Making Camp [sora]

[Deleted]

A S A L I
Cheetah|Female

It was dusk in the forest. Little light made it's way through the canopy of trees. A hazy sort of gray light was all that was there now. I knew I wouldn't have much time to find shelter if
I didn't hurry, but I knew there were dens nearby. I could see a few
already. It was a more populated around than I generally liked, but the trees here were too tall and their branches too high up that I couldn't sleep in one of those. I'd have to make do with a den, even if it meant running into someone else. I could survive conversation today. I was in a fairly good mood.

I saw an empty den a few feet away and made for it, walking calmly, in no rush now that I'd found a place to sleep for the night. I went inside. It wasn't huge, but it was just me, and it was at least big enough for two or three cheetahs. It would do fine. It was cozy and warm inside the den, perfect for a good night's sleep. I sniffed around and then laid down in the back where I could see the entrance. Darkness would fall soon. Then I would sleep.

[SORA :D]

Korra walked around, looking for her den. She knew where it was supposed to be, but in this darkness, it seemed imposable to find. The tall trees blocked the moonlight, and storm clouds were overhead. If she didn't find her den soon, she'd be stick in the rain. She miffed the air, trying to find her marked den, but to no avail. It seemed as if her den had just up and vanished.

[Deleted]

I watched the outside of my den, waiting for darkness to fall. I was patient, and not too tired yet, so I passed the time daydreaming of cubs and running. Maybe I'd go for a run in the morning...maybe I'd even catch myself something to eat. I thought I heard someone wandering outside the den, so I stood and crept to the opening to investigate. I saw a female cheetah. What was another cheetah doing out here? Maybe she didn't have a mate yet, or maybe this was someone's land... I eyed her cautiously. "Looking for someone?" I asked softly, so as not to startle her.

[SORA :D]

The wind was blowing harder, and the storm was louder. This was one big storm coming, and she didn't want to be left out in it. She heard the sweet voice, coming from not too far away. She padded up, and answered. Oh, no, Winks was supposed to be home before now. I seem to have lost me den. Anyway, Im sorry to have bothered you...

[Deleted]

The wind started to blow outside of the den as I peeked out. I sniffed the air and could sense rain on it's way. It seemed that a bad storm was on it's way tonight. The other cheetah looked my way when I called to her. She walked over to me and explained that she'd lost her den. "Winks?" I asked when she mentioned him. Just a few days ago I'd spent the day swimming with that very cheetah. If she was waiting for Winks... "Are you Korra?" I asked. Winks had told me he'd had a pregnant female who lived with him. He said her name was Korra. I glanced at her stomach, but didn't want to be rude, so glanced back up quickly. This was the very cheetah I had felt jealous of.

[SORA :D]

Korra too smelt the rain. Oh, yes, how very rude of me! I'm Korra. She said with a friendly wave of her tail, and a smile. Hiw does she know me? Korra thought to herself.

[Deleted]

The female confirmed that she was Korra. "My name is Asali," I told her. I looked up through the tree limbs in an attempt to see the sky, but it was no use. However, I felt that rain would soon be upon us. "It's nice to meet you." I looked back into my den, then back at Korra. "You're welcome to stay in here if you'd like." I stepped aside and offered her a friendly smile. Korra didn't seem much of a threat, and if she were indeed pregnant, she was very likely to attack first. She seemed friendly enough, too.

I steped to the back of the cave and sat down, my tail flicking with curiosity. "I actually met Winks once...are you mates?" I asked, hoping it wasn't too forward. "I was just wondering...he mentioned you."

[SORA :D]

Korra nodded at the sweet female. Asali, that's a pretty name. It's honey in Swahili, am I correct? she stated. Rain drops were now falling lightly, and it wouldn't be long util the full force of the storm was appon them. Why, your mighty kind! I would love to come in, and get out of this weather. If you don't mind having me? She answered with a little giggle, and let Asali lead the way.

[Deleted]

Korra asked about my name and I nodded with a smile. "That's right." She seemed grateful for my offer so I showed her inside. "I don't mind," I answered. I steped to the back of the cave and sat down, my tail flicking with curiosity. "I actually met Winks once...are you mates?" I asked, hoping it wasn't too forward. "I was just wondering...he mentioned you." I thought back to that day not long ago. I wasn't jealous of Korra because of him, though he was nice. He'd gotten me to swim for the first time since I was a cub and played, splashing water at me. He seemed as friendly as Korra. But I was jealous because of how he'd described the female to me, when I asked if he had others with him. Three words, a pregnant female. It's what I wanted most. Cubs. But it didn't make me dislike Korra.

[SORA :D]

Wow, Asali, you have a lovely den. Korra said as she walked into the den, just as the storm began to get stronger. Oh, yes, Winks and I are mates. Dam him, though. Leaving me alone like this. She paused, hanging her head. Well, at least I have kind neighbors. She beamed. Asali was so nice, she surely had a mate, but she decided not to ask. She didn't want to make her uncomfortable if she didn't.

[Deleted]

Korra commented on the den. I smiled, "Oh I just happened upon this...I guess we both needed emergency shelter." I chuckled. Korra confirmed that she and Winks were mates. I nodded. Just as I thought. I guess that was nice, though I couldn't imagine trusting someone that much. But if it meant I could have cubs...maybe I could try one day? No sooner had Korra finished saying at least I have kind neighbors  than a loud clap of thunder sounded not too far away. I jumped a little and stared at the den's entrance. I looked back at Korra after a second and laughed. As I did, the rain started coming down heavier. It slowly became darker and darker.

[SORA :D]

Well, either way, it's quite nice. It kinda reminds me of my den. The thunder clap rattled the earth, and Korra's fur stood on end for a seconded. She laughed along, because her reaction was quite funny.

[Deleted]

Korra's reacion made me laugh harder, even though I'd been just as startled. Korra laughed too. I kept laughing with her until my sides started hurting. I took a deep breath and exhaled to calm myself down. I grinned at the other cheetah and then walked to the front of the den again and watched the rain our down. I saw a lightning strike nearby and another clap of thunder sounded. This time it didn't startle me as much. I went a little further inside and sat facing Korra. "So...when did you and Winks meet?" I asked, attempting to prompt conversation.

[SORA :D]

Korra was almost in tears, she was laughing so hard. Asali walked on more, and faced her, asking when she and Winks met. Oh, Winks and I go back to before the war. We were only recently reunited. The next strike wasn't far, and the clap wasn't as loud. She didn't want to bore this cheetah with there backstory, but was more than willing to tell all, if she so desired.

[Deleted]

So, she and Winks went way back. "So you were mates back then, too?" I asked. "It must have been nice finding each other again." I couldn't really relate to Korra's story; I'd never fel that way about anyone. But I could imagine that being reunited after something like that must have been wonderful for them. They must have missed each other. Korra's story was probably so interesting to me because I'd never loved anyone. But I'd never let anyone close enough to me to feel something. "Winks also said you were pregnant? Congratulations."