Burned Plain

You walk along the rocky terrain carefully as you keep an eye out for lionesses. While you wander you notice a familiar figure sitting in the distance. Something's missing on her though, how strange...

You approach the pride-filled lioness and greet her, asking where the radio collar she once wore was. She looks at you and sighs, turning back to whatever she was watching. You join her on her perch and notice a small group of young lions not too far away. They almost look like their own pride. "My daughter.." She murmurs to you, drawing your attention back to her. "I gave her that collar, for memory, I suppose.." She seems much less youthful compared to when you first met her. You ask her what she means by 'for memory' and she simply shrugs. "Memory of me, when I pass.. Been happenin' to a lot of us older ladies lately, lost three of my friends in the last few months, actually.." She looks down at her paws with a somber expression. You tell her you're sorry about her friends and reassure her she won't be forgotten, collar or no collar.

She remains quiet for a moment before sighing once again and giving you a faint, possibly forced smile. "You're kind, traveler. Remember to stay that way, won't'cha?" She turns back to the group of her young pridemates and falls silent again. You suppose that's a signal for you to leave, so you do.

You whisper out a goodbye and make your way back into the vast rocky landscape, hoping to see the older lioness again one day.