[PRP] Somewhere Only We Know [Timiza & Fillira)

[Uta]

The lioness trotted quietly through the dry savanna grasses, pausing now and then to look back over her shoulder at the place she had just left. The pridelands were still a half-days walk behind her, and she felt strangely melancholy about leaving the place. It had been an absolutely amazing time exploring the pride, seeing the sights, and learning of its different traditions and ways of life. It was laid back, welcoming, huge, and beautiful; plus, Timiza had been right about the talent found within its realm.

Though she did miss her father, mother, siblings, and family . . . well. . . . She just couldn't help but wish she had been able to stay longer. It was still quite a journey back to the Nchi'mahadhi, but the Pridelands had been special. Maybe it wasn't just leaving the lands that concerned her, but she'd also soon part ways with her newest friend, Timiza'upeo. On the bright side, the golden coated male had been keen on escorting her back to the Nchi'mahadhi! She would get to return his hospitality it her own home, and with luck, even though there would be great distances between them, they might forget a strong enough friendship to keep the other in mind for awhile, or even visit from time to time.

Thankfully though, Fillira wasn't often one to stay down for long. She liked to look at the bright side of life, and today, though she had left the Pride Lands, she still had her friend to keep her company. "How're you hanging up back there?" She teased, turning around to trot back to her friend. She was in no real rush to move, and wanted to enjoy her time in the open landscape of the savanna.
 

[~Masamune~]

Uta

Timiza'upeo was walking behind Fillira for two reasons; one, she was leading the way and two, he couldn't actually keep up with her at the pace she was going. He had always considered himself to be very physically fit. He was a good runner and a pretty decent hunter. He had never walked as far as this in his whole life though, so it seemed that he was lacking in stamina and endurance.

"I'm...I'm fine!" He puffed, amazed that she was able to walk so swiftly, even with her drum on her back. He managed a hearty laugh, although it was actually an attempt at masking his heavy breathing. When she trotted back towards him, he stopped and tried to get his breathing under control. "I'm good, really!"  

[Uta]

Masamune

Fillira grinned as he attempted to reassure her that he was fine. While she was certain he would be able to make it, she did hear how he huffed and puffed a bit to catch his breath. It occurred to her that maybe she should put the breaks on how fast she was walking -- she hadn't thought that maybe, just maybe, she was in slightly better shape due to all of her prior roaming!

Making a mental note to, slow her pace just a bit, the lioness sat down beside him and gave her tail a little twitch. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with mirth and she gave a nod. "Well, just let me know if that ever changes," she nodded, before giving a little glance around them. A peak up at the sky reminded her that, while they had walked most of the morning, it was getting close to the hottest part of the day. "I think a little break would do us well though. We can rest during the hottest part of the day, and resume this evening through dusk." That's how she had always learned to travel, though they were still plum out in the middle of the savanna. There were a few large acacia trees not far ahead, if they could settle beneath them, provided they weren't already occupied.

"Thanks again for coming with. I . . . I hope this experience won't be completely miserable for you." She added, acknowledging that it was quite possible he wasn't as interested in travel as she had been. The trip to the Nchi'mahadhi wasn't terribly far, but it was a solid two days walk at least. It had taken Fillira longer to get to the Pride Lands due to roaming in a less-than-direct pattern, but with Timiza in two, she didn't want to waste his time.

 

[~Masamune~]

Uta

The golden male was feeling a little bit embarrased, as despite his efforts to hide it, he was sure that it was quite obvious that he wasn't the best of travellers. What he also wasn't though was a quitter, so he hoped that his body would get used to this fact sooner rather than later.

When she sat herself down beside him, he smiled. "Don't worry, I will!" That wasn't entirely true, but he didn't want to let her down or make her feel guilty over how tired he really was. He couldn't help but chirp up a bit though when a break was mentioned. "That would be great!" He took in a particularly large breath, before slowly breathing it out. Although he didn't want her to know that he needed a break, he really really needed a break.

