[PRP]You don't Dream in Cyro (Celestyn x Anju)[Fin]

[tani duh!]

Celestyn lounged silently in the shade of a tree, if you could call the stump-like thing he sat behind one. He sighed as he looked to the sky and shifted, uncomfortable. It was too warm for someone with fur as dark as his. Where is some water when you need it? he thought to himself.

He pulled himself to his feet and shook the dust from his fur. His energy was low from the many sleepless nights of travel and the early mornings hunting, before the sun shone so brightly. A yawn escaped him as he looked around. Very few animals dared risk moving far on days like these, water scarce and heat too much. The heat rising off the ground blurred the horizon as he looked in each direction. His companion, a lioness he'd known his whole life, was not far south, he would find her around sun down. He was curious about what else these lands held though.

Through the blurry, heat ridden land he spotted something bright. A pink creature made its way across the land. He was curious what brought someone out on a day like today. The small pink blur stopped as it walked and seemed lost, but then continued. He headed toward it.

AstoriaFallen

 

[tani duh!]

The creature was another leopard! He hadn't seen one in ages. His own reflection seemed unfamiliar sometimes, he was around lions so often. Her tense muscles showed through her pelt slightly. Was she afraid? Well, approach with caution was something his friend always told him so he understood.

He lowered his head, a bow of sorts. "Afternoon miss. Are you lost?" He asked inquisitively. "I saw you look around when you were a ways off back there." He raised his nose a little, as if pointing in the direction she had came in.

He shook his head regretfully, adding quickly, "I'm sorry, it's been a long time since I've met anyone new. My name is Celestyn." If he didn't have fur, one could have told he was blushing. He didn't remember how to interact with others. It was strange, taking time to get to know someone or telling someone your name when you never know if they will remember or see you again. His travels have taught him that, if nothing else.

AstoriaFallen

 

[tani duh!]

Celestyn listened intently, her words sounded familiar, soft like the grass in spring time. Some shade, eh? he thought to himself. It was sweltering in the sun, shade was only slightly better. Shade and possibly some water would be in order. "Yes, Anju, let us look for some shade." He moved a pace in front of her and waited for her to join him. He thought back over her words quietly and added, "Just because you don't know where you are does not mean you are not on the right path."

"In addition to shade, there are two watering holes nearby. One to the south and one toward the north, if that idea is something you'd be open to. If not.. we can just find some shade. This heat is almost unbearable."

He wasn't uncomfortable, but her body language signaled some hesitation. Her initial approach, her tail protecting her paws now. He figured if there were other animals nearby, like there would be around a watering hole, she may be more comfortable.

AstoriaFallen

 

[tani duh!]

"Then let us start a journey to the north. There is also a small grove where we could find shade in that area." He started in the direction, slowly to be sure she could keep up. With a slight grin on his face he added, "Have you been 'misplaced' long, Anju? What kind of adventures have you come upon? One could say I've been conveniently misplaced for some time." He paused for a moment to recall the many places he had explored and he hoped that she had similar, fond memories. He could feel a touch of sadness in her voice when she spoke earlier, her apprehension and vagueness reflected on something deeper.

He was panting lightly and his joints were heavy with sweat. He tried not to think of his outward disarray as he padded forward toward their destination.

AstoriaFallen

 

[tani duh!]

He smiled as he chose a story to tell her, continuing forward. "Since I can remember, I've traveled with a lioness. We both have no family to speak of so we bonded over that... misfortune if you will. I use that term lightly though, as we have never been particularly unhappy. She is more the leader, I follow where she desires to go next, and we've been to both areas barren of all life, destroyed by malevolent rulers and natural disaster, and jungles teeming with the sounds of colorful birds overhead. Birds of color combinations you can't even imagine." He paused momentarily and turned his head to gaze at her. "You remind me of those forest birds. Your bright colors, mainly." Her subtle weariness also reminded him of the birds; she was curious it seemed, but if threatened he felt she might fly off, like the birds.

"We have only been in this area for a moon's phase." He felt a slight sadness come over him. "Travel grows weary though. We travel much, but have few friends." It was true, the many places they had explored, they left everyone behind as quickly as they came. If they had ever returned to the jungle or the deserts, he knew they would be welcomed, but every new place brought some loneliness.

They were close to the water now, many assorted prey gathered around the watering hole, and you could see their bodies moving about. "We're very close, see?" He nodded to the obvious watering hole. "You know, I have many more stories if you were interested and willing to listen..."

AstoriaFallen

 

[tani duh!]

Before answering her, he waited until they reached the water and took a few sips. He did feel much better, refreshed and renewed. "Ahh, indeed. I needed a drink and some rest will do me good. The heat and sun here is more than I expected!" He sat down and let his front paws sit in the water.

"Anyways, I hope one day, if it is what you desire, you get to see all the corners of the land." He looked to the sky. "If you're willing to listen I would love to tell you the tales of my adventures. Perhaps you will hear of a place and go searching for it yourself one day." It was getting to be late afternoon, about the time he told his companion he would return to her and recap the day. He was not particularly interested in departing from Anju, she had a curiosity in her that he rather enjoyed. "I have time to tell you one story, but then I must return to my friend." As he spoke these words, his smile fell from his face and he looked down to his dark paws. "Perhaps we can meet here again tomorrow, earlier? I can tell you more stories. Maybe you can tell me a few of yours?" he asked, hopeful she would meet him again.

AstoriaFallen

((Perhaps 1-2 more posts for this one?))