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 Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 2:02 pm
Father-son daily run had been put off for a very important appointment. The son had asked why they could not go one a run. The father replied that he had to meet someone very special and that he might, might see "Miss Safuma" again. Even with that answer, the son would ask another question like what they were going to do afterwards and the father would give the same reply. It was strange, the son has never seen his father act rather... nervious? Lack of a better word. The father would sigh from time to time and then look around before catching up with his son. The sun has not risin quite yet and the two walked along the dirt path in the darkness with only the remnants of the stars and moonlight guiding them. Their den was not far from Pride Rock, the father could not take himself far from it again without coming back. It was hard to explain but the father had his reasons.
They reached the bottom of the dirt path that spiraled up onto the promotory where the den of the Pride Landers were. He chuckled softly, joking to his son that the reason that they lived in a underground burrow den instead of the Pride's was because it was too crowded. Fortunately, the son never disagreed upon that matter. The Pride Lands had an abundance of lions there, all sizes and age and color too! The son chuckled back as the two conversed and joked as they walked up the path, whispering so they did not wait anyone.
("Hey, Dad, who are we meeting any way? You never quite exactly told me. You said it was someone special, but there are a lot of special ones around and it really depends on one's definition of 'special', right?")
("Right, this special someone is none other than the queen of the Pride Lands, the current holder of the throne. Oh I wish you could have met the one who you got most of your genes from, well, other than me and your Uncle Ezeoha,") the father smiled and nuzzled his son. ("She is your great aunt Kami and my aunt too, but on my mother's side of the family.")
"Dad... when am I going to meet grandmother?" the son asked softly. Not once in his life had he seen her and nor has the father since he had returned to the Pride Lands. The reason he had not come to Pride Rock before was because he was just not ready to. By now... none of the elders knew of him, at least remembered.
"Your grandmother... is around, trust me. We will see her again one day. She's a really wonderful one, when you see her, you will know." the father smiled and licked his son and nudged him onto the promotory. "Now behave."
"Don't I always?"
"... okay, act more your age."
"But... alright fine."
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 2:20 pm
"You're always so full of energy...." -The golden lioness groaned gently as she streched, her tone quite obviously more of a tease then a complaint as she finally stood to follow after her daughter.
It was very early, and though some of her children had began to stir, others still lounged in the cool darkness of the cave. But quite unsurprisingly Sarakiva had tagged along after her mother like a leach, and like most other mornings, Kami didn't particularly mind.
She knew it sometimes offput some of the other children... but it wasn't her fault the the young heiress clung to her so. If her other children made such an effort, they too would be able to spend much more time with her. When she wasn't working atleast..
But this morning was peaceful enough as the two figures made their way to the edge of the rocks, preparing to watch the sunrise before the plans of the day were made.-
-Nothing but a tiny giggle and toothy grin answered her mother's notion, and it certainly didn't slow down the tiny cub as she continued her path weaving between her mothers long paw strides. Oh how tiny she felt next to her mother! Cursed to a tiny body because of her litter size, while her mother towered in heft because of grandfather. But really it wasn't a curse, only a game, for Sara had already found something else to grab her attention on this cool morning.-
"I can almost see it! There is a little pink! Hurry! It'll be up soon!" -Less then quitely the little lioness yelped to her mother, scurrying ahead almost to the point of sailing off the top of the rock. And as she stopped her tail swayed feverently with impatience, at both her mother and the sun in their slowness.-
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 2:53 pm
The son's expression brightened at the sight of the other female. Another cub to mingle with as his father took care of business. He smiled and got up only to stop half way, cautious. He looked up to his father for his approval and he got it with a nod. With an excited giggle he moved over to the cub that had followed the older female. Sitting himself down beside her on the promontory's point, he smiled at her.
"Hello, my name's Zeki. May I ask yours?" Wow... she looks a lot like Miss Safuma.
The father smiled at his son and returned his attention to the female before him. He dipped his head slightly in respect and smiled.
