The day was beautiful, the sun sparkled pleasantly on the surface of the lake yet a soft breeze caressed the small trees around them. He moved towards his den, he was certain Aysel was visiting with the other females or helping Neema and Vika with a hunt. Today he was hoping to escort Taja though, he wanted to see her hunt for himself and maybe lend a paw. He enjoyed the company of the lovely lady each day discovering some new habit or longing of hers.
He paused and plucked up a small white wildflower in his teeth, the tiny petals looking ridiculously outsized in his massive ebony jaws. He slipped into the den and peered about grinning as he spotted her. His eyes lit up happily taking in her form, he was so lucky. Each of his dear banu were beautiful, clever, and shining examples of spirit and submission. He felt badly for his brother who's banu were all beautiful, but some a bit too wild for their own good...yet Faiz seemed to enjoy being kept on his toes. Aali however was grateful for the tenderness of his dear treasures, as Sultan he had enough worries without more to come home to.
In time they had begun to settle in, Taja feeling, possibly, the most comfortable among the three the fastest. Vika had been quite unsettled at first, Neema had been a bit irritated (reasonably so), but Taja, perhaps by reason of being spoken to first, seemed to adapt the fastest. No sooner had Aali explained things to her than she had come to his and the pride's defense when addressing Neema's concerns and questions. It had even surprised herself.
She laid in the shade of the den now, though, the other girls out for a hunt. Somehow she had been too deeply asleep, or she thought maybe she had been, perhaps Aysel simply wanted the chance to speak with the two privately as Taja had found the time to do. She wouldn't be alone for long.
Shifting in her sleep, the banu's nose gave the slightest twitch as a familiar scent entered the den with more presence than the lingering one that came from simple inhabitance. Slowly, quietly her red wine colored eyes peeled open from behind white lids, gazing about the floor for signs of familiar black striped paws that she knew belonged to Aali. When she spotted none she shifted her head atop her paw until she could see the other way as well, ah-- there he was...
"Aali...?" Taja inquired softly first, sure that he was alone so it was alright to use only his name.
He moved closer and bent to give her a light nuzzle dropping the flower over her paws. Blue eyes met her deep wine colored ones and he smiled softly his voice teasing. "Sleeping the day away?" He sat slowly his tail curling slowly against his side.
"I was hoping you might accompany me on a little hunt? Just the two of us? I'm sure I could manage to be of some use?" He chuckled softly and looked at her hopefully. He never liked to give direct orders, rather he preferred for his females to be willing and open to his ideas...and when they weren't he liked to have a good idea as to why not. Today he was hoping Taja would be willing to spend the day alone with him, he wanted some time in private to woo her, he liked her already...maybe more then liked. She was beautiful, but that wasn't it, there were many beautiful females in the world. No it was the way that Taja embraced him, and his pride, her open mindedness and caring. He could feel that warmth that filled him from belly to chest when he saw her smile, the same warmth he felt when Aysel gave him her special smiles.
"Mm... I can't help it, the climate seems different here than it was at home. It makes me so sleepy some afternoons." She replied calmly (she could tell that it was only a tease, and not a complaint.), reaching up with one paw to rub at one of her eyes to help wake herself up. When his head brushed against hers she smiled, feeling the flower land on her paw causing her to look down in surprise. She grasped it carefully then, making sure not to crush it, and smiled a little softer, almost shyly as she leaned in to sniff at it lightly. His words caught her ears and made them perk up then, though. "A hunt, just the two of us?"
Taja looked to her sultan with surprise again, not because she minded, but since he already had Aysel, and their bond was so clear and apparent, she wasn't entirely sure that he would want to spend such one on one time with the other three. She was still getting used to things, still learning how the harems worked. She was happy to spend time with him alone though, finding that the idea filled her with a cubbish sort of excitement and glee.
"Of course,"
Her happiness at the invitation was apparent, physically manifested in her smile and the look in her eyes.
