Maladroit Love [Taken]

[Halcyon III]

Halcyon had been given two trays with a bowl of roast beef stew, a mug of mead, and a small loaf of bread each, and he smiled and thanked the innkeeper's cook, and he headed back upstairs. He walked into the room and saw that Nazihm had taken off his gear, and he smiled, "Must be a load off your back, huh?" he asked, as he set the trays down on the table, "I brought our food, you like stew?" he sat down and stretched, then he took his spoons and tasted the stew. It was surprisingly good. Or I'm just too hungry to care... he thought jokingly. He ate quietly, enjoying the taste of the beef stew.

After a few spoonfuls, he drank a bit of the mead and leaned back in his chair, seemingly in thought.

 

[Imaginary Imbecile]

Nazihm's ears twitched as the other entered the room, the scent of food causing the male's stomach to growl lowly. The cat wiped his face dry with a towel before walking out of the bathroom with a grin," Yes, my armor is quite a load, but it's bearable." Without another word, Nazihm took his tray and sat on the bed he had placed his gear on. The jaguar left his spoon on the tray and instead took to drink directly from the lip of the bowl. Having lived out in an actual tribe who still taught in the old ways, he was used to such a thing. Nazihm set his half-empty bowl down on the tray once more, licking his lips graciously at the food provided. He then took the bread and broke a piece off to dip into the warm stew before eating it. Nazihm cast a look over a Halcyon, curiosity glittering in his eyes," So, have you anywhere you wish to go, Halcyon? Any place you're searching to fit in with?"

Halcyonic Wolf

 

[Halcyon III]

Halcyon watched the feline out of the corner of his eyes, curious. The jaguar obviously had strong roots in his tribal history. Halcyon respected that. As he finished his meal, mopping up the remainder of the stew with his bread, he thought about Nazihm's question. Where would I like to go? Is there anyone out there who would take me on as their own? he leaned back in his chair, in thought. I've spent so much time on my own, I don't think I'd know what to do if I were to go back to living with others... he sighed, "To be perfectly honest, Nazihm. I don't think there's anywhere for me to go." he admitted, "I can't go back to my old pack. Not after my banishment. I think I'll have to keep travelling until someone tells me to stay for once." he said with a small chuckle. He stood up and stretched, his stomach bulged just slightly more because of the meal.

Imaginary Imbecile

 

[Imaginary Imbecile]

The cat gave a nod to the other's response, knowing it must be lonely to be by one's self for so long. Nazihm knew what it was to feel lonely as well. Halcyon was the first traveling companion the jaguar had partnered with in quite a long time. The other traveling companions before the wolf had been more inclined to living out their lives in the towns they'd come across rather than spending their time chasing after a tribe who traveled like the wind. Nazihm didn't blame them though, more than once he had thought of giving up and just settling down with a mate, but every time he would catch the scent of another jaguar, the male would be off."Well, while it might not be my place to offer such a thing, perhaps you could live with the tribe, if we find them that is. From what I've heard, jaguar bulls aren't all too discriminate with who joins their pack, just so long as they can keep up the pace of travel." The cat gave a grin to the other before drinking a bit more of his stew and setting both the bowl and tray on the night stand beside his bed. Nazihm moved his gear down to the foot of the bed and then lay out, knowing that he hadn't eaten enough to fill his stomach very well, but his adoptive tribe had given him good advice. While a full belly makes a happy cat, it also makes a fat one. Only eat enough to curb your hunger and leave the rest, then your senses will be at full height. The old panther that had given such advice had been a wise cat. Nazihm had done as he'd been told and found that he could not only wake the next morning with more energy, but move at a much faster pace. The jaguar cast a glance at his companion before closing his eyes,"Please don't think too much about my offer though. We have plenty of time before we reach the tribe. No need to rush a decision when we have yet to reach them.The cat then rolled on his side and fell into sleep. His dreams were filled with that of his adoptive clan, how they had been such kind souls to one not of their own blood. In his dreams, Nazihm pondered if the jaguar clan would be as accepting.

Halcyonic Wolf

 

[Halcyon III]

The wolf watched as the feline went to bed and fell asleep, and he looked down and thought about the offer. Living with a tribe of Jaguars? I wouldn't mind. I am used to travelling. He smiled, But travelling with others is something new, perhaps I should. He stood up and walked to his bed, I have time to think later. I'm so tired now. He took their trays back down to the innkeeper, and thanked him once again for the meal. He walked back upstairs and into the room, and he climbed into bed. He rolled onto his side and sighed before he closed his eyes and started to go to sleep. His tail slowly rose and fell to the bed out of habit.

Imaginary Imbecile

 

[Imaginary Imbecile]

Nazihm woke with a big yawn the next morning, his pearly teeth gleaming in the sunlight that drifted in through the curtains. He turned his head to the bed across the room and smiled, remembering yesterday's events. The cat then stood from his bed and padded into the bathroom, washing his face with cold water to better wake himself up. Once he finished, he took a damp cloth and wetted the rest of his body, letting the cool droplets seep into his smooth fur. Nazihm then walked back into the room and began to pull on his gear. He was patient and would wait for Halcyon to wake by himself. Even though he was rearing to leave, he couldn't bear to wake the wolf up while he looked so peaceful.

Halcyonic Wolf

 

[Halcyon III]

Halcyon woke a few minutes after Nazihm was ready, and he sat up. He yawned and rubbed his eyes, clearing them of grit and he looked around. He saw that the feline was ready to leave, and his eyes widened slightly, "Oh! I'm sorry Nazihm... I must have kept you waiting!" he quickly got out of bed and started getting ready, "You must be anxious to get going, I shouldn't have slept in." he murmured, almost to himself. He strapped on his own gear, tightening the straps to where they were both comfortable and secure. He took his bow in hand and walked over to Nazihm, "I'm ready now."

