Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Oct 12, 2022 17:45:29 GMT
Everything in Sam ached.
But at the same time he couldn’t just… Leave the creature. In the two years he had been with David. He’d been taught many, many things - but the biggest was he never left an animal in need. So when one of the lion cubs had fallen and hurt himself while playing, the “young adult” side of Sam hadn’t hesitated.
He could see the skeptical look of the other cubs, but Sam kept his mind on the small one instead. It wasn’t much, a sprained ankle, which Sam with some rudimentary supplies had managed to fix. But he also couldn’t help but worry when a few had run off to Pride Rock to inform everyone what had happened.
He’d just finished wrapping the leg and was carrying the critter back home. Covered in dirt and a few claw marks (after all, he had been dealing with a lion). He kept his composure, and just hoped no one thought he’d done the damage at least. “Now like I said, you’re gonna have to stay off it for like a couple of days,” Sam explained as he sat the cub down near the entrance. “I’m uh… Only so skilled in it, so hopefully it looks good.”
The lion cub swished his tail one way, and replied. ”Thanks, Sam! I feel better already!” before running a circle around him.
As the kid scurried off, Sam sighed deeply. David would be proud, but damn if that wasn’t scary as hell to do. Running a hand through his hair he observed that it was starting to get darker, and he hadn’t gotten himself grub. Way too busy trying to help. Typical him.
“I think I still have some of those berries left over from last night.” He muttered as he started away from the den. As usual while he might have slept near it, he didn’t want to intrude beyond that. Seeing Simba in there was nerve-shattering enough the other day. A reason he’d mostly kept a respectful distance since in order to attempt to show he really meant no harm.
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Simba
PRIDELANDERS
King of the Pridelands
Following in my father's pawprints
Posts: 83
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Post by Simba on Oct 18, 2022 18:35:49 GMT
It was time for a big nap. Simba had finished the morning patrol, so he could join the lionesses at Pride Rock. Today it was very hot that it was better just to relax in the shadow inside the den.
Hours passed when a cub's cry broke the silence: Everyone, everyone! Come quick! Kiume got hurt! Simba immediately got up to rush to the cub's aid, however, he stopped when he noticed Sam coming with the cub in his arms. Kiume was alright, although his leg was fixed. The cubs ran off and Simba's eyes moved to Sam. "Samuel," the male called him when the boy started to leave. "I want to talk with you." There was no anger in his voice, it was more like an invitation. Clouds had already showed up in the sky covering the hot sun, so it was a proper time for a walk. Simba started off down the Entryway, hoping the human boy would follow him. "First of all, thank you for helping Kiume today. It was nice of you." Simba began. He was an unsure a little bit how to start. There were so many thoughts in his mind... he had been struggling with himself so much... He didn't want to make the same mistake just like with Kovu before. He had to admit he had judged too soon, without carefully looking behind. He was sure his father had not been proud of him that time. He had stated that he been following in his father's pawprints, now Simba could see in that case he had been wrong. "I... have been thinking about you a lot. You know, as king it's my responsibility to protect this kingdom and its delicate balance. Thus, it's important to examine every kind of situations, to decide who can stay here and who not because every species have different levels of their influance on their environment. I've been watching you, and as far as I could see I am happy that you've been trying to follow our rules and respect the Circle of Life. I approciate that. So..." Here Simba took a pause. "I have made my final decision. I let you stay here in the Pride Lands."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Oct 18, 2022 18:52:14 GMT
Sam stopped in his tracks.
Honestly, he had seen this coming. They were going to blame him and say the alien had hurt the kid. It was like a million replays in his head. Though he had started to hesitate he did note the tone to Simba’s voice was much less tense. Taking a deep breath, he followed nerves a little less but still worried. “Oh… It was nothing, you’re welcome,” he explained about Kiume. “I’m sure he’ll feel better in no time.”
When Simba started speaking though, he felt his heart leap a little.
Like… Stay, stay? Sam was silent for a long moment, as he’d been prepared to head out the second the king had told him to. He had not actually expected Simba to double down on Kiara’s invitation to stay there. Hell, Sam hadn’t stayed in one place for so long…
Finding his voice after several moments of consideration, he spoke up. “Thank you, your majesty,” he finally breathed out, not sure where to look or how to react. “I…. Don’t know how I can thank you for putting your trust in me like that. But I promise, I won’t let you down. I’ll learn, and respect the ways of your kingdom.” He explained with a slight bow of respect.
It was, weird, to think of spending the rest of his life in the Savannah. But he also knew, something about it seemed like home already. And for the most part, everyone had been kind to him here. He didn’t have to fight for the right to eat, or worry about cops… Maybe he could find and make a life here after all. But it probably still meant more than Simba would probably ever know, as only the second time in his life someone had accepted him like this. Even if it would, inevitably, be somewhat of a work-in-progress, learning to live among talking animals was an even taller order than learning to live with a guardian had been.
“I guess I can stop making game plans on how to get back,” he chuckled a little. “I’m kind of relieved though. I uh… Wasn’t looking forward to the journey - like five million miles from where I came from, y’know? Now I just gotta figure out a den and stuff.”
