Broad paws carried the young lion through the ruins of what was the main area of Orion. He had left his precious gem in his home. It was snack time, and he was still quite sure that James would not want to see him eat. They seemed to have far different tastes in what was food. After having that vine in his mouth Aristotle had decided that he was never going to do that again, and he certainly wasn’t was not going to try that stuff that grew out of the ground he called grass. Aristotle trotted down what would have at one point been a main thoroughfare for what was once a city. Where once was cobbled stone streets now there was only dirt.

Aristotle pulled his mind back to the task at hand as his stomach gurgled in protest of his distracted thoughts. Aristotle sniffed quietly checking to see if he could catch the scent of any nearby prey. His eyes roved over the ground for the smallest hint that prey had passed by here.

Unfortunately he could hear their shrill calls echoing close by, but it seemed a snack was not in the cards for him. The jungle mice that he so much adored munching on as an easy snack were going to elude him today. There were no fresh scents to be found, only the old scent of the cave rabbit he had found and eaten the day before. Now that had been a wondrous meal. So yummy. He couldn't help but wonder if any had listened to his markings on his home, with that thought worry began to creep up on the young lion. Would someone try and steal his pretty? He was sure James wouldn't let that happen, but had James been home when he left?

Giving a soft annoyed growl the young lion turned around and headed back down the main street the way he had come following his own scent home at slow walk. Maybe on his way he could find a mouse, if he were lucky.

The young lion wandered down the main street of Orion proper, not really paying attention to where he was going as he had his nose to the ground searching for any recent scents.

However Aristotle was soon shocked out of his one tracked mindset . A set of strange feet appeared in his view. The young lion with the wisp of a latte colored mane, looked up at a creature far larger than he ever would be. Brilliant baby blue eyes followed the legs up to an insectoid body, where forelimbs should have been he saw strange scythe like claws. Then to the head which was tilted at him curiously, which in turn was answered with its own curious head tilt. Wonder filled the youngsters blue eyes as a bright smile spread across the young ones muzzle.

Rounded audits that were nearly too big for his head perked to catch what the much taller creature spoke in greeting. Hello. He returned in time as he looked up at the big thing before him. He seemed friendly or at least that Aristotle saw he was. I’m a type of feline known as a lion. If I may ask, what are you? He returned the question letting his rump fall to the ground, he assumed that the creature was looking for conversation so he settled in. My name’s Aristotle, what’s yours? The young lion inquired.

@Morpho

The young man nodded the wisp of mane flopping in his face. Though I’m still little so I don’t think I’m a very good subject to base what my species looks like upon. Aristotle explained giving a twitch of his tail as he looked up at the creature talking to him. It was curious, a vibrant green like the creatures was very well suited to his former home. You kinda stick out here don’t ya? He asked without really thinking much of his question. Though he looked more suited to a forest condition rather than the ruins they were in.

The creature explained what he was and the young lion tilted his head to the other side in thought. A praying mantis, he couldn’t help but wonder if all his kind were the same as it was. He was having trouble figuring out gender for the creature as it had no physical tells as to what it was. Not that he was sure he would know what they were either way. James had been easy. You’re very cool, I like the way you look. And those magnificent blades you have for hands. They must be very useful for harvesting or hunting. The young lion lifted a paw and attempted to reach out and touch one of the praying mantis’ arms. He wondered just how hard or sharp they were. Though as they say, curiosity killed the cat.

Finally the creature introduced itself and he let out a bright smile. That’s such an awesome name! I know my name’s a bit much so you can just call me Ari if you like. He was eager to make a new interesting friend, and Morpho sure was interesting, Aristotle could spend all day just looking at his new acquaintance. He was very interesting and the more he looked at him the more he wanted to know.

As Morpho’s antenna started twitching Aristotle looked up at them watching them for a moment. Then Morpho asked what he had been doing, and mimicked what he had been doing. Oh that? Aristotle let out a small laugh. I was hunting. Well looking for scents of prey. I was hungry. He explained eagerly, his hunger however forgotten for a time. Though it doesn’t seem anything is close by, so this is just as good. Aristotle offered the last part happily. So what are you doing out here? This doesn’t seem like a good place for you. I know a place you’d blend in really well. Aristotle mused his brilliant blue eyes looking up into Morpho’s insectoid eyes.


@Morpho

Aristotle smiled lightly up at Morpho as he inspected himself. He was a handsome creature or at least Aristotle thought he was. He was the color of nature where he was born, and he had a deep love for the area of the caves he had been born in. In the place I was born, it’s called Eridanus. It’s beautiful green and lush with many different kinds of plants that you would blend in wonderfully with. There’s greens and browns and blues and yellows and oranges. You’d blend in really well there. You’re very handsome honestly. Aristotle spoke honestly with a light smile.

The young lion grinned leaning in closer to check out the Mantis’ blades. I see that, they look very useful for hunting. He mused aloud looking up at the Mantis. As he ran his paw gently and very carefully along the blade, he let out a purr as Morpho gave him pats. It felt nice to be patted and he was kinda unsure if he actually liked it, but it felt good. Your very nice Morpho. He was sure that not most in the places he had visited were kind. He hadn’t found a reason yet to be afraid of anyone.

Of course. I Don’t see a reason to make things harder than they should be. Even more so if it can be simplified.He honestly saw no reason to make things harder than they had to be. If one could take a shortcut then why not take an easier route if one could.

You’re kinda right. There isn’t much in the way of prey here. Mostly rabbits and rats, They’re quick so you have to follow their scent and sneak up on them, then you can pounce and BAM! There’s food. Aristotle grinned brightly, his slender tail giving a wave.

The young lion nodded and smiled understanding staying where you were hatched. The only reason he had left Eridanus was because James had encouraged him to come here and make a home. In Eridanus, it’s just a short trek through a nearby path and through a rather unkempt part then you push through some vines and ten you’re in Eridanus. Aristotle it would seem, was not very good at giving directions.


@Morpho

Aristotle smiled as he spoke of his birthplace. He loved it dearly, but his home was here in Orion with his best friend and Abraxas. He wouldn’t move back unless he found no reason to stay here. Besides he had already started his garden here and had put in the effort to clean up his home after all, why leave it now after all that? Eridanus is a wonderful place, I’m sure you would like it there. The young lion mused with a small smile spread across his muzzle. If Morpho wanted Aristotle would show him the way to his birthplace.

The young lion beamed up at Morpho as he thanked him for the compliment. Only speaking an opinion no need for thanks. But you’re welcome. The young lion offered with a brilliant smile. He was beginning to like Morpho. He was interesting both to look at and to talk to.

Yeah it’s not that far. The young lion offered freely. He often made the trek to Eridanus as it was a better hunting ground for him. He could stalk silently through the underbrush and sneak up close and pounce on his prey. I know exactly where it is, we don’t really have to look. The young lion offered his information freely, obviously not one to keep his knowledge to himself as long as it didn’t hurt anyone. The young lion tilted his head to one side in thought. He wasn’t particularly busy, he was just hunting for a snack, not really a meal so nothing important going on. No, I’m not really busy. The young lion assured his new companion that he was currently free. Standing up he gave a flick of his slender tufted tail, he turned to head in the opposite direction he was heading earlier to lead Morpho to the tunnel.

The young lion didn’t mind being a guide, he had been exploring Orion and was rather familiar with the layout now, so getting to the tunnel leading to Eridanus wouldn’t be much trouble at all. The young lion moved at slow trot so the much larger creature could walk at a normal pace. In fact he had a bit of energy to burn so why not go for a little jog?

@Morpho