Runa weaved between the thick forestation with an unearthly grace; like each root and branch was an extension of her own body. The lioness had been wandering the forest since she was strong enough to stand and found no difficulty in maneuvering the obscure pathways that branched out from the tribes heart. More than a home; the forest was her oldest friend - one that she knew on a spiritual level, she could hear its voice, feel it breathe beneath her paws. Often she would just walk for hours, letting its song guide her to where she needed to be. It was the winds that called to her today.
Before long she found herself at a familiar river; Runa and her sister often played on the banks as cubs, however, the waters were higher then - or maybe she was bigger now? Her head tilted curiously and she placed her paw in the water. It barely reached her knee; and the realisation only served to fuel her concern. The water level really was low... and she did not understand why? Was it a sign that the forest was sick? Or was the spirit softening its waters flow? It was too soon to know; but she would get to the bottom of the mystery!
The dark lioness lowered herself into the water - and began to follow upstream. The white fade of her paws became dirty quickly; equalising her colouration to a solid grey. It was cold; soothing the skin between her toes, massaging as she moved.
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Further down that path, Ubbe was unconditionally stuck. His tail trapped between two rocks that would not seem to budge no matter how much he struggled. It was frightening enough that they were lost and alone; and now he was trapped! How could the day get any worse? He had called out for his mother, for his other siblings, for anyone who would listen! His voice was high pitched and all too innocent sounding; a plea if there ever was one. All he could do was hope that the others would not leave him behind; that their little group would stay together! ”Ummpth.” The air rushed out of his lungs as she slipped on the wet rocks; his weight pulling on his tail and sending a shooting pain up his spine once more - though the fear he felt was more concerning than the pain! Him and his siblings had been trying to cross the river when the rocks fell from the banking - though the water was not deep by an adults standard; it was a danger to ones so small.
He let out another weak meow - spitting water from his maw. Why was it always him? ”I can’t move.” He mumbled, bright eyes looking towards his siblings.
”Can someone lend me a paw? Just bite and pull! Or something!”
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Runa heard the weak voice on the wind; and it spurred her legs to move faster. ”Hello?” She called out, the dense trees carrying her voice and allowing it to ring down the embankment.
