The King of Grass Walls [Private: ImaniFaith and Amadeus]

[Baya]

Usugu frowned slightly as he watched the two exchange words. He could see already this lioness was just looking out for herself, but he figured if his brother took some sort of liking to her he could deal with her presence for the time being. When Tinashe asked if it was alright to bring her along, Usugu's eyes widened.

"Did you fall on your head Tinashe? If we take her to the pride, dad will know where we've been!" Usugu murmured as he looked at Lesedi. He figured they shouldn't be so cruel as to leave her out here to die. Usugu thought about it for a moment and rolled his eyes. What choice did they have? If they left her here to die, what would that make them? Murderers?

"Fine! We'll take her to the pride, but you gotta make up some sort of story as to how we met! Dad cannot know we were in the Barren lands!" Usugu said quickly to both Lesedi and Tinashe.

[ImaniFaith]

"Too late."

Lesedi growled, jumping away from the stern female voice. She needn't have worried, however, for the tan lioness had her sights set on the two stammering cubs.

"What on earth are you two doing?" She demanded, brown eyes flashing, "After all those times we've warned you not to come out here!"

"M- Mom...." Tinashe-- for that was what he'd said his name was-- gaped like a fish thrown onto burning sand, "I- we-- we didn't mean to...."

"Don't give me that. You think I'm stupid?" Then, to Lesedi's horror, the brown eyes finally rounded onto her, "And who is this?"

In spite of her fear, Lesedi refused to be let anyone treat her as though she couldn't speak for herself, "I'm Lesedi, and I-- "

"She's all alone, Mom!" Tinashe spoke up yet again, "Her parents are dead, and she's been wandering around out here! Can we please take her home?"

'What am I? A pet?' The young lioness thought acidly. ' "Please, Mom, can we keep it?" '

The cub's mother's eyes softened instantly, and she turned to Lesedi with pathos in her expression, "Your parents are dead?"

"What, you don't believe your kid? Not that I blame you or anything." After all, it was obvious now that both cubs were sneaky little liars. Still, she realized that her spiteful tone might not be taken well, and if she wanted food and shelter, she'd have to behave. "... Yeah, they're dead."

"How have you lived?" The lioness asked softly, and Lesedi felt her heart give a small tug. It had been so long since anyone had spoken so kindly to her.... She quickly shook off this weakness, however, and replied:

"Not very well. I was actually hoping that someone would--" She hesitated, galled at having to say such a thing, "-- help me."

For a long moment, the lioness seemed to study her, as if evaluating the caked-on dirt, the visible ribcage, and the exhaustion in the cubs bright green eyes. Then, she nodded, "Come with me." She smiled, "There's a water hole nearby, and we had a good hunt this evening-- I'm sure there's some left over, if you care for zebra."

Eagerly, she nodded, though her instincts told her to flee at the first sign of deception-- it wouldn't be the first time.

As she followed the lioness into the grasslands, she smirked at the two cubs. From the somber looks on their faces, they must have known what they were in for when they got home.

'Too bad for you.' She grinned to herself, 'But great for me.'

[Baya]

Usugu's eyes widened as he heard his mother's voice behind him. He quickly turned, his eyes wide in fear and he stepped back slightly as he was scorned for coming out here with his brother. The only thing that hurt more then his father's lectures were his mother's. She didn't get upset easy so when she did get upset they must've done something HORRIBLE. Guilt clenched at Usugu's heart, and looked down to the ground, avoiding his mother's stern gaze.

However, when his mother's voice softened Usugu looked up again to his mother who had a look of compassion on her face. Usugu wondered how on earth Lesedi could be so rude to her elders, and still get an offer of mercy! Usugu sighed as she began to walk out of the barren lands, and walked after them slowly. He really was in for it when they got home!

//

Tenga frowned down to his two cubs as they returned to the den and Imani told him where the cubs had been. "You two. Outside. Now." Tenga said sternly as he walked outside the den, and looked to the heavens with a sigh. "Do you know why I enforce rules?"

"B-Because they keep order?" Usugu asked, having answered this question many times before. Tenga glared at his older son.

