The Lion's Princess (Closed for Asa)

[LoganDarkHolme]

As in all things, one must hunt, one must die, the world keeps turning. As has been throughout history, civilizations have risen, and fallen. Pharaohs risen to power as Egypt is born, Kings, Queens throughout the world claiming land and starting kingdoms, trade routes, exotic pets given as gifts to curry favor with intended ally’s. Here is one such story, of a time when Egypt was in its prime, wealthy beyond imagination. The Pantheon’s of the gods ruled and walked the earth in human form. Species born on earth, shrouded in mystery, worshipped, avian, feline, possessing skills, intellect and abilities not yet understood, bred to be protectors of the gods. But lost to the greed of man, some hidden, some killed, some made to serve masters against their own will, treated as nothing more than animals yet still kept in secret.

Deep in the wilds of Africa, the savannah lions were the top predators among the creatures that called the plains and wild rivers their home. The sun sets as a tiny cry echoes, the pride gathering around as a new litter of cubs is born, but a secret kept among them. Lions, whose golden eyes shown with intelligence sharper, keener and far more understanding then any animal. A pride of savannah shapeshifters, lion whose souls were merged with humans, gifted the ability to take animal form, and ability to take human form at will, an experiment by the gods to create a new race superior to the humans the other pantheons of gods had created to inhabit the earth, Having chosen to live their lives as animals, as lions, to hide from those would hunt and abuse them. Use them for personal gain. Hide from the gods who created them to be protectors. The pride wanted none of it, their only desire was to survive, to live.

The Pride gathered around as the new litter was born to the Ruling Pride male and his mate. Nuzzling and licking each other, the cubs tended and cleaned as the Pride male and the female relaxed one cub in particular however had caught everyone’s attention. The newly birthed cub had Fur, as pitch black as a night sky. Standing out starkly against the golden and tanned coloration of the rest of the pride, but they all cuddled against each other. Unknowing that hunters had come to the area. Seeking fur’s and trophy’s to sell on the market setting traps, and lying in wait.

As Dawn came, the pride gathered. A hill overlooking the watering hole they spotted the herds of Gazelle, and Wildebeest grazing, drinking. The Pride fanned out, the females moving, circling around the gazelle herd. Picking their targets, the lead male roared, the bellowing cry echoing across the open plains, the herds of animals fell into a panic. Taking off in every direction, scattering to the 4 winds to outrun the hunters. Bleats, and cries from the panicked gazelle and wildebeest, the lions took down their targets, the pride a good 30 strong they had killed 9 gazelle and 4 wildebeest. Content at their kill as they settled down to eat, the females calling to the cubs who came running to the feast, they never sensed the enemy downwind as the first spear flew, then another, and another. The pride scrambling, roaring, the cubs ran and found hiding places. All they could do was listen as slowly, the pride was slaughtered. Swords, and spears, many of the hunter’s killed but they had come in mass this day. And in the end were too much and the pride fell. The males heads taken, bodies skinned. It was hours later that several of the cubs were found and taken as well, thrown into cages.

Seperated from the pride, a young cub, no more than 6 seasons old, watched and listened trying to run into the underbrush the cub had heard a shout turning to look two of the hunter’s had pointed him out, his black fur such a harsh contrast against the golden grass of the plains. as the others of his pride were taken away, bartered and sold. Days turned to weeks as the cub’s captor had kept him for himself, amusing himself with torturing the young cub, days passed slowly. Finally growing tired of beating the cub, and tormenting it, the cub found himself in a strange place, his golden eyes looking out from his cage, the bustle of people around him, buying and selling goods, a market place the cub realized. He’d swipe and roar pitifully at the cage, and anyone who’d come near him. He wanted out of this cage, wanted away from these humans. He wanted to go home. Giving a pitiful cry again he swiped at the cage, only to be prodded rudely by his captor, who stabbed his knife through the cage, warding him away from the cage door.

 

[Asa]

She had been found in the desert as an infant. No body dead or alive around her. The caravan had taken her in knowing of Temple of priestesses on their way. A tiny birthmark over her heart of the crescent moon appearing to cradle a full moon or at least that is how the magi that travelled with them translated it. The caravan masters little monkey seemed most fascinated by the infant as well and was far from happy when they left her at the temple. She grew up there seeming able to speak with God's and animals alike. It was peaceful for most of her young life.

