Tasso x Sivka
A lone lioness flanked by two other lions gingerly walked through the walls of the canyon. Curious and frightened purple eyes glanced from side to side, heart racing faster than a cheetah as she continued forward. Onlookers did nothing to hide their judgemental stares, looking the lioness up and down forcing her to withdraw further into herself. Shaking, she kept walking, looking down in hopes of drawing less attention.
Finally, they came to a stop and she heard a feminine but stern voice speak up. “Lift your head.” Doing as she was told the lioness looked up to see a lioness before her with two males to each side. There female was peculiar, having markings similar to that of a snake with two fangs protruding from her downcast lips. The male to her left had a more natural dark coloured pelt while also processing longer sabre-like teeth. But the male on her right was different. Not in physical appearence, although he did have an unusually long fluffy tail, no, it was instead what she saw on his face. A welcoming smile. This was the first smile she had seen since she left her old pride a long, long time ago. A small smile tugged at her lips in return.
Forgetting where she was the leader spoke up once again, making her jump slightly. “What is your name and where are you from?” Trying not to stumble over her words she replied. “Sivka.” Looking at the male she found confidence in his smile. “I am the last survivor of my old pride, Lunar woods.” The leader nodded before introducing herself. “I am Xia, founder and queen of EchoLake Pride. Why were you walking on our lands?” For a movement Sivka was struck with fear. What did they do to outsiders? Carefully she answered, trying and failing to sound strong. “I wasn’t aware I was entering your territory, I’m happy to leave at once if you wish.” Nodding Xia looked doubtful. “That would probably be best. Tasso, Corran please export our… guest out please.” Sivka was about to turn around when suddenly the grey lion, Tasso presumedly, spoke out, clearly not caring about being formal with the queen. “Wait, does she have to leave so soon?” Xia raised her eyebrows as the male turned to Sivka. “My name’s Tasso.” He said happily, the smile still on his face. “Do you have somewhere you are heading?” Gingerly Sivka shook her head. Turning to the queen once again Tasso spoke unfiltered. “Can’t she stay? Please?” Xia thought for a minute before sighing. “Fine, but if she does anything or hurts anyone you will be to blame.” The threat didn’t seem to faze the lion and instead his smile grew wider.
Over the following months the pair grew closer. It hadn’t taken Tasso long to confess his love for Sivka, she of course accepted him with happy tears running down her face. She was thankful to have someone who she could call her mate, her best friend and most trusted companion. She could tell him anything without a fear of being judged. At the end of a busy day he was always waiting for her ready for a warm embrace.
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