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Simba
PRIDELANDERS
King of the Pridelands
Following in my father's pawprints
Posts: 83
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Post by Simba on Oct 19, 2022 19:12:01 GMT
"I hope you won't." Simba raised one of his eyebrows, even a slight naughty smile appeared on his face. "You're allowed to take any den in the Pride Lands but before doing so make sure you're not stealing it from anyone." Here some seriousness moved into his voice, implying that the lion really expected him to follow the rules.
As they continued to walk, he remembered the possible case that Sam might have heard Mufasa talking to him. Simba wanted to tell him a little about his father. "Me and my father Mufasa had long walks too when I was a cub. Unfortunately, I lost him soon because of a..." here the lion stopped for a short time, "jealous murderer. He taught me a lot about the Circle of Life and how it works, that everything exists together in a delicate balance. He also taught me about how a king should act, and that all creature needs to be respected. He was a wise king and everything I know comes from him. He also told me about the Great Kings of the Past that look down on us from the stars. They are our kings of old times and their memory will always prevail." As Simba was talking, his expression became serious to represent that these were valuable secrets.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Oct 19, 2022 20:37:18 GMT
Sam nodded his head; he could have argued he wouldn’t steal… But then he had done a lot of what he had to to survive on the streets. Just like he’d told Kiara so how could he? “I’ll probably stay in the den Rafiki found me near Pride Rock,” he explained. At least now that he was welcome - it wouldn’t be awkward. “Probably good idea I stick nearby just in case…” after all the human adults were still missing.
He listened to Simba talk about Mufasa quietly. The king sounded so wise, and a part of him wondered what it might be like to have had a parent that put so much care into teaching their kids. Let alone one so wise. “I’m sorry you lost him like that, it must have been awful… He sounds like a pretty incredible king, even our leaders back home didn’t think that deep,” he admitted. “So the stars up there are your ancestors? That’s pretty incredible. Now I see why Kiara was asking if I was talking to mine the other day…” he admitted. Though he added. “… I’m really sorry I never had the chance to meet him. But it’s nice to think some of our loved ones exist like that.”
Looking thoughtfully into the night he admitted. “The more I learn about your world the more amazed I am. It’s so special, you know that?” He asked honestly. Looking at Simba with a smile. “Everyone has a place and a part in it. Most human rituals aren’t as deep. We’re kind of boring.”
Since Simba had decided to share with him - Sam decided he probably should at least share some of himself too. Though it was hardly as exciting or poignant. “It’s great you have memories like that with your dad though. I uh… My dad walked out on me before I was born,” he admitted - though he didn’t sound beat up about it. He was good at hiding his real feelings about it. With only a small hint of sadness in his eyes. “The less I remember about my mom the better. She really didn’t want to be a mom… I don’t think it was her fault. She was just angry and sad… Threw me out of our “den” right before she died when I was really little. Told me they didn’t really want me anyway.”
He looked thoughtfully into the distance. “But I had good memories with David. He used to take me to the coolest places. Made me feel wanted. I didn’t have to sleep alone on a street, or eat other scraps,” he explained. “He worked with lions like you and your pride for years… Helping them.” He nodded back to the den. “Showed me everything I know. Like what I used to patch up our little friend…” His face fell slightly as he mused. “… It really should be him up here telling you his story. He’d have loved this place.”
Realizing he’d spoken a while he went a little red in the face. “Sorry, I uh. Don’t usually unload stuff like that usually…” He admitted after a long pause. “But you guys were going to find out why I’m not in a hurry to go back to humanity eventually. But I uh… I’d appreciate it if most of this stayed between us.”
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Simba
PRIDELANDERS
King of the Pridelands
Following in my father's pawprints
Posts: 83
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Post by Simba on Oct 21, 2022 21:45:53 GMT
The lion nodded gently, expressing his agreement on Sam keeping that den near Pride Rock as Simba knew it didn't belong to anyone. While the sun was setting it gave the clouds an orange and grey colour - depending on what parts got the light - and in the far distance at the horizon the nighty sky appeared. It had been a long walk, so they could have deep talks and thus Simba got the opportunity to get to know this guy better. What he realized was Sam had had a similar past like him.
"I am sorry you had such a sad childhood. It seems David to you was like Timon and Pumbaa to me. When my father was killed and I got exiled from this land, Timon and Pumbaa found me and raised me like their child. They are my true friends, brothers but also some kind of... second parents to me. You might have already met them." As Simba spoke, it could be clearly heard that he was talking about them with respect and gratitude in his heart. "Without them I wouldn't be here," he added. "And as for your story, don't worry because it will stay between us. Everyone has their own story to tell, we have our fate in the Circle of Life and it makes us all connected. No matter what species we are." The lion looked into the distance, a warm breeze messing up his mane a little. Here he took a short pause and recalled Mufasa again wondering if he was fulfilling his father's will.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Oct 22, 2022 4:18:43 GMT
Sam listened intently.