Imaginary Imbecile

 

[Imaginary Imbecile]

"Please, my friend, do not worry. I am a patient soul. I only hope you've had sufficient rest to travel. My instincts were what woke me so early, it would not have been fair to wake you as well," he said softly. The cat then walked out of the room and left the inn, keeping a slow enough pace for the other to follow. As he reached the edge of the village, Nazihm stopped and sniffed the air, his mouth slightly agape to taste the air. The stale musk of a jaguar bull filled his nose and mouth, causing him to snort a bit. "The male leading this tribe must be strong. His scent is a bit overwhelming." The male then walked on down the path, following the musk of the tribe as he unconsciously began to speed his pace until he was in a full run.

Halcyonic Wolf

 

[Halcyon III]

The wolf followed the Jaguar closely, and when he heard the comment about the bull, he said, "So we have a trail. This is good." but the Jaguar was already walking. Halcyon jogged to catch up, and then he sped up to keep pace with the Jaguar. "Nazihm? Are they close?" he asked, and he ran behind him. Jaguars are fast! he thought, as he realized he was straining to keep up with the sprinting feline. He wouldn't bother him about it though, Nazihm was clearly focused on finding the tribe as soon as possible.

Imaginary Imbecile

 

[Imaginary Imbecile]

Nazihm had subconsciously continued to speed up, his body reacting on its own to the strong scent of his own kind. Just when he'd been about to drop on all fours and take off, the sound of Halcyon's voice drew him back into reality. Nazihm looked behind him to see the other trailing behind him with quite a bit of effort and promptly dropped back to the other's pace."My apologies, I was entranced by the scent. It happens when cats track other creatures. We loose track of all around us." The cat gave an apologetic bow to the wolf, hoping that his pace now was alright. After all, jaguars could travel far due to their high stamina."So, Halcyon, have you ever considered settling down before. As in starting a family and such?"

Halcyonic Wolf

 

[Halcyon III]

Halcyon panted, and he finally slowed down to take a breath, "Thank you... ah..." he stood up straighter and regained his composure before he thought about the question, "Family? Eh... no. I never really gave that any thought. I never really found a suitable... Mate." he hesitated saying that last word, it just didn't really roll off the tongue right. That insinuates I'm able to produce offspring with my partner. Which I wouldn't be able too... he thought, embarrassed, Could I tell him that without him thinking ill of me? he wondered, then he shook his head, "Bah, stupid thoughts. What about you, Nazihm?" he asked, trying to get his mind off his sexuality.

Imaginary Imbecile

 

[Imaginary Imbecile]

The cat took a moment to mull over the question, knowing good and well that he had never once been dedicated to a single partner, let alone thought of starting a family. Once he had his words set in his head, Nazihm spoke,"The cats I was raised by had little sense of chastity. There were mates and families, but if you were unspoken for, then you were fair game to anyone in heat. After being raised in such a way, I don't think I would want to have a family, especially not if the jaguar tribe works in the same manner. However, the thought of getting a mate has crossed my mind, but I'm sure there are very few who want a male such as I. In my younger days, I was well known for my sleeping around with whomever I pleased. I discovered a little late how most only wanted a virgin mate." The cat said nothing more, not out of awkwardness or emotional. Reasons, but for lack of anything relevant to say. Suddenly the jaguar skidded to a hault and darted up a nearby tree. He climbed until he reached a high branch that hung above the canopy of leave and other branches. With his whiskers twitching in excitement, Nazihm took in the sight of a tower of slate smoke floating up into the air. Considoring he had lost a day, the two males were pretty close to the the tribe. They were at least two days behind the tribe at the least. With that, Nazihm lept back down the tree to his companion, his emotions gleaming in his golden eyes."My friend! We are so close behind them! In at least two days we should be on their tail. Can you keep going or shall we rest?"

Halcyonic Wolf

 

[Halcyon III]

Halcyon looked up at Nazihm, surprised, "A-a Male?" he asked, and he was starting to think about telling him that he was the same. He did find Nazihm quite attractive, he blushed ever so slightly every time he thought about it. The Jaguar also had a determined personality that he respected and couldn't help but like. The jaguar always seemed rather serious, but Halcyon assumed that's because they've only just met. He was about to say something but Nazihm was already up the tree, scouting. He sighed softly and waited. Maybe I have a chance... He thought, but when Nazihm reported how close they were, he felt a little clutch in his chest, "Oh...? We are?" he said, feigning excitement, "Well, let's get going, I don't want to keep you from them."

Imaginary Imbecile

 

[Imaginary Imbecile]

Nazihm gave a curious look to the other, stopping before him with a serious tone in his voice,"Do you not intend to stay with me then, Halcyon? If that is so, I will not leave you here in the wilderness. I am not the sort of cat who would so easily abandon a companion." The jaguar looked deep into the other's eyes, awaiting a response. After all, the cat would be lying if he said he didn't care what happened to Halcyon once they reached the tribe. If Halcyon truly didn't wish to enter the tribe, Nazihm would escort him back to town and rest assured of the wolf's safety.

Halcyonic Wolf

 

[Halcyon III]

The wolf nearly blurted out, "No! I would love to stay with you! I'm just... nervous." he mumbled the last part, since it wasn't the entire reason he was acting strange, "But I'll get over it, if the do not allow me to stay, I would understand. I can take care of myself." he said, and he smiled at Nazihm, "And if that's the case, it was good meeting you, my friend." his tail swished through the air, and he motioned for Nazihm to lead on.

Imaginary Imbecile