lonely in a crowded room

Laying down beside the big elk was comforting. Their mutual body warmth soothed the giant cat and she began to groom her thick, snowy forelegs with a raspy pink tongue. The elks words brought a soft chuckle from her and she grinned even as she did her nightly grooming. Rannoch curled his neck as though he was going to go to sleep and Taiga cast a sidelong glance with one ruby eye. She then looked up to the wide antlers and made a small sound of interest. Being a cat, she did enjoy scratching her cheeks on things. Extending her neck, Taiga rubbed her cheek along one point of Rannoch's antlers for a few swipes, enjoying the sensation.

A pride would indulge in grooming here and there. It was one of the things that the big feline missed about being part of a group. With Rannoch beside her, Taiga curled her neck and allowed her tongue to pull over the elk's shoulder and neck. If he didn't like it, he could pull away or tell her otherwise. Her hot breath pushed through the russet fur, meeting his skin. Something about the act was arousing to the feline. Lionesses heat cycles were sporadic and she could usually feel them coming on. No doubt hers would be arriving soon. She might have to leave the group for a few days while she went through it as she tended to get a little feisty.

"Taiga"