Story 1. Chapter 5.

As the three moons began to rise over the jungle canopy, a pursuit was taking place.

Beyond the far outskirts of the Hawk tribes settlement, an angry roar rang out disrupting the late evenings peace.

All the males who heard the cry stood to attention, but the mated males didn't move an inch. A few bachelors came out to see what the commotion was; who robbed who's fair mate.

A huge lion was hot in pursuit of a winged beastman who had swept up his mate to be in the short while he'd been gone.

Unfortunately the winged man appeared to be gaining a good distance on the enfuriated Lion beastman.

Oren risked lagging behind, he could only hope to be able to track them at this rate! Capable as he was, he was at serious speed disadvantage.

Naomi was frozen in fear, silent tears spilling down her cheeks wrapped tightly in the furs and blankets.

She was fatigued and terrified, her big eyes glued to the rising moons as she shivered from the adrenaline.

Naomi couldn't help but think, even if this was a common place occurrence here it was still a rather pitiful affair for at least one party involved.

What would happen now? Are all beastmen patient and mannerly? Hopefully so but she couldn't help but somwhow think otherwise regarding the newcomer.

'He did whisk me away after breaking in so' she groaned at the various prospects that lay ahead of her. Hopefully he's not too pushy or harsh!

'They can't mistreat women here either right?!' She swallowed, as her eye lashes fluttered as she attempted to recall the important detail as the sound of Orens pained cries got farther and farther away.

He was furious at himself for being so unprepared he was no green male, and mature many years now this was all due to his own over-confidence he reasoned.

The pair soared over the ocean of trees for miles, until they came to an small rocky enclave set in a steep wooded cliffside. It was as high off the ground as any of those tall tree houses.

Birds. They really just think differently.

As soon as they entered Naomi was immediately deposited upon an old grassy nest bed.

She was promptly lain down upon her side, imprisoned in furs and all but blind but for the shadowy outlines of the cave and figure, around and before her.

'It's so dark in here... I don't like it, its so ...oppressing for some reason.'

Naomi resumed slowly weeping, tiredly struggling against her bindings in protest to her environment.

Gently wiping her wet and tear stained cheeks, the looming figures slightly rough thumbs swept across her face. Suddenly he spoke, his harsh timbre much more evident now- no wonder he wouldn't speak before he couldn't fully mimic Orens smoother tenor.

"We stop here for now. You had been weeping and groaning so I'd assume you're in pain from your heat, you can rest . You are in no danger, I am Hyfron" He affirmed briskly, cupping her face gently as he spoke.

'Is this seriously the dating culture here? If I see the week out it'll be a miracle! ' her mind balked as her skin heated slightly where she was touched. She felt as though she was being dragged all-round the world.

Suppressing a groan Naomi's heart trembled as her mind swirled with how she was supposed to-wait-

"..oh no I- ah- heat?"

She awkwardly stammered, confused at the term.

"Hmm, indeed. I can scent it upon you. The season is changing." His matter of fact response left her feeling all different kinds of ways- embarrassment was certainly one as she realised his meaning.

Her time of the month had decided to strike in all the commotion.

'Always, always when you're unprepared will it strike early. ' Naomi cringed inwardly, more tears bubbling up and threatening to spill.

Swallowing she hesitantly went to ask if she could pee somewere but her stomach decided to interrupt her with a growl.

The mysterious presence stilled his petting momentarily as realization struck.

"Ah you haven't had the chance to eat, you must still need to 'pee' also I'd say" he sighed, as his expression was veiled by darkness Naomi couldn't tell if it was in concern or frustration, or both.

Opting to fly the pair up to the high top of the cliff rather than the jungle floor, there was no chance of slipping away. Even by moonlight Naomi couldn't confidently get her bearings up so high.

The beastman set her down upon a large mossy stone beside a small stream.

Without a word, Hyfron began to peel away the blanket as deftly as he wrapped her in them, putting all but the the inner few into one pile.

Naomi tried to protest her modesty when it came to personal matters but he insisted on accompanying her in the dark, carrying her to a spot before holding her up by her hands as she almost died again but from shame instead.

He stood patiently with his head turned at her request, before handing her some large soft leaves.

'I can't let this happen again, really now' she was so embarrassed because she didn't know this person to be sharing such a vulnerable moment with. Maybe it's an act of protection but it felt invasive and overbearing too.

As she silently fumed he carefully lifted her back onto the rock,entirely ignorant of her crossed boundaries. Unfortunately for Naomi this beastman was single minded, somewhat oblivious to her possible aggrievances.

"I can undress myself, look away please" she sternly instructed, finally finding her voice before he could make any moves.

"But..." he muttered, sounding genuinely confused as she shook her head, dark hair swaying aide to side.

"No, we just met. I'm sorry but I don't want unfamiliar men to bathing me." Naomi repeated firmly, crossing her arms to emphasise. She was shy but not a total pushover, come 'on!

'I haven't even seen your face! Fat chance!' She almost snorted at his bravado, despite his causal manner Naomi hadn't dropped her guard one bit. Oren had a bit of manners- even if they were few, he seemed to have some sense of consideration about him.

Shirking off her blouse and skirt she slipped into the stream choosing to sit in the cool water. With her back to this Hyfron person as she began to bathe, contemplating her near future.

After she finished bathing, Hyfron stepped forward to hand hand her an animal skin to dry.

"A temporary means, we will secure cotton from the horse tribe tomorrow." He informed Naomi as he handed her some leaves for under her clothes.

She opted to remain silent, relieved she wouldn't have to struggle in this state but still upset with her captor. To her absolute dismay he wrapped her in a light layer of skins before flying back to the nest with her bundled up, while grasping the bundle of wet blankets.