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Flamehunter approached her mother, a concerned and gentle look on her face. Her ma was staring out at their PrideHome, smiling softly as she observed the cubs frolicking and playing at her paws. The broodmother and the young were under the Cub Tree, soaking in the shade in the dry season.
"Ma." She murmured quietly. Her mother's red and yellow pelt were dappled with shadow as Sunwatcher turned to glance at her.
"Flamehunter, my cub." She croaked, holding out a paw in greeting. It was hard to see, but Sunwatcher's yellow eyes, usually so energetic and full of affection, were dull and bleary. Flamehunter trotted over, pressing her fur to her mother's.
"What are you doing out in the heat? Young, spry lionesses like you should be resting in their dens."
Flamehunter smiled meekly, bowing her head as she looked at her ma. "I'm not that young anymore, mom."
Her small grin fell away as she scanned her mother critically. Sunwatcher seemed frail and fragile compared to the lively, strong cubs she was watching. "You should be the one resting, ma. You've watched the cubs enough for one day. I'll call one of the adolescents over to watch them for you."
Sunwatcher shook her head, her tired eyes glinting. "I need to do my job myself, dear. Wraithmane was clear enough when he enlisted me this morning."
Flamehunter flicked her ears forward insistently. "I'm sure Wraithmane will understand if I explain how tired you are to him, Sunwatcher." Her tail brushed her mother's flank. "You're old, and you need sleep."
Her mother's muzzle wrinkled in amusement. "Well, aren't you blunt." Her humored look faded as she looked back at her daughter. "But I'm sorry dear. I have to do my job."
Flamehunter's ears flattened. Her ma wasn't usually this stubbon.
Her mother continued, looking down at the cubs. "I don't want to leave without completing my final shift."
"What?"
Sunwatcher looked at Flamehunter, sadness darkening her eyes' yellow depths. "You know I have to go soon, dear. Ever since Snakewatcher died..." Her ears flicked back, framing her face in a miserable light. "It's not long until I follow her to the grave, my darling." She stared into space, fear illuminated in her expression. "It's only a matter of time before I take the plunge."
The leaves of the Cub Tree shook as wind billowed against the savanna, flinging up dust to frame the darkening sky.
Her ma stumbled to her paws. "Come on, my cublings." She murmured. "It's time to go to sleep." The cubs scampered after her as she hobbled to a den, leaving Flamehunter staring after her mother in dismay.
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