[FIN] Idle Thoughts (Horae x Eshkohl)

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Well! The world had turned, times had changed, and things seemed like they would only continue to improve. Eshkohl had been there when Queen Kimondo had so honored Meshach and Orion, as well as the fallen Umepatwa and Uchanjaa. Of the four, she had known that last lion best, as he too had served as a Guard. His death had been a sad waste of a good lion, and her mate had been saddened by it.

Still, she couldn't help but be pleased for those Knights who were still alive. Not that the green lioness was going to try to be a hero in her own right and gain the rank herself. Eshkohl was a Guard, mate to the Head Guard, and that was more than enough for any lioness.

Still, there were other aspects of life she'd like to focus on, now that it seemed Shangyue's dark days were finally behind them. The only question was, how to broach the subject to Nyota?

Bah. The lioness slapped at her reflection in the watering hole. She'd come here to try and set her thoughts straight in preparation, and instead she was standing here woolgathering.  

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The green lioness started at the unexpected voice. She'd thought she was alone - no, she hadn't even thought. She'd just been reacting. Feeling. Mind on everything but what was before her. With an effort, Eshkohl brought her mind back to the present, focusing on the brown lioness nearby.

Another Guard...ah. Horae, she remembered now. The green lioness might not talk to absolutely everyone, but she did make a point of remembering names when she could. It reflected well on her, as Nyota's mate.

"What...brings you here, Horae?" she greeted the other lioness, uncertain if maybe she wanted to be left alone instead.  

[mouselet]

Horae was...blunter than Eshkohl remembered. But she couldn't blame the brown lioness for the emotions she struggled with. It had been a hard time for all of the upstanding citizens of the pride, regardless of what side they took, and what actions they chose.

"My name's Eshkohl," the green lioness offered, not sure how she should react to the rest of Horae's words. But she had to try.

"I guess...you're so used to being angry that now it's a habit?" she theorized tentatively.  

[mouselet]

Eshkohl nodded sympathetically. She didn't blame Horae for failing to remember her name - there was a reason why Nyota was appointing a number of Patrol Leaders! But she could understand that a mindset which had served under Shangyue was no longer applicable.

"I wish I could offer you advice," the green lioness sighed. "But I don't know what to say." Then she laughed self-deprecatingly. "I came here to try and figure out what to say to my mate on the subject of children, and I don't know what to say there either!"  

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The green lioness sighed. "I suppose I should just go home and tell him I want children and we should start actively trying for them." She looked down at the water again, then glanced over at Horae, a sly look lighting her orange eyes.

"On the other paw, I suppose I could just...work on making cubs and let him figure it out on his own," Eshkohl said with a wicked look. Yes, that seemed more...appropriate in some ways. Nyota tended to be in control in most situations. It might be a good start that he not have any idea what she intended.  

[mouselet]

"Any time," the green lioness replied with a lighter heart and more genuine smile than she'd offered earlier. Maybe the answers weren't in the water after all, and it was only in speaking to Horae that she'd been able to find them.

"I hope that you find what you're looking for too," Eshkohl wished the brown lioness as she left for her den and her mate.