When Aladar returned with Neera and the herd, I had been asleep but Yar had shook me awake so I lifted my head and turned to see them entering from the cave entrance we'd created. "Aladar." I breathed a sigh of relief, rising steadily and slowly to my feet before rushing towards him as fast as I could. "Aladar!" I flung my weight against him, his neck wrapping over mine as I briefly reassured myself with his warmth and presence before I stepped back, looking around. Neera was right beside him but Kron was nowhere in sight. "What happened?"
"A carnotaur came. Kron tried to go over the rocks instead of doubling back and it got to him before we could." Aladar explained in a quiet voice and I blinked before looking towards Neera.
"I am so sorry for your brother." I murmured to her, stepping closer and brushed my nose to her cheek in a sign of comfort. She dipped her head in thanks before smiling softly to me. "I'm Nadia, Aladar's big sister. It's nice to finally meet you."
"You too, I've heard all about you from your brother." She answered and I chuckled, shooting Aladar a look as he grinned guiltily.
"Well, we'll see how much of what he told you was true. Come, you must be tired. There's plenty of place to rest." I invited, turning around to walk by her side, Aladar and I guiding her to a place in the shade where together they lay down, wrapped up in one another. I was happy for Aladar, he'd been smitten with Neera from the moment that he'd seen her. Now they could finally be at peace.
Humming with amusement to myself I turned and walked over to a high rock, looking out across the entirety of the nesting grounds to see the herd fanning out, either going to the water or finding a spot to graze. Some simply dropped down somewhere warm and comfortable and went straight to sleep and I could not blame them for doing so. Some of the younger males of the herd were battling against one another, already attempting to show off to us females but for the most part, there was a peaceful air about us all.
Laying down on my sun warmed rock I rested my head, sunning myself with a contented sigh. "Kron didn't make it." Bruton murmured and I looked below, seeing him standing there.
"No. He was killed by that other carnotaur." I informed him in the kindest tone I could manage. "I'm sorry." Bruton snorted, pretending not to care however I could sense the deep mourning he held. I do not know much about the two of them, however I could guess that they must have been long term friends. There seemed to be that semblance of proven trust between them, built only through time spent together.
Rising I descended from my rock, going over to Bruton and I brushed myself against him in the lightest of touches, making him jerk awake from his reverie. Feeling a little bolder I stepped towards him, stretching out my neck before my forehead was resting against his shoulder. Bruton did not move, neither accepting me nor pushing me away, so I reasoned that this was as good as I would get for now. Strangely, I was disappointed. It were as if I wanted to be closer to him.
A pair of fighting males distracted us, pulling our attention away from one another to look at them. "Brings back memories. I have to wonder at you males, you all seem so desperate to impress us females yet never appeal to our emotions. Attraction is not entirely based on the strength a male can possess." I murmured humorously and Bruton gave a slight roll of his shoulders.
"You'll be finding your mate soon enough. There's plenty of them out there, just choose carefully." He warned me and I blinked in surprise.
"None of those young bloods are for me. They are too rash and outright, I do not like them very much." I admitted, earning a quick glance from Bruton. "Besides. It's not absolutely necessary for me to accept my mate this year. There's still time. Though is the issue that he might be too stubborn for his own good." I added with a smirk before turning and going back up to my rock, leaving Bruton in a state of confusion.
I shall not worry about that now. For now, I shall bask in the glorious sunshine and allow the senses of fresh air and grass, the sound of laughter and the taste of sweet fruits in my mouth be my companion.