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Neska had always been soft of heart when in regards to those less fortunate than she. Having a deep fondness for those who found themselves at a disadvantage was the reason she found herself seeking out Svimmel. He was a handsome enough lion, but Neska was not in search of a lion that would fill any hole in her heart. No, he was the self-appointed caretaker of another thrall, one who often seemed confused.

Lollys was the thrall's name, and the way that Svimmel looked after the odd little hybrid had immediately warmed Neska to him. It reminded her slightly of her own bond with Myka - sisterly and full of warmth and love.

It was for this reason alone that Neska approached Svimmel, meat-heavy bone grasped tight in her delicate jaws.

Svimmel rested where he could. He was a hard worker, one who did his very best to look after those he considered an important part of his life as a thrall. Lollys was his number one priority - his sister, of sorts, and the one he'd promised to look after after losing his own mother as a cub.

He watched Neska approach, eyes heavy-lidded, and offered her a curious smile.

"Neska," his voice was kind and gentle, telling much of lion himself, "you are too kind." Rising to his feet, Svimmel bowed his head to the other thrall, still smiling.

Neska laid the meaty haunch of food at Svimmel's feet and returned the smile the male gave her. There was a kindness about him, a kindness that was not lost on her. In a world of brutality and harshness, it was important to have something gentler. Something softer.

"It is nothing," the thrall replied quietly. "A little something for you and Lollys. I know you must be tired, so I will not linger. As it is, I apologize for interrupting your rest, but I thought you would appreciate such a treat."

Neska nudged the haunch forward with her paw and moved to take her leave.

Svimmel chuckled softly, the sound rough in his throat. He did not have much cause for laughter these days. He knew of Neska, knew of Myka, knew that they had an odd bond despite one being thrall and the other freeborn. It was important to find solace and comfort where one could, and so he could not fault either of them for their bond. In truth, he thought it rather endearing and admirable, though he would not speak such things to either female.

"No, please - you do not need to leave so soon. Stay a while. Keep me company for just a moment, won't you?"

Neska halted, smiling briefly over her shoulder as Svimmel called out to her in that soft, kind way he had. She did as he asked, dipping her head just the slightest in acquiesce. She knew that Myka would not care if she dallied for a moment, and it was always nice to converse freely with another of her rank.

"How is your sister, Svimmel? And how has life been treating you, then?"

Neska watched Svimmel closely, a little smile tilting the corners of her muzzle. She remained silent, her eyes warm, and waited for his response as she idly licked a little dried blood free from her paw.

Svimmel seemed to relax as Neska agreed to sit with him for a while. He tore a mouthful of meat free from the bone, chewing slowly as he contemplated Neska's question. How was his sister?

Swallowing, Svimmel shook his head.

"She is of a weak frame of mind, as always. Her role amongst the pride is... difficult to convey with mere words. I do not think she minds being the plaything that she is," he sounded resigned, "or being thought of as less than deserving of any kindness. But she is strong, and she is smiling, and I suppose there is nothing more I could ask for."

Neska's expression dropped a little, her eyes narrowing as Svimmel spoke. As a hybrid, it was true that Lollys was thought of as a malignancy upon the Stormborn. She was a simple creature, quiet and pretty, and though Svimmel did his best to protect her, there were certain things that he could not shield her from.

Even Neska knew this. It was how their pride worked, and she was not going to question it. This pride was her home, and Myka's home, and it was simple as that.

"You do well by her," Neska tried to console the other lion softly, reaching out with a small paw to gently brush against Svimmel's.

Svimmel chuckled softly and dipped his head in appreciation. He did not do anything that anyone else wouldn't do for their family, he knew it. It was just more difficult for him than it would be for a Freeborn Stormborn, and he'd come to terms with that. He'd come to terms with a lot of things since being taken as a thrall. Some things still did not sit right with him, but there was not much that he could do in his current position.

So it was, and so it would continue to be.

"I appreciate your kind words more than I can say, Neska."

Neska made a small sound in her throat, a mix between a laugh and a chuckle. She dipped her head, a gesture that offered respect, and stepped back.

"I'm sure Myka is wondering where I've gone to. I'll leave you to your meal. Be sure to save some for your sister."

She sounded quite matronly even to her own ears. Myka was always teasing her about it, but Neska was a motherly sort.

"I'll be 'round next week to see you again. If your sister needs a change from you, be sure to send her to visit."

That being said, Neska took her leave.

Svimmel watched Neska leave with an odd smile on his face. She was a fine ally to have, but there was nothing between them - no love lost, no hidden adoration, no unrequited love. Their friendship was simple, and Svimmel respected that for what it was.

"I'll be sure to do that," he called after her, a laugh in his voice. She was ladylike to a fault, but there was also a sass about her that she did well to keep hidden while in the company of those ranked higher than she.

Shaking his head to himself, Svimmel dipped his head to take up the haunch of meat. Lollys was likely in with Daska as she usually was, and Svimmel knew she would appreciate the treat that Neska had delivered.