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 Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 11:14 pm
Thanatos:
Than left his part of the den, emerging into the main tunnel. Sadal wasn't around, he had probably gone out hunting since there wasn't enough food for them at the moment, and sandstorms often let to corpses of unlucky individuals.
The lioness he'd saved was napping in one corner of the room, on a pile of furs Sadal had no doubt gotten out of storage for her. He paused a few steps away, tilting his head as he considered her. She was a beautiful creature, really, a lioness he wouldn't mind a few evenings with, but he knew it wouldn't happen. He had brought her home, those were two things that didn't match up with one another.
He padded quietly forward, smoothing her short mane out of her face with a gentle paw.
His ears flicked back as he drew his paw away, almost as if he'd been burned by sun-heated sand.
"My lady, wake up." He didn't touch her again, just spoke calmly, a small, arrogant smirk on his face.
Cindee:
She had been dreaming. She had seen rainbows, and flowers, all glittering in the sunshine. It had been such a lovely dream, that the touch of the male did little to wake her. Though when he spoke, she found herself ripped from that bright little world. She blinked a little, her teal eyes adjusting to the darkness of the den, that did little to rival that bright sunshine she had been dreaming of. She took a moment for herself to get her footing, before she pushed herself up into the sitting position. She blinked again, rubbing her tired eyes.
"Good morning," She said with a soft smile, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the male before her. She had found herself liking this male. He was friendly, and he had saved her life. She bowed her head a little, and looked up at him from under her mane fluff.
Thanatos:
"Good morning. The sandstorm has passed, I thought you'd might like a drink before I took you back to the edge of the desert," Than replied, stepping back a pace to give her room. She was adorable in the morning, sleepy-like and coy. But then, his experience with her so far had been rather shy, except for her indignation when he had all but jumped on her when they first met. He wondered which way he liked her more, shy or fiery.
He blinked once, mentally shaking himself. He didn't like her either way. He didn't like anyone, not really. He couldn't. He just continued smiling and turned towards the final tunnel in the large room, the one that had light filtering in.
"Come on, our drinking water is this way."
Cindee:
His words made her frown. She hadn't thought of leaving once yet. Not really. She had been enjoying herself. She had even taken to taking over a few domestic qualities, busying herself with cleaning and decorating. Of course, it had been a rather long sandstorm.
"Oh.." She said softly, and she stood, stretching out her muscles. She felt refreshed and new.. But she wasn't sure she wanted to return yet! She sighed, and looked up at Thanatos with a small smile.
"Come with me.." She said softly.
Thanatos:
"Of course," Than replied with a nod and led her through the short passage and into the light. He had to move the hide flap aside, but he managed without difficulty. There was a rock he moved to keep it in place at the side of the wall.
Out in the sun in the crater of the rock edifice in which the two seers lived, there was more sand than there normally was, though not nearly as much as out in the desert. In here it was an oasis. It was difficult to see quite to the other side, but one could tell that the greenery here was completely surrounded by rock. There was the sound of water coming from somewhere through the trees, tall plants with bared trunks and large, wide leaves just at the top. There was grass on the ground and Than could hear several birds. They must have taken shelter here during the storm.
But most of all, there were flowers.
All kinda of them in different colors. Whomever had lived here before the lion and hybrid moved in must have planted them because they were all over the place. Red flowers, blue, white, yellow. Some were closed, waiting for the moon to rise, but most were open in full bloom, their petals straining to catch the sun through the palm leaves.
"The water here comes from a spring, pooling into a small pound that eventually feeds into the cavern we used to bathe in."
Cindee:
She hadn't meant for him to come with her to find the way back to the edge of the desert.. She wanted him to come with her. Though she knew that it was unlikely. He wouldn't leave his hybrid friend, and who was she to ask him to? She was suddenly starting to feel really low and she sighed. She followed him with trust, not really looking at the area around her so much as looking at her paws. Him leading the way, he wasn't able to see the pout on her features. She quickly sobered her mind, and sighed. She should get over that.. It wasn't fair to be upset.
She had been ready to just ask to stay, and her eyes landed on the flowers. A rainbow of colors decorated the green grass and she found her eyes widening. It was so beautiful. She loved flowers, the roses around her neck, and the carnations behind her ear were proof enough for that.
"Ooh.." She breathed out, eyes a bit wide.
