[PRP] Finding the Lost (Kari/Kali x Fuu/Tora)

[Neon Fly]

Staring up at the mountain with wide, disbelieving eyes--one of the few carbon copy features she'd received from her father--Kaha, now Torayuri, could hardly believe she had finally made it home. The journey felt like a surreal dream now that it was over. She never could have imagined on the day she'd left the swamps with her sister on their mutual quest into adulthood that she would return to her pride in an entirely new terrain with her father at her side and Mudkiipe in a foreign land so different from the one they had been raised in. It's different then I imagined...

The unexpected often is. Fuuenken chuckled heartily, watching the wonderment that bled into his daughter's expression as they tread deeper into Jini-msemi territory. Despite the fact that this pride was the one she'd been born to, she stared upon her homeland for the first time since their move from the deserted swamps which lay in ashen ruins. He enjoyed watching her blossoming excitement as the reality of her incredible journey slowly sank in. She was different from Mudkiipe for certain, filled with a purity of heart that made her seem almost naive at times. It eased his mind to see that the lands here were fertile, fed by the run off of the Mountain which made the vegetation plush and healthy, providing resources for the local game. Tora, along with the rest of the lions who called this land home, would certainly thrive. Hopefully it wouldn't take long for her to reunite with her mother and the rest of the abundant litter he had unknowingly sired.

I guess so.. I can't believe we made it! Bubbling happily, Tora glanced back at the handsome lion behind her with a dazzling smile, though her face fell quickly. Without her sister to share the moment the little lioness felt incomplete. I wish Kiipe was here to see it. I don't understand why she'd want to go live with those weird, smelly lions..

Where ever it leads, Kiipe must follow her own path. Changing it is as futile as trying to control the wind. That was the sort of thing Tora would expect her father to say. Even if she didn't necessarily agree with it there was no doubting he was full of wisdom well beyond his years. Some day she vowed to learn how he'd come upon all his worldly knowledge so young. In the meanwhile, the idea of seeing her parents reunited after so long filled her with excited anticipation. She was sure her mother would be pleased to see the father of her cubs after so long! Perhaps it would even make up for the fact that she had let Mud leave them to join another pride. Maybe you're right, but of all the prides to join..

Shaking her head in disgust Torayuri stuck out her tongue. She always had bad taste. I hope mom won't be too upset when I tell her.. I bet seeing you would soften the news! You'll stay and see her won't you? I bet Zuri and the rest of my siblings will want to meet you too!

Ignoring the encouraging nose-bump to her rump as Fuuen discreetly made an effort to guide the lost lamb back into the safety of her pride lands with more haste now that the world was growing dark, Torayuri batted her eyes with a sweetly pleading expression. Please dad?

Tora. The thrum of his voice was a stormy sound. How did he tell her that he had already diverted too long from his purpose? Stumbling across the pair had been an unintentional turn of events in his search for Kari and, though he was relieved both daughters were now safely escorted to their appropriate destinations, the detour had cost him time and leads. He could feel the trail of his desert prince growing colder by the day and with it the uncomfortable sensation of loss gripped his lungs, making it hard to breathe. Ever since he'd discovered the Tuait'Tekem had fallen into ruin he had feared the worst. It wasn't typically in his nature to succumb to negative thoughts, but Kari was like a cactus rose. Surprisingly hardy in its own right, but still susceptible to harm by outside forces. Fuu must go. Fuu promised..

A gentle breeze picked up, carried off the steep mountain and down across the foothills, carrying with it the scent of the local inhabitants. They filled the flame-point's nostrils and went almost entirely disregarded, except one. The lingering aroma of sand and Hibiscus caused Fuuenken's head to jerk abruptly towards the inner sanctum of the Jini. Such a distinct smell could belong to only one lion--though he hardly dared believe what his nose was telling him. Kari?

Rogue or not, the stray king was suddenly covering ground in enormous strides, muscles bunching beneath his short, cream coat with every powerful, distance-devouring leap. KARI!!

