[PRP] Fire with Fire [Xavier x Aruna]

[krusnik05]

It was deliciously hot. Having woken up well rested and off his bad leg, Xavier had left his den to hunt down some prey which filled him up just nicely in the morning. Then Xavier proceeded to go to a small area where hew would and bound against the walls, the rocks and such to keep his body in top physical shape while also working his leg out to not let the bad one good stiff. He learned that it helped to keep it moving and stretched so it can stay useable for long periods of time.

Now that Xavier's normal routines were finished it was time to soak some in the hot springs. The red male with the soft lavender colored eyes walked with a slight limp through the passageways of the volcano that he was convinced housed other b'alam who were lurking about and awakening now. He had met one but that didn't turn out to be a good meeting since it was very brief. Xavier of course was alright with simply having his sister, not by blood mind you, around him. Yes that's right, Xavier preferred not to be bothered by anyone else including other fire tribers! This male was truly a grump.

magnadearel

 

[magnadearel]

krusnik05

Aruna had only met a couple of other balam, and none of them had been fire tribe. So he was very confused what they were doing near a volcano. It irritated them that others would see themselves in the sheer awesome of a fire tribe. No they weren't that cool; fire tribe was just that hot and they could never match it. He wished they would all just go away!

Determined to get away from those annoying lesser creatures, the male made his way into the volcano proper. While he had to leave his normal hot pools the peace was worth it. Aruna hunted the tunnels right in the volcano proper where only the foolish non-fire would go. He was hoping to find some secluded hot pools to relax in. What he found was rather unexpected but not unpleasant. He stopped as a bright and dark red male walked into view. Now this was more like it!

"Hello there," he said diffidently. Much better response than those other idiots had gotten.  

[krusnik05]

magnadearel

Focused on his inner thoughts, Xavier froze when they were interrupted by the sound of a male voice greeting him. Someone was greeting him and it was from a male voice. Slowly the fire tribesmale looked up at the b'alam who spoke and narrowed his eyes coldly and caution threaded through his body. The male was like a burnt orange and red, like the faint coloring of magma with black horns and unique markings all over the back of his head, neck and back. They looked geometric. What stood out from this male were his eyes. Were they blue or turquoise? What did it matter anyways other than feeling a little better that he wasn't the only male with bright colored eyes?!

Clenching his jaw tightly Xavier moved closer and puffed himself out a bit in defense in case this male wanted to tangle with him in a fight. "Hello." He said then stared hard....well hell what was he supposed to do now?! This was the first male of his tribe, or any for that matter that he's encounter. Xavier hoped this male wasn't brainless or an idiot. It would only add to his crusade to stay with his sister until she found a mate and moved on to another den. Honestly, it was just bad luck that graced him with the wrong encounters of late. Hopefully this one...yes hopefully this one was a good one.

Unclenching his jaw, Xavier spoke in his deep voice. "It's....nice to see another male around this place. In this part of the volcano. Are you newly awakened?"  

[magnadearel]

krusnik05

The crimson male regarded the other regally. He was fire tribe and he had a certain amount of pride in that. His head was carried with assurance. He knew how good he was and it showed. Normally he'd felt disgust when he'd met others and a desire for them to go away. Not this time. Aruna felt himself relax marginally in the presence of this red male. He felt they were kindred spirits, of a sort. Discretely he admired the brilliant reds on his chest and feet with the striking dark stripes down his back. Magnificent.

Slowly he nodded his head, "quite. I am encouraged to see another true fire tribe here. My past encounters have been..." he waved a paw elegantly, "unfortunate. I came looking for some peace from those... others." Aruna considered the question carefully before responding. "It depends on your definition of newly. New enough I suppose. I came further into the mountain to avoid being bothered by the commons. I'd hoped they wouldn't be able to withstand the heat here. In fact I was looking for some hot pools." The male glanced around as if expecting the aforementioned pools to suddenly appear. With any luck this male might know of some. "I am Aruna."  

