[PRP] A Needed Distraction (Dumaka x Romus)

[Mogami]

Dumaka wasn’t on guard duty today. He’d woken up with a fierce cough and fluids of questionable color and odor coming out of his nose and he’d been advised to rest for a few days, drink as much water as possible and take a terribly inedible mix of herbs and things Dumaka could not identify. So he was sitting at the mouth of his den looking as down as ever even though he knew he couldn’t complain. So far his body had put up a good fight against the Goddess’ blessing and so many others – his brother N’Seka included – were in a much worst condition. Still, he was effectively sulking.

He knew that through the pain and suffering they learned of sacrifice, faith and determination and that the mark of the Goddess was a sign of her love for them but... some days were easier than others. And few things were of real consolation when you felt horribly short of breath or watched your family in pain.  

[Talencia]

Romus was making his rounds. As a bard, he technically didn't have rounds, but he'd given himself rounds anyway. His main reason for becoming a bard was to help cheer and hearten his fellow pride members who might otherwise struggle with their limitations and difficulties. He wasn't immune, so he knew some of the suffering that others went through. Blessing or no, every heart could use a little lightening, every face could use a smile. Plus, he did it to honor the memory of his Uncle Ruko. He hadn't gotten to know his uncle, but he'd heard his stories retold, and heard of his bravery even in the face of the worst of the illness. He was an inspiring role model, and Romus was determined to take such an example to heart.

So it was that he came upon the normally chipper Dumaka, looking decidedly less than cheerful. Rather than launch into some sugary, well-thought-out and well-meaning platitude concerning the other's health, Romus instead padded over and sprawled beside the dark-maned lion. He noted the cough (how could he not, with his mother a healer?) and grimaced at his friend. "One of those days, hmm?" he asked ruefully. He reacted companionably to the sounds of illness, rather than with dismay or disgust, as sometimes newcomers tended to do. Oh, they tried not to, but it was a hard reaction to train one's self out of. Being born and raised in the pride, though, Romus had no trouble with taking it all in stride.  

[Mogami]

Talencia

Dumaka looked up with an odd expression as one of Eudeyrn’s sons approach him, a familiar itch travelling from his nose up and spreading uncomfortably as it almost reached his eyes. The guard held it in for a few seconds but it wasn’t long until his head had dropped in an awfully violent sneeze that sprayed a good amount of greenish goo to the ground. It took some effort to send it a safe distance away from Romus – he knew the blond lion was either immune or a carrier but it was generally considered polite not to paint other lions with snot, was it not?

“One of those days.” He agreed. He eyed the other lion for a few seconds, realizing that an introduction was in order. Even though his guard duties were mostly directed at external threats, Maka liked to be aware of everything that went on inside the pride and he could usually could name most of the members of the Kitwana’antara… on a good day. “I’m sorry, I can’t remember your name. I’m Dumaka.”