Blue eyes flickered closed as the great golden head bowed over the still antelope caress as the sunset colored lion mouthered a prayer of thanks to the gods for the successful hunt. Placing one large paw on the kill he lifted his head scanning the horizon.
It might look like an odd ritual to anyone save him, but if there be another close by that needed this kill more than he, then Asim had to make sure before he took it for himself.
Having roamed what felt like forever in illness, Hesper felt her body failing her yet again. She had absolutely no strength, and even though the kindly pink healer had given her something to combat the sickness that caused her to purge what she eat. Hesper still managed to only get some of her dinner down.
If only she had gotten Koehro to tell her a location that they could meet at. This sort of thing wouldn't be happening to her at all. ...Then again, maybe that was just an excuse to leave the area and her. Growling with frustration, Hesper held back the sting of tears.
No, she had to stay positive. This illness was both a blessing and a curse. She was relearning herself, rethinking her actions... and finding those that truly cared for her. Those that cared for life.
Letting a small trickle of tears escape the corner of her eyes, Hesper legs suddenly wavered, then collapsed, along with the rest of her body.
Asim had just lowered his head his head for the first bite when he heard a faint distant thump sound. His head jerked up as he got to his feet scanning the area, "Hello? Is someone there? Do not be afraid, I won't hurt you."
He sniffed the air trying to get a scent that would tell him something, anything about whatever was out there.
Hesper panted and attempted to lift herself back up, but failed. Ah, how the might have fallen... Grumbling, she decided to stay where she was and not try to move any longer. Of course her body had failed her, it was almost obvious that it would.
The pink one had told me to not wander... She thought, rolling her eyes at how annoying a situation she was in.
"I am over here..."
Always relying on others. What a horrible thing it was... Yet she had stayed alive thus far by the kindness of others. That she had to be thankful for. But how long would this luck last...
Leaping to his feet, Asim hurried towards the voice. It sounded so tired and weak...
Slowing as he approuched, so not to startled her Asim made a low thurming almost purring sound trying to be soothing. At first glance he was not exactly a peacful looking guy, but his blue eyes immedatly focused on her and his voice was soft and gentle, " Are you alright ma'am?"
Looking up and at the body of the voice, Hesper audibly gasped. His pelt was incredibly brightly colored and he... rather handsome. However, she soon composed herself to listen to him again.
Already asking her if she was alright... Yet again she was lucky. Another friendly face in the rogue lands. Perhaps, something was looking out for her after all.
"I... I am fair. I am ill and... didn't listen to the healer who helped me as best she could. I need to find someone. Obviously I shouldn't have pushed myself so hard though."
Cyan eye looked into cerulean pools and although weak, she couldn't help by smile. "Thank you... normally the rogue lands are filled with cruel creatures. To have someone rush to help me. ...It is a blessing."
His answering smile was warm, " I am sorry to hear you are ill. Not to be rude to a lady but you look as if you could use some food. Please wait here a moment and let me fetch you something."
When she spoke of cruel creatures his eyes seemed to grow sad, "Yes there are many who thrive on the pain and suffering of others. I am not one such as this. " Getting back to his feet he motioned for her to lay quit and still. "I will bring you food and stand guard whilst you eat and take your rest."
Hesper's eye glittered at how open and kind the lion was being to her. Never had she been pampered like this... No one had ever came to her rescue and even offered to hunt and feed her without her having to ask.
Except...
Suddenly her eye welled up with tears. The memories of her previous mate filling her head. Why did she have to hurt so much, why did his twin have to manipulate her in such a way... and how did she fall for it. Tormented by the sudden attack, Hesper started crying harder.
And she continued to cry for several minutes before realizing she was with company. Looking up at the male again, she sheepishly apologized with her eyes.
"I-I-I.... Thank-you-so-much."
Laying the fresh antelope kill at her feet Asim smiled gently taking a few steps back to give her space. "You are welcome sweet lady, and do not feel sorry for your tears. To feel at all is the only reason we know we are alive."
His smile was kind, but his eyes held a hint of meloncholy, as if reconizing her pain in himself to a degree. "Eat while it is fresh so that the strenght of the antelope can fill you."
Hesper stared at the fresh kill for a very long time before forcing herself to move forward and take a bite, then another and another. However, after just eight shaky bites she stopped herself. Already she could feel the unease that having a full stomach caused her.
Looking up at the lion, Hesper nodded her thanks. "Please, you should eat as well. I... can't eat anymore. This illness doesn't allow it. I just appreciate what I was allowed to hold down."
Staring at the dead animal again, eyes slightly glazed, she let her thoughts roam. When could she settle down... and when would she find the one who promised her help. ...and when should she give up.
"I am Hesper... I apperciate this, all of this. I was looking for someone who promised me help. He said he knew how to cure my illness with some herbs... however I was chased away from the area in which we had promised to meet and..."
Yawning, Hesper's eyes drooped. Obvious fatigue kicking in.
"...and..." Yawning again, Hesper frowned. "...I absolutely can't stand this mess I am in."
Asim smiled gently, "Rest Hesper, I swear to the Gods I will keep watch and keep you safe till you can travel once more be however long that takes." He stayed were he was so as to not crowd her or alarm her further. "When you awake, I will find you fresh food."
Eyes snapped into focus and Hesper looked at the gentle lion. Smiling softly, she moved closer to him and nudged him. "Please... eat?And... keep me warm."
Yes, she had reverted back to the lioness that manipulated to some degree... but she didn't want to do it for malice. She... just wanted to feel the warmth of someone kind next to her. If only for a night.
"...before... I sleep. What is you name, sun god?" Perhaps it was the hallucinagentic part of the plant kicking in again, perhaps not.... All she knew, was he had to be some disciple of the sun to have such a lovely coat and knightly disposition.
However, soon after asking the question, the starry colored lioness fell to sleep. A smile softly placed on her face from content.
That startled a soft laugh from him as he obligued her by curling his larger bulk around the dark lioness. She was beautiful, if rather sad and it had been a long time since a beautiful lady asked him to lay by her side.
His soft voice followed her into her sleep, "I am Asim."
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