It had been weeks since Faudi saw his little cheeton friend. Sometimes, Chozi would get caught up with a project or something and hole himself up within his den and not come out for days at a time. He had been warned to stay from within the land’s borders, however. He wandered closer, though, hoping to peek through the fog and catch a glimpse of his friend through it. He had no idea whether or not he would see his friend today though. He was nearly at end of his rope, though. He may have to move on soon, and then he would never see his tiny friend again.
But today - today he was lucky. The small Cheeton was just coming out of his normal area when Faudi had arrived. He was bright-eyed, but he looked absolutely exhausted. Faudi gave a smile to the young cheeton, giving a bright and cheery ‘hello’ to the other.
However, Chozi did not return it. He gave a small, weak smile to his lion friend, stepping closer. He looked absolutely exhausted, like he should curl up and sleep right there. Chozi groaned, butting his head softly into the side of his friend’s chest.
Faudi chuckled, staying still so Chozi could rest for a second, before the other started walking forward again, pushing at the other male. Faudi laughed, moving with the cheeton, only turning after the cheeton told him to ‘move, Fau.’
The pair walked together for a ways away from the pride’s lands and into more familiar territory for Faudi. The lion had been staying near what the pair called “The Tree” with great affection. When they both reached the tree, Chozi flopped under a mossy spot.
“What brings you ‘round again, Faudi,” Chozi sighed, body finally able to rest. The small cheeton has spent the last week practicing a dance that he would preform. It was a lot harder in the mud and muck, but he had to practice to be able to do it!
The lion settled next to the cheeton, though he was sitting rather that laying down. He was vaguely amused by his small friend, though he tried not to show it. "Are you sure you should be out here?" he asked curiously. He looked down at Chozi and smiled.
Chozi gave a small laugh. "Probably not, but you're here. You look big so no one will mess with us," he sighed. Most others didn't bother the large lion at all! But Faudi was a gentle giant. He would never raise a paw or claw to injure another. Chozi could never say the same. He was inherently violent, though he enjoyed the pain of a claw against his flesh as well.
He looked up at Faudi, laughing. "You're much more vunerable out here than I am! Maybe you should find a pride, or I can always take you as a slave," Chozi teased. Truthfully, though, he would have enjoyed the companionship. He was lonely. He had no children, slaves, or mates. He was effectively alone within the pride and it hurt in his chest. Faudi laughed as well. "Maybe. I don't know if I wish to be a slave though," Faudi shook his head softly. "Besides, I think I have a new direction of where I wish to go. I may be leaving here soon..." He watched Chozi, watching for any indication that he should stay, but the Cheeton didn't appear terrible upset.
In fact, the small male popped up with a beaming smile. "That's great! A new home, oh that sounds grand." The cheeton laughed, nudging his friend after a moment. Faudi shook his head.
"Not trying to get rid of me, are you?" he asked jokingly. Chozi's smile fell a little at those words and a small sigh puffed from his chest.
"No, Faudi, no! I'd never, I'll miss you dearly when you go," Chozi nuzzled into his friend's side. "It's just dangerous for you here. If anyone ever found you, you'd be captured in an instant," Chozi explained. "Then they might keep you away from me, and I'd rather have you far away and happy, than within reach and suffer."
Faudi frowned at his friend's explaination. "I understand, Chozi. I was just teasing. I really will miss you, though."
Chozi regained his smile a bit, nudging the lion a bit more. "I'll stick around for a little while though. No need to rush. We've still got some time, and I may be able to visit!" Chozi grinned wide, pressing his nose up into the lion's jaw.
"I really will miss you, Faudi," he said again, softly with a bit of sadness. "I miss you already."
"Don't be sad, Chozi. We've had a good time together, and if the gods decide we will meet again, then we shall. No need to fret," Faudi murmured back. "No need for sadness either. Cheer up, my friend."
Chozi did giggle at the other's words, stepping away. "I'll make you something. A feather charm or a necklace. Something so you can remember me by. I don't want you to forget me..." Chozi often gave feathers to those he became fond of, crafting things himself. He thought it was far more personal than just getting it from someone else to give away. The charms were much more personal and lovely.
Faudi nodded. "I'll try to make you something as well! But I can guarantee that it won't be as good. I'm not quite as skilled with crafting you know. My skill lies with raising cubs," Faudi laughed, pressing his face into Chozi's short mane. "Then you will also have something to remember me by..."
“I wouldn’t forget you, Faudi! You don’t have to get me anything, I promise!” Chozi sputtered, embarrassed. Faudi laughed into the tan mane of his friend before pulling back.
“I wouldn’t forget you either, silly bird. Besides, I want to. You’ve been a great friend, and you deserve something,” Faudi stated. Chozi was flustered, but he silently leaned into his friend to garner some comfort. His chest felt a bit hollow with the thought of losing another friend.
But it was only to distance and not through death, so they would persevere.
