Words are still not coming to him. Not easily. He runs on want and need and the basest drive of life.
Persist.
When Thandi speaks, he can’t understand. He can’t form the words or make the thoughts communicable. He simply wants her and wants her to understand that she has him now, and she shall never want for anyone else.
Mother of course reminds him that there is a need for her help, but she understands that being alive means to suffer from emotion. He does not know why it is suffering but he knows that he likes it well enough. He has lots of time to get help. And he has lots of time to mate.
She seems scared, so he pulls a small word from the dark depths of memory. Safe. “Thandi safe.” He won’t hurt her. He won’t be cruel. He simply wants to be with her. She seems hesitant, so he eases her. Every step, he tries to understand desperately her desires until they both overlap and she seems to understand. They are mates now, and he will always take care of her. He will make sure she is fed and warm and happy. He will make sure she feels good and has everything she needs for kittens. He is eager to start chasing after the thing that he wanted and doesn’t remember. He is eager for her.