(Private for TheWhistlerify)

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Nura held her cub between her paws in a protective fashion. She knew they'd be safe with the others, but after nights of uncertainty she probably wouldn't get out of the habit. Akina let out a cubbish-yawn and rolled over, not opening her eyes in the process. Her mother smiled and rested her head beside the cub, glancing up to see if Marini would join them or not.

Mjuvi had been more surprised than he should have been when the young lioness leant against him again. After a few moments to process it, he smiled again, glad that she had agreed to come inside. He walked slowly alongside her, and led her into the den. He settled her down in one of the corners, assuming she wanted to be out of everyone's way. He let her stand on her own and he backed away a few paces before lying down himself, nearer his sisters. "I'm right here if you need me" he said kindly, hoping she'd give him a smile back.

[TheWhistlerify]

Marini once again gratefully accepted Mjuvi's assistance as he helped her make her way into the den. It's been a while since she'd last slept inside a den without the constant fear of suddenly finding out that it belonged to another animal. True, this den obviously belonged to all of these lions, Mjuvi included, but that wasn't the same thing. After all, while this resting place wasn't hers, she obviously had permission to be inside it. Yes, the others' presence did make her a bit weary, but not as much as what being in some random den on her own would have made her.

There was something about the adolescent lion's presence that comforted her and made her more at ease than she would have been otherwise. Marini didn't know why, but she wasn't going to complain either. When they came to a stop in one of the corners she looked at him with a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you..." she said, as quietly as she usually did. It would have been a lie to say that she liked the way he then went to settle down closer to his sisters while letting her know that he was there in case she needed anything, obviously wanting to give her some space.

She once again couldn't explain it, but she would have preferred to have him stay by her side instead. For a moment she considered asking him to come back over, but her shy nature stopped her dead in her tracks. Asking him to do that would just be too embarrassing. "Um, okay, I... I'll keep that in mind..." Having said that, the young lioness carefully lay down, so to not disturb her leg, and rested her head down on her paws. Every once in a while she caught herself staring at Mjuvi, but at some point, once it seemed as if he was either asleep or about to fall asleep, she didn't force herself to look away in fear that he might notice.

After some time of staring, as well as being confused as to just why she couldn't get herself to stop thinking about the male, Marini tensed up a little when a shadow figure partially reduced the very small amount of light that was coming into the den (it was already much darker). However, she soon calmed down when she realized that it was just Dakari, Mjuvi's older brother. He seemed to look around for a moment, although without noticing that her eyes were open because it was too dark, before quietly making his way over to his siblings and silently lying down next to them.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Mjuvi, although he thought he'd wait for Dakari to get back, had fallen asleep quite quickly. He enjoyed his sleep as much as the next lion, and it seemed he had pushed thoughts about Marini out of his mind for now. Besides, he was concerned about the young lioness more than anything. He rolled into a more comfortable position, unaware of Dakari's return.

Nura had managed to stay awake. She thought it best, just in case something happened to Dakari while he was gone. She smiled out of relief when he returned and watched him lie down. "Goodnight, Dakari" she whispered, still with her head beside her cub. She didn't want to wake any of the sleeping lions and she hoped she hadn't startled him with her sudden whisper.

[TheWhistlerify]

Nura's whispering hadn't really startled Dakari (or even came close to doing so), but it's just that he thought that everybody had already fallen asleep. It was why he hasn't said goodnight to anybody upon returning. Not only would that have been pointless in case they were already sleeping, but he also didn't want to accidentally wake anybody up. So, while it didn't give him a fright, it did catch him by surprise raher easily.