When she thanked him for coming, Timiza'upeo shook his head, but continued to smile. "Don't be silly. No time that I spend with you could ever be miserable." He had really enjoyed her company in the Pride Lands, so escorting her home was another excuse to spend more time with her, as well as to give him peace of mind that she got home safely.  

[Uta]

~Masamune~

The dark coated lioness couldn't help but feel the tips of her ear heat up in the smallest of blushes when Timiza spoke. Thankfully, she had a dark coat, so it didn't show any color, and she glanced away to look around and better get an idea of their location. Even though she knew very well where they were and where they would be headed for a break, she found she couldn't quite look him in the eye for some peculiar reason.

Timiza really was a friendly sort. He had been most kind during her visit, and had been able to teach her much about the Pride Lands. The smallest part of the lioness felt a twinge of guilt because she had wished to stay. In fact, she actually had dreaded the day she would pack up her drum and make the journey home. It was strange really. While the lioness loved her pride and was most comfortable in the Nchi'mahadhi, she also had fallen in love with the easy going Pride Lands. They had a music and beat all their own, a rythem and style that was both familiar and different.

But perhaps it was her love for the land that had told Fillira it was time to return. She couldn't just abandon her family without word, and honestly, she couldn't stay without reason. Timiza had been a good friend, but that was his home . . . . She was but a visiting stranger. "All right then! We'll get to those trees ahead, you see 'em? I think they'll provide ample shade. We can rest up a bit, resume our travel once the sun lowers closer to the horizon. You're doing great though!" She complimented, ever sincere.

And he was!

The fact he'd kept up with her pace for so long had been pretty amazing. But she could tell he was lagging behind and quite out of breath. She'd slow it up a bit this evening, go easier on him. Ducking her head, the lioness smiled. "Well, I'd hope you'd like the company. You tolerated me all this time in the Pride Lands after all. I'm glad my family will get to meet you though -- now they'll have a face to go along with all the stories I'll be able to share!"

 

[~Masamune~]

Uta

When Fillira motioned towards the trees up ahead, Timiza'upeo hopped to his feet. Although she had told him that he was doing great, he wasn't quite so sure. It was clear that she was doing much better. Unlike a lot of males however, he didn't mind the fact that a female was better than him at something. "Thank you." His almost constant smile grew wider at the compliment. "I think you're doing much better though."

Having walked over to the tree, he sat himself down once more. The ground in the shade was much cooler, and his back no longer burned under the sun. This would be a perfect place to rest. Still smiling, he shook his head at what Fillira said next. "Tolerated? That's not the word I would use at all. It was, and still is, a genuine pleasure to spend time with you." Timiza'upeo blinked, seemingly shocked by his own words. A slightly more sheepish smile then appeared. It really was great spending time with the brown female, and even though he had only known her for a short time, it dawned on him that he actually cared quite a bit for her.

That was something he would have to try and get a grasp on, as once they reached the lands of her own Pride, they would be forced to say goodbye. That wasn't going to be easy. "Your family? Stories?" The golden male wasn't entirely sure what she would tell them, as he wasn't exactly the most exciting of Pride Landers. "I think you'll bore them if you talk about me." He said with a laugh. "I'm nothing special."  

[Uta]

~Masamune~

Ahhh. So sorry for the delay. I can't believe I missed it. .___. <3

The dark coated lioness gave a small chuckle as Timiza dismissed her choice of words to define their time in the Pridelands. It pleased her to hear him say that he actually liked to spend time with her, and found it a genuine pleasure. Granted, it also wasn't likely he would have suggested to come along if he hadn't enjoyed spending some time with her. The journey from one pride to the other wasn't exactly a swift walk.

But that was the part that Fillira found herself uncertain about.

When Timiza and she got to the Nchi'mahadhi, that would mark the end of their incredible journey and their fast growing friendship. While it was likely they could meet one another every now and then between the two prides, she knew the reality would likely mean . . . an end. He would become nothing more than a fond memory, and he would move on with his life. Their friendship was strong, but Fillira also didn't want to set herself up for disappointment.