But as with all peace it is not eternal and border wars would creep up from time to time. People daring to see if Egypt was really so vast and secure. She had learned various weapons in secret but also how to hide well within the temple cavernous lower levels.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Days had turned into weeks, the cub growing slowly while it remained captive. His black fur a spectacle to many a person, dragged out like an attraction, pranced around for entertainment. And shown off, more then once the parties ending in a fight from someone who wanted the lions black fur. Only to be stuffed in a cage and hidden away again. The Lion was beginning to grow restless, he understood, knew of the passing of time. Understood what was being talked about in front of him and he did not understand why or how. Talks of fights, of training. What was training? Fights he understood. Then one morning he was shipped off, taken away to another place. Beaten, cut, forced to attack and defend himself and he tasted blood, and it wouldn’t be the last time. Given commands, and beaten when not obeyed.

A few years had passed, he gained weight, grown into a hulking male. His lions mane starting to grow in and become thicker. Sold off to the highest bidder time and again. Used to kill and maim. Fighting rings, pitted against armed humans and other animals. Some, he realized, like him animal, but more, some from the wilds, just normal creatures. Every night he’d laid in his cage, listening as he ate, listening as the guards talked. War, Border skirmishes. Other names, princes, kings, queens, non of this he cared about. One night he was awoken, his ear twitching as he heard footsteps, several, hurried making their way through the cages, whispering, his nose flaring as he scented the air. Kids, they’d found their way into the animal pens, unlocking cages, setting the creatures free, trying to stop the pit fights. It was stupid, he heard the soft “snick” of his cage lock being freed and he pounced, breaking through the cage, the other animals slowly creeping from their confinement.

Several of the animals tried attacking the kids and he leapt on them, refusing to allow the kids who set him free to die he turn the leopard and the jackal apart. Snarling, a yelled cry of alarm he swung his massive head around. Several of the night guards had come down hearing the crashing of the pens and the snarls and yips, with a roar he leapt on his guards, ripping them apart he bolted up the stairs, trying to find a way out. More men came, and the lion fought, but ropes and chains were eventually wrapped around him and he was brought down. Several guards with swords raised had readed themselves to strike the final blow. But a shout had stayed their hands. The lions gold eyes glowed with rage and hatred. His ears perked as the man spoke of keeping him alive, heard there was to be a tournament in Egypt, a festival for a priestess or something he didn’t care, to use the lion, Let him fight, to impress them that they had a killer like him in their control. Use him, to kill the girl, and spark the war that his people had been wanting, to show Egypt they weren’t as strong as they thought they were. And so he was caged again, bound and dragged back. All the while he watched, and was starved for food, to make him hungry enough to kill without a thought as they made their way into foreign land.

 

[Asa]

The head priestess had grown old and finally with the aid of the others chose her successor. She named Tikara as her heir. She had raised her from that tiny infant found in the desert and watched her speak with all manner of being as if she understood them. She heard her speak with the Gods and Goddesses as if speaking simply to fellow priestesses. Khonsu himself seemed to offer the mystery girl his favor and for this there was to be a ceremony to present her to the world that was Egypt.

The festivities mainly rolled into the night so both sun and lunar God's and Goddesses would be present. She was uneasy at all of the attention but it was more than that. The golden eagle's cry seemed strange and the calls of the night creatures held darkness beyond the night that they called home.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

The lion padded back and forth, restless in his cage. Something felt different about this place, even with all the goings on, with the shouting and horns, and general mood, he was seriously on edge, anyone who came near his cage was snarled at and swiped at, his claws raking the cage. He was shown off throughout the day, but he snarled at everyone. His keeper talking quietly with several of the guards, asking questions about the priestess, her upbringing, some arguing but managing to bribe a few of the Egyptian guards. As the sun set and the festival seemed to only get louder his cage was opened and a thick metal collar lashed around his throat. Inwardly he lion rolled his eyes, too used to this show by now. He was led by a chain up into the main courtyard. Gasps from several people as he walked beside the male and the guards, like a common pet.

