Well. He certainly felt a fool. A gret pink fluffy fool.

In his mouth were a fistful of flowers, pops of red, yellow, pink and white, just beginning to bloom in defiance of the dissipating winter. They were freshly picked from the sweet nectar fields.

He'd asked Aarani to meet him here, fully intending to give her these flowers as a symbol of thanks. A gesture of something more. He wanted to tell her his feelings but he wasn't sure he could, so he made sure he could do this under the guise of a meaningful thank you.

Gods, he wasn't even sure if she cared for flowers. What an idiot he was. At the very least maybe they could be used for some kind of healing?

Sitting in the middle of a field, sat on his haunches, sticking out like a sore thumb. He looked lost with a bundle of wilting flowers clutched in his massive maw. What a picture he made. What an imbecile he felt.

And yet, he would wait for her. And if he gathered his courage, he would ask if she would be willing to let him court her. His guilt still resided, a constant murmur beneath his ribs - but he was fast learning that he couldn't live in the past any longer.

What if those hyenas had killed him, and he had died without Aarani ever knowing his mounting feelings for her? It simply wasn't good enough. He needed to let her know - needed to know if they would have a future together.

@Aarani

^{_{CODE & ART BY D}}

Aarani loathed to leave the territory after the threat of hyenas had drawn so close to home. She wished it were possible to keep her pride safely tucked away from the creatures (her cubs, mostly) but she knew it would be impossible to convince the group to remain stagnant. The sovereign was her largest concern (in more than one way, because he was gargantuan) with his wounds still healing. Aarani found herself fretting whenever he left because.. well, what if he didn't come back? What if the hyenas came back to finish what they'd started, and what if they came in greater numbers than before? She couldn't lose him. She just.. she couldn't. When he'd asked to meet her somewhere outside of the territory, Rani had hesitated. It would mean tucking her cubs into the den and praying they stayed still, but she'd fed them a large meal and told them all stories until they'd slipped to sleep so theoretically it wouldn't be an issue. They were still too young to venture very far and the other pride members were around, so she had no reason to suspect anything tragic would happen. Rani worried, but she was curious as well. What could he possibly need from her that required meeting outside of the oasis? There were a slew of potentials both good and bad, but she'd decided to forego her anxiety and focus instead on her appearance. The lioness had groomed herself to perfection and soaked her mane, using her claws to curl the ends as it dried. She'd even rubbed against some flowers to give herself an earthy perfume, and now she was on her way to meet the king with a bounce in her stride. It didn't take too long for her to spot his behemoth form against the fields of flowers. The palomino priestess chuffed softly in greeting, her petite frame gliding through the flowers effortlessly as she moved towards him. "My king," the lioness sang, batting her eyelashes up at him as she came to pause before him. "That's quite a bouquet you have!" Were they for Sweet Pea? That would have been adorable beyond words. @Fíonn

Table by Ice. Graphic by Brooke.

Well Aarani certainly looked.... different.

She was more beautiful every day Fíonn saw her but there was something extra special about her now, her curving form cutting a wondrous silhouette as she waded through the rows and rows of flowers. Her mane had a wonderful curl to it, her body prim and scented faintly, even amongst the buds around them. Fionn was awestruck - she may as well have glowed.

Her eyes were bright and she was chipper, and that meant more to him than her looks ever could.

The King swallowed hard as she approached, nervousness creeping up his spine. He wanted so bad to tell her - why was the bridge to get to that destination so hard to cross? Gods, the faeries may as well carry him away.

She asked if the flowers were for Sweet Pea, and he saw an out right then. He could just say yes and that would be that, all this travel for nothing. But the titan wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he kept trying to deny himself his feelings.

Gingerly, he placed the bouquet between them - he’d managed to bind the stems together with a piece of twine, although he would never admit it had taken about an hour to do so, his teeth and paws fumbling as he had tried to preserve the delicate heads of the flowers. Honestly he should’ve asked for some help from Poppy.

