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The light colored lion had been in the upper level of the tree, in the bough of branches above gathering leaves to take below and hopefully make a softer bed for his mate, she'd like that wouldn't she? He had gathered a good sized pile and was pushing it toward the opening that led to the hollow below.

He froze, ears flicking as the sound of distress from below met his ears, a cry that he instantly recognized as his mate's. Instinctively he sprang toward the opening, prepared to leap to her rescue, but something stopped him and he simply watched for a moment as the young lioness lay on her back, struggling to right herself.

He knew he shouldn't have, it was mean to laugh at another's misfortune, especially one's mate. But there was just something about it that was just so comical, so...cute, he just couldn't help it, pale eyes bright as he watched her giggling silently to himself.

"The rare and elusive turtle lion."

But then he felt bad and a bit guilty for laughing at her, and deciding she had suffered enough, after all he wanted to help the one he loved; Juhudi pushed his pile of leaves through the opening and lept down after them, landing softly on one of the ledges within then springing to the floor.

"You okay?"

Juhudi's ears lowered, his tail dropped at the tone in her voice, feeling very guilty, he shouldn't have laughed at her even if she was cute stuck on her side and pouting like that. Looking away to hide the smile on his maw, the young lion set about gathering the leaves, pushing them into a pile that he hoped would be soft and comfortable.

"I got some stuff to make a soft bed for you."

The leaves gathered, he walked to the dark lioness' side, lowering his head to nuzzle against her neck, his touch warm and gentle.

"Cold?"

He lowered himself at her side, curling around her in an attempt to warm her.

"You want some help?"

The young lion smiled at her, purring softly, a paw wrapping around her, he was warm enough for the both of them.

"But you're not useless, and I don't mind doing the hunting."

Maybe not the best words to cheer her up, but he was trying and he meant well. He could see carrying cubs was hard for her, though he couldn't have really understood how hard. All he could do was try to make it a bit easier, and be there for her when she needed him.

"You'll be back to yourself before you know it, and very soon we'll have a family."

He nuzzled her gently, an attempt to reassure her. He would have just stayed there with her, keeping her warm in his embrace; but brrr, that floor was chilly, the earth unwarmed by the sun. Maybe laying on that bed of leaves was a better idea, or going outside in the sun.

"Do you want me to help you up?"

"Of course."

He purred, a soft smile on his maw as he unwrapped himself from her and stood to his feet. Pausing, he thougt for a moment, how to help her up without hurting her? Being closer to adult hood, Juhudi was larger than her, but not by as much as he once had been.

Finally deciding, he walked until he was directly in front of her, his posture lowered so she could reach. Maybe if she held onto his neck or shoulders?

"Hold onto me, and I'll pull you up."

"Awww...but you're a cute beached fish."

Looking over his shoulder he grinned at her, taking the moment to lick her nose.

He paused, making sure she had a firm grip. When he was sure she had, he straightened, paws digging into the ground as he tried to take a step forward and pull the lioness to her feet.

Unfortunately, lions are not built for pulling, and despite his best attempts, the young lion simply did not have the leverage. Dirt scattered as his paws slipped, Mosi's weight throwing him off balance and sending him sprawling backward.

The lion toppled backward, landing with a definite thud on the earthen floor of the den. Lifting a paw to rub his head, he grinned sheepishly at his mate.

"owwww...well okay, maybe that wasn't such a good idea."

Standing to his paws, Juhudi's ears dropped, his tail flicking in the dirt, seemed he had only made things worse with his attempt. Well, pulling didn't work, maybe he if pushed from behind he could roll her upright.

Circling, he tried to find the best way before finally coming to a stop near her shoulder. His head lowered, he nudged at her shoulder, putting the strength of his front end into it, rotating his body to use his shoulders as well.

It had taken some effort, perhaps more than he'd expected, but he had finally managed to get Mosi to her feet. Grinning, he sat back on his haunches to rest for a moment and catch his breath. There was a mischevious look to that grin, something very cubish.

"What, you don't like being a turtle lion?"

Now that it was over he didn't feel so guilty and he was barely able to stiffle his laughter. A single bound forward and he nuzzled her neck, perhaps to distract her from his comment.

"Mmm...a trip to the water hole sounds like fun."