"It is a little more humid here..." He chuckled and nuzzled her softly watching with pleased eyes at she sniffed the flower. He found himself curiously looking her over trying to assess her and make sure she wasn't feeling stressed or ill from the added heat and humidity. Aali was still pleasantly surprised by how much larger the females from the Pridelands were, but he worried that Taja, Neema, or Vika might loose weight or strength if they didn't eat properly. Having hailed from the desert and naturally large males and smaller females they had learned to drink and eat the right types of meats and when to hunt to conserve their strength.
Aali grinned as he saw her smile, she radiated her joy and he nipped her ear playfully. "We could always abandon duty and go for a swim though if you don't object?" The thought of the cool lake seemed much more romantic and appealing then creeping through the dust and underbrush after prey. He knew Aysel often made the need to hunt obsolete the way she arranged the females in groups.
She surprised herself sometimes. She thought she'd be much more shy about such shows of affection, but she loved receiving them and hoped one day she'd be confident enough to return them, too. For now she settled for the quietest of rumbles, a happy sound close to the purr that their feline cousins of other species were able to make. Ear flicking at his teasing, she perked even more.
There had been no large bodies of water in the Pridelands. There was the river-- which often times was being inhabited by the crocodiles --and the watering holes, none deep enough to swim PROPERLY, not like the lake here. Needless to say it would be the first time she'd played in such a big "pond". That idea was even more exciting!
"I don't!" Object, that was, she agreed with a small grin. Oh, that would be a good wake up, too, compared to the humid heat. Then she could just imagine how good sunning dry afterwards would feel. "That sounds wonderful, too."
"Good, I'll make sure you don't drown." He smiled and stood enjoying her enthusiasm and the gentle teasing. He gave a small shake letting his mane fluff and fall back imagining already how good the cool water would feel. His tail swung lazily, flicking against her playfully a few times before he turned to lead them out. The moment he headed towards the cave entrance he felt the temperature rise the warmth and humidity slowly enfolding him. Yes today was the perfect type of day to take a swim.
"I might join you in a nap after, this heat really is something." He could feel the heat soak into his rich black fur heating his face and back. His markings were placed like solar panels not at all helpful during such weather.
Taja's answer to his tease was to giggle lightly, something she hadn't done too much of since she was a child. She'd had so much energy back then, when had she calmed down so much? Feeling this light hearted, was it really Aali's doing, and if so, was that what did it mean?
"When we were little, on days like this we used to look for new hiding places around Pride Rock. There were always shaded nooks where just us cubs could fit." She recalled fondly, timidly brushing her head against the large male's shoulder a little, finally working out the courage to show something back for all the little signs he was giving her. It was oddly exhilirating, having his attention like this, and it made her happy because such shows were definitely those of affection. She could only feel scincerity in his gestures.
Her giggle made him relax and smile back, she looked much happier almost starting to naturally fit in...just like Aysel. It made his heart warm as he headed towards the lake listening to her speak of her childhood he grinned. "Did you ever get stuck?"
He grinned as he felt the gentle brush against his shoulder, it was a good sign. Maybe she was starting to get closer to him as well, it helped calm his worries that his affection for her was foolishly one sided. "How do you like the pride so far?" His question was softer, his tone mildly uncertain. He wanted her to come to care for the pride as well of course, if she couldn't be happy here...he disliked his own train of thought and pushed it away. He grinned as he saw the waters of the lake gently lapping up against the earth ahead.
"No, but Lela did once. She just had to prove she hadn't grown too big to fit in her old favorite spot." She laughed softly, coming out of the light giggles for a more full sound that time. Oh, she'd forgotten all about that! She stopped, wide eyed, and looked to Aali. "She'd be so mad if she knew I told you! Please don't tell her I let that slip! I've been keeping that secret ever since then." She pleaded sheepishly, ears ducking against her head as she resumed her stride again, letting his other question take her mind away from childhood memories and back to the present. The only thing that she still missed aside from her family was the freedom to move about without an escort, but it seemed like such a small price to pay...
The only ones that made her uneasy was Aali's vizier, Tariq, she'd learned was his name, and that was mostly because he had not only been the one to take her down on the day of the raid, but he made her uneasy when the rules had initially been explained to them. Thankfully she didn't have to be around him much yet, and their first meeting had so far been the only one. She had seen some of the others out and about, met a few more faces, but her preference remained rooted to Aali's harem, and the bonds she was forming there.
