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

Aeroth tilted her head slightly, letting out a small airy laugh. ”Oh! It just means girl.” She smiled lightly, seeing her shyness. She found it oddly attractive, very cute. She leaned up to press her muzzle to the cheek of the other cat. ”You're very cute y'know?” She smiled warmly.

”Speech”
"Thoughts"

Notes: @Aaliyah

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

Aeroth laughed, ”Of course Sheila.” She stood up, circling around Aaliyah. "It's adorable how flustered she gets." She thought to herself. ”So do you live around here?” She asked lightly, hopping onto a low-hanging branch and laying her head on her paws, her tail flicking slowly from side to side.

”Speech”
"Thoughts"

Notes: @Aaliyah

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

Aeroth would've looked surprised as she looked at the other feline. ”Really? You gotta have home sheila. A place to call yours, where you can go when things get tough and you're just comfortable with?” She hopped off the branch, sitting back up in front of Aaliyah.

”Speech”
"Thoughts"

Notes: @Aaliyah

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

Aeroth looked at the larger cat empathetically, walking towards her and brushing your side and tail against the side of her as she walked past. ”I live over in Eridanus, follow me, I'll show yah.” She called over with a warm smile. Her little cave wasn't much, but it would surely be enough for both of them if the larger feline chose to stay with her.

”Speech”
"Thoughts"

Notes: @Aaliyah

Moving the thread over to Eridanus, I'll tag you there

---Exit 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.