Umoyana woke at the rising of the sun. Often, she was one of the last lionesses to awaken, happy to doze about for just that little bit of extra time. She knew it annoyed the others but in her opinion it was nothing to make a fuss over and she knew they secretly didn’t mind so who cared. This morning however, was different. She had promised her close friend Mwisho that they would go out early and see if they could find anything left over from the rain and fire that had recently passed.
It had been a tumultuous few months for the Boneland lions to say the least. Umoyana had been around the pride since birth and she couldn’t remember a time when so much happened, and a lot of it wasn’t good either. A new Inselelo had asserted himself, which was fine with Umoyana, more and more cubs were being born to Bangzwie and Andahaka, and she thought it was about time some new blood was introduced. He seemed fine, she’d yet to approach him to speak. She was glad of his ability to negotiate peace with the scaly pests called crocodiles though. She supposed he would come in handy, and he had a nice coloured coat too. That also gave him points.
The drought had come, and initially she wasn’t worried, after all, there had been droughts before and there would be droughts again, but they always passed. This one, however, decided to stick around for some time. Umoyana squished her face in disgust at all the damage the drought had caused to the pride. There were now quite a few injured lionesses about the lands, no thanks in turn to the desperation caused by the lack of water and prey to find enough to feed the pride. Umoyana was lucky to be one hundred percent still intact. Though there was a time she came close to having her tail trod on by a particularly feisty zebra. Cubs had come too, but again, it was not a joyous moment. Their birth at a time when there was such a strain only meant that their lives took their mothers in turn. It was unfortunate, and sad, and they had all grieved. But that was how life works, and that was the choice they had made, she supposed. And then there came the rain, which everyone was sure meant that trouble was finally over. But it wasn’t, for shortly after that there came a fire. It tore across the plains and caused burns and other injuries to those who were caught unawares or in compromising positions. It had passed now, it had torn up a lot of the earth in its wake. Perhaps too much, time would tell whether or not they would stay or move because of the deadly flames. The fire also claimed the life of one of her brethren. She had not known the lioness well, but she knew she was of the Firekin, cast out because of her pelt, and had chosen the Bonelands as her new home. Umoyana was welcoming to all newcomers and she had no qualms about the red-pelts, they are simply trying to live in their own way. So she was saddened when the news had come of her passing.
And now they were left in a damp yet fire ravaged plain and had to make do, the way they always did.
Umoyana had often wondered what it might be like to live elsewhere. She only knew of the red-pelts and their pride and the way they lived, but if there was one such stark difference to their way of life, surely there were others, or others that were nearly similar? She wondered what life might be like elsewhere, what freedoms, or burdens, might come with joining or being born into somewhere other than here might bring. And as much as she thought about what else there was out there, she had no inclination or desire to leave. This was her home and she liked it that way. She liked the sisterhood her and the other lionesses had. She liked that they weren’t dependent on the males for too many things. She loved their way of life, and although it came with many ups and many downs, the brown and white lioness wouldn’t change her lot in life for anything else.
A cub squealed in its sleep nearby. She looked over. It was one of those born by the lioness Njiti, a heavily pregnant rogue who had stumbled across the pride just before she was to give birth, and after her litter was born, had decided to stay. They were Luisizi, not born from either of the Umholi or Inselelo. That couldn’t be helped. They were healthy, and the females would stay and become like her, and the males would grow up and leave, as it was meant to be. Umoyana made a mental note to seek out Njiti later, to ask her about her life as a rogue. She had spoken briefly to other lionesses who were not born, but chose to be a part of the Bonelands pride and their stories were always fascinating. She was sure the new brown lioness would have some tales to tell.
The lioness stretched as she waited her friend. She must have slept a bit further out. Mwisho was odd, but Umoyana loved that about her. She sniffed the air, it still held the faint blend of ash and rain. It wasn’t unpleasant, but Umoyana couldn’t attribute any positive thoughts to it, not after the destruction both had caused.
She wondered what they would find on their expedition. Perhaps a fresh carcass, which would be enough to feed some mouths. Or maybe some fresh tracks. It was always comforting to know when there was a heard of preybeasts nearby. She was wary they might run into a rogue, but it was nothing the two lionesses couldn’t handle. They were strong, and fast, so either way they were sure to have the advantage in any situation.
Umoyana flicked her white tail patiently, awaiting what the day might bring.
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