☾༺Sandstone༻☽

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The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the savanna as Sandstone strolled past Severus Snape, her lagoon-colored skin shimmering. She wore her Royal Gem Bodywear, the image of Anubis gleaming faintly, and her Vlaamperd foal companion trotted quietly at her heels.

Snape watched her, his expression unreadable.

**Snape:** (Voice low, controlled) "That Anubis adornment...a bold choice."

Sandstone paused, a mischievous glint in her bright blue eyes.

**Sandstone:** (Voice sharp, a hint of sarcasm) "One must stand out somehow in a pride of monochrome."

**Snape:** (A slight curve of his lip) "Indeed. Your unconventional approach...it has its advantages."

**Sandstone:** (Smiling) "Survival of the snarkiest, wouldn't you agree?"

Snape chuckled, a rare sound that belied his usual stoicism.

**Snape:** "Your wit, Sandstone, is as sharp as your instincts. A valuable asset, even in a pride that values brute force."

Sandstone tilted her head, her blue eyes twinkling.

**Sandstone:** "And yet, I'm still the adopted cub. Proof that even a ruthless leader can appreciate a little unexpected chaos."

Snape merely nodded, his gaze following her as she continued her stroll. He didn't need to express his appreciation; Sandstone's presence, her unique style, and her snarky wit were a constant reminder of the unexpected complexities within his otherwise rigidly structured pride. She was a testament to his own capacity for calculated risk, a gamble that had paid off handsomely. The unlikely bond between the ruthless leader and the snarky adopted cub was a silent testament to their mutual understanding, a recognition of their shared ability to navigate the savanna's harsh realities with cunning, wit, and a healthy dose of defiance.
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