|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 3:05 pm
Vodnitvar sighed as he pulled himself up from the sand once more. He'd taken a bit of time to himself, knowing that Fireheart would be busy with her new found duties. He had assured her it was a time for her to get things done, but really he'd need the time for himself. To figure out exactly how he felt about the abrupt change of events. He had fallen for Fireheart even knowing of her royal heritage, but in the same breath he never expected that to develop into anything.
Now here he stood, stuck in a web of confusing emotions that he didn't want to deal with. Was he truly proud of his mate, or was this heavy weight on his heart jealousy and guilt? It was true, he yearned for his old days, but it was also true that he loved Fireheart. He wanted nothing more than to stand beside her and watch her succeed. Whether it be in attack and defense, or ruling over his new home.
Shrugging the sand from his coat he slowly made his way back to the den, his thoughts lost, but his gut telling him he knew what he had to do.
He had to talk to her, and see exactly how she felt about this new route their life had taken...
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 3:15 pm
Fireheart bobbed her head in farewell as she left the den of a new mother. This whole queen business was a bit trickier than she had thought. Riddle Mouth assured her that he wouldn't force her to adhere to the old, traditional role of queen - being the social butterfly of the pride - but she felt like she had to at least start that way before moving on to a slightly more distant approach. She didn't want to have everything change for her beloved pride in one fell swoop, after all. She felt a small smile cross her face as the scent of her mate reached her nose long before her den came into view. Good...he was back. She padded into their home and spotted him towards the rear of the den. "Afternoon," she said softly as she stopped a few paces from him. Even though they had both confessed their feelings for each other and were happily calling each other mates even though they had yet to go through the proper ceremony, Fireheart felt it necessary to give Vodnitvar his space when he looked like he needed it. Now was one of those times. "How was your stroll by the water?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 3:27 pm
He knew she was coming, which helped to lighten the disappointment that she was still gone when he'd returned. But it still didn't feel quite right to him ... he was used to her long nights of patrols and prided himself on knowing she was probably the safest member of this pride. But now, he felt worried, jealous, confused, and over protective of her. He didn't like her disappearing for long periods of time, it was nail biting - LITERALLY! A quick look at his claws would tip anyone off to the male's inner turmoils.
Her voice caught him off guard, and he gave a slight start, wincing at the pain in his hip. But the grimace vanished as he turned to face Fireheart. She looked a little rough around the edges, the worry of allowing her to overwork herself began to eat him away.
"Good afternoon my lady." He smiled his awkward smile and slowly paced towards her, catching all the different scents that her day had held. "It was alright, but something tells me your time has been more interesting... Come on, take a break, you look so worn!" The tone in his voice was stern, it was the tone he used only for her. The one he used to let her know he was worried, or just wanting to be taken seriously. Sometime it might have sounded authoritative, but that was only a throwback to his older days.
Taking a seat beside her, Voddy tried to hide his grimace once more and looked right into her eyes. "So, why don't you tell me about it? You always want to hear my stories ... why not share one of your's?" A slight wink, and a pat of his paw later, and he was waiting patiently to hear all about her day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 3:46 pm
Fireheart shook her head in slight amusement. More interesting...that was debatable. If she could have been king she'd have taken that spot up. No one would have argued if she wanted to organize a hunting party or to sneak around the borders of some other pride. Queen duties were...well. A bit tedious, really. Lots of talking. "I never thought talking would be more tiresome than training," she agreed, pressing her forehead lightly against Voddy's shoulder once he was close enough. She pulled back after the greeting and glanced up at the taller lion before speaking again. "It wasn't too interesting. So-and-so had a new litter of cubs and wanted me to see them, someone needed me to oversee a trade, someone else wanted to talk to me about the new alliance we have...although I did possibly talk a little cub into becoming a fighter rather than a trader," she admitted with a sheepish smile. "And how was your day?" Voddy's concern for her was adorable, she had to admit to herself, but she knew that he enjoyed being engaged in such conversation as this: he didn't like being put on the back burner. It would be difficult to do now, but she had promised herself she'd be as good a mate as she could to the older male. Being Queen would eat up a lot of her time, but whatever remained would go to making Vodnitvar happy to be around her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 4:05 pm
Voddy could do little more than give a huffy laugh at Fireheart's words. It was quite obvious she was not impressed with her new role, but then it wasn't all that surprising. He knew what she really wanted to do with her time, and sadly she had little to no time to do it anymore. It was a bittersweet new world for Fireheart, though he had no doubts she would find harmony between her duties and her passion soon enough.
