Stealth, power, precision, some of the words my parents instilled in me are among my earliest memories.
If you are going to belong in the big cat family they said you have to possess those abilities.
And they are as much instinctual as they are features I have developed that mark me as a cat to be reckoned with.
Not that I am a killer any more so than the other cats, but rather I have style. Panache was what dad had, he made the others sit up and take notice, he made mum purr for him at every opportunity.
You see, part of my charm, is my ability to look the part. It’s the presence that wins out every time. It’s that look that says here is a cat, a big cat at that, one to be recognised as a cat with balls, who’ll take no crap from anyone.
I remember once when I was not long among the pride I heard the lionesses say there’s goes one brother I’d like to get to know a little closer.
To prove myself I have killed, I have killed with ruthless ferocity but as we kill for each other we always share the spoils of our labours.
Next season I am to select a mate. I am readying for that day when I challenge the other males in the pride to the right choose first, the female of my liking.
Already I have my eye on Clodessa the pretty female I see always surrounded by the other males, all doing their bit to stake a claim to her tantalising hide.
In secret I have been training, honing my skills, perfecting the moves I will need to make in order to defeat the others and then claim her for my own.
I am aware that always there is a danger when it comes to mating season. I remember my father would often be bloodied from the challenges he faced but always he was a winner. It was old age that did him in eventually and he knew his day was spent. When challenged the last time he looked at his challenger and acquiesced in his favour, came to me and said he was finished, his days were over and he was going off to die at the edge of the prides territory.
He had taught me well and now I am going to step into his footprints and mark the pride as my own.
I know the other males do not see me as a threat as I keep to myself most of the time. But soon they will see me, they’ll see the fierce determination, the example set by my father as I set about stamping my authority.
It is just a matter of time. So while they preen themselves in expectation of Clodessa’s affections I will continue to train, continue to plan ready for when my day comes.
With luck they wont know what hit them.
Written for: http://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2014/08/07/tale-weavers-prompt-20-animal/
Morpethroad 
Michael that photograph of you are the beginning of the story is just fabulous! This is an awesome story I love the powerful direct first person perspective XD
Thank you Yves. You at very kind. Good prompt to write on.
It is I used to pretend as a child to be various animals
Well I look forward to your response.
wow Michael! that was so powerful… lions are stealthy magistic and graceful… i think from them we took the word “catwalk” amazing!
Thank you Arushi, they are captivating that is for sure.
How he will stalk with precision, beautiful strong and cunning the Kings of their realm. Your story depicted the challenges and the courage they must have.
Thank you Jenny, glad you found my story of interest.
I like his way of thinking & the fact that he lays low.
I believe – he will get his Clodessa!
Thank you RoSy, I think he is clever enough to get what he wants.
It’s the quiet ones you have to watch. Those other males are in for a big surprise; an not a pleasant one. I felt I was watching an Attenborough’s life on earth episode 🙂
Thanks Lyn, I think i have been influenced by him as has everyone else who views wildlife now days.
Well the big cat is going in for the win. Good story Michael, well told.
Thank you Jackie, your comments are appreciated as always
Hoping he trains hard, so that big-cat-with-balls can earn his Clodessa!
One hopes so Jen. Thanks for supporting his cause.
He’ll make a great leader! And lover, too, I suspect!
Well with his tackle in place one would hope so.
As one of your commenters mentioned, it had that lovely Attenborough feel, not making cuties out of animals, but respecting their style and way of doing things.
Absolute great take on being a lion. Have you been a lion? You know their inner thoughts and the their outer manifestations. Think you were a lion in another life perhaps?
One never knows phylor, I think I may have been a number of things and I suspect more are to come. Thanks for your comment.
Ohhhh…what a cat! As Bastet (well actually in this case it’s Sekhmet who is more attracted that war goddess lioness) I can’t but admire this beautiful post and knowing that a noble feline is lurking in your soul .. great post!
Oh thank you Georgia I do appreciate your generous comment, as a cat lover I would expect no less. Have a good evening/day.
Thanks you have a good one too! (Now I know why the Americans go around saying have a good one 😉 )