[krusnik05]

magnadearel

So he wasn't the only one who has encountered others of non-fire tribe backgrounds and well others in general that left the experience much to be desired. "Yes, I've had similar unfortunate encounters with others outside of this tribe and actually with in. Both were....females and left me very disappointed in what this world has to offer." The only female that meant any great deal of importance to him was his 'sister' seeing as they awoke in the same area and found that they look a great deal alike and formed a bond that was everything but blood.

"New as in newly born to this life and world we live in." Grumbles some then moved closer trying very hard this time to not limp while hoping that the male didn't catch the great effort he was making to hide it. Listening more to this male's words he nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes I've been hearing the whispers and echos of other tribes entering these volcanos and frankly it's bothersome. While I am of this tribe and prefer this tribe I am annoyed with my own tribes-b'alam as much as I am annoyed with outsiders." But this male was turning out to be someone he could....relate to and that was an unusual thing.

"Hot springs? Well I was on my way over to one that I frequent every day. Come, I'll allow you to join me...Aruna." Xavier nodded and began to walk forward past Aruna. "I am Xavier."  

[magnadearel]

krusnik05

He waved his tail in sympathy. "Mine were also female, and neither of our tribe. They simply would not take the hint that they were unwelcome where they were." Aruna sighed of the suffering. "I can only hope it will get better."

"Ah, then I must say yes. I awoke not long ago by hot pools down the low flank of the volcano. How long have you been here?" He inquired politely. Though he wasn't very old he felt as if he knew this place for a long time. Aruna faintly noticed something off about the way the male moved, but couldn't place his paw upon it. Surely it would reveal itself in time.

Hearing that others entered the volcano proper was.... disturbing to say the least. Did they have no respect? Clearly not. While he'd been aware of those moving around the outer edges it hadn't occurred to him that non-fire tribe would actually be inside it. "One wonders how they survive the heat." Aruna perked his ears curiously. "How so with ours?"

Pleased at the offer he bobbed his head in agreement. "I thank you for your courtesy Xavier. It was lucky for me to meet you." Aruna waited until he was in the lead then followed a comfortable distance behind.  

[krusnik05]

magnadearel

Females. It just had to be females that were troublesome or maybe he just had the misfortune of attracting the wrong females when he wanted to attract the right females. Nodding in agreement the male lead the way down a cavernous hallway-like passage way where he could feel the life of the volcano as if it was the beating of a heart. "I have been here here for several months now. During the spring time." That much he gathered and looked at the male behind him. "I too hope it will get better, especially with the females. I'm beginning to develop a conscience that would be interested in having my own female." But with his inflicted flaw from a near death experience stopped him from fully acting on finding a female.

"Perhaps they survive through other fire tribe-dwellers? That is the only explanation I can gather. I encountered an earth female and she fainted when I came into view having to take her to my den where the temperature was better than these parts. If she wasn't a female I would have slapped this creature for entering here foolishly without proper escort of a fire b'alam to counteract the effects of heat. As it stands I don't harm females....just yell at them." Grumbled Xavier as they came to a large opening with a high ceiling and a great hot spring, along with smaller ones in different areas where the air above the cave was cool but the pools were giving off that deliciously steamy heat of the water.

"Here we are. As for ours....I encountered a female fire dweller that wasn't of course my sister.....It was rather dull." Well at least to Xavier it was a dull encounter but then that was saying indirectly that he wanted to have someone who excited his life and pushed him to keep on his toes. "There is no gratitude necessary Aruna. I should...extent the mild joy of encountering someone who I can get a long with and speak with freely." It was great for him to have another male to talk to. Next thing he knew they might end up pairing off as bachelor's in this fiery home and have those boy's night out hunting.  

[magnadearel]

krusnik05

He felt a sort of kinship with this male, in their woes with females. They definitely understood one another there. Aruna followed. Taking note of the route so he would be able to find his own way in the future. "Ah much longer than I. No wonder you know this place so well." It was foolish not to know one's home. Xavier's next comment caused him to pause in his tracks. His own female?

The red male thought about those females he'd met and nearly shuddered with thought. Did he want a female like that? Definitely not. Now he considered, if he could find the perfect female, what he would want. Obviously fire tribe like him. She would need a crimson pelt suitable for fire. He had a vague undefined feeling that he wanted her subservient-ish toward him. That would do for now. "I can only hope you'll be careful in who you choose." It would be a shame if Xavier was unhappy in his choice of mate.

