Our Future lies within You. [DG & Songo]

[DGFone]

[Sorry for not being able to post today. I therefore try to make up for it with this long post]

Ahadi walked into the den, feeling nervous. At first, he was delighted to be able to be able to walk so quickly. Whatever they did to him, it worked wonders. However, that happiness was soon replaced with worry. Uru had Ahadi wait outside, something he was very glad to do, and walked inside. As he waited, Ahadi thought what the king might do with him. He was sure that placing his daughter in danger would not go well.

Almost as soon as Uru went inside the den, she came back outside and reclined next to him, waiting. She told him that her father wanted to speak to him. Ahadi's heart sank when he heard it. He might be overreacting, but speaking alone to the king did not sound well to him.


Mohatu nodded. "You know, sometimes you act like Uru is only your own daughter, not both of ours." he joked. "But alright, I'll go and tour him around as you have your talk with OUR daughter." He turned to walk outside as he tried to remember the rogue's name. Ahadi, right!

Mohatu came outside and took a moment to adjust to the sudden brightness. "Uru, would you might going inside? Your mother would like to have a word with you." he told Uru. Turning to Ahadi, he said, "Ahadi, can you please come with me? We're going on a little walk." He laughed a little when Ahadi's face turned into pure terror. "What are you so afraid of? I'm not going to bite." Mohatu started making his way to the tip Priderock, motioning for Ahadi to follow him.


Ahadi was feeling very nervous as he bid Uru a quick farewell and followed the king. The large lion found it amusing, but Ahadi didn't. By how Uru looked like when he left her, she was trying hard not to laugh. The king looked thoughtful as the two of them made their way down. Ahadi hoped that it was not whether or not he was to be banished. Or killed.


Mohatu watched out of the corner of his eye as Ahadi followed him. The young rouge looked nervous, but at least he was able to hide his previous fear. Mohatu lead him to the top of the rock. Normally, he would do this with the future heir of the throne. But in this case, Ahadi wouldn't be able to walk around the lands with him, it would take too much time at Ahadi's pace, and Mohatu had a large feeling that Ahadi would become the future heir soon enough. The two of them got to the top, and Mohatu waited for Ahadi as the young lion lay on the rock, panting heavily and clearly winded from the climb.

When Ahadi looked better, Mohatu began his speech. "Ahadi, I am not sure if you got my name before, so I will give it to you. You may call me Mohatu." Ahadi nodded in understanding. Mohatu continued. "I have brought you here to tell you the history of our kingdom." Mohatu took a deep breath before continuing. "My family has ruled these lands for several generations now. Four, to be precise. The first king to have ruled these lands came from a territory far away, but when he laid his eyes on this beautiful savanna, he fell in love with it." Mohatu took a long, deep breath, enjoying the fresh African air. "I can see why he fell in love with it. The first king, he formed a pride, and since then, our family has ruled over these lands." Mohatu remembered how his own father had told him the story at this very spot. He then told Ahadi some more things about the lands, and other stories, before he finished his story.

Mohatu turned serious when he looked at Ahadi. "My wife and I have been thinking. Uru needs a mate, and until you came along, we had yet to find any lion suitable for her. Until you came along, we were starting to grow worried. But then you showed up. At first, I was weary of you. Most rogues who come here seek only to take over violently. But I saw you fight off the hyenas, and therefore I let you spend time with Uru." Mohatu paused, but then proceeded. "And yesterday, when I found out about the incident at the gorge," Ahadi winced at this, but Mohatu ignored it. "When I saw you on that rock, lying next to Uru, with the wildebeest stampeding right there, I didn't know what to think." Mohatu sighed. "I was scared, relieved, and yes, even angry." Mohatu smiled then. "But later, while you were out, Uru told me what had happened. Ahadi, when I found out that you risked your life to save my daughter, whom you barely even know yet, well, it filled my heart with warmth. I want you to know, Ahadi, that we are considering allowing you to become mates with Uru. In fact, I believe that this is exactly what my wife is talking about with my daughter." Mohatu laughed a little, but then turned somewhat serious again, "But for that to happen, you will need to agree to stay here. What do you think about that, Ahadi?"


