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

[Baya]

"You know bullying isn't very nice." Zuzu said with a slight smirk down at Lesedi. Zuzu had woken up and walked to the watering hole expecting to see at least Tenga or Bahari there, but he did not. These days, Zuzu was extremely lonely and bored with pride life. Being more mature, he didn't find chasing butterflies or chasing his tail very fun.

"Now. You two better play nice. Just because we descend from rogues doesn't mean we have to act like them." Zuzu pointed out as he took a drink from the watering hole.

"Wise words Zuzu. Those few words have more meaning then a million." Tenga murmured sleepily as he too arrived at the watering hole, seeing what went on. In truth, Tenga knew why Lesedi was being so cruel to Tinashe. That was how she showed admiration and that was the only way she knew how to show it. However, Tenga had high hopes that Tinashe would show her the true way eventually.

Tenga began to drink from the water as well, and when he was done he looked to his son. "How about you show her around the kingdom Tinashe? Tell her our RULES." Tenga said with a raised eyebrow. He knew he was exempting Tinashe from punishment in a sense but perhaps the rules would be etched into his brain if he had to tell someone else them.

Usugu was the last to come out the den to take a drink of water. He noticed that Lesedi was deciding to pick on Tinashe, but he rolled his eyes to that. Under normal circumstances Usugu would defend his brother, but he was just too sensitive and soft. Perhaps Lesedi would make him strong, and teach him to stand up for himself. When he heard his father tell Tinashe that he could go show Lesedi around his eyes widened slightly.

Wasn't Tinashe grounded? Usugu didn't want to say anything as he didn't want to be smitten by his brother and to question his father. But why did he just get to go off and have fun? It wasn't fair! Usugu didn't say a word. His ears just flattened against his head in frustration and he began to trot back to the den, without another glance at his father or his brother.

Once in the den, Usugu sat in the corner and stared at it feeling upset and betrayed. He noticed that his mother gave him a concerned gaze, but he tried to ignore her as well.

[So begins the angst]

[ImaniFaith]

Tinashe's ears perked up at his father's suggestion, and he couldn't keep a huge grin from his face. He had read the unspoken forgiveness-- and trust-- in Tenga's tone, and he knew he was being offered the chance to redeem himself. A chance that he would not take lightly.

"Thank you, Dad...." He breathed, then looked over to the beautiful young lioness at his side. Even though he didn't understand or like her attitude very much, he couldn't deny that he admired her; or that he was thrilled to be able to spend the day in her company. "C'mon, Lesedi! I'll show you around like my dad showed me!"

Lesedi was frowning again, but she only shrugged, "Sure."

Still grinning, he bid farewell to Zuzu and his father and, with Lesedi following, began to make his way through the tall grass. Just a few minutes ago, he hadn't thought he's ever be happy again. Now, he was downright giddy.

//

At first, Lesedi had been irritated at being interrupted by Tinashe's weirdo friend, but now she found herself feeling curiously grateful-- for he had brought Tinashe's father with him. And Tenga had suggested that Tinashe take her around the kingdom with him. For some reason, this made her almost... happy.

'Don't be stupid!' She warned herself as she felt the warmth in her chest begin to take over, 'These lions are just going to boot you out in the end, when they see you're not useful to them for anything.'

However, as she listened to Tinashe's eager, gentle voice and took in their lush surroundings, she started to relax... just a little.

//

Imani tilted her head as she regarded her oldest son. She hadn't thought he was that upset over being grounded-- after all, he knew he had done wrong. Maybe the bright, sunny day that he wasn't allowed out in was getting to him.

"Usugu," She asked softly, "honey, what's wrong?"

[Baya]

Usugu remained quiet, knowing his mother would scorn him anyway for feeling the way he did. "I-It's nothing mom. Really." Usugu muttered as he gazed at the wall. Dark thoughts began to form in Usugu's head. What if Lesedi took a liking to Tinashe and got all his attention? Usugu would be brotherless! Though that's probably for the best because Tenga favored Tinashe anyways!

Usugu glared to the wall, as more and more dark and paranoid thoughts clouded his mind. A cub was never supposed to be thinking like this, but this was Usugu's reality. His father had become kinder to Tinashe from the experience they had yesterday, and Lesedi was going to take his brother away from him. The thought made Usugu want to cry in frustration. However, he remained strong. He could tell his mother was watching, and she wouldn't believe that he was crying over "nothing".