"Yes. What happens when you don't follow the rules?" Tenga growled. Usugu was scared stiff! His father had never been so angry.

"O-Order is lost." Usugu stammered, shaking slightly. Tenga looked to his other son as well.

"Tinashe. I expected this of your big brother, but you? How could you deliberately disobey me? Do you think I want you or your brother to get hurt? Did I not teach you two any better?" Tenga said, his voice raising slightly. Usugu's eyes watered slightly and his ears flattened.

"D-Dad. It was my fault. I didn- I was just so curious! I mean...I mean..." Usugu stuttered.

"You two are both grounded. Four days. Think before you act Usugu. For the great spirit's sake, you will be king one day! Who will follow rules, if the king does not?" Tenga pointed out angrily. He took a deep breath.

"To the den with both of you. Next time, the punishment will be far more severe." Tenga said quietly as he shook his head in disappointment. To think, these boys were the future of this pride.

[ImaniFaith]

Tinashe felt tears welling in his eyes as his father reprimanded him. How could he have been so stupid, and so ungrateful?! What if his father really did want to get rid of him now?

Before he obediantly returned to the den, he paused, "I- I'm sorry, Dad.... Do you... do you still want me to stay?"

He knew his father would probably be too angry at him to reply, but he desperately hoped that he would, and that he would understand what he meant... and how much Tinashe loved him.

//

Lesedi sighed as she laid next to the water hole. After weeks of eating nothing but meat fit only for the vultures, the fresh zebra had been like a taste of Heaven itself. Imani-- for she had learned the lioness' name-- lay near her, watching her far more closely than Lesedi would have liked.

"So, how long have you been on your own?" Was the first question the lioness asked, after allowing Lesedi the time to finish her meal.

Lesedi's heart lurched. She hadn't spoken to anyone since it had happened, and now she found that just thinking about it seemed to reopen the wound. Curtly, she replied, "A few weeks."

"How did... no, that's not...." Imani looked away in embarrassment, and the cub knew what she had been wanting to ask.

"... My mom was attacked by hyenas, and we were all starving." She supplied. Then, taking a deep breath, she prayed that she would be asked nothing more.

However, she did find herself faced with one final query, "Would you like to stay here, with us?"

In shock, Lesedi merely blinked. Had she heard her right? Did she really.... No. No. This was not the time for sentimentality.

She forced herself to shrug, "S- sure. If you want."

"Then I'll talk to my mate about it. See what I can do." She grinned, "You can come get some rest in our den, for tonight."

Lesedi opened her mouth, then quickly closed it again. She had almost said 'thank you', and that would not do. "Whatever."

As the two of them made their way to the pride's sleeping quarters, she saw a drawn-looking Usugu going in ahead of them. From the way he carried himself, she guessed things had not gone well. '...Wait, where's the other one?'

Had the father reserved some kind of special punishment for him? As much as she didn't care, she felt as though she wanted to go after him. Tinashe may have been a little liar, but he wasn't that bad.

"Hey, you-- pale pelt!" She called to the older brother, "Where's Tinashe?"

[Baya]

Tenga looked down to his son with a slight frown. "I wouldn't banish you for something so little, but my options are open if you let it happen again." Tenga said sternly as he walked his son walk into the den. He really hated that part of being a dad. Having to discipline his cubs. It had to be done because not only was he their father, but also the king. If the princes ran all across the kingdom, breaking the laws, what kind of example would Tenga be setting by just letting them go without punishment? It had to be done, and he knew Imani would understand when she got back.

Usugu laid down silently near his brother, with his head over his forepaws. "Tinashe, I'm sorry. If it wasn't for my curiosity dad wouldn't have gotten mad and we wouldn't be grounded. I guess we can't really do do anything till we are grown ups, huh?" Usugu asked quietly with a slight chuckle. Even though they had gotten in trouble, it was totally worth it! They saw the barren lands! How many of the other pride lions and lionesses ever got to see it besides Tenga and Imani?

When he heard Lesedi's voice Usugu lifted his head. "Pale pelt? I'm Usugu thank you very much!" Usugu said mildly annoyed with Lesedi's attitude. "He's right over here!" Usugu said pointing to Tinashe with his paw.