Ahadi was speechless. For a while, he was thinking that Mohatu would do something to him. But then he started describing the lands, Ahadi realized that he was wrong. Mohatu wouldn't do something like that if he wanted Ahadi gone or dead. With that realization, Ahadi was able to enjoy the stories, letting Mohatu's words flow over him as he examined the lands down below them. That was, until Mohatu told him about Uru. How to answer to that? "Well, I err..." Ahadi was very nervous, and did't know how to answer. "I will be delighted to stay here." he said.

Mohatu smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. You know, I think that Uru is starting to get into liking you."

Ahadi laughed, but stopped when the shaking hurt him. "I think so too. Don't worry, she's a good lioness. I don't want to leave her, either." he said, meaning every word of it. He closed his eyes because he felt suddenly tired.

Mohatu liked Ahadi's response, but his face fell with concern when the lion closed his eyes from fatigue. "How are you doing?" Mohatu asked.

"Should be fine in a few days. Just feeling very tired, that's all." Ahadi replied, sleepily. He was enjoying the sun on his back. Judging by it's position, it was already late afternoon. The two of them had spent most of the day on top of Priderock, talking.

Mohatu chuckled. "Well then, how about you get your very tired body down to Uru?" he said. Helping Ahadi up, the two of them made their way down. Ahadi was even slower now, but that was because he had to fight to keep his balance on the steep hill. Finally, the two of them came down to the den, to Kamaria and Uru...

[Songo]

Kamaria smirked as Mohatu left the den, "Our daughter..." she giggled after him. Her blue eyes fell on Uru as she stepped inside the den, she motioned for them to lay outside of it. Kamaria took her normal spot on her already toasty warm rock, "Well Uru...what's your story?" she asked curiously.

"Story..? I have none. Why did dad take Ahadi?" she questioned mimicking her mother's actions, her honey colored eyes paying attention to her mother's words.

"I know you like Ahadi, that much is clear. But Ahadi is not royalty dear, hes just a rogue." Kamaria said softly closing her eyes then side glancing to see Uru's face.

"Well, maybe I don't want to be future Queen of the Pride lands. Maybe i'd rather be a rogue with Ahadi then....he'd let me go with him." Uru grumbled back, she crossed her paws and rested her head down on them thinking.

Kamaria smiled, "I knew you'd be difficult and give me some kind of answer like that. Uru our future lies within you, your the next heir to the throne. Its a grave responsibility, thats why we must find you a mate." she added glancing back to her once more.

Uru huffed at the words mate she hated having him picked out, "I don't want any Prince, I-I want Ahadi. Even if hes not of Royal blood I don't care!" she retored angerily.

Kamaria chuckled,"Which is why your father and I have discussed this, since hes come to the Pride lands hes saved your life twice. Lucky you. So we pick Ahadi for you, I knew you wouldn't have it any other way." she said stepping from the rock. Her blue eyes looked to Mohatu and she nodded, as she spied them coming from the top of the rock.

Uru opened her mouth to say a comment back but she froze, "You mean it! Thank you! Both of you!" she yelled and hopped off the rock to nuzzle her mother's neck. She looked to her father and ran to him hugging him, "Thanks dad."

Kamaria smiled and reclined back to her hinds, "Plus I recall another certain lion who didn't like the princesses his father picked out for him. Instead he choose a newcomer's daughter, but I think hes pretty happy." she chuckled and nuzzled Mohatu's mane. She looked to Ahadi and Uru, "This is a big responsibility for both of you. Ahadi, take care of her." she said softly.

Uru stepped back from her parents and she stepped up to Ahadi, she nuzzled his neck softly. A purr of joy slipping from her lips, she helped Ahadi to lay down on the ground. "Well what do you think..?" she said looking to him.

[DGFone]

Ahadi smiled as he lay down next to Uru. He was glad to be once again next to her. "Do I have much of a choice?" he asked. "I'll be honored to be your mate, Uru." He nuzzled her mane, getting a purr from her in turn. "Someday, you will have to explain to me how I got so lucky," he told her, dreamily.

