The night hunt has returned. They did bring back food, but it was nothing larger than whatever meat they could scavenge from a fallen calf. Still, food was food. The pride would survive. As dawn crept closer you found yourself hesitant to enter the den. The others were already asleep, all except the night hunters. Luckily Kasi was among them. As your friend friend came to greet you, the look in her eyes betrayed her worry. She had noticed the uncomfortable look on your face.
As you walk towards her, bumping your forehead against hers in greeting, She whispers to you "You look upset, did something happen?" You shake your head "Its complicated, but everything's alright." She tilts her head "Are you sure? Is that field mouse not sitting well with you or something?" You shake your head again "No, im alright... But... Can we sleep in the cave tonight instead of the den?" you ask. She nods, not pressing you any farther "Alright. Come on, then. Im sure the others can divide up the kill on their own."
You walk side by side to the hidden off cave, curling up together on the dusty sheltered ground. You wished in the morning the newfound awkwardness between you and the king. Your dreams swallowed you like clouds swallow the sky, you hadn't realized how tired you truly were. Your dreams were hazy, but somewhat pleasant. You woke up the next morning with your heart pounding. You didnt feel panicked, just nervous, though you couldn't place why.
Soon a familiar roar greets your ears. You heave yourself to you paws, stretching so far your tail quivered from the effort. You and Kasi silently made your way out towards the clearing under pride rock. Simba stood tall at the crest, a few herds gathered beneath him. "What's happening?" you call, climbing the stone path up to the pride rock cliff. Simba turned to face you "The watering hole has fell below the marker. The herds have nowhere to drink," He explained. You furrow your brow "Cant they travel to a different watering whole?" you ask. Simba shook his head "They cant find one without leaving the pride lands."
You look to your paws for a moment before looking to the sky. Sparse clouds drifted across the sky, but none seemed ready to rain. After a moment you blink "Have we tried asking the elephants to sniff for water? They are the wisest of the animals, im sure they can see the merit in sharing resources." Simba's eyes widen for a moment. He turned back to the crowed and noticed the elephants werent amongst the rest of the herds "Look, none of the elephants have come to ask for water. They must have been able to stiff some out, or move to another watering hole."