ORIGIN

Li couldn't stop a purr from rumbling out as Aeroth nuzzled her chest, though almost as soon as it started it stopped, mostly from shock. She couldn't remember the last time she had actually purred. She'd hadn't had a reason to purr until just now. Her smile slipped into that of a smaller, shyer one.

A thought then occurred to her, and she tilted her head slightly. "I've, uh...been meaning to ask this. What does S-sheila mean? I've never heard it before you..." She shuffled her paws, embarrassed. It was something she'd been wanting to ask Aeroth basically since she first met her, all those cycles ago. She never thought she'd get the chance, but...now she did.

Speech. Thought. @Aeroth

Li flushed. O-oh," she stuttered quietly, suddenly feeling rather stupid. Her head was lowered slightly in shame, though upon feeling Aeroth press her muzzle into her cheek, she blinked and looked up at them. At her words, she flushed even further and struggled to come up with something to say among the onslaught of feelings those words gave her. She had never really been called "cute" before, and she had no idea how to react. She floundered for a second before managing to say something. I...uh...t-thank you..?"

Speech. Thought. @Aeroth

Li couldn't seem to cool down, and feared once more that she had accidentally used her magic. But no, she still couldn't smell the telltale signs of fire. She watched as Aeroth circled her, trying to will the flush away. What's happening to me? She wondered.

As Aeroth spoke again, she flicked an ear and lowered her head slightly. "Uh...n-no, I'm just...here. Briefly. Maybe?" She didn't really know where she lived anymore. Did she have a home? She used to consider Orion her home, many times. Back when she was with Imperia, after leaving them when Amras found her, and with Envy. But now that Envy had their own kingdom or...whatever, she didn't want to feel like she was intruding or something. "I don't really...know where I live. I mostly just wander, I guess."

Speech. Thought. @Aeroth

Li looked down, flattening her ears against her head, and nudged a small pebble with her paw. "I, uh...used to live in Orion. I guess, if anywhere, that's probably my home?" It's certainly where she had spent a lot of time recently. Though that was more when Envy was younger, and she actually took care of them. She'd wandered around ever since then.

Orion had also been her home even before then. When she still stuck around with Imperia, that was the place the two called home. It was where she was born, a lot of where she grew up.

She looked back up at Aeroth. "What about you? Where's your home?"

Speech. Thought. @Aeroth

Li blinked as Aeroth passed by her, brushing against her fur. She almost didn't register the words the jaguarundi had said. But as soon as she heard Eridanus, she hesitated. Could she really go back there? It seemed like every time she went, there was a fire. Was the damage from the last one gone? Was it safe now?

She followed Aeroth slowly, dreading each step. At least this time, she'd have someone with her. Someone who just...might understand. She took a deep breath and continued following, steps surer and steady.

-exit Li-

Speech. Thought.