"Sorry I have not came to seen you earlier, Your Highness. I've been a bit preoccupied and a little nervious I suppose. Heh, I even brought my son along in hopes of meeting your daughter again. Little Safuma," Ger smiled and looked at the two. "It's nice to meet my Aunt... I mean on my mother's side of the family, y'know? I never got the chance to see you before today."
Ger sighed and moved a little toward the cubs, but keeping it so his back was not to her entirely.
"A lot can happen when one's a cub... enough to change a course of life."
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 7:32 am
 -Sarakiva was the first to notice the two visitors, even with her attention so intent on the sunrise, and though good sense told her to put on her best aire, childishness kept her from such, eyes still glued on the purple turning pink at the horizon. She didn't have flip her tail gently, nodding a soft hello to the golden cub beside her.- "Hi Zeki. I'm Sarakiva. You sure look alot like Mom and Safuma."-It was awfully early for visitors, not the early morning sort like her father had been, but she greeted both arrivals with a mild nod, turning her attention fully to the familar face as the little one scuttled past.
Sound of a familar name as well seemed to awaken the queen more fully, and after a momentary pause, she smiled.- "Ahhh, you've met Safuma? It doesn't surprise me that you've met atleast one of my brood. They're always running about. Have you only one yourself Ger?" -Her eyes turned to the child, trying to pick out who the mother might have been. But alas she was unable. He looked so much like his father. And like her own father.
The male's obvious discomfort brought her attention back to him, and softly she waited. As of yet she was not worldly wise enough to dechiper such hints on her own. But as she had not seen the pelt around for quite awhile, she assumed it had something to do with travel, and offered a mildly vague statement.- "There are so many choices to make and follow in life. Some good, some bad. But all do seem to have such life altering consequences."
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 8:41 pm
"Nope, just you daughter, Safuma. Zeki and I have not really took the time to meet with the entire pride just yet. It's quite large and it's quite intimidating too. We'll see them all again, but just need a little more time," Ger smiled. "Luckily, Zeki is my one and only. I could not bare if I lost him. Almost did not too long ago and I scared him in the process of protecting him, but it's all water under the rock now. Just me and him with my mate, the rest of my family are elsewhere right now. Say, you haven't seen... my mother, have you?"
"Exactly, Your Highness. Life has many paths, sometimes one falls before you. Do you choose to follow it and see where it takes you or shall you take the safe route and let it passby," Ger chuckled and smiled, his eyes falling to ground as if in a dreamy thought. "You talk almost like Uncle Mufasa..." Ger turned to face her with a melancholy expression. "I could only wish I was here... then."
Zeki giggled and nudged her. "Of course! My Daddy says that I am from the main branch but just a little lower on the family tree. Or at least, I think that is what he said. If my Dad is the son of Grandmother Jahazara and she's the daughter of Great Grandmother of Koho..." Zeki motioned his paws left in right trying to figure out exactly how related he was to Sarakiva and the main-branch of the Royal Family. It was difficult only knowing up to Great Grandmother Koho. Ger did not talk much about his lineage as he did not know too much about it either. If only Jahazara or the other decendents of the original couple who sprouted this branch were around.
"Anyway, Dad says we are related. Just don't quite know how just yet," Zeki took the time to look around. His crimson eyes fell back upon his father and the queen. They seemed lost in a important conversation. Thinking about now, Safuma had mentioned she lived here. He moved to get up but sat back down knowing that he had company beside him. ... Safuma would have to wait. "So, Miss Sarakiva, what do you do all day? Do you go on adventures or maybe go out and play?"
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 6:34 am
"I have five little girls. And four boys.." -She mused mildly, her expression quite clear with the exasperation that such a brood might bring, but there was nothing but love in her tone. And to his mention of the pride, her smile turned sheepish, tiny hint of a laugh slipping from her.- "It is hard enough for me to keep track of who is about with the 100 plus members we have roaming our little home. I'd never expect anyone else.. except maybe the head scout to know most of them. Your mother though..."
-She paused softly, trying to filter through the last time she'd seen that pelt. Kami had brought her back to the pridelands.. made her a member once more. But where had she gone in the pridelands.. Kami wasn't sure.. And finally, she could do nothing but shake her head.- "No I'm sorry.. Strangely enough I see far more of strangers, then I see of the royal family."
