The Savannah Ch2

Keyala padded down the narrow archway of branches that made up the den entrance. It was only a short way down till it opened up, and there lay her precious charges. All three were huddled together in a little ball of fur.

Two females and a male. The youngest female was currently being squashed by her stubborn, bossier siblings.

The youngest, little Balla, appeared to have a rather charming nature. But unfortunately appeared to be easily influenced by others, Keyala knew she would have to fight hard to hold her own.

Her sister Kimera had a tougher side to her, not afraid to fight back, though mother instinct told her that that trait might do more harm then good.

Finally the singular male, who had tried to go exploring earlier, troublesome Caspian. A brave little soul, but not so cautious about his surroundings.

The proud mother nestled herself next the little bundle and yawned lazily. Caspian poked his head up, and started scrabbling over his sisters to get closer to her.

“Ow!” Squeaked Balla, rubbing her now sore ear.

Kimera on the other hand wasn't having none of it, she swatted her paw at his face. Only to miss as he bounded down off the pile into the dirt, and eventually in between his mother's paws. He let out a little purr as he enjoyed the feel of her soft chest and the steady beat of her heart. In response she dipped her head and began licking the length of his small body, removing the remnants of dirt. His sisters obviously became jealous of the attention, so they shuffled over as well.

The fidgeting didn't last long, as all three soon stretched their tiny frames out and yawned deeply. Within seconds they were all in dreamland. Keyala was also feeling sleepy, but she couldn't really afford to let her guard down, what with the constant threat of danger.

However as a full time mother she couldn't afford to be too tired either, her senses would suffer and the end result to that would undoubtedly be fatal.

She was just dozing off a when her ears pricked up, at the resonating sound of a deep roar. It sounded miles off, which was most likely the case.

She knew that sound, she'd grown up hearing it, being part of it, knowing what it meant. Every instinct told her to go outside and join in the chorus...which would be the singular most stupid thing to do.

Keyala let out a small mournful call that spoke of her hidden regret. Caspian stirred against her bringing her back to reality, she couldn't allow herself to think about it. That was then, and this was now, she had cubs to protect...from ALL possible dangers. Even if those dangers included her own beloved family.