The sun drifted out of reach of the cave, causing rays of light to dance on the rocks. Orange and Purple intertwined in harmony, only to clash and spit out a yellow glow. Even the birds were beginning to calm, signaling the end of a long day. A stray moth flutters between the lines of light, drifting with the air flow bellowing within the cave and enjoying the last rays of the sun. The moth glides slowly to a red place in search of warmth. It lands on the forearm of a giant who observes its nature. Ignorant of the potential danger, the moth cleans its legs and antenna. Silver eyes continue to observe the spectacle. The moth twitches its wings before taking off once again. All the while, Uyoga just watches. He waits for the last drop of light to leave before his journey begins. Lying with his belly exposed and his paws stretched lazily in front of him, Uyoga allows his mind to wander. His time of solitude tests his will to the spirit. Months of preparation and dedication has lead him to his point.
An ear flicks to the side, but all is still. His eyelids hover half closed in a meditative state. His body, exposed to nature herself, welcomes the embrace of death- if that is what spirit wishes. The mind and body are calm, even after days of fasting and neglect. He must be at his weakest in order to achieve serenity. The trial demands the challenger to go through madness and return intact. All senses are tested and then placed on over drive to strain the body. He has done it all and now must complete the final task.
At the edge of the cave, a cricket chirps. The sun now traveling to other lands, allow foreign beasts to bask in its warmth. Crickets welcome the benevolent moon which washes the rocks in a cool embrace. Slowly, the moon’s casting glow grows into the cave. In moments, it rests on Uyoga’s pelt. He stirs. Eyelids rise to allow the moon’s light to fill his vision. He waits for the moon to encompass his whole body. It creeps along and finally, slips past his tail. Carefully, he retracts his legs and pulls himself off the floor. His body is at its breaking point. He hasn’t eaten for weeks and allowed himself little water. In order to reach his true strength, he must first weaken himself and overcome near death. The trails demand he lower himself to prey level, he cannot be on top if he has never experienced what it is like on the bottom. All his life Uyoga lived with plenty of shade and a full belly. His bulkier demeanor gives him great strength and has only felt the breath of weakness as a cub.
He shakes his mane and loosens his stiff muscles. Everything in his body screams for attention. That will pass; he ignores the pain and steps through the mouth of the cave. It is time to hunt.
The moon allowed very little leeway for Nubia's eyes to navigate. Though, that wasn't a problem. Having chased down many cubs who thought they could get away with trouble at night~ Nubia was quite comfortable with the moon to guide her. The last litter of cubs she watched was a paw full. The litter had 6 cubs and each one couldn't sit still long enough to act proper. For months they tested her patience, but in the end (like many cubs Nubi has taken care of), they developed into fine lions. Her services weren't needed anymore now that the cubs were grown. Each time she says goodbye to a new litter, a piece of her heart goes with them. Though, that is her job. She travels the lands and helps out expecting mothers in need. It's a tiring job, but she loves it. Over the years she has experienced many different types of lions and no cub was too much for her. Her expertise lays in dealing with lions, but she would never turn down another animal if they needed her services. It's just what she does, look after ones who need help.
By no means is Nubia old. Though she acts older and can be quite stern, her skills developed with her own mother. They would travel the rogue lands together, usually helping mothers whose mates have left them. Raising cubs can be a challenge when 6 mouths need to be feed, so Nubia and her mother help mothers in need. Sadly, Nubia's mother passed away, but Nubia continues to travel and nanny cubs. The tradition lives on and she hopes that one day she too may pass on traits to her children. Though, for now, Nubia is content wandering through the rock lands, searching for her next job.
Each step was agony. His muscles screamed from pain and his joints ached under pressure. The time spent neglecting his body was torment. Just leaving the mouth of the cave had him panting in seconds. He needed to reach the edge of the forest where prey hides. Before the trial, he could easily reach the forest in a few good leaps. Now, practically crawling on his belly, Uyoga was straining to lift just one paw. Though, he had to. He couldn't stay in the cave and wither away. The test dictates by the next moon cycle, he is challenged to hunt for prey at his weakest, but... he's completely drained. He doesn't have enough energy to hunt. Though, he'll power through.
Finally, Uyoga reached the edge of the forest. His body, a burden of weight, leaned on the nearest tree for support. He slowly raised his head to scan the area. Nothing. His eyelids are beginning to get heavy. He needs something in his belly soon. A crack rings out from the forest and Uyoga ears perk up. Food. He stumbles towards the direction of the noise, praying there is something worth eating.
The silence was nice. It allowed Nubia to sort of~ get away and allow her other senses to take over. Though she preferred the day, night was the time for travel. She could go longer distances without having to worry about heat exhaustion or running into large predators. Granted, nasty things came out at night, but at least she was relatively left alone. Plus, the cool colors of the moon offered a new perspective. It definitely wasn't boring when you exposed yourself to different things.
