Two Girls

One would had thought that the three cubs would had learned after the ill-fated adventure into the Outlands. But once their punishment had ended, the three royal cubs were back to their old tricks again. Much to their parents' exhaustion. You would think that they would realize the dangerous world that they lived in, but it did not seem to click. There was one development. Zuzu's beak had gotten the cubs into trouble, so now it was part of her duty to watch the three cubs. The cubs sure didn't enjoy it, and most likely it was that Zuzu also wasn't thrilled. But the King and Queen had spoken, and thus the four had to bear with it. Any complaining meant being confined to the den (in Zira's case) or having to do rounds with Ahadi (mainly Mufasa and Taka's punishment).

Today, Uru had a special mission. After ensuring that all the lionesses knew their duties for the day, seeing Ahadi off for his business, and making sure Zuzu was keeping an eye on the boys and Zira, the Queen headed off, alone. One of the blue fawn lioness's great aspects was that she was brilliant with handling foreign affairs, she was well learned in the customs of the nine other prides that were recognized kingdoms. Had she had a meeting with the Craglands, then she would had brought some of the strongest lionesses for backup. However, the Grass Whispers were not a pride that required a large party for a meeting and Uru knew she would be safe. While there were Eleven true kingdoms, there were also many smaller pride units called composition prides. These were recognized prides, but yet they could not be considered kingdoms because they had no clear royal family. The entire pride; from the very old to the very young, regardless of intelligence, contributed to the matters. The composition prides were usually scattered further, due to lands around here being owned by the larger kingdoms, but a few were able to take root. These prides often were harassed by larger kingdoms or by rogues. But most could hold their own. Uru was looking to find potential betrothals for Mufasa and Taka. This was going to be different, instead of declaring that Mufasa and Taka would marry a female cub, they would be given the chance to grow up with the female cub and if feelings were slowly developed, only then would there be an official betrothal, Uru did not want to force her sons to marry somebody that they did not like. The TallLands were skipped over immediately, Ahadi and Erevu had filled the lioness in on what had happened with Amira. A broken betrothal was not the best grounds to try another possible betrothal. Uru had to be careful when rejecting the Craglanders' offer. The Craglands might had been in control of one of the largest pieces of land in Africa, but it was common knowledge that resources were low. If they got a foothold, then it probably would not be long before the Pridelands were reduced to just another piece of land with hardly anything left to offer. When the Grass Whispers sent a bird to voice their acceptance of her offer, Uru had been surprised. A composition pride rarely did much politics with the kingdoms, unless it was absolutely necessary. The reason the Grass Whispers accepted was beyond Uru, but she took the chance, if the two girls were not up to her standards then she would look elsewhere. But a chance was good.

The two mother lionesses were respectful and kind when they greeted her. Small talk was both possible and comfortable. The three lionesses exchanged news before they focused on the true matter at hand. The first lioness, whose built reminded her of Bibi and whose coat was a dark grayish-beige color, moved and gently nudged a cub out from under her. "This is Sarabi," the lioness said warmly. Her eyes full of obvious love for her child. Sarabi was like a small copy of her mother, though her fur was a lighter shade and her eyes were orange. The pale yellow lioness nudged her own cub. While Sarabi closely resembled her mother, Sarafina did not. Her coat was cream-color with light areas on her muzzle and underside, while the lioness had ear rims, Sarafina did not. The only similarity between the two were their apple-green eyes. "This is Sarafina," the lioness said, then added with her name of Ua. Uru studied both cubs carefully. The Galelanders were accepting of anyone, even those deformed or with mental problems, but yet in the case of ruling, that could not be accepted. Sarabi and Sarafina were both in obvious good health and they were lovely. Will you both come with them?" "As much as I want to come along, I must return to my other cubs." Sarabi's mother said with a note of sadness. Ua once more spoke up. "I will accompany both girls to the Pridelands and stay as long as I feel needed." Uru smiled to her. "I am sure you will always be wanted." she replied. It was over soon and Sarabi's mother turned and began the slow walk. Uru knew somehow that the lioness was used to good-byes, but it felt sad having to watch a mother leave her child. When the lioness had vanished, the blue-ginger lioness turned to Ua. "Come along now, let's introduced you to the other members of the Pride." As they headed off, Uru walked beside Sarabi. She gently touched the young cub's forehead. "I know how hard it is to be away from your mother," she murmured softly. "For once I did the same." Sarabi's orange eyes widened in surprise but she seemed a little more brighter as she was led to her new home.