The morning sunlight fell upon Aria's golden pelt as he padded through the tall grass. Their eyes were focused on a group of hares, grazing a few feet in front of them. He knew from experience that their long bodies are as agile as his own – to catch one will require him to bring all his skills to bear. There is a primal delight in the dance of prey and predator, and whether he succeeds or fails, he feels as though he is doing what he was born to do.

His steps are silent as he drew towards the edge of the grassy cover. An autumnal breeze ruffled Aria's fur, and sent the brush tickling their sides as if to distract them. At the moment the hare he'd chosen lifted its head, he propelled himself towards it.

Aria lengthened his strides as the hare's powerful hind legs carried it forward, twisting and turning. Dust rose into the air in the wake of their dance, and for a heartbeat both were lost in it. Once the dust had settled, Aria emerged victorious, his prize clenched between his teeth. Panting heavily, the cheetah hurried to the shelter underneath an acacia tree, and secured the hare beneath his paws as he waited for his body to recover.

@Max ★ @Kilída

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Wanderlust gripped at her heart. It was not that she minded those strange plains cats; they were a large and comforting presence to have for one so small. But, each waking moment Kilída could not help but feel she was missing something – someone. Her pin-prick paws carried her through the grasslands that morning, body tucked low so as not to be easily seen over the swaying blades.

The babe paused. Saliva pooled involuntarily as an acute scent hit her nose. With eyes wide, she trotted forward more purposefully until she could get a clearer picture of what she scented: fresh rabbit kill, and an adult cheetah. She had started chirping without realizing it, scampering forth from the grasses and looking up at the spotted cat with magic shining in her gaze.

"Gatópardos!" Cheetah! Kilída whistled, the rabbit nearly forgotten.

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|| october y10 | three months | [LP? vague] | at celosia fields | @Aria ||

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Aria's ears twitched back and forth uncertainly at the chorus of feline chirps. There was no denying that they belonged to another cheetah. They stood up, studying the grassy plains for the source of the sounds. Could it be that his friends were back? A wave of hope trickled down their spine. He lifted his head to call out in answer.

The sight of a small form emerging through the brush caught Aria off-guard. Their tail swayed behind them, but they were quick to relax their posture once the newcomer showed no signs of hostility. Caution pushed to one side, Aria sniffed at the cub as she chattered away. Although the words meant nothing to him, he had heard felines who spoke many tongues before and recognised it as such. Aria tilted their head to one side as they studied the young one. It was impossible not to smile at her wondrous, huge blue eyes. He nudged the hare toward her, asking, “Are you hungry?” Hoping she would comprehend.

@Max ★ @Kilída

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Their eyes met and the other cheetah seemed to study her just as she did them, fluffy coat puffed out with excitement as she gazed up at him. Kilída tilted her head slightly as they responded in that harsh tongue the plains lions spoke in, though the elasticity of her youthful mind spared her too long of a learning period.

“Are you hungry?”

Her stomach answered before she could truly decipher the question. The babe nodded her head eagerly, glancing down at the kill just as her new acquaintance slid it forward.

"Mine?" She questioned with a nervous flick of her tail.

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@Aria @Ketsuki

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As they studied the youngster, they attempted to reduce their perceived size to set the other's mind at ease. It was not difficult to feel a kinship with the girl; The world could be an intimidating place when one is small and didn't fit in. He raised his head to search the plains for any traces of spotted fur or the hint of a sleek outline. However, they found nothing. “Are you alone?” They softly inquired.

Aria chuckled at the noises originating from her stomach. What was one hare to him? He could afford to skip a meal. Soothing sounds passed from their lips as the girl nodded in agreement, and her body seemed to vibrate with eagerness. “Yours. East up.” He nodded, granting permission before lying down on their stomach. “I'm Aria. What's your name?”

@Kilída @Max ★

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“Are you alone?”

Something about the question made her shrivel. Kilída glanced to her left and to her right, startled to find the obvious lack of any evidence of her caretaking. Though there existed the impulse to lie, she was not sure what she would do after that. Slowly, hesitantly, the cub began to shake her head up and down in the affirmative, watching for how this may change the senior cheetah's demeanor.

“Yours. Eat up.”

She did not have to be told twice. Blinking, the young girl surged forward to wrap her paws around the morsel, biting and gnashing at its brown furs until her blonde muzzle seeped with scarlet.

"Kilída," she introduced through smacking lips, glancing briefly up at this Aria. "You'll get a mane?" She thought to ask, curious still as to exactly what the difference was between herself and those field cats.

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@Aria

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The girl appeared uneasy when questioned about her lack of companionship or parental guidance. As Aria's concern grew for her welfare, obtaining the necessary information to assure her safety would require a delicate approach. They are aware of her blue eyes watching their every movement as if seeking approval. It seemed clear that she was still of an age where a mother's guidance was necessary, and it was his obligation to step in and provide that assistance.

Aria nodded as the cub introduced herself, observing the accent in her name. Kilída's next question is met with a quizzical look and a tilt of their head. “A mane? You mean like a lion's? No, cheetahs do not grow long hair around our heads.” It was somewhat regrettable; a dense head of hair provided insulation and warmth at the expense of their species' renowned swiftness.

Aria would need to adopt a different strategy for @Kilída to become at ease and accept his company. The cheetah rolled onto their side, exposing their pale underbelly. He playfully swatted at the air, then gradually stretched out a paw. “Want to play?"

@Max ★

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