She'd have pridal duties in the Nchi'mahadhi, he'd have duties in the Pridelands, not to mention eventually finding mates and families of their own. Maybe it wouldn't happen soon, but someday down the road, they'd grow apart purely for the sake of distance. Ah. But that was neither here nor there. She couldn't worry about tomorrow when she still had today!

As they reached the shade of the tree, the dark coated lioness breathed a small sigh of relief. It felt good to get out of the hot sun, particularly because she was so dark coated. Her ears twitched and she gave a small chuckle, even as she reached over to paw at him ever so lightly. "Don't be silly, you are something special." The words came out before she could stop them. "You're my good friend, first and foremost. You were nothing but hospitable to me, a complete stranger, when I stumbled upon your pride. Furthermore, you're funny, good-humored, and nice. Not many would leave their home just to escort a lioness to her home pride a days walk away." She reminded, her blue eyes bright with sincerity. "You may not believe me, but you're much more special than you seem to believe."
 

[~Masamune~]

Uta

XP Don't worry! Sorry for my late reply as well!

Timiza'upeo didn't know quite where to look when Fillira told him that he was special, and then went into the reasons why. His mother told him he was special all the time, but he never believed her because she was his mother, and that was the kind of thing that mothers said to their offspring. It was an entirely different thing to be hearing such compliments from a friend, one who he thought a great deal of at that.

The golden lion could feel his cheeks turning red under his fur. "Th- thank you." He stuttered, clearly taken aback by what she had said. The truth was, he felt exactly the same about her. She was intelligent and friendly, creative and kind. He was really going to miss her, once they parted ways. As if reading her mind, he smiled and playfully pawed her back. "You're very special to me too, and I'm sure we'll remain friends forever, even with the distance between us."  

[Uta]

~Masamune~

((Zomg. I am SO sorry for the delay in this one! x_x I didn't realize I hadn't tagged it, and then the past two months I lost ALL of my muses. ;0; I hope you can forgive my slowness, and are still interested in the two of them! ))

Fillira could see the surprise on the male when she complimented him, and she couldn't help but beam in pleasure. She honestly hoped that he believed her words -- she had found Timi incredibly delightful company, and truly did think him a stellar individual. He had imprinted himself firmly in her heart, thanks to his good nature, and the fact he was willing to guide her outside the pridelands was a delight.

It was bittersweet though, and as he spoke of keeping their friendship, she was reminded of just how far the Nchi'mahadhi seemed to be from the Pride Lands. "Do you really think so?" She questioned, her ears folding a bit as she considered the reality of the situation. Oh, she'd have good memories of him, and stories to bring back to the pride. . . but. . . . She also knew that distance could make the heart grow forgetful. And Timiza'upeo might . . . might forget her, just as she might him. Probably not completely, of course not, but . . . . like paw prints in a sand, the wind and water might wash them away.

"I mean," she quickly added, looking away with a wavering smile. "I do truly hope you're right, and hope we'll be able to keep our friendship through the years. But time and distance has a funny way of working, especially since we are so newly friends." She heaved a heavy sigh and pawed idly, distractedly, at her tail tip. Glancing over at the golden lion, she gave a small smile. "Well, I guess there's no use worrying about what the future might bring, right?" No sense in bringing down the trip with bitterness and worry.

She should be excited, after all! How long had she been away from the Nchi'mahadhi? Shouldn't she want to be reunited with family?
 

[~Masamune~]

Uta

(( XD; Two years later... ))

A thoughtful expression graced the golden male's face as he considered what he could do or say to reassure his new friend that they would remain friends, despite the distance. The Pride Lands had probably hundreds of lions living with in it, but of all the ones he had met, none were quite like Fillira. How could be just abandon a friendship like that?

"How about we make a promise?" Timiza'upeo smiled warmly at his travelling companion. He hadn't know her that long, but he had a feeling that she would feel the same way about promises that he did, which was that they couldn't be broken under any circumstances. "We could promise to meet up at the half-way point between our two Prides at some time in the future. We can spend some time together, and then arrange to meet up again!" Although he couldn't prove to her that this was something he would stick to, he knew in his heart that he would. Hopefully that would be enough to show her that he intended to keep their friendship intact.