Aruna snorted in offence as he resumed following. "I know I would never succor any non-fire tribe here. The offence of it all! Who do they think they are letting outsiders in. Ha! You should have slapped her. Teach her better." Was it getting warmer? Humid? Both, he saw as he entered the cavern with the springs. "Ah that was a shame." He had no idea what Xavier considered dull, but was polite nonetheless.

"Likewise. I am gratified to have found you. The pools are waiting! Come let us warm ourselves in their soothing waters." He grinned and gestured for the other male to proceed him.  

[krusnik05]

magnadearel

"Yes only a bit longer than you but not by much. Going to the hot springs he sat down to touch the water purring softly at the water feeling wonderful against his fur. Smirking slightly, he looked over at Aruna. "The only way for me to be careful in who I chose is by not mating at all. I'm content to be alone for as long as I have life in me. Or I'll pick a weak-willed and quiet female to sire an heir then let her go about her business whatever that may be for a quiet females." Which was putting it harshly but that meant the least trouble in his life.

Someday he would find the right female but just not yet, not now when he was still trying to accept his limp leg more and more. "Though I wish you the good fortune to find the one you want.." There was actually genuine hope for Aruna which was rare since Xavier couldn't give two flying birds about other people's life.

"Yes but if I had touched the female in violence for being an idiot my adopted sister would have found out and taken offense. While at first we didn't get along, we've come to depend and respect each other. The last thing I wish to do is break the bond that is still fragile between us. Otherwise I would enjoy running off these other outsiders from our home. As if there isn't enough room outside of here." Growls sharply and Xavier finally entered the water with a deep sigh. "Enter the waters already Aruna. Or I'll have to be greedy and send you to the smaller pools here."  

[magnadearel]

krusnik05

Though pleased, he didn't comment on Xavier being not much older than him. "You'll let me know if I should watch out for any areas wouldn't you?" It was a bit of flattery, this asking for advice, but Aruna thought it couldn't hurt to be aware of areas that might cause him problems if he wasn't careful. The crimson male followed his guide into the water and sighed contentedly. Nice hot water and no jabbering females!

He chuckled softly. "There is that point." While being alone had its appeal, he wouldn't mind, eventually, settling down with a proper girl. Time, he had plenty of it. Aruna nodded. "Thank you, and same to you. Hopefully your weak-willed female won't be too dull." The male grinned.

"Mmmm well one does suppose that it would be a suitable deterrent in that case." He was now very glad there had been no other there when he'd awoken. Depend upon another? That seemed... fool hearty. That was Xavier's choice, and Aruna wasn't going to tell him what he should and shouldn't do. If the male was happy then so be it. For now, he was content to rely on his own strength.

"Ah! You could try and I'd just have to shove you over." He teased Xavier. Man to man. This was the way to live. He hoped more fire tribe males would show up soon.  

[krusnik05]

magnadearel

Xavier chuckled softly the first true sign of not being a cold-hearted male after all. Well at least not now when he was relaxed by the amazing heat of the water and the soothing sensation it brought on his leg. "Yes Aruna. I must confess that I am rather glad and relieved to have encountered a male. Especially one who....agrees with me. No that's not how it should be said. Let me rephrase that." The male murmured then dropped his head back with a thunk from his horns on the solid rock. "I am especially glad to have met you because it seems we are....kindred spirits. I hope you don't mind that I ask we be friends?"

The male looked over at Aruna. "I'm not the best when it comes to my disposition but this interaction has not annoyed me at all. I rather enjoy the brethren-like company." He admitted then smirked at the talk about a weak-willed female. "I wish but to employ a simple life style. She cares for the den and cubs while leaving me a lone mostly." Which wasn't a nice thing to say and something that wasn't going to happen with his luck with females. It was interesting that he always encountered females in some shape or form that walked to talk with him or simply ended up in his path. Couldn't one of them just be of a romantic interest no matter their personality?