 

[Tanakako]

Kalisha grinned as she spotted the back view of her friend. Silent paws slowly carried her closer, her dark body perfectly blending with the thick shadows that the verdant vegetation offered. While stalking had been easier in the swamps, it had not taken much adjustment for her techniques to work in this new mountain home. And her favourite victim? The soft-spoken desert male who had arrived suddenly as if out of the blue. She still didn’t know why he had arrived, or where he had come from. He was …. mysterious. But he had struck up a friendship with her and those of her siblings that had returned. He had also spent time with her mother and the two seemed to be good friends, but despite her best attempts she had no idea who he really was.

Grinning she tensed to pounce, a moment later she was stood where Kari had been, all four paws coated in mud, but no sign of her target. Soft amused laughter came from behind her and she turned around, sticking her tongue out at the creamy male who sat behind her, a smile on his muzzle and a warmth in his eyes that always made her grin stupidly.

“You missed again, Kali.” He smirked as he stood and stepped lightly round her, his gold ornamentation glittering in the speckled light. He was spotless as always, as if the mud found him as untouchable as she did. His silky coat was the colour of windblown sand, the rich ebony markings along his flanks gleamed like a raven’s feathers. His coat was so fine and his build almost… delicate. She knew he came from a desert region, and that he found the coldest mountain nights difficult, but still he stayed. He had once confessed that he was waiting for something. But he had refused to elaborate, saying only that he was glad to have found her and her siblings.

Golden eyes a match for her own were warm with humour as he resumed his walk. Falling in at his side she chuckled. “Doesn’t hurt to keep practicing, now does it?” After a moments pause where he gifted her with another of those understanding smiles, she opened her maw to speak but was interrupted by Kari going rigid beside her. Stopping and turning to face him she frowned, for he was staring off into the thick forest, expression one of such hope and fear mixed with desperation it was painful to see.

As if in a trance he stepped off the path, ignoring the cold mud that splattered his paws as he strained forewords, struggling to listen. “Fuu…?” The single word slipped from him on a breathless whisper.

Cocking her head she tried to catch what he had, but could hear nothing. “Kari… what..?” She never got to finish what she had been about to say as the golden lion suddenly leaped off the path and went sprinting down the mountainside. His shimmering figure lost instantly in the thick growth.

“Fuuen???” He roared back desperately, his call splitting the mountain quiet. Scrambling down the slope, twisting and turning to avoid the massive trunks of ancient trees, rocks flying out from under his paws as if trying to tear him down. The desperate call reached his ears again and he ran faster, ignoring the painful scrapes of rough bark and leaping over jagged rock, heedless of his own safety in his attempt to reach the voice calling him.

“Fuuenken!” His mate was here!  

[Neon Fly]

Dad! Dad wait! You can't just! ...the guardians! While entirely uncertain of the situation currently at paw and though the Jini were not a pride known for military might, Torayuri was also certain that the Guardians were likely not to appreciate the picture of a large, powerful savannah cat charging up the mountainside like a bull without some manner of explanation. Her concern didn't seem to reach his ears as she followed in her father's wake, unable to catch up with his long, erratic strides let alone stop him before he ran head long into trouble. This wasn't like Fuuenken at all. He handled every situation with a nonchalance that was admirable. Nothing phased him. Nothing ruffled him. And certainly nothing they had encountered in their travels had made him react with such frantic disregard.

Barreling up the slow incline, the streak of golden flames made up for his lack of speed with the ripple of sheer power that surged through his limbs with every forceful stride. The earth wept beneath his fury as his claws rent her flesh, creating deep gouges where his paws hit the ground and kicking up sprays of dirt. Branches snapped against his hard body and fallen, decaying logs from the timberland trees that dotted the landscape shuddered and caved under his weight. He heard his tigerlily cry out for him in warning, but refused to heed her--even if he knew she only spoke out of concern for his safety. Let the lions of this mountain try to stop him from reaching Kari. Fuuenken was prepared to teach anyone who attempted to hinder him what the word "wild" really meant.

Roosting birds took flight further up the path, startled not by the swift pair as they strained to reach one another, but by the voice that echoed across the forest. Weakened by the trees that kept it from carrying further, his name carried just far enough to reach the curve of his ears, laying flat against the thick of his sunset mane. Like a siren, Kari's voice, the desperation of it, beckoned Fuu deeper into unfamiliar terrain. Strangers occasionally leapt into his path to block his way, but the rogue moved on instinct alone, veering hard around them, or leaping over their backs with ease.