He listened intently, though she was right, quite a few of her duties were dull. "I don't suppose you did that on purpose did you?" His sheepish grin emerged once more as he patted his mate on the paw and rubbed his cheek against her shoulder. Holding his head close to her's, enjoying the closeness they shared.
Finally she asked what the male had been hoping she wouldn't. Though he knew it was inevitable that she would, she was always so interested in his life. Whether it be past or present, and while flattering, it did bother him to have no interesting things to tell her.
"Well, unless you count the crab that clamped me on the tail, it was pretty boring. I just took a walk along the shore. I bumped into Nema again, you know the Mummer? She was delirious as usual, but nothing that isn't typical of her." He shrugged, a little put off by Nema's strange actions.
"My tail will survive, but the recovery might take a few months. I think we should take a leave of absence while it heals." Glancing over at his tail, it was obvious nothing was wrong with his tail, and common sense alone would tell you he'd been through much worse, but this was Voddy's sense of humor. It was dry, and sometimes not even funny, but it was his.
"But seriously, i've been thinking a lot about the way things have changed lately. I'm thinking it might be time for some change around here, but I want to hear how you feel about it first.."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 4:15 pm
"Perhaps," she admitted with a tiny smile. Just perhaps. She turned her full attention to her mate as he began his summary of what he had done today. She nodded a bit - Nema was the odd one, that was for sure - and had to laugh as he went on about the crab that locked onto his tail. "Oh, you poor thing," she chided softly, no real sympathy in her voice. Crabs could hurt, but it was momentary pain and that was all. She knew he was making a joke, of course, and responded with her own humor in kind. It was nice how they seemed to match up perfectly without even trying. "I'll have to find a healer for you so you don't have the end of it fall off." Fireheart's amused expression changed to a more serious one as the subject switched, though. Change? Hm. "Change around here? Do go on," she asked, curious to know what it was that Voddy wanted to be different.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 4:29 pm
"I think you're being a bit deceptive aren't you? You didn't by chance let it slip that you have quite the history as a fighter did you? Or did you?" Eyeing Fireheart suspiciously he couldn't help but smile at her, he knew she'd done it on purpose. But that would be their little secret, there was no reason for anyone to know Fireheart was building a passion for fighters within the pride. It wasn't as though it were hurting anyone.
Allowing himself to look slightly pathetic, he pouted as he gently pawed his own tail. "I think that would be for the best, shouldn't be too hard after all. Everyone would love to help her highness." He snorted as he finished his comment, meaning it as a joke, but not taking note that it could be viewed as hurtful.
