Umandir

Umandir was only a hatchling when she left her clan and started to wander the surrounding lands. She was starving when she passed out near the home of Jarik and Nova. She awoke the next morning and found herself being tended to by Nova. Nova explained where she was and asked her a few questions.
But just when she was just about to go back to sleep, and big, red Guardian flew in and placed a load of rodents on the floor. "Good," nova said coming up to him. "She should eat before she sleeps again. Eat this red squirrel. They go down easy." But Umandir wasn't listening. Her eyes were locked on Guardian.
He had just come to adulthood, but already was big and strong. But his eyes looked gentle and kind. He looked at her and chuckled. Umandir realized that she had been staring and turned her head away, blushing.
When she had fully recovered, they asked if she wanted to stay. She couldn't believe it! She had been just daring to hope that they would say that. Nova taught her hunt and gather, and Jarik taught her to swim. She loved it. Gliding through the water, leaping, diving, fishing, spending time with Jarik..... She knew by then that she loved him. He was wise, smart, strong, everything she wanted, really.
Then, after an afternoon of splashing Jarik said, "NebulaEclipse is sure getting sweet on Nova." Umandir thought back to when the Mirror male had crashed landed into their lair and almost had a battle with Nova. But she had long since decided that that had been the best way for them to meet. Nova wouldn't be anybody's mate unless they were a good fighter.
Suddenly, Jarik stopped. "What is it?" she asked looking around. "Where is the danger?" Jarik smiled. "It's you." Umandir was utterly confused. "I think I'm in love with you." Umandir's heart stopped. "It's not just because you're beautiful," he said. She flushed and turned away. She had grown into her adult body by now, and was rather splendid.
"You're kind, smart, strong, everything I was looking for, really." She faced him again as his words echoed her thoughts. "I-I feel the same way," she stammered at last. A laugh of relief escaped from Jarik. "Oh good. I'm not making a fool of myself, then." She smiled and shook her head. "Then, since you feel the same way, will you be my mate?"
That was it. The tears she had been trying to hold back all came pouring out. Jarik looked at her in surprised and wondered if this was a positive or negative response. Finally, she sniffed and grinned. "Of course I will, Jarik."

About a week later their two eggs hatched.