"Mom. Why does dad get so easily displeased with me and not Tinashe?" Usugu managed to ask after some awkward silence.

[ImaniFaith]

Imani raised a brow in surprise at her son's words. What could have happened to make her cub doubt his father, and where was Tinashe? He had just gone out for a drink of water.... "Usugu, you're father was upset with both of you for what you did yesterday, but if he was harder on you, it's not because he favors Tinashe."

Sitting down beside him, she looked directly into his teal eyes, so similar to his father's. Yet, while Tenga's eyes were warm with confidence, Usugu's were cold with insecurity. Had her mate's looked that way also, when he was young? "You're going to be king of Grass Walls someday, not Tinashe. That's why your father feels he has to be a little more strict with you. If you don't uphold the rules here, who will?"

"Besides, " She said, "He also told me that you all but admitted that it was your idea. You're the oldest, Usugu; you need to set a good example for your brother."

//

Lesedi found herself enjoying Tinashe's company more and more, though she would never have admitted it. The cub was intelligent, and had been eager to show her around his father's kingdom. When she had gotten tired, however (for she had only had one night's respite for her ordeal), he had noticed and suggested that they rest for awhile on top of a large, sunny rock that overlooked the plains.

As they lay next to each other, Tinashe seemed to be gathering his courage to say something to her. After a while, she grew impatient. "Spit it out, already!"

His ears flattened in shock at her tone, "H- huh?"

"Whatever you want to say-- just say it!" She snapped.

He ducked his head in embarrassment, "O- oh.... Uh, well...."

"Say it."

"I- I just, well.... " He shrank under her glare, "Well, I was just going to say, I mean, are you gonna' stay?"

It was Lesedi's turn to be caught off-guard, "Huh?"

"Well, I mean... are you gonna' stay here, with us-- in Grass Walls?"

She glared at him in suspicion. "Why?"

The cub couldn't seem to look her in the eye, and jerked his gaze away when she tried to hold it, "Uh, well I sorta'... I mean, I like you-- here. I like you being here."

Lesedi's eyes widened. No one had ever said that to her before-- or anything like it. Even her own parents had obviously viewed her as a burden; her father enough so as to actually abandon her. To her surprise, she realized that her eyes were beginning to smart, a sure sign of tears. She had to get out of this mood, now. However, as her mind raced to form some sort of insult that would bring them both away from the subject, she found that she couldn't bring herself to say it.

Furious at herself, she quickly stood up. "Wh-- whatever."

"So... are you gonna' stay?"

"Where else am I supposed to go?"

//

Tinashe regarded the young lioness for a moment, unsure as to why she was so upset. He had thought what he'd said would make her happy. "Lesedi, are you okay?"

"Fine."

"I'm sorry...."

"What are you sorry about?"

"Well, " He bit his lip, "You just... look sad. I didn't mean to make you sad."

She sighed, glowering back at him over her shoulder-- but her eyes were soft, "I'm not sad. I'm...." She didn't appear as though she could find the word. "I'm not sad, okay?"

He nodded, "O- okay."

They stared at each other a moment longer; then Lesedi sighed again and stood up, "Come on, Cubs." She smiled slightly, "Show me around the rest of this place, seeing as I'm going to be here a while."

"Uh...." Tinashe grinned at her lopsidedly, still confused-- but happy with her declaration. "Sure!"

Girls were weird, he decided; but sometimes, it was a good kind of weird.

[Baya]

Usugu looked to his mother whilst she talked, and his ears flattened slightly. All she had said made perfect sense, but Usugu still found it unfair! It wasn't that his brother was out there having fun, but rather that Tenga let him do that. He was the oldest. That was an excuse they'd probably use on him for a lifetime! It was only by a few minutes!

Tenga walked in at that very moment with Zuzu and looked to Imani and Usugu. He noticed that Usugu looked particularly upset, but that was probably for being punished for his misdeeds. He shook his head disapprovingly and laid down in his usual spot. When his father came back into the den, Usugu felt a slight anger towards him. He faced the den wall again, and laid down with his chin on his forepaws. Why he was starting to feel this way, he had no clue.