"Yes. Though when I look at her, she has similar coloring and markings like me...even her eyes as close to mine. It made sense to join with her even by force as the magnetic pull was there. I do thank her for what had happened to us during the volcano eruption several months ago." It was perhaps one or two months ago give or take that the eruption happened and he wasn't sure if anyone was around for that one but it had been the cause of his leg going bad.

Growling sharply he shook his head. "I'll shove you over my head without a moments hesitation old man." He teased in return chuckling. "Just watch your back or I'll swoop in like a shadow to shove you into the water."  

[magnadearel]

krusnik05

Aruna was pleased that Xavier had liked him so much. "It sounds like there isn't many who agree with you. That should change in time." He sounded confident. How could fire tribe not see how awesome it was? He liked the sound of that. Kindred spirits. "I would like very much Xavier." Aruna didn't think there was any problem with Xavier. It was hard to say how he'd react until he'd met Xavier when all he'd had for company was annoying females. "Likewise I have enjoyed our conversation. It would please me greatly to talk to you more."

"That sounds ideal." He wasn't ready for a female or cubs, so he pushed it out of his mind. Aruna considered this adopted sister of Xavier's. She sounded like she could be a handful. He wasn't sure if he wanted to meet her or not. Perhaps not for now. Maybe later. "Are there places to live here in the volcano?" It would be nice to find a permanent place to dwell. The male opened his eyes at the mention of the volcano erupting. "It did? I wasn't here for that. Could you tell me about it?"

"Ah! Should I get your cane for you?" Aruna mock jeered. "More like you'll need me to hold you above the water." This good natured teasing relaxed him as much as the hot water. "Or instead, how about we lay off the water aerobics and you show me where the good food is? I can hunt something up for both of us." He tossed his offer out as he felt his stomach growl.  

[krusnik05]

magnadearel

Xavier nodded then gave a barely there smile. Dare he think it.....their association must be turning into friendship. This fiery male never had a friend before, obviously, but it was such that he never tried to befriend anyone he has encountered. Until now of course.

When Aruna asked for more information about the eruption of the volcano he shook his head. "Oh no Aruna. I'll save that story for another time. You know to make sure that there is a good reason to hang around each other aside from my charming personality." Drawls in a sarcastic yet teasing way that was meant as a self joke on Xavier. "As for a place to live, yes there are. You have to find den space but some are rather good that make it so you live close to the heart of the volcano but protected. It's a risk if you want to take but I have several dens when I first awakened and now just have two. One I share with my sister and the other is for myself when I want to be alone. Perhaps you'll like me to show you around to find a good space?"

Though he didn't have to worry much with Aruna through his own teasing jokes at him. Snorting in amusement the male stood up and began to get out of the hot spring and shook out his soaked fur. "Come on cub, I'll show you how hunting is really done." Growls with a smirk on his face.  

[magnadearel]

krusnik05

Fin?

"Oh I suppose I'd better have a good reason to come back. You're no beauty you know." Aruna drawled lazily. In truth he was eager to hear this story. Even without the excuse he was sure he'd have found a reason to come back and see Xavier again. He shuddered to think about having to live near that idiotic water female.

"Somewhere very protected from the commoners." He gave a distasteful twitch of his tail. Anyone not fire tribe was a 'commoner'. Aruna sighed, "to have my peace of mind I'll have to put up with a little risk. Sure, it can't hurt for you to show me the places you know."

He laughed as he hauled himself nimbly out of the water, "yes granther."  

[krusnik05]

magnadearel

Yesh Fin!

Snorting at the beauty comment, Xavier shrugged. "I never claimed to be or would want you to come back to visit me as the reason. There is no need to attract such attention from others curious to follow when my own space and peace is necessary for me. The fiery male couldn't have agreed more with Aruna about those not from their tribe as commoners. After all the fire tribe was the place to be and who to be. Who didn't like being around the wonderful heat and the rather stunning looking tribers?

Smirking at Aruna, he slapped him on his shoulder with his tail and lead the way out of the springs. It made him chuckle softly and laugh deeply inside to be called granther. That was something he wasn't going to forget. "Keep that up and I'll have to set you in the corner for making me feel older than I am." Warned mockingly. It was the most fun he's had since his awakening. Hopefully in the future their bond can be that close to a brotherhood....

~FIN~