The Jungle didn't offer Zahra a single thorn on her way, not a single snake or obstruction, it welcomed her in it's own savage way. This lioness' journey brings her right to the clearing, almost like the Jungle gave her a path there. It was there she saw a familiar place with a familiar face within it, Khalima had this funny feeling, maybe something in the air or perhaps the Jungle told her, but she knew someone was coming. She just didn't know who, but why was usually for a cub. Cubs were hidden and Khalima sat there in her picturesque place in the dead center in the one ray of dim light as she always did, ignoring the bugs with their glassy wings buzzing about her catching light. She still wore that green shawl and her anklets but she is smaller than a cub would have probably remembered her. Her Green eyes still kept a brighter glint against the darkness of the Jungle.
She followed the scent, her pathway seemingly clear ahead of her. So many emotions overwhelmed her, but the feeling of safe was most prevalent. She wasn't afraid as she stepped into the small clearing where she came face to face with Khalima. Zahra smiled at her, greeting an old friend, "Long time no see," she said with a grin. "It's good to see you Khalima. I hope you remember me." Zahra looked her over, observing small changes that time had brought, but mostly Khalima remained the same. Zahra had been so small when she'd been found by the older lioness, crying alone and hungry. Khalima had brought her here to take care of her and Zahra remembered she had been kind to her. She had given her food and shelter, and a home with other abandoned or orphaned cubs. She wondered if any of the other cubs ever came back to see the lioness who had saved them.
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 3:28 pm
belloblossom
Quote:
Nomvula nodded along as the spotted lioness, spoke of the Dawnlands. It was much to what she'd heard of them herself. That was good - they seemed consistent. When the lioness turned the conversation to the matter of cubs, what Nomvula would need to do, she tipped her head back in thought for a moment, before returning her gaze to the spotted lioness.
"I can promise that I'll provide for and teach the cub, and I can promise that they'll know of the circle of life, though I do not teach it as strictly as the Prideland lions do. You need not worry about me returning them. Once they are in my care, I do not intend on such things." She confirmed.
She heard the rustling in the bushes nearby and perked her ears. The spotted lioness didn't seem concerned, so she doubted it was a dangerous predator of the jungle. Curious, she glanced from the lioness to the rustling leaves and just managed to sneak a glance of grey and white, and gold. She smiled, a twinkle in her eye. Oh, so one of the cubs the spotted lioness had spoken of had arrived already?
In truth the cubs never leave the clearing, Khalima leaves the bones of both lions and other animals, once the ants and sun have cleansed them, as a warning to the cubs to not leave without her or their future parent. Also they serve as good playthings for them, better than Khalima's tail or toes. Khalima gave a not and spoke one last time " Then I should congratulate Bluestem for she is now a mother.". Right after she spoke and had finished a little striped cub rolled out of the bushes to Novula's feet with a flop, looking up for approval for her somersault. Hopeful brimming little eyes oh this female cub indeed, but like a fading memory, Khalima had at some point during the cubs distraction, slipped away. Who knows, maybe they will meet again someday, somehow.
She followed the scent, her pathway seemingly clear ahead of her. So many emotions overwhelmed her, but the feeling of safe was most prevalent. She wasn't afraid as she stepped into the small clearing where she came face to face with Khalima. Zahra smiled at her, greeting an old friend, "Long time no see," she said with a grin. "It's good to see you Khalima. I hope you remember me." Zahra looked her over, observing small changes that time had brought, but mostly Khalima remained the same. Zahra had been so small when she'd been found by the older lioness, crying alone and hungry. Khalima had brought her here to take care of her and Zahra remembered she had been kind to her. She had given her food and shelter, and a home with other abandoned or orphaned cubs. She wondered if any of the other cubs ever came back to see the lioness who had saved them.
Khalima grinned widely up at the taller lioness, she had grown so much and she looked very healthy and just as pretty as she thought Zahra was going to be. These are the moments that give Khalima a sense of fulfillment about taking in the orphaned cubs and it wasn't very often she ever saw them again. "Firefly!! well well weeeellll, cut my whiskers and call me senseless! Big Shadow did well taking care of thiiisss one, what 12 moons ago? More?" She stands up and rubs her spotted and streaked face on Zahra's jaw, able to reach it well enough. The older Lioness had a specific herbal smell to her that just rings true to her identity, true to the memories of this deeply shaded Jungle, The sounds at night and the crisp cool morning air. She always fed them, but rarely did they see her eat. Only when the prey was plentiful did they see her eat, she would grab small things and bugs in between. Sometimes she wasn't the most loving but it depended on the cub, If they were moderately obedient she was more kind. If they wanted to learn something, she would gladly teach them. If they wouldn't listen and were really troublesome, she wouldn't miss treat them but she would be quite grumpy. She continues "I always remember the cubs I have saved." She gets a bitter sweet expression a moment "And the ones I have lost... So! Why has Firefly come back heerre? surely it cant be to just see a cranky Shaman.." She always had an unpleasant scratchy voice and a strange way of speaking, that hadn't changed either.