For Sweet Pea? He began, Not quite. I.... The ache of his injuries felt nothing in comparison to the drumbeat in his chest. His nerves were clear on his face, his skin turning pale, something that could even be seen beneath his great shaggy coat. Looking at her as she was, he was suddenly aware of what a mess he looked in comparison - twigs in his mane, dirt in his paws, the odd petal and leaf caught in his extra fluffy pelt. Unbeknownst to him, there were a few pink petals caught in the mane framing his face. Of course, he’d groomed religiously before his flower gathering but after romping through the fields all morning he now looked as though he’d been dragged backwards through a hedge.

Quite suddenly, he realised he had been silent for an insurmountable amount of time. He cleared his throat.

I’ve gathered them for you, Miss Aarani. he admitted, booming voice turned quiet admission as his eyes darted to the floor, embarrassed. His ears wilted, awaiting the worst - surely she would call him a fool? Uncontrolled, the man began to babble in his panic. As thanks. For healing me. I don’t know if you even like flowers but they might be able to be used for healing? I’m sorry, I really should’ve asked you first, this was silly of me, I just wanted to do something nice for you, to try and show you that -

@Aarani

^{_{CODE & ART BY D}}

@Fíonn may have felt he looked disheveled, but Aarani didn't notice. She only saw the gentle curve of his lips into a smile so filled with warmth it could melt even the coldest of hearts. Considering her own heart was already so tender, the smile only further encouraged her to turn to a pile of goo. It was mind boggling how such a simple, innocent gesture could release a swam of butterflies into her stomach and Aarani knew then she was doomed. Whether or not a relationship between them flowered, she was helpless to stop herself from falling. It was a dangerous game, one that she would have rather avoided, but life had a funny way of forcing its players to play when they least expected. The last thing she had expected was to be separated from her spouses, give birth alone in the desert and stumble upon a pink behemoth that made her heart palpitate. What a strange life it was. He seemed perplexed by her question, almost as if she wasn't supposed to know they were for his daughter. Was he afraid she would spill the beans? Aarani's head tilted in mild confusion as she watched him, but he moved to place the flowers at her paws and explained they were.. for her. Her eyes lit up at the revelation. "For.. for me?" she asked, the emotion as obvious as the freckles on her face. No one had ever gifted her anything before, not like this. Of course she had been given food once or twice, but the effort he had put into collecting the flowers and binding them together.. well, it was enough to make her eyes mist over. "They're beautiful, Fionn. I love them and will treasure them forever." Aarani lowered her muzzle to gently sniff the blossoms, grinning at the pleasant floral scent. "Thank you so much, it.. it means a lot to me that you went to all this effort." She was nearly sheepish to admit it out loud, honestly. He trailed off towards the end and her brows knitted together curiously, wondering what he could possibly have done it for outside of just.. being a nice guy. "If you wanted to thank me for healing you, you could have just said thank you -- there's no need to go to this extent. I'm honored to serve as your healer, my king." And goodness, he sure was keeping her busy!

Table by Ice. Graphic by Brooke.

Seeing her light up as she realised, her face postiviely alight with joy - Fionn would crack a rib at this rate, judging by how hard his heart was banging against his chest. It was as if it wanted to break out and take flight.

Just thanking her? No, words weren't enough. Nor was this purely about thanking her. He wanted to ask her to be his, to let him court her, to dance a playful, flirting tango which he hoped would lead down the road to her being his bride. Of course, it would open up several avenues of pain doing so - but she was a healer. Aarani could mend anything broken, even if that broken thing was his heart.

Gods, what a corny bastard he had become. He'd be a sop by the time he reached old age, muttering sweet nothings and droll bits of poetry as he went senile and was booted out to pasture. But he didn't care - she made him feel young,. Virile and excited and longing to be close to her. Haniel certainly would't mind their fling being called off - the King had known from the start that his whole business with the Oasis' baron was a bit of fun between two men who's hearts belonged to other people. He'd let Hnaiel know right after the pride hunt he was planning to hold, and he would devote every step after to making the woman before him the happiest she could be.

Of course, thinking it and saying it were two totally different things. Words evaded the titan, mocking him as he tried to figure out what to say. As he'd gathered the flowers this morning, he'd practiced what felt like a hundred different ways to ask her, but none of them seemed to fit.