He nearly missed the desert prince in his avoidance of the inhabitants who ineffectively blocked his path, seconds burning as recognition of the svelte shape of his beloved caused the redhead to drop his haunches. Braking hard, he shifted his weight to avoid colliding directly with Kari and instead caught the other roughly with an arm held across the smaller male's chest. Though the momentum of Kari's gait caused them both to skid backwards a few paces, Fuuenken dug his heels deeper to keep them both from tumbling.

Kari, Fuuenken has searched Heaven and Earth for you. His voice, despite the ache for air in his ribs, was an invitingly rich velvet where his muzzle craned towards the soft shape of his beloved's adorable ear. Burying his face in the umber hue of Kari's downy mane Fuu allowed himself the satisfaction of growing drunk on the painfully familiar scent. Who would have ever imagined he would find the desert dwelling male here, in the chilly shadow of the mountains? There were a million questions racing through his head, but as relief swelled in his chest, he couldn't find the energy to speak. Instead allowing his heavy body to sink against the small form, melting into the comforting sensation of their closeness. How long had it been since he'd slept soundly? Since he'd eaten a proper meal? Since he'd felt at ease? Leaving the empty Tuait lands had left him with a underlying sense of anxiety that had made the fireseal restless. How could he fill his stomach without knowing whether or not Kari went hungry? How could he rest without knowing whether or not Kari was safe? How was he expected to carry himself in his usual, carefree state of mind without any answers at all?

It was only now, with the shape of Kari fitted against him like a missing puzzle piece that Fuuenken could truly feel his own deterioration. An ache cramped his over exerted muscles, passed through the hollowness of his long empty stomach and permeated deep into his bones. Yet, despite it all, he smiled into Kari's soft fur. Satiated at last.

Torayuri was panting by the time she reached her father, though the scene that unfolded before her was so unexpected and so intimate she felt the need to avert her eyes. She didn't recognize the male Fuu embraced and the strangeness of seeing two lions entwined like lovers was not lost on her. In all her time spent outside the pride, she hadn't had much experience with relationships between those of the same gender and though her father had a fluidity about him in his natural appeal--which she had first noticed watching him interact with the handsome Reaver Captain Lucivar as Mudkiipe was released into the stranger's care--it still caught her by surprise to see it lain bare before her eyes--and anyone else who might have been watching.

OOC: Ugh. Long post is long. Jeez.  

[Tanakako]

Gravity aided the desert male's mad dash down the mountainside, so when his beloved suddenly emerged out of the thick brush his attempt to slow down was ineffective. Claws scrambling on the loose rock as he strained backwards to avoid wiping out the fiery male. Skidding the last few feet he wrapped both forelegs round the muscular shoulders of the male he thought lost as they collided, burying his muzzle in the thick fire-hued mane. A deep shudder wracked the body of the smaller male as Kari tightened his hold, unable to yet accept the reality of the warm body pressed against his own.

Eyes closed tight he breathed deeply, struggling to steady his wildly beating heart as the solid press of familiar frame finally grounded him. Relief swelled within him, robbing him of all breath. He hardly dared believe that Fuuen was there, that despite everything they had found each other again. A deep tremor set up within the cream male and refused to ease as all the pain, fear and loneliness that had filled him for so long finally bubbled to the surface, released in the deep, shuddering sigh that puffed through Fuuen's thick ruff, forcing slender body tighter against the Savannah rogue as ribs heaved outwards.

"Fuuen..... I thought I'd lost you.." Struggling just to push the words out round the lump that had set up shop in his throat, Kari couldn't help but inch closer, needing more contact, and the reassurance that this time it was all real. Sat up on his haunches, forelegs clutched tight round Fuuen's shoulders he nuzzled through the thick mane. The rough swipe of tongue dragging across the flamepoint's cheek.

Reluctant to release his grip even a little, Kari welcomed the sudden weight of his beloved as the travel worn rogue sank against him. Tipping his head he nosed one dark-tipped ear, a smile bright enough to rival the sun settling across his muzzle. "It's ok, you are here now..." So much to say, so much to catch up, yet none of it mattered now that Fuuenken was safely back.

