After a few days of getting settled into the Cove, the Gaia lion decided that he was going to try and explore a few new places. Heading out in the very early morning dawn, the sun's rays were barely peeking over the horizon. The blackened brute was miserable out in the middle of the day and tried to keep his treks away from the seaside to the early or very late parts of the day. Coming up to the Labyrinth, purple gaze glanced around as he slowly entered the area. He had never been here before but the cool breeze from within the depths that beckoned him welcomed into the darkness.

@Csitri

it was time to sort the herbs and get rid of the old scraps that'd withered and were of no further use. so csitri had gathered them into some hollowed out rocks she'd found and was carrying them to a cave branched off of the one her family was taking refuge in when an unfamiliar lion appeared at the mouth. with a startled gasp, she dropped the bowl she'd been carrying and watched with dismay as the contents scattered all over the cave floor.

with a moan, she'd paw at the remains of withered plants helplessly. they were supposed to be buried - repurposed into the earth as thanks for giving them tools to heal their ailing kin. instead they were floating off with the light breeze that flowed through the cavern and turning to dust.

sighing, csitri would look back to the stranger with a crestfallen expression. "that was unfortunate." she'd chuckle awkwardly.

@Keligan

Unknowingly to the Gaia lion, there was another that was also in the depths of the caves. It wasn't until he heard a clatter of something falling and then the sound of someone talking that got Keligan to actually look around. Purple gaze shifted to adjust in the darkness to see a figure not far off. Plants that dusted were being floated off into the cave breeze as his eyes glanced after the motion. Oh.. Clearing his throat, the Cove member looked back to the lioness. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Flicking back his ears, he stayed where he was.

@Csitri

her chuckle would soon turn into a full-bellied laugh when the stranger apologized so earnestly, looking more sincerely sorry than she'd ever seen anyone look. after a long moment, she'd calm herself enough to speak...albeit with a wheeze.

"it's all good! i was just gonna bury them. i'm also sorry." she chirped. csitri didn't want him feeling any worse than he clearly already did. there was no need to berate the stranger when she could just befriend him!

"my name's csitri, what's yours?" the piebald young woman queried cheerfully. the herbs were all but forgotten at this point.

@Keligan

At the sound of the other laughing at the fact that he was sorry about startling her, Keligan flicked his bobbed tail behind him as one of his ears went back against his skull. Apparently, she thought it was funny. At the mention that she was just going to bury the herbs, the Gaia lion clicked his tongue. He had heard of Shamans in Gaia who did that to help strengthen them or to return them to the Great Mother as a gift. As she gave her name, he clocked it into his memory before answering back. I'm Keligan. Omitting the 'of Gaia' part for now, he wasn't quite sure if he would actually give up that title in his name. He was part of the Cove pride now but he wasn't Keligan of Caladan. It wasn't his identity.

@Csitri

he gives her his name and she dips her chin politely. "bur tule, Keligan!" he's a tall, imposing figure, but that isn't unfamiliar to the small woman. he seems rather harmless, albeit quite aloof thusfar. but csitri had never met a stranger.

"so what brings ya here? on some sort of mission, or are you being nosey and exploring?" a mischievous grin flashes across her face as she casts aside the now empty stone bowl. she'd not lead him deeper into the cave - simply settling on her haunches comfortably and looking up at him.

her family resided further off, and for one unaware of how to transverse the space, it would be unlikely for him to find them. but csitri didn't want to take any chances. not when they clearly had so many enemies at the moment.

@Keligan

Names were exchanged and in response, she said a weird set of words that caused him to raise a brow. The only time he ever heard of other languages being spoken were by the Shamans in Gaia during the rituals of Ceremonies and Gatherings. Flicking his ear at her set of questions, he shrugged a shoulder slightly as he shuffled. I'm just exploring. Still new to these parts so a lot of this land is a mystery to me. Plus escaping the heat of the day in these much cooler cave depths was a more welcoming feeling to him. As she sat down, he shifted to do the same. Even in this position, he towered over her which made him chuckle inwardly.

@Csitri