[OOC: My posts will be longer when he's a teenager or adult. LOL. He has no friends right now -shrugs- XD]

[ImaniFaith]

Imani frowned as her son turned away from her again. She wasn't sure why he was so upset, and she was at a loss as to what she should say to make him feel better. When Tenga came in, she looked to him helplessly, but he only shook his head and lay down.

Quietly, she padded over to where her mate was lying, and placed herself beside him, nuzzling his cheek, "What are we going to do with these kids, huh?" She asked with a wry smirk, which quickly descended into a concerned frown, "Where's Tinashe, anyway?"

//

Tinashe hadn't stopped grinning since Lesedi had told him she was planning on staying in Grass Walls. As mean as she'd been to him before, he had also seen her eyes soften several times, and knew that-- perhaps-- there was some kindness in her. Living like that must've been hard, too. It had probably done something to her inside. He knew he couldn't imagine life without his parents.

The two cubs were nearly back to the den, and Lesedi had become increasingly quiet as they went along. He didn't know what was eating her, and he didn't want to upset her like he had before, so he kept quiet except to point out interesting parts of the landscape and to inform her, "We're almost home."

//

'Home'. Lesedi's blonde ears perked at the word. She had never been able to call any place 'home' before. It was a strange feeling, but not entirely unwelcome. Tinashe seemed to make her feel at ease with things that would have bothered her coming from anyone else's mouth. "Whatever."

"I know it must be weird." He went on awkwardly, "I mean, you've been alone for-- well, a while now. But Mom and Dad like you, and Gran'ma, Zuzu, and Uncle Bahari'll like you too-- you'll see."

She noticed he hadn't mentioned his brother in his list of names. "Whatever."

Another thing was bothering her as well. She had been quick to label Tinashe a liar, but she had lied as well... and about something quite important. If she was ever going to be 'at home' here, then-- as much as it hurt-- she would have to come clean.

As the den came into sight, Lesedi's heart began to race. What if Tenga decided to banish her for lying? She was just beginning to sort of... like it here. Where else could she go where the lions would treat her so well?

'It wasn't as though it was about something that was going to affect them!' Her mind screamed bitterly, 'It's personal-- your Dad was a jerk and you didn't want to talk about it. So what?'

But when Tinashe turned to look at her, and she saw the warmth in his brown eyes, she knew she'd have to spill. "Listen, " She said, "when we get back, I need to speak to your old man. Alone."

Tinashe's brow furrowed in confusion, "Old... oh! You mean Dad? Yeah, sure. What about?"

"None of your beeswax!" She spat, "Where can I find him?"

The cub looked as though he'd been scalded, "U- uh, in the den, resting, probably.... I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing all the time!" It was she who felt guilty, "Just take me there, okay? Can you do that?"

Her heart lurched at the sight of his wounded eyes, which had shone so warmly just seconds before; but she couldn't bear to apologize, so she simply scowled and followed him home.

When they reached the den, they found Usugu lying by himself at the far corner, glaring at the rock wall. Tinashe peered at him closely, confusion on his face, but Lesedi only shrugged. His unhappiness wasn't her problem.

What was her problem, however, was what she had to do next.

Carefully, she crept over to where Imani and the king were resting. "Uh, your Majesty?" Her voice was more unsteady than she would have liked, "Can I talk to you for a minute? Outside? It's important."

//

Tinashe watched as Lesedi talked with his father, then turned his attention to his strangely silent and angry brother. Trotting over to where he was lying, he leaned down and nudged him. His brother must have known he was there, but Usugu didn't even glance at him.

"Hey, Usugu...." He said carefully, "What's wrong?"

[Baya]

Tenga smiled as his mate nuzzled his cheek. "I sent him to show Lesedi around the kingdom and tell her the rules. I figured I could kill two birds with one stone. The rules are etched deeper into Tinashe's mind and Lesedi feels more welcome. I would've asked Usugu, but he doesn't seem to like Lesedi all too much." Tenga pointed out. His eyes met Imani's and he licked her cheek.

Tenga looked to Usugu who was looking even more down then a couple moments ago. What was wrong with that cub? Tenga did not want to interfere with it however, as Usugu was being punished and if he wanted to sulk about it then that's the way it had to be. Tenga had no intention of lifting Usugu's punishment.

