[Private] Kiarasmate and Kivuli

[Baya]

Tume figured that his cousin had a marvelous point. He wanted to kill his father not for pain and misery however, just out of pure loathing. Everything he went through, he chose to go through himself. He only chose to train because of the insults his father spat at him. It made him feel like he was useless at one point of his life, but then Tume realized his father was just a monster of vanity. The tyrant thought too much of himself, and that was not good for any pride. Tume wasn't about to let vanity destroy his own life. He took pride in his power, but not so much that it clouded his judgment. He heard another lecherous comment come out of Xepher's mouth, cutting off his train of thought.

"I repeat, keep those sort of comments to yourself. A lion ruled by his instincts is best at the front lines if you catch my drift. The first to march, and the first to die." Tume explained as he stopped. They got no progress except for the fact that these pride landers were extremely stubborn and selfless. It was going to be too easy taking them down.

"I guess we should head back. There's nothing else to be gained from being here. When we get back, don't tell mother of our encounter with those two. The last thing I'd want her to do is harass me over why I didn't kill them." Tume muttered as he turned, and began to run back towards the elephant graveyard.

~ Shwari and Zina ~

Shwari quickly ran in front of Zina, blocking her path from walking on. He stared at her with a mixture of confusion, and compassion. "Everybody has secrets Zina. I care about you too...I've- I've never fought like that before. I've never roared that loud. I've never threatened a lion many times stronger then me, and I've never cared about someone so much that I would put my life on the line to protect them." Shwari said quietly." I used to think I was just too kind...and weak." Shwari said looking down. "This is the first time I've felt strong in my entire life. I won't erase you from my life no matter what you are hiding from me. You will be Zina then as you are Zina now to me." Shwari muttered moving out of her way.

"I'm not going to force you to tell me anything. That is for you to decide. Let me tell you something though. Something you don't know about me. My brother and I did horrible things when we were in the desert. We glazed it when we talked about it earlier...but we are worse then Maju. We did what we needed to survive... and I'm really ashamed of what i've done. Would you look at me any different if I told you who I had to kill to get where I am?" Shwari asked quietly, not at all hesitant to tell Zina of his past. If she did not see him in the same light anymore, and turned her back on him it did not matter. He just wanted to express that he was not afraid of telling her things she did not know.

[KiarasMate]

Hesitating slightly, about to throw in another suggestive comment about Zina, but hearing the sincerity within Tume’s voice, Xepher held his tongue and simply nodded as he replied.

”Understood Tume.”

Staying mute until the pair had returned to the gloomy atmosphere of The Elephant Graveyard, Xepher was the first to spot Kiburi, who seemed to be anticipating their return. Trying his best to keep his twisted nature in check, the smaller of the two males made his way over to where she was situated, speaking to her in a somewhat civil tone, with just a hint of sarcasm detectable.

”Back to give our report Sir!”

Snickering contently at Kiburi, Xepher moved in close, making it look as though his muzzle was going to connect with that of his aunts, before he halted and spoke up again.

”We didn’t come across anything out of the ordinary and it looks like this area isn’t going to be the best place to form an attack upon our enemies. If you want more details than that, go ask your son. I’m just the hot messenger boy you just can’t keep your paws off of after all.”

==========

Having nowhere to go, as Schwari had intercepted her now, Zina stood, listening to what he told her as she finally managed to stop crying. Wiping away the few remaining tears from her eyes, Zina looked up at the grey furred male with an uncertain stare before she spoke in a low voice.

”No, that wouldn’t change the way I feel about you Schwari. I can sense that you’re different from most of the males I came across. From the night we met, that was blatantly clear to me but it’s not that easy in my case.”

Taking a look around, just to make sure they were alone, as they were still far enough off from Pride Rock to not have to worry about being spotted, Zina turned back to face Schwari now as she spoke up again.

”My father wasn’t the only male to take advantage of me Schwari. Ever since my body matured, my heat cycle has been my own worst enemy. It’s like living through 3 days of hell. The painful memories, the pain itself. I become this helpless little lioness that is scared of the world and as you saw today, that can get the ones I care about, hurt and in trouble.”

Moving in closer to Schwari, Zina’s expression turned more serious as she continued, her gaze staring deeply into his.

