All I Can Do

Part 1 of the challenge for

Tafara padded softly toward the prostrate form of Alpha Aurora, her paws making no sound on the cold stone floor. The alpha’s head rested limply on a tall sandstone ledge, her paws stretched lifelessly beyond her, but there was a sparkle in her eyes that even her sickness couldn’t extinguish. She smiled at Tafara as she came nearer.

Surrounding the base of the stone shelf were the gifts that the other pride members had left in respect. Tafara was painfully aware of her empty paws as she stood before Aurora, head bowed.

“Hello, Alpha Aurora,” Tafara said quietly, averting her eyes in respect. “I had hoped we would meet under different circumstances.”

“As did I,” Aurora replied, smiling. “But at least life has offered us this small virtue, that we were to meet at all.”

Tafara allowed herself a small smile. “Small virtues are often the most overlooked,” she replied, “though sometimes they are the most virtuous of all.”

“That they are.” The red lioness shifted her position slightly, resting her head on her paws so that her blue eyes were level with Tafara’s gold ones.

“Alpha, I hope I will not offend you,” the dark lioness said quietly, “but I have not brought a gift, at least not one that can be laid here in your den. There is one thing I can do for you, and I hope it will bring you joy. If you will just look outside…”

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I hope you enjoyed my sorry attempt at deep and meaningful quotes.

SO MANY LAYERS.

Tafara is mine

Aurora is