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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2021 7:57:29 GMT
Simba let out a heavy hum. "I have that effect on people." he said, still thinking of Timon. "Or maybe it's just I know how to run into good ones." he shrugged.
He wasn't sure what a formal education was, but it did remind him of his own lessons. "Around here we learn things like pouncing instead of 'bleh'." he smirked. "Just be careful not to venture too far, or to close to the Backlands or Outlands. There's plenty to learn here in the Pridelands, from Mbali Fields to Mizimu Grove." he moved his head to gesture from west to east, as he said so. "It is about time for us to sleep, it has been nice talking to you." he smiled warmly as he moved for the den. "Things change so much, and so fast..." he looked into the sky, in thought.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Jan 30, 2021 9:12:40 GMT
Sam nodded thoughtfully.
When they’d stopped in front of the den he took a deep breath. Knowing if he crossed in there was probably no turning back. So he had to tell himself he had to decide here and now if he really was going to allow himself to be raised among lions... Take the chances he was never going to return to New York again.
Then again he also reminded himself there was nothing to go back to. He could go back, be put in foster care. Probably shuffle homes more than a dozen times. But he could avoid all of that if he just took a leap of faith. “Goodnight, Simba.”
As Sam entered the den, he was quick to look for the rest of the king’s family before setting himself down nearby. Careful not to wake up any of the others that were slumbering. He rested his head against his bag and let himself relax for the first time since he’d gotten to Pride Rock - knowing he wouldn’t be somebody’s prey tonight.
Which was probably why within minutes his eyes had closed and he was out like a light. ————— It was a little more concerning to wake up to snoring.
For the last month Sam had slept with only the sounds of the savannah to listen to. But hearing others nearby? That was a little jarring until he was reminded where he was. Instead of getting up he let himself reflect on the facts..
He, a city kid who had only seen places like this in videos and pictures, was currently in a lion’s den. Having survived four weeks on his own, and four weeks among talking animals. It sounded like some sort of weird fever dream he half expected to wake up from at any moment.
“I wonder what the others would think of this...” he murmured.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2021 9:28:04 GMT
Simba couldn't be sure what Sam was thinking, and what that step into the den, and sleeping with the pride had represented for him. However, he did know that he felt better about having the human protected, and as far as he could tell, feeling safe around him and the lionesses. "Goodnight, Sam." he smiled and lay his head down.
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Simba woke up early, with the rest of the pride, and once he was truly awake he approached the boy, nudging him with his paw. "You will come with me, on my morning errands." he commanded. "You need to learn to live not just among us, but with us." he said, before letting out a "Yawwwn...". He went from yawning to smiling, "If there is anything you need to do first, go ahead." he said, just to cover anything from nature's call, to human customs.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Jan 30, 2021 9:44:25 GMT
Sam was only mildly startled.
Turning onto his side he found that yawn contagious. Though he calmly listened to what Simba had to say. It took a moment to grasp what he meant, but of course, it didn’t take too long. After all, Simba had mentioned that they did learn here - and while he couldn’t pounce. He couldn’t just exactly go out there without any idea what he was doing.
“”No problem, I’m usually an early bird anyway,” Sam replied as he finally stood and stretched. Though of course he hadn’t done that this time but... “I just haven’t actually sleep well in a while I guess. It’s harder when you’re out in the world like that...” For once, Sam didn’t grab his backpack for this excursion. For the most part his notebook was an escape when he needed it. But moreover, he wanted to learn and really get to know Simba, so when he’d finally finished his well “business” he made his way outside, assuming Simba would be there.
Of course, he got his first... Actual view from on Pride Rock there too... Amazed by how ... Giant the place now looked. “Whoa, this place is way bigger than I thought...” he managed.
Big enough to hide a lost city? That he could only contemplate.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2021 10:21:20 GMT
Simba smiled, and would wait for him on the edge of the rock, looking over the land as the sun rose fully to blanket it. He smiled as the human commented on it. "Everything the light touches... is my responsibility." He said, with a mix of pride, and duty, he looked. "Just ahead of us is Chakula Plains, where the zebra graze... And there, the Flood Plains." he stated. "The hippos work hard after the rain to ensure we can pass through... or else everyone would be hanging out right on the border of the Backlands." Simba looked out into the distance. "Our relationship isn't the best with them, but... at least we have one." he sighed heavily.
"I want you to learn the lay of the land." he stated, "This is the first step to calling the Pridelands home. I will expect a lot from you if I officially call you my son." he said. "You should learn to identify borders and territory as well." he hummed softly.
