The pale lion was back once more. The sand reminded him of where he had been born even if it wasn't exactly the same. It hadn't been easy living in the desert but he missed it. So how strange was it that he became a medic in a place lacking of plants. But traders had introduced him to them and he had taken to the craft. It was a needed area of expertise in the desert when most in the pride chose more manageable pursuits. Most had been great hunters and fighters, they had to be, and didn't learn much else beyond that. Iofiel wasn't the best but he could be counted on to join in a hunt when the bodies were needed. Now fighting he steered clear of if he could. It went against his nature as a medic to cause harm.

The large male really should be looking for a place to settle and restart his garden but he hadn't found it in himself to leave the area just yet. He was still amazed by the water that went on as far as the eye could see. He had been told of this phenomenon before but he hadn't believed it then. Living in the desert it seemed impossible that there could be so much water.

But it wasn't water that could be drank. He had tested some and it had an odd taste to it. And drinking more had made him thirstier, then sick, rather than acting as water was meant to and filling a void. So he wasn't here to drink even if he laid at the shoreline and allowed the water to wash over his paws and half up his forelimbs. No, he was taking in the view and coming to terms with the fact that this wasn't some sort of mirage.

@Haniel

The man had returned to the area he had crossed into Amaryllis from. He was certain he had seen some useful plants there. But wasn’t about to take a king who offered shelter on a scavenger hunt. So, now that he had time to, he’d come back, looking around skeptically. It took him quite some time to notice a familiar scent, but when he did, it caused him quite a shock. But... there was no way they’d found each other again, right? The odds were so low Iofiel had survived the desert, as he had, and made it to the same place... but he followed the scent nonetheless. Then, when he spotted him, breaking out into a sprint.

“iofiel , hal hdha 'ant? iofiel!”(1) His native tongue slipped out, and he stopped short of his old friend, eyes filling with emotion, so many unanswered questions there. A part of him was angry at the other’s sudden disappearance but- he was alive! Wasn’t that all that mattered, at least for now? His head fell forward, hoping the other would bring his head to Haniel’s level so that he could give it a bump. Excitement filled his bones, it was truly him! And powers above he was taller! Haniel swore it! Or perhaps Haniel had shrunk? Either way he was definitely... more filled out. Still as handsome as Haniel remembered, but older now. His mane full.


(1: Iofiel, is that you? Iofiel!)
@Iofiel

Until you spread your wings,

you’ll have no idea how far you can fly.

code by corvus

His name was being called out. That was the first thing he noted and it pulled him from his trance-like state of watching the water. "hadha 'ana. munazamat alsihat alealamit...?"* The siamese pointed lion cut himself off whence he turned his head and quite sight of a form that was both familiar and unfamiliar all at once. And then it dawned on him that Arabic had been spoken rather than the Common Tongue that everyone else used. No one around here spoke Arabic, at least none he knew of. And then there was that voice... His own had grown deeper as he had aged.

"Haniel?" The name was spoken softly, as if it were a fragile thing and would shatter if one were to speak too loudly. Did he really dare hope? This all had to be some sort of strange dream. Iofiel got up and moved to approach the other. He took a few steps before he stopped, lifted paw still lingering in midair. There was no way that Haniel could be here. Haniel had the desert pride to preside over.

But those feather markings were all too familiar. Crimson gaze quickly dropped to the sand, head bowing respectfully. "'iinah lishrf kabir 'an 'usharik fi nfs almisahat mthlk maratan 'ukhraa , almalik Haniel."* Language quickly became respectful and he refused to look upon the other as such would be an offense back in their birth pride. They weren't cubs any longer. And he wasn't certain if friendship still stood. He had no idea what Haniel had been told about his departure. All he knew was that he ached to romp about with the peach lion as he had done when they were cubs but he kept himself standing at an appropriately respectful distance instead.

