The trek was not long, for Khaba kept them moving without delay.
And before they knew it, the lake was quick to come into view.
Stopping a few feet short of the bank, he turned to
@Zaahira, nudging her shoulder with his nose.
We're here.
Trotting not far behind him, Zaahira peers from behind a tree, slithering up to Khaba's side once more. A clearing gives way to a lake, which felt larger than life itself. Crystalline and quiet, seemingly a sanctuary from otherworldly trials.
Oh, how breathtaking.
Her nose falls to the ground momentarily. A flurry of scents of various origin, some stronger than others, but all belonging to this land.
She bows her head to her escort, body low to the ground and tail maintaining a slow sway, hitting the backs of her heels. Her own pride had no place here. She would be polite, should anyone who resides here have questions about her presence.
He turns back again to find her lowered posture.
Brow risen, he watches for a moment, reveling in the fact he has gained her full respect (or so he thinks). It hadn't taken long for most others here; though, not all.
Zaahira stay?
He then asks, surprising his own self in the willingness to use his voice.
But he needs to know this. For if she truly will stay, Zharille will need to know they have another among them.
A true invitation. One that, this time, she had to pause to think about.
It seemed as though she had, perhaps unwittingly, passed the test he had provided for her. Her lips part as if she was going to vocalize, but instead, her gaze turns toward the lake and her mouth closes once more.
Unfamiliar as this land was, it spoke to her. Though perhaps she needed it more than it needed her.
She takes a step closer to the lake, the soft dirt below her shifting to gravel as she does so. From here, she can see her reflection, along with Khaba's looming silhouette. Little minnows swim close to the bank, beams of sunlight reflecting off of the water. Her own reflection seemed radiant.
She had made her decision.
She turns back toward Khaba, a small, but meaningful smile on her face, and nods her head yes. Zaahira will stay.
fading! feel free to either add a final response, or archive here!
Zaahira was one of them now.
With a gentle, forward tip of his muzzle, Khaba turned.
He would leave her to explore, and perhaps soon find a den to call her own. No sense in him being present to hold her paw the whole way. Surely, she could figure these things out for herself.