Welcome to Gaia! ::

The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, lending it a mottled, green look as it warmed the dark fur of a pair of ‘giets who were curled up together, not yet awake for the day. The larger of the pair, the grey and white male began to stir as a patch of sunlight reached his eyes. With a wide yawn, the male stretched languorously, careful not to disturb the lovely female who was pressed up against his side. He blinked his sleepy eyes and turned his gaze upon her with a look of wonderment covering his features.

She was his. True, they had met for the first time only yesterday, but something between the two of them had just fit. Something within each of them had spoken to the other. Like a great romance from one of his ballads, they were meant to be. Dante could not believe his luck that fate had thrown him into the path of such a beautiful, amazing lady and dictated that they were to be together. Yet here they were, warming each other in their sleep like old lovers.

Dante allowed himself to study her sleeping visage, noting the delicacy of her features, the vividness of her fur, the gentle sway of her back. Awake, she was fierce and brash and graceful, yet asleep, her features had softened, allowing her face to look ever-so peaceful and innocent. It was as though her dreams had soothed her soul, washing her troubles away.

A great swell of affection rose within him and Dante could not help himself. He leaned over and gently, oh-so gently nuzzled her, reveling in her sweet, clean scent and the softness of her fur.

A slow grin spread over Dante’s maw as his lady awoke, a bit grumpy, but not too grumpy to resist cuddling. “Good morning,” he replied, his voice laced with pleasured amusement. “Sleep well?”

He knew he had. Though acquiring a good night’s rest had never been one of his problems, Dante felt certain that he had never slept so well as he had last night, enjoying the comfort of a loved one at his side. Yes, a ‘giet could get used to this…

“Very well,” he said, waggling his brows suggestively and though she probably did not see him, Dante’s good-natured teasing crept into his voice. He stretched out on his belly, digging his claws into the earth. “So, my lady love, do we have any plans for the day? Anything you would like to do?”

For himself, he could scarcely conceive of a greater joy than simply being with her; however they ended up spending their time. Still, there were some activities that were more enjoyable than others. Yet, he knew so little about her. Her likes. Her dislikes. Her hobbies. Her favorite food and color. Though their spirits may have connected, they still had so much to learn about each other.

“Nothing at all?” inquired the dark-furred male. In that case, it was to him to come up with some form of entertainment. “Well, I suppose we could simply laze about for a change, though perhaps we could engage in a little conversation to pass the time? Tell me, my dear, what is it that you enjoy? Are you quite certain that you have no taste for ballads?” It would be a shame if his chosen life-path was anathema to her. However, if that were the case, they would simply have to find common ground elsewhere. Now that he had her, he would be damned if he would lose her.

Well, that was fair enough. Dante did not generally plan his days, either. As for the ballads, well, it was true that many were as she described, and he did happen to enjoy them himself. However, he could also understand how someone such as herself would find them distasteful. After all, his lady was no helpless maiden. It only made sense that she would not enjoy hearing of other females being so…needy.

A grin twitched at the corners of his maw.

“My dear lady, you wound me,” he said mock-seriously as his head rose and his neck arched aristocratically. “Surely you do not believe that all ballads speak of great heroes rescuing said fair maidens?” He looked at her beseechingly, a mischievous spark lighting his eyes.

“As we have no plans for the day, you must, of course, give me a chance to persuade you otherwise.”

“Ah, so this is how it works,” Dante said, chuckling. “Very well. First, we will dine, then we will see what else you suddenly find yourself desiring.” His tail curled lazily. “Unless, of course, you change your mind.” He nosed under her chin, cajoling.

Hopefully, he could wear his lady down someday, but until then, he could spend his time learning about her interests. At least avoiding his ballads should motivate her in that department. So far, about all he knew was that Samhain seemed to enjoy her food.

Dante admired his lady’s grace, and savored her sudden playfulness, before rising and following her, his paws silent on the leaf-strewn earth. Crouching near her, he followed her gaze and caught a slow movement in the distance. Scenting the air, he recognized a grass-beast that should be large enough for the two of them to share. He darted a glance at Samhain and had to restrain his laughter at the intensity of her focus. Indeed, his lady enjoyed her food. Returning his own focus to the beast, he began creeping forward, silent as a shadow.

As he crept quietly closer to his prey, exercising the patience of a born predator, Dante was vaguely aware that his lady had moved around to circle the grass-beast, effectively cutting off one of its possible escape routes. His tail twitched when he had to pause as the beast eyed its surroundings warily. Eventually, however, he was able to move forward again. A little closer…

Suddenly, the beast reared its head with a startled snort and took off. Dante was discovered, but it was too late for the beast. Within a few powerful strides, he was able to leap upon the beast and bring it down with minimal fuss. Letting go after he was certain the beast was dead, the ‘giet growled his satisfaction and licked his maw clean of blood.

Eyes dancing with mischief, he glanced at Samhain.

“Breakfast is served, my lady.”