Tasunke looked back on the day that he first met Bweka often. It was like a dream, like he had been struck by lightening. He knew as soon as he lay eyes on her that they were fated to be together. There was no other that he had felt like this with before, he knew that this was real. The cheetah had instantly decided that they must become mates, and he would doing anything to please her and to make it so. His red eyes watched her in adoration everywhere she went, every time she moved. He was love sick, and would stick by her side forever.Bweka had kept the cheetah close to her side ever since they'd met. She knew he had fallen for her, but for the leopardess, keeping him around was more out of convenience than anything else. Her golden eyes sparkled with power and amusement whenever he was around, finding it hilarious and exhilarating that she had such power over another. Once she'd found out he was willing to do anything for her she had decided never to let him go, and would keep him for as long as she could. She would never feel true feelings towards him, but he didn't need to know that.
Tasunke still found time to do his daily running. He hoped it would impress her. That he could run as fast and as far as he could was surely no simple feat, and perhaps that if Bweka saw this she would appreciate him more. So far she had not responded to his talents, but he was sure that in no time the leopardess would come around. That morning before she awoke he had been out practicing, and was home just in time to watch her wake. His red eyes gazed lovingly at her as she stirred from her sleep. What she was dreaming about he had no idea. Every night Tasunke slept he dreamed of her.
In a way, Bweka did dream of the cheetah, though not in the way one would if they were in love with someone. No, she always dreamed of being a princess, sitting high atop a huge following of admirers and followers. Tasunke's face was sometimes in the crowd, sometimes he was not, it didn't matter to her. All she dreamed of was being seen for what she truly was, one that should be worship. She stirred from her slumber to find the cheetah gazing at her. She hated it when he did that, but she let him go, knowing that if she pushed him too hard he would turn and run.
"Good morning! I fancy some water, would you fetch me some?" She asked Tasunke.
She was awake at last! Tasunke's heart jumped with glee. He knew she would have a request for him when she awoke, she always did. He couldn't wait to follow her instructions. The cheetah foolishly thought that every deed he did for her would put her more and more in the leopardess' favor, so whenever she asked for something he tried his best to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible.
"Sure!" He replied and trotted over to a nearby hollow tree. Once she had asked for water before, and there was not a waterhole in sight yet she still requested it and was refusing to move, wishing the water be brought to her, instead of her going to the water. Tasunke had had to think of a way to bring water back to her, and had stumbled across an oddly shaped branch, that was hollow and large and one end and small at the other. He'd plugged the smaller end with dirt and twigs, and had discovered that it could hold water. Since then he had often travelled to find water and bring it back to her.
He reached in the hollow and grabbed the branch and made his way to the nearest water hole.
Bweka smiled. She really did have to give him credit for discovering that branch. Now she could have water whenever she wanted, and she didn't even have to move for it! She sighed, this was the life she'd always wanted. As Tasunke left her mind drifted off, wondering what it would be like if there were many to do her bidding. She could only imagine that it would be even more satisfying than it already was. She tried to think what else she could make him to today, but her mind went blank. She scowled. If she didn't have something for the cheetah to do, then he would hang around for the rest of the day, something she didn't really want.
Tasunke treated the water retrieving requests as challenges, testing himself on how fast he could get the the nearest water hole and how fast he could return to Bweka, trying to spill the least amount of water. On his first try he'd hardly made it back with any water at all, but over time, the cheetah had developed a careful approach to his running and carrying of the branch in his mouth, so that there was only ever a few drops that were spilled at the most. Tasunke was very proud of this achievement, and was sure Bweka had been too, for it meant more water for her, even if she did not show it.
The cheetah sped off to the closest water hole and returned soon after, the branch almost full of water. He bent down and positioned it in his mouth so that the leopardess could drink it easily. He had to bend in an uncomfortable position to make it work, but he didn't mind. He was doing it for the love of his life.
Bweka made sure to act a little annoyed when he returned, knowing that it would make him try harder next time. She lapped delicately at the water, taking her time to quench her thirst, and not worrying about the cheetah and his comfort. Once satisfied Bweka climbed the nearest tree to bask. She could often be found basking all day, something she loved to do. Now to get rid of the cheetah for the day.
"Tasunke, you may practice your running if you wish." She called down from up above. Such a stupid hobby, but he enjoyed it and it meant he would be gone for a time.
When she was done Tasunke carefully placed the now empty branch back in the hollow. He watched as she climed. He wondered at her love for trees, it was mystifying, for he'd never had the urge to climb the wooden creation. It was one of the many things about her he found fascinating.
At her delegation the red eyes of the cheetah lit up. In no time he was gone, running off into the distance to practice.
FIN
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