1/17/12

As Adrian followed her through the village he noticed how everyone who caught sight of Leila ducked into the nearest building and out of her way. It occurred to him that a great number of people probably haven’t been privileged enough to really have a relationship with a tiger. After all, although Leila was stubborn and could kill almost anything she faced, she always showed compassion and love in her actions toward Adrian. He made a mental note to inform everyone in the pub that she was safe, and very rarely aggressive to things with only two legs.
Within a few minutes Adrian found himself before the door of a rather loud pub. The smell of well-cooked food was seeping through the walls toward him. Leila looked at him for a fleeing second before swishing her tail and disappearing into the increasing darkness.

1/16/12

They walked for a few more minutes before a village could be seen in the distance.
“Leila, I am going to need to eat, and it’s getting dark. How would you like to entertain the possibility of staying in the village tonight?” Her only response was a noncommittal grumble. “Well then, seeing as you aren’t totally opposed, I think that is what we should do”.
As their steps brought them closer to the buildings Adrian whispered, “Leila, do you think you could sniff out the pub?”
Leila, who was all too aware of the scared glances coming from every surrounding window, gave him an annoyed glance before turning to the right and walking straight toward the pub. She never understood how Adrian couldn’t find a pub. The yeasty stench of bread and beer was so distinct and revolting. Why anyone would be attracted to anything other than the butcher shop was beyond fathomable.

1/15/12

Leila usually seemed to have limitless energy, but when carrying a human around, even she grew tired. She chose to walk slightly off the road, where the earth was softer and didn’t irritate her paws. After hours of slinking through the vegetation lining the road she paused, crouched down, and allowed Adrian to slip off her back.

12/10/11

“Is there any point in resisting?” Adrian asked, hoping she would just let him rest in peace.
A deep long growl was the only response.
He sighed. There is no use in trying to convince a determined tiger out of anything. With all the shame of a chastised toddler, he got of the rock, and seated himself on Leila. She was off at a trot, please with herself for her brilliance.

12/7/11

As far as tigers go, Leila is really rather large. Her shoulders are roughly four feet tall, which makes her rather hard to ignore: especially when all that body is pinning you to a rock.
She looked down at her friend with a playful grin.
He looked up at her with an eye of concern. “You know that I can’t just walk all day like you, Leila. I require a moment of rest, so unless you intend to carry me, get off my chest”
She licked him.
“I was joking, I’m not seriously going to let you carry me anywhere. What sort of man would I look like if a tiger was carrying me?”
Her only response was to hop off the rock, and crouch, very close to ground level.

12/6/11

Adrian always had trouble walking with Leila. In general, she scared everyone who hadn't previously met her, so walking in the road was very trying. Or very exciting, depending on your point of view, for Leila took great joy out of terrifying humans.
They walked all morning, until Adrian's feet were sweaty and sore. He sat on a large rock on the side of the road, took some water out of his pack, and started to relax.
"How pathetic", Leila thought as she glanced at him, "we can't get anywhere with him always needing breaks".
Adrian started as Leila pounced on the rock, placing her two front paws on either side of his chest.

9/19/11

Adrian was standing outside in the lane looking around for Leila. After another moment studying the surroundings, he saw her approach at a quick and lively pace. She looked far too happy to have done anything good. "What have you been doing?" he called in her direction.
She tried to put on her most innocent face as she approached. She looked up at him with her big eyes, and tried to convey a sense of serene indifference. Nothing, she thought. I was doing nothing that a tiger shouldn't be doing. I was only doing what I should to fulfill my nature. Silly human.
"I apologized to our neighbors for your little wake up call this morning" Adrian said in a mock-stern manner "and they asked if you would like to have some breakfast out back" he finished.
Leila sniffed the air, and all she could pick up was the smell of cured, week old meant. She snorted.
"I'll take that as a no thank you" Adrian said as he disappeared inside to tell the people within.
After a few short seconds he was back. "Ready?" he asked?
Leila growled the affirmative, and they set off further up the lane.