Simba had gone through the same? And found a family? Even though he was exiled of all things? He couldn’t believe it. After all, being exiled was even worse than being kicked out. “It’s ok, I try to think it was my parents loss, not mine,” he admitted. “Timon and Pumbaa sound like great people,” he admitted. Though he had yet to meet them himself. “Everyone always says I should open myself up more to people like that. But sometimes it’s hard… Y’know? My hearts been stomped on so many times.”
And then he looked at Simba curiously. Almost wondering if it was a bad idea to ask, but doing it anyway. “How did you… Y’know manage to let yourself be open like that again?” He asked honestly. “It must have been hard for you too.”
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Simba
PRIDELANDERS
King of the Pridelands
Following in my father's pawprints
Posts: 83
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Post by Simba on Oct 23, 2022 16:05:10 GMT
"We always need to think through who we open up to." The truth was Simba still had trust issues. Probably it had come from the trauma of his cubhood. As cub he had loved Scar deeply, considering his uncle as some kind of second father and a very good friend. Simba had been so naive that he hadn't see Scar's real intentions, and in the end he had been disappointed in him.
"It was hard indeed. But thanks to my true pals and the years I lived in the jungle I managed to put the past behind me. After my return my mother Sarabi helped me a lot. We were there for each other as she needed healing too." The lion had felt guilty for his father's death, for leaving the Pride Lands, for abandoning his own mother like a prodigal son. But... what else could he do? Scar had told him to do so and he had been so confused at that time... Nevertheless, Simba was grateful to Sarabi for forgiving him.
"Do you have any other family members that could be with you?"
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Oct 23, 2022 16:14:21 GMT
Sam listened closely to what the lion had to say.
Leaning on others was… Probably not the strongest suit. Sam said it himself, he’d basically raised himself before David came along. And as far as other family went, Sam honestly didn’t know, did he have other family? Did they even know he existed?
He was quiet for a long time as he considered Simba’s words. But realized he had been quiet for too long and caught himself. “There’s no one else,” he finally admitted. “But maybe I need to work on finding someone else… If having someone helped you maybe it could help me.”
Sam hated to say it, but the thought absolutely terrified him. What if he got his heart broken again? What happened if he couldn’t find anybody? It was a very real, very primal fear.
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Simba
PRIDELANDERS
King of the Pridelands
Following in my father's pawprints
Posts: 83
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Post by Simba on Oct 28, 2022 18:32:49 GMT
"It definitely helped me," he said with relaxed expression on his face, recalling how much support he had got from his mother. "Although, I admit meeting a family member personally after years can be... difficult." Simba had had issues too, he remembered how afraid he had been to face his own mother. He had felt like a traitor, a prodigal son, a murderer - and a coward to look into Sarabi's eyes.
"My friends Timon and Pumbaa once taught me that we can't do anything about bad things to happen. They even have a word for it: Hakuna Matata. I have to admit they are right. We can't change the past."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Oct 29, 2022 3:55:54 GMT
Sam didn’t even know what he’d say to a family member of his. They had abandoned him, first to his mom then to the streets. And while he didn’t hate them, he also didn’t quite like them either. “Maybe I’m better off making a new one,” he admitted after a long while. “I just don’t know if I could forgive any of them even if they found me here. Not yet anyway.”
Hakuna Matata. Hey that had a nice ring to it actually. He guessed it couldn’t hurt to look at things that way once in a while. “I like the sound of that,” he explained. “Hakuna Matata it is then. No matter what happens from here on out. The best part of all this is a fresh start.”
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Simba
PRIDELANDERS
King of the Pridelands
Following in my father's pawprints
Posts: 83
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Post by Simba on Nov 2, 2022 17:49:18 GMT
"I understand the feeling." said Simba sympathetically, as he felt the same towards Scar. The scar in his heart was still too deep, whenever he recalled Scar he got frustrated inside. From that moment on he had found out he was his father's murderer, he couldn't consider Scar as a family member anymore. He was not his uncle, only a strange lion to him.
"Hakuna Matata means no worries." The lion explained with a slight smile. "It's their motto for their life, a problem-free philosophy. You will understand that feeling if you meet my friends. Although, in my opinion we can't always turn our back on problems."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Nov 2, 2022 20:58:44 GMT
Sam was pretty sure he knew why hearing what Simba had to say about Scar.
Hakuna Matata, no worries. That was something to continue to commit to memory. Though he’d no doubt have to do so when he was a little more awake as well. After all, before he’d known it they’d been talking for long enough that it was nighttime. And while Sam was deeply into the conversation he was having, well, he needed food and rest. No doubt the king himself did too, he mused as he let out a small yawn. “Well you’ve given me a lot to think about your majesty,” he explained as he gave a small bow of respect again. “But I should probably get myself some dinner and shut eye. I’m sure you want it too.”
He started his way down the incline toward where he’d set himself up. Probably planning a final night under the stars for now.
”Goodnight your majesty,” he explained. “And thank you again.”
Before he trudged off into the night.
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