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✧⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙ ˙ॱ⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙ ˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅ ˙✧
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the savanna as Sterlin approached Severus Snape, her grey coat a stark contrast to the tawny hues of the surrounding lions. She moved with her usual ethereal grace, her olive eyes fixed on Snape with a quiet intensity.
**Sterlin:** (Voice soft, yet carrying a weight of authority) "The whispers from the eastern border grow louder, Severus."
Snape didn't turn; he remained focused on the horizon, his expression unreadable.
**Snape:** (Voice low, controlled) "And what do these whispers say?"
**Sterlin:** "They speak of a growing pride, their numbers swelling, their ambitions…uncontained." She paused, her gaze lingering on Snape's profile. "Their leader...he possesses a cunning that rivals your own."
Snape finally turned, his gaze meeting Sterlin's. The demonic sigil on her flank was partially visible in the fading light.
**Snape:** "Cunning is a tool, Sterlin. One I wield with precision."
**Sterlin:** (A subtle hint of a smile playing on her lips) "Indeed. But even the sharpest blade can be dulled by complacency. This pride… they are different. Their strategy is unconventional, their leader...unpredictable."
She gestured subtly towards her Katanga lion skin shawl, the rich black a stark contrast to her grey fur.
**Sterlin:** (Continuing) "Their strength lies not just in their numbers, but in their adaptability. We must anticipate their moves, Severus, not simply react to them."
Snape considered her words, his gaze lingering on her feathered leg wraps. He knew Sterlin's intuition was as sharp as any claw.
**Snape:** "Your assessment is…noted. Prepare the scouts. We will meet this threat with our usual efficiency, but with…increased vigilance."
Sterlin nodded, her olive eyes reflecting the setting sun. Her silence was an unspoken agreement, a silent acknowledgement of their shared understanding, a testament to the unique bond between the ruthlessly efficient leader and his uniquely insightful advisor. The grace and intuition of Sterlin complemented Snape's pragmatism, creating a balance of power that ensured the continued dominance of his pride.
✧⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙ ˙ॱ⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙ ˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅ ˙✧
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