But then - he thought he might say it in a way she would understand. A way that mimicked what they had spoken about before.

Mo ghrá, he began, his voice wobbling a little in place of a usual steady mortar. the gaelic rolled thick and heavy off of his tongue. On that night, a month ago, he hoped she woud remember, the night where they had gotten too close, far too close, and discussed their happily ever afters, You told me something. You said that if I ever found a man who would love you, for everything you are, that I should send him your way. he took a steadying breath, feeling like stars were bursting into supernovas behid his eyes. Her face, unbelievable and freckled, and his pulse, beating in his head and closing up his rapidly drying throat.

Well... I think I've found him. He began, stomach going for broke as it tied itself in knots. I'll be the first to admit - the man isn't perfect. He's broken in places, and stuck in his ways. It took a bit longer than I'd hoped to convince him, but... he bore into her with a steely seafoam gaze, his voice laden, heavy with meaning, He wants to court you, to make you to his, and win your affections. In return, he'd give you everything.

Leaning closer, noses inches away, he watched her with a vulnerable, open gaze, his voice barely a breath, voice only for himself, for Aarani and the fae around them to hear.

What do you say? he whispered. The flowers bobbed their heads in the gentle breeze. This was it. Would you let me give you everything, Miss Aarani?

@Aarani

^{_{CODE & ART BY D}}

Of course Aarani wanted to be humble, to try and convince him he didn't need to go to such great lengths to simply offer his gratitude. The reality was she was so absolutely smitten by what he'd done for her that she was nearly trembling, but she did her best to disguise it however she could. It felt as though their hearts were reaching out to one another, fingertips nearly touching. All they needed to do was take another step and allow themselves a chance, because that was what they both deserved. A chance to love one another, to be the sun and the moon dancing for all eternity. They could be forever for each other if only one of them had the courage to embrace it. Fortunately, @Fíonn did. The unfamiliar language caught her attention. Rani didn't know what it meant, but she hoped it was kind. It certainly would have been a mood killer to learn it meant anything other than sweetheart or darling, so she didn't ask. Let her have her dreams. He went on to explain, to offer up his heart and soul in such a vulnerable fashion it caught Aarani by surprise. There was talk of a mystery man who sought her attention, who spoke of himself as anything but worthy to be in her graces. Her cheeks flushed as he drew nearer, seeking permission to court her and make her his. The emotions warred in her heart, but she was powerless to do anything but smile. "I have been yours since the moment we met," she murmured, lifting her muzzle to look into the depths of his seafoam gaze. "You have my affections, my heart, my soul -- you have all of me should you want it." The priestess stepped forward to press her muzzle beneath his chin, to softly nuzzle him and kiss his cheek. "If you give me your heart, you will already give me everything I could ever possibly want. You are what I want, Fíonn, and I have been looking for you for years." Aarani grinned. "I just didn't know it at the time." And then, just in case he needed a more solid answer: "Yes, Fíonn, I would like that very much."

Table by Ice. Graphic by Brooke.

To be accepted, so hard and fast, he felt as if he were falling, spiralling into unfathomable depths and her eyes. Her eyes burning holes into him as she said yes to everything he had to offer.

And then she curled into him, under him, with a nuzzle and a kiss and an unbridled purr erupted from the chasms of his chest as she touched him, his skin alight wherever she graced him with her prescence. He leant over her, curling his gargantuan head and neck over hers in a warm embrace, reaching as so far as to lay a kiss upon the soft spot where her nape met the delicate curve of her shoulder blade.

There were no words for what he felt. Pure elation at her acceptance, her want of him. It would've knocked him out had the desire to be here with her right now not been so strong.

His purr rumbled as he curled his chin into her, intending to gently pull her over into the soft flowerbeds beneath their feet, wanting to hold her in his arms. Nothing else would be sought, nothing of a carnal pleasure - nothing beyond a kiss or two. He simply wanted to embrace her, to look upon her face framed by flowers and commit the sight to memory. Something he could think on when he was old and blind, he should see her face, her body laid in a field of flowers, and feel nothing but fondness.

