Lakota & Ktulu

The Poisoner & The Constrictor

Since their reunion, Ktulu's Poisoner had not strayed far from her side at any moment. Fearing they would be separated so soon once more. She heeled like an obedient dog, yet she never doubted that Ktulu saw her as an equal, and so her obedience came from the surety that she was not lesser. Love made her confident. It made her glow. Ktulu made her beautiful, made her vibrant, in so many ways Lakota could scarcely comprehend. Lakota had never felt truly beautiful before, not until Ktulu had breathed love into her and awakened her soul. She'd never felt more beautiful since Ktulu had walked into her life. And it wasn't an abundance of compliments or flattering statements that caused such a feeling to well in her chest, either. It was simply knowing Ktulu loved her. That Lakota was hers. And so when her Constrictor had quietly asked her to remain behind while she met with the leaders of the Edge, Lakota had smiled and agreed. And that is where she remained, idly grazing on occasion, even as nervousness clawed at her belly. She disliked leaving Ktulu on her own, to face the leaders of a herd she did not know, but she trusted her mate just as much.

Tulu fine, Aodaun chided softly, amusement thick in his voice, and Lakota swore that damn bear was smirking at her. Childishly puffing her cheeks at him she flicked her plume and nervously resumed her pacing. Surely Ktulu or Eytan would have alerted her had something gone wrong...even if they were overwhelmed. Nausea made her feel sick, knowing she was overreacting. But she hated, more than anything, to leave her beloved at the mercy of those she did not trust. Even more so those she didn't know at all. Aodaun huffed at her, clearly resigned to the fact he wouldn't be getting through to her, and turned to pad away from her. Curiosity seized the maiden, deep sapphire harks flicking up and pretty features lifting into the sun to watch him as he left.

"Ao?" she called softly, puzzled. The bear waved her off mildly, clearly content in whatever it was he was doing, and so Lakota frowned but let him waltz off wherever it was he wished. She would not chain him at her side, even if she worried for him and loved his companionship both. Though she did eventually lower herself gingerly into the cool grass below, chest high and forelegs long before her, ready to move at any moment. But it was better than wearing her legs off pacing. So instead, she closed her eyes, pulled herself to the thread of Aodaun's consciousness, and allowed his vision to suffice for her own.

Relief flowed through her, seeing Ktulu calm and almost...relaxed in the presence of the two painted equines standing opposite her unicorn mate. She was unharmed. Aodaun hung back, flopping silently on his belly in the underbrush to watch them. If Eytan sensed the, Lakota doubted Ktulu would misunderstand. In fact, she would likely immediately know why Aodaun had come to spy upon them, for Lakota was worried for the well-being of her mate. She listened idly, understanding all the words Aodaun caught despite his own choppy comprehension of their language. A flush raged through her and her face burned hot as she heard her beloved speak, declaring aloud a sentiment she could scarcely believe despite the truthfulness of it. "I'm looking for a home. One safe enough for myself and my mate." Her heart trembled, chest warm and pleasantly fuzzy. My mate. She wanted to roll about and scream and laugh, let everyone know what she'd just heard, she was so deliriously happy.

So enveloped in her feelings she hardly realized her name was being called, but her eyes shot open regardless, momentarily dizzying herself as she severed the connection with Aodaun. Snorting softly she kicked gracefully up to ebony hooves, turning and loping elegantly towards her mate. A soft whicker announced her presence before she appeared, readying the trio to her impending arrival. A true call was unnecessary with their short distance. At her side, Aodaun reappeared, and as a pair they came to view the three gathered at the borders. Critical violet eyes swept over Aaron and Kahlua, before softening subtly upon landing on Ktulu's muscled frame.

"Volunteering me already?" she laughed playfully, voice soft, clearly meant for Ktulu alone even if it was audible to all. Voice became more guarded, expression more vapid as she faced the leader she may take on as her own. "Lakota the Poisoner, a pleasure." Lyrics purred like a black panther's from her lips, velvet over a silver dagger. Lakota was soft with love for only one living soul, but she was not to be disregarded as the dangerous being she truly was. Eyes slid slowly over to rest upon Ktulu, moving closer until their sides brush, cheek momentarily lingering over the depression where neck and shoulder met, hearing her heartbeat as she checked her for wounds she logically knew were not there. "Is this the home you desire, Ktulu?" Phrased seriously, but in no way judgmental. A plain question, eyes flickering over Ktulu's face for an answer. Was this the place? Would this become their home?