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The days he'd spent looking for this female were countless. It felt like months since he set out from his home. A lot of members started leaving, and it left the pride very small. Before a decision was made Caide took it upon himself to leave the pride before he saw his home deserted. He thought to seek out the female, Bahari. His time spent with her made him feel... Something he hadn't felt since Chache'kindu...

Oh, how his heart ached at the thought of his old mate. He missed her deeply. It hurt him when she just vanished without a trace. He wished...

No he didn't. It wouldn't have made any difference. He had tried looking for her every day instead of acting as a Ghost. There was no trace of her. Not even a scent he could follow. He had to return every night to his children, who she jus left with him.

Now he and his deaf son, Wyconda, were looking for Bahari. She rekindled something in Caide that made him feel alive.

Wyconda, however, wasn't as enthusiastic about finding a female who would replace his mother. Wyconda loved his mom. She taught him everything and even gave him Xai, his faithful bird, before she disappeared. He'd 'told' his father several times to just give up on this girl and go to their new home. He was tired of wandering. He was tired of living on edge in the unclaimed lands and having to look over his shoulder to make sure no one was trying to talk to him.

Now was no exception. He 'told' Xai to tell his father what he had to say yet again.

The bird rolled her eyes and snorted a little bit. "Caide, your son says this is stupid and he wants to take a break. He said his paws hurt and he's hungry." Xai looked back at Wyconda to make sure and chirped when the lion nodded and sighed, perching in his bright red mane. "I've gotta say, I'm pretty tired too and I've been flying! I bet your feet hurt."

Well... That was true. Caide's paws did hurt him like crazy. He just really wanted to find her. Maybe she would join him in their new home. Maybe not? The pride he was going to he'd seen in his travels to visit his father in the Swamplands. He was going to the Pridelands. It seemed like a relaxed, prosperous atmosphere and it didn't seem like that pride was going anywhere. If nothing else, it was getting an influx of lions.

A smell caught his attention, suddenly. It wasn't too strong, probably from a few days ago, but it was the first sign of her he'd smelled so far. His heart picked up at the prospect and looked around on the ground. Sure enough there were some paw prints that were fading. His tangerine eyes blinked and he gave a little laugh and turned to his son.

"I've found a trail! Rest if you want, but.. I'm going to follow it for a ways. I'll be back before it gets dark. I don't think I can hunt today." He laughed and gave Wyconda a headbutt before he ran off. He didn't even worry about his son following. Wyconda would probably just curl up and wait for him, glad for the break.

Sure enough, Wyconda only rolled his eyes and grumbled something before seeking the refuge of a tall tree that had low branches. Climbing up to one of the lower once, the big lion flopped on the branch and yawned widely before looking to Xai when she hopped off. She just sat on the branch and yawned, just like he did.

Together, the two of them quickly fell to sleep, thinking they were safe enough.

After awhile of following the scent, it suddenly got stronger. With that came the scent of fresh blood, making him remember he hadn't eaten in a while. Brows knitting, he looked all around and finally found who he had ben searching for. It was like the clouds had parted and the sun was finally shining on that one female. Someone up there thought it was fine to finally give him a break. Quickly, he moved into her line of view and grinned.

"Bahari!" He called out to her, voice warm with relief and friendship.

Caide laughed as he heard her squeal and he barraled toward her and gave the female a headbutt in greeting. "I've been looking for you everywhere! For days now.." He pressed his face close to hers and gave her an affectionate nudge with his nose. Gods knew how much he considered her something more than a friend. He couldn't admit that out loud, honestly, because they'd only met a few times and he didn't want to come off as creepy. Finally, he settled down and sat in front of her, looking her over. "You look well! Feeling better, I take it?"

"I am well! Me and my son, Wyconda, are travelling toward a place we heard of that's really good for starting your life over... Since my pride started falling apart.. I thought we'd go there. The rest of the family is heading toward the desert mainly, but I don't think we'd do well there.." He gave her a warm smile and moved to nuzzle against her cheek. He hadn't forgotten Wyconda was waiting on him. "Will you join us on our journey? It's a few days travel from here. I think... If I remember right, anyway. I've seen it with my own eyes before, moving from the mists to the swamps to see my father.."

When she declined, Caideiseach's hopes were dashed and he nodded a little. He could understand that. He was finding himself again as well, but his journey wasn't going to take as long as hers. Then she suggested he go see his son and Caide nodded again. "You'll find us in a pride called the Pridelands... We'll welcome you whenver you come, Bahari. Maybe reluctantly in Wyconda's case, but we will welcome you..." He swallowed thickly and licked her cheek before whispering a "goodbye" and turned back the way he'd come. Their meeting might have been brief, but at least he knew she was alive and well. He walked way with mixed feelings. Caide was sad Bahari said no at this time, but a little hopeful that he would see her again.