Making Camp [sora]

[SORA :D]

Korra nodded, Yes, we had one litter of 2 before the war started, but they were killed in a raid on our den. A little tear fell from her eye, but that was it. It was a long time ago. It was wonderful to meet again after so many years, though I guess a year and half isn't that long. She laughed lightly. She silently wondered if Asali had a mate of her own. Oh thank you. You're very kind. Korra nodded. The rain was falling in sheets, and lightning was striking farther in the distance.

[Deleted]

For a moment, I felt a pang of loss as Korra described how they'd lost two cubs before their separation. Of course, I'd never felt that before, so I couldn't fully imagine what it must have been like. "I'm sorry," I said softly. Korra looked on the bright side, though. They were back together and could have more cubs now. Fluffy little spotted cubs, full of energy. "I think if I had a mate, I'd want to have cubs right away," I told Korra. I hadn't meant to open up to her, but it slipped out anyway. Of course, Korra didn't know the sadness behind that statement. And I didn't want to feel sad. I felt as if Korra and I might be becoming friends. "You're very lucky, Korra." I smiled. I listened to the rain; it seemed the storm was passing over us. It would be gone soon. It was always so beautiful after a storm...

[SORA :D]

Korra lay, listing to the rain, and the passing storm. Thank you. They were very young, not only a week, so I wasn't all that attached, but it was still hard to loose them. Korra waited, and then the statement about mates came up. She took from context that Asali didn't have a mate. Well, I think you'd be a wonderful mother. Korra paused. The rain was lighter now, and the storm was breaking. If you like, you're more than welcome to babysit them when there are born. That is, if you like. Korra smiled, and then stretched.

[Deleted]

"I'm sure it was." I felt sorry for Korra, and for Winks as she talked about their loss. At least they had a second chance, though. And maybe they'd have even more in the future. Korra told me I'd be a good mother, then. I smiled sadly at her. "Thank you," I said softly. I'd always hoped that I would be. But how could I? It seemed so unlikely that I would ever have cubs of my own. I turned my head to look out at the rain and to hide my expression from Korra. Then she spoke again and my head jerked back toward her and my face lit up. I could babysit? "Really? You mean that?" I hoped with everything in me that she was being honest, that she would just up and leave the next morning without ever speaking to me again. "I would be honored," I said with a smile. She stretched and I got the feeling it was about time to sleep. I went back to my spot in the back and laid down, resting my head on my paws, but I couldn't erase the smile on my face.

[SORA :D]

The storm had almost passed, but it was very late. Asali seemed to be overjoyed when I offered if sh emanated to babysit. Why, of coarse. I need all the help I can get! She laughed lightly, but synced that her statement meant more to Asali than she knew. Korra was getting drousy, and she could bearly keep her eye lids open. She soon fell into a deep sleep, soothed by the patter of rain.

[Deleted]

She insisted that she would need the help. I smiled. Of course, this meant that I would be a part of Korra's life now. I couldn't distance myself from her like I'd done with so many before. Somehow, I didn't really care, though. So far I liked Korra, and I could see us being friends. And her mate was okay, too. But would this mean I'd have to live with them in Wink's coalition? I didn't like the thought of that kind of commitment, but if it meant I could be around cubs, maybe it would be worth it? I decided not to think about it right now. Korra had fallen asleep, and I needed my rest as well. I closed my eyes and quickly slipped into a deep sleep.

[SORA :D]

Korra awoke to the sound of chirping birds, and the sun slipping over the horizon line. Asali was still asleep, as was kind enough to allow her to stay the night. So Korra felt that she needed to repay the cheetah, by fetching breakfast. It was still chilly, but was warming up fast. Not too far away, some gazell were grazing. Korra crouched low to the ground, that was wet from the storm. An older female cam into view, and she jumped at the opertunity. Going that fast, the wind in her face, and the task of the blood as she sunk her teeth into the gazelle's neck, killing it instantly. She tumbled down with the kill, felling the speed she loved leave her. She dragged the kill back to Asali's den, staying as quiet as she could, so as not to wake her.