Still lying down where he was, the lion looked in the female's direction with a smile (even though she probably couldn't see his expression). Regardless of the fact that she's whispered to him her voice still had that smooth gentleness to it. "Goodnight, Nura." he said softly, briefly examining Siri closely to make sure she was asleep before placing his head down as well. It had been a rather eventful day, what with how he and his siblings now had 3 new 'members' in their group, so to speak. But, unlike with that night with the hyenas, that wasn't a bad thing. Yawning for a brief moment, he closed his eyes and went to sleep.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Everyone slept relatively undisturbed, thoughts of what lay ahead might of crossed into their dreams, but for the most part, they were happy to be safe. The days crept by slowly, and soon it had been a week since Nura, Akina and Marini arrived. The cubs had formed a firm friendship. Whether they would have been as close if other cubs were around was a mystery, but the two loved each other's company and had played all day, every day. Siri and Akina often allowed the others to join their games, if the older ones felt like it. Siri still wanted Dakari around to play with her, her bond with her oldest brother didn't falter, even with someone around her age present. Often, the cub saw Nura and Akina laughing or cuddling, and Siri felt a pang of distress. She wished her mother was still around.

Nura had been polite, helpful and friendly to the best of her ability. After all, she could still be out there having to fend for Akina on her own had it not been for Dakari's willingness to let her stay around. The older lioness had made an effort to talk to Laini, and had taken her out to hunt instead of Dakari. The younger lioness, she thought, would turn out a fine hunter someday. Nura had tried to talk to Mjuvi as well, but he remained a little distant from her.

He had noticed that her and Dakari had been talking more and developing a friendship, and he didn't know how he felt about that. Mjuvi was too concerned about Marini to care too greatly about Dakari. The younger lioness had still not opened up to him, even after his friendliness. He had noticed that her leg was getting increasingly better, and he wondered if she'd be the sort to leave as soon as she was ready. Deep down, he rather hoped she would stick around, but he wasn't going to say it. Not yet, anyway.

Akina and Siri were in an in-depth game of tag, whizzing around the others who were basking in the sun. The two cubs were occasionally bumping into Nura, who was lying on the ground, but she didn't mind. As long as they were happy. Mjuvi was led next to Marini, staring at his paws, thinking of what to say. He turned his head and looked at her. "How's your leg?"

[TheWhistlerify]

While Marini still hasn't opened up to Mjuvi in regard of satisfying his curiosity about her, she was definitely in a far better conditon in comparison to when she'd first been found by the young lion. She rarely stuttered or had trouble speaking anymore and seemed relatively calmer most of the time. At the moment, for example, she was sunbathing along with everybody else as the two bundles of energy known as Siri and Akina kept prancing about while enjoying their own antics without a care in the world.

And then there was Mjuvi. He was the center of her thoughts and even dreams for the majority of the time, encouraging her to be in his company. Just having him around was enough for her. "It is getting much better." she said, looking at the adolescent with a smile. If it weren't for him who knew where she'd be. Not necessarily dead, but definitrly in a worse condition. She was grateful foreverything he has done for her and doubted she could ever repay him. However, at the same time, this desire to be with him also confused her.

Dakari, meanwhile, watched Aiina and Siri play with a warm smile. It was true that his little sister had a cooperating, mostly available playing partner in him, but he's always known that having another cub around would make her happier. Of course, that didn't at all mean that he didn't give in to his own immature side every now and then and joined in on the fun. Akina seemed to enjoy having him participate which, in turn, made her mother satisfied as well. There was nothing that made the lion feel better than to see the two cubs and Nura happy.

As for Nura herself; having another adult around was certainly helpful. He no longer felt as if everybody's safety rested solely on his shoulders and that made it easier not to worry over nothing (something which he knew he sometimes had a bad habit of doing). The lioness's company, in addition to that, was quite a pleasure. However, there was something that worried him a little. He wasn't a cub or a teenager anymore, and could tell that he was somewhat drawn to the female.