”When that male was on top of me Schwari, it triggered so many horrible memories. It reminded me of the males I thought I could trust in life. The ones who betrayed me in the worst possible of ways. Then…I heard what that other lion said about you and your brother…and suddenly, I couldn’t help but to feel as though, maybe what he said could be true. I didn’t want to believe it and I still don’t want to…but…your brother…you’re just so different from him, but Husudu…he really seems like the type that those two spoke of.”

Licking her muzzle lips in a nervous fashion, Zina swallowed hard as she asked in a shaky voice.

”Tell me the truth Schwari. Are you and your brother really here to help us? Whatever you tell me, I’ll believe, but understand this. I’m putting my last ounce of trust into you and you alone, because honestly, you’re the only thing I have left in my life that even begins to make a bit of sense to me.”

[Baya]

Kiburi growled. "This is not the time for your games. Guza has come with another plan involving setting up a massive fire, and I don't know what that'll accomplish. However, your father has total faith in him so I guess that is the course of action we must take." Kiburi snarled.

"Let's hope the smoke burns his lungs as my hate for him burns mine..." Tume said darkly as he glared at the ground. He crushed another small skull under his paw. Kiburi chuckled darkly.

"Remember son, you must contain that hate! Save it for Maju when we have him cornered! Our time will come." Kiburi cooed as she placed her paw under her son's chin. "Don't doubt me dear, I will get everything done." Kiburi hissed.

~ Back at Zina and Shwari ~

Shwari looked to her as she told him her story, and he looked down shaking his head. "You really thought I'd let that information erase you from my life?" Shwari asked with a small smile, and a chuckle. "I'm happy that I could build trust with you. It's terrible that males have hurt you, but you can't judge all the fruit the same because of a couple rotten ones. You keep looking until you find one that's ripe." Shwari said as his eyes locked with hers again. She then spoke of what that lion had said earlier, regarding him only joining the pride to spy on them.

"It's understandable that you'd have your doubts. I'm not saying they aren't well placed." Shwari said quietly looking down. "I am telling you this with all the honesty in my heart, I am not working for Maju and neither is Husudu. If we were working for Maju, many of the pride landers would've been dead already." Shwari pointed out. "Besides, even if Maju had ordered us to do such a thing..." Shwari said leaning close to Zina. "I would never do it if it put you in harms way." Shwari muttered as he nuzzled Zina.

[KiarasMate]

Xepher huffed as he took a seat a few paces away from both Kiburi and Tume. Hearing his aunt making mention of what the next plan of attack was, Xepher couldn’t help but laugh as he flopped himself down upon the rough terrain below, as if he didn’t have a single care in the world. Speaking in a bored voice, Xepher mumbled.

”Guza The Pyro. Yes, that’s the answer to everything. Burn everything in sight. That way, he can rule over lands that look worse than the deserts from which we came.”

Shaking his head yet having no objections whatsoever, as he knew his say in things made no difference regardless, Xepher simply sighed as he lounged around, waiting for either his aunt to scold him for what he had stated or from his lack of participation at the moment, or better yet, his friend having something else in mind that the two of them could do to pass the time before Maju and the rest of the horde would be ready to move out and put this seemingly pointless plan into action.

==========

Feeling Schwari’s affectionate nuzzle, Zina reluctantly placed a paw between the two of them, lightly pushing the grey furred male away, yet gently caressing his cheek with her paw as she did so, just to ensure that he would understand that she wasn’t completely against his loving ministrations. Speaking in a hushed tone, Zina met with Schwari’s gaze once more as she replied.

”I believe you Schwari and you’re right. My judgment of males is a bit too jaded, but it’s much easier to shut everyone out then to try and let someone in. Please…can we take this slowly? I want to open up to you but…it’s just going to take time.”

Lowering her fore paw now, letting it trail through Schwari’s chest fur before she placed it upon the ground once more, Zina smiled warmly at the grey furred male before she gradually rose to her paws once again. Giving a quick glance over to the distant figure of Pride Rock and then back to Schwari, Zina spoke quietly to him.

”Well, it’s still sort of early. Do you think we can still do some herb hunting and perhaps get you something to eat too?”

==========

Vitani had spent the early morning hours, diligently training the lionesses of the pride in the art of combat. Things were going slowly, but that was to be expected she figured. Noticing that her subjects were a bit exhausted by this point however, Vitani had called a much needed break in the day’s activities. Panting heavily herself, the former Outlander made her way inside of the main den to cool off a bit, noticing Ayari who was huddled near one of the corners of the large abode. Smiling to herself, Vitani quietly made her way over to where Ayari had his back to her, leaning in and gently nuzzling him with her rather hot body, due to being out in the sun for so long, before she stated in a playful manner.

