There was nothing like the company of old friends to pass away the time, the sands as well as distance seemed to disappear and be washed away in the tide of their grand laughter and even grander tales. It made the distance between their forested home and the threshold that much smaller, if only he had had this when he was traveling to Helovia, the journey would of been a much brighter affair and shorter for it.

They had many good memories, before the blackened shadow had fallen on Dorobo. Kiuaji remembered them all as though they had happened yesterday, entertained thoroughly by the Elephants choice of memories to bring up and repeat. Ah, to have warriors flushed in the heat of determination all over his delicate visage, only to have their resolve shatter when the curtain was pulled on his charade, those were the days that he longed for again. Hasovir, dear haughty Hasovir, had been a source of constant misfortune when the effeminate stud turned his attention to him. Served him right, Kiuaji had responded when Tembovu had told the tale, at the time his words had been much more colourful that spilled from his lips, watching with glittered amethyst's as Hasovir had tumbled head first into the mud.

And Tembovu, the great oaf, he had warned him that it was a bad idea. Did he listen? No. Of course he hadn't, and Kiuaji had watched the men heave their great weight pull Tembovu's greater weight from the bottom of the River. He had given the elephant a colourful barrage of words as well once he was safe and warmed. Now as they walked, further and further into the thickened trees and sprawled roots, he had wondered why he had come back here, had it been hope that others had stole away to follow in their hoofsteps? Dorobo was not a breath away from Helovia, it would take it's toll on those that were not prepared for the vastness that lay between the Great Plains and the lush land filled with promise. Would anymore have dared to leave?

The poisoners lithe body easily fitted between the tree's, he wove like a great serpent over and around each obstacle. He found himself fortunate that he had not filled out as the others had in their tribe, fine warriors they had made with their robust frames and thick necks but a warriors life had not been for him, he preferred the shadowed path and had grown to suit it like the precious gems that had often sat in their shimmering glory around his person.


Kiuaji had not expected the name that had fallen from Tembovu's lips. Tsavo that lioness had made her way to Helovia? Had she come to spread her own brand of delight and inflict it upon himself and his old friend? Seemed likely to the more effeminate stallion. She looked as ruined as the governments shattered remains and the light in her eye seemed much more dulled, overwhelmed and tired, much to the sleuth's delight. They had often engaged in verbal battles in the council chambers time and time again, and Kiuaji was not above taking simple pleasure at her apparent misfortune.

While Tembovu's words were of surprise and questioned intentions, his own that fell were decidedly more him. "Tsavo — is that you?" He half-sang behind a veil of a smirk and a sly glance. "I had thought I'd smelled Makutano's entire perfume market, you are as pungent as ever, my dear." Finally he appeared out from behind Tembovu and came to stand beside him, golden and white tail settled between his hocks. Kiuaji didn't say anything after that, instead he let himself be eased into a comfortable silence as he waited for her to speak.

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Notes;;