Everything seems to be spinning to the leopard. She groans quietly in her unconscious state. The tiger sits quietly, quieter than the suffering leopard, at the mouth of his den. Deciding that the leopard was not a threat, if she was to wake up, he allowed his back to face her. He watches as frozen rain drops drift softly to the ground. His den lies just on the edge of the forest. He had watched the rain storm turn to a blizzard, then calm to a steady drifting of the occasional flake. The tip of his tail flicked impatiently as he waits for his new guest to wake. His sapphire blue eyes slowly become heavy, but the subtle stir of his unique guest catches his attention. He glances over his shoulder to see the leopard trying to stand. He steps up and pads towards her. She hears his steps and looks up quickly. Fearfully she backs up and the tiger stops. He lowers his head to show he wasn’t going to hurt her. She stands up slowly, but her back legs give and she stumbles to her side. the tiger steps closer slowly to try and help her. The leopard doesn’t bother to retract this time, instead she lets the tiger gently nudge her to her paws. She looks up at him with weak, drained eyes. Then he notices her right eye. It was light blue and the pupil was just ever so slightly darker. She’s blind in that eye! They stare at each other for a moment that seems to last a life time.

          “Who are you?” The leopard speaks up finally, her voice weak, almost fragile.

          “My name is Prince.” The tiger sits down after taking a step back to give her some space. “You?”

          “My name..?” She hesitates a moment, wondering if she could trust Prince. “I’m um, I’m Fhaie…” Prince nobs slowly, understanding her hesitation.

          “You are an odd looking leopard. I’ve never seen a leopard of yer coloring; Dark grey, with black and brown spots? You… Yer beautiful!” Prince couldn’t control his tongue and quickly bit his lip when he realized what  said. Fhaie was blushing beneath her odd coat.

          “Thank you.” She murmurs, looking down. “I’ve never seen a black tiger with white stripes.” Feeling weak, she slowly lays back down.

          “You need to rest, Fhaie.” Prince stands up slowly. “I’m going to bring you some food, but you have to stay here.”

          “I understand.” Fhaie’s voice seems to become weaker as she slips between consciousness. Prince backs up slowly, watching her pass out. When he was sure she had done so, he turns and walks out.