A Line For A Feast!

Kal-El returned home, dusty and tired, but smiling none the less as he looked to his beloved mate, who brightened and smiled towards him in return as she watched him remove some of the sand that covered him and unload his backpack, letting it drop to the floor with a heavy thud as he walked over towards his mate and they pressed their foreheads together, Kal giving a small, happy exhale as both of their tails swisher low, Lois giving her own soft smile as they separated and she curled her finger around the bit of mane that hung down forward from the rest. Her beloved, always such an uncertain yet hopeful male. She loved that about him… she loved everything about him, including his strange look, even if she still wasn't sure that he believed her when she said so, she meant it with her whole heart, and her entire being. 

"Did you get a good haul today my love?" She asked, Kal smiling warmly a d giving a small nod. "I did… pretty well today." He assured her, a knowing smirk on his features as he waited patiently for the next question that always came, she knew him so well in the end, that the question came near every day, as much a part of the habit of their gentle touches as everything else. "And how much did you lose because of your tender heart?" She asked, making his smile grow. "Not as much as I gained." He promised her, pressing his forehead to hers once more she gave a gentle chuckle, "Well then that's just fine with me." She assured him with a soft laugh, Kal-El giving a soft chuckle in return. "Such an understanding mate." He told her affectionately, pressing their noses together playfully before heading towards the water basin and ladeling himself a cup, drinking from it great fully, the water cool and soothing and leaning himself back some as he poured himself a second. 

"Actually…" he mused, looking to her and giving a soft smile. "My haul was even better then good." He informed, going to his pack and putting away some of the best items. Some shiny items, some items to help guard against evil spirits, and anything worth the highest amount safely stored away, while others he kept within the pack to continue trading the next time he went out with his cart, which was safely stored in the room connected to their home. Simple to a degree, but it was home, and they loved it, just as they loved each other. 

Finally, pulled out the last item. What looked like a blue stone with intricate carvings upon it, he presented it to his mate with a smile, waiting. She looked at it a moment, considering, watching as his mates eyes widened with recognition and understanding. "Is… is that? Really?! You got one! By the God's! She beamed to him, movi g and wrapping her arms around him as he laughed, raising her up off of her feet and spinning her around, causing her to laugh with giddy delight as she hugged him just that little bit tighter until he put her down, the female gently nosing at the thick fluff of his neck playfully before stepping away once more. 

"I can't believe you were able to get a fishing pass… however did you end up with it?" She asked, her tail lashing in eager excitement at the prospect of being able to fish, such a rare allowance when it came to it. The Oasis was a large place, holding such a large body of water within that of the ever punishing desert. As things grew, all manner of things had to be put into place, rules that had to be followed. It was understanding, but that didn't mean it couldn't be frustrating at times. Only a select few stones were sold each Moon cycle, more or less 9f them let out depending upon the season, so as not to overhunt the precious resource of fish that resided within the oasis' body of water. The underground river that sourced it sometimes brought more fish… but it was few and far between when that happened. But time, and growth of the tribe into something bigger has made the need to restrict a requirement. Where no one could quite agree HOW they were doled out, many agreed, or at least understood the need for the system… the right to fish was a rare and very expensive right rarely gotten. 

Kal-El gave a soft smile and chuckled. "Not easily." He assured her, before his smile grew a little more. "But easier then I thought it would be.., I never thought we'd ever have the chance to fish ourselves but…" he smiled some. "You remember that pup I told you about from a few months ago? The who had almost been trampled by the sand speeder?" He asked, Lois' features became a little more serious. "The one where you got kicked instead and thus having some of the goods stolen? That one?" He asked, making Kal bow his head some, looking a little shame faced under his mates severe eye about being so reckless and almost getting himself hurt. "I… well, yes that one." He agreed lightly, smiling some. Well… at least she remembered it, he mused. Better then having to remind her about it he supposed, and getting her upset all over again… but then he supposed she remembered because she was still upset, and he couldn't decide weather that was really better or not.

Lois, noticing him start to fidget as he often did when he was was fretting, making her step closer and out a ha d to his arm gently, brushing her nose through his fur 9nce more. "You will always make me worry, love. Such a tender heart, that thrives in a place that can be so very harsh, and even cruel… of course I worry that your tender heart might get you in trouble… but that doesn't mean I'm not proud of you, or that I would ever wish you to be different or change." She assured him softly, her words melting that tender heart of his all in one go as he moved to wrap his arms around her and pulling her close to him for a tight hug, making him sigh in happy satisfaction at having his mate close to him. His eyes closed, and took a few moments to just enjoy the touch, and closeness of his beloved before he finally stepped back, giving her a soft smile. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm happy to accept such a gift regardless." He told her, with all the honest warmth in his tone. 