Ahadi let out a long yawn, clearly fatigued from the day's events. Mohatu noticed this. "I think it's time for us to retire into the den." he said. "It's a little early, so I think I'll stay outside for a bit."

Ahadi took his advice and went inside. He lay down next to a wall, still uncomfortable with sleeping elsewhere. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to fall asleep. He didn't know if Uru had followed him, but wished she had. His face formed a smile as he thought of her, and he fell asleep still thinking of her.


Closer to nightfall, the other lionesses in the pride came to the den. Naturally, they were all curious about the new lion already inside. Mohatu was amused at their curiosity. They had heard about Ahadi briefly last night, when he had to explain to them why Uru was missing, but this time he had more to tell. "Everyone," he announced, but quietly as to note wake Ahadi up inside the den. "Two days ago a rogue wandered into our lands. He was the one you heard about yesterday." Mohatu smiled. "These past two days, he has proven himself past all of my expectations. Everyone, this rogue, Ahadi is his name, is to become Uru's mate!" This news was met with a reaction of pleasant surprise. But Mohatu wasn't finished. "I do ask you to please refrain from swarming him tomorrow morning. He has yet to adjust fully to our pride, so please make him feel welcome instead of claustrophobic." Mohatu finished, and lead his pride inside the den.

[Songo]

Uru cuddled up close to Ahadi as he slept soundly and she watched the other lionesses come in and check him out. Her ears flattened back at their noseyness, she rested her head ontop of his shoulders. She fell into sleep, hoping Ahadi felt better the next morning.

Next Day:

Kamaria let Ahadi and Uru sleep as she walked around the Pride lands with Mohatu, "I'm glad Uru has finally found someone, to protect her." she whispered softly to Mohatu. "When is their ceremony going to be?" she asked curiously. Her blue eyes gazed at the beautiful lush plains, she inhaled the sweet air. She enjoyed this time with Mohatu and she tackled him into the soft grass, pinning him gently. "Every King should have a Queen AND he should also have a soft spot in his heart for her." she said smirking. Her muzzle found his neck and she purred softly nuzzling him,"This mean they will have cubs soon! Once their married I mean, of course. Imagine Mohatu, little ones running around again." she said blue eyes flickering with excitement at the thought.

Stirring softly Uru woke up next to Ahadi, she nuzzled his neck. "Ahadi, are you feeling any better?' she said softly. She licked his cheek, hoping he was feeling good enough to get out of the den.

[DGFone]

Ahadi woke up when Uru licked his cheek. The feeling brought a smile to him before he even opened his eyes. "Good morning, Uru." he said as he opened his eyes. Sure enough, Uru was there, right beside him. "How would you like to go for a walk?" he asked.

Getting up, Ahadi stretched and yawned loudly in order to wake up. He was still feeling sore, but the pain was much less, and he figured he might even be able to walk fine, if a bit slow.

[Songo]

Uru smiled, "Of course lets get some fresh air." she said stepping ahead of him. As they stepped through the Pride lands the regular animals bowed to Uru and to Ahadi, she smirked. "It seems word travels fast." she whispered. Her honey colored eyes rested on a tree ontop of a small hill and she padded over to the shade. She reclined back to her haunches and looked to Ahadi, "This is all ours soon." she smiled.

Uru nuzzled Ahadi's neck and looked up at him, "Thank you for wanting to be with me.." she muttered sheepishly. She rested her head on his shoulder and looked out over the land, "Promise me you won't go.." she asked softly. Her long chocolate tail intwined with Ahadi's and rested on the ground behind them.



ooc:You forgot to answer Kamaria!

[DGFone]

[ooc: oops]

Uru and Ahadi walked through the Pridelands. With all the animals bowing at them, Ahadi felt uncomfortable. "No one ever bowed to me before." he had told Uru. "This is very unusual. Very weird"

Eventually, the two of them stopped at a tree and rested in the shade. That was when Uru wanted Ahadi's promise. He wondered why she even brought it up. "Of course I won't leave you. You are the best thing to have happened to me." He told her, and nuzzled her neck. "You know what the rest of the world is like?" he asked her. "It's much worse than this beautiful place. You know what this is? This is... heaven. Heaven on the ground. But it will only be another piece of ground if you weren't on it." He felt her tail wind around his, so he twisted his tail around hers in turn. "I will always be with you, Uru. And nothing can, or ever will, stop it."