-She let his thoughts filter over her silently, only replying when he paused once more in remembance, shifting her golden body with evidence of the wound that would likely never heal. How often did she see flashbacks of that walk that night. Of her father so helpless and hurt upon her mates back?- "I rather wish I hadn't been.. But then.. I did get to speak to him before the end.. so I suppose it's a bittersweet sort of thing."
-Breaking the somberness the best she could, her voice lifted gently. -"So then.. you are back to stay Ger?"
-The princess seemed less then interested in the actual lines of things, staring quizically at the cubs golden paws as he weighed out his information. But her enthusiasm returned with the end result.- "Related? That's neat! I guess that means we have to be friends! Mom says that you have to be nice to family after all."
"I do whatever I want to do! Princess' can do that you know!" -She piped cheerfully in reply, pushing herself up to her paws, tail swaying like a snake.- "Take baths, pick flowers, listen to stories, play games with mom and my brothers and sisters. Walk around and explore the pridelands. What about you Zeki?"
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 11:21 am
"Amazing, your mate must be a proud father to have managed that many with you. Kudos," he smiled and looked back to his son with a proud, satisfied expression. "I did not care if I had one or many, as long as my mate was happy."
Hearing that Kami could not recall where she had last seen his mother after reinviting her into the Pride Lands was a bit saddening. He wanted to find her again and apologize for disappearing those many moons ago. He felt horrible that he had disappeared from her life and she having to miss his as he grew up. Though he loved his family with Kujack and Aysha, he still yearned for his mother's. "Your Highness, Trina, Ezekiel, and I plan to stay here for time to come. On the bright side, you will see us around from time to time. Zeki and I tend to go running in the morning, my half-brother suggested that we bonded a lot. We do frequently leave the Pride Lands for short periods of time for me to check up upon my half-brothers. Afterall, someone must keep those three in line and my son seems to enjoy the time we have with them. So it works out in the end. Just to make it home before Trina gets mad," he laughed. "But yes, we do intend to stay here. Actually, we have a burrow den just a little ways from here. No longer than a good forty-eight lion steps down the path and off to the side of the dirt path. Didn't quite want to be far from home again."
Ger's ears drooped softly.
"At least you got to say good-bye to him, right? I was not lucky to have a father like you did and so I sort of saw Uncle Mufasa as my own fatherly figure but I could never call him that. But... he was around when I needed him when I was younger. I miss Aunt Sarabi too. Oh, I missed so much and I regret it now..."
Zeki mused for a moment scratched his chin. "Well, if we are related and you are a princess, does that make me a prince? That would be nice, but still wouldn't change who I am. Your mother's right, family is very important. I'll be happy to be friends with you, Miss Sarakiva."
"So... you can do whatever you want? You're lucky, my Dad says I can't go to some places alone anymore," Zeki could remember the antecedent the other day at the Elephant Graveyard. He just had to make sure he did not do it again. Luckily, that was all water under the bridge now. Zeki raised to her height, maybe a little taller, smiling. "Me? Well, every morning Dad and I go running to the borders of the Pride Lands and then come back. We sometimes go to the sea shore to see my Uncle Trig, a little south into the South Lands to see Uncle Moto, and if we are lucky, we run into Uncle Kinari wherever he is. So we get around a lot, but not more than a days time. So I guess I go on journeys. I wanted to go to the Elephant Graveyard with Miss Safuma once, but my Dad was with me so it would not be any fun. But that was before I went there myself. .... Oops, sorry, I was rambling again. Sorry, Miss Sarakiva!"
Zeki dipped his head over and over, apologizing.
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 7:45 am
-A smile drifted upon her maw as she listened but Kami couldn't help but laugh a little at the exact number she recieved about his den. However she tried to hide it finally, worrying he might find it rude, attempting to sooth it over with a mild statement.- "Always lovely to hear about lions that treat each other well. And traveling.. can be quite the learning experience."