Behind the cream-coated male, the dark form of Fuuen's daughter emerged, having followed the trail Kari had left. Stepping out of the under growth she was about to start scolding her friend for dashing off like a mad thing and endangering himself when she spotted the big rogue wrapped around him. Jaw slack she simply stared at the two, eyes wide as she struggled to understand what was happening. Finally movement beyond the entwined pair caught her attention and she glanced past the males, blinking as she recognised the very grown-up shape of her sister.

"Kaha??" The lioness once known as Zuri called in surprised joy.  

[Neon Fly]

Fuuenken felt his beloved prince tremble against him and felt no small amount of guilt for his absence in Kari's life. It seemed like everything had gone to hell while he had been away, satisfying his wanderlust. Always want to roam in his past, it was a strange sensation to realize being with Kari now had filled an emptiness he hadn't officially acknowledged or understood until this moment. A homesickness that wasn't to be cured by the acceptance of a pride, but rather by being in the company of this male. Fuuen realized it now as his nose twitched, breathing into the curve of excitably pricked ears. Rubbing the curve of his jaw against the cheek and neck of this Jini refugee. Wherever Kari was, was home to him.

Death couldn't keep Fuuenken from returning to you. The flamepoint answered soberly and without any hint of his usually teasing manner. It wasn't a joke, because he had returned from the dead to find the male who meant so much to him.

Listening to the quiver of emotion in Kari's throat, Fuu reassuringly pushed his weight against the other, carelessly bowling his slight companion over in order to bathe him in affection filled kisses. In their closeness it was clear that the fractious rogue had experienced troubles of his own. Beneath the fringe of his grown out mane, a number of freshly healed wounds cut across his face, too new to have grown hair to replace what was missing. Several battle scars ripped across the bridge of his nose and verdant green eye, having nearly cost the King his sight on his left side.

Dozens more marred his once handsome coat, sleek and creamy as the pale terrain of the savannah in the dry season. They were raw enough yet to have still caused discomfort, but if Fuuenken was in pain the overjoyed male showed no sign of it, agreeing in a hushed voice as he smiled down at Kari pinned beneath him. Yes, Fuu is here now.

Uncertain what to do with herself while her father rekindled an old flame, Torayuri stared down the path they had just emerged from to be sure no angry horde of Jini protectors followed. She'd managed to catch most of the ones trailing behind Fuuenken and had, as quickly as she could, explained that her father was a visitor, not a threat, who had assisted her home. They'd seemed willing enough to accept it on her word and given up the chase thereafter.

This left the earthy lioness with nothing to to but wait to be acknowledged by the pair, though luckily it was a familiar voice that called to her first. Zuri?

Turning her head towards the opposite side of the clearing a smile blossomed eagerly upon the pilgrim's face. She would have recognized her sister, who was the spitting image of their mother, anywhere! Bounding across the small clearing with wide, joyful blue eyes glowing, Torayuri pressed against Zuri, rubbing shoulders and allowing their lithe figures to slide against one another as she circled her sister. A flood of questions tumbling over her brief greeting. Zuri! I'm so glad to see you! I'm so glad to be home! How'd you find the new pride lands? Have you been home long? Are the others back yet? Where's mom? I brought her a surprise!

OOC: I realized before I could write this post I needed to sketch up a quick ref sheet of all Fuu's new scars. I had forgotten until recently that the reason Fuu was away from Kari for so long was because he got seriously jacked up while trying to keep his Water Buffalo from being eaten. I plan to do those SRPs soon so I'll link them to you when they're finished.

For now, here's the link to his ref sheet. I just did his VERY basic markings. Otherwise it would have taken me a lot longer to do.  