*hadha 'ana. munazamat alsihat alealamit...? = It's me. Who...?
*'iinah lishrf kabir 'an 'usharik fi nfs almisahat mthlk maratan 'ukhraa , almalik Haniel. = It is an honor to share the same space as you again, King Haniel

@Haniel

It took his friend several moments to notice him, but when he did, a smile grew upon Haniel’s face. Then the other paused at his approach, but Haniel tried not to miss a beat himself. Listening to the other’s deep voice filter into his ears. He then replied after several long moments, “ lm 'aead wrythana , nahn mutsawun ya sidiqi.”(1) He explained calmly, though not speaking further. The way he’d been cast out, well... he couldn’t say whether Iofiel harbored the same feelings as his pride had. Despite the foolish notions he’d had for Iofiel as a young man, he still got nervous around the other.

His teal eyes scanned over the other, checking for any indication of harm, but he seemed in perfect health. The picture of it, in fact. His eyes crinkled in the corners, “hal hadhih hi altariqat alty tastaqbil biha jmye al'asdiqa' alqadamaa?” (2) He jested lightly, aiming to lightly bat at the other’s shoulder. Although it was an awkward, high angle for him to reach out. Oh well, this was good enough for him. It was honestly just a shock, part of him wondered if he’d wake from a dream soon. He hoped not. He had missed Iofiel.

(1: I am no longer an heir, my friend, we are equal.)
(2: is this how you receive all old friends?)

@Iofiel

Until you spread your wings,

you’ll have no idea how far you can fly.

code by corvus

Equals. It sounded impossible to him. How could they ever be equals? Haniel might not be heir now but he had been born of royal blood. Iofiel had always been nothing, just a member to make up the populace. He had never been anything special, would never be anything special. So he didn't understand how Haniel could be so flippant about it. How could his old friend not see the great divide that stood between them?

"hal hdha ma nahn ealayha? ashab?"* It was a true and genuine question. Could Haniel still possibly see him as a friend after all this time? After whatever he had been told. "'ant last masta'an maniy?"* There was no way that Iofiel could believe that all was forgiven just like that. It simply wasn't possible. Iofiel had still been unable to forgive himself. He should have known better. He should have never said anything to anyone.

"lm 'akun 'urid 'an atraka. lm yakun khiari. lm yusmah li bialtahaduth maeak li'akhbarik."* And that was the one thing he had regretted the most, not being able to tell Haniel that he was leaving. He still had no idea how he would have ever explained it but at least his friend would know not to expect him about any longer. "la 'aerif madha qaluu lak lkn ..."* The large lion shook his head, unable to continue. He had not the words to explain things. He wouldn't be able to handle Haniel looking at him and thinking of him the same way that the pride had. Iofiel was already disgusted enough with himself.

*hal hdha ma nahn ealayha? ashab? = Is that what we are? Friends?
*'ant last masta'an maniy? = You are not upset with me?
*lm 'akun 'urid 'an atraka. lm yakun khiari. lm yusmah li bialtahaduth maeak li'akhbarik. = I did not want to leave. It had not been my choice. I was not allowed to speak to you to tell you.
*la 'aerif madha qaluu lak lkn ... = I do not know what they told you but...

@Haniel

Of course, in a way, he’d always see himself as superior to just any random lion. He hadn’t been born a commoner. But Iofiel? Well... he was an exception. They’d grown up together, played and laughed with each other. He wasn’t just... anyone, was he? At his words, Haniel looked up at him sharply, a fire in the depths of his green eyes, “ tbea limadha tashk fi dhlk?”(1) At his next question, Haniel shook his head at him, “ aietadat 'an 'akun , lkn ... alan 'asheur bialairtiah li'anak bikhayr.” He explained, it was true enough. He’d harbored anger and sadness at his friend’s disappearance, but so much time had passed since then... he’d gotten mostly over it.

The small lion nodded, he had figured as much, honestly. Seeing as he’d not been able to speak to anyone before being cast out. Lest he... what was the word his father and advisor had used? Oh yes ‘infect’ the pride further. What bullshit. The other didn’t explain why he had been forced to leave, and Haniel didn’t want to get into his reasoning either. He was not ‘ashamed’ per say, but scared. He didn’t want his oldest friend looking at him different, or cutting ties with him. “ la yuhimu alan , 'ana saeid li'anana wajadna bedna albaed maratan 'ukhraa.” (3) He assured, finally bumping his head into the other’s shoulder, briefly, before backing away again. Not lingering too long, despite any want to.