As the sun set fully, so only the torch light gleamed an announcement was made, a gift, to be given to the priestess on her coronation. People gathering around, the applause made him snarl as he was led up the steps of the temple. His black fur seeming to just absorb the light of the torches. Making the adolescent male lion seem like a black shadow moving through the crowd, the only thing that even seemed visible was the glowing gold of his eyes. The heavy clinking of the chain and the collar around his throat he was let up and out onto the platform before all. Taunted as the demon lion of Africa, lies told about his killing prowess, how over 60 men died before he was captured, even at such a young age. Lies of being Trained by the best animal handlers money could buy, what better guardian befitting a priestess.

The lion felt the chain on his collar drop, his handler barking an order for him to step forward and he did, his head swinging around, watching all, mostly curiosity from the gathered before them. The handler barking another order and the lion stopped, striking a pose he reared his head back and let go a snarling roar before he shook out his still growing mane of hair, his eyes falling to the women on the raised pedestal, nose flaring as he scented the air, taking stock of everyone around him, fear, anticipation, curiosity, every emotion had a scent

 

[Asa]

She watched the demonstration but her eyes never left the lion. She held no fear of any animal. The Gods and Goddesses each had an animal form and to her this was just a lunar pelted child of Sekmet. Standing she moved from her seat and walked closer to the lion. Her head tilted slightly as she studied him. She smiled softly knowing she should not have left her seat but she held.little care for all the proper pompous expectations.

What... What is his name?

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

What... What is his name? the lion watched her approach, his ears perked, but he growled low, his eyes locked on her, body tensing, minutely aware of 3 of the guards shuffling around, 2 of them drawing closer. With a quick flick he saw it was the 2 guard’s his handler had made the deal with. To kill the priestess and start the war. The lion lifted his muzzle up, snarling lightly but making no aggressive moves, taking in the girls scent. Sandlewood, spice, and warmth, his tail swaying lightly even from here he could hear the sneer in his handlers voice as he spoke “His name……..priestesss……….is DEATH” with that the Handler barked the order to kill her, infront of all, and the lion lunged at the girl, but instead of attacking her he’d knocked her to the ground, instead attacking the first guard with weapon drawn that had been aiming for the girl and took his arm off. His claws ripping the mans head clean from his shoulders. Turning he saw the other guard grab the priestess with dagger in his hand and he roared, startling the soldier long enough for him to leap up, clamping his jaws around the guards head and crushing it. As the everyone else suddenly realized what was happening, alarmed shouts and orders began to fly.

The Lion stood over the girl, teeth bared, head moving, watching for any who would approach the girl to harm her, turning to glare at the scream of outrage then pain from his handler. The lion’s head turning as he watched the man shoved to the ground and shackled and still the lion didn’t move, one massive paw rested on her back, holding her to the ground, but his claws were retracted, slowly he raised his foot to let her move. But still he stayed standing over her even as the guards closed in around him, and he snarled

 

[Asa]

She yelped at being grabbed only to be saved by the lion. She was not able to get up for several moments till it moved it's paw. She saw the others being killed as the deities ordered their mortal soldiers to defend Egypt. Her sisters the other priestesses fighting and dying. She saw a sword slide across the floor from a fallen soldier and moved to pick it up. She knew how to fight but this strange blade was somewhat heavier than she was used to as she tried to move to stand and help.

We have to protect the other priestesses... Sekmet brought you here to us... To me... For a reason...

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

The lion looked to the priestess, watching as she picked up the sword, his gold eyes expressive, almost giving her a speculative look as it turned its head at the Priestess movements. Watching as other guards were caught up, the attack being larger then he’d been aware of, he snarled some, batting at the sword in her hand, looking at her again. Shaking his head, his mane rustling as if saying no to her, he batted at the sword again, then turned, Sekmet brought you here to us... To me... For a reason... the lion gave a snort, he’d assumed she’d meant the human captor who’d used and abused him, not that he card, the human was dead now, one of the other soldiers approaching the priestess and bowing, asking for her to go with him, that he’d kill the lion and save the rest of them. The lion snorted again, yawning at the soldier displaying his fangs and teeth before he turned and loped off. Giving a roar that shook the area he dove into the fighting, quickly surmising who were allys and enemies but their scents. The shrieks of the girls that were being attacked as he approached. One soldier ripping the dress off the priestess his sword raised, he swiped at the soldier, raking his nails across the mans chest and taking the arm off at its socket he pounced on the startled and falling soldier. Trying to wrap his jaws around the soldieres head past his helm., finally his fangs found soft flesh and he sank them in, tasting the blood and meat, mauling the now dead soldiers face.

