“So what does your name mean?” Utunosse looked back towards the great green lion who had joined their group as he settled beside her. Who knew the possibility that awaited him at their destination, of being a sador rather than a demon.

“Kinseeker. Essentially. I spent the entirety of my name quest seeking my family out, and I found them, scattered across the lands, and even helped to mend some old bonds that had been broken badly. It only made sense for me to take that...journey and make it my name. It was a part of me. It changed me in a way.” She smiled slightly, chuckling. “I even found my mate because of my journey. What of you?” The lion settled next to her, watching the sun set on the horizon.

“The one I bore inside the Jini-msemi meant ‘child’s wonder’, I’m told. But the name I have borne since birth? It means fruit. Cute, hm?” Utunosse couldn’t help the amusement on her face.

“Well, it certainly suits you, Zao. You do rather look like a green fruit.” The male grinned.

“I know, right? I rather like it, in all truth. Though it can make hunting difficult sometimes. Ah, that is one thing I miss about the swamps. It was easier to hunt there. Oh, and the fish and frogs! Mmmm.” He licked his chops, half-purring. His paler companion laughed brightly, nodding.

“Ah, I will miss home greatly. But...well, the spirits made their will known. And we must honor it, whether we like it or not. Perhaps, one day, our descendants shall return there and be welcomed by the spirits. Until then...at least we will have a home.” She wasn’t sure of the place she would hold in it, with her pale fur...but perhaps her status as the Kinseeker would help, as Ninon had spoken? And the blood Hakuna’jina that she bore. Zao nodded.

“Indeed! I wonder how Silens and Mwale must feel, returning after so long away?” Utunosse shrugged.

“Alas, that I do not know. They are very private lions, and I respect that. If they choose to share their thoughts, I shall listen. But I shall not badger them for it.” He nodded.

“They are good lions. Private and quiet, but good. Oh! Silens is teaching me to fight! And Mwale said she would teach me how to fight a smaller opponent once Silens is done with me!” The lioness perked at that.

“Oh good! She’s smart to do that, really. Though many in the Aegnor’hini are large, there is a line where smaller size is normal. Hakuna’jina said it was because one of the line’s founders was born to the forests, and it’s just never left the line. And that same line is known for very vicious fighters who use their smaller size to their advantage.”

“Oh! Well, I will definitely keep that in mind! I’m not big on fighting, but from what I’ve heard, I’ll need it from time to time in the pride. And while Silens and Mwale are rather certain I won’t be a demon proper, they want to ensure I can hold my own against anyone from outside, too.”

“It’s a good thing to be able to do. The Aegnor’hini...they’re a very proud pride. Proud of their skills, of their bloodlines, of their members. In the pride, even a sador, the non-demon class, is better than those outside the pride.” Zao looked thoughtful.

“Then...what of those who join from outside? Where do they fall in that thinking?”

“That they’re still better.” The lioness smirked. “After all, they had the good sense to join the pride!” A hearty guffaw left Zao’s throat, the lion practically falling over backwards.

“I see, I see! Well then! We’ve nothing to fear! We shall join, and become one with the people of your blood!”

“And perhaps you’ll be a demon, even! I honestly doubt I will be, but I know Shup certainly will be.” She giggled. “I’d be surprised if he wasn’t.” Zao looked at her in confusion, smile still on his muzzle.

“Now why wouldn’t you be a demon? Yes, you’re pale, but you certainly have the bloodline! And...well, it wouldn’t be the first time, right? Mwale was a demon, and she’s tiny and pale!” Utunosse shrugged.

“Just a feeling. But I’m not worried, in all truth. I talked with Ninon before we left, and she said there was something awaiting me. Something that fit my title as Kinseeker. I’m not sure what, but I trust her and her visions. So does Mother.”

“Well...if she shared it with you, it must be something good, right?” Utunosse nodded. “Then you’ve nothing to worry about, demon or no! We’ll get there, and we’ll settle in and get used to our new home. I wonder how those of you born in the swamp will adjust, though.” He grinned, chuckling when the pale lioness tried to knock him over, a look of amused exasperation on her face.

“We will adjust just fine, thank you. We did happen to have to go wandering about the world to find our adult names, and we came back in one piece!” Zao stayed in place, pushing back.

“Oh, true! But are you sure you didn’t come back a little skinnier because of the lack of fish and frogs~?” Utunosse couldn’t help but lean against him laughing, grin on her muzzle now.

“You have a point, there. Oh, whatever shall we do without such prey. It isn’t as if there’s not such a thing as hares and fowl we can catch, oh no.” With that, the two devolved into a pile of laughter that lasted for a bit before they regained their composure and the lioness spoke again. “You’re right. We’ll all be just fine. Soon, we’ll be home. We’ll be where we belong.” Zao nodded.

“Mmhmm! Safe and sound, together, and home. The best combination I can think of.” Utunosse smiled brightly, turning her gaze to the sunset again.
“Yes. Yes it is.”