The sound of a large sack smacking the ground caught Nubia's attention. She immediately crouched into a defensive stance. Taking care of rough cubs for a few years paid off in the fighting position. Some of her tougher cubs used to think she was a push over, being a wolf and all. Oh, but they learned their lesson when she showed how ferocious a wolf could be with a lion.
Her eyes were greeted to a strange sight. A male lion, emaciated, leaning against a tree for support. She cocked her head to the side while she examined him further. He didn't look like a threat. At least, she could easily out run something so pathetic looking. Maybe he needed help. That is what she did. Though usually she helped the female variety, she would never turn down an animal in need. So Nubia un-clinched her muscles and began padding forward. Her paw caught on a small twig that cracked apart. The noise amplified in the still night. Nubia paused. The male, now at attention, looked her way. He began stalking forward. Even as weak as he looked, Nubia wasn't going to take any chances. She dove behind a large bush and pressed her body against the dirt.
Uyoga blundered through the trees. He heaved giant breaths while he lugged his head from side to side, hoping to catch a glimpse of something. This is no good. He thought to himself. His body was too weak and he's only worsening things by slamming it into trees. He's not in control of his paws anymore if the damaged trees are any indication. Before his trial, Uyoga could easily snake his way through trees and across leaves without making a sound. Now, reduced to a sack of flesh, it takes all his strength just to stand up.
Why? Why did he think this would help? Life was too cozy and comfortable he guessed. He needed something drastic, a true test of his strength. His vision was fading. A couple good head shakes brought it back, but not for long. Maybe he over did it this time.
With one big heavy he threw his body towards an opening in the forest. He could get lucky and live long enough to eat whatever tries to eat him.
Nubia observed the male. So far, he's given bruises to a couple trees before slamming down to the ground. He definitely was a rare sort. Either he was ill and couldn't look after himself, or something horrible happened and he still couldn't look after himself. It was a rather sad sight. Here, just a few feet away, lays a shadow of a male lion. His breath, now beginning to come in shallow gaps, carried with it the life force of the male. If Nubia was going to do something, she needed to do it now. He was not going to last much longer.
Nubia scanned the area around her. He needed food and water. The easiest thing to eat in his condition would be fruit, berries would be the best. She needed to move slowly so as not to startle him. Though, given his drastic circumstances, he probably wouldn't sense her if she was in his face. Best to be cautious though.
She scooted out from under the bush and stepped towards the center of the clearing. She wanted him to see her first before she got any closer.
His breath rattled in his chest. The ground offered comfort by just being there. Something so simple, now a luxury. Through his blurry vision, an object came into view. He couldn't make out what it was. Though at this point, he didn't care. It would be perfect if it would come closer so he could sink his fangs into its flesh. Though, maybe it was too late. It felt too late....everything was just slipping.... away.
Uyoga closed his eyes and sank deeper into the earth.
No time for safety. As soon as he hit the ground Nubia raced over to him. This is not good. He looked even worse up close. Nubia placed an ear near his mouth. She listened for air flow, which gratefully, was faint, but there. Good, now to find water. She lifted her head and set off. While traveling through the area earlier, she recalls hearing a stream not far from her path. Hopefully if she continued downhill, she'll come across a stream.
Her intuition paid off. Not far from her path a small stream slipped in between rocks. Nubia sprinted up to one of the rocks and gathered in her mouth a chunk of moss. Moss was perfect for holding water and easy to transport. She quickly dashed back. Pray to the gods I'm not too late.
She padded up to the male, careful not to jostle him. Very gently, she placed the moss on his lips and with one paw, parted his jowls. Then with the other, she slowly put pressure on the moss. Water began dripping down his throat.
Once the cool liquid hit his lips, Uyoga's eyelids started to flutter. The craving for more had him lapping at what ever was in his mouth. It tasted like earth, but he didn't care. His tongue began taring the thing apart in demand for more water. A few chunks trickled down his throat and he began to cough. His eyes completely opened and an outline of another animal laid before him. Perfect, now he can eat. That is... if he has enough energy.
Nubia began cooing to him as he started lapping the moss. The littlest cubs would often relax and fall asleep to her noises. She's never really taken care of an adult lion before, but she imagines it can't be much different than a cub. He was even weaker than a cub in his current condition.
He coughed violently. Nubia pulled back to give him room. She noticed his eyes were fully opened and staring at her. This could be bad.
"Now, don't get any funny ideas. I could out run you in half a second in your condition. So I suggest you stop those thoughts of eating me from bouncing around your head." Being aggressive and stern would help put him in his place. After all, she just wanted to help, not become dinner.
Some one was talking to him... He only caught bits and pieces since his mind was fading in and out. The water is bringing life back to him, but only a small amount. He needs more, but not from this creature. He will get his own water. A strong male such as... well, he used to be, didn't need prey for help. Uyoga gathered his energy to utter a couple words.
"Go...away..."
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