It seemed the fighting lasted forever, as it does when one is in a battle haze, but the other half of his mind knew it had only been a few minutes. He’d killed his share, black fur matted in blood, his tongue hanging out as he panted, feeling the deep cuts from weapons that he’d missed or been attacked by, he looked around, seeing the choaos had slowed. The guards there were still standing watched him, weapons still drawn, as if waiting for an order, or waiting for him to attack. He just panted watching them, his eyes going to the priestess, then looking behind him. He was unchained, he could run….again his head swung back, looking at the gathered humans, a stand off.

 

[Asa]

She bore a few more wounds herself as she laid there a magi attempting to tend to her wounds. A hand reached out towards the Lion as she watched him

Nefer-Bai

Her voice soft... Weakened from battle calling him "Good soul" as if trying to call him to her. Once she did this the warriors all seemed to stand down and the Dieties where long gone their remaining warriors slowly walking away save for one. A single warrior stepping between the lion and the priestess but no action of combat made he simply said

Goddess Sekmet... Mother of Lions commends you for your protection of the sacred one both of your paths have made you the perfect guardians of each other... She is pleased.

With that they finished leaving. Leaving the humans to clean up and heal their own.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

The lion growled low in his throat, his eyes still moving, still watching, circling in place as he realized the people now, realizing he wasn’t going to attack had gathered again, closing off the only exit he’d had available, well, not that the humans could stop him, but still he didn’t kill for pleasure……..often…. Nefer-Bai he name brought his head around, and he looked to the fallen priestess, her hand outstretched towards him, his tail lazily swinging and he growled again. But it was the shift in the men around her that drew the most attention. She was…..calling to him? What had she called him? His head cocked to one side, his lip curling as he growled against briefly, indecision playing in his eyes before his head turned again, looking at everyone surrounding them. Movement and his head swung back around, seeing a hulking male step between him and the priestess, oh he didn’t like that, and he moved towards her. The male making no move as he approached but spoke low as he stood firm, commendable. He heard her soft voice call out to him again, his neck stretching out he sniffed the male, snarling slightly but he walked past.

Moving to the priestess side his eyes watched her attendants, their fear spiking at his approach, slowly his head dipped, sniffing at her, nostrils flaring as he scented her wounds, she’d been hurt, he growled low. Sniffing down her body, scenting the blood, then his eyes met hers, huffing softly he nudged her with his head as if telling her to leave, his tongue licking a path from chin to forehead. And he sat beside her

 

[Asa]

She slowly sat up and curled in against him hugging the lion who had saved her. The magi nodded to the lion as he tried to finish bandaging her leg. She moved to look into the Lions eyes as she spoke again.

Nefer-Bai

She smiled as she said it. Hoping he liked the name.

Good soul Noble name for such a unique lion Priestess... It is as if you know what he should be called without thought.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

She moved slow, his gold eyes watching, unblinking as he looked down at her. His body tensing as he felt her wrap her arms around him, a low growl rumbling from his throat. He’d never been touched this way before and he waited for the pain, his whole body coiled like a spring, but as she spoke again, her voice remained soft, and her touch was gentle, as if she sensed it she just held him, slowly, one by one his muscles began to relax, the tension leaving his body. Watching as she met his eyes, calling that name again, she watched him and he cocked his head to the side. Nefer-bai, he knew not the meaning, never been called anything but lion or killer. His thoughts flickering through his gaze, finally he blinked, nodding his head to her, as if in answer to a question. His ear twitching around to the man at her feet, bandaging her wounds as he spoke then swiveled back around to her. a slow rumbling purr began deep in his chest, but again his gaze turned outward, searching, he could still make his escape, would his life be any different If he stayed here? Or just more of the same, but he hasn’t been forced back into a cage, yet anyway…. or attacked by this women’s people. He sensed no fear from them, as they gazed at him, there was hesitation.

His massive chest rising then falling with a heaved sigh he turned to look back at the female before him. Making a chuffing sound he butted his head against her again, slowly, letting his body settle to lay at her beside her, his muzzle resting over her leg, his decision made, at this point he had no other option, this was new territory to him, he knew not of what animals he could hunt, and he refused to kill humans unless he had too. Heaving another sigh he just let himself rest beside her, until she choose what to do with him,

 

[Asa]

Her hands softly danced through the current of his mane drawing a sense of calm and safety from him she tried to move her leg a little at the request of the magi only to wince a little at first. Her healing would take time but still least he was there with her. Her lion and friend Nefer-Bai.