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 6:26 pm
As Khalima stopped in front of her, Ashanti also lifted her head and squared her shoulders. Not to fight, but to make her pledge with all her heart. It was an easy oath to make, one she would have made to herself regardless but now she said out loud, unfaltering.
“I swear on my life that I will care for, provide for and protect any cub placed in my care. Never to be abandoned. I will teach it the ways of the world, the circle of life and everything I know. If we ever return here, it will be as a family, to give our thanks.”
Proudly she spoke from the heart, “I Ashanti, dubbed Sand Paws in this jungle, will make this oath.”
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 6:40 pm
Nefarious Muse
Khalima grinned widely up at the taller lioness, she had grown so much and she looked very healthy and just as pretty as she thought Zahra was going to be. These are the moments that give Khalima a sense of fulfillment about taking in the orphaned cubs and it wasn't very often she ever saw them again. "Firefly!! well well weeeellll, cut my whiskers and call me senseless! Big Shadow did well taking care of thiiisss one, what 12 moons ago? More?" She stands up and rubs her spotted and streaked face on Zahra's jaw, able to reach it well enough. The older Lioness had a specific herbal smell to her that just rings true to her identity, true to the memories of this deeply shaded Jungle, The sounds at night and the crisp cool morning air. She always fed them, but rarely did they see her eat. Only when the prey was plentiful did they see her eat, she would grab small things and bugs in between. Sometimes she wasn't the most loving but it depended on the cub, If they were moderately obedient she was more kind. If they wanted to learn something, she would gladly teach them. If they wouldn't listen and were really troublesome, she wouldn't miss treat them but she would be quite grumpy. She continues "I always remember the cubs I have saved." She gets a bitter sweet expression a moment "And the ones I have lost... So! Why has Firefly come back heerre? surely it cant be to just see a cranky Shaman.." She always had an unpleasant scratchy voice and a strange way of speaking, that hadn't changed either.
Zahra took in the scent from the older lioness. Her smell, voice and touch all brought back memories of how she had cared for her. "Firefly..."she whispered. "I remember you calling me that." She smiled and nudged lightly against the shaman's head before stepping back so she could see her better. "Big Shadow..err..Zareb took great care of me, as did his mate Atiena. They also had cubs of their own who I helped take care of. They were so small and helpless. I loved being their big sister." She recalled many memories of playing and teaching them about the world. It really didn't seem like such a long time had passed. "I have come to see you, but also I find myself wanting to have that feeling again of being a guardian to a small cub. I want to be what you and Zareb were to me." Her eyes locked on Khalima's. "Do you have any cubs that need a home?" She knew that Khalima kept them hidden in the edges of her clearing. Zahra's eyes scanned the area in a quick sweeping motion for any slight movements. Perhaps they were there watching them now.
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2025 5:25 am
Ruriska
As Khalima stopped in front of her, Ashanti also lifted her head and squared her shoulders. Not to fight, but to make her pledge with all her heart. It was an easy oath to make, one she would have made to herself regardless but now she said out loud, unfaltering.
“I swear on my life that I will care for, provide for and protect any cub placed in my care. Never to be abandoned. I will teach it the ways of the world, the circle of life and everything I know. If we ever return here, it will be as a family, to give our thanks.”
Proudly she spoke from the heart, “I Ashanti, dubbed Sand Paws in this jungle, will make this oath.”
Khalima watched her, listened to her Oath and was very please with this lovely Lioness that had came to her today. She had those wild eyes that took it all in, noting the bravery it took to even get here and the courage to ask for a cub from one such as Khalima. She stood and leaned forward after Ashanti was finished and rubbed her exotic head on the soft colored lioness' shoulder, marking her with her own thick and herbal scent then turned away looking back over her shoulder to Ashanti and spoke one last time. "Congratulations Sand Paws, you are now a mother. Take caaarree on your way out will you? I am not the most dangerous thing in this Jungle." She knew the cub wouldn't hesitate for long, the started walking away and as she did, out burst this dark and striped male cub, racing to his new mother's feet with an excited yowl that echoed through the foliage.
