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“Oh yes, absolutely,” said Lani, leaping to her paws and starting off down the trail. No time to waste when there were hungry bellies around. They could discuss further strategies on the way. Lani scented the air once more, making absolutely positive that they were heading in the right direction. But, yes, the wind was flowing a feint scent of antelope straight to them. Hard to pick up on the breeze, but there none-the-less.

“When we get closer, I’ll keep low and you make your way around… but stay put if they bolt!” She wasn’t sure how well lions were at hunting. Hopefully, if Mr. Muscle over there startled the gazelle before Lani was ready, she could recover enough to send one back in his direction.

Hopefully. She cast Neirin a quizzical glance over her shoulder.

Lani rose up just enough to see the patch of grass Neirin indicated. A good spot. Lions knew a thing or two about hunting after all. She bobbed her head in acquiescence and crouched down low.

“Remember, move quietly,” she whispered back, flicking her tail with glee and excitement. It had been a very long time since she’d had any decently large prey to eat. She was simply not big enough to take down antelope on her own. With a pack of great numbers, she could manage a buffalo! But on her own? She licked her lips and returned her attention to the herd below.

She couldn’t wait.

Carefully, Lani crept down the side of hill, inching along her belly to keep out of sight. Her colors were poor camouflage, so she had to be absolutely silent. Her progress was slow and careful, but, finally, she was in good sprinting distance of a small group of antelope. She perked her ears and cast a glance at Neirin’s proposed hiding spot. Was he ready…?

Lani’s gaze was steady and intense. She kept her eye on Neirin’s chosen hiding place, and when he appeared, she dug her claws into the earth. His nod was all she needed. With a flash of blue and yellow she was up and dashing across the plains. The herd brayed and scattered in her wake. All her senses were on fire – everything seemed to move in slow motion, each beat of her heart was steady and thundering in her ears. Louder than the antelopes’ hooves.

One old cow lost her footing and stumbled. Lani darted quickly to the left and followed at her heels. The antelope squealed and tried to race to the right, but Lani weaved and nipped her flanks, driving her forward. If they kept straight on this path, Lani would drive the old cow straight into Neirin’s waiting paws.

She yipped with glee, darting and dashing back and forth to keep the antelope running true.

“Aha!” Lani yipped with glee, seing Neirin grab the young cow and pull her down. She pounced, her jaws open, and sank her teeth into the antelope’s hind quarter, thrashing herself back and forth with blood lust. Hunting made the blood run hot, spurred even the meekest animals to action. She had to let go to avoid a kicking hoof, and danced away, her paws light.

“She’s yours to finish, Neirin,” Lani barked, grinning. Her stomach rumbled and her mouth watered,” Please.” She’d rather the larger, powerful lion take the killing bite.

Lani leapt back, her tail wagging in furious circles. She bounded to the left of the corpse, then the right, then pounced right up on top of it and snuffled her nose into its fur. It smelled delicious. Real, red meat! Finally! She grinned at Neirin and moved to sit, curling her tail around her dainty paws.

“Thank-you ever so much for your help, Neirin. It’s been a long time since I’ve had any sort of antelope,” she leaned close, as close as she was comfortable, and licked the lion’s cheek in gratitude,” You’re a very good hunter, mister lion. Almost as good as a dog.” She grinned and cocked her head, clearly meaning no insult.

But that was enough talk. She slipped down to the ground and dug her muzzle into the gazelle’s flank, her stomach rumbling with hunger.

Lani chortled, high and light, at his comment, but her laughter was soon muffled by a mouthful of gazelle. A dainty runner she may be, but her eating was voracious. Lani doubted she’d get this opportunity again soon, so she happily gorged herself on the antelope. She wouldn’t be running very much after this!

“And you’re very kind, mister Neirin, for letting me share with you.” She’d half expected to be chased off the kill. While an antelope was plenty more than a single wild dog could eat, she figured a lion could manage a whole buffalo and still have room for more!

“You know, I’ve never had a lion for a friend before.”

“It certainly was,” Lani replied , rising to her paws to see him off,” And I’m sure we will, my friend!” She watched his giant form lope off through the savannah, and clambered up onto the half-eaten carcass once more. Lani tossed her head back and let out a joyful howl, loud enough, hopefully, that Neirin would hear her. Her fond farewell.

“Good-bye for now, mister lion.”

With that, she returned to the antelope, to sate her hunger.