”Were you bad or something Ayari? Did my brother banish you to the corner?”

Smiling innocently, Vitani waited for her old friend to turn around as she took a seat next to him, her tongue still lolled out from the effort she had put in trying to prepare the lionesses for the upcoming battle.

[Baya]

"He has a point mother. What will be left for us to rule if Guza burns everything down?" Tume muttered quietly. Kiburi rolled her eyes.

"If you cut your mane, or your flesh would it not grow back or heal?" Kiburi pointed out.

"Yeah, but those are cuts not burns. Some burns never heal, and always leave some sort of scar." Tume said matter of factly.

"Best not question it boy. If the lands are burned down in the process of the destruction of Maju I won't complain." Kiburi growled. Tume nodded.

"I guess we think alike too, don't we mother?" Tume asked in a bold monotone as he turned and walked back towards his quarters. He needed to be ready to fight, so he figured he should get some more rest. [They aren't moving out on that day, just that he wants an excuse to sleep lol]

~ Back with Shwari and Zina ~

Shwari smiled regardless that she did not return the gesture. He felt the heat of her body, and he was pretty sure she felt his as well. He didn't care how fast or slow they'd take it, as long as he had her in the end. He would protect her with his life, and in return he only expected her to live. "Yeah some food sounds great." Shwari said, going back to his friendly tone and all around attitude. He walked in front of her, following the scent of a herd of gazelle.

"Do you want me to teach you to hunt? It's not all visual you know." Shwari said as he looked over at Zina.

~ At the Den ~

Ayari smiled as he felt the hot pelt of Vitani press against his own. He nuzzled her back when she nuzzled him, and looked over to her right after. He noticed that her tongue was lolling out from all the activity she went through. "Well, don't you look tired?" Ayari inquired with a raised eyebrow. "I could always help you instruct them you know. It's not like I didn't learn anything from Zira myself." Ayari pointed out with a sort of smug grin. "You know, I was laying here and sort of trying to remember all our cubhood together. I got my own pieces of memory and I'm missing the other half." He said pressing his forehead against hers, in hopes that magically her memories would pass over to him. He chuckled.

"I feel so stupid to have left." Ayari purred.

[KiarasMate]

Listening halfheartedly to Tume and Kiburi exchanging words, not paying it much mind due to the fact that it seemed like the two of them were always at some sort of disagreement with one another, Xepher simply stayed where he was, observing his friend retiring back to his quarters, most likely to prepare himself for the upcoming assault, leaving himself and Kiburi alone for the moment. Rolling his eyes in boredom, Xepher shifted into a sitting position now as he watched his aunt with an overly attentive gaze, speaking to her in a nonchalant voice.

”So what exactly are your plans once that picture perfect plot in that head of yours is fulfilled Aunty Kiburi? Are you just going to be the nicest mother and happily step aside when Tume takes control of everything, left out on the sidelines to grow old and withered…alone?”

Choosing his words carefully as he knew that engaging in any sort of verbal confrontation with his aunt always took the utmost care and thought, less one would be on the receiving end of her very short temper, Xepher tested her limits as he spoke up once more, adding to his previous statement.

”I don’t blame you, you know. If I was in your paw prints, aside from jumping my bones cause I’m that damn irresistible, I would hate Maju too. I bet he hasn’t even laid a single paw toe on you ever since you supposedly birthed him the disgrace of all the lands. I just can’t help but wonder what sort of plans you have swirling around in that genius…yet, oh so corrupt mind of yours.”

==========

Hearing Schwari’s voice returning to its typical, lighthearted tone, it was like a breath of fresh air that in turn, washed Zina’s own emotions clean as she even managed a raspy little laugh before she started to follow closely behind Schwari, replying to his comment in an almost pleasant voice.

”Hmm, hunting lessons from a lion? Didn’t I say we should take things slow?” Flashing Schwari a joking smirk, Zina continued. ”Well, I suppose I could do worse and if we’re going to starve, it might as well be together, right?”

Taking notice of the small herd of gazelle, Zina’s pace slowed slightly as her voice lowered. She knew the basis of what hunting was all about. It was her technique that lacked a lot to be desired. Speaking in an almost inaudible whisper to Schwari, the white furred lioness inquired.

”Okay…school me Schwari.”

==========

Her smile broadening from what Ayari was saying, Vitani found herself lost in her old friend’s gaze as she responded in regards to his offer to help out with the training.