Zahra took in the scent from the older lioness. Her smell, voice and touch all brought back memories of how she had cared for her. "Firefly..."she whispered. "I remember you calling me that." She smiled and nudged lightly against the shaman's head before stepping back so she could see her better. "Big Shadow..err..Zareb took great care of me, as did his mate Atiena. They also had cubs of their own who I helped take care of. They were so small and helpless. I loved being their big sister." She recalled many memories of playing and teaching them about the world. It really didn't seem like such a long time had passed. "I have come to see you, but also I find myself wanting to have that feeling again of being a guardian to a small cub. I want to be what you and Zareb were to me." Her eyes locked on Khalima's. "Do you have any cubs that need a home?" She knew that Khalima kept them hidden in the edges of her clearing. Zahra's eyes scanned the area in a quick sweeping motion for any slight movements. Perhaps they were there watching them now.
Khalima shifted slightly and had herself a pleasant sit in front of Zahra, her tail laying over her paws and her wild green eyes gleaming as she listened to Zahra. It greatly pleased her in many ways to hear that Zahra was well cared for and got to experience younger siblings, the fun it must have been for her to be the big sister, to lead the charge in all the cub-like troubles and joys. Khalima often pondered what it would be like to see the world through a cubs eyes again, her own memories weren't very kind of her cubhood. Her father was but an angry story she only heard once and her mother was bitter and rather unloving. Her mother fed before the cubs but such are the ways that lone Rogues often are, due to that Khalima knew loss for one by one her siblings died from illness, weakened by hunger. She remembers what it was like waking up in the morning curled against the cold and dead where warmth once had been, where laughter had been. Khalima grew up knowing hunger, knowing abandonment of their father and when she was just barely an Adolescent, Knowing abandonment of her mother as well. She never understood why her mother just left one night, or perhaps she had died somewhere out there in Africa but she knew it couldn't have been her own fault. Luckily she had gotten adept at hunting small prey like birds and rodents and bugs before that had happened and she one day found herself in this very Jungle, in this very clearing. She travels far and wide but this will always be her home and more of a mother to her than her own ever was. That is why she trusts this lethal Jungle with the cubs she collects and brings, so that they will not have to know the pain she has. So seeing Zahra was a joy among joys and cubs that come back by after they are grown, are always a welcomed sight that warmed her slightly twisted heart and made all those bad memories just simply memories. Zahra then locked eyes with her and brought fourth a good question, one that would effect the young lioness' future forever, a question of cubs. Khalima got a slow smile that raised on her spotted muzzle, tips of fangs showing and slightly yellowed from the herbs she chews to make medicine. She answers with a question, how very Khalima of her, her voice rigid as always. "Hooow much does Firefly remember about the process? Of the day one was adopted by Big Shaaadow and taken home?"
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2025 9:58 am
Nefarious Muse
Khalima shifted slightly and had herself a pleasant sit in front of Zahra, her tail laying over her paws and her wild green eyes gleaming as she listened to Zahra. It greatly pleased her in many ways to hear that Zahra was well cared for and got to experience younger siblings, the fun it must have been for her to be the big sister, to lead the charge in all the cub-like troubles and joys. Khalima often pondered what it would be like to see the world through a cubs eyes again, her own memories weren't very kind of her cubhood. Her father was but an angry story she only heard once and her mother was bitter and rather unloving. Her mother fed before the cubs but such are the ways that lone Rogues often are, due to that Khalima knew loss for one by one her siblings died from illness, weakened by hunger. She remembers what it was like waking up in the morning curled against the cold and dead where warmth once had been, where laughter had been. Khalima grew up knowing hunger, knowing abandonment of their father and when she was just barely an Adolescent, Knowing abandonment of her mother as well. She never understood why her mother just left one night, or perhaps she had died somewhere out there in Africa but she knew it couldn't have been her own fault. Luckily she had gotten adept at hunting small prey like birds and rodents and bugs before that had happened and she one day found herself in this very Jungle, in this very clearing. She travels far and wide but this will always be her home and more of a mother to her than her own ever was. That is why she trusts this lethal Jungle with the cubs she collects and brings, so that they will not have to know the pain she has. So seeing Zahra was a joy among joys and cubs that come back by after they are grown, are always a welcomed sight that warmed her slightly twisted heart and made all those bad memories just simply memories. Zahra then locked eyes with her and brought fourth a good question, one that would effect the young lioness' future forever, a question of cubs. Khalima got a slow smile that raised on her spotted muzzle, tips of fangs showing and slightly yellowed from the herbs she chews to make medicine. She answers with a question, how very Khalima of her, her voice rigid as always. "Hooow much does Firefly remember about the process? Of the day one was adopted by Big Shaaadow and taken home?"
