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

[Arani]

"I see." She said, remembering Lion's Lake from Kovu's description some time back. The look on Kovu's face told her that he would explain later. "The hunt went very well. Some of the younger adolescents went on the hunt with us to gain some experience. They're learning very quickly." She said as they continued their walk to Pride Rock. Hatari listened intently, eager to gain more knowledge of the lions who occupied this territory.

[AdAstrα]

"Oh, that's nice to hear." Kovu said brightly, smiling to himself at the memory of his hunting lessons with Kiara, back when neither of them were much more than kids themselves. "I bet they'll all make great hunters."
"I'm so hungry!" Amadi exclaimed, bouncing up and down with excitement, "I could eat a whole.....elephant!" He turned to Hatari and smiled. "Don't worry, I'll save you the best bits." he added, grinning.

[Arani]

Hatari faintly smile at Amadi's excitement. "Thanks." She said quietly. They walked on. After a little while, Hatari saw something in the distance. "What's that?" She asked, squinting her eyes to see better. It looked like a pointy rock. As they got closer, it grew into a monstrous rock. She didn't need anyone to tell her that that was Pride Rock.

[AdAstrα]

Amadi saw the look on Hatari's face and smiled. "This is our home." he said, beaming, "It's huge isn't it? Do they have any rocks like this one at Lion's Lake?"

[Arani]

"Well, there was one rock that looked kinda like a Hippo." She said, gaping at Pride Rock, her neck back as far as it could go to see it. "But it was tiny compared to this thing."

[AdAstrα]

Amadi giggled as he tried to imagine a hippo-shaped rock. "That sounds cool." he said, smiling. "I saw one once that looked like an elephant. This one just looks like a rock, but it sure is HUGE....it's a great place to live, you're gonna love it!"

[Arani]

"I've heard plenty of things about it from stories and rumors, so I hope I will." She said. They stepped onto Pride Rock.

"So, Hatari." Kiara addressed. "Would you feel comfortable with being introduced the the Pride now, or once you've settled in?"

Hatari thought for a moment. "I'd rather wait... if that's okay with you?"

[AdAstrα]

Kovu looked down at the cub and saw the subtle yet noticable traces of anxiety that her facial expression carried. "That's completely fine." he said, "There's no need to rush things. You make yourself at home and we'll introduce you when you feel ready."

[Arani]

"Thank you." She said quietly. She then spotted a small cave that did not seem inhabited. "Well, I'm really tired, so... may I skip lunch and take a nap? Not to be rude or anything, of course."

[AdAstrα]

"Of course." Kovu said, beaming at her. "We'll save you some food for when you wake up."