Calling of Stars's Den

坠落的星星

The wind ruffles your unkempt fur as you gaze across the landscape. In front of you, jagged mountains stretch across the sky as far as you can see, there seems to be no end to this rocky trap. Only a few lucky plants have managed to take root among the rocks, but none look strong enough to last the winter. You can already feel the chill of the upcoming snow, the snow that had killed off your pride moons ago. At the memory of starving lions and desperate wails, you heave yourself back to your paws. No use just sitting around looking hopeless. Perhaps there's a chance you'll escape this land... and leave behind the family you lost.
~~~
In the distance, you can see a cave big enough for a pride. A small one, but it's better than what you had expected. You quickly glance around for any predators that would love to pick off a scrawny lion like you, but none show themselves, if they're even there. You hesitantly walk towards the cave, even putting each paw in front of each other is tiring. Travelling all day and night takes a toll on even the strongest of lions. At last, you reach the dark cave and peer inside. You can smell the faint scent of lions, perhaps there had been a pride here long ago.
~~~
As you step inside, you get the weird feeling that someone is watching you. Shaking the feeling away, you nervously call out into the darkness just to make sure no one is there. The only thing you can hear is your own voice echoing back. After a moment, you let out a sigh of relief. You were just imaging things, you tell yourself. But that feeling is still there, still whispering to you, telling you to turn around and leave. You quickly sigh and do as you feel to do, and turn around. To your surprise, someone is watching you. You wonder why you didn't smell her, but there's always time to worry about that later. The lion looks dangerous, and your chances of getting out without harm... is very slim.
~~~
The lion facing you looks well fed, strong, and intelligent. You recognize it as the look of a leader. Finally, she speaks. The lion's voice is strong and clear, as if she had been speaking all her life, and knew just how to demand attention and authority. You can't help but feel drawn to her, but force your paws back into place before you do something stupid. For all you know, she could be a threat. "You seem to have found the Cave of Lost Lions, young traveler. Perhaps you should explain why you are on my territory?" She waits for an answer, and you quickly respond. "I'm sorry I trespassed, I was only passing through these mountains to reach..." You look down at your paws, unsure how to continue. "To reach a new home where I may settle down... and find a new family." The female opens her mouth to speak, this time all hostility gone from her voice, replaced by pity.
~~~
"I apologize for your loss. It is time I introduce myself. I am Calling of Stars of the Pride of Fallen Stars. I am known as Star in these lands, the ruler of the Unending Mountains, Empress of the Crumbling Path." Star's gaze darkens as if something sinister lives in these lands. You wonder if it has anything to do with the Crumbling Path Star had mentioned. You dip your head respectfully. "I am honored to be in your presence. There is something I am wondering though..." You trail off and look up at Star, at the black patches and orange and yellow body. You've never seen something so beautiful, so natural and still unusual.
~~~
Star tilts her head curiously, "And what are you wondering about? Ask away, the sun has yet to set." You let out a sigh of relief, at least she's willing to listen. You scuffle your paws against the cold stone and meet her yellow eyes. "Would you accept me into your pride? The territory is beautiful and the prey here... well, I'm very good at catching prey." You puff up your chest, hoping Star will say yes. She narrows her eyes but nods slowly, almost reluctantly. "Yes, you may. Though I must warn you, be careful about what you choose. Even the slightest mistake will lead to death. A death no one can stop..." Her voice becomes edged with sorrow, as if a loss still pains her. Star turns away and stands up. "Follow me, and I'll bring you to the rest of the pride." Leaving you with no more time to think about what she just said, Star quickly bounded out of the cave.
~~~
You wish you had spent more time running through the mountains as you clumsily follow Star, who manages to look graceful while jumping from ledge to ledge and when running across uneven paths littered with stones and rocks of all sizes. At last, you reach a gigantic cave that looks as if it's about to swallow everything up. Star stops at the entrance and looks back at you, a glint in her eyes. "Welcome to the Pride of Fallen Stars." She enters the cave and leaves you staring at where she had disappeared. You had finally found your new home, and family. But there might be secrets... hidden from view.
~~~
As lions emerge from the darkness with Star at the front, the only thing you're wondering is if it's safe. Is it safe for your new family to keep living among secrets buried for too long?

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