Thanatos:
Than was a little bit ahead of her in the oasis, so he didn't see the look of awe on her face. In fact, he had completely forgotten that she had wandered into the desert looking for a freaking flower. There was a pensive look on his face as he surveyed the area. Curse the desert winds, they'd have to clean up the gardens, this wasn't a mess that nature could just brush away. There was too much sand on the ground, it would suffocate the grass. In fact, he walked over to one of the flowers and lightly brushed sand from its petals.
His ears flicked back when he heard her soft exclamation and he turned, one eyebrow raised. A smirk spread on his maw at her look, remembering then that she had a fascination for flowers.
"Ah, did I not mention this?" he asked in a good humor before turning away and walking further, towards the center of the crater, for lack of a better word. There was the pond. It was large, but not enough to support much more than a few fish and frogs. Sometimes Than and Sadal fished it to keep the population down, but more often than not it was used to feed the birds that came through, and to drink from of course.
Cindee:
She had been staring for a few moments, taking in the sight of the colors that surrounded the water. She could hear the occasional fish splash the surface, and she knew she had found Heaven. This had to be what everyone claimed Heaven was, right? She smiled, forgetting going home for the moment, along with everything else that might have plagued her mind and kept her from enjoying the sight that unfolded.
"No, you certainly did not." She said, though it wasn't a n angry tone. Her voice was still soft and just in awe. She watched him brush the sand from a few flowers, and she noted the gentle touch he had. She smiled, and stepped closer to the pond, careful to step on only the grass. She did not want to crush the flowers.
Thanatos:
"I'm sorry," he replied with a small chuckle saying that it was very likely that he most certainly wasn't. Than dipped his head for a drink without another word, not taking his gaze off her. He wondered about her, what it was about flowers that she liked so much, but eh, he didn't speculate one things like that for very long. Finishing his drink, he moved away from the bank and moved about, brushing more sand from the flowers nearby.
"This oasis is why we live here of all places."
Cindee:
He didn't sound very sorry, but she didn't mind. She really hadn't heard him apologize. She stepped up to the edge of the water, lowering her head to take a gulp of the water herself. When she lifted her head, she took a deep breath. Inhaling the floral aroma that wafted around them.
"It's breathtaking.. I don't think I could ever leave, if I lived here." She said, and she found herself looking around again. She saw him dusting the flowers off, and so she walked to the nearest flower, gently dusting the sand from it's delicate petals.
Thanatos:
"Never leave? Well, we certainly have to leave, there isn't any food here. Sadal's probably out hunting right now, in fact," Than replied, glancing back at her. She was done drinking, but he couldn't help but wonder if she didn't want to stay. She seemed to really like the flowers. But no, no she couldn't stay. That would cause problems. And it probably wouldn't be healthy for her, either, having to listen to two grumpy seers all day. And what could she do? Hunt, probably, but doubtful that she would be of use in any other capacity.
And on top of all of that, he did not need a female around the den. Especially not on as fetching at this lady.
"Come, I'm sure someone is missing you. We should get going."
Cindee:
"Oh pish posh. I garauntee we could find food somewhere." She said absentmindedly as she continued gazing around. Though she noted the urgency in his voice at getting her home, and she arched an eyebrow.
"Thanatos.. Why is it I feel like you want me gone more than.. I actually want to be gone?" She asked, and looked at him dead in the face. She wasn't normally confrontational, and she wasn't trying to be. But she spoke her mind, and was fairly honest in most situations.
Thanatos:
Than tilted his head, not letting a bit of his cool, smirking mask slip from his face. He dripped arrogance. She suddenly had some backbone and while he could admire it, he wasn't going to let her intimidate him.
"I can't imagine why you want to. I'm sure you have family out there missing you, and the desert is not a hospitable place to live. We only live here because no one will bother our work and there isn't any predator competition," he replied with a shrug, as if it wasn't that big of a deal. It really wasn't. They didn't like anyone bothering them and their work. And it was dangerous for Sadal to run into hostile situation.
He tilted his head to one side, one eyebrow rising. Why in the world would she want to say?
Cindee:
When he spoke, she almost felt like he had slapped her, and she wanted to be angry. But she took a deep breath and nodded. She supposed she really would upset their lives here.. If they didn't want her here, and it was quite clear they really.. just didn't.. Then she probably should return home. Though she had no family she was returning to. Her mother had passed long ago, and her father was not in her life. But she hadn't shared that bit of information with him.
"Okay.." She said softly, and looked back up at him with a soft smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She didnt know why she felt upset, it wasnt like he had made her feel like he liked her at all.