[Deleted]

My dreams were happy ones, though the details were blurry and I forgot them as soon as they happened. One thing I did remember was the smell of a fresh kill, and my claws digging into the flesh of a gazelle as I took it down. The smell of blood, the taste of warm meat. My eyes blinked open. It seemed so real. Daylight was leaking into the den and I sat up, blinking away my dreams. I could still smell the gazelle. I tried to discern my memories from yesterday from my dreams last night, and started looking around for Korra. She was near the front of the den, and looking at what she had with her made sense of my dream. The older female had a fresh kill, a gazelle. "Korra, you should have let me do that. You need to focus on staying safe and helping those babies grow," I said with a smile. "Thank you, though." I walked over to her and sat beside the gazelle. "You eat what you want first." The gazelle was hard to resist, but I waited patiently. It was Korra's kill, anyway.

[SORA :D]

Korra looked on as the cheetah dreamed. You're right, I shouldn't have gone hunting, but I didn't want to feel like I was imposing. She shrugged. She hated not contributing. Asali offered her the first share, and Korra glad,y accepted. The meat was still warm, and the blood dripped down her chest. When she was finished, she stepped back, and bowed her head, motioning for Asali to take some.

[Deleted]

I smiled, "I understand. But I'd like to help if I can." Korra took me up on my offer and ate her share of the gazelle. Once she had started into it, the smell quickly filled the small den and I could almost taste it. She sat back to make room for me when she'd finished, so I gladly moved in for my share. It was still warm and tasted delicious. My paws and mouth were bloodstained when I finished, so I sat back and started licking my paws clean. There was very little meat left on the carcass. "How far do you live from here, Korra?" I asked her before I started cleaning my face.

[SORA :D]

Korra watched as Asali tore at the flesh of the animal. She groomed herself wile Asali ate, licking the blood and extra scrapes off her paws, and her fur. There was hardly anything left by the time Asali finished eating, but that was good. It meant that no scavengers would be attracted to the den. Speaking of dens, Asali wanted to know where Korra's was. Oh, dear. I believe it's bast the stream, and in some grasses. Near a big rock. She stated, between picking the meat out of her fur, and licking up the last of the blood.

[Deleted]

I listened to Korra's description of the location of her den and racked my brain trying to remember if I'd ever seen something like that. "Past the stream...big rock..." I muttered quietly as I thought. "I know where the stream is. Maybe we can look for it?" I asked her. Korra would definitely need to find her den soon. Winks would probably be worried if she didn't show up. And she would probably want to sleep in her own den tonight. I shoved the carcass into the back of the den and went out into the sunlight. Green light filtered down from the tree tops. It was a beautiful and majestic scene.

[SORA :D]

Korra nodded, and stepped out into the green light. The birds churped and rain drops from last night fell of the leaves overhead. The air was crisp, and clean, and felt amazing to breath. The trickle of water soon arose, and she knew she was near. Now just where exactualy is my den? She said to herself.

[Deleted]

Korra and I headed in the direction of the stream. It was a peaceful morning, beautiful after last night's storm. I was enjoying the coolness in the air. Soon, I saw the stream. "Past this, right?" I asked Korra. Everything beyond it was grassy, especially since it had been wet lately. I tried to see a rock, like Korra had said it was near. There were some small rocks scattered about, but I looked for the big one Korra had spoken of. I spotted one that was somewhat bigger than the ones I'd seen and jumped over the stream toward it. "Is this the rock you were talking about?" I asked her.

[SORA :D]

Korra nodded, and directed Asali, through the grasses, and over the stream. The sun was beating down, and it was warming up. Asali called out, and pointed out a large rock. Korra walked over, and sniffed, making sure it was the correct one. She nodded, as it was indeed the correct rock. Now, we go left a little, towards the bushes, and it should be just around there.