"I enjoy spending time with you and the other females... I'm still... not quite as comfortable around the others." But that was natural, wasn't it? She was still getting a feel for limits and boundaries, so it was easier to stay close to what you know.
Aali chuckled at first before laughing full on stopping to sit back a moment and catch his breath. His laughter slowed and he chuckled a bit more before grinning at her and standing. "Of course not, I'll take the secret to the grave. I'm sure it was a hard time to get her out without hurting her though." He smiled and watched her pleased with how open she was to sharing her stories and feelings with him.
"I'm glad your enjoying it, I'll have to try and make sure we get more days together." He nodded softly in understanding as she explained not yet being fully comfortable. "Perhaps some more time spent with Aysel will help you? She tries to meet up with the other females, perhaps I'll see about you paying Lela a visit? I'm sure that would help you feel more comfortable?" He looked at her curiously, it might be unwise to have her attach to closely to her friend again especially if the female wasn't adjusting as well. Still he couldn't deny her seeing her friends or making sure they were alright she would never trust in the pride that way.
"Aysel wasn't comfortable at first either...the other females thought she was too timid and then too strict...but she won them over in the end." He smiled softly his voice relaxed. He leapt over to the edge of the water and swiped a paw to send a few drops splashing towards her paws.
Taja took a few steps ahead before slowing to stop, halfway turning back to face Aali as he laughed. It was a pleasant sound, and she realized that she'd never seen him really cut loose like that till now, not that they'd known each other terribly long either, but-- It made her smile to know he felt that at ease around her.
"I would like that." She answered to his promise, all of it, purring quietly. With Aali, with the girls, with the girls and Aali together-- she'd be happy to have more of all of that. Seeing Lela again would... be both painful and pleasant, or at least that was to say she wasn't sure what she'd find when she met with her friend again, but hoped it would be good news somehow. "If it wouldn't be a bother to her..."
She wondered sometimes when debating approaching Aysel to inquire about such things herself, if Aysel might not alaready have her paws full organizing hunts and doing what other tasks Aali had possibly set to her, but to bond with her harem sister would be just as pleasing as spending this time with Aali. She was unaware of his plans to court her, though he was already off to a great start as it was.
"Aysel? Too strict?" Taja asked, falling back into step to follow him again, her voice clearly giving away her surprise. When he splashed water in her direction she startled, yelping and dodging back, barely dodging the water aimed at her legs. "Aali!" She answered with amused shock before she knew it, moving around the damp spot towards the water's edge with a playful narrowing of her eyes. "Are you picking a water fight with me...?"
She could feel that childish side of her surfacing slowly, unaware of just how much she was blossoming now after the adjustment period. This was just like being back home, and she recalled those water wars with Lela and Kairi with great joy.
"I'm sure she'll be happy to see you again, it might even help her to adjust as well as you have been." He nodded softly and smiled not surprised when her question came.
"Oh yes, Aysel can be quite strict...most of the females are more worried about getting a good talking to from her then being punished by their Pads. She has quite a way with words, and when Kajira get rebellious she normally looses her temper with them before any of the males do." He chuckled and shook his head, he was quite pleased with his Sultana's dedication. In truth she made his life much easier by always standing by his choices instead of trying to argue for her sisters. Then of course Aysel seemed to have eyes and ears around the entire pride often alerting him to issues before they became to large.
He laughed as she yelped and leapt closer to her sending up a tiny wave from his paws. "Will you accept the challenge my lady?" He grinned and circled his paws dancing along the edge of the water teasingly. He smiled at the way she narrowed her eyes, like two bright jewels focused on him. His own eyes sparkled with playful intent and he sent another little splash towards her. "If you defeat me I'll let you request a boon?"
Secretly Taja wasn't quite so sure. He didn't know Lela like she did, couldn't, didn't know the fighter's spirit her mother had unknowingly instilled in her. She certainly hoped that somehow Lela might find something to enjoy about life here, because she certainly didn't want her friend becoming one of those rebellious kajira...
"I never would have guessed..."
It was the last thing she was able to say on the topic of Aysel's other side before their play fight erupted, and now she focused on both the banter and her opponent, keeping light on her paws as she moved as well to stay out of his range, or ready to dodge if need be.
