Dusk

You enter the territory and see a plain lioness among the colorful beauty of all the others. Age traces its away along the lioness’s sweet face. Cubs bound around her paws as she recounts her first meeting with Far Seeker. It was a warm fall day when she met a young and awkward king. She decided to give this young stud a chance and was deemed Queen of the pride. That was many seasons ago now. Dusk has led many successful hunts, watched many cubs grow into powerful lionesses, and has seen many lions come and go. Despite being so plain looking the entire pride loves Dusk and comes to her for her well earned wisdom.

Dusk is my favorite lioness. I’m going to miss you old girl. Thank you for being my best hunter since day 1. Enjoy your rest sweet girl.

6-14-23

Dusk can no longer ignore the call of the ancestors. Her mortal body has finally reached its expiration date. Dusk laid down for the last time as she was surrounded by her pride. Far Seeker can’t help himself as he tearfully grooms Dusk’s face. Dusk smiles as her daughter Dawn walks over and lovingly head bumps her. Dusk looks around at the pride she’s leaving behind. It has grown so much from when she met Far Seeker many years ago. Dusk lays her head down and she finally allows herself to rest. As she draws her last breath the entire pride cries and surrounds her. All except Cameo who had just given birth. Dusks spirit walks over to take a look at the little cub before she leaves for the ancestral plane. The little cub has a mutation! The little cub has huge teeth and a tiny stubby tail. The tiny cub takes its first breath right after Dusk took her last. Dusk’s spirit gives the cub a nuzzle just as the entire pride roars loudly towards the sky. Dusk sees the sky open to a plane full of stars. She sees Star Chaser and High Stat waiting for her. Dusk looks down at her pride one last time before she goes to join the ancestors. She sees the pride begin to dig her a beautiful grave and she watches as Dawn is sworn in as the new Queen and hunt captain. Dusks body is gently laid in a grave outside of the cave and the pride covers the grave with beautiful flowers and herbs. Far Seeker covers Dusks mortal vessel and then he lays by the grave for hours with Dawn by his side. Dusk hates that she had to leave the pride but she’s so grateful that she was able to be apart of Far Seekers pride from its humble beginnings.