The revelation that she had bumped into a huria was a slow building one that had her heart grind to a halt and then beat rapidly once more. She was ashamed to say that she did not recognise the name of his mother - though the way she had spoken it suggested she really ought to. Her mouth swung open as if to apologise for her ignorance - though it was never given a chance. Behind her she heard a low call of a male she knew well and turned to see the shape of a Firekin hesitating some distance off.

Kimeti. Her uncle.

"We...we have so much to talk about," she spoke quietly to the golden lion before calling over her relative and waiting patiently for him to quit hesitating and come join them. "My uncle would love to hear your story, too. He's a teacher - but quite a new one - so he's out here to learn all he can." Despite being his niece, she was - in fact - the older of the two relatives. Kimeti being the last born son of Kidondo and No and an only child, at that. Besides, she had decided that she would rather like a second opinion on the lion she had found.

"Am I interrupting something?" Kimeti asked as he drew up alongside the female and cast a look between the both of them.

"A story," Neci replied, "This is Uddhava, do you know the name?"

Kimeti gave pause, brow furrowing. Hm. Something about it nagged at him but he came up with no answer, "afraid not."

The golden lion looked both unsurprised and sad.

"My name is Neci," the female introduced, "this is my uncle, Kimeti - son of Kidondo and No."

The golden lion peered at them both as if trying to see if he recognised them. After a moment the light did seem to dawn in his eyes. "I see it," he said at last, soft and wavering. Neci almost thought it looked like he was having a dream and he thought he might wake up at any moment. With a small smile she leaned forwards with a paw and gave him a sharp tap.

"This isn't a dream. We wont' disappear in a puff of smoke."

"W-why are you here?"

"The Firekin seek to make contact with the outside world," Neci replied easily, "but what of you? I feel you have the more interesting story to tell. Please tell us of your family. Your mother? Ripuka, you said?"

"Wait!" Kimeti interrupted, "that is a name I have heard. You are the son of Ripuka?"

Uddhava seemed sheepish, pawing at the dust a little and then taking a seat, "I am. My story is...well, it's not much of one."

"Please," Neci requested, "I would like to hear it."

---

My mother was a traditionalist, born and raised. She loved Finar-Si with all her heart and followed her King's desires. However, as time passed, she began to bear witness to the cracks that formed in the face of tradition. First a cub she bore with a sandy pelt. Then the civil war that they lost. The traditionalists were cast out, their lands taken, their king dead. Finar-Si had not helped them. Not raised them up to victory. She didn't know why they had been forsaken. Had it all been a lie? Had she fought on the wrong side? Time passed and, eventually, another litter was born to her and there I was. The wrong colour. Another symbol to mock what she had built her whole life around.

It's said that she realised, then, that she had chosen the wrong side. Come to her senses. I do not know. I was too young. Barely able to walk. But whatever the reason, she decided to take me out from Safi lands and across the desert to the Simo, to see that I was raised safely by those who would not kill me for my pelt colour. The journey was struck with tragedy. My mother was an elderly lioness at this point and she came across some trouble on her journey. She was attacked - by whom no one knows - and it was all she could do to get me to the borders and call for help. Kidondo came - along with others - and she told them...she told them...that she had brought me here to be safe. She had given her life for me. She told them that she loved me, that they must make sure I knew that as I grew.

And then she was gone and lions spoke of her with awe and I grieved the fact that I could not even remember what she looked like. I envied those who knew her - even if she hadn't been the easiest lioness to get on with. And then I had grown and the bullying eased off and, suddenly, I was an adolescent being put out into the world alone. I was one of the first to leave - perhaps the first - but I'm likely the least successful - unless you count being alive a victory. I have found no other home. I have no children. No true mate - though there is a female I like. I wander alone.

Neci reached out and set a paw over his, mourning with him, "your mother loved you dearly, that is all you need to know."

"You can come home," Kimeti replied, "the new rulers have seen to that."

"New rulers? Are Kidondoand No...?"

"They still live," Neci assured him, "just retired."

"I don't understand--"

"The new regents have set a new rule. Golden yellow is now a Firekin colour."

"What?" Uddhava's eyes widened in surprise, "but that...that makes no sense? Firekin have always been red, black and white. Finar-Si---"

"Finar-Si, Shmarshi. Each generation has taken us further away from our roots. Some might say that is not such a good thing but most are welcome to such change. My parents set the ball rolling and now it is picking up pace."

"Is that why you are out here?To look for lost huria?"

"That is one of the reasons," Kimeti replied, "we are here for information, too. And maybe an alliance with another pride."

"What do you say?"Neci asked with a smile, "will you come home with us?"

Uddhava looked stricken for a moment, "I--I'm..." and, after trying to answer, shook his head and made a hasty retreat, an apology all that could be heard.

Neci made to go after him but Kimeti set an arm across her path, "leave him be, Neci. This is a lot to take in. I doubt he'll go far."

She sighed unhappily, but knew he was right. The poor huria had suffered enough. Perhaps it was time for him to be given a bit of luck after all this time.

/fin