Need A Little Excitement;; (private Vitalini)

[Zoketi]

Korongo's ears went back. He didn't want to pry, so he merely lowered his head and swallowed his words. With a slight inhale of breath he returned his gaze to her. "You could come with me." he stated bluntly, rushing out with it. "I know...you hardly know me...and it might be hard if you're used to pride life...but I would do all I could to make sure you were safe. And away from your...tormentors." he murmured, unusually hesitant. This was slightly awkward to say. But, he was completely against the idea of others harming this lioness. As he would be to anyone. It was his nature.

[Vitalini]

"I... I don't know what to say." Nashana looked up at him with wide eyes, "Of course I want to be away from him but... I wouldn't want to impose on you. You've been far too kind to me Korongo."

[Zoketi]

Korongo gazed back at her, and a small smile appeared on his muzzle. "You wouldn't be imposing!" He was quite pleased that she'd even considered it. "I mean, honestly, I even get, uh, lonely sometimes. So I'd love company." he admitted, ears twitching. He shifted his paws, watching her continuously.

[Vitalini]

"When... how.... wouldn't they know we had left? What if they come after us?"

[Zoketi]

"They'd realize eventually, of course." he mused. "But if we got far enough...do you think they're willing to pursue one lioness?" he asked, lifting his head and gazing at her.

[Vitalini]

"Kimba has singled me out. I would be surprised if he didn't. I think he sees you as a threat as well which would probably make him even more intent on pursuing us."

[Zoketi]

Korongo sighed. "Well, it's up to you." he murmured, with a slight sad smile. He shifted his paws and glanced around at the lovely falls and scenery, then back to Nashana. He didn't want to force her to make a decision.

[Vitalini]

"I know what I want... but I feel its much too selfish to ask such a thing of you."

[Zoketi]

He tilted his head. "It's not. Don't worry. I could use a little excitement." he chuffed softly, pricking his ears towards the lioness. It might be a risk, but he'd be willing to take it. What else did he have to do? Besides, he couldn't bear leaving knowing what she was dealing with.

[Vitalini]

"When?" She asked shifting nervously, the reality of what they were going to do began to sink in

[Zoketi]

He flicked his tail. "When do you think would be a good time?" he returned, casting his green eyes around for a moment. "You know the activities of your pride...when's the best chance you have of getting away without notice?"

[Vitalini]

"Honestly... probably now." She sighed.

[Zoketi]

He glanced up to the sky, noting the position of the sun. Late afternoon; there was still daylight. "Well, if you're ready," Korongo turned his gaze back to her, "then I say we go." he rumbled, flexing his paws against the soil.

[Vitalini]

"Its now or never." Nashana sighed and took a deep breath. She stood and followed him before her courage could give in

[Zoketi]

Korongo nodded quickly, flicking out his tail. He straightened and then turned to pad off. He gave the lioness an encouraging smile, ears pricked. "If you don't mind going fast, I think it'd be good to get a head start." He rumbled, picking up the pace a little.

[Vitalini]

"I don't mind." She smiled. Truth was she loved to run. It had been one of the only times she could escape from the world, "My father and I used to race when I was a cub." She kept up with him easily. The father away from the pridelands the more sense of security she felt. She would miss her king and some of the younger lionesses but she knew this was best. She felt completely safe with Korongo and that in itself felt like a miracle.

[Zoketi]

He grinned slightly. "Good," he chuffed, stretching out his legs as he increase his speed to a lope. He tossed his head, letting out a soft rumble at her words, and turned his gaze to the savannah ahead. He locked his gait at a quick canter, not quite going full out, so he didn't wear down very fast. He was glad that he too was used to running, and his lean build made him quick. However he could tell he was just about outmatched by Nashana. Lowering his head he plunged along.

[Vitalini]

Nashana giggled. The feel of freedom beginning to become real. They continued on and on taking only short breaks until they were far away from any trace of other prides. Nashana sniffed the air. She could catch the scent of pray but none whatsoever of other lions. She smiled contentedly as they slowed their pace. Night was falling and a beautiful jungle loomed ahead.

[Zoketi]

He blazed alongside her, tail streaming behind him. At each stop he'd checked the wind for pursuers, but hadn't caught traces of any yet. Perhaps the two of them gotten enough of a lead. But he knew the pride might try tracking them eventually. If they really wanted Nashana. Korongo was a little relieved to feel the coolness of night descend, washing away the day's heat. The dark mass of trees ahead smelled tropical and fresh, a rather exotic smell. He came to a quick trot, lifting his head and surveying the dimming grassland as they neared the jungle. "I guess we can stop for the night here?" He murmured, coming to an easy walk.

[Vitalini]

"Sounds good to me." She smiled and yawned

[Zoketi]

The young male shook his coat and stepped towards the nearest tree. It had a thick clump of bushes around it, making a nice little hollow. "This looks nice." He rumbled, sliding forwards and finding a nice spot in the grass by the tree. Korongo sat down with a small yawn.

[Vitalini]

"Looks amazing." Nashana smiled sprawling out on the soft grass.

[Zoketi]

Korongo lay down and fleshed his paws on the grass. He was quite sleepy. Which certainly wasn't a surprise, considering all the running he'd been doing. "Mhm, so tired." He rumbled, closing his eyes but still keeping alert. The male swished his tail and blied his gaze back open to look at the lioness. "Night, Nashana."

[Vitalini]

"Good night." She smiled before drifting off to sleep. When she awoke the next morning she saw Korongo was still sleeping. The sun was just beginning to rise and Nashana yawned happily. She was surprised to realize she hadn't woken up at all during the night and she hadn't had any nightmares. This was the first time since things had started with Kimba.Nashana ssmiled and watched Korongo sleep. She knew why.

[Zoketi]

The male drifted off easily after he heard Nashana reply. His tired body was grateful for the rest, so he sank down into the folds of slumber. Mostly pleasant dreams swirled in his mind, and when he woke he was in a good mood. Korongo lifted his head, blinking blearily. There was faint morning sunlight washing over the land, greeting the young lions. He yawned widely and splayed out his paws in a gentle stretch. Korongo glanced over to see Nashana was already awake. "Good morning," he murmured with a warm smile, taking a deep inhale of air. "Nothing amiss?"

[Vitalini]

"Nothing at all." She smiled warmly, "How did you sleep?"

[Zoketi]

Korongo slowly sat up, giving his tan coat a quick shake. "Quite well." He replied. "How about you?" The male yawned again, shaking his head. He blinked over the lit savannah, pale with sunlight. The nearby jungle glistened in the light.

[Vitalini]

"Surprisingly, very well." She smiled and then gasped as she got her first glimpse of the jungle in the sunlight, "Oh.... its so beautiful! "

[Zoketi]

He grinned in return, and shook out his coat. "I'm glad," he rumbled quietly, taking in the lovely view. "Yes...isn't it?" Korongo got to his paws and stepped away from the tree, stretching out his legs with each step. He glanced around, inhaling, and pricked his ears. "Do you wanna go through the jungle or change directions here?"

[Vitalini]

Nashana thought for a moment, "Well.... I would think the jungle would mask our scent... maybe we should change direction for a little bit... make it look like were going somewhere else and then double back leaving as little scent as possible and enter the jungle then."