”Hmm, as tempting of an offer as that is Ayari, I think I’m going to have to pass. You see,” Moving her body in much closer to Ayari’s, Vitani’s muzzle came close enough to his so that he could feel her hot breath against his face as she continued, her loving stare seemingly piercing straight into his. ”this training is very physical and I honestly don’t think I could sit idly by while all these other lionesses get to put their paws all over you…in the name of training of course.”

Moving in that extra inch, bringing their muzzles softly in contact with one another, Vitani kissed her mate with the passion of a star struck lover, her lips pressing ever so lightly against his as her tongue casually trespassed into Ayari’s maw, searching for something to play with and finding his slippery muscle to fit the bill perfectly, swirling hers around his as their loving embrace heightened. Savoring the moment for as long as was necessary, Vitani gently pulled back, separating their blistering hot mouths from one another before she sensually licked over her damp muzzle lips to clean away any excess saliva from both parties before she spoke up again with a smile.

”So, you said you were thinking about our past, hmm? You know, it’s funny, but I had a dream last night too, about the day you came into my life…and how much of a jerk I was towards you that day.”

Leaning forward, it was Vitani’s turn to nuzzle her love interest as she purred quietly, moving closer to one of Ayari’s ears before she spoke in a low whisper to him.

”If I knew back then, that you would have turned into such a loving, caring and very handsome lion, maybe I wouldn’t have been so mean to you…just maybe…”

[Baya]

"My mind is not corrupt! His mind is!" Tume snapped. "I am thinking the way I should be thinking! If your father disowned you at your birth, didn't even give you a damn name you would call it corrupt to want to kill him? Corruption would be my father becoming king, and me getting everyone against him. No, that's not what I'm going to do. When he falls asleep, I'll deal with him." Tume growled as he looked to the blue sky, patterned with white clouds.

"Look at that." Tume said pointing to the sky with his paw. "Look at where we are, and what we talk about here! Look how peaceful the scenery is in parallel. I find it troubling..." Tume muttered, glaring at the sky.

~ Shwari and Zina ~

Shwari looked to her with a raised eyebrow, waiting for the response to his question. He smiled when she agreed. "Good. That's one thing I'm better then Husudu at!" Shwari whispered. "Follow, and be very quiet." Shwari whispered as he quickly got onto his stomach and began to crawl through the tall grass. "Watch your prey, and your steps! Don't make any noise at all" Shwari whispered, kind of defeating the point of the rule. He made his way towards one of the older gazelle in the heard. The meat would taste a little stale, but better to have something in the stomach then nothing.

~ The den ~

"No matter how many paws reach out to me, none of them would tear me from you." Ayari purred, sharing the affectionate kiss with his lover. He smiled as they broke the kiss, and she nuzzled him again. "You are really affectionate today aren't you?" Ayari said with a small smile, and a purr of approval. He listened to her comment about their past and broke out into hysterics.

"You weren't a jerk! You were just trying to prove that you were better than me in every way. To be honest, you got me in looks and fighting skill." Ayari pointed out. "If you knew I'd become so handsome , loving and caring I don't think it would've effected how you treat me at all. When we were cubs those things didn't really matter did they?" Ayari said with a large grin as he gazed lovingly at his soon to be mate. "I wouldn't have changed you when we were cubs, or now if I had the choice to."

[KiarasMate]

Completely startled by Tume’s voice, Xepher rolled to his paws as he listened to what Tume was saying, causing him to flatten his ears as he quickly tried to amend for his previous statement.

”Tume, no, Buddy, I was talking about Aunty Kiburi. I know you Buddy and I support whatever choices you make. You know that right?”

Flashing an irritated gaze at Kiburi, Xepher moved off, mumbling under his breath. He hated whenever his words were taken out of context, especially if it made him look bad in the eyes of his best friend. Finding a solitary place to rest up for the time being, Xepher slumped down on his back, looking up at the sky above as he pondered over what Tume had said.

==========

Having very little faith that being with Schwari would improve her chances of having a successful hunt, yet seeing no harm in giving his tactic a try, Zina mirrored the grey furred lion’s actions as she too, lowered her body into the tall grass until her stomach was pressed firmly against the ground below her. Keeping her focus more upon Schwari, than the prey ahead of her, just so she could mimic his movements, Zina found herself giggling softly as she matched Schwari’s paw steps almost precisely. Trying her utmost to keep her profile as undetectable as was possible, Zina accidentally trapped Schwari’s rather nuisance of a tail, which insisted on toying with her face, beneath her fore paws as she muttered quietly.

