The Rising Tides: Story of the Fallen Rouge (Arani, AdAstra)

[Arani]

Hatari shook her head. "They're dead." She said so quietly they had to strain their ears to hear her. "I don't want to go back." She made sure that she didn't shed tears. She had to be strong, or at least look it.

[AdAstrα]

"I'm very sorry to hear that, Hatari." Kovu said quietly. It had occured to him that this was most likely the case, and he couldn't help feeling a little bad for bringing the topic up now, but he knew he had to make sure she was not an impostor. "Why don't you come with us back to Pride Rock? You'll be safe there."

[Arani]

Hatari contemplated her options. She didn't like being around lots of lions, growing up as a rouge and all, but new that she would probably get killed if she didn't accept. She would rather be safe than dead. "Okay." She said, finally starting to relax. They were nice enough. She would be safe, at least for the time being.

[AdAstrα]

"Let's go back home, then." Kovu said, smiling at Hatari. "The hunting party will be back by now so there's plenty of food if you're hungry."
"I hope they've caught a zebra." Amadi added, grinning.

[Arani]

Hatari nodded and stood. "I don't care what they've caught as long as it's meat." Hatari said. She followed Kovu and Amadi back to Pride rock, looking at all of her surroundings. "So... are there lots of lions here?" She asked nervously. Being a rouge all of her life made her fear large Prides of Lions.

[AdAstrα]

"Oh yeah." Amadi quickly said, thinking this might impress her, "Lots!"
Kovu smiled and glanced down at the two cubs.
"You don't need to worry too much about them, though." he said gently, "They're all very nice."

[Arani]

"Okay..." She said quietly. "If you say so."

"Kovu, Amadi!" A voice came. Hatari jumped. A lioness with almost golden fur was running towards the group. She stopped in front of them, at first, she didn't even notice Hatari. "Hey." She said, almost out of breath.

[AdAstrα]

"Hey mom!" Amadi exclaimed, running up to his mother with a huge smile on his face. "You know what? I've had a pouncing lesson! And it went great!"
Kovu watched his son, amused by his excitement. He then looked down at Hatari, who seemed a little nervous, and smiled at her reassuringly.

[Arani]

Kiara laughed at her son's excitement. "That's wonderful dear. I'm sure your father is teaching you very well." She smiled at her mate. "So, why are you guys so late anyway? Oh..." She had just noticed Hatari, who backed away a little. "I see." She bent down a little. "Hello, little one. My name's Kiara, what's yours?" She asked kindly.

"Hatari." She said, realizing that she had no reason to be nervous. She stood straighter.

[AdAstrα]

"She's from Lion's Lake." Amadi explained, gazing at Hatari and then back up at his mother, "And she's going to stay here with us now!"
Kovu turned to Kiara and gave her a look that clearly said that he would explain the details to her later. He then thought it best to change the subject before Amadi started explaining Hatari's situation futher, he guessed that would make her uncomfortable.
"Did the hunt go well?" he therefore asked.