[PRP] An unexpected circumstance [Lochlan x Lippo]

[Tanakako]

Lochlan stepped out of the large complex of dens that were the Healer's area. He had been visiting his sick sister Saoirse. She had been worse of late, unable to eat or stand, her breathing was rough and shallow. They all knew what it meant, that she would not have very much longer before the Goddess took her, but for the time she had left Lochlan was determined to keep her as cheerful as possible. An easy task really for his sister was the sweetest, most caring and gentle lioness he knew. She still, even in her own distress, thought about those around her before herself, sharing tales of her cubhood with the other lions confined to the healer dens, still the Bard she had ever been despite everything.

Smiling he shook his head, wondering how she could remain so upbeat while so I'll, and on top of that, her beloved was still missing, and Lochlan wasn't sure the male would make it home in time to see her before she passed.

Lifting his head he gazed up at the sky, the day was sunny and warm with just enough of a breeze to keep it from being too hot. Maybe he would go hunting, being back something special for the healers to share among their patients. He knew Saoirse would like that.  

[hibi-tea]

Lippo was feeling as she always did, slightly tired, with achey paws, but otherwise no worse for wear. She had been told by her grandmother that she was tough and not to worry, but she knew her grandmother only told her this because she herself was worried. Lippo had begun showing some signs of the sickness that ran through their pride, and like her grandmother it didn't rear it's head until she was fully grown and into her blossoming prime.

She had always hoped she would be one of the lucky ones, like her uncle Josepi. He showed no signs of the disease, and despite the sickness and death around him he was always smiling, and had a story to tell or something to sing. She tried her best to be an example like him, but her heart couldn't stop the sadness it felt. The fear that pierced through her gut swallowed all the sunshine left in her. Maybe that was why her coat was so dark.

"I should see if they need me to hunt today," She sighed, stretching her mildly swollen paws. The aches in her feet made it hard to do her job lately, but she had been keeping up pace with everyone else the best she could. Maybe she should ask the Queen if it's alright to move to the Nannies with her grandmother, and with Aunt Njeve.  

[Tanakako]

Lochlan had turned his steps away from the heart of the pride, headed towards the more outlaying areas where he preferred to hunt. But not five steps after having decided to actually go hunt he spotted a dark form, one he knew but not well. She was a fellow hunter though they had not yet worked together and he also knew she was sickening, as his mother had treated her for aches and minor pains a couple of times.

Picking up his pace he trotted towards her, a smile on his maw as he approached. He wondered if she wanted to hunt with him if she was feeling up to it. Slowing down he stopped before her, quickly searching his memory for her name. “Greetings Lippo.” He dipped his head, remembering the manners his father always insisted on. “How is your day going?” He was genuinely interested, golden eyes (so very much like his infamous father) bright and focused on her.  

[hibi-tea]

Tanakako

omfg I didn't even notice the tag i am so sorry T ^T

The black and tan lioness had been lost in thought and hadn't heard the male approach her. It was only when she heard her name did her ears perk up, following by her head and eyes. She recognized the male before her a Lochlan, but she had not had any extensive conversations with him or worked with him yet. And despite the pride's affliction and closed off nature, there was still many chances where one member simply missed the other in passing for days.

"Oh, h-hello," She said, dipping her head down in greeting as a bit of pink spread to her ears in embarrassment. She was usually much better about being observant than this, and knew felt her off-guard moment a result of her silly pity-party for herself.

"My day is alright," She said with a smile, "A little sore and swollen, but I am otherwise fine. Nothing really to complain about."

Of course, it wasn't as if she hadn't been complaining internally just moments before. But why let another pride member know such things? Their home was already one full of somber and sorrow on good days, why add petty amounts of indulgent pity to it?

"And yourself? You, uh, you look well," Lippo said courteously, straining a bit on the last word. She was far from perfect when it came to small talk, especially with men. Her only conversations with them were with children and her Uncle, after all. How does one even speak to men who aren't your family?