"I guess if you want to take me home, I'll go."
Thanatos:
Than cocked his head a little more. He had upset her, though damned if he knew how. Why would anyone want to stay here? Sadal wasn't the most pleasant of company, and neither was he. Than was wicked, he was heartless, cruel even. She had no idea. He was treating her like any other female, not like one who wanted to make herself a part of the little world they had found. A shiver passed through him, his eyes lost focus.
"Ah. You were alone when she died." The statement was frigid, empty as his gaze for that brief moment before his eyes flicked back to her face. Somehow, they still held a bit of that quality, as if they weren't real eyes, as if they were made of some deep blue stone. It took a moment, but it almost faded completely. She didn't have anyone to go back to, not from what he had Seen. But then it hadn't seemed recent, either, so he couldn't be sure.
A moment of silence stretched between them, Than just sort of staring at her, studying her.
A flick of an ear and the moment was gone, he blinked and glanced away.
"Stay if you wish. I'm sure you'd be far more eager to tend to the oasis than Sadal is. I heard once that plants grow better with words of encouragement. Not really one to put that into practice, myself, and I'm sure Sadal just grumbles." There seemed more life in his words now, almost as if the first time he had spoken, it had been the first words of a stone come to life. At least now it felt like a flesh-and-blood creature was speaking to her again.
Cindee:
She nodded, looking at him as she thought of her mother. A brave, strong lioness. Though she had been kind too, it was where Cindee got her temperment. Though where she could be kind, Cindee was a spitfire sometimes.. She just liked to help others, and when she couldn't it frustrated her beyond all reason. She felt she was meant to help take care of something.. A trait she had never been able to use before. She had kept the den nice and clean, reorganizing things, much to the dismay of the hybrid friend he had. But she had a purpose, something she had never felt before.
"I was. I don't really remember her death. I made sure that I only remembered her life. I couldn't tell you how she died, either. I didn't care to know really. I figured once she had died, it made no difference how."
She was a trooper, a strong go getter who had to do the best for her in any situation. And remembering her mother fondly, that was something she could do.
The silence was unnerving, and she felt like gulping, and sort of..staring out into nowhere. He didn't speak, and she felt a bit awkward. Looking at him as he spoke, she smiled slightly.
"I think I could do well at tending the oasis. I think a woman's touch is needed around here."
Thanatos:
Than shrugged again, fighting back the urge to smile. A woman's touch indeed. He had noticed, she had already tidied up the main den a bit.
"Only rules are to leave the glow-worms alone and to never, ever enter my den. It's off limits." It was a command, that was certain, but there was no harsh tone underlying it. Just a calm tone that said while he wasn't angry he did mean business. His quarters were his sanctuary and he didn't want anyone going in and messing with his things.
"If you need anything, just let myself or Sadal know, we'll see if we can oblige," he added with a nod before turning away. While the sides of the the hollow kept some of the sun out and the trees provided shade, it was still much too hot out here for him. He would rather get back inside, back to work.
Cindee:
She nodded, listening to him. Though her curiousity was piqued when he told her to stay out of the room. She was sure to oblige, but.. she couldn't help but wonder why he was so firm about it. She pushed away the thought, listening to the rest of what he had said.
"Well.. You could stay with me awhile. Walk in the flowers maybe? What could it hurt?" She asked, feeling rather calm despite asking a question she could be rejected on. She just wanted to get to know Thanatos, and figured it had been worth a shot.
Thanatos:
Oh, but of course she would like for him to stay out here for a bit. Turned away from her, Than gazed with just a hint of longing into the den's entrance. He was wicked, he was cruel, he was... He was a gods-damned pushover.
Suppressing a sigh, he turned around and gave her his charming smile, the one that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble. There isn't really much to see," he replied, returning to her side. He did, however, give her a look of consideration.
"And what ulterior motives do you have with this, dear Cindee?"
Cindee:
She resisted the urge to smile when he asked of her motives. She tried hard to keep it hidden, but a small smirk managed to escape her maw.
She was happy he had stayed, so she could just blame it on that.. Or she hoped anyway.
"Ulterior motives? Couldn't I just want some companionship for the afternoon?" Though her tone suggested maybe there was something hidden there. But damn it, she wasn't sure.. She found herself longing for him some times, and then other times she wanted to bop his head.
She resisted looking at him.
"That's all it is." She said, and smiled up at him. Her composure back in place.
