In the Interim

While Ali was indeed concerned for the wellbeing of her owner, she was far too inexperienced with emotions to recognize anything beyond her duty as his property. Kindness was a trait she bore, but more than anything, Aliana was dutiful. Her personal projects, her needs, any desires she might have had, they all came second to Chimera's whims and wants. It was why she didn't feel disappointment when he refused her second offer of a massage, simply nodding her head to acknowledge she had heard him, then obeyed his instructions and turned back to the bamboo. While her master rested, Ali picked up some of the sharp stones she'd found and began to whittle away into the bamboo stalks at measured intervals, cutting out notches and slots for makeshift pegs to fit in and interlock the stalks. There was no way she would be able to accomplish all of her work in one day, but thanks to Chimera, she had a tremendous head start.

Ali spent the rest of the day measuring and preparing the stalks for use, testing and making sure the interlocking system she'd come up with worked, and then began to lay the foundation. It wasn't easy moving the heavy stalks, and she considered asking Chimera for help—but when she caught sight of him dozing peacefully, she couldn't bring herself to disturb him. She'd never seen Chimera sleep before. He had his private bed chamber with Viper, hidden away from the world, and she slept in the dogs' nook. He looked completely at peace, the usual grump or barely contained rage that was usually on his face melted away. To Aliana, he almost looked... content.

So she instead gradually rolled each stalk to where she needed it, doing her best not to overexert or injure herself. She'd be no good to Chimera as an invalid, and then she feared what sort of bites he might deliver to her then. She had gotten the foundation set in place with the stalks set into a small trench she'd dug so they wouldn't roll or move when Chimera got his wish and dark clouds began to roll in from the sea. A cool wind accompanied them, and shortly after a light drizzle that hinted towards a greater storm. Ali frowned, but continued to work through the drizzle until she had the foundation set. That would have to do for now. The wind was starting to pick up and she could smell the electricity in the air.

Heaving a sigh, Aliana stepped back to admire her work so far with a smile. All she'd have to do now was start stacking and locking the rest of the stalks in place and it would come together! But first... She turned toward Chimera, stepping almost silently with petite paws over to where he lay. Underneath the trees, he probably hadn't felt any raindrops. She couldn't let him nap out here in a storm. His den would be much more cozy for a snooze, plus she had an inkling that he'd probably snap at her for letting him sleep out in the rain. "Sir...?" she spoke to him, sitting about a foot from him with her head dipped towards his to try and rouse him without touching him. "Chimera, Sir? I'm sorry to disturb you, but it's starting to rain."

"Aliana"