(1: Of course, why do you doubt that?)
(2: I was, but... Now I’m just relieved you’re ok)
(3: That doesn’t matter now, I’m just happy we found each other again.)
@Iofiel

Until you spread your wings,

you’ll have no idea how far you can fly.

code by corvus

Haniel didn't even hesitate to name them as friends. There was no second guessing on the part of the peach lion. Iofiel hadn't expected that. Perhaps his cubhood friend hadn't been told some sort of horrible tale about him. Maybe they could still manage to somehow salvage what they had once had and be able to rebuild it up once again.

"laqad mara waqt tawil mundh akhar marat ra'ayna fiha baeduna albaeda."* He gave in response to explain why he had worded things as he had. It wasn't that he didn't want to be friends. He simply hadn't expected it after his unexpected departure years ago. Iofiel hadn't imagined that he could have ever been forgiven for that. He was most certainly glad that he had been though.

A rare smile upturned the corners of his mouth at what Haniel said next. It was such a rare display of emotion for the pale male. He had become far too used to hiding what he thought and felt behind a carefully neutral expression. "yaseiduni 'an 'ajidak jydana. ela alrghm min 'anani yjb 'an 'aetarif 'anani munadahish liruyatik ghadart. lm 'atukhial 'an hdha sayahduth abdana."* He hadn't imagined Haniel would ever choose to leave the desert behind. Not when the other had absolutely everything going for him.

Ah yes, Iofiel had gotten the whole infection spiel. And if he had known the cause behind Haniel's departure then no doubt he would have suspected that he would have been blamed for corrupting Haniel even if he hadn't been there for quite some time. After all he had been banished in an attempt to try to prevent such a thing from happening.

When Haniel bumped into him, despite how briefly it was, his gut twisted sharply and his heart thudded in his chest, could Haniel hear that? It sounded so loud to him how could Haniel not possibly hear it? How dare his body betray him so? This was his best friend, not someone that he was meant to pine after.

"wamadha yjb 'an nafeal alan baed 'an wajadna bedna albaed maratan 'ukhraa?"* Iofiel would do whatever Haniel wanted to do. He was just so glad to see the other again. All he wanted was to catch up with the other and make up for all the years lost between them.

*laqad mara waqt tawil mundh akhar marat ra'ayna fiha baeduna albaeda. = It has just been so long since we last seen each other.
*yaseiduni 'an 'ajidak jydana. ela alrghm min 'anani yjb 'an 'aetarif 'anani munadahish liruyatik ghadart. lm 'atukhial 'an hdha sayahduth abdana. = I am glad to find you well. Though I must admit that I am surprised to see that you have left. I never imagined that would ever happen.
*wamadha yjb 'an nafeal alan baed 'an wajadna bedna albaed maratan 'ukhraa? = And what should we do now that we have found each other again?

@Haniel

The tale they’d spun about Iofiel was simply unbelievable. He wouldn’t have attacked his friends or distant family, that just wasn’t how his neutral, quiet friend was. Haniel had simply tried to move on with his life, knowing better than to question the authority of his father. Knowing to keep his head down. The other explained what he had meant, and Han nodded. The larger male smiled and his heart fluttered. That was one of Iofiel’s best features, something rare he barely ever saw. But it warmed him so, every time. Though that was something he was unlikely to admit. At the mention of him leaving, he shrugged, “ taghayarat alkhutat , taeabat min alsahra'.”(1) He admitted. The lions who lived there had gotten sick of him, too.