[ImaniFaith]

Tinashe had been heartbroken at his father's words. True, he wasn't banished, but the option was still open. Why had he listened to his brother and done something so dumb?

When Lesedi came into the den, however, he couldn't help but perk up a little. She looked even more lovely than before, now that she was rested and bathed. Her soft blonde fur shone in the dim moonlight, and her emerald eyes were large and bright. She had even asked about him! "Yeah." He said, "I- I'm here."

The green eyes came to rest on his own, and what might have been interpreted as mild concern swiftly faded into scorn, "You've been crying."

Tinashe's face grew hot, and he bowed his head. Next to Lesedi, he saw that his mother was watching him with pity, but he was glad she didn't interfere. It would be worse to have his 'mommy' come make things better with this proud young lioness watching.

Gathering his courage, he lifted his head and met her gaze, "Well, haven't you ever cried?"

//

Lesedi's eyebrows shot up her forehead, and she found herself at a loss for words. Of course she had cried, much more than he probably had in his whole life, but she wasn't about to admit that to him. "I-- Tch." She snorted derisively, "What do you know?"

Tinashe continued to stare her down, and for a second his sharp features made him appear almost like a grown lion-- wise and fierce. Then, he sighed and turned away brokenly, "Nothing. I don't know anything at all."

"Alright." Imani's voice was stern once more, but this time the darkened tone was directed at the young lioness, "Everyone is tired; let's get some sleep."

Shrugging, Lesedi lay at the far end of the den, right near the door-- just in case she needed to make a quick getaway in the night. Still, as irritated as she was with how her conversation with him had turned out, she couldn't help but admire the little cub for talking back to her... just a little bit.

As she gazed outside, thinking on these things, she suddenly saw a large shape making it's way toward the sleeping quarters, and sucked in her breath.

It was the cub's father.

[Baya]

Tenga looked down to the young lioness on his way in, and stopped making his way towards his sleeping quarters. "I was told you were found on the barren lands little cub. I was also told that you had no parents." Tenga said quietly as he sat down near Lesedi. "You and I are very much the same." Tenga explained quietly.

"My parents were both taken from me by a tyrant and nature. I traveled alone, through the desert as a cub. I grew up to become a rogue, and felt hatred for everyone and everything. You won't have to go through that. Come sleep closer to us. You'll be kept warm." Tenga offered as he picked her up by her scruff, and carried her towards Imani. He placed her gently down beside Imani.


Usugu meanwhile was wondering why Lesedi was paying so much attention to Tinashe. It was sort of irritating, and worrying. What was this rogue lioness planning to do? Usugu knew it couldn't be anything good. However, Usugu noticed Tenga bringing her closer to their sleeping quarters and his eyes widened slightly. His FATHER trusted her? The very idea made Usugu frown. He was one with great judgment! What if she ran off and told some rogue friends where the den was, and then they'd all be dead!

When almost everyone went to sleep Usugu shot Lesedi a glare. "Just because no one else can see through you, don't think I can't." Usugu whispered harshly.

[ImaniFaith]

Lesedi knew better than to fight the lion when he picked her up, but the sensation of being carried in such a way reminded her too much of her parents-- her father in particular.

However, his words had affected her more than she let on. He knew what it was like to be alone, to wander and starve and ache not only in body, but in soul. Maybe, just maybe, she could reserve a small amount of respect for him, along with his youngest son.

But for the older cub, Usugu, there would be none. Upon hearing his comment, she reared up and bared her teeth at him in the darkness.

"You don't...." She snarled, "know a thing about me!"

As his teal eyes met hers, she suddenly saw an image of her father's face-- the deep-set, blue-green eyes, the golden-brown fur, the tattered brown mane. Though they differed in almost every feature, he and Usugu shared the same bitter eyes, and she hated those eyes.

"You had better watch yourself, pale-pelt." Lesedi hissed, "Or however bad you think I am, I'll be ten times worse."

With that, she lay down and shut her eyes to him, and to the rest of the world.