”Do you have any idea how ridiculous we must look?”

Keeping quiet for the most part, aside from her herb pouch making faint rustling noises as it was dragged through the grass with each little step she took forward, Zina finally focused her efforts upon the small group of gazelle, her eyes falling upon the very same elderly looking creature that her hunting partner had targeted as well. Failing to realize however, that Schwari had halted his movements, and having her attention focused solely upon the prey at paw, Zina’s face lightly bumped into Schwari’s hind quarters, causing the white furred Shaman to pull back quickly in disgust as she let out a bothersome growl, inadvertently alerting the small herd to their presence as the frightened creatures quickly dispersed, leaving only a cloud of dust behind. Sighing dejectedly, Zina rose to a standing position once more as she shook out her fur with an exasperated groan.

”See, I told you, I’m no huntress. Thanks for trying to help Schwari, but I’m a lost case. Maybe you can get something to eat on your own or have Siri go get you some breakfast.”

==========

Hanging on every word that Ayari spoke, Vitani blushed slightly from what he was saying to her, invoking a playful laugh to escape her muzzle as she replied in a soft tone.

”Well, what can I say Ayari. This sort of thing always puts me in a good mood.”

Resting her head underneath Ayari’s chin, Vitani purred happily as she continued to listen to what Ayari was telling her. Gently nuzzling his chest, the former Outlander spoke up quietly once he had finished speaking, still keeping her head against his warm body as she did so.

”I don’t know Ayari. Even though we were younger back then and probably a lot more naive than we are now, I still think there was something special between us. Maybe it was just me, acting out to get your attention, or maybe it was my way of showing you that I really did like you back then. Having a mom like Zira, you know, it just wasn’t really easy to show my feelings properly. She didn’t exactly set the best example to go by after all.”

Moving back now so she could lock eyes with her old friend, the love was apparent within Vitani’s gaze as she cooed lovingly to Ayari in response to his last comment.

”You know, I came in here to catch my breath from all that training, but that was obviously a mistake, because whenever I’m with you Ayari, you always take my breath away.”

Leaning forward once more, Vitani lightly licked over Ayari’s cheek as she whispered softly to him.

”I wouldn’t change you for the world either though Ayari and no matter what happens in our lives, I’ll always stand by you because I love you so much.”

Reluctantly rising to her paws now, Vitani gave a quick flick of her tail as she turned around now, beginning to make her way outside once more as she called back over her shoulder.

”Okay, back to work for me. Keep thinking of me Ayari and maybe I’ll come back in later and we can continue whatever it is you can think of, hmm?”

Giving her old friend a small wink and a suggestive smile, Vitani vanished out of site as she returned back to the small group of lionesses who were already preparing to resume their training.

[Baya]

Tume panted as he looked to the sky, trying to fall asleep. He couldn't even think properly at the moment! Xepher had reawakened the memories, even if he did it unintentionally. Tume couldn't help but wonder what he'd have to become to destroy his father. He looked at his own paws for a moment with a snort. Would he have to become a merciless killer or a noble hero? Would he be a villain for killing his father, or a hero for taking down a tyrant? Would Tume be a feared ruler, or a respected one? All these thoughts ran through his mind, and it made him extreme uncomfortable. Tume sniffed the air and rolled his eyes.

"What are you doing here Arsonist?" Tume spat bitterly, looking over his shoulder at Guza. Guza chuckled as he jumped out from his hiding spot.

"Wondering what the dark prince is thinking! The flames told me that a bit of conspiracy is about. Would you have anything to do with that?" Guza asked with a raised eyebrow. Tume sighed.

"Why would I be involved with any conspiracy? I am a spineless runt aren't I? Isn't that what Maju refers to me as?" Tume asked with a monotone. Guza thought for a moment.

"Actually he refers to you as mindless worm now." Guza said with a wide smirk. Tume snorted and glared at Guza.

"You know, I'd attack you if you weren't completely out of your mind." Tume pointed out.

~ The hunting grounds ~

Shwari looked back to Zina with a small grin. "You can never get better at something without practice. I'm pretty sure you had to work pretty hard to become the great shaman you are now. The only difference between your expertise with herbs, and mine is that you've actually spent more time learning about herbs. I didn't bother identifying herbs or anything like that. Are you hungry too? I can always just get an old gazelle, and split it with you...no pun intended." Shwari said with a tilt of his head.

