Endesha's instincts had never failed her in the past. They had gotten her out of trouble more often than they'd got her into it and, hey, she was still alive to tell the tale of her past experiences. And, ever since saving the leopard from the jaws of those dogs, she'd begun to fret. She'd let them go because she figured everyone deserved a bit of mercy. A second chance, as it were. But the direction they had run off in had been the direction of the Pridelands and now she had images of poor guards being attacked by the furious pair.
She supposed, in the end, that she had probably better seek out one of these guards and let them know that there might be a hyena and jackal lurking about looking to stir trouble. She, of course, did not know of the recent goings on in the pride, having been away since the discovery of her name. Perhaps she might swing by and see her grandparents whilst she was there. It would be nice to see how they were getting on since they last met.
In any case, her strong, swift pace had her crossing the borders in no time at all. She slowed, casting her eyes about to look for a guard. A few lions moved back and forth; some looking agitated and wary. There was an odd sort of scent to the air, as well. Something that bristled the fur on her neck and shoulders and had her on edge.
Something was not right here.
She slowed to a halt, realising she'd caught the attention of a dark-pelted male, and felt the twitch of nerves setting in; an odd thing, as she was never nervous and particularly not here in these lands of peace. Her senses, again, telling her to stay on guard.
"A guard of the pride, I take it?" She asked as the other male drew up close.
"Yes, indeed. And you are a beautiful roguess?"
"Uh..." Was he flirting with her? "No, actually. I'm from the Jini'msemi."
"Jini'msemi? Ah...you mean, the swamps?"
"Yes." She didn't like the way he said the 'swamps' as if it were nothing more than a dirty, disgusting place. Her tail thrashed. "What of it?"
"Oh, oh, nothing. You just have the wild look of a rogue. You have quite starling eyes, if I do say so myself." He grinned. "You know, some say that about me, too. I've had plenty a girl swooning over my eyes."
Endesha gave a loud snort. "Oh, well, good for you. Now, if you don't mind, I'll cut straight to the chase. If you're a guard, I should warn you that there might be a hyena and a jackal close by; looking to cause trouble."
This time the smile dropped from the lion's face. "We've had quite a bit of trouble with hyenas. The pride was attacked by the pack nearby only a few days ago."
She noted that the lion did indeed carry some wounds - though they appeared to be nicely healing.
"I hope it wasn't too bad?" Endesha replied, instantly fearful.
"Lions...lions were killed, but so were hyenas." He blinked, shaking his head. "But that hyena and jackal you mentioned. They've already been here." And then his eyes widened. "Wait..."
Endesha felt something akin to fear in her heart and she took a step towards him as if sensing that there was more to this tale. More that she wouldn't want to hear. "What? What is it?" Her heart pounded louder and the rush of blood made his reply seem distant...quiet.
"You...are you related to Amari?"
She bounded forwards, a snarl on her maw. "Where is he? Tell me!"
The black-pelted male looked frightened at her display of teeth and lurched backwards, lifting a placating paw. "Woah, woah, calm down, lady. Pretty girls shouldn't snarl like that. Ruins the look." And then at her angry hiss he continued hastily. "Come on, I'll take you too him."
He turned slowly and began to head into the lands. But Endesha was in no mood for taking a slow, leisurely stroll. She shoved against him and gave him a hard n** on the shoulder.
"Faster! You can explain on the way."
"So long as I'm not gasping for breath!" Lutalo whined.
But he did manage to explain because the story was short and simple. The hyena and jackal had arrived on the borders and caught Amari unawares as he had been pondering a journey to where his son lived. He'd defended himself until Lutalo had come to his rescue and then the dogs had fled. Amari had been injured and weakened, but he was still alive. Unfortunately, his age meant his wounds were not healing well and he was very weak.
"Where's my grandmother?"
"Maawio?" Lutalo checked.
"Yes."
The dark lion blinked, finally slowing his pace. "Missing. Since the battle."
Endesha bit back a sob and squeezed her eyes closed, bumping into the lion as he slowed to a fatigued walk. This couldn't be happening. Not to her grandparents. Not to the Pridelands. What was she going to do? Should she go and fetch her parents and tell them what had happened, or...?
"He's in there."
Endesha pushed past the lion without another word and threw herself into the den. It was not Amari's den, but it must have been the closest free place that he had been able to reach. Or, perhaps he could not bear to be in a den that he had shared with his mate. A mate that was now missing.
"Grandpa!"
At her voice, a pair of eyes - golden in the sun - looked up at her and she pressed close to that familiar lion, shaking her head in utter disbelief.
"Endesha?"
"I'm so sorry." She choked out. "This is all my fault."
He gave a rough purr. "Don't be ridiculous. How is this your fault?"
"The ones who attacked you...I met them out there in the rogue lands. They were attacking a leopard and I intervened. I...I let them go." She shuddered. "I shouldn't have trusted them. I should have stopped them, but I was foolish and now they've hurt you and they still run free."
"Endesha, you couldn't have known that would happen, and look, I'm still here."
"But you're hurt." She nosed at his wounds, aware that Lutalo hovered behind her, partially blocking the light. She snarled at him and he backed off, letting the sunlight filter back in. "That lion said Grandma has...gone missing."
Amari said nothing and the silence was heavy and filled with sadness.
"I'm sorry..." She whispered again.
"Lutalo said he would fetch your father. Is he with you?"
"No. No. I'm by myself. Father is back home with mother. Perhaps with my brother and sister, too. I'm not sure. I've been out and about recently. Lutalo is the male back there?"
Amari nodded weakly.
"He never mentioned that you'd asked him to do that." She growled. "Wait here, grandpa. I'll go and sort this out." And, with a brief nuzzle, she stalked back up into the sunlight and cornered the male fearlessly. He was bigger than her, but right now she was determined and fierce. She ignored the fear on his face as she jabbed him in the chest and watched as he staggered backwards. If he had made a false promise...
"Did you send word to my parents?" She demanded angrily.
"Uh, no, not yet. I was trying to find someone--"
"--No. Not good enough. You should have gone yourself if you couldn't find anyone else. What sort of friend are you if you'll leave him here all by himself when his family are only a short journey away?"
"I--"
"--Enough! I'm here now and I'll make sure the word gets sent." He had opened up his mouth to respond, though she had cut him off with a growl. "And don't bother with the sweet talk. It won't work on me." And, with that, she turned and stalked back into the den, clearly intent on righting all the wrongs.
Lutalo wondered if that hyena and jackal realised what they had let themselves in for when they had attacked Amari.
/fin.