-His somberness was met with a soft nod of her own.- "I think most everyone thought of him as a father of sorts. He certainly treated everyone as if they were his own."
"Yeah, I think that makes you a prince too." -She nodded matter of factly. He wasn't the same SORT of prince as Akida was, but a prince nonetheless, quite worthy of attention and love like her.
Listening to the onslaught of names Sara didn't seem too perturbed or lost, an after effect of having to deal with so many names in her young lifetime. But one foriegn word did touch her ears, and she piped up immediately, disreguarding his apology.- "The sea shore? What's it like? Is it past the borders?"
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 1:05 pm
"Traveling takes one places, paths is always placed before you where you must choose where you go. One that is straight and safe where you could get to your destination with ease," he took a few steps from her to his son before scooping him up in his paws, swinging him over onto his back. "Or take the path that is hard to see, rough, and hard where you can have an adventure. If a path is placed before you, don't think about it too much, just take it and see where it will lead you. Who knows, you might end up somewhere better than you had imagined and those you meet along the way. Right, Zeki?"
He smiled at the last comment his Cousin gave. "Uncle Mufasa was a great king, he was kind-hearted and indifferent. He protected us and our home, I could not imagine why anyone would want to harm him. Regardless, he's part of the stars now just like his fathers before him, he'll still watch over us," he laughed a little and glanced back at Kami. "Better not mess up now, he's watchin' you." he gave out another great laugh.
Zeki yipped a little when his father's large paw wrapped around his belly and his paws left the stone surface of the promortary. Ger's back was where he was some times when he got tired of walking on their travels, he had gotten used to his father's movements such as the way his shoulders rolled when he walked. It was hefty and strong, but they had a rhythm. He quickly replied to his father's question with a great grin, "Yep! That is how you met Grandpa Kujack, Grandma Aysha, Uncle Kohji, Aunty Thena-" he was cut off when his father tapped his head softly. He was rambling.
He took in the thought of being a "prince" of sorts. Well, that would be nice to be a prince, but he was not under Kami's blood. At least not that he knew of. He hardly knew much of his family line, he only as much as his father did and that isn't saying much at all. The only relatives that he knew from his father's side was his Grandmother Jahazara (yet to be met) and Aunty Kianga. But being 'prince' was of royal blood, so that was good enough for him. He will always be known as Zeki.
"The sea shore is beyond the border, really far too. Dad and I follow the river until we get there, I'd take you but... (my Dad would get mad at me if I did. I mean, I am not allowed to out often alone,)" he whispered.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:08 am
-She listened softly, nodding when it was appropriate, taking the compliment and then mild disturbance as the words sifted along. She often worried about what her father would think of her. Whether or not he'd be proud.. it was strange to hear another person voice similar things, even if they were in jest.-
"Really really far?" -The mild hints of a pout touched her young paw as she pondered over his words. She wanted to see this thing.. this 'sea shore'. And she should be allowed to too. She could do whatever she wanted. But at the same time... the thoughts of heading far far away was kind of scary.
Would they know she was a princess far away? Would all of the bad things know where their respect belonged, and leave her be? Hmmmm..
Lowering her voice gently, to match his own whisper she replied simply.- "One day I want to go and see. You should take me then."
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Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 11:48 am
Ger watched the two cubs quietly, but his attention back on Kami. Being Queen had a lot of responsibilities placed on her shoulders. It must be difficult, listening to everyone, helping everyone... it would be difficult and he was thinking that Kami was starting to stress. He could not entirely do anything, he was not the King or anything of the upper cast of the Pride. He looked down at his paws for a moment, remembering what his step-brother had once told him.
"Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrusted upon them," he chuckled. "It seems you got the short end of the stick, it seems that you were born a Princess and now a Queen. Do you think you can handle that ol' great Kami?"
It was tended to be a joke though sounding rude. He wanted to make her smile, or something for her to feel somewhat relaxed. Sometimes, one needed time to goof off. Even if for a little while.