[Tanakako]

A silken purr rumbled up from deep within the desert male’s chest in answer to the affectionate nuzzling of his beloved King. The soft words spoken against trembling ear made him opened his eyes and draw his head back, looking up into the sombre expression of the male pressed so tight against him as if the close contact would banish the loneliness that had filled his days for so long. His own features took on a worried air as he sought the truth of that statement in Fuuen’s exotic two-toned gaze. Before he could ask he was suddenly tumbled backwards, a startled laugh falling from him as he landed flat on his back, the comforting weight of his Rogue pinning him in place. Letting himself sink and go limp under the muscular frame above him he wrapped both forearms about Fuuen’s broad shoulders. Stretching up he returned the loving gesture, laving creamy fur with slow strokes of warm tongue, simply taking a moment to accept the reality of what had just happened.

But those words still murmured in his ear and he gazed up at Fuuenken, taking in the worn state of the male. Once silky fur bore new marks of hardship that striped across the creamy coat. Muscles pressed heavily down on him but with such closeness he could feel the hard edges of bone, no longer protected by a healthy bulk. Studying his mate, worry and such tender care reflected in his gaze he carefully turned, smoothing his tongue along the ragged lines of flesh around Fuu’s eye, following the path of the claws that had nearly taking the King’s sight from him.

“.. I missed you..” Suddenly shy tone murmured softly, almost lost as the slender male buried his face in the thick coarseness of his King’s impressive mane. Forelimbs tightening their hold as realisation finally sank in that Fuuen was there, alive and breathing, all in one piece.

Swallowing back the thick emotions that wanted to take over he reluctantly eased his grip and sank back into the thick loam of the forest floor. A soft, tender smile curling across sleek muzzle, those golden eyes warm with loving welcome. Reaching up he lightly brushed the thick fall of fire-hued ruff from Fuu’s brow, his other forelimb still curled about the strong body above him.

“How did you find me…” The question held wonderment, as such a thing had been near impossible. Two lone lions adrift in a boundless landscape. Kari had known just how unlikely such a reunion was when he was forced to leave the old Tuait lands.



At the answering call Kali launched herself with the same kind of abandon her desert-bred friend had a moment ago, racing across the far shorter distant to meet her long missed sister mid-flight. Bright, joy-filled laughter fell into the emotion charged air as the two lioness’ met. Sleek dark bodies pressing together gracefully as Kali returned her sister’s greeting. Bright gold eyes met blue as delighted laughter bubbled over. “Kaha! Did you just arrive back? Its so good to see you! You look really well!” Excited words tumbled over themselves in her rush to reconnect with her best friend. Grinning as they spoke over each other she gave her sibling a playful lick. “Mom is here, probably at the den. I have to take you to see her, she will be so excited!” Dancing on the spot, still bubbling over with enthusiastic greeting, Kali struggled to contain herself enough to answer her sister. “I managed to follow a few stragglers from the old pridelands, and a scouting Ghost found us and brought us the rest of the way. Where did you go? What happened? You have to tell me everything!”


OOC: Aww poor Fuuen! He does look very dashing though. And adore the ref. Kari is going to worry about him for a while. Especially if they are still healing. <3
Can’t wait to read the SRPs.  

[Neon Fly]

Soaking in the loving attention from his mate, Fuuenken closed his eyes beneath the slowly sweeping lashes of Kari's tongue over his fur and the raised ridges of pink scars. The sensitive skin should have hurt beneath the rough texture, but instead it left only a faint tingling sensation in its wake. An almost groggy tone filled the air between them as he leaned the weight of his head into the caresses of his mate. Mmm.. when Fuuen saw the Tuait was barren Fuu feared something had happened to you. Bekh said you lingered a while there waiting for something.

Guilt pooled in his voice. They both knew what Kari had been waiting for. Fuuenken was glad for the change in subject, however slight, a crooked grin forming in response to the question. Never expected to find you here, honestly. Fuuenken was returning Torayuri home when Fuu smelled you.

With another deep breath drawn from Kari's mane, his gaze finally averted to the sisters talking only several strides away, grinning with a rakish sort of pride. Fuu has many gorgeous daughters it seems.

Examining the lioness who appeared to be a replica of her mother for a moment longer, the large Tom adoringly bumped his cheek against Kari before leaping up to greet one of Torayuri's abundant siblings. Powerful frame jogging slowly towards the two girls, making every effort to appear the lavish King that he was despite the hardship that had roughed his suave edges. So who is this lovely little thing, Tora?

