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A creamy figure wound its torturous way up the path to Priderock, head slung low between thin, wasted shoulders. The queen of the Pridelands had just finished her afternoon journey to the wateringhole for a drink, just now returning from her slow walk as the edge of the great sun disc met the horizon. The sky above her flamed with color, but she hardly noticed. Even such a short walk had taxed her meager strenght, and she trembled with each step she took.

The wooden necklace swung around her neck, gently bouncing against her prominent breastbone. Bright crimson eyes, her legacy to her children and grandchildren, stayed on the path just before her paws, finding the best place to rest each weary paw as she moved forward. Oh, to be young and robust again. To be full of strength as the warrior queen she had once been... Memories flooded her mind of the days when she raced over the grass with her mate, her claws and fangs flashing as she single-handedly brought down a zebra for the pride to feast on. She never even noticed the small cub till she'd drawn up beside him, her eyes flicking to the little golden body with a spark of interest and curiosity.

Sarabi smiled slowly, her eyes sparkling at the cubs enthusiastic greeting, and his caring question. "It is only old age and infirmity, little one. When you get old like me, the walk to and from the watering hole is a very long and tiring one. But I'll be sleeping in a bit, so it doesn't matter." She was curious as to who this youngling was, but her body ached for the sun-warmed rocks on top of Priderock. "I'm going to go lie down and enjoy the last of the sunlight. You may certainly come with if you like."

Sarabi smiled gently as she paced up the path, her steps slow but placed with confidence. She pondered his question for a few feet, choosing what she would say to him. "It is... hard, to rule a pride. You must always think of what is best for the pride, for all the many lions that depend on you for guidance." Her tail flicked behind her as she looked down to the small golden cub, her crimson eyes kind. "If there is no food, you must make sure the hunters go out for more. If there are cubs, you must be sure they are fed and safe from other predators. We must watch for those who would take these lands from us, as well. It is hard, but also rewarding. It fills me with joy each time a mated pair has cubs, when the hunters bring back enough food for everyone. And there is love between our pridemembers, which is most important."

She smiled as she emerged finally from the path, the stone warm under her paws. The Queen sighed in relief at the end of her journey, padding to the tip of Priderock and settling down on her stomach. She looked out on the lands she loved so much, the lands she'd never left in her entire life. Much as it was hard to care for them with her mate, she felt such joy in her responsability.

The golden queen turned as she felt a pair of small eyes on her, smiling gently at the little cub. "What did you say your name was, little one? I forgot to ask, since it seems you already know who I am." Her voice was warm and strong, despite her infirmity. "And who are your parents?"

How long had it been since her own cubs where this small? Adults now, she couldn't help but think back to the little balls of fur she had given birth to whenever she saw them. They'd changed and grown so much... sometimes she felt them completely out of her reach. Kamilika, a stranger after spending so much time training with her father. Kijito, her strong, silent boy, present yet not apart of life at Priderock. Rehani, who she'd thought she knew so well till she met her mate and seen her cubs she had never known her daughter had. The twins, gone at adolescence.... Uumikaji with his cub, living with the pride of his mother. And then Kiuma... only the gods knew where that daughter was, or what had become of her since she seperated from her twin.

Sarabi chuckled softly, rephrasing her question. "What is your mommy's name, Ger? I certainly hope you find your daddy, because we'd love to have him come here to live with us, especially since he has such a nice son." She smiled as she resettled herself, her necklace clicking softly against her chest. This little cub was certainly a joy to talk with. Sweet and enthusiastic, filled with youthful energy. It brought back memories, though none of her children had been quite like this.

Sarabi smiled and chuckles softly, her eyes softening. "Jahazara... that's one of Mwali and Koho's cubs. So you must be their grandson..." She purred as she gently licked her paws a moment, red eyes bright. "Did you know that Koho is Mufasa's half-sister? That makes you a... great nephew to the King himself. I'm not related to you by blood, but by mating so in a way, I'm your great-aunt." Her purr deepend till it rumbled in her chest, her face lighting with a soft warmth. More family had been found, it seemed, in this friendly little cub. Sarabi loved it... It was a chance to mother yet another lion, which was her greatest purpose in life.

Sarabi shook her head slowly, her smile fading a little. "No, Ger, I'm sorry. I'm not very strong, and the pride isn't around Priderock that much, so its understandable that I havn't seen your mother much. All I know is that she is Mwali and Koho's child." A little chuckle slipped from her at his tittle of 'aunty'. They weren't really related, and the term still felt funny since she only earned it by the fact she was mated to Mufasa. Shrugging that off at trivial, she let joy in this cub's presence push it out of her mind. He was a delight, truly.

"Mmm... Does she tell you were she'll be, Ger? You really shouldn't wander off with out finding out where you'll be able to find her later. The Pridelands are peaceful, but there is still danger for a young cub all by himself. You'll promise me to be careful, won't you?" Her tail flicked lightly against the ground, raising little puffs of dust.