The Brigante and his new friend return to the hunt's starting point, walking side by side, slowly.

His great hand resting on the lioness' broad head, CUlann looks down on her as they walk in. She is large, but not huge. Mature to be sure, but lithe and sleek. As he approaches the judges bench, he leans low and whispers in her ear...something inaudible to all save the lioness.

Adressing the judges, Culann speaks...

You didn't say we had to kill them.

The lioness roars in response, and licks Culann's hand.

This...is Andrasta...

Culann strokes the lioness' head lovingly

Where I come from, we do not kill animals for sport. Only for food. And as far as she is concerned, you all are meals...not her...

Culann sits on the ground next to his new friend, petting her great head as she lies down next to him...

-fini-