Please, he whispered, voice husky as he murmured into her ear, Let me hold you. There's so much to do... A pride hunt, for one, their caches were getting low, and Sweet Pea was no doubt getting into trouble somewhere, ...but I want to take a moment. I want to remember this.

@Aarani

^{_{CODE & ART BY D}}

Aarani knew the repercussions of her actions would send ripples throughout her life; the cubs who knew no true father would come to call a man other than Gabriel their papa, and any future litters would belong to her king. The timing was strange, but everything felt so.. right, as corny as it sounded. It felt as though the spirits had truly blessed her path in life, lead her to Gabriel in order to begin her family and move on. Aarani would do it all again if it brought her to @Fíonn in that moment, to share in the butterflies and subtle glances and wondering what if. Yes, she would do it all again if it lead her to him. She didn't know where this left them, of course. Were they a mated pair, or did he still wish to court her for a while? Aarani didn't understand the concept, but if it was important to him that things be done in a certain way, she would gladly oblige. It wasn't as though she was well-versed in the art of romance and marriage, after all, and so she would follow his lead with unwavering trust. Her eyes fluttered closed at the gentle kiss between her shoulders. There was an involuntary shudder down her spine at the fleeting touch that sparked a desire for more, but she refrained from pressing too boldly. Fíonn was making it clear they were taking things slow and Rani would respect his decision, regardless of how primed and ready she was to throw herself into his arms altogether. "Then hold me," she murmured, glancing up at him from beneath a curtain of curls. "I am yours, my king, to have and to hold for as long as you desire." Aarani pressed into him encouragingly, giving him little room to hesitate or pull away. The lioness sneaked another kiss to his jaw, purring in contentment. If the spirits had indeed brought them together, she would forever be in their debt.

Table by Ice. Graphic by Brooke.

They flopped into the soft flowerbeds together, and Fionn would manouvre himself to be above her, over her where she lay on her back, careful to not let his full weight rest upon her body. He knew how big he was. He didn't fancy crushing her after only just admitting his feelings for the woman.

I like the sound of that, he rumbled, his voice soft and vulnerable as it had been prior, but now with an edge of something hotter to it. Something rougher, hinting at the untapped poer beneath his skin and soft visage. Watching her splayed out like this, willing and open, tore a raw hole within him, a ceaseless hunger that cried to be satiated. He made no move to hide his heady gaze as he raked her body up and down, hungry.

You're gorgeous. he murmured, breathless, tone almost a growl. I've thought so since that day you came to my border with your cubs in tow.

He leaned down with an ease that would surprise any, looking at his sheer hulk. One would think a man so large couldn't move as deliberate. Delicate, he buried his face into the fur of her exposed neck, leaving a few teasing kisses there before pulling away.

We should get back, he whispered. There was so much to do.

-fade/exit

@Aarani

^{_{CODE & ART BY D}}

Aarani was nothing if not physically affectionate. She happily sprawled onto her back as he loomed over her, and she knew within a moment he was filled with as much lust as she was. The lioness grinned, lifting a paw to gingerly rest against his cheek as she murmured: "I can tell you more often, then." But as she felt his eyes running down her frame, she plain forgot what she was supposed to tell him. Her cheeks flushed beneath her fur at his compliment. Gorgeous. Gabriel had called her an enchantress, but she couldn't recall him ever offering a description of beauty. Rani had no doubt that he'd found her beautiful, of course! She simply hadn't realized the impact hearing it would make on her confidence. "You have my permission to think that forever." Aarani laughed her singsong laugh, but it quickly turned to a soft gasp as he began kissing her neck. "@Fíonn," she murmured, her voice more of a subtle moan than anything else. Rani closed her eyes, willing him to continue.. and was then sorely disappointed when he pulled away. Flustered and a bit confused, she lay there for a few brief moments trying to gather her bearings. "Oh, yes, we should." Right. She had cubs. They probably needed food, didn't they? Sigh. The priestess pushed herself off the ground, nodding to the king. "Off we go then, hm?" She planted a kiss on his cheek for good measure, daring to flash him a seductive glance before she took the lead. He could enjoy watching her from behind, she thought. exit

Table by Ice. Graphic by Brooke.