Chise

"Life is an never ending change," said Mieru to her daugter. "It is futile to try to fight it. Learn, adapt and survive. That is the only right way to embrace it. As long as you will continue to accept this, River Panther Pride will thrive."
Mieru was no longer by her side. Sometimes she felt her presence, caught a glimps of her face high in the stary sky, but nothing of that changed the fact, that her mother was dead. She missed her guidence. And never more than now.
"The change is scary, mother. It is hunting us down. Many lionesses of old ways are gone, and we are joined by many strangers. You said that I will see dawn of a new era, new time of glory for our pride. But among this turmoil is hard to see clear and glory is just a mirage on the distant horizon..."
How could she comfort her pride, when she felt so anxious? When she felt no trust in her king? He looked scary... This huge, hulking beast of a lion ventured far into enemy teritories. He always returned beaten up and with some strange lioness by his side. Was it worth it? Why risking so much?
"He is folowing my orders. Dont be so harsh on him, his days are already counted..."
Chise almost jumped out of her skin. From deep shadows of receding night emerged one a bit darker. Golden eyes in his face glowed with soft light.
"Aislin... I am honored," Chise bowed her head. But suddenly all her fur stand on the end, when all words of panther spirit sunk in. "Wait, what do you mean by his days are already counted?!"
"Exactly what I said. He has very short time on this earth. He was blessed by this enormous strength to bring together new core of this pride. It is almost done. Next few years will be hard. It will look like my blessing for this pride faded. But have no fear. I will never leave you. Have faith. Learn, adapt, survive. Look, sun is rising, and in its light you will see new future for your pride. Just have faith..."
Chise turned her head into rising sun and saw a fluffy shape aproaching. It was Mkuu, son of one of those new lionesess. He bowed his head tu her:
"Ooo wise Chise, what is the meaning of this omen?" he said and put down to her paws bunch of kingfisher feathers.