"A boon? I'm not familiar with that term." She admitted, never losing her playful edge as she sidestepped his second splash, feeling the cool water lap at her ankles then as she stepped into it.
"Ahh! I must educate you on the game then, first one offers a challenge." He smirked and sent another pawful of water towards her. His tail trailed in the deeper water as he moved his fur turning darker as the water soaked in.
"And you may accept or deny the challenge, of course." He crouched playfully.
"If you should defeat me at my own game, then you are granted a boon. A boon is like a favor, a token, it may be anything you desire and you may use the favor at once or hold it until such a time you decide what to use it for." He paused and smirked. "Of course if I manage to defeat you...then I too should like some prize?"
He chuckled and circled in the shallow water again. "Shall we play?" He gave her a challenging grin his eyes dancing with mischief.
This time he caught part of her leg, and she absently shook it off, but Taja's eyes danced with mirth, watching him bow before her in the purest form of invitation of play. "Ah, and now that I have been properly educated in such games of fancy, what, may I inquire, my Sultan, would you ask as your prize?"
What had gotten into her? Really? She'd only ever been this bold and playful with Kairi and Lela or her family, never anyone else, certainly not any males! Well, she didn't mind, she was just, in the back of her mind, surprised at how comfortable she clearly felt. She was curious about it, too!
Her own paws began to seep darker further up, as the difference wasn't quite as visible where her paws were already a fading black blending into purple. His own tan contrasted nicely against the lake, and as she sized up the large sultan, her opponent, she felt an odd sensation race through her, a feeling like electricity, harmless and pleasant, dancing across her fur.
Aali lifted his head making a great show of trying to consider what he would like as a prize. He closed his eyes and scrunched his nose as if in deep thought before smiling at her. "Hmm breakfast brought to me every morning sounds nice, so does having a little grooming session, but I think the best prize of all...would be if you would give me a kiss." He looked at her hopefully his playful smile having faded into a sincere and serious look.
He wondered what she would say? How would she react? She had returned mild shows of affection, but of course that could be meaningless. Aali longed to know what she really felt for him, and if it was anything akin to what he felt for her. He smiled softly at the way she seemed to size him up, she was clever. She might verywell defeat him and then he wouldn't have any token from her at all, let alone the much desired sensation of her tongue slowly brushing along his whiskers in tenderness...in...love?
Taja watched, listening as he spoke of possible rewards. Breakfast every morning would need to be arranged by Aysel, a grooming session was enough to get her to blush a bit-- especially depending on who was grooming who, but she did so miss those with Lela and Kairi. It was just one of the ways that they showed their affection for one another as friends.
But... that last one... He was serious, too, no longer simply playing or teasing. She swallowed nervously, averted her eyes momentarily before realizing that doing so could make her lose for a moment's inattention to their match.
"M-mm... Then, if you win..." She agreed, deciding on her own prize, though it was really no less embarrassing.
She shifted, strategizing. What would be the best way to go about this? Was there any way she could actually win? She wasn't sure, but she would try at least.
She tried to think back to that day of the raid. How fast was he? Had he been moving with full speed, full strength? That she wasn't sure, but she knew well enough that even if he weren't, it was enough. She would have to try outwitting him instead.
"But you have to win, first!"
And she was light hearted again, darting to one side swiftly and reaching a paw down to scoop up a pawful, an arm full of water, sending it splashing his way. If the objective was to get the other to yield or tire out first she might be able to win.
He watched her carefully his eyes trying to trace each emotion he could capture while he waited hopefully for her reply. Perhaps he had been too bold? Too quick? Could he help it if he was eager to re-discover the joys of falling in love, he still felt a special rush whenever Aysel looked at him a certain way, and he wanted to feel the same when Taja's beautiful wine colored eyes met his pale blue ones.
He grinned as she agreed his body loose and playful again in an instant, he was overjoyed at her agreement. Her challenging words spurned him to leap forward with in eager anticipation. He sputtered and laughed caught off guard as she sent a large splash right at his face.
"Ah! I shall have my revenge!" He grinned and moved to leap trying to send up a splash or wave large enough to soak her.
