Lion Head Mesa dreams of the world

in the internal protection of akashingo's cavern system, light still bled within. the longer she lingered in it, the more accustomed to it toula became. her head followed the movement of her mother, and she kept near her. it was now her attentions turned to the hallways, which fascinated her the way they turned and curled. some pathways led to darkness, and others were illuminated by the sun, the earth made amber as it refracted against the red rocks.
then and there, toula did not wonder where these things led. she preferred the beauty made by treva, tavina, and ramesses too, of the whelping den. in those warm walls were her gifts and baubles she could play with. 
but it seemed toula had a heart for mystery, as she did not quit the scene to go to these things. if her mother was still here, perhaps there was something worth their attention? and so toula explored the earth, pausing only when her mother spoke to look up at her. ababa, beabea, AYs ah baea ajda, she rejoined, tail wagging. it was then something shiny caught the corner of her eye, and toula looked that way. here again the sun refracted its light against something, and the amiirad gasped as she toddled that way. it was not so far from her mother, who would likely see it, too.