When Lesedi and Tinashe got back, Tenga looked to them as they entered the den. When Lesedi approached Tenga, he stood quickly. "Very well. What is it you want to talk about Lesedi?" Tenga asked as he walked outside with the cub.

//

Usugu's ear perked as he heard the familiar concerned voice of his younger brother. He was bitter, and upset, and jealous of Tinashe at the moment but he could not ignore his brother. It wasn't his fault that Tenga favored him. He was just being himself. "Nothing's wrong. Don't worry about it." Usugu said quietly, as his furrowed brow relaxed, so that his face was expressionless. Right now he resembled Tenga more then ever. From his tone, to his facial features. To change the subject quickly, Usugu thought of a question to ask his younger brother.

"How was your tour with Lesedi? Did you tell her all the rules and stuff?" Usugu asked with a forced grin. "Did you...have fun?" Usugu asked right after. His heart lurched, and he could feel the envy he had for his brother. Usugu was going to be king, and yet he was jealous of his younger brother!

//

Not too far from the pride's den popped out a lone old mongoose from the grass. He had strange braided fur on his chin and head, and purple fruit juice markings on his face, mostly under his eyes. His expression was that of huge discontent. He looked to the sky, and noticed some clouds beginning to gather and he frowned. The old mongoose slowly made his way to the mound that he called him. He took out the hollowed out shell of rather large fruit, and mixed in different herbs and fruit juices. He then picked it up, and spilled it on the ground purposely.

The mongoose waited a moment, and examined the stain it left on the earth. His eyes widened with fear, and then he shook his head sadly. "This land will run with royal blood. Pride, lust, greed, hatred, anger, envy and corruption will be the cause. My king, I hope you know what you are doing..." The mongoose muttered to himself as he sat down, and closed his eyes. He began to chant in a strange dialect, hoping that the great kings above would hear his prayer and send him some sort of aid to end the bloodshed before it began.

[ImaniFaith]

Lesedi's insides were quaking, but she forced herself to at least look as though she was calm. How she wished she had asked Imani to come along too; the lioness seemed to be easier to talk with. There was nothing she could do about it now, however. "I- I just had to tell you.... It's not like it's going to affect you or your kingdom either way, but I have to-- I have to be honest about something."

When he simply continued to watch her, waiting for her to go on, she took a deep breath, "I said both my parents were dead, but... only my mother is. My father...." It felt as though she was ripping a piece of her heart out. "He... my father abandoned me."

Lesedi stopped, fighting back weeks of crippling agony, and glanced up to see the king's reaction. He still wasn't speaking-- or even acting like he'd heard her! What was wrong with this guy?! ...Or was he thinking of some way to punish her already? She wouldn't be surprised. "I know I should have told you, but I didn't want to-- I already feel like trash, and then I have to go and admit something like that...!"

She was shaking visibly now, more from anger than from fear. "Look, I'm... sorry, okay? It wasn't like I was trying to be a liar or anything, and I'm telling you about it now, so...." Defeated, she bowed her head, "I really like it here. I don't want to leave-- I have nowhere to go; but if you want me to... then I will."

Then, remembering something, she looked boldly into his eyes, "And if I have to go, just tell Tinashe... thanks."

Embarrassed, she dropped her gaze again. She wasn't the type to thank anyone for anything, but if she'd never see Tinashe again, she'd at least let him know that she wasn't ungrateful for his kindness to her.

Still, she hoped that wouldn't have to be the case....

//

Tinashe didn't feel overly comfortable telling his brother what a great time he'd had. After all, Usugu looked as though he'd been through something awful. Had their dad scolded him some more or something? "Ah, it was alright. Lesedi can be kinda' mean sometimes, but... I like her." He flushed, "Well, y'know...."

Usugu didn't answer, and for a strange moment, Tinashe saw the emotionless face of his father looking back at him. What was going on with his normally fun-loving, care-free brother? He was being so... creepy.