"Well, with you becoming Miss Popularity lately, i've been able to spend less and less time with you." Voddy's smile slowly faded into his usual surly look. "Which isn't a bad thing, your duties are what is important. But it leaves me with more and more time to myself, and you know how much I hate that." He paused a moment to take a breath. "I've been hearing some rumors of a new rank becoming available thanks to this new alliance ... I was thinking maybe now would be a good time for me to find something to take up my free time." Looking up from under his furry mane he could see his mate listening to his words, and tried to keep her interested. "I figure we'll both have our work to dive into, but then when everything calms down we'll have all the time left for each other." Nudging his mate's shoulder once more, he waited hoping to hear some words on encouragement from the new Queen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 4:39 pm
The 'highness' comment didn't bother her quite as much as it had the potential to, but she wrinkled her nose in distaste. She was already used to the pride members treating her differently because of her mother's old role, and now they barely spoke to her like they used to. Maybe it was just because she was new, but she hoped they'd all go back to being 'normal' around her. As her mate went on, she couldn't help but feel guilty. It was true, her duties were important and took up a lot of time, but she had hoped he wouldn't notice. Leave it to an ex general to not miss a beat, though. "Here you had me all nervous that you wanted out," she admitted as he finished his request. She knew this wasn't what he had signed up for when coming into the pride, being the mate of the queen, and for a split second she thought he was ready to turn tail and head back into the rouge lands. She took a few moments for her heart to settle down - it was beating very quickly in nervousness - and let out a small breath. "I think that would be a wonderful idea," Fireheart finally said with a nod, leaning into the gentle nudge. "You're too valuable to just let you sit around all day. Perhaps you're not a physical power house, but your mind is sharp as claws and we could certainly use someone like that in the new role. And hey, we might even get to work together," she said with a little grin. "That would be nice."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 4:54 pm
For a moment, all he could do was stare blankly at his mate. Unsure of exactly how she'd come to the conclusion that he wanted out, but now more curious than ever about how she truly felt.
"No my dear, I think I know a certain someone who would beat me into oblivion if I decided to up and leave. Besides, I think you've got me a little tied down at the moment, if I left, you might hunt me down and bring me back."" His gruff exterior began to melt and be replaced by a very worried and paniced look. She didn't really think he was the type to up and leave her like that did she? He had hoped she would have understood his dedication to her by now, but perhaps his undying affections weren't as obvious as he hoped they were? He was afterall, a pretty tough cookie to crumble.
"Do you really think i'd up and leave you just like that?" He frowned, and quickly began to regret asking his final question. What if she really did think that? This whole question had been a terrible idea! "You don't have to answer that.." He tried to give her a fake smile, but gave up on it quickly. Knowing she was the one lioness in this world who could see through her false expressions.
As much as he wanted to return to his previous idea, and truly wanted to continue to topic, his heart just wasn't in it anymore. Perhaps at another time, the two could touch back up on it, but for now it would just have to die.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 5:08 pm
Fireheart knew she should have stayed silent when Vodnitvar went silent. It had come out sounding a lot worse than she had meant it to. It wasn't like she thought about him leaving her every single day. It honestly had just popped to the front of her mind for some reason. "Not...really," she said slowly. Urk. This was awkward. "I really have no idea why I thought of it. Well, no, that's not true...you just seem so bored lately. I promise it's not something I think about often," she added, feeling the need to get that in there. "If at all, really." She pressed herself against her mate, managing a wry smile. "And you're right...if you did leave I'd chase you down and drag you back here by your tail, crab injury or no." God, she felt awful now. She looked away to clear her throat, tail twitching slightly in guilt. "I'm sorry to have thought that, Vodnitvar," she said quietly. "I know you're loyal as the day is long and...it just came out horribly. It wasn't my intent to suggest that you'd up and leave as soon as things were a bit slower than usual."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 5:30 pm
She was right about one thing, she shouldn't have brought it up. But on every other account, she was wrong but he wouldn't pry too far into it. It was obvious she already knew she was wrong. Instead of holding it against her further, his shoulders sagged and he took a deep breath of fresh air. Reaching out a paw he pulled Fireheart's face back to look into his once more. "I don't ever want you to have to think like that again, and I will do whatever it takes to prove that to you. My days were far slower and more boring than this when I was alone, my dear. This is nothing in comparison. I think even if you tried to get rid of me, that you would find it quite hard." Vodnitvar sighed and allowed a small smile to creep on his face. "You've slowly been creeping into my heart since we first met, and by now you've made a nice little nest in there. I can't imagine anywhere else I would rather be ...." Voddy paused for a short moment, debating whether his next words were true, but in his heart, he knew they were. "Not even in my old days. I wouldn't trade you for the world, and if anything in this new life tries to take you from me. I am willing to fight, regardless of how difficult it might prove to be."Looking Fireheart sternly in the eyes, he softened up slightly. "You saved me Fireheart, and I love you for it.
