Jet wasn’t sure if spring was his favorite time of year, but it certainly felt that way when winter preceded it. While he couldn’t complain overmuch with the mild winter weather the desert was afforded compared to the rest of the island (a small mercy he was glad to count in his favor), the cold was still a nasty discomfort for him. His entire family was made for the desert, for heat, for sunlight and sand. All things winter seemed entirely determined to obstruct for as long as it could keep its cold fingers wrapped around their world.

Now, with spring finally in season, the chartreux boy felt free. Free enough to leave the desert behind him for a moment and travel into the warmer interior of the island, into the valley that was heartily coming back from its dormancy. He marveled over the grasses that were now returning thick and green, the bushes and brambles that broke up the monotony, even the trees that were sporting fresh leaves and the occasional tiny bud. It wasn’t the desert, not by a long shot, but Jet still found it in himself to admire what the valley had to offer.

Namely perfectly shaded napping spots.

While the majority of the other creatures ventured toward the watering hole centered in the midst of the trampled valley, Jet angled himself off to one side, singling out a tree that had a large amount of shade and hardly any dappling where the sunlight filtered through. That one, he grinned as he approached, inspecting the ground to find the grasses soft and no pesky anthills hidden within them that would disturb him in short order. No, this was perfect.

The youth chuckled at his good fortune and took a second to stretch, his forelegs extending forward with wide, outstretched paws, before he let his large, lanky body sink to his stomach with a lazy wave of his tail. Oh yes, this was going to be a fantastic napping spot.

@Cosette

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✦ C O S E T T E ✦

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The wanderlust sprite had been exploring this island for several months, experiencing the joy of meeting new friends and the sadness of parting ways. She had attempted to join a band similar to the one she had grown up in, but it had not come together as she had hoped. As she gazed around the Fields for some lovely plants to gather for her garden, which she had begun tending to when the snow melted, she found herself happily chatting with the fireflies buzzing nearby. Come on, friends! Even in the daylight, she was accompanied by her Wisp friends, filling the air with playful hums and giggles.

[ rogue yearling | spring - may y13 | exp ]

@Jet

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code by scorpixia♡︎

His lavender eyes went half-lidded as the chartreux youth lazed in the shade, a wide smile stretched across his muzzle. The sounds of the lake, the birds nearby, the creatures venturing out into the open to drink, made his ears twitch occasionally as he listened, taking it all in without appearing to give his attention to anything at all. Yep, if he stayed here for a while longer, Jet was bound to start drifting…

Come on, friends!

Eyebrows raising, he blinked his eyes lazily open, angling his head in the direction the familiar voice had originated. There, oblivious to his presence, seemingly oblivious to anything but her own fun, was the little golden lioness who had saved him from his own ignorance, the little healer who taught him the difference between a daffodil and…whatever the safe plant had been (he’d been far more interested in memorizing the bad one). @Cosette.

That lazy smile became more pronounced, more amused and joyful, as he watched her march about as if leading a troupe behind her. His forelegs crossed at the ankles and his head leaned to one side. He could very well have called to her, disturbed whatever fun she was having all on her own, but Jet was content to watch her for a little longer, see if she happened to take notice of her surroundings—namely him—and break the ice first.

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The delightful little Sprite was happily immersed in her own world, twirling and dancing with the fireflies flitting about her. With a gentle giggle, she bounced along, sharing her cheerful chatter with the bugs, completely unaware that someone was nearby enjoying a peaceful nap.

Her sunrise-colored eyes sparkled as she played with the fireflies, and she noticed a shadow in the distance. Curious, she hopped through the tall grass and recognized it was Jet. A warm smile spread across her face as she happily made her way over to the much larger male, radiating her joy. Hello, Mister @Jet! How lovely to see you here. Are you still residing in the, she paused thoughtfully, Oasis? With a considerate tilt of her head, she settled down near him, ensuring there was still plenty of space for him to feel comfortable.

