Zusa had taken to wandering the plains as of late, finding that it eased her mind to be in a place unencumbered by rocks and trees. The wide-open space pleased the leopardess, and Zusa found that she could think better about any number of problems that might be running rampant through her brain at any given time. Zusa was a worrier, and sometimes it made functioning nigh impossible for the poor girl. She could find any number of things to ponder over: why was the sun hotter today than it had been days past?; was the tree that she was sleeping under slowly creaking towards her?; did the water she’d just sipped taste funny?; why did she feel as if someone was watching her?
These questions (and more) tormented Zusa on a day-to-day basis. It was a daunting task, being a worry wart, but Zusa had kept herself together so far and she didn’t have plans to lose her mind any time soon, or so she hoped, at least.
This day, of all days, Zusa found herself contemplating the actions of a golden lioness she watched from afar. The lioness in question had her head deep within a hole that Zusa had watched her dig. Mounds of dirt piled up around the pretty lioness, and Zusa found herself pacing as she carefully watched the other feline. Why was she digging? What was in the hole?
Zusa couldn’t take the uncertainty of the situation anymore. Almost frantically the leopardess approached the strange lioness and with a worried expression had to ask, “Why are you digging?!”
Gella had been quite blind to everything going on around her. She’d caught wind of a small deposit of amber stone in the area. She knew that the pretty golden stones wouldn’t be resting atop the savannah like so many pebbles, but they were found beneath the first few layers of dirt. Gella loved the feel of grit under her paws and the scent of freshly upturned earth, and was really in her element digging up pebbles of interest.
She hadn’t been expecting the worrisome leopardess to approach, nor had she been expecting the frenzied query. Backing out of the hole she was elbow-deep in, Gella turned her golden gaze towards the leopard. “Amber stones,” she replied matter-of-factly. “You have to dig a bit to find them.” Satisfied that she’d given the answers that the leopard needed, Gella turned back to her task at hand.
It didn’t appear to be good enough for Zusa. There had to be a better reason. “Why do you seek amber stones,” she asked, voice carrying a curious edge to it. “Are they magic?” Even more importantly, Zusa wanted to know if they were harmful. It was important.
“No,” Gella sighed, backing out of the hole once more, “they aren’t magic. They’re just pretty rocks, little gems. They can be used in jewelcrafting, or they might have healing properties. I have to do more research,” Gella paused, trying not to grow too frustrated at her work being disturbed, “before I can make that statement an absolute.” Hoping that the leopardess would take her leave, Gella waited before turning back to the hole.
It was not to be. Zusa wasn’t completely satisfied that the stones were safe, or that the hole was for the purpose that Gella claimed. She could sense the irritation in the lioness’ voice, and hoping to soothe that Zusa figured introductions were in order.
“I do not mean to be a pest,” Zusa offered, pacing twice before sitting again. “I am Zusa, and I tend to question what I do not understand.”
With a small, frustrated huff Gella backed out of the hole once more. Her mane and nose were caked in dirt and it lent an almost charming air to the indignant female. “Gella,” she said abruptly, “Of the Tuait’tekem pride. A scholar amongst the other lions there, I specialize in gems and gemstones.” The last she said with great pride. Her passion was in her stones and gems, and it was obvious by the way she spoke of her beloved rocks.
Zusa found it curious that the lioness Gella seemed to be so entranced by mere rocks and stones. Of course, Gella found it strange that Zusa seemed so worrisome about the actions of others. Zusa had difficulties interacting with others because of her troubled thoughts, and Gella had difficulties interacting with others because she would rather be amongst her stones. Even Gella’s mate, Bufonidae, her Toad, understood Gella’s desire to be alone and researching stones and rocks and gems. It was why he was so perfect for the golden female.
It seemed that Zusa’s mind was finally at ease, at least as much as it could be. Gella turned back to her dirt-hole and Zusa watched the female, having nothing better to do this afternoon. She was careful not to interrupt the duties that the lioness felt necessary to carry out, and Gella was careful not to appear to be too abrasive when Zusa did feel a question bubble to her lips.
What other stones do you collect? Which is your favorite stone? How far are you from your pride? Do you have cubs? How long have you been a stone-seeker? Might I touch that piece of amber you just found?
By the time that Gella had found her source of amber exhausted, Zusa had relaxed enough that she was sprawled on her side, merely watching Gella comb through endless pebbles and rocks, picking a few interesting ones out and setting them aside. Their conversation was still stilted merely because neither of them was apt at producing an easy conversation, but a budding friendship had found its way to fruition.
Not parting ways until the sun kissed the horizon, Gella and Zusa laughingly said their goodbyes. Gella found herself having actually enjoyed Zusa’s companionship, and Zusa felt better about the whole “digging for rocks” situation. One could never be too careful about holes and the dangers they threatened.
