Brighter Days Ahead

Weary paws padded along the unfamiliar terrain laid out before the white lioness. She had travelled long and far to reach this place, and prayed that it would be everything she had hoped for and more. Taiynara had pointed her in this directing, claiming these lands to be a safe place where lions need not worry about the dangers of human intervention. Kamaria's parents had been hunted for their peculiar coats, and she too had lived in fear every day that she might face the same fate as them. If this place truly was away from the poisonous reach of trophy hunters and poachers, then she would gladly make it her home from now until the day she died. The only thing that might make this place a little more enjoyable, would be having the lioness who raised her by her side. But she was gone. She had lived a long life, and it was her time. Perhaps one day her lost brother might find her. She could only imagine what he might look like now, full grown, probably with a pride and cubs of his own. Would they carry their fathers white coat? Or would the trait not rear its head again for years to come? Thoughts like this kept her worries mind occupied as she moved further into the pride lands.

Everything about this felt strange. She had done everything in her power nearly all her life to avoid other lions. She knew well enough what getting in the way of a pride with their own agenda could result in, her dead sister was proof of that. But, she had sworn to Taiynara that she would try. That she would attempt to be a part of something, and live a meaningful life. She was young, of cub bearing age, and had a great wealth of knowledge when it came to healing. She hoped that those traits alone would be enough to grant her refuge within a pride that would be able to protect her. She was tired of living alone, and she needed this. Her steps were careful, and all senses were on high alert as the clear scent of a pride thickened. She had to be careful. One wrong move and she could end up like poor sweet Amaeko.

Soft silver eyes looked onward and found her mark. A large rock in the center of the territory provided a clear marker for where she needed to go. Her tail hung low and still behind her, and her ears set on a constant swivel listening for any who might approach. Luck would have it that things seemed quiet. Either they pride was taking a nap, or they were busying themselves with a hunt somewhere. When she reached the base of the rock, she took a deep breath, and let out a soft, clearly non threatening call to announce her presence. Her ears fell flat against her skull, as she anxiously awaited a response, and prayed that it would be a civil one. She was not ready to die. She had so much life to live, and so much to give to a pride who would be kind enough to take her in.