"Let's start with the hippos, they requested I visit them yesterday, but I didn't have the time. They are at Big Springs, the far west end of the Flood Plains. In time I expect you to know each herd's territory."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Jan 30, 2021 10:42:05 GMT
Sam took some time to register everything he was told,
It was... A lot to take in to think that all this was just hiding in the middle of Africa. Though he was beginning to believe it was actually a magic place - like literally magic. Which honestly? He could definitely see at this point. “Man it’s about twice the size of where I came from,” he replied. “I’m sure I can get a grasp of it. When I get back I can even sketch it in my notes. Keep memorizing.”
Oh, right, it wasn’t all fun and games either, he had to remind himself. Simba was putting his neck out for him here, and he had to make sure he didn’t embarrass the king. “Well you’re in luck, I’m actually pretty good with that kind of stuff. Mom made me memorize the globe last year,” he explained. “It probably helps that I did my own adventuring but...”
Realizing he was talking too much, Sam cleared his throat. “Sorry, I uh, talk a lot when I’m nervous.”
Wow! Hippos! He’d actually never gotten to see them before. So that was actually a bit of a treat. “Well it definitely sounds like their role is important. So I can see why,” he pointed out. “Though I haven’t seen it rain since the storm that got me here so hopefully it’s nothing too severe.”
Considering it was a bit of a walk he assumed, Sam did take the time to bring up a question. “So... When I’ve learned it all... How does this even work?” He asked a little nervously as he prepared to follow the king. “Do I like,.. Take an oath or something? I know people don’t join lion prides every day. Let alone families... if you guys are anything like the ones my mom researched.”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2021 11:30:58 GMT
Simba's smile grew as Sam showed confidence. "Excellent. Knowing your way around is just the start, however. You have much to learn to truly join the pride." he said, doing his best to keep it motivational.
Simba chuckled, "I growl when I'm nervous, or so I've heard..."
He nodded, and they would be on the move as they walked and talked, heading northwest toward the Flood Plains, thought on Sam's question for a while. "There won't be any kind of oath. Just friends and family gathered for the occasion. I'll have to ask what tradition is, and talk to my family, by the time you have learned all you need to, you will know our customs." he assured the boy.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Jan 30, 2021 20:37:04 GMT
Sam of course nodded again.
He could imagine that there was a lot, but he wasn’t one to give up even if something was hard. Besides, he’d wanted to learn all he could about the Pridelands before, and now he had the chance to really learn it all. “I can’t wait. Ever since I got to Pride Rock all I’ve wanted to do was learn all I can,” he admitted. “Now I really can.”
He growled when he was nervous? Sam had to chuckle a little. Of course, that did make sense for a lion. “I bet that’s funny though. You guys make some interesting noises. Some of you were even purring in your sleep last night.”
He wondered how much his mom had learned from her time with lions. Did she know they purred like domestic house cats? Probably. Though his stomach tightened a little when he said there’d be a gathering. He was hardly the type that liked being center of attention - at all.
But that much he could at least try to hide. So he simply nodded as they continued on. “That makes sense,” as the walk continued he also added. “You guys seem really big on tradition and ceremony - least from what I’ve heard. I guess I should have seen that coming.”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2021 7:16:54 GMT
Simba grinned, "No one around here ever wants to learn." he said, especially not Simba himself unless it was pouncing. "Which means you will have plenty of eager teachers, but I'll make sure they are the right ones." he assured. "As we say, let sleeping lions purr." he added with a laugh. He clearly enjoyed Sam's company.
"Tradition is very important to us. The Circle of Life is why the Pridelands has been so beautiful, and full of life, and besides we have a lot of history." he smiled "And for that reason we have much to celebrate. We sing the songs that are in our hearts." he turned his attention to a hippo as they passed him, entering into the floodplains from the east. "Hey Taya!" he called casually.
"Oh, hey Simba!" the hippo asked. Simba smiled, as they continued west.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Jan 31, 2021 7:42:10 GMT
Sam was surprised no one wanted to learn but at the same time. He figured that a lot of them grew up here whereas he was new to it all by contrast. “Probably better off that way. Mom always said there can be too much of a good thing,” as they passed some water, Sam peered over and made another observation. “I uh... Should probably change up my look too. If I’m gonna lear to hunt I stick out like a sore thumb.” He tugged at his shirt a bit. “Besides, this stuff’s in shreds practically already.”
Huh, he guessed he hadn’t thought of it that way before. Maybe it was a good point. “I always liked celebrating. Just I get this thing called stage fright about being the center of attention,” Sam admitted honestly. “But we celebrated stuff back home too. We had birthdays, and Christmas... We got gifts and stuff... We called them holidays.”