She hadn't lost her touch, she saw, even though she hadn't played like this since she was a child! Taja laughed, but squeaked as he retaliated, leaving her head and neck soaked, just so managing to back away before the rest of her could get doused too. Shaking herself out a bit, she lunged back, but this time she aimed to knock into him, knowing that only with surprise did she have a chance of sending him to his side since sheer strength wouldn't do it with their size differences.
"Pridelanders-- don't give up so easily!" She informed him, soaking what she could of him as well with her own fur, growling playfully.
Aali laughed as he saw the water douse her head and neck and sat back in the water laughing still. His chuckles ended in a soft whoop as Taja came running into him. He fell back and wrapped his paws around her to tug her down as well. He lifted his head and shook it chuckling even as the water soaked his mane and disheveled his appearance. "Ahh but an Ukuucha'Wafalme male knows how to always turn the tables..."
He grinned and moved to roll over with his paws still pulling her close trying to wet her back and pin her in the shallow water. His mane hung down weighed by the water, bits of it dripped down and clouded his vision. He smiled and shook trying to get the wet strands away from his face his nose scrunching in amusement. It all felt amazingly peaceful and somehow winning or loosing to Taja didn't seem anywhere near as important as just getting to spend more time with her.
Hah! She got him-- but, oh darn it! Maybe he wasn't as gotten as she'd thought, as she found herself pinned against his chest instead, now at his mercy as he rolled them over and she became utterly soaked all along her back. She shivered and sneezed lightly from the chill of the cold. As she shifted she only managed to end up on her side, soaking a little more of her fur as she stared up at him, water dripping from his mane pit-patting softly against her head, against her face. Again she felt herself blushing.
Did that mean she lost, then, or won? How was that determined anyway?
"So I see..."
~~~
(*Note: We lost this chunk of the log it was three posts in which Aali urged Taja out of the water upon noticing her shiver. They spent a few moment cuddling and drying in the sun and he asked her who she thought was the winner. He reminded her that while she was soaked, he had been the one to leave the lake first, in retreat. They agreed on it being a draw.
He also asked her, who she thought should get the prize, or if they both should, or both remain unfulfilled.))
She shut her eyes at all the various little shows of affection that followed one another back to back so quickly, and felt the cold slowly leaving her skin, her fur, only for her to shiver lightly for a different reason then. "N... no... I don't think we should..."
Remain unsatisfied, that was, though really...
He sighed and nodded softly thinking that she was denying them both their prize. "Ah well...perhaps you'll indulge me in a rematch someday?" He slowly pulled away from her worried that he had ruined the special moment. He stood and gave a soft shake his mane slowly settling back in place though some of it still damp and hanging.
"We should get you back in the den before the sun starts to set, wouldn't want you chilled." He looked at her with tenderness still, he could wait he was still hopeful that she would come to feel something.
"I might have picked up a trick or two from Aysel by then, you know..." She teased lightly, a small smile in place.
Maybe he'd rather wait until they were back in the den, or thought it might be more comfortable for her, against the chill, but she thought she heard a hint of disappointment in his tone. Taja stood as well then, giving another shiver as the shift caused chilled fur to brush against her skin where it was still damp, like her underside. Gladly she moved to follow him back, using that time, wisely, to muster up the courage for what she was about to do.
Also to figure out -how-. What was too forward, what was too innocent? What kind of kiss had he even meant...?
Her pawsteps were shorter compared to his larger stride, not that he was outpacing her or leaving her behind, but she noticed. Really, she liked the fact that he was so much larger than her, even if they were already larger than the pride's natural born females, larger males, Kairi told them many times, made for ideal snuggle-buddies.
Kairi... what was she up to anyway, had the pride learned of their disappearances? She actually hoped not, it would worry so many, and the risk that the pride might retaliate... She'd shudder to think on it, but if they hadn't come by now, then likely they weren't going to.
Once within sight of the den she seemed to make up her mind, glancing at him from the corner of her eyes. How might he react, if he didn't see it coming, she wondered...