Bobbing her head eagerly Torayrui nodded, Yes! I only stepped foot on the mountain today! I'm so glad you're here! I've missed you and mom! I tried to drag Mudkiipe back to the swamp during our pilgrimage, but when we got there everyone had already gone! It looks horrible.. I'm so glad you're safe! Are the others here?

Her own words were like a waterfall, flowing endlessly without breath until finally she had to pause to gasp, though she couldn't help but beam with sheer joy, nuzzling their dark cheeks together. I can't wait to see mom. I brought a surprise for her! Though.. I didn't think it would turn out quite this way.

Glancing over her shoulder at Fuuenken as the striking lion approached with an impossible presence that was both awe inspiring and easily taken for granted in his easy confidence, she found herself at a loss for words to introduce the male to her sister. It seemed surreal that of all the encounters she and her sister had out in the roguelands, that they should stumble upon their own sire. Zuri.. you remember all those stories mom used to tell us about dad? Well, me and Mudkiipe.. we found him.
 

[Tanakako]

Kari once again tipped his muzzle up, pressing their cheeks close. The guilt in Fuuen's tone made his own chest hurt. He had never expected the rouge-born male to stay put in the Tuait. Fuu was a true King, wild and untamed, rough around the edges maybe but a male of such a nature as that had everyone drawn to him. Kari was no exeception. He had always known Fuuenken would return to him, each and every time the rogue left to slack the wonderlust that drove him. And the desert male was content with the knowladge. He would never wish Fuuen to change. The guilt he heard now felt like as much his own as Fuu's. And yet neither of them could change what had happened. After all, who could have predicted the loss of an entire pride?

Smiling he laved his love's fur once again, seeking to drive that guilt away. A soft laugh escaped at the flamepoint's explanation. "I smell that bad?" Kari asked, voice warm with amusement.

Following Fuuen's gaze as the larger male looked away, Kari studied the two females. Kali and her mother were clearly related, and this new female had to be a sibling. The family resemblence was startling. Grinning at the youngste's antics he finally rolled over and stood once Fuu climbed off of him. Shaking the leaf detrus from his sandy coat he grinned at Fuu's eagerness and followed, walking alongside his much-missed companion towards the two girls. A new sense of happiness and quiet pride in his manner.

"You will be very proud of them. I have been staying with their mother and two of your daughters."



Kali beamed as broadly as her sister, still dancing on the spot as her excitment bubbled over, too full of it to calm herself just yet. "We missed you too!" A brief look of sorrow crossed her expression. She too had gone back to the swamp originally, and had been shocked at the state of her old home. But they were all gathering back ogether and that old sorrow couldn't hold back her joy at seeing her sister again. "Yes! Some are still outside, but Adimu just got back! She's called Aspros now."

As her sister looked over at the two males, Kali's curiosity resurfaced. The big flame-coloured male was a stranger, and yet she knew instantly who he was from Kari's stories. It was the missing male Fuuenken... No wonder Kari had took off like his tail was on fire! It all made sence now. Or at least, some of it.

Yet even as the two lions approched she found her tongue utterly tied up in blushing embarasment. He had quite a pressence and even though she knew she wasstaring helplessly, she couldn;t seem to unstick her thoughts in order to offer a greeting.

It was Kari's amused and knowing smile that finally shook her mind free and she blurted out the first thing that crossed her mind. "Kari missed you." Going beat red with mortal embarasment, Kali groaned at her own fumble, covering her face with a paw. "Oh My God I did not just say that.... please tell me I didn't just say that..."

Kari's warm chuckle and "I am afraid you did" made her groan again before helplessly dropping her paw and staring at the two of them. "Hi Dad... " She offered with an ambarassed grin, still awestruck by the newcommer's sheer powerful pressence.

Whispering helplessly out the side of her mouth at her sister she murmured. "He is our sire..?!"  

[Neon Fly]

While the two lionesses were still distracted by their reunion, flitting about and chirping at one another like birds Fuuenken cast a telling gaze over his shoulder in response to Kari's suggestion. In it was the answer to just how he felt about his beloved's scent; a silent, smoldering desire.