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There it was. It took a bit of time, a bit of distance covered, but eventually @Cosette’s play drew her near enough to notice Jet, and to his delight she recognized him to boot. He saw the light of it spark in her eyes, those eyes the color of a rosy sunset, and his grin widened with unabashed pleasure. It really was a good feeling knowing he could make such a pretty girl smile just from seeing him.

The smile stayed stuck in place as she bounded over, her formal greeting almost making him laugh. Mister Jet. He rather liked it. And, even more surprising, she recalled his offer, or at least the pride which he’d tried to invite her to stay. He dipped his head in a half-bow, limited in mobility from already being prone on his stomach, and answered cheerily. “That I am,” he confirmed, “and it’s a pleasure to see you again too, Miss Cosette.”

She seemed well by his estimations. Of course, she’d assured him during their initial meeting that she was well versed in rogue life, existing without a pride to rely on, so his concern was only moderate; she could take care of herself. “I hope the wilds have been treating you well—though do know the offer I made still stands.” He angled a warm look in her direction, still fully prepared to bring her to the Oasis if she so chose, before he chuckled and joked, “Haven’t had to save any other lions from almost eating daffodils, have you?”

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✦ C O S E T T E ✦

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It wasn't long before Cosette was noticed back by the giant yearling, and as she settled comfortably into her sitting position, she glanced up at him. Having spent time outside of a Band and Pride, even on her own, she was quite accustomed to her surroundings. With her smaller stature, she had managed well with smaller prey like rabbits and goats. She perked up her ears attentively as she listened to him speak.

I had hoped to join a Band, but unfortunately, it never came together. Being part of one again would be quite enjoyable for me. While I'm not a fighter and I understand that prides can change, I do feel a bit hesitant about your offer. There was a slight uncertainty in her voice. Then, in response to his question, she couldn't help but giggle and replied, No, I haven't encountered that yet. However, I've made some new friends! Did you know there are walking Wisps here?

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code by scorpixia♡︎

Jet’s expression sank into a look of disappointment and apology. He couldn’t help feeling as if stability was incredibly and increasingly elusive these days, any hold on it being fragile and threatened by the slightest thing. Bands, prides: neither seemed safe anymore. Even his Oasis, beautiful as it was, cherished as it was by his family, changed hands almost in time with the seasons. He sighed. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out,” he answered sincerely, all too familiar at this point with that particular brand of letdown. It was a shame @Cosette was enduring it too.

But, thankfully, she hadn’t had to play hero to any other foolhardy types, to which his smile returned with a pleasant relief. Good. That meant no one else was leaving that sort of impression, a title he could still claim—not that it was much of one, but he wasn’t picky. His brows rose with interest as she mentioned her new friends, identifying them as a particular type of wisp. Try as he might to comprehend what it was she referenced, Jet had no earthly clue.

Wisps?

Never one to let his ignorance impede him, he smiled cheekily and reached once more for a joke. “Oh? Are they very different from the flying ones?” What even was a wisp to begin with?

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Cosette noticed his frown and gently shook her head. There's truly no need to apologize. I think I would have felt more sadness if something had been created and then lost. After a brief pause, she continued, I've grown accustomed to being on my own. I just, she hesitated again, wish to avoid becoming too comfortable in a place only to have it taken from me.

She slightly tilted her head when Jet asked her a question. Shaking her head again, she pointed toward the fireflies. These are special Wisps. My mother used to say that they carry the Spirits who have found peace and guide those who are still living. The living Wisps are a physical manifestation of the departed. Cosette paused, gathering her thoughts, I suppose you could call them Guardians. One of them, Mister Tobin, shared stories with me about Maua and the creation of this island. I also met some wonderful lionesses who introduced me to various places around here. Dio and Heloise had kindly taught her a bit about the plants that can communicate with the Wisps and about the Deity who created Amaryllis.

@Jet

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