Bondmates Meet
A century and eleven old today
But no one remembered
Too busy preparing
For battles far in the future
No family, no mate
No cubs, no bond
She sat in her cave
Cold, lonely, alone
The rain pouring outside
Stars clouded over
Hearth fires barely visible
In the distant camp
She pulled out her sword
And began polishing away
At the rust the damp would cause
To keep her from the misery
But the salty droplets fell
Unheeded and unchecked
Blurring the shining surface
And splashing on the furry head
She looked down in surprise
At the cub sitting on her lap
Seeking shelter from the storm
And drawn to the warmth
He gazed up at her
Black eyes pleading for refuge
She smiled through her tears
And dried his sopping fur
She fed him, and warmed him
Cuddling with him on the furs
Giggling at his antics and
All sadness disappeared
::Be my friend?:: he sent
shyly, fearing refusal
::Be my bondmate?::
She sent back
::Gladly::