Food was becoming scarce for the inhabitants of Pride Rock. They spent more time looking for their basic diet. But Uzuri and Losara still found time to hunt together on the sly, just for the companionship and to share what they caught with some of the cubs.
Uzuri was in genuine awe of Losara’s focus and natural grace. She longed to see the loyalists together again, performing a star-and-four maneuver the way they once did under Amarakh and Ber. Losara was deeply touched when Uzuri added the move to her repertoire.
Uzuri pawed Losara. “Bih ‘malan, Losara.”
Losara smiled warmly as she always did at that moment. “Bih ‘malan, Uzuri. Bih ‘malan!”
They were about to leave for their hunt together when Pipkah recalled them. “In the cave, ladies. The King says we hunt again.”
“What??” Uzuri looked around with anger. “Again??”
They went into the cave at the top of Pride Rock. Uzuri did not dare anger Taka. He glared at her, obviously upset by her frequent absences.
“It’s time for the traditional blessing,” Taka said.
Pipkah had nerve enough to try and join the lions, sure that if Losara could, he could. As hunt master of the hyenas, Taka no doubt expected Uzuri to address her blessing to him. She didn’t feel like blessing him, but thought a good blessing might soothe Taka’s nerves. She decided to do something a little different.
“Bih ‘malan, Pipkah.”
Pipkah looked at her strangely, then grinned embarrassed, the tip of his tail wagging slightly. “Bih ‘malan, Uzuri!”
All of the hyenas took in a gasp and smiled. One of them whispered something to Taka, and Taka smiled broadly, looking at Uzuri with mixed surprise and gratitude.
Uzuri smiled a relieved smile and headed off with the others.
The hunt was rather uneventful as hunts go, but Losara found an excuse to get near Uzuri.
“Uzuri, I have to tell you something rather important.”
“What is it, Losara?”
“Well, that blessing is something just between the two of us. It’s not really traditional.”
“Oh? You sound upset.”
“More like embarrassed.” Losara scratched herself with embarrassment. “How can I put this?”
“What does it mean?”
“Well, when I say it, it means, well....” Losara swallowed hard. “It means something I really feel. It means ‘I love you.’” Uzuri simply stared at her, and Losara hurried to continue. “It was wrong of me, and I apologize. But I do love you, Uzuri.” Losara looked at her nakedly. “I thought if I told you it was a blessing, you’d say it back to me.” She looked down at the ground, feeling the shame sweep over her like fire. “I’m sorry--”
Uzuri looked at her solemnly. “There, there, child. No offense taken.” Uzuri allowed a slight smile. “But I wish you’d just....oh my gods! Pipkah!”