An ear casually flicked towards the conversation that rounded on him, though as the rest of his regal visage followed to watch the lovely pair now staring at him, the flame-point purred to his mate reassuringly. Already proud.

Unabashed to admit the truth loud enough for both of his girls to hear, a lingering gaze absorbed the presence of Maisha's young clone with methodical care, memorizing the lines of her and committing them to mind for future reference. She reminded him very much of her mother with her cheerful expression and eyes that glowed with vibrant energy. A lazy, drawling grin curving his maw at Kali's awkward introduction. So, you're the one Fuuen should thank for keeping an eye on him, eh?

Without hesitation the tall male stepped into the space between them, bowing his head to fondly caress his daughter's forehead beneath the gentle warmth of his tongue. It pleased him in some absurd way, that a child of his flesh and blood could unwittingly show his mate such kind treatment without even knowing Kari's relationship to them. For Fuuenken, it spoke of how his spirit most certainly resided somewhere in her in some aspect. You have Fuuenken's deepest gratitude little dove.

There was no simple way to describe how much it meant to him to have found his desert prince safe or in such excellent care. The scarred savannah King realized he was in debt to his offspring and Maisha for raising such amazing cubs in his stead.

Despite her confusion Torayuri felt a surge of warmth and longing as she watched her father and sister reunite and knew the subtle hint of emotion in her father's tone was genuine. They had met under entirely different circumstances where there hadn't been much time for such emotionally charged introductions. Instead she'd had the length of their journey to know him more intimately than any of her other siblings. Of course after seeing Kari she had immediately realized that there was much more she had yet to learn. A tentative glance discreetly passed over the slighter male in wonder. Just what was it about him that drew her father? What was their relationship and how had it even begun?

There were so many questions she couldn't quite piece together the answers to, but she was afraid to ask. Lifting her shoulders with a crooked smile at her sister's wonderment Tora shrugged, Crazy right? I wouldn't believe it if he and Mudkiipe weren't like two badgers in a termite mound.

Lifting her voice to address the whole group next. We should go find mom...
 

[Tanakako]

The heated gaze sent his way caused a blush to bloom under sandy-hued fur. Though the desert prince couldn't help the response such a look caused, he did shake his head slightly even as a warmth spread through him. It was such a relief to have Fuuenken back. Just the Tom's presence filled a hole in Kari he hadn't realised he had been carrying about until it was no longer there. He sincerley hoped he would never have to go through anything like the past few months, ever again.

Those soft words drifted back to him, and Kari knew Fuu spoke the truth, for it was right there in his expression as he looked over his two daughters. And Kari felt a sense of pride that he couldn't understand, yet nevertheless it stayed with him. As if he had anything to do with how his mate's cubs had turned out. A nonsensical idea, and yet, he couldn't help but feel it. Letting Fuu go ahead Kari stayed a few steps away, letting the male reunite with his family without interference. Though he did look over at the new daughter and gave her a warm smile when she met his gaze. He knew Maisha and Kali well, from long evenings spent in discussion. But this lioness was new, and he was excited to get to know her just as well.



Unable to tear her gaze away form the male that was apparently her father, Kali could only stare up at him, delight mixed with astonishment and a healthy dose of awe filling her expression. Nodding mutely as Fuuenken questioned her, it took a moment before she rediscovered her tongue. "Umm.. yes, well, between me and Mom." The sudden, tender caress made her melt and all her nerves simply dropped away. Stepping forward she pressed against his chest, very nearly melting under his praise.

Giggling softly at the nickname gifted to her she couldn't help her blush, moving back so she could gaze up at her father, still trying to process this new development and him. Who would ever have guessed that Kali the tomboy was the daughter of such a handsome rakish male!

Only belatedly did she process her sister's words and turn to her, though not before giving Fuuen a joyous yet slightly shy nuzzle. "It is so great to meet you, you really must come see Mom!" She beamed before turning back to Tora, giving her sister a lopsided smirk. "You have tot ell me everything. How is Mudd? Is she not going to come home now?"

Nodding her agreement she looked over at Kari, unable to help her grin at the blissful expression he wore, his gaze trained on the flamepoint male as if Fuu was an oasis in the middle of the dry season.

So this was what romance looked like?