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CHAPTER: AFTER
Ela
“What is it?”
Her eyes lidded, she looked at him and purred softly. “Oh nothing.” She lifted a forepaw which could snuff the life from an impala with one blow and gently caressed his face. “For the first time in a long while I feel safe.”
He answered her throaty purr with a low rumble of his own. “You are safe, Ela
“Not Ela
His eyes sparkled. “La
Her tail lashed in embarrassment and she looked away shyly. “I’m not beautiful.”
“You’re right.”
Her eyes turned to glare at him. “What??”
“You aren’t merely beautiful.” He drew a paw along the side of her muzzle, tracing the soft line where her fur lightened. “Sunsets and flowers are beautiful, but they don’t inspire love. There must be another word for this.”
A nervous laugh escaped her. “The word is lucky. Do you really think I’m attractive?”
“No.”
She glared at him again. “Will you make sense?”
“I don’t have to think so. I KNOW so.” He nuzzled her again, more intensely this time. “I wish I were a flea so I could spend my life on top of you.”
“Oh, don’t say such things!” She giggled, enjoying his attentions. She lay her head back, purring louder as his rough tongue bathed her throat, immersing herself in the waves of pleasure he was inciting in her.
“I wonder what our children will be like?”
Ela
“Uh...it’s a little early to think about--”
He gri
“But I thought that would be an awful burden on you. You have no lands of your own, and you’d have to support your children.”
“I don’t mind! They would be OUR children. They’ll be safe and well fed, I promise you! I’ll take such good care of them and love them, my darling.” He looked at her again and beamed. “And they’ll all be as beautiful as you.”
La
Tears were coursing down her cheeks as she stared unseeing out the darkened entrance to their cave. “I can’t talk right now!”
“Ela
“DON’T TOUCH ME!” she shrieked.
“I’m sorry! What did I do? What did I say??”
“Leave me alone! Please, just go away!” Ela
“La
The subject of his concern was just over a rise, her own sobs too loud in her ears to hear him. “M-My love, I’m sorry...oh gods, Taka, I miss you so much!” She choked back a cry and looked down at her forepaws. “I wish you were here.”
A soft touch brushed her shoulder and she growled unsteadily. “Damn it, Kubali, I said leave me alone!”
“You summon me and dismiss me in one motion?” A warm voice chuckled behind her, making her eyes widen. “Come, La
She whipped around to behold a dark maned lion surrounded by a soft glow of starlight. “Taka??”
“Yes, it’s me.”
“Dear Aiheu, how I’ve missed you! I’ve been so alone!” She swept forward and collapsed against him, feeling his soft fur and breathing in his dear, familiar scent, now touched with wild honey.
Taka lifted a paw and stroked her cheek. “I know, love. But I have sent you help and you have refused it. La
“What??” Ela
“No you don’t, love. The tides of life still beat strong inside you. My time is past, but you still have a path to walk here.” He lifted a paw and brushed away a tear from her face. “He needs you, La
She shook her head, silent tears still rolling down her cheeks. “He doesn’t need me. Not like you did.”
“No, our needs are different, but that does not make his need any less, love. There is a thorn in your heart, and only he can remove it.” Taka purred deeply and kissed her muzzle. “When I see you happy with him, it fills me with joy. Go to him La
Ela
The star seemed to shine brighter for a moment, as if in answer.
“La
She jerked her head down to see Kubali bound over the rise, puffing for breath. “La
“La
Ela
He smiled at her warmly. “You ARE special, Ela
“My mate appeared to me. He told me that I should not be afraid of my feelings for you.”
Kubali stared silently at her in awe. “I’m glad. Your Taka really loved you. I really love you too. I won’t be jealous if you won’t feel guilty.” He nuzzled her. “Do you want to tell me about him?”
She initially looked away, but she settled beside him. “Taka was very sweet but very sad and afraid. Once when he was a cub, there was this badger....”