Thorny Branches
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow across the vast African savannah. As you padded through the tall grass, the earth beneath your paws felt coarse and warm. The distant scent of acacia trees and distant waterholes filled the air, triggering a deep sense of familiarity and comfort. Your destination loomed on the horizon—a sprawling pride territory where the scent of other lions lingered. As you approached, the air buzzed with the distant roars and calls of the resident pride. The songs of wildlife surrounded you—the distant trill of birds, the rustle of leaves, and the hum of insects. Upon reaching the pride's domain, you noticed the rich tapestry of colors and textures that adorned the land. The vibrant reds and oranges of the setting sun painted the savannah, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the meeting ahead. Your keen eyes spotted other lions lounging in the shade, their glimmering eyes flicking in your direction as you made your way toward them. Amidst the gathering, your gaze fixed on a particularly intriguing figure—a lion unlike any you'd encountered before. His mane was a lustrous cascade of dark, flowing locks that seemed to catch the dying light. Around his shoulders, he wore strings of beads that clinked softly with each step, creating a melodic harmony. As you approached, you couldn't help but notice the scent of exotic perfumes that wafted from him, mixing with the musky odor of the savannah. The stranger's fur gleamed with an otherworldly sheen, and you could almost taste the anticipation in the air. His territory, marked by an array of peculiar objects, lay spread before him. The ground was adorned with an array of jagged skulls, sparkling rocks, and shimmering beetle exoskeletons. The textures beneath your paws shifted from soft grass to the hard surface of polished stones. The air was filled with a symphony of scents—earthy dust, the tang of the metallic objects, and the lingering aroma of some mysterious herbs. The stranger turned to you, locking eyes with an intensity that sent shivers through your frame. His voice, a velvet purr, cut through the ambient sounds. "I'm assuming you're here for the sale?" His words were a seductive whisper, carried to you on the gentle breeze. He lowered his voice, leaning in conspiratorially. "Names Emerho, I'm an outsider to this pride, but I work as a trader for them and their enemy pride." He chuckled, a playful glint in his eye, and he gently pushed you with one of his paws. "So, promise me you won't tell on me if you see me in the 'wrong' pride." he winked. Huh, so he must be selling things off for all this luxury..?
