiveness to learn as much as he could about the landscape via the heightened senses which were available to him. The air had become heavier since the beginning of his rounds, filled with a moisture that made the climate humid and gave the earth a fragrant, damp scent. Unfortunately, they were a fair distance from anywhere familiar in the pride that might have provided shelter.
Listen Asali. If the Usher had been alone he wouldn't have given the passing weather a second thought, but with the tiny healer at his hide he felt a pang of protection urging him to get them to a safe place. One where she could remain warm and dry until the storm had passed. Explaining in further detail as he lowered his calm visage to face her gently. It's going to rain.. think you can find us shelter?
Ozark could have probably sniffed out an old burrow if need be, but since they had the advantage of vision on their side it seemed like a far easier way to go about it.
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Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:28 am
Peeking up from under the flurry tuft of her mane at his words, the shy lioness seemed confused for a moment, but then as his voice finally settled in her mind a warm smile flittered across her muzzle, amber eyes softening. So, he didn't think her silly.. or stupid.. That all on its own made her feel better, allowed her to finally relax and settle more firmly back in her skin.
"Thank you..." She replied softly, voice gentle, almost timid yet warm. Closing her eyes as he brushed against her a second time, she sighed softly in pleasure. Such touches were so rare from the massive male that each one felt like a precious gift, to be treasured and savored when ever they were given. As he straightened, the tiny healer shifted closer, almost touching but not quite, unwilling to loose the feeling of safe comfort. Content to be with him even if she was still lost, she was relaxed now, her frantic breathing smooth and quiet. She had complete trust in him and it showed as she waited patiently, unconcerned now.
When he next spoke, the young lioness lifted her head, ears pricking to catch that deep rumbling tone. Smiling brightly she nodded, resisting the urge to nuzzle his cheek and instead replied. "Of course. There has to be something near by." Even if she was lost and had no idea which way their pride lay, he was with her now and for the time being, they didn't need to know where they were to find a den. Turing she scanned the area, her tail brushing against the male's foreleg unconsciously, as if she needed to be sure he was really there even when she wasn't looking at him. After a moment she stepped forwards, dropped her head and started to sniff before taking off at a slow trot, a pace that was no faster than Ozark's normal walk due to their height difference.
"I think there is something this way.." It was the lack of scents that told her there may be an abandoned den... for a used one would have had a very clear trail.
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Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2011 2:22 pm
A rumble of thunder rippled across the sky in the distance. Not distant enough for Ozark's taste though as the growl made his ears quiver, attentive to the sounds that stirred above their head. The rain would be upon them soon, especially if they chose to head in the direction of the storm. As it was the sprinkling pitter of droplets hitting the leaves of the canopy top in the distance made the mountain shadow a bit more insistent on hurrying Asali along. Nodding brusquely in response to the sweet murmur of the lioness' affectionate words of gratitude. Lowering his face to nudge her petite rear end in an effort to encourage a quicker pace. Thank me later..
Despite Asali's lack of directional sense, Ozark trusted her to lead them to a safe haven from the approaching weather. Why not? If she could find something as small and difficult to identify as special herbs required for medicinal purposes he was confident that she could locate a den for them to nest in. As tall as he was, it was fairly easy to follow the female. Long strides nearly carrying him over top of her as they weaved through the forest, following her delicate nose.
Stretching over her to press his nose to the dirt Oz couldn't help but chuckle quietly as he confirmed her finding. The old scent of an abandoned leopard den lingered in the soil. Bittersweet fate. It seemed that shelter wasn't far off, but it was heading straight into the enclosing storm. I smell it too.. let's hurry.
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 7:59 am
Giggling softly at his nudge to her rump, she resisted the urge to wiggle it back at him. Such a move was what a far more confident lioness would do and she felt far from confident, just simply comfortable with him, like he wouldn't judge her against other, more mature lionesses.. not that she was a child, she just never thought of herself as mature or 'ladylike' or sensual, or any of those words she used to associate with confident, powerful females.
Shaking her thoughts back on track she quickened her pace obediently, jogging along at a full trot now, her small paws barely making any sound as she moved neatly through the forest. When he leaned over, she felt her fur tingle in pleasure, the warmth of him radiating out like a furnace, flowing over her body and making her aware of just how very close he was. Curling her tail as she flushed gently, she smiled up at him. "This way..." Now not needing the scent on the ground she followed her nose, tracing the currents of air that brought that scent to them. Breaking into a slow lope she tracked along the path, slowing as she caught sight of their destination. Dropping to a trot she padded up to it, sniffing carefully, making sure it had really been abandoned before slipping inside.