She laughed gently, pressing their noses together gently. "Okay okay Ronaldo." She teased, referring to a toskal within the Oasis who tended to flirt with anything that moved, making Kal laugh good naturedly. "I am hardly Ronaldo, but thank you." He teased with a laugh. "Anyways." He noted, finally continuing on with his tale. "It turns out the pup is one of the fishing merchants' pups. He fishes with his mate, who's fallen sick, and the pup is still too young to be of any real help, so, he asked if we would like the week pass." He told her. "I told him it was too much, and we weren't professional fisherman and likely wouldn't be able to pay it back, that we would likely fail in attempt fishing at all, but he insisted, saying it would be nice to see someone fishing for fun." He noted, smiling g some. "All he asks is that if we do catch something a d keep it, they wish to see it." He told her looking to the carved item once more. "And we will be having dinner with them when his mate is well again." He Informed, smiling and giving a soft laugh as she gave a small, excited squeal as she looked to the item once more, bouncing up and down a little on the balls of her feet. Where her pelt colour had her fit right in, she hadn't orginated from the desert, and had never had to pay to fish before. It had been a shock indeed, but one she understood, when resources were so dear and special out here. 

She then looked to him in worry. "Oh! We will need all manner of fishing gear, and a boat! How are we ever to get out there without a boat, or any of the gear, and bait needed to actually catch the fish." She noted, shaking her head, making Kal-El give another laugh. "Don't worry. I have borrowed the gear needed. And since it's the cooler times, the water is high and there are places to fish without the need of a boat. But if you do want one, there is a place we can rent one for a fair price." He promised her, making her settle some, putting her hands together in a single clap before smiling widely. "Alright then… we better eat before everything gets cold. We'll have a big day tomorrow." She told him, beaming happily, making him smile softly, fondly back. "As you wish, my love." He agreed easily, his stomach taking the time to inform him he was indeed very, very hungry, making him take in a deep inhale to try and figure out what had been made as he followed after his mate with easy humor. 

~ ♡ ~ ♡ ~ ♡ ~ ♡ ~

The bonded pair stood before a hardened old toskal who looked at the two with suspicion, eyeing them a few moments, before looking ba k to the carved peice now held between two fingers, and then looking to them again. The old toskals gaze making Kal's fur tingle, making him feel somehow guilty, even though he hadn't done anything wrong in the slightest. He knew why he was looking at them so, just as he knew what he must have been thinking. They must have stolen such a precious thing, such a rare and valuable commodity likely didn't often pass into New hands… not unless it was stolen. 

Kal-El offered the older toksal a smile. "It is a beautiful day for fishing." He hedged, the old toskal giving a low grunt of disgruntlement in response. "Oh I'm sure it is a splendid da for fishing." He agreed before eyeing them pointedly once more and then simply shrugging and putting away the carved item and handing him back a new one, a representation of the days left, one less then it had been 9f course. 

Kal-El gave a bashful nod of his head in thanks before heading towards the great body of water. The greatest there was in all the dry desert that they resided in and called home, the sun shining down and causing the water to glitter brightly. It was enough to steal one's breath away, more beautiful than any mirage that was for certain. He smiled slightly when he heard the slight intake of his mate as she too looked upon the water, looping her arm with his and squeezing in excitement. "It is gorgeous." She told him, smiling a little and giving a small sound of agreement, though in that moment, it wasn't the water he was looking at. 

Finally he gave a gentle tug and led her towards the small, busy array of docks, their fishing rods and nets in hand as they searched, and finally found the little boat Kal-El had come to rent early that morning, having wanted to bring his mate out to the water. Placing their gear inside, Lois carefully stepped into the boat, Taki g a moment to balance before seating herself, giving a small laugh. "It is nice to be in a boat again, I can't wait till we -- Kal? Is something the matter?" she asked, locking to her mate who seemed to be rooted to the dock in confusion. 

Kal-El remained where he was, swallowing nervously as he looked to the small little thing floating in the water. It had looked far more sturdy when he had seen the little boat on the shore, still, without water to make it bounce and move in what seemed like such precarious way. It was suddenly far more intimidating, far more daunting then he had expected it would be. "M… maybe you would like to go out on the water on your own?" He suggested, meekly, and a little shamefaced. "I.. I could fish with the others there from dock, and watch." He told her, looking down in a degree of shame as he felt his mates eyes on him. 