Never forget that."Leaning into his mate once more, he gently tucked her chin against his chest and allowed her to hear the gentle purring in his chest. He was content to lie here like this, as long as she would allow it. These types of moments were his second favorite type to spend with his mate. The first? Teaching her everything he had to teach her about whatever she wanted to know.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 5:48 pm
Fireheart felt her face flush under her fur. Whenever Vodnitvar got all sappy like this she always got hot and embarrassed. Romance was nice, she had to admit, and it made her feels special...but usually after the fact, or if it was a small gesture. Times like this - even when they were alone - made her want to hide her face in her mate's mane and try not to die of delighted embarrassment. Instead, Fireheart felt a paw slide under her chin to tilt her head back up to look at the larger lion. She held his gaze for a moment, eyes flicking back and forth between Vodnitvar's. She nodded hesitantly and leaned in again, listening to the deep purr from her partner. "I won't forget," she promised softly, closing her eyes as she listened to the soft sound of the purr and Voddy's heart gently beating under it. "I promise." The first and last time she'd think of him leaving had been just a few minutes ago, she told herself. Never again. Nope. "And...gods, I don't think I've ever told you..." She chuckled weakly as she pulled back, looking up at her mate with a weak smile. "You love me and I've never told you my real name...have I?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 5:59 pm
Poor Vodnitvar was taken aback as Fireheart pulled away from him and began stuttering about something she'd never told him.
Confused he simply looked down at her, unsure of exactly where she was going with this, but then she mentioned it. Her real name? No, she hadn't ever mentioned her real name, but he'd never pressed her for it either.
"Well no you haven't. But just as with my own, it is understood that we typically don't use them. So why should I be worried with pestering you for it? I am willing to wait until you are willing to share." Looking down at her again he could tell she was questioning herself about something. "Does this mean you're ready to tell me?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 6:07 pm
Fireheart nodded just a bit. Vodnitvar had been an outsider, after all, and she had been raised to only give her Gypsy name to those she didn't trust. The thing was, she had trusted him for a long time now, even before they came clean about their feelings towards each other. "I've been ready for a while. It just keeps slipping my mind," she said softly. Everyone that meant something to her in the pride knew it, after all. Everyone that meant something except for the lion right in front of her, and he meant the most to her now. It was silly to keep forgetting. "It's Ugomvi," she said, the word familiar but odd in her mouth. She never said it herself and rarely heard it, but at the same time it was so... her that it made her smile just to say it. "And I hope that...in telling you that you understand that I'd be very upset if you did leave and would do just as you thought. Find you and bring you back. You've taught me too much and become too important to me to let you go easily."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 6:15 pm
It was slightly strange to hear her call herself by a different name, even though he knew she had to have one. It was almost like meeting a new person, who just happened to look just like the person you loved. "Ugomvi." He spoke the words slowly, listening to each syllable intently. "Well it is my pleasure to meet you my lovely, Ugomvi." He purred the words, allowing himself to smile bigger than even her own smile. He could tell it was an immense weight off her shoulders to finally have told him, and it was a bit of a weight off of his own. He'd been wondering for a while, when she would trust him enough to tell him, but he wouldn't dare request it. Apparently in the Kizi, knowing another's real name is quite the honor. Selfishly, he wanted that honor. "I wouldn't worry your little head too much about my leaving, with this bum leg I wouldn't get far anyway." Allowing his teeth to shine through his smile, he winked wickedly at his mate, "I wouldn't be so sure that i'd let you go so easily either."SilverLutz Brb gotta go pick up the boyfriend from work :3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