Thank you my friend for trying to protect me. She leaned her forehead to his kissing the fur on the bridge of his muzzle still playing softly with his mane.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

His tail twitched, purring as he nuzzled into her hand, no one had ever stroked his mane like this before, it was soothing. Her scent was calm, she was at peace, and he almost felt it. His tongue lapped out and licked her arm. As she continued to softly stroke him. Lulling him into peace as well. He felt tired, he felt………..safe…….with this women…..feeling her shift slightly he looked down at her leg, watching as she tried to move it. His head dipped down and he licked at it lightly, brushing his nose across the wound, more in a gesture trying to sooth her pain. Ears perking his tail twitched again as she bent down, pressing her head against his, and he purred louder. His eyes closing and he pressed into the contact. Yes, he thought to himself, he would stay, for the first time in 19 years he felt safe and at peace with this female.

Slowly he allowed himself to rise to his feet, bringing himself eyelevel with her, he nuzzled his muzzle against her. eventually the mages helped her stand and he was by her side, brushing his body against hers, offering her his support. Becoming aware of his surroundings again he looked around, finding everyone seemed to have dispersed they were left with just a few men and handful more guards they returned to the palace? Temple? He looked around, blinking at the opulence of the place, he growled at every new face they passed, again he found himself in unfamiliar territory, ears alert, on a constant swivel he looked around. But he trusted the female beside him, she’d kept her hand on his back the entire time they walked, taking her time do to her sore leg

 

[Asa]

The old priestess who she was heir to now walked up to them and knelt down to look at the lion with a kindly smile before placing around his neck a loose yet massive and surprisingly light necklace of the purest gold with a gem adorning in of the deepest Sapphire.

I leave her in your care Noble one... Welcome to our temple and home.

She then stood with help from her aides as she hugged Tikara gently.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Nefer scratched at the necklace as it was placed around his neck, his body shaking, his mane waving in all directions as he played with it. The metal was cool around his neck, but it felt different, not like the collar he was forced to wear. With a grunt he settled, his gaze going to the elderly priestess, grunting, Welcome to our temple and home. his head cocked, holding the gaze of the old women, he nodded his head and sighed again. What the hell did he get himself into. Padding back to the Tikara’s side he brushed against her, circling her a time or two before he sat at her right. He took in the scents of the area, looking to all the people moving around, with a growl he yawned, stretching out his long body he shook himself again and settled. Unsure at this point what else to do he curled up, listening as the two women talked. Finally though he sensed movement and looked up, rising to stand he followed the women to a bedroom, sniffing around, he assumed this must be hers, her scent lingered on everything. Yawning again he curled up beside her bed, watching as she readied herself for sleep.

 

[Asa]

Everyday she healed more yet everyday she watched scared those that attacked them would return. She felt safe with Nefer-Bai near and had found herself shortening it to Nefer at times.

Nefer... Will they attack again? Why attack to begin with... It makes no sense.she sank down the the stone floor of the balcony and stared into his eyes.

Sometimes I think you truly understand what I say better than the other animals.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Each day that passed her relaxed more and more, learning his way around as he followed her, listening as she spoke to others, learning names and faces, most people at first look, his black gleaming fur and serious gold eyes spooked everyone. But they too learned to accept him as part of their people, or place, now. At night he’d lay beside her bed, ears constantly moving as he listened, the subtle sounds and movements of those outside and around. As they stood, looking out over the balcony, he’d sat by her feet, her hand idly stroking through his mane. Nefer... Will they attack again? she turned and knelt before him, his head canting to one side, ears swiveling forward. He gave a soft grunt in reply, his shoulders rising and falling with the action. Why attack to begin with... It makes no sense he tilted his muzzle up, nose ruffling through her hair as he licked her cheek, her hands cupping his muzzle as she looked to him Sometimes I think you truly understand what I say better than the other animals. he grunted again and purred as she sat down, he rose, moving he curled his big body around hers, setting himself between the balcony railing and her body so she could lean back into him. He nudged her hand with his muzzle until it rested on his head, giving another short grunt and licked her thigh. His golden eyes watching her, if she’d only knew, he did understand, quiet well infact.