It took several moments of her staring at her mate in confused surprise before it finally dawned on her and she finally came to realize her own mistake. "Oh! Oh Kal! I'm so sorry, I didn't realize… I hadn't thought to even ask, or wonder if you have ever been on a boat before, how stupid of me." She told him apologetically, making Kal's heart squeeze guiltily in his chest at her upset. "No, no it is not your fault, I hadn't thought to mention. It… it looks far more simple from a distance, I didn't think it was anything to worry about." He admitted quietly, making her give a soft laugh as she lookedcat those already in their boats on the water. "I suppose it does look easier that way doesn't it?" She asked lightly, looking back to him. 

"I won't make you come if you aren't ready… but I can he'll you in if you like." She told him, offering her hand to him. "It can be a bit scary, but it is not so bad." She promised, making fidget a little, tugging gently at the fur of his arm frettingly as he considered. He really didn't wish to climb into such a flimsy little thing, but even more then that he didn't wish to disappoint her, and as was common, that seemed to win out in the end. 

Giving a sigh of resignation, he Rea he'd out and took her offered hand, Making her smile brightly before she began to carefully instruct him on how to enter the boat and keep his balance as he did so, always keeping a steadying hand there to balance him, or help him balance, his ears back in worried concentration as his tail lashed some from worried stress, having to force ot to stop and slow before that too helped unbalance him before it balanced him, but finally, finally he was seated and they were able to get underway. His heart was racing in his chest, and his hands clung to either side of his seat as Lois gave a soft laugh, hoping he'd relax over time… he wasn't so sure he would. 

The rocking was a great deal more then he had expected, and it made his stomach roil in discomfort, though he didn't say anything, not wanting to ruin what was his mates special surprise, giving a few waves and words of greeting as she passed other smaller fishermen, and one rather large one, hauling in a great net with several other toskals upon the boat. The net filled with the glittering scales of writhing fish as they were pulled aboard. Passing other boats and Kal had no idea what to do or where to look. When he closed his eyes, the rocking only seemed worse, and he realized very quickly that toskals were not meant to be floating on top of water. 

Still, he didn't say anything as he let Lois row and decide on where to go, the female finally seeming to find a spot she liked and settling down some, taking up one rod, and one of the small fish that was going to be used for bait, Kal wrinkling his nose some as it was forced onto the hook, and then handed to him, taking it hesita try as he watched his mate do the same with hers and then plop it easily I to the water, Kal-El following suit with his own. 

And then they waited. 

And waited, and then waited some more, Kal frowning so e as he looked to the rod in his hand. "Perhaps we are 9n a bad spot?" Suggested, making Lois look at him, blinking a little. "Kal… it's only been a little while. Fishing can take time." She told him, amused as she put a calming hand to his forearm where he had been absently picking at his first with one hand. "It's okay, Kal… it's just a bit of water. At worst, you fall in and get a little wet. There's nothing to fret over." She promised, though he made a small sound. "I think I would almost prefer that." He noted lightly, eyes going back and looking a little abashed as he realized he had said that out loud. 

 She looked at him in confusion at that. "What do you mean?" She asked, looking to him in uncertainty, shaking his head some. "It is nothing, love. It is not so bad… I am just not a fan of all this… moving and bouncing… I suppose you think me silly, considering sand doesn't exactly stay still but… it doesn't make one rock and move quote so much as this either." He admitted, realization catching on in her gaze as she gave a small gasp. "Oh! Kal! Why didn't you say it was giving you the water woozies? She demanded. "We could have stayed on one of the decks and fished from there!" she told him, ears and tail both drooping a little as he shook your head. "This is a gift for you, Lois. I didn't want to ruin it with being silly… you seemed you wished me to come more, and I cannot bare to disappoint you." He told her. "I don't want to ruin my own gift to you." He insisted, making sigh q little exasperation at him and shaking her head. "Kal, you are running nothing. One can't help the fact that they the water woozies, and you shouldn't have forced yourself to go through it for me. We can--" Kal-El suddenly cut her off as he jumped giving a loud "Woah" of startlement as he felt the rod in his hands jerk, causing him to loo, at it, instinct telling him to grasp it with his other hand as the rod began to bed down. "L-lois?" He asked, uncertain if what to do as the tugging seemed to get stronger. 