"Really far. Really far, beyond the border, through another territory... it's very far, Miss Sarakiva," Zeki replied. He knew how to get there. It was not all that diffiucult actually. The way Ger and he took was just following the river that led from the Pride Lands to the Ocean, it was not too hard. It was just a long walk. Ger was used it as he didn't tire until he got there. Zeki would take frequent breaks upon his father's back along the trip. He hasn't quite gathered the endurance yet needed for it.
"One day, Miss Sarakiva, I will take you there. I will take Safuma there too, she said she liked going places and she does indeed love the water. So it would be nice for the three of us to enjoy outselves.
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Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:08 am
-Rude or not, it did recieve a bit of a smile mixed with a sigh. Almost as if she had his same sentiment.- "I certainly hope so. Since my father departed.. I've wanted nothing more then to keep his lands safe and how he left them."
-Mind drifting, she inquired softly.- "We haven't disturbed your morning run too long have we?"
-Sara was growing unpleased. And it was QUITE easy to see it happening. She appreciated the fact that he was willing to take her, really she did. But the emphasis that was being put on her sister. As if Zeki cared more about taking Safuma then he did about taking her. Jealousy, entitlement, the feelings warred with her at the thought of having to share. At the thought of being second to her sister when SHE was the princess ended up drawing a mild frown on her maw.-
"I suppose so." -She offered mildly as she lifted herself up, trotting over to her mother, before calling back lightly.- "See you later Zeki." -And settling herself between her mother's legs she waited for the adults to finish talking.-
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Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 9:08 pm
"Uncle Mufasa would have wanted his home-our home to be safe and plentiful for everyone. You are doing a great job, a mother of many and a Queen of a wonderful Pride. I am sure your parents are guiding you too," he smiled, trying his best to assure her that she is doing good. Kami was chosen to be the Heir for a reason, he had faith that Uncle Mufasa and Aunty Sarabi knew what they were doing when doing so. He smiled.
"Right, I came here to seek re-entry into the Pride after being gone for so long and I got distracted from my morning run, it seems like not much is going my way today," he let out a bellowing laugh. "I apologize for my leave but I am sure you have other duties to take care of before the Great sun reaches the zenith. I must get my little one off and about for some bonding time."
Zeki watched on as Sarakiva moved from him and to her mother. To be expected, it was early morning so... she must have been tired, right, that was it, she was just tired. He just smiled as she moved away as he moved to his own parent, climbing up his leg with sharp claws and onto his back.
"Yeah, I hope we can talk again, Miss Sarakiva," he called back to. "And good morning, Your High-"
Ger stopped him short with a paw and smiled back at the two.
"We best be going. It may not be too formal, but if you agree to allowing me back home again," he dipped his head in respect, for his aunt and his queen. "Forgive me for getting carried away by the previous conversation."
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Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 12:45 pm
-Sara sulked quietly, waiting for the two to leave, her head rested against her mother's forepaws. Soon as they were gone she'd have mama's attention again and they could go play.-
"It's no bother at all. Come visit again soon. The children always love having new people to play with." -She called out pleasantly, toes reaching out to stroke at her daughter's tail even as she was oblivious to her daughters strife. It was true. Always nice to have members return, it really spoke to how wonderful the Pridelands were. And Ger certainly was a member she didn't mind having, along with his charming little one.-
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Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 2:30 pm
"Thank you, Kami..." he chuckled, bowing slightly. "Your Highness."
Ger smiled down to Sarakiva. She looked a lot like her mother and her sister, Sarafuma too. It was no surprise the three being related. He would have to keep his eyes out to find the others of her brood and the male that did this to her to start with. Strange, would he not be the king? Well, that would be something to look out for. However, for now, he had to get back to his routine.
"Good-bye, Kami, I'll have to come back and visit again, I am sure my little one would like to see Miss Safuma again!" he called over his shoulder as he walked down the path. It was not long after that did he recieve a batting and a few nips to his ear by his son.
"Since when did you become so formal, Dad? "Miss"? "Your Highness"? Where did this all come from? Are you trying to steal my bit?" Zeki giggled, full knowing of the joke and the joking. His father just laughed and slowly ran off toward the border's water holes.
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