s a b e k

Sabek had gone to collect berries, specifically because he was feeling rather creative today. It takes all morning for him to traverse the canopy safely, leaping from large study branches to keep as far from the ground as one can. Here you could never be too careful, lest you become someone else's snack, a thought that honestly didn't set well when he thought about it.

Shaking it from his skull, Sabel finds his target by noon--a clump of ripe berries in orange and yellow, fragrant too. He has no idea what they are called but knows they are safe..They grow along the bark of the trees here, halfway up the trunks usually. With precise movements, Sabek begins to shimmy down the trunk to collect his prize. These things made such wonderful, vibrant dye when smashed--something his litter mates once discovered when roughhousing through the jungle. Today he missed them. Today he wished his brothers had survived to help.

But nature was a cruel mistress, and no bargain with death could bring them back. Doing it alone would suffice, even if it helps bittersweet memories. ,.

@Elara

coded by flea

She had ventured back into the jungle's tangled foliage, drawn to collect the beneficial plants she now knew hid within. Her pursuit of gnetum vines brought her to this dense canopy, her steps soft yet purposeful, her teal orbs scrutinizing almost every trunk she passed.

A soft rustling from the canopy ahead caught her attention, pulling her gaze upward. She observed a figure skillfully navigating the branches. As he descended towards yellow berries clinging to a vine, her interest deepened; it was the very same gnetum she sought. A soft trill of delight escaped her at the find, though her curiosity soon shifted to the foraging leopard. The unique gradient of his coat—part spotted, part black—was an interesting sight, she was used to the sight of the typical leopard, they weren't as colorful in her homeland.

"Hello there," she called out softly as she approached, her voice imbued with a gentle chirp of curiosity. Her tail flicked with intrigue. "May I ask what you are doing?" There was a possibility he was gathering medicinal supplies as well, and the thought of meeting a healer leopard intrigued her greatly. It would be a novel and welcome encounter for Elara.

@Sabek

everything is better in california

code by loki

s a b e k

It would seem more and more of these beasts were coming through Aniadar lately, or maybe he was just noticing them more? Who was to really say. Just ignore them and they'll leave, right?

"Hello there"

Sabek stops when he hears the greeting, freezing dead in his own tracks as if it would help him blend in. Silly boy, they already saw you.

"May I ask what you are doing?"

He sighed and craned his neck to look at the stranger--a small lioness, gazing curiously up at himself. His brow raises, as he looks at the berries in front of him. They couldn't be dangerous from this height...right? "Collecting berries......" he answers quietly "Why?" he asked before turning the question back on her "What are you doing?"

@Elara

coded by flea

Her ears perked up at the confirmation that he was indeed collecting berries. A faint smile touched her lips, her tail twitching slightly in thoughtful delight. "Ah, that's great!" she chirped warmly, her azure gaze reflecting genuine interest. As the question was turned back onto her, Elara responded without hesitation, her voice carrying a pleasant lilt. "Oh, I'm here for the vines," she explained softly, her head nodding towards the vine that the berries clung to, indicating her own interest in regards to the clinging plant.

Her posture relaxed further, and she gracefully lowered herself into a sitting position, tucking her paws neatly under her as she continued to engage with the arboreal cat. "I didn’t mean to interrupt your foraging," she added politely, her head tilting slightly as she pondered his familiarity with the area. "Though, do you remember if you have come across more of these gnetum vines earlier?" Her inquiry was soft and laced with curiosity. She wasn't sure how long he had been collecting, but perhaps if he had already harvested some vines of their berries, it would be fine for her to gather those leftovers.

@Sabek

everything is better in california

code by loki

s a b e k

Sabek still couldn't believe that in a handful of weeks, this was the third lioness to not only spot him...but speak to him. He watches her carefully, as she asks about the vines. His own head turns to look down at them, and the large spiralling thick roots that cling to the tree. She foraged berries too, according to her story.

"What would a lioness need with vines?" he asked confused. "you have strength in your arms and legs, and in your bite and in your numbers. Why would you strangle someone with these?" though he had met and somewhat befriended one, she had painted a violent picture of lion society. A curious one, but full of anger and chaos alike. So it was only natural for Sabek to always assume that every lion he came across was part of that horrible cycle.

Never said he was smart, or that he was bias free.

"No, these were the only ones I have found today." he adds to answer her other question "But, they may be out of season--not quite sure. I don't need many berries so I was not worried about the quantity."

@Elara

coded by flea

Elara paused, confusion knitting her brows as she opened her mouth to respond, then closed it, struggling to wrap her mind around his words. After a moment of silent contemplation, she finally spoke, her voice soft and tinged with uncertainty. "I... I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean," she admitted, tilting her head slightly as her ears lay softly against her crown, her expression apologetic. She quickly added, hoping to clarify her intentions, "Though, I am interested in the vines for their leaves. They're excellent for soothing pains," she explained softly, her tone thoughtful.

Realizing that perhaps he might not share her medicinal interests, she watched his interaction with the berries, noting his mention that these were the only ones he'd found that day. Her teal gaze flickered back to the vines and then to him, a warm smile spreading across her muzzle. "Would you like some help collecting them?" she chirped, eager to offer her assistance.

@Sabek

everything is better in california

code by loki

s a b e k

Soothing pains?

So the lioness was a healer, then? Strange. Sabek didn't think any of them would be interested in that sort of study. His mother, may she rest in peace, had harbored knowledge of plants that would soothe aches and kill others. But Sabek had never taken an interest. The boy, in all his cub-hood enjoyed hunting, and making music.

"You can have the leaves then" be decided, as if the young man owned the damn jungle. He shook his head politely "No need. Tell me how many leaves you would like---uhm," he paused, she hadn't shared her name at all. "Anyway, let me grab these berries and I'll harvest the leaves for you." his head lowers as he takes careful consideration as to how he snaps the stem. He let them fall, hoping the lioness would be so kind to catch them. Normally, he would place them above in the canopy, but seeing as he'd have to bring the leaves down, he supposed it wouldn't hurt.

"My name is Sabek, by the way" he says as he shuffles his position a bit. "What should I call you?"

@Elara

coded by flea

Her darkened ears twitched with appreciation at his acquiescence regarding the vines. His offer to help collect the leaves was just as appreciated, prompting her to respond with a bright smile, her tail gently flicking behind her. "Oh, just a handful should suffice," she chirped amiably. She was mindful of her pouch’s capacity and did not want to deprive others who might need the pain-relieving leaves as well.

She kept her head craned upwards, watching him navigate the tree. As he freed the vines, she was ready to catch the falling foliage. "Thank you," she chirped again, her voice muffled by the caught good as she dipped her head. His introduction prompted her to instinctively respond in kind. "I am Elara," she replied softly. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, @Sabek." She slung the collected foliage into her waiting pouch, planning to sort them out later. Her curiosity about the leopard remained, prompting her to tilt her head and ask, "I’ve never tried the berries before. What do they taste like?"

+5 Collect herbs

everything is better in california

code by loki

s a b e k

He shook his head when she asked about the berries, dropping the leaves down towards her position in a small bundle. Carefully, he then grabbed his own twigs with orangy colored fruit, and made his way to the forest floor.

He was growing more confident around the world of lions.

When his paws hit the dirt floor, he placed the berried sticks down. "A pleasure, @Elara" he says before adding "These berries are.not for eating. I use them as paint--for me, for Hometree or the hides I procure." he explains with a smile, "Though they likely wouldn't harm you if eaten. They don't exactly carry a good taste, however"

A pause, he looks down at the berries with a thought. "I could show you, if you'd like?"

coded by flea