(This takes place in Jahy Sarlarin before the disbanding)

They were getting serious. There was no denying that fact. The pride was a relatively small group that had little to talk about aside from battle, so word had spread quickly. The Bey's gruff uncle had started to reciprocate the affection his protégé held towards him. It was unexpected from some, though the romantics of the group saw it was an inevitability (none more so than Gaspard's own eagle, who shamelessly chittered about the unfolding events to others of his kind). One of the other birds ruffled her feathers at the news. "Isn't she much younger than he?"

Ashnh shrugged it off. "Not really. He had just reached adulthood when he began training the adolescent Evren. Besides, it's not like more drastic differences haven't been arranged before."

The birds quickly shut up as the large, sandy lion approached them. The other eagles flew off and Ashnh spread his wings, not moving as Gaspard sat at his side. The muharip's wounds were healing nicely. There were new scars on his body, most pointedly on his face where a wound almost nearly caused him blindness. Ashnh reviewed these wounds as he looked up to his companion.

"Speaking of important news, Ashnh?" Gaspard asked, his voice that cold and rumbling tone that it always held. Except, Ashnh thought, on some occasion when he was speaking to Evren.

"Oh, always," Ashnh replied smugly. His feathers puffed up a touch and quickly changed the subject. "And you've been doing well, by the looks of it?"

"Fine enough," came the response, brief and gruff and to the point. "Others speak of traveling to Baj-Jer. There are many of us here and it stresses the resources. Likely we will join them, in a few nights. You will be sent ahead to inform of our travels."

Ashnh shrugged. "Fine." He paused ever so slightly before he continued. "Will Evren be joining us?" he asked. Before Gaspard could reply, his brow furrowed in annoyance, the eagle spoke again as his gazed moved from Gaspard to the space behind him. "Ah, no don't answer. I'll ask her myself!"

Gaspard blinked, taken aback as the eagle spoke again, opened his wings, and flew a short distance behind him only to stop at the feet of the all-too-familiar lioness who had made her way towards the reservoir.

It had been an early morning for Evren. She had been in full condition for a while now and had taken back to training with others and going on patrols. Things were getting back to normal, though the strain on the resources was becoming more and more noticeable. Now, in the middle of the afternoon, Evren was getting off her patrol duties and making her way towards the center of the oasis. A few eagles flying overhead turned her paws and she changed direction. It wasn't long until she saw the two conversing. She paused from afar, admiring the two. Even wounded, Gaspard was as serious and dutiful as ever. He had been insistent on going back to his duties, though with some coaxing Evren managed to get Ashnh to talk him out of it (the only reason she didn't speak to Gaspard directly was to eliminate any sense of her telling him what to do).

Watching them from a distance, Evren thought back to her early interactions between herself and Gaspard. He had taken her on as a student—no one in the pride really knew why he had done so, and why she would want him as a teacher in the first place. Sure, he was a capable fighter (the best, she would have said in her youth), but he was so gruff and cold. She had always admired him and, back then, he had always given her the cold shoulder. Still, she pressed. And now…

She blinked. Well, now was different. He said nothing in protest as she slept beside him. The night before last he even found her and slept at her side after she fell asleep early after a patrol. The thought warmed her heart. As Ashnh turned his attention towards her, Even found herself slightly taken aback. Her cheeks warmed as she was caught watching and moved towards them. In the past, such an event would have caused her to back away in embarrassment.

"Ev," the eagle greeted, bobbing his head as he landed at her feet. "How does my fair lady fare this fine afternoon?"

Even smiled. The eagle had always been sweet towards her. She suspected Ashnh had intentions of pushing her and Gaspard together in an attempt to warm his cool heart. Of this plan the lioness shamelessly had no contention. "I am well," she returned, playfully batting at the bird.

As Gaspard approached—his frame large and moving to where she could admire the way his muscles shifted with each step—Evren felt herself stiffen. She stood tall and poised, a habit that hadn't left as she aged. "Gaspard," she greeted, her head nodding. "You…" her voice trailed off as he stopped. He was standing close to her and she had to look up to meet his gaze. "You are looking much better."

"I am," Gaspard responded briefly, as was accustomed. Small talk was never his thing. And, as not to stray from his serious character, he continued straight to the point. "A group of us leave to Baj-jer in a few nights. Will you join us?"

Evren blinked. It was commonplace that Gaspard caught her off guard. "I… ehm…" She trailed again, her gaze moving down to Ashnh who motioned his head back to Gaspard pointedly. "Ah, yes. I would be happy to join you all."

"Excellent," he breathed. His voice had softened a few tones. It was unexpected, yet again, and the sound of it made Evren's heart jump into her throat. There was no pause, no opportunity for awkward silence, before Gaspard moved away. "I will make the arrangements," he said and she could have sworn that he smiled. His tail moved to brush along her side as he moved past her and away. She would remember that feeling forever—the way it made her feel like melting.

As Gaspard walked away, when he was just out of earshot, Ashnh joined his side. "So, have you thought of names for your children yet? I think Laleh bint Evren has a nice ring to it."

Gaspard didn't falter in the least and spoke without looking away from straight ahead. "I will take great pleasure in tearing you apart feather by feather."

(WC: 108 cool