Aali chuckled at her and nodded "I'm sure...and no doubt you have quite a few unique attributes of your own." He smiled as he led her back to the den pleased with their outing. As they neared he sniffed slightly surprised to find they would have a bit more time alone, no doubt Aysel would be bringing a large dinner as well.
"Home sweet home" He murmured happily and moved into the cave pleased to rest and relax away from the heat. The den would also keep them warm as the sun set and the wind blew. He looked back at Taja and smiled "Coming?"
The purple female glanced about as her nose told her the same, the other girls hadn't returned yet. They would be on their own for a bit longer, it seemed. At his prompting inquiry she came out of her thoughts and padded into the den after him, waiting until he showed signs of settling down, standing by the spot he'd chosen.
"I'm sorry that we had to stop short today..." Though he had been the one to call a stop, it had been for her sake, out of concern for her health.
Aali moved to settled himself down comfortably laying on his side in his usual manner. He grinned up at Taja "Don't be sorry, I had fun...I hope you did too? Part of my duty to you is to make sure your safe, even from small harms like chills." He chuckled softly.
How often had he curled around Aysel and kept her warm when she suffered a cold, and how often had she done the same for him? He smiled softly thinking how nice it was now to have the other ladies. Vika charmed him with her sweetness, she was timid yet clearly open and eager, and he gave her the desire to tell stories again enchanted by the way she responded as happily as any cub. Taja too seemed to have a great fondness and respect for the Prides oral traditions.
"I did." She couldn't help but giggle just a little, at his playful remark. Not since her father had she had someone, male or female, looking out for her on such a detailed level. As he clearly got comfortable, then, Taja took a few steps closer as if to lay down directly next to him, but instead, shyly of course, she leaned in to brush her tongue against one side of his muzzle, first.
She sat down at his side then, looking for all the world like she was just as ready to shrink down and hide-- even as she tried to appear calmer than she felt. Was it just because of the bet? No, that definitely wasn't it. She enjoyed his company, and after some struggling and speaking with Aysel, finally had concluded that her rapidly developing feelings were perfectly acceptable after all. Never had she imagined that she'd fall so head over heels for someone, let alone one in charge of a pride like this, but now that it had happened it felt so right that she couldn't have hoped to fight it even if she'd wanted to.
Aali was about to ask her what had her so nervous when he felt her tongue dance across his muzzle. He looked at her with a surprised smile and moved to nuzzle her tenderly, he slowly moved his paw around her to pull her a bit closer. She really had then? Because of the bet? No, she knew he wouldn't have held her to it, she had wanted to then? He smiled broader and gently licked her cheek rubbing his chin against the top of her head.
Finally he stopped not wanting to overwhelm her with his cuddly nature. He smiled at her lowering his head to look up at her curiously. "And what prize would you have my lady?" He asked his voice giving away just how curious he was indeed.
Once again Tajamala felt harmless embarrassment at the affectionate attention, but she didn't try to fight it or pull away, settling down beside him as his heavy arm came over her shoulders gently, guiding her down. Her heart rate quickened and it felt as if it might just beat right out of her chest it was pounding so hard. She couldn't help purring, shutting her eyes and leaning against him, so she didn't see it when he peeked up at her, at first, but feeling him move did prompt her to look.
"Ah... just this is nice..." She admitted with a small smile, deciding she wasn't quite brave enough to ask for something as personal as grooming one another, but maybe one day soon. They seemed to be growing at a whirlwind pace, she wondered if her mother had fallen for her father as quickly, and vice versa.
Aali nodded softly and smiled gently curling closer around her to let her lean against him. His tail lazily flicked against hers before draping over it casually. She was right, this was rather nice. Muscles slowly relaxed as he nuzzled Taja tenderly his cheek rubbing against hers.
There was a peaceful blanket settling over them now, the moment a treasured one. He wanted the courage to tell her now how he felt, but things were so calm there was no need for the words. Perhaps it was all too soon, too fast? What did he know? Love was still a mystery to him in so many ways, all he knew was that he felt it for Taja now, just as much as for Aysel. There was no less emotion for one or the other the feelings were equal yet different in how they had formed. He slowly rested his head down half on his paws but partially close to Tajas, his eyes slowly slid closed as he settled to rest until the others arrived.