There were days when he wished he was able to really tell them. As weeks passed how much he was coming to really care if she was safe and unharmed, she’d saved him, in essence by him saving her. He was a lion but damn it he had morals and knew right from wrong. But she had been the first to show him true kindness, no whips, no chains, outside of the annoying thing the old lady had put around his neck that he occassionaly scratched at, felt weird damn it. And well, she’d given him a name, and he was surprised with himself to realize that it meant something to him, to have this human accept him. To have people not be afraid of him, he felt a strange, calm, about this place, about her, she soothed that animal half of him, and intrigued, the part of him that could understand and comprehend what they said

 

[Asa]

Within a few more days she was completely healed and would go for walks outside of the temple. She would show him little places she would hide as a child when she didn't want to do her studies or when she wanted to avoid bedtime. One of the "outdoor gardens" being a huge aviary with all manner of birds flying around. Most of them ignoring them but one coming to light upon her shoulder as she walked. A run perhaps amongst it's own kind it clacked and chirped at the lion as if the tiny thing thought he could scare the massive beast away from it's human.

Be nice.

She softly scolded the bird.

Nefer is my friend too little one he will not harm you.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

He Enjoyed their time together, getting to know more about her, her dealings with other people, and the strolls outside the temple. Not liking being cooped up his tail swayed as he walked with her, more than once batting playfully at the birds as they chirped and flew around him, and sneezing more than once as he sniffed the flowers his mane shaking as he shook his head his paw rubbing at his muzzle, most of the flowers he’d never seen before and did enjoy a few of their scents. And one particularly chatty bird, he growled at, swiping at it till it landed on his female’s shoulder and he eyed it, as it called him some rather unfriendly names, growling back informing the runt it would be lunch if it wasn’t careful. The bird finally flew off in a huff, leaving him to smirk and look up at Tikara, eyes gleaming with amusement.

He looked out over the area his ears swiveled and he turned his head, seeing a guard approach them, looking more serious then he would like he growled, stepping between him and his women. Forcing the guard to come up short eyeing the lion. “Priestess apologies, the Pharaoh was calling a meeting of the council, now that he knows you are well enough, he wanted to discuss the attack with you and if you knew what had transpired and why? And to meet your uhhh……..” the guard eyed the hulking lion before him “pet?” he finished as Nefer growled low at the name taking it as an insult and taking a step towards the soldier

 

[Asa]

Nefer...

She called as he stepped near the guard to stop him. She then nodded to the guard.

Very well we will travel to the palace. Prepare for us to leave at dawn.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

He stilled when she called his name, looking to her then back to the soldier he huffed stepping back then sat beside her his growled purr sounding like one of irritation. But he listened as she spoke, tail swishing irritated, he relaxed some as the soldier left. Looking at up at expectantly, then one of the birds swished by him and he batted at it, distracted now he grunted, the birds chirping and flying around him, he’d bat and swing at them, playing, feeling something on his head he pawed at it, one of the birds teasing him having landed on his head, making him swat himself in the head as it flew off only to land on him again. He growled, tail swishing as he walked in circles trying to catch it.

 

[Asa]

She sat down laughing at the antics of Nefer and the birds. She was so impressed that some of the baby birds just starting to fly seemed to really take to him. Her little bird friend landing on her shoulder again as she spoke.

Nefer is my friend...you should be nice to him. The bird seemed to pout but nodded and flew over landing beside the lion helping him play with the young birds.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

The laughter caught his attention, and he looked, watching as she sat down, the huge smile on her face, god she was pretty, and her laughter was warm, one bird landed on his nose and pecked him and he gave a bellow of surprise, wapping himself again in the face with his paw as he tried to alleviate the annoying pain, he huffed and sat down, rubbing his muzzle and burying it in his paws, damn bird, cheap shot, he glared at it, its quick twittering as it laughed at him. Again Tikara forgotten he Stuck his tongue out at the bird and grunted. Padding back over to her he placed his paw on her lap, looking up at her, eyes twinkling as her laughter died down. He looked seeing her like this, in the backdrop of the failing daylight she was beautiful, and radiant. What he wouldn’t give to be able to hold her like a human. Removing his paw he laid his head in her lap, tongue hanging out the side of his muzzle