"Oh? Oh! You've caught one!" she told him, making him look to her. "Caught one what?" "A fish! You've caught a fish love! Quick, quick grab the net and start pulling! Gently, gently! You don't want to tear the hook out! That's it, that's it!" She encouraged, putting her own rod down so she help him reign in his as Kal grasped the net with his tail, gasping as the surface of the water exploded suddenly with the struggle of the fish. "The net love!" She reminded him, calling back to the task a d using his tail to dip the net into the water and under the fish, capturing it and raising it out of the water as it tried to wiggle, eyes wise and open mouthed in shock, looking much like the rather impressively sized fish himself, the look causing Lois to give a soft giggle as she pressed her hip against his in a sign of affection. "You've caught your first fish, congratulations." She told him supportive. "It's a good size too… keep it, or put it back?" She asked. 

Kal-El seemed to be still for several more minuets before finally coming back to himself and looking to his mate with a great wide smile. "I caught a fish!" He told her, tail moving in exaggerated excitement. "Look how pretty!" He told her, as though he hadn't heard a thing she'd said earlier… and likely he hadn't, too caught up with the fish, the fact only making her laugh as she looked to her mates wide eyed excitement and wonder, like a pup who had just learned to do something by himself, and realizing that it wasn't as bad as one thought… and maybe she wasn't too far off the mark. "Yes you did, my love. It's perfect." She told him. "Are we going to keep this one, or put it back?" She asked, making him consider as he looked to it. "It seems quite large, maybe we should keep this one?" He asked. "It is indeed impressive, we'll keep it." She agreed, starting to help him untangle the fish from the net when he let out another guy. "Love! Your pole!" He cried. 

Lois' abandoned pole began to shift and bend as another fish was caught, the pole starting to slide forward and Kal moved quickly, reaching out and grasping the pole hard on foot, leaving him off balance as he clung to the fish that was now in his own arms as Lois turned to try and grab the pole from them. 

The fish, which had gone still a little while ago as though accepting its new fate seemed to sense the sudden weakness and began to move again, swishing its tail one way and then the other in as violent a way as it seemed capable of doing, determined to escape and get away, forcing him to pull the fish to his chest as it failed in an attempt to try and hold it still. Kal just as determined to keep it and not let it escape. Finally letting go of the rod when he felt Lois' hand grab the rod and tap his foot to let him know that she was there and now had the rod in hand, but the damage was done. The struggling fish made Kal lose his balance completely, even as he tried to keep some semblance of balance with his tail, failing completely and even the muscled appendage couldn't stop him from falling over into the boat, clinging to slippery, crazy fish as it tried to gain its freedom a final time as he held on for dear life Lois unable to help as she clung to her own rod. 

More proficient then her mate however she caught her fish in a few moments and turned to speak to him, only to be met with the sight of her bond mate upon the floor of the boat being jerked around with a fish that was flailing with every bit of strength it had while her mate clung to it for dear life. She should have helped, she wanted to, had meant and intended to, but the sight was too much to bare. She couldn't help herself as she let put a roar of laughter from the sight of the flailing, flopping pair in front of her. Doubling over as her side hurt and tears left her eyes as her mate continued to struggle with the fish a few moments longer, the sight so ridiculous and hilarious, she seemed unable to stop herself as she was 9vercome with the full bellied laughter of someone faced with something so unexpectedly hilarious as what she was witnessing. 

It took several minuets for her to finally gain her composure, by then the fish was now unmoving and inside of the bucket they had brought for the ones they would be keeping, and Kal-El's pelt was now covered in loose silver scales as a result of struggle also laughing some, though in mart more from how hard his mate was laughing rather then what happened, but both being a factor. 

Finally her laughed died to small outbursts of chucking as she regained herself enough to add her own fish to the bucket. "I'm so sorry, but seeing that… I couldn't stop myself, it was… oh!" And she dissolved into another fit of laughter as she moved and put her arms around her mate, his own arms, a little wetter then he would have liked, instinctively going around her as well and squeezing her supportively. "I was glad to make you so happy." He told her, his tone part dry and part genuine both, the tone alone allowing another small giggle to escape before finally pulling back. "Perhaps it's time to head back to the docks?" She suggested, still remembering her mates water woozies and not wanting him to remain in discomfort. Kal seeming to consider only a moment before shaking his head. "No, it's not so bad now, and the fishing seems good here… maybe we can stay to catch a couple more…" he suggested, making her smile and give a nod of agreement, we'll catch a real feast." check assured him.