Mohatu smiled at Kamaria, still on top of him. It was decided. Uru would become mates with Ahadi. The only thing left was the ceremony to officially marry them. "How about in two days?" he answered Kamaria. "This is a very special occasion. I want for every creature in the Pridelands to be able to attend." He did have another point to bring up. "But you know, I think I should outlaw the practice of queens pinning their husbands." He mocked his wife.

[Songo]

Hearing Ahadi's words made her furry cheeks turn red with color and she smiled, "Good." she whispered content with his answer. She spent a moment with her face in his fluffy black mane, enjoying the closeness they had. Uru's honey colored eyes glanced up at Ahadi,"Just wait until the wedding ceremony...every animal in the Pride lands will be there." she laughed.

For the first time in a long time Uru felt a sense of complete comfort and a rush of happiness. Her eyes looked out on the Pride lands and she giggled, "Ahadi, look at them." she said pointing Kamaria and Mohatu out. "Thats how you know they are still in love, after all these years." she whispered, "My father is a great King, but I know you will be too." she added.

Kamaria's bright blue eyes gazed down at him, a smile crossing her delicate features. "Now where would the fun in that be? Its good to know I have the upper hand." she chuckled sliding off his belly next to him. She oophmed to the ground and nuzzled his cheeks with her muzzle, "They will be happy and we will be happy. Soon we can hand the throne over, when they are READY. Then we can spend the rest of our days watching their cubs and growing old." she said with a grin.

[DGFone]

Ahadi let Uru rest her head in his mane. "It will be crazy, I think. I've never seen a group of animals larger than a herd. And now I will see a bunch of herds together, and then some? That will be... something." He said, trying to imagine looking down at such a large group of animals. He wasn't able to. So he simply let Uru lay on him as he sat under the tree and thought about things.

Finally, Ahadi noticed that the sun was getting rather low. "I think we should go now." he said. "We'll be luck to make it back by nightfall." He got up after Uru let him, and slowly began the trek back to Priderock, his future queen by his side. Future queen. "Wow, Uru. I just realized. You'll be the future queen. And you'll also be my mate. Now I', afraid of making you mad. Who knows what kind of fury you can unleash on me." He half joked. It had yet to dawn on him that h would be the future king also.


Mohatu grinned. "Well then, I will make Ahadi's life miserable." he joked. "I'll try so hard to get him prepared sooner, that he won't have any more energy. Poor guy doesn't know what he's going into, I suspect. The long nights, endless fights, rogues... just like him... treaties here, treaties there, who violated which accord... I hope that he's a fast learner for all our sakes. he said. "But enough of the bad things. With him, Uru is finally truly happy. Our family is complete. No more looking for troublesome princes... more little ones running around... Life will be great!" Mohatu said with a satisfied sigh.

[Songo]

Uru paused a moment in the thick grass and turned to face Ahadi, "Yes Future Queen, but you Ahadi will be King." she said with a grin. "That is why you will refrain from upsetting me! Or ill have to pin you down in front of your loyal subjects!" she teased playfully and nuzzled his cheek lovingly.

She watched the sky get darker and she looked to him, "Lets just watch the stars, I don't want to go in yet." she begged Ahadi blinking her light eyes. She laid on her back and gazed up as the specs of light began to blink. "One day Ahadi, you will turn to the Great Kings of the past and talk to them. Like my father does..." she whispered amazed at the moon's beauty.


Kamaria inhaled a big breath and stared at Mohatu, "He will learn with time and patience from you too Mohatu." she said raising her eyebrow. She smiled at the sound of little ones, "They will be handsome or beautiful heirs to the throne. You can teach them the ways of the land..." she added standing to her paws. She nudged Mohatu up so they could go to sleep, "One day down...one more to go before their lives change forever." she said spying the two lovebirds. She smiled and made her way back to Pride rock with Mohatu at her side.