VoK Prompts

Write a story about an accessory the lion has found and why and how they decided to keep it with them. 500 word minimum
Word Count: 1082/500
Reward: 1 Accessory

Njalo sat before the enormous mirror, her eyes scanning the bejeweled golden frame to avoid looking at her own muddied face. Even at her young age, she knew she was out of place in this posh environment; nowhere near worthy to view herself in this mirror made for royals. Regardless, as the jewels' reflections glimmered on her face, she dared to imagine a time when this could be her own. If she were rich, no one would ever doubt her again. She wouldn't have to work a day of her life. Her mother could rest.

As this final thought crossed her mind, she watched her mother's reflection in the mirror as she worked behind her. Her dull coat had long ago lost its golden shimmer, and clung to her bony frame as if it, too, were weary. Njalo’s train of thought faded into the song her mother gently hummed, carelessly out of time with her hasty scrubbing. She smiled. That was just like her mother, to turn an ugly task into something beautiful.

Eventually, Njalo’s mother sensed her gaze and paused to meet her eyes. She smiled and put down her rags despite her task, walking to where Njalo sat perched at the lavish vanity. As she did, Njalo quickly pulled her dirty paws from the smooth mahogany surface, ready to get scolded for her mindlessness. Instead, though, her mother didn’t even glance to see if Njalo had left a smudge. She simply looked around to make sure no one was coming, reached beside Njalo, and flipped open the latch to a jewelry box probably worth more than all of the money Njalo had ever seen.

Njalo’s jaw dropped. Her mother was never this spontaneous, nor this reckless. After all, she was the one that would hardly let Njalo breathe in these places, let alone touch things. Now, though, her actions were nonchalant and carefree. In fact, Njalo had to resist the urge to tell her to stop. It was almost as if her mother’s old self had returned from before their world had been torn apart, but Njalo had to remind herself that that wasn’t possible; there was no going back.

As Njalo’s mind raced, her mother carefully reached into the box and lifted out what appeared to be a string of light. Of course, Njalo knew this was absurd. Upon closer inspection she realized that it was none other than chains of jewels too priceless and rare to name, connected in a pattern to resemble an upscale spider web. A real uchungechunge lomzimba.

With measured movements, her mother lifted the headpiece section above Njalo, and, without a second thought about her unworthiness and uncleanliness, lowered it atop her tiny head. The cool gems drifted over her messy fur like raindrops as if they were meant to be there even though it was too large. For the first time, Njalo glanced at her reflection in the mirror. As expected, her golden fur was obscured by dozens of layers of black and brown dirt and grime, but she hardly paid any attention to this. Her eyes, wide and vibrant, glittered and shined like the diamonds and sapphires around them. Again, it almost felt as if it were meant to be. She knew in that instant, gazing at her silly, young reflection, that if she was ever fortunate to be able to afford such luxuries as these jewels, these would be all she wanted. The rest of her earnings would go to others in need because everyone deserves to feel like royalty. 

Behind her, Njalo's mother giggled at her expression, reaching to grab the body piece, and Njalo’s heart swelled. It had been so long since she had heard her mother’s mellifluous laugh, and she never wanted it to end. Unfortunately, it ended much quicker than anticipated. The door to the chamber burst open, with a surprised, confused, and instantly furious mistress silhouetted in the threshold. That was the last time Njalo and her mother would find themselves in such expensive surroundings until they were Njalo’s own. Regardless, walking back to their meager home that night, the echoing obscenities in their minds were muted by the memory of their laughter, and that would forever be one of Njalo’s favorite memories.

-

Njalo sat on the vanity bench, a deja vu inching into her mind as she once again avoided her reflection. Instead, she gazed around, reveling in the grandiose of the chamber. Somewhere to her left, Amanzi, her best friend, talked about the issues from the week, but Njalo was lost in thought. The past month had been a blur, and she could hardly comprehend any of it. Amanzi, on the other hand, had been preparing for her role for years and took it on with ease. For the billionth time, a tinge of jealousy nagged at Njalo, and she quietly reminded herself of all she had to be thankful for.

A sudden knock on the door broke Njalo's train of thought and silenced Amanzi. Njalo furrowed her brow and sent Amanzi a confused look, but it was not replicated. In fact, Amanzi seemed to be pleased at the arrival of the midnight visitor. Motioning for Njalo to stay seated, she rushed towards the door and threw it open. From her position, Njalo could just barely make out the silhouette of a lion and a muffled exchange of words. After she supposedly thanked him, Amanzi turned and started back towards Njalo while bearing a mid-sized package. Njalo's confusion grew, as did her curiosity. 

Amanzi set the box on the vanity before Njalo without a word, but a large smile betrayed her. As she opened it, Njalo once again felt a deja vu coming on. The second the first beam of light slipped under the lid, her jaw dropped. 

"You didn't..." she whispered, easing backward. 

Amanzi didn't hesitate, immediately reaching in just as Njalo's mother had. Njalo squeezed her eyes shut and kept them shut as the glittering jewels were draped over her head. She remembered this feeling: how the jewels slipped over her like water. It was different, though, too. Her fur was silky and spotless, her child-like mannerisms replaced with mature grace. Although she was still tempted to shy away, unlike before, she opened her eyes the instant all the jewels had settled. In the priceless mirror, beside a beaming Amanzi she saw a perfect mixture of regality and humbleness that her mother would be proud of. A smile broke over her face.