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humble • patient • brave • altruistic
Long ago, the plains of Africa were in a state of desolation. The animals fought and bled and died over bare grounds and empty waters and nothingness. The gods and goddesses of the wild cried, for they could only watch the suffering below. Their winds were not strong enough to bring peace. Their trees too scarce to provide relief. Their clouds too few to bring healing waters. The animals too cried for an answer, but when none came, the blame was passed among one another.
"Zebras, you must slow your running! Your hooves trample the precious grass." Said the gazelles.
"Wildebeest, you must split your herd! Your numbers are too plentiful for the weak water seasons." Said the rhinoceros.
"Meerkats, you must limit your digging! Your holes weaken the earth." Said the elephants.
"Hyenas, you must stop your screaming! Your howls chase the prey away." Said the cheetahs.
From above, the gods and goddesses turned away. Their hearts were too heavy, and their ability to help was too lacking. One goddess watched the ordeal alone until, one day, she descended. Around her, she saw the bloodied earth contaminating the arid skies as the stifling heat evaporated what little water was left from the few watering holes. She saw the pieces of the gods' gifts conflicting, and so she began her work.
From a lone standing tree, the goddess collected branches and built a foundation. From the earth's dried patches of grass, she dressed the frame. When a brief wind picked up through the plains, the goddess channeled the energy into her creation. When the sweltering heat burned her soul, she harnessed its intensity and transferred it into her creation. When the last of the clouds dripped, she collected the water and drained it into her creation. At last, when her work was near complete, the goddess took a piece of herself and gave it to the creature.
From her, the lion was born. With bones built from the strong African trees, the lion possesses a strong, sturdy build. With fur from the grassy plains, the lion becomes a watchful listener, unseen by the careful gazes of the antelope. With the energy of the wind, the lion is steadfast and can carry itself across the endless prairie. With the young water, the lion remains mysterious, unknown, and dangerous, but also providing relief and comfort. And with the heart of a god, the lion brings forth life and understanding and kindness and fairness.
Without a command, the lion travels over the land. With its help, the zebras journey with care and stop to gather when the lion is around. The wildebeest learn to keep moving, for if they stopped, the lion would be waiting. The meerkats hesitate to dig, for if they reach the surface, the lion's great paw will be upon them. The hyenas do not dare laugh in the face of the lion. The lion was not the answer their plea, but from their hesitance and fear, the lion brought order and peace. Under the lion's watch, the savanna was able to flourish, and through it all, the lion does not stop watching.
A being born from the savanna never leaves the savanna.
mysterious • fierce • pragmatic • solemn
(written by fireflii. do not steal.)
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