She sat with Khalima, still a bit taller than the older lioness. She looked over her, taking in the effects that time and a rough life had played on her. She felt a pang of sorrow for what Khalima must have been through, but knew that she would not want Zahra to feel sorry for her. All things life had put her through made her stronger. Zahra thought about the question and nodded. "I remember that day. You made all of us cubs hide in the edges of the clearing and told us not to make any sound or the jungle would swallow us up. You spoke to the stranger who came into the jungle to find you and asked him questions." She smiled at the thought of "Big Shadow" as he had stood where she was now speaking to the older shaman. "You asked him to make an oath to take care of and protect whoever you sent with him, and he did. He honored that oath completely." She paused and closed her eyes and bowed her head slightly. "As will I." A warmth and excitement ran through her and she stood back up, eager to meet her new ward, her tail poised above her now. "I promise to provide a safe, loving home to whomever you choose for me, Khalima. I will not let you down."
She sat with Khalima, still a bit taller than the older lioness. She looked over her, taking in the effects that time and a rough life had played on her. She felt a pang of sorrow for what Khalima must have been through, but knew that she would not want Zahra to feel sorry for her. All things life had put her through made her stronger. Zahra thought about the question and nodded. "I remember that day. You made all of us cubs hide in the edges of the clearing and told us not to make any sound or the jungle would swallow us up. You spoke to the stranger who came into the jungle to find you and asked him questions." She smiled at the thought of "Big Shadow" as he had stood where she was now speaking to the older shaman. "You asked him to make an oath to take care of and protect whoever you sent with him, and he did. He honored that oath completely." She paused and closed her eyes and bowed her head slightly. "As will I." A warmth and excitement ran through her and she stood back up, eager to meet her new ward, her tail poised above her now. "I promise to provide a safe, loving home to whomever you choose for me, Khalima. I will not let you down."
Khalima squinted one piercing green eye and with claws sheathed the reaches up and bops Zahra on the nose, not too hard but not the most gentle swat. She may be small but she could pack a punch if she really wanted to, however this was a pop of reprimand, much like she would any other cub she had looked after. A giggle came from just beside them in the foliage, A sneaky little one has managed to get there without making a sound until them, two green starburst eyes have been watching. Khalima flicks her tail at the cub to says Shush You , a little annoyed that it crept that far up to them and so close but she speaks, " Not so fast Fiiiirefly! You have forgotten one of the most important parts of the Oath! The Circle of Life is not just a Pridelander belief alone, it has the salt of truth within its words. This one must also teach the little one of the Circle of Life and it's place in it, so they grow into a lion that understands the balance of predator and prey, so that they Value life and are thankful for their part in it! It will give them a better and more fruitful future because if it not respected, Nature will punish. If you need a lesson in this, seek me out at the Baobab trees in the roguelands and I will be happy to teeaach you. Also Firefly can never try to give the Cub back to me, Or I will let the Jungle eeeaaat." She smirked at her little but still with that caring expression on her face, her voice was rattly but not too sharp, however they rang with truth.
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2025 11:17 am
Nefarious Muse
Khalima squinted one piercing green eye and with claws sheathed the reaches up and bops Zahra on the nose, not too hard but not the most gentle swat. She may be small but she could pack a punch if she really wanted to, however this was a pop of reprimand, much like she would any other cub she had looked after. A giggle came from just beside them in the foliage, A sneaky little one has managed to get there without making a sound until them, two green starburst eyes have been watching. Khalima flicks her tail at the cub to says Shush You , a little annoyed that it crept that far up to them and so close but she speaks, " Not so fast Fiiiirefly! You have forgotten one of the most important parts of the Oath! The Circle of Life is not just a Pridelander belief alone, it has the salt of truth within its words. This one must also teach the little one of the Circle of Life and it's place in it, so they grow into a lion that understands the balance of predator and prey, so that they Value life and are thankful for their part in it! It will give them a better and more fruitful future because if it not respected, Nature will punish. If you need a lesson in this, seek me out at the Baobab trees in the roguelands and I will be happy to teeaach you. Also Firefly can never try to give the Cub back to me, Or I will let the Jungle eeeaaat." She smirked at her little but still with that caring expression on her face, her voice was rattly but not too sharp, however they rang with truth.