Whoa! Were hippos bigger than he’d expected or what? He thought as he gawked a little before pulling himself from his thoughts to manage. “Morning.” Sam then added. “You know I once read that a hippo’s teeth were strong enough to break human bones? Crazy stuff.” He mentioned.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2021 9:14:11 GMT
Simba hummed, he didn't say anything but he would need to hear someone else's thoughts on that. Too much learning? That was something he had never thought of. "True, but everyone could benefit... maybe..." he looked ahead a moment, "We've grown lazy from living in 'paradise'." he sighed. He thought himself as much to blame as anyone.
"Nala would surely love to teach you to hunt. Our manes make us poor hunters, but you probably knew that." he said, trying to compliment. "I hope you get over your stage fright, but I would want you to enjoy being a part of it."
Simba took a slightly more serious tone about the hippos. "They are the strongest animals in the Pridelands, that is why it's important to hear them out, between that and the flood plains, I'm grateful they are our closest friends too."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Jan 31, 2021 9:27:46 GMT
Sam nodded his head a little - though he didn’t also mean to make Simba question. He also knew that it wasn’t his place to add more to that. Though his continued thoughts on his own mind did make him decide he was right on the red shirt. Stopping briefly he took what remained of it off and folded it on the ground.
“There, less a walking target now...” He managed. “Some animal can probably use it for a blanket or shelter...”
As if on cue Simba had responded to his comments on hunting. Though he did chuckle, of course a mane would make male lions poor hunters especially a red one. “Yeah that’s why mom says most of the time the girls are hunters. Makes sense to me,” he then added. “Oh no! Don’t get me wrong Simba. I’m happy... I’m actually excited. I just need to get over my nerves.” He chuckled.
He then admitted. “I’m actually happy I’ll get to stay. I like it here, and besides back home no one is waiting. I’d be pushed around homes for like, an eternity,” he explained. “So I’ll be glad to do a ceremony if at the end of it it means I don’t have to worry about that anymore...”
Sam caught the seriousness in his tone. He hadn’t even thought about that, but he imagined that if they were strong enough to break human bones... “I get you,” he managed. “I mean - most hippos are supposed to be laid back, right? I’m sure it’s easy to get along.”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2021 9:38:30 GMT
Simba nodded, he noticed the similarities he had with the human in that moment. "She was spot-on." he said, knowing he would appreciate praise of her, and it was accurate at that. "That's the right kind of thinking, waste is a terrible thing. Even though the Pridelands are generous, we must still respect and use all we can, of what we take."
He sighed, "I can't imagine.... if I had a family I didn't love." Simba said sadly, "Yes hippos are as friendly as they are strong, but that does not mean we can take it for granted. Respect and fear are both powerful... Hippos fortunately choose respect"
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Jan 31, 2021 9:50:14 GMT
Sam nodded in agreement. Though he also added rather cheekily this time. “Well that, and women are pretty tough y’know. I mean i think everyone fears the mothers the most in the wild,” he snorted. “Uhhh except for lions, I’m pretty sure you don’t want to screw with you guys regardless but still.”
When he mentioned his line of thinking Sam gave a smile. But only shrugged, it had always been his nature to want to help. His mom had put that in him and he wasn’t going to look at it that way.
The boy tilted his head, wondering what he meant. Though he could also imagine the king had thought about that a lot. “Well neither of us have to think that way right?” He nudged the king gently. “You got a big family and... I guess I’m about to too. Man, I hadn’t even thought of that. I was always an only child.”
Respect and fear. That was definitely something to remember, and he definitely knew he had to show a lot of respect. Maybe even reel in a lot of the bravado a bit. Though deep down he felt like he knew what he meant. “Don’t worry I don’t usually pull my sass on people,” he explained. “That freak the other night was just asking for it.”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2021 21:56:57 GMT
Simba hummed, "I've never had to fear my mother, but come to think of it I would have to do something very bad to make her mad... so I'd feel pretty terrible." he wasn't bothered, it was purely hypothetical, and his mom was alive at least.
"Well, you won't be an only child anymore." Simba responded with pride."I may have a big family, but I was my father's only son." he reminded him, or perhaps informed him for the first time. Simba sighed. "That 'freak' is different from our other enemies. They want territory, or food, or just don't get along with us." he looked at Sam seriously. "Zira wants only my death, and the deaths of my family."
As he said those words, his eyes clearly changed. "Which... will soon include you. Still... We can't live in fear. I will protect you, trust in me."
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