Haniel was perfectly unaware of the nervousness he caused his oldest friend. Held his tongue, wanting to make a flirtatious comment back at him. Ah, it’d be so witty too! ‘I could think of something.’ No, anyone would faint if he said that, anyways. Instead he responded practically. “hsnana , laqad laja'at 'iilaa Pride of Lagoon ، 'ana dayf , yjb 'an tati watabqaa hunak.” He insisted, smiling up at him briefly, bumping Iofiel’s leg with his shoulder and facing towards the pride. “They speak common, that’s okay, yes?” His faint, but obviously accented voice traveled to the other.

(1: Plans change, I got sick of the desert.)
(2: Well I have taken refuge in the Pride of The Lagoon, I am a guest, you must come and stay there.)

@Iofiel

Until you spread your wings,

you’ll have no idea how far you can fly.

code by corvus

The smile slipped from Iofiel's features when Haniel admitted to being sick of the desert. So perhaps he shouldn't tell his friend of the desert he had found here. How silly of him to think that Haniel might want to go back to the old way of things when clearly he left to find a new path. At least he was assuming that Haniel had left on his own accord, not that his friend had been forced out the same way that he had been.

"aiftaqad alsahra'."* The words were admitted to quietly, even quieter than Iofiel typically was as if he might be afraid to upset his old friend with them. But he had been forced away from the place he had called home. And even though he had lived other places nothing had ever felt like home to him the way the desert had. Granted Haniel had been a large part of making the desert feel like home.

Haniel invited him to join the Lagoon with him. As a guest. So perhaps his friend wasn't so taken with the pride to have no officially joined up there just yet. "laqad qil li ean alsahra' huna. wahatun. 'iinah makan ma fakart fih bijadiatin."* It would be easy to slip into an habitat again. He knew about oases. He knew the desert well and how to survive. It would be a struggle to maintain a garden but he had done it before and he could do it again.

"qul li almazid ean hadhih albuhayrati. kayf tabadu?"* Iofiel wasn't about to outright dismiss the place that the peach lion had spoken to him of. He had no idea what a lagoon even was. Perhaps it would do better to host a garden than the desert did. That would certainly be a factor in his decision, even if Haniel would be the main factor in any decision he made.

*aiftaqad alsahra'. = I miss the desert.
*laqad qil li ean alsahra' huna. wahatun. 'iinah makan ma fakart fih bijadiatin. = I have been told of a desert here. An oasis. It is somewhere I have seriously considered.
*qul li almazid ean hadhih albuhayrati. kayf tabadu? = Tell me more of this lagoon. What is it like?

@Haniel

A whisper came from the other, and Haniel had to fight to keep himself from getting angry. Everytime he’d gone to the desert now, even here, he relived those memories. The stress of hiding himself his whole life, and being found out. Being cast out to starve or die of dehydration. That’s what they’d done. Tried to seal his fate. But damnit Haniel was stubborn. He’d survived and made it here. Why did Iofiel want a hard life, wasn’t he tired of it? Instead, he took a measured breath, at the mention of an oasis, he looked a bit more optimistic. “hadha ybdw mthyrana lilaihtimam ... la yumkinuni tahmil fikrat altanaqul eabr alsahra' , fala yujad masdar dayim lilghidha' 'aw alma' , faqat alharara.”(1) He admitted. But an oasis? Perhaps he could be persuaded.

Haniel shrugged, “
'uqim faqat lifatrat qasirat kadif , hqana , almalik yuafir almawaa li'ayi shakhs yahtajuh , talamaan 'anak tarfae wazink.”(2) Han explained, looking at the other calmly. He wasn’t asking the other to stay forever, just for a short while. “ 'urjuk tueal maeaya? hunak majmueat dakhmat min almiah walnabatat tanmu fi kli makanin.”(3) His eyes had a small bit of a pleasing look to them. A sort of ‘puppy dog eye’ look. He was a master in persuasion, of course.


(1: That does sound interesting... I just can’t stand the idea of moving through a desert, no constant source of food or water, just heat.)
(2: I am only staying for a short while, the King gives refuge to any who needs it.)
(3: Please come with me? There is a huge pool of water and plants going everywhere.)

@Iofiel

Until you spread your wings,

you’ll have no idea how far you can fly.

code by corvus