Zahra giggled at the boop, her mind recalling many times she had been booped as a cub. The small but firm tap of reprimand or reminder she sometimes needed, never in a menacing way but that of guidance. "Of course, how could I forget?" She smiled at Khalima. "The circle of life is such an important part of all our lives. I will instill in them the truths and ways of the world just as I have learned from Zareb." Her eyes flicked to the edge of the jungle where the giggle came from and back to Khalima, a knowing smile still on her lips. "I also promise that I will not bring the cub back to you, unless it's just for a visit. I would not want them to be eaten by the jungle."
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2025 9:05 pm
Ashanti let out a great sigh of relief, pleased by the herbal scent that was now mingling with her own. It made her feel marked, special. She had passed the test. “Thank you, I promise I will, I’ll -”
Whatever she had been about to say came to an abrupt halt as the cub raced out of the bushes and her heart immediately swelled with love. Khalima’s fading presence was already forgotten as she wrapped a warm paw around her new son and got to work grooming him, her tongue running through his fur, a deep purr rumbling in her chest.
Nefarious Muse
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 4:41 am
Moxxiie
Zahra giggled at the boop, her mind recalling many times she had been booped as a cub. The small but firm tap of reprimand or reminder she sometimes needed, never in a menacing way but that of guidance. "Of course, how could I forget?" She smiled at Khalima. "The circle of life is such an important part of all our lives. I will instill in them the truths and ways of the world just as I have learned from Zareb." Her eyes flicked to the edge of the jungle where the giggle came from and back to Khalima, a knowing smile still on her lips. "I also promise that I will not bring the cub back to you, unless it's just for a visit. I would not want them to be eaten by the jungle."
Khalima nodded, please to hear that Zareb had completely fulfilled his Oath, Her eyes then met Zahra's for soon they will be saying goodbye once more. Khalima was honored to say these next words and she was proud that it was Zahra who stood there to hear them. Khalima rasped out in a semi warm tone, with green wild eyes gleaming up at her " Congratulations Firefly, you are now a mother.". She stood and turned away and she didn't have to call the cub over, She came bounding up to her new mother with energy and happiness. Ready to go home and make her new mother Proud of her. Khalima slips away, quiet and like a spirit into the jungle and its deep and dark shroud.
Khalima nodded, please to hear that Zareb had completely fulfilled his Oath, Her eyes then met Zahra's for soon they will be saying goodbye once more. Khalima was honored to say these next words and she was proud that it was Zahra who stood there to hear them. Khalima rasped out in a semi warm tone, with green wild eyes gleaming up at her " Congratulations Firefly, you are now a mother.". She stood and turned away and she didn't have to call the cub over, She came bounding up to her new mother with energy and happiness. Ready to go home and make her new mother Proud of her. Khalima slips away, quiet and like a spirit into the jungle and its deep and dark shroud.
((To close it up)) Zahra gave a silent nod to the shaman, happy she had been able to see her again. As the cub came bounding up to her, her eyes locked onto the happy energectic cub who now stood where she once had, looking up at her eagerly. She looked up again to find Khalima had slipped away. She whispered after her, "Thank you," and smiled down at the cub, lowering her head to nuzzle against her. "Hello little one. It's nice to meet you. My name is Zahra until you decide what you'd like to call me." The two then left the jungle to begin their new adventure of life together.
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 5:17 pm
Jua had found his way back to the jungle where he was lived, with the exotic lioness Khalima. He had been adopted by his mother, Giza, who had found her way there and once he got old enough, no mate of his own yet, he just started to think of the lioness that had first been a mother of sorts to him. Following a tingling in his paws and a sense he couldn't describe, he found himself walking one day, walking until he found himself back in that familiar jungle. He knew he was close but not close, but it didn't quite look like the hidden clearing he remembered. "Khalima?" he called out, seeing if she'd answer or remember him.
Kamara and Makena had been talking for a while, now Makena was an adult, Kamara spoke the truth about where the younger lioness had come from which had Makena thinking hard about things. After several days of being on her own, Makena had gone home, well... home being the last place she had seen her adopted mother, thankfully she was still there, waiting for Makena's return. "Mom, i've made a decision, can you walk me to the edge of the forest? i want to go see Khalima" she said, the older lioness just nodded with a sad smile and showed Makena the way
Once at the edge, Makena and Kamara touched noses, "This isn't goodbye mom, this is, see you later" She reassured the older lioness, the only mother she really remembered besides one. She ventured deeper into the forest, stopping at a particularly dense area. She let out a low, calling roar "Khalima!, i'm back, i have questions, i also have a wish, lead me to you" she chuffed, not demanding but far from the nervous feeling her mother Kamara had when she'd been here, she was confident, it felt like somewhere she was meant to be, somewhere she maybe belonged, at least for a little while.