[Baya]

Pale pelt. She just couldn't stop calling him that! However, he figured what he said was a slight bit insensitive. After hearing what his father said just now, about being alone and parentless to Lesedi, Usugu came to realize she wasn't bad just really neglected. Not everyone had the benefit of having two parents. Usugu groaned as he looked at the ceiling of the den.

What kind of king would he be? He's already caused his brother a load of trouble, and he basically prejudged a new member to the pride. His mind was racing, and he figured he should apologize to Lesedi to begin with. If he would just think before he acted, he would've probably prevented much of all this. Then again, had it not been for him intruding in the barren lands, then Lesedi would never have been found!

Usugu sighed as he went to sleep on it, not liking arguing with himself. [Hehe, as you can see something is developing within his mental status.]

//

Usugu awoke the next morning figuring the first thing he should do was make amends with Lesedi. Whether she accepted it or not, he'd have to remain calm like his father did when negotiation with the other creatures of the kingdom. He quickly trotted near Lesedi who was contently sleeping near Tenga and nudged her gently. "Hey. Can you come outside? I wanna talk to you." Usugu said in a quiet whisper, that reflected his regret for saying what he said to her the previous night.

When both he and her were outside Usugu looked down. "Look. I didn't mean to- I didn't want you to feel unwelcome here ok? I know I shouldn't have been so...so..." Usugu murmured trying to figure out the word. After a moment of thinking. "Ignorant. I didn't mean to be so ignorant. I really don't know you. So yeah. That's it. Sorry." Usugu murmured as he made his way back into the den. Whether she accepted it or not, wasn't his problem. He cleaned up his slate.

[ImaniFaith]

Lesedi frowned in confusion as Usugu walked away from her. She had never been able to talk much with other cubs, due to being a wanderer, but what few conversations she'd had with them had always involved taunts and jeers-- for she was a rogue's daughter and a young rogue herself. Never had anyone apologized to her for there actions.

She still liked him the least out of all these lions, she decided; but she also had to consider that he was good enough to apologize.

And, speaking of apologies, she hadn't been too kind to Tinashe last night, especially after he had advocated for her to join his pride. Maybe... maybe she should go talk to him....

She hadn't seen him in the den when Usugu woke her up, so she made a quick search of the area. It wasn't until she had passed by a small, out-of-the-way water hole that she saw him. His head was low, and he seemed to be staring into the water. In spite of herself, she felt her heart go out to him.

Unsure of how to go about it, she slowly made her way up behind him, intending to speak-- but then pride got the best of her, and with a yell, she shoved him headfirst into the shallow pool.

//

Tinashe splashed in the water for a few seconds before he got his bearings, and all the while he could hear laughter ringing in his ears. Any other time, he would have suspected his brother, but this laughter was most definately female.

Coughing and spluttering, he looked up through locks of drenched fur to see Lesedi grinning down at him, "Hey, Cubs!" She giggled, "You looked a little wilted, so I thought you might need some water!"

'Cubs'? "Wh- what?"

The young lioness settled herself comfortably upon the rock on which he had been sitting earlier. Her light, golden-blonde fur shimmered in the sun, and her emerald eyes sparkled. "Why are you so down? Your dad spank your bottom last night?"

Tinashe felt his face grow so hot, he expected the water on his fur to steam. "No, he did not!" Why did she have to be so mean to him? He had tried to help her! "And if you're just gonna' be a-- a jerk, then go away!"

To his surprise, Lesedi's eyes widened, and she almost appeared... sorry. Stiffly, she sat up, the smile on her face gone as though it had never been there. "Don't get so bent out of shape." She said roughly, though her voice was low, "I actually came to check up on you, but if you don't appreciate it--"

As she turned to walk away, Tinashe splashed out of the water, "Wait! Don't go!" He cut her off before she could step around him, "Please!"

Lesedi blinked at him, seemingly surprised, then smirked, "Well, don't play too hard to get." She quipped, and her eyes softened slightly, "What kind of cub are you, anyway?"

But just as quickly, said eyes hardened again, and she gazed past him with a sour scowl, "Oh, great; who is that?"

Surprised, Tinashe turned around to see... "Zuzu?"