~ At the den ~

Ayari smiled at her words about staying alongside him until the end. Of course he wasn't just about to put her in harms way, and he definitely wouldn't let her fight on the front lines at all. The first to fight, are always the first to perish. When she licked his cheek, his heart raced and he licked her cheek in response. He was a little disappointed when she said she had to get back to work but she was right. Ayari could not think of a better teacher for these pride landers.

"Aw. Little Ayari is all growed up." Husudu said, fluttering his eye lashes from where he laid. Ayari smirked as he looked to Husudu.

"Again, I'm going to play the 'you are totally jealous' card." Ayari said with a chuckle. Husudu laughed.

"I could have any female in this pride that I want! I'm just not interested in these pampered gentle -"

"Well excuse me, but I don't think Vitani is pampered...and I wouldn't call her gentle either. Gotta learn to love Husudu, it will honestly save your life." Ayari said as he laid down on his side again.

"Love? Love is the most controversial emotion. What will you do for love? What will you do if you lost it? What will you do if you want it, but can't have it?" Husudu pointed out.

"I'd do anything for Vitani, and if I lost her...well... I don't know what would happen then..." Ayari said quietly.

"Everyone had a love at one point...and you know scum bags like Maju? They are victims of the loss of love. Something was torn from them that left a dark hole where their heart used to be. That dark hole spews evil, and makes one do things they normally wouldn't do." Husudu said quietly.

"Perhaps you are right. Remember this though, you can't be one thing without being something else before. You can't be happy unless you were sad, you can't be angry unless you were calm, and you can't be evil without being good." Ayari pointed out as he looked to Kovu and Kiara who were still sleeping alongside each other.

[KiarasMate]

Slightly overhearing Guza’s voice, as sound seemed to travel fairly easily through the forsaken lands to which Maju’s horde resided at, Xepher lifted his head from where he was laying, spotting the sadistic lion in question, who was speaking with Tume. Having his curiosity sparked, yet knowing that Tume could handle his own in any given situation, Xepher casually rose to his paws as he made his way over to a pile of carrion that posed as the horde’s meal for the day. Pretending to look interested in the unpleasant looking meal, Xepher’s true intention was to listen to what his friend and the crazed lion spoke of. Thoughtfully running his claws through the rotting flesh of the creature below him, as the corpse was too decomposed to tell just what sort of creature it had been, Xepher caught wind of Guza’s suspicion, causing the intrigued male to narrow his eyes.

That flamin’ freak acts like he knows everything. Maybe he does suspect something though. It’s seriously going to get him killed though…” Xepher thought to himself as he waited for an opportunity to speak with Tume alone once Guza would leave, the darker side of his mind beginning to plot out a way to help his friend get rid of this annoying thorn in his side.

==========

Sighing softly and shaking her head, Zina replied in a reluctant manner.

”It’s not the same Schwari. Something’s we’re just naturally good at. Although hunting is supposed to be one of those things for me, it’s just not written in my genes. Being a Shaman however, is. Ever since the day my mother started teaching me the art of Shamanism, it’s been my passion in life, and it’s not only because I’m that damn good at what I do, but it’s because it was the only thing…” Zina stated, her voice starting to tremble slightly as she did her best to keep her emotions in check. ”…it was the only thing that my mother praised me for. That was, until she became jealous of my skills, but you already know the tragic ending to that shameful part of my history, so I don’t need to reiterate.”

Glancing over at Schwari, Zina forced a small smile as she inquired curiously.

”You say we’re all good at something right? Well, what do you excel in Schwari, other than the obvious, trying to fix hopeless cases like myself, hmm?”

==========

Making her way back into The Grasslands, followed by her lioness protégée’s, Vitani spotted Siri, who seemed to be sitting alone near the promontory of Pride Rock. Frowning slightly to see a friend of Ayari in such a miserable state, the former Outlander called up to the moping lioness in a cheery tone.

”Hey Siri, feel like lending me a paw with training these lionesses here? I’m sure a well skilled lioness such as yourself would have lots of useful pointers to share, right?”

Smiling in a friendly fashion, hoping that her invitation would be accepted by Siri, although knowing that it still might be too soon to try and bring her out of her protective shell, Vitani stood ready and willing to take whatever reply Siri had to offer as the anxious group of lionesses stayed back, waiting for their instructor to dish out the orders, as was expected by this point.