Within moments there were shuffling sounds, then pieces of wood and stones started to appear at the entrance and Asali cleaned out the inside, pushing the debris that had been bow in or moved their by smaller animals back out. After a few minutes she stuck her head back out, using her front paws to push the piles of flotsam out of the way to one side of the entrance. "I should be big enough, and I don't think it will leak." It was an old den, but dens were built to last and she hadn't seen anything major wrong with it. Vanishing back inside she waited for Ozark to join her, ears and nose twitching as she examined their temporary shelter, curious, a little cautious.
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 1:15 pm
Concern for Asali remaining warm and dry still present, Ozark was glad that her mood had elevated considerably since his arrival. He liked to think that they were close, though perhaps not as close as he may have liked to be. Close enough still.
How many times had he run to her, grasping the scruff of an injured or ill Kizingo member in his power jaws, seeking aid? Guilty as he often felt for making her one of the only healers he turned to, it was simply that she was often the first who came to mind in crisis. Sometimes Ozark was dead certain that the cause of her overexertion was entirely his fault, but her kind and gentle ways appealed to him. Of all the medics, he favored her methods. And of course.. since he was the one that caused her exhaustion, it was only natural that the dark horse remedy the situation. So often pressuring her to rest her weary little body, sometimes by force if she refused to listen to reason.
Not that he would have ever hurt her.
The first drop of water that struck his snout drew Ozark from his internal musing. Ahead of him Asali's pace had accelerated into a rocking lope though his own gait remained fairly leisurely, a trot at most when she began to get too far ahead. A hopefulness that they might make it to shelter before being reached by the drenching rains was lost under a violent thunderclap and an accompanying sheet of water. The jungle was suddenly being drenched with rivers of water that rolled off the leaves which served as the only protection--not that they were much help at the moment.
Feeling the weight of the water in his pelt, Ozark sighed inwardly, drawing up short in front of the den where Asali was already shuffling about, arranging it to make it a more comfortable fit for the pair. His monstrous frame was dripping by the time he was invited inside, awkwardly ducking his head to slide through the entrance, though only after hitting his forehead on his first attempt.
Filling the empty space with his physique, thin whiskers bristled. This place would have been to small for him alone. With Asali's company it was.. well only one word came to mind. Blue gaze glowing against the darkness as he tried not to breathe too deeply. Steam rose off his masculine form from the chilled rain coming in contact with the heat of his body, making the air inside the den heavy and the perfume of the lioness' scent filled his senses. More pungent than usual thanks to the dampness of her fur. Nodding stiffly as the Usher became aware of every graze of their bodies. You did good.
Intimate.
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 5:54 pm
By the time Ozark joined her in the den, the rain outside was falling in massive sheets, as if the very sky itself was falling down around them. Her own fur was soaked, though not quite as dripping as Ozark's was for she had been able to squeeze into the den before him. Now, with them both inside it, there was barely room to move or turn, and simply lifting her head brought her into close contact with the huge Usher. he advantage however was that, with her sitting up and he lying down, they were almost at a level and she could peer up to check his brow after his unfortunate collision with the den's roof.
"Did you hurt yourself?" She asked, concern lacing her voice as she gently reached up and touched his thick fringe, brushing it to one side, her touch slow and calm so he wouldn't startle. Yet she was unaware of just how close they were now, not that they had much choice in the cramped quarters of the den. But, sitting pressed close against his damp side, their bodies steaming, filling the den with a warm mist like it was part of some other place, a less mundane, more magical space for just the two of them. Blushing softly as she gazed at him from so close, she couldn't make herself inch away, didn't want to... the feel of his strong body, his breath pressing him against her, his sheer size dwarfing her own smaller frame.. if she was to be stuck in an old leopard den with anyone, she was infinity glad it was he.
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 7:52 pm
Laying in a C-shaped curve with one side pressed into the wall of the dry den, Ozark's outstretched forepaws closed around Asali as she sat between them. Quiet as she seemed to be examining his forehead for damage, bangs which threatened to completely shade his eyes, brushed across his temple thanks to her gentle touch. Being so close to the healer left a strange sensation in his chest. A heart that normally went unnoticed climbed into his throat, making his voice husky and quiet as Oz tried to swallow it back down. Answering softly as he pressed his face into her chest. No..
Asali's sweet scent filled his nostrils as the plush fur between her collar bones tickled his muzzle. Bewitched by the warmth of their little nest. Intoxicated by the presence of such a sweet little morsel as this lioness. Her name suited her perfectly.
Honey.
Rumbling into her chest, Ozark's rough tongue licked at the moist ruff of her fur where his muzzle was nuzzled. Drying her fur or at least, his original intention had been to help it dry. By the time his tongue had reached her throat the gesture had shifted from friendly to sensual. Closing his paws a little tighter around her small frame to keep her held close to him.
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