Hare sat on his haunches, his keen eyes scanning the horizon. Known for his wits rather than his speed, Hare was deep in thought, contemplating how to outwit the swiftest predator of the savanna. "I must find a way to keep Leopard from chasing me," he muttered to himself.
Leopard, her sleek, spotted coat glistening in the sunlight, crouched low by the water's edge. Her eyes were fixed on Hare, a hint of curiosity mingling with the thrill of the hunt. "What brings you here, little one?", she asked, a playful tone in her voice.
Hare twitched his ears, feigning nonchalance. "I come with a proposal," he replied, his voice steady. "A race to determine who truly rules this part of the savanna."
Leopard stretched her powerful limbs, confident in her ability to outrun the smaller creature. "I'll give you a head start, Hare," she said, a smirk playing on her lips.
Hare nodded, his mind racing with plans. "Very well, but let us also test our wits," he suggested. "Whoever reaches the old baobab tree first, and solves the riddle carved into its bark, shall be the winner."
Hare darted through the grass, his small size allowing him to weave effortlessly through narrow gaps. He glanced back at Leopard, who was gaining on him with every leap. "I must stay ahead," he thought, his heart pounding.
Hare arrived first, panting but determined. He squinted at the riddle, his mind working quickly. Leopard arrived moments later, her breath steady, eyes narrowing as she read the enigmatic words.
"What has roots as nobody sees, is taller than trees, up, up it goes, and yet never grows?" Hare mused aloud, tapping his foot in thought.
Leopard pondered the riddle, her tail flicking in anticipation. "A mountain," she declared confidently.
Hare smiled, acknowledging Leopard's intellect. "You are indeed swift and clever," he admitted, a twinkle in his eye.
Leopard nodded, respect gleaming in her gaze. "And you, Hare, have proven yourself a worthy strategist," she replied.
Together, they turned back toward the heart of the savanna, the thrill of the chase giving way to an unexpected camaraderie, each respecting the other's strengths in a world where survival often hinged on both speed and wit.
