Zinnia

They walked, and walked some more. When they arrived at the place that had the plants that Zabrina tended to, there was no one there. She breathed deeply, she could smell Zabrina…but it was faded, she hadn’t been here in several days. Zinnia shook her head, taking another deep breath as she wandered the area. Despite her efforts, she could not figure out if the scent led back to the den or down another path. It all blurred together to her young nose. She looked to Aphro, her lip trembling slightly. "She’s not here…" She stated the obvious, looking around yet again before her shoulders sagged.

She was still upset, still somewhat panicked, but after so long, it was obvious that the lavender was helping. Her breath was coming easier, she no longer took so many shallow breaths. "Umm… lets try by the falls… Zabby wikes there too." She was determined, but it clear that she was slowly giving up. If Zabby wasn’t by the falls they would have to go back to the Cove without her and try again in the morning. Sniffling, she would begin walking towards the falls, knowing her best friend would follow her. Zinnia didn’t understand why Zabrina was gone, why she wasn’t at the den…it was already so late. She glanced up at the dark sky, stars twinkling, she should have been back by now.

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@Aphrodite ♔

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After looking for some time, Aphrodite knew that @Zinnia was going to start becoming worried and panicked again so she had to figure out how to keep her calm. Ears twisting on top of her head as she heard Zinnia's words and Aphrodite glanced over to the girl and the sadness that wrapped its disgusting hand around her heart. She would move closer to the girl and sit down before pulling the girl back close to her as she looked around again, just to see if maybe she had missed anything and when she found nothing there was a small sigh escaping her lips.

Ears pushed forwards as Zinnia spoke about the waterfalls and Aphrodite would silently nod, following after the sniffling girl. She felt terrible. In truth her thoughts began to think about what she might have done. Aphrodite didn't think that she had done anything besides protect the girl and give her a home. A home that Zabrina would've been welcomed into so that she could stay closer to the girl who she followed. And yet, it was like the dual colored lioness had disappeared altogether and that in its own made after begin to dislike the woman.

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Zinnia

Zinnia was glad for the comfort, resting against Aphro and being embraced by her friend was indeed calming and it helped a bit in keeping her from panicking all over again when they couldn’t find Zabrina at the flower place, once she was able to move off, she had mentioned the waterfall. She was brave, she would not let the tears fall, instead she rubbed her head against her shoulder to brush them away as she walked. Zinnia focused on her breathing as best she could, in and out, deep inhale and a slow exhale.

The girl felt the hope in her chest as they approached the soothing falls, but once more, there was nothing there. Zinnia stopped before fully getting to the falls, from a short distance it was easy to see the entirety of the area under the moonlight. Her yellow gaze raked thoroughly over the falls and the spots Zabrina usually rested at. The chimera was not there. Zinnia inhaled the scents around them, but not even a hint of Zabrina could be found by her tiny nose. Her shoulders would sag, her chest feeling as if it were being crushed as the hope was quickly snuffed out and she was left empty and upset. She was tired, her mind full of anxiety but outwardly, she simply stared with her head low and shoulders somewhat hunched. "Why she gone, Aphro?" She asked, her voice quiet, upset. Once more she would lean into Aphro, having no choice but to let the tears fall this time.

After awhile, she would look up to her friend, her yellow eyes full of hurt and worry. "We can wook tomorrow?" She asked, there was only so much searching to be done at night. Aphro was right, they could look again tomorrow. And the day after that. Zinnia was used to being carried by Zabrina, but tonight, she would rise and begin to walk back to the cove, her head hung low and her paws dragging on the ground. She was exhausted, but she wouldn’t ask to be carried. She was a Law, Law’s were not carried.



-exit with @Aphrodite ♔?

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They walked to the falls that Zinnia had spoken about. She was silent the entire way but deep down she knew they wouldn't find Zabrina here or anywhere near the mountain side that they had resided beside. It was clear the woman had either moved without telling her charge, or disappeared entirely for other reasons. Both were not good terms in Aphrodite's book and when they arrived, stopping just short of the falls, Aphrodite would glance around before looking to Zinnia who leaned against her with tears. I don't know. And she didn't. It was the truth and the answer Aphrodite was willing to give.

But she had made a promise, one she would keep. Yes we can come back tomorrow. For now she watched as Zinnia began to walk back to the Cove. Her head was low as if in defeat and Aphrodite was close behind her. Her hound, guardian and protector. She dared anyone to try and take Zinnia from her.

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