[Baya]

"Lesedi." Tenga finally spoke, after a moment of thought. "The fact that you lied upsets me, but not so much as the fact that you still have enough honesty to admit it. You still have a conscience and believe me, not many rogues out there have that." Tenga explained quietly as he looked to the cub with a very small smile. "You will not be banished for something so silly. I understand pride. I understand the pain of being alone." Tenga replied quietly as he walked towards the young cub, she was obviously extremely upset that she had to admit such a thing.

Tenga lowered his eyes down to level with hers. "No one will ever hurt you again. Ok? We won't abandon you. We won't judge you. We will be there for you when you need us, and even if you don't. Tinashe has taken a liking to you, and I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual even though you don't show it in the same way." Tenga replied. Then a grin grew on his face.

"By the way young lady. It seems you are in need, of a bath." Tenga replied, grabbing her by the scruff and beginning to take her into the den. He put her down gently in front of Imani. Tenga bowed his head to his queen. "Could you please clean her up Imani?" Tenga asked quietly. His gaze then fixed on Tinashe, whom was speaking with Usugu.

//

"I like her" Those words stung more then salt in an open wound. This probably meant that Tinashe would not be interested in playing with him anymore, and instead go off with Lesedi! The thought angered him slightly, and he felt betrayed. Though once again, he showed no expression. "Glad you had fun Tinashe. Know what I did today? Made friends with the wall. I like it too. Might as well, because I'll be looking at it for another 3 days." Usugu murmured quietly as he turned his back on his brother, and began to stare at the wall again.

//

Tenga watched what went on, and he sighed shaking his head. Again, he did not wish to interfere as it was Usugu's own problem. He heard the crack of thunder outside, and he frowned slightly. Last time there was such loud thunder, a fire had started in the lands. He hoped it didn't happen again even though the rain put the fire out before it became a threat the last time.

[ImaniFaith]

Shocked, Lesedi felt herself being placed into the soft paws of Imani, who looked down at her with tenderness in her large brown eyes-- Tinashe's eyes. Neither she nor the king was mad at her; they were still going to make her a part of their family regardless of her lie... and of her sour disposition.

The feeling of being bathed by a mother was foreign to her after weeks of going dirty. Even though she'd washed up in the water hole the day before, she hadn't really felt clean. Now, she knew why.

When her mother used to bathe her, she would do it quickly and roughly, with impatience in her tired green eyes. This lioness took her time, and was so gentle and caring that Lesedi wanted to bury her face into her shoulder and cry. She fought the desire, though, not wanting to appear weak in front of her new family.

But it was when the bath was done, and Imani did not shove her away, but instead held her close in a hug, that Lesedi could hold back the tears no longer....

//

Seeing that Lesedi had become emotional, Imani quickly picked her up and brought her just outside the den. Though there was thunder in the distance, it had not yet begun to rain, so they were safe for now.

Gathering the beautiful cub into an embrace, she whispered softly to her, as she might to a newborn, "Shhh, it's alright. It's okay... don't be afraid."

Honestly, she didn't know exactly what had caused the proud young lioness to break down, but she suspected that it had been a long time-- too long a time-- since she had felt loved.

Lesedi sobbed into her neck, the tears wetting Imani's fur as they poured from her eyes. After just a short while, though, she began to collect herself, and lay exhausted in Imani's paws.

Not being the type to cry in front of others, either, Imani knew how embarrassed she must be. "Hey, this is between you and me, okay? Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."

To her surprise, Lesedi only nodded, seemingly past the point of words. However, a moment later, she said, very softly, "Can we just stay here for a while?"

"As long as you like." Imani smiled, nuzzling her, "As long as you like."

//

Tinashe was shocked by his brother's cold words, but now at least he understood. His brother was angry that he had gone out with Lesedi all day while he had been forced to stay inside, "Usugu... I'm sorry." He said sadly, "I didn't mean to...."

Just then, his mother and Lesedi came back into the den. He assumed they had gone out to bathe in private-- he could think of no other reason. As he stood, startled by all that had taken place, Lesedi walked over to him, looking quite a bit worse for the wear. "Uh, hi, Lesedi. Did you like your, uh, bath?" He knew he didn't particularly enjoy them, but maybe girls did.

Instead of answering his question, she gruffly spat, "Thanks."

Then she turned and walked away.

Tinashe could only gape. His brother was mad at him, and Lesedi was thanking him... for something. Things were getting stranger and stranger.