As a matter of fact, if it weren't for the fact that they'd also developed a friendship, which made him feel less awkward around her, it would have been impossible not to make a complete fool of himself whenever he spoke to her. As for his feelings, whatever they meant, he felt it would be better if he kept them to himself. He'd hate to accidentally drive her away not only from him but from Laini as well or to drive Akina away from Siri.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Mjuvi stretched out before Marini gave her reply. He didn't look away from her, and grinned when she gave him a smile. She was a pretty young creature, and her smile seemed to add to that. "I'm glad" he responded, not dragging his eyes away from hers. "Marini, I suppose..." he stopped himself and sighed. He didn't want to address the fact that'd she'd be leaving once her leg was better. He, personally, couldn't think of a reason to suggest she'd want to stick around.

She had said very few words to others aside from thank you's and good mornings/nights. Mjuvi couldn't even think of a conversation that lasted a few minutes between them. The adolescent was confused to why he enjoyed her company. He noticed she was looking at him, expecting him to continue what he was saying. "Oh, never mind". The young male got up and sulked away, deciding to go on walk, not knowing what to do about the withdrawn lioness.

Siri, who had just been pinned by Akina, glanced up at her older brother and ran after him. "Mjuvi, where ya going? Will you come play?" she asked excitedly. The older lion looked down at her with a soft smile that she rarely saw of him. "Just for a walk, and I'll play later, I promise" he responded. He had been dismissive towards Siri lately, and he was going to make it up to her without ending up being too boisterous or teasing of the cubs. Knowing she had his word, Siri bounded back towards Akina to continue their game, a little dis-heartened all the same.

Nura watched Mjuvi go in the opposite direction to the waterhole. She gulped; now would be a perfect time to talk to Dakari. She needed to address something that Akina told her...and Dakari needed to know the truth about her, if she was to stay alongside the siblings. She didn't know what he would think of her, but she told herself that honest was the best policy. "Dakari", she stood up. "Would you mind coming to the waterhole with me?" she asked with a small but anxious smile, for she was fine leaving Akina with Laini and Marini.

[TheWhistlerify]

Marini couldn't help but continue to smile as Mjuvi grinned at her, the two of them looking into each other's eyes all the while. He was handsome, a thought she found popping into her head quite often - almost whenever she thought about him. She was confused as to what he might have wanted to say to her, but the past week has made her aware of the way it was next to impossible to get him to talk about something he didn't want to talk about. Still, she was rather curious, but she silently watched as the young lion took his leave.

Normally she would become much more uneasy if he were to leave her alone with the others, but now she found herself having an easier time not panicking whenever he wasn't around (even if she wanted him around). She couldn't help but chuckle as Siri and Akina passed by her during their little game. The two cubs' energy was definitely rubbing off on her to some extent. "What are you two playing?" she asked softly, knowing that there would be no harm in asking. Just what could possibly go wrong if she spoke to the two cubs a little? Nothing, probably.

Dakari, becoming a little intrigued when Marini suddenly engaged the two cubs in a conversation, looked at Nura when she spoke to him. "Not at all." he said with a smile, rising to his paws. "I'd love to, in fact." Being the sometimes nervous lion that he was, he easily caught on to the small hesitation that was evident in her expression, but he didn't let it show. True, if something was bothering her then he'd obviously want to help, but he doubted that she intended to tell him and he had no intention of pushing his nose where it didn't belong. So, deciding not to think much of it, he quietly followed her as she lead the say. Going for a short walk and some water with her sounded like a nice idea.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Siri and Akina stopped in their tracks when the usually quiet older female spoke to them. The two cubs shot a curious glance at one another and after a few moments, Siri beamed. "We're playing tag" she replied, not entirely trusting Akina who was currently 'it'. "But, we have different rules" Akina butted in, blowing the tuft of hair on her head out of her eye. "Yeah, the den is where you're safe, but as soon as you leave it you gotta run all the way around that rock before you can go back" Siri explained, proud that she thought of a new spin on the game herself.

---

Nura, meanwhile, was walking rather briskly through the tall grass. She wanted to make distance between the two of them and the group. She looked rather serious in the process, and she had need to be. Once they reached the waterhole, she breathed a sigh of relief. She sat at the water's edge, and finally allowed herself to smile a little. "Sorry for dragging you away like this..." she started, feeling a small lump in her throat which was bound to grow. "But I need to talk to about something".

