The sun was in the centre of the crystal clear sky, and it was insufferably hot. The rays felt as though they were beating down on his back. Why I have decided to find water in the middle of the day, he thought, I’ll never know. He journeyed on further, his paws finally submerged. He would’ve complained if it had not been such a relief to feel water. Eventually, Nishati came to a clearing in the tall grass. It appeared as though he had come across a marsh. He ventured forward, the water coming further up his body, up to half way up his legs, and then off to the side to find dry ground.
He stumbled upon a large grass area, which had been surrounded by the marshland. It had a number of trees and a few large rocks. With a small relieved smile, he waded towards the island and onto dry land. He turned around to lap up the cool liquid at the water’s edge. Once Nishati had his fill, he retreated to the shade the trees created atop a rock that was as cool as the water had been. He surveyed the area for a few moments before putting his head between his paws, determined to sleep off the heat of the day.
*
A distance away, past the marshland to the north of him resided a lone lioness. She had dark fur, ruby eyes, and she wore a large grin. She lay beneath a tree, panting, with a dead warthog at her paws. It had been pure luck really. The silly animal had just walked past her; the wind was in her favour and she was able to take it down. Good job, she thought, I was just beginning to get hungry. Her name was Kejeli, and she was worn out. Though she did not have to chase the beast, killing it had taken her breath in this heat.
She was pleased with her kill but grew cautious. Kejeli did not know who resided in the area. She had experience with fighting a leopard over her own kill. She had come out on top luckily, but the incident had made her weary. Her priority was to get her belly full before looking for water, and then she could leave the kill for any scavengers that came her way. For the moment though, she had to catch her breath.