((This is a continuing story of a developing group of individuals, to be called Ekatra'nantaba, which means "united diversity". Should you be interested in joining the group, contact me privately, as this is not an open concept.
You can read about the group's slow growth in the following rps.
Musings
Safety From the Storm
Urgent Summons
Livesaving
Slow Awakening
Is It Over?
Decide To Change
Dither Not
Revelations))


Despite how correct Doxa had been about the whole situation, it took Kalos several days to work up the nerve to actually do something about it. Doxa kept a watchful eye on him, but had left him to handle it how he best saw fit. He wasn't aware that she'd reassured the other two co-conspirators that it would all work out now, but it hardly would have made a difference, since none of the three breathed a word to the larger animals this had the main impact on. The smaller animals were content to simply remain wherever their companions ended up. This little drama was all the arena of the big critters.

By this time, Brolly was up and about, albeit slowly, and without putting any weight on his bitten leg. The swelling had disappeared almost entirely, and he only had one small section of leg wrapped, where the weeping punctures had been put, and where the original bite had been. But now the salves being put on them were to help them heal closed properly. The leg itself looked shockingly thin, and it was clear it would be some time before he was as strong and hale as he'd been before the fateful bite.

Today, Brolly had chosen a nice sunny spot beside their rather large lake, laying at his ease on the soft grass that thrived there. He'd found that his appetite, which had been nearly nonexistent for so long after he'd woken, was finally returning, and he was being given more than just the tasty soft bits to eat. Neera had hunted and brought him a slender gazelle fawn to eat. It hadn't much meat on it, of course, but the meat was tender and easy on his stomach, which was having to get used to actual meat again. He now was sprawled in the sun, half-dozing in the welcome heat of the sun. Those nasty rainclouds had finally moved completely off, and they'd had a return of sun, heat, and dryness for a while now. The extra moisture had long burnt off, but everything growing was still green and happy from the unexpected liquid bonus. As far as Brolly was concerned, life couldn't be better.

Kalos approached the spotted wild dog with a kind of reluctance, but instinct told him it was time. No more delaying, there couldn't be a more appropriate moment to speak with him privately, male to male. By now it was known to all that the pair had indeed become lifemates, and that whatever happened next, they'd remain together. The lion couldn't keep avoiding this topic. It was time. So he came up slowly, unintentionally padding silently on the springy grass. It wasn't until his shadow fell across Brolly's face that the dog seemed to notice his presence.

"Oh hello! Such a fine day, isn't it?" Brolly beamed up at the big lion, completely at ease despite their difference in size and head position. Kalos couldn't help but smile. Brolly was very likable, and had zero dominance issues. He deferred easily and without qualm to Kalos as his host and the authority in this place he sheltered in. What more could one ask out of one's first tenants? For a heartbeat, he realized he'd just opened the door in his mind to having more people living here with him than just this new wild dog couple and their companions. Well, that bore considering later. Not now.

"I am glad to be rid of the rain, to be sure," Kalos agreed heartily, lowering himself down beside the dog. "You appear to be getting stronger each day. Are you moving about alright on your own three legs?" He cocked his head with interest and glanced from where they were to the place he was coming to think of as the invalid cave. It was of a good size, and perhaps... if they wanted to stay... Neera could use it as her new workspace? Time would tell. He had to invite them to stay first.

"I am indeed! I guess I should be grateful that wasn't a crocodile I was trying to help, or I would have been hopping about on three legs for good!" He laughed, his tone merry and lighthearted. It amazed Kalos that he could joke and be so nonchalant about his near-death experience. It showed what a good-natured creature Brolly was at heart, and to his amazement, Kalos realized he not only wanted him to stay as good company, he was finding the wild dog to be likely a good friend as well. He was someone the lion could admire and respect, not just tolerate. It was a minor revelation, and helped him gather his courage for his next words.

"Doxa and I have been talking," he began, attempting to sound natural and unconcerned, "since we both know how far out Neera's hut is, and how small it is...," he stumbled to a hesitant stop, took a breath, and pressed on, not quite meeting the wild dog's curious eyes, staring instead at his nose. Noses were safer. "We were thinking that you both might like to stay here," he finally came to the point, then hurriedly added, "permanently, for good." Well, that sounded dire and dark! He gave a faint huff of exasperation at himself and reworded it. "If you want to, we would welcome you to make your home here, with us." He waved a paw to the surrounding walls of the valley, which were heavily pock-marked with uneven openings to caves of all sizes. "We have plenty of room, and... I think it would be nice to not be on my own here anymore."

That was more than he'd intended on saying, but it was nothing but truth, so he didn't allow himself to regret revealing that he was lonely. He fussed with a tuft of grass a moment before daring to look back up into the dog's face. What he saw was a brilliant canine smile, right down to a lolling tongue, upright ears, and wide eyes. Even the tail was thumping approval behind him! Kalos dared a smile in return as the dog finally answered him in words. "What a generous offer, my friend! We'd be delighted to join you here! It's such a lovely home you have," he added sincerely, letting his gaze roam the wide valley, surrounded almost completely around with jutting, rocky peaks. It was a natural wonder, that such a perfect place to dwell existed this way, especially so close to such odd things as a swamp and a deadlands. "We've been talking about needing another living option, and this would suit us both very well, I think," he continued. "Neera is still near enough to her swamp that she can regularly tend her plants and gather what she needs. And I won't be doing any more rescuing or other such adventures for a while yet anyway." He gazed ruefully at his limp paw, giving his toes an intent flex that looked rather pitiful. "This would be a good place to build up muscle and flexibility again too!" He pointed his nose towards the rocky walls and erratic ledges that led to the many caves. "So we gladly accept Kalos. Thank you, truly."

Brolly's effusive response was more than Kalos had dared to hope for. Some small part of him had feared that the wild dog would see this as only a temporary solution, a fix to a difficult situation that couldn't be helped. Instead, he was speaking of a future that still included him there, and it was something Kalos found himself looking forward to as well. "Good then, it's settled. Welcome home, Brolly." The two new friends grinned at each other, having forged the first of many strong bonds that would some day thrive within their beautiful, secluded valley.