Such Warmth [Open]

[Iravi]

Iravi lay sprawled on a rock just beside falls, her tail twitching every now and then in boredom. Her golden coat glinted in the sunlight, reflecting off the water drops that had fallen on her coat. She was close enough to become sparkled with water spray, and to have the roar of the falls in her ear, but still far enough away to stay relatively dry. When she was alone, her thoughts tended to wander, and she bristled slightly as her mind flashed to the loner who had enticed her and made her fall for him, then left. She was in a bad mood again. Now she needed company to cheer her up. Great.

[Sparrow]

A lean, dark shape slunk through the Pridelands. Okay, he wasn't supposed to be here. Not that Sparrow had ever cared. He'd wanted to find someone to chat with, and so he had trotted across the border without looking back. He was searching for anyone, really. He was confident in his ability to run at any moment if a threat arose. Jogging along, he soon saw a beautiful waterfall, clear water pounding down. It drew the eccentric cat in quickly, and, to his luck, there was another cat. Jogging over, he came up behind her slowly. "Hello." He said, his soft, adolescent voice low and quiet.

[Iravi]

Iravi was moving before she even realised it, whirling of her stone and putting her back to the water, staring at the owner of that soft soft. She came face to face with a male, not one of her pride, not one she recognised. Which made him a thread, to her and her pride. But he hadn't attacked her, he had snuck up on her easily enough, he could have killed her and she'd never have seen it coming. So why hadn't he, why had he spoke instead? Her golden fur ruffled, she watched the dark male warily. Hi, what are you doing in the Pridelands? You don't belong here. Of course, a chance to lash this male with her tail, to verbally assualt him and release her anger would be a dream come true, if he wasn't so much bigger and stronger that was.

[Sparrow]

Sparrow was smaller then her - he was young and had yet to grow a mane even. He watched her fur ruffle but was casual himself. He would lose if it came to fight - but, he was confident in his ability to escape. He smiled, friendly and easy. "Between me, you, and that stone there, the Pridelands are safer then most places." He said, tail swirling in the air behind him, confident, yet non-threatening. "The lions are friendlier and it isn't a wasteland, nor is it full of shadows." He shrugged. "But you are not incorrect, cousin. I do not belong here. If you go off my birth, I belong over there with the other loins who share my pelt. If you prefer history, I belong in the jungle. However, I prefer this place to either of those, and so, cousin, here I stand."

[Iravi]

Iravi sighed and sat down, twitching her tail as she examined the dark male with curious eyes. Young herself, perhaps a little older than him, she was very young to have been given the rank of Head Cub-Mother, but very honored by it nonetheless. Smiling, feeling better now that she could see the boy was not bigger than her, nor a threat, she dipped her head in greeting. Sorry, for being so rude. I mistook you for an enemy, so I apologise. My name is Iravi, what name did your mother grant you with, my mysterious friend?

[Sparrow]

Sparrow grinned as she relaxed, stretching slightly and taking a seat himself. He gave a quick bow in return to hers, intelligent yellow eyes staring into hers, the endless quiet curiosity of the young lion visible in them. "I cannot claim to know my mother, cousin. I was told by Marc and Sebbat that I was left to die when they found me. However, I have been called by many and by the twins who saved me, Sparrow. It is a name among friends - feel free to use it." He said, his tongue easily shaping the riddles he's spoken with his whole life. And, of course, the word cousin. It flowed easily past his lips as always. Sparrow had fallen into the habit of calling anyone cousin. The world would be better if they were all one big family. And they are all so far away. But, to Sparrow, everyone is family.