
The old lioness glanced around the pride, scowling.
Nothing was the same as it had been when she was growing up. Things had become so lax - and everyone seemed okay with it. More than okay, they were embracing it. The thought left a bad taste in Ayize's mouth. More and more often she heard stories of their women being weakened and seduced by rogue males and ran off from the pride. The Ithambo she once knew was weakening, and in her age it was only strengthening her resolve to impart upon as many cubs as she could the wisdom of the traditional ways. Somebody had to, after all.
Ayize stood atop a large plateau, eyes scanning the land below. She had never been a fan of the pact with the Motoujamii; why should they lower themselves to working with such a savage pride ruled primarily by males? As they migrated around their "lands" she felt continually conscious about their place in conjunction with the Firekin outpost. She didn't trust them, and liked to keep an eye out just in case. Someone had to protect the pride, after all.
Kaliforneum