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Zuberi was having a rather productive day. The festivities were winding down, with just a day or so left, but just earlier this morning he had gotten the approval to change clans. He'd be going home with the Earth clan when everyone went their separate ways, and honestly he was rather excited, which was an impressive feat for the stoic lion. He'd be seeing a new area of the pride's lands, he could meet new lions and, most importantly, improve his friendship with Haini.

He had been rather surprised and a bit embarrassed when the lion he had asked about changing clans asked him who his bride would be. It had taken a bit of backtracking to explain that he wasn't getting married, nor had he just been married during the festivals, that he was going to be with a friend. Yes, a female friend, but just a friend! He hadn't been able to completely convince the lion who had given him a knowing smile and even congratulated him when Zuberi told him who his friend was. Haini had explained how many of the lions here didn't think very highly of her - or so she thought - because she was clumsy. This lion seemed to think very highly of her for one reason or another.

That taken care of, the male headed off to try to find the lioness in hopes of telling her the good news. So far he hadn't been very lucky, though. Now that everyone was wrapping up their goodbyes and trying to find their clans, it was a bit hectic. Lions, smells, and pawprints everywhere!

The search had gone on for a half hour or so when Zuberi heard a familiar voice. Turning, he was very surprised to see Haini bounding toward him, wearing a cape with a skull in the front that he hadn't noticed the last time he'd seen her. It was very pretty and it certainly didn't hurt that she seemed to be glowing with pride as she came his way. His ears perked up to catch what she was saying and, when it finally processed, they shot up higher in surprise.

"You won?" he repeated, as if he hadn't heard. That must be the reason for the cape and the skull...and for the congratulations from the other lion not too long ago. His new friend was the Sky Festival champion!

"Congratulations," he said, offering her a tiny smile in return for her brief nuzzle. It seemed to be a theme now. Whenever they met, she had to bump into him. Granted, this time it was much gentler and controlled than the first time, but he hadn't minded then and didn't mind now. "That's quite an impressive accomplishment. I didn't get past the first round."

As Haini babbled on and on, Zuberi couldn't help but smile once more. She was very enthusiastic and excited, that much was obvious, and he was happy to see her that way. It was a huge confidence booster, he had no doubt. The first time they'd spoken she'd said how clumsy she was, but she couldn't be as bad as she thought if she'd won the whole festival.

The quick apology made him shake his head. "It would be rather awful of me to be jealous of your accomplishment. I'm very happy for you, and it's something that should be boasted about." He knew it was a very special event for the pride. Why else would they have such a magnificent prize?

As she went on he tilted his head, fixing his brown and blue eyes on her steadily. Born to be good at nothing? Goodness, the poor thing...this win was good for her, even if there hadn't been a prize. He hoped her self confidence would grow because of it.

"I am quite well. I was looking for you, actually," he said, his deep voice holding an amused tone to it. "You seem to be very good at finding me, so don't say you're terrible at everything."

Zuberi pondered Haini's words for a few minutes. She didn't want to explode - and he really didn't want her to, either - due to emotions overload, and it was easy to see that her elation was still high, especially now that she had someone to tell her success to. Zuberi wouldn't deny her that, but he wondered if now would be a good time to let her know that he had been accepted into her clan. He mused to himself for a bit as she continued to speak, his eyes keeping on her face to let her know he was still listening. It was a lovely talent he had, to think and listen at the same time.

When she asked him what was up, though, he reached the conclusion that more good news wouldn't really make her explode. Conflicting emotions would be more likely to cause that, extreme joy to extreme sadness, perhaps, or calm to anger. Piling on more of the same emotion might exhaust her, but certainly not cause combustion.

"I was told I could switch clans," he said after a moment, deciding to go with his gut feeling. She'd probably hurt herself smiling, but that was preferable over the alternate. "So once everyone heads to their clans, I can return with you to the Earth clan."

Zuberi watched with an amused expression as Haini nearly vibrated in place, expressing her elation through movement. He was quite happy himself, since she was genuinely excited to have him along, but he kept the emotion to himself. Haini was physically overjoyed enough for the both of them.

As she sat beside him and bumped his shoulder with her own, though, a little smile broke through his otherwise rather mild look. Having someone so different from him, from the lions he grew up around, was part of the reason he'd left his original pride. He was tired of the bloodlust and constant competition and Haini was a breath of fresh air, even with her rather goofy traits and mannerisms. He found each and every one charming in their own little way.

"As am I," he said in return to all she managed to get out, bowing his head in thanks. He wasn't sure he'd met anyone who could fit so many words into so few breaths. Haini was certainly the queen of talking, as well as the festival. "I do hope I'm your good luck talisman," he added as he lifted his head, one brow quirked, his version of a smirk. "It would be an honor to have helped you win, no matter how indirectly. Hopefully it will keep up."

Haini's obvious happiness was more than enough to keep Zuberi around. Her laughter was infectious and her smile made his chest warm in very nice ways. He would have no problems sticking around with the friendly female now that he had the official okay to go with her. He just hoped there wouldn't be any raised brows or sly remarks thrown their way. They were friends, after all! Nothing more.

...even though she was rather adorable when she got excited like that.

"I believe we're both rather lucky in this case," he said with a small twitch of his lips in what might have been a smile. He turned after that, motioning for her to follow. "Now, I need to inform someone in my old clan that I'll be going home with you, just so they don't worry. Would you care to join me?"