She paused and looked at the ground, wondering where exactly to begin. Before she gave Dakari the chance to delay her further by asking what she needed to say, she started to talk. "You see, Akina overheard Mjuvi talking about me". Her smile faded a little, remembering what her cub had said. "He was talking about...my age in regards of being a mother, and how..." the lump in her throat was growing as a few reluctant tears came to her eyes.

"And how my parents were probably not proud of me". She didn't dare look Dakari in the eyes. "Mjuvi was right, they're not proud. They're ashamed" she croaked, sniffing back the tears. She came from a pride of stric tradition and betrothal. Her romance with a rouge was scandalous. Nura didn't like the fact Mjuvi had talked about her, but the event had pushed her to talk to Dakari, even though she was bound to eventually.

[TheWhistlerify]

Marini found it rather impossible not to chuckle at how enthusiastic both Siri and Akina were in explaining their game to her. Their innocent youth was absolutely adorable, and it reminded her of a happier period in her life. "Really?" she asked with a smile, deciding she might as well add on to their already evident pride in their game of tag. "How clever." Laini meanwhile was listening with obvious interest. It was very rare to see Marini talk to anybody but Mjuvi like that, not to mention that she's never willingly engaged anybody but him in conversation before. "What other games do you play?" continued the adolescent lioness in question.

~ ~ ~

While the thought that Nura was quite young in order to already be a mother had crossed Dakari's mind once when they'd first met, it hasn't been of much interest to him since. True, he was curious about the lioness's past, but whether she should or should not have a cub at her age was of little to no interest to him. After all, he'd gotten to know a kind and caring individual during the past week. What did her being a mother have to do with it? If anything, the fact that she did have Akina and was doing such a good job taking care of her was to be held in her favor.

Despite being very intrigued as to why Nura had had Akina to begin with, he has obviously never considered asking her for answers or trying to indirectly bring up such a personal subject. So, he was rather surprised to hear her approach the matter herself. They haven't known each other for very long but, when he thought about it, was there anybody else the lioness could talk to about something like this? He felt as if he should have been a little flattered by this, but that was the last thing on his mind at the moment.

The lion would have gladly kept his curiosity unsatisfied for much longer if not forever because he truly did believe that Nura's privacy was more important. However there Akina's mother was, revealing so much personal and obviously painful information with just a few words. She'd obviously belonged to a very traditional family and / or pride. "Nura?" he asked quietly, not sure of what to say or do as he noticed just how emotional this so-far one sided conversation was making her.

Did her parents send her away? Or did they treat her so badly because of her pregnancy that she decided to leave? He didn't know which option was worse, really. Tradition or not, what he was hearing made him quite angry to say the least. Whether Akina's grandparents were pleased with Nura or not, she was still their daughter. It's not like pushing her away the way they had would have possibly changed anything. The male wanted to say something reassuring or supportive, but he couldn't think of anything.

Dakari hated seeing her so upset. It made him distressed as well, even if not nearly as much. He so badly wanted to comfort her, but how was he going to do it? It's not like he could get her parents to change their ways and life style (although, if he ever got the opportunity to, he'd most likely not be very polite in giving them a piece of his mind). "Nura, I..." Saying that he didn't know what to say would most likely be a waste of breath. He wanted to calm her down, to just hold onto her until she relaxed, but he didn't know how she'd react if he did.

In a way, he felt as if he should at least try. He realized that he was holding back in fear that he might push her away from him, because of his growing feelings, but... But if it might make the young mother feel better, even by a little, then it was well worth the risk in his opinion. Pushing his own reservations aside and taking in a deep breath, he closed the distance between them by sitting down closer to the lioness before placing a foreleg around her shoulders, gently holding her close. "I'm sorry..." He and his siblings had lost their parents because the two had died, but Nura... Dakari had his siblings. She has most likely never felt lonelier in her entire life. "B-but you and your daughter are not alone anymore..."