Changa

Changa sighed. She was surrounded by her pride mates, skinny lionesses whose ribs were showing. The king had died, not that he was a good king, but he had left the lionesses hungry and confused. Prey was scarce, and Changa could only watch the younger lionesses lose more and more of their precious life. Changa, being the oldest in her pride, had remembered the Trading Center, where lone lionesses could find better homes. In a moment of extreme despair, she had attempted to raise the pride's spirit with this story. It seemed to work. "Changa, you are sure this will work?" Asked Jhua, a pale gray lioness. Changa nodded. "We aren't too far, only half a day's journey." She explained. The journey was rough, with blazing heat and few meals, but finally, the smell of lions and food wafted into her nostrils, and she sped ahead. "This way!" The lionesses gasped. Never had they seen such a large place. Already lions had padded by, eyeing the band of lionesses with great interest. "Changa... Doesn't this mean we will have to separate?" Asked another lioness. Changa paused, then nodded sadly. "But that is life, when we pass we shall meet again. Let us enjoy these last few moments together." The lionesses groomed and chatted until the sun started to set, and already their numbers had dwindled. Words and friendly licks had been exchanged for each lionesses that left, and Changa did not expect Tuku to approach her. He looked quite goofy, with a large hare hanging from his jaw and his caramel mane disshelved. "Hello," he purred, dropping the hare next to her. "I noticed you seem to have many stories to tell, may I hear one?" He flopped down next to her. Changa was much older than him, but he still stared expectantly at her with great interest. Changa smiled and told one last story, saying goodbye to her pride and following Tuku back home. She cast one last glance at her lionesses, who now looked so much happier and well fed than before, and felt a little less worried as she trotted next to the young King.