Thanatos:
"Mmm, your ears quiver when you fib, Ms. Nose," Than replied with a poke to her nose for emphasis, though he smirked in return. Whether he was lying or not, the point of the statement was to get a reaction out of her, to see how she handled the tease. His tail flicked behind him as he moved away, walking through the oasis. He saw right through her little game, he didn't need to be a seer to know that she was going to end up butting her way into their business, his and Sadal's, and Cael's too if the lizard let her. Why had he let her stay? Maybe it was some kindred spirited notion. She was alone, after all and every one of the bachelors in this den knew that feeling. Than less than the others, but who was counting?
Or maybe it was that he found a curiosity in her, something he wanted to figure out. She stood up to him, argued and bantered. No female had done that, not since his sister. And yet she was nothing like his sister. If anything, Eris was just a little mad and as arrogant as he was. She would no doubt see his pet projects as nonsense. No, Cindee wasn't much like her at all.
Maybe when it all came down to it, he was just some crazy masochist, wanting a fetching female around to remind him that he shouldn't mix business with pleasure. And that's certainly what that would be. Things would get awkward, difficult. And he never wanted that.
He glanced at her then, considering her looks before glancing away.
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Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 1:31 pm
Cindee:
Instinctively she grabbed at her ear with her left paw. She hadn't realized that she had a tick when she was fibbing. She felt stupid for a moment, that she hadn't realized it.
"Do not." She said feebly, though she chuckled, and sighed. She knew it was probably true. Her eyes looked back up at him, offering a smile as she shook her head.
"Well.. Do you actually want me to leave? I think I could be of importance. After all, you need a girl's touch around here. You and Sadal, and it might make Sadal a little more relaxed." She knew that was probably far fetched, but she was just throwing out random reasons now.
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Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 1:32 pm
Thanatos:
Than shrugged.
"It really doesn't matter much to me, just as long as you don't make too much of a problem of yourself," he replied without much thought. The key point of that statement, however, was too much. Which meant as long as she didn't flat out make him mad, he wasn't going to throw her out on her own again, not if she wanted to stay so badly. Besides, a part of him was curious about her and maybe... well, maybe if he could keep one more soul safe, he might feel a little bit better the times when he couldn't.
He snorted, though.
"He's too high strung for that. Gets it from his leopardess mother, no doubt. Or maybe he has too much lion in him, can't be sure." He didn't have much experience with hybrids outside of Sadal. If leopard-lion crosses were always like that, he'd have no idea. Frankly, he was more high-strung than Sadal was, but he'd be the last one to admit it. Sadal and Cael, on the other hand, would readily point out that fact, which Than would immediately deny before sulking in his personal cavern or heading down to spend several hours primping and preening in the glow-room.
Cindee:
She frowned, snorting a little. She knew he hadn't meant it in the way she had taken it at first. So she wasn't angry, but she did roll her eyes and groan. Make too much of a problem of herself? Well she didn't intend to do that, so she figured she was safe. Though she had been in Sadal's way quite often, and she was almost positive the smaller cat didn't like her.
"You are probably right." She chuckled. She liked Sadal, even if he didn't seem to like her. She liked Cael too, but he seemed more willing to accept her than the others. She nodded, agreeing with the terms, but shrugging again.
"I'll stay out of his way, worst case scenario." She said, a smile forming on her features. "Though I can't say the same for you." She hadn't meant it to sound flirtatious, but once it was said.. She caught the tone and blushed a bit.
Thanatos:
"I'm sure you'll be in both of our ways on a fairly regular basis." It didn't sound like he minded very much. Though, when he really thought about it, he doubted she would be in his way terribly often. He didn't spend too much time in the den. Between trying to save others from death and finding a pretty lady to woo for a few days, he was often out in the roguelands.
"Ignore his bluster. Once he gets used to you, he'll like you more than he likes me, I'm sure of it. Dealing with me is an ever-suffering ordeal for him, one he doesn't let me forget," Than added, giving her a small wink. It seemed like he was teasing her, but one couldn't help but wonder if there was a hint of honesty or at least belief underlying his words.
Cindee:
She smiled at that, nodding. She was okay with being in the way, because it meant she was getting to hang around. Something she desperately wanted. She sighed, and repositioned the flowers that crowned her head.
"I don't dislike him, I hope you are right though." She said, and then shook her head. She couldnt help but chuckle at his joke. Though honestly she awsnt sure if he was joking or not. She found it best not to ask and make things awkward though.
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