Making A Home (Simba)

[Samwel Igwe]

Sam had decided if he was staying, he was going to have to make a home.

It was weird thinking of a den as a home. But at the same time he wanted to show the members of the Pridelands that he genuinely intended to stay and learn, not just that he was all show. So he’d been working on a few things with what skills he’d picked up.

First he’d gone back to where he’d initially crashed to get some supplies. He made a makeshift bed for himself out of some blankets, that would make him more comfortable at night. He’d also found some flashlights in case he’d need them. And even a few food rations.

It wasn’t a whole lot. But when he’d stood in the den looking at it he seemed proud of himself.

He’d also managed to salvage some clothes from the wreck. Hoping to look a little less “alien” he’d salvaged some clothes some natives he and David had lived with had given him during that time. The fur loincloth was much less hot to his admission in the Savannah, while the moccasins and hand wraps provided more comfort.

It’d just take getting used to for him to look a little more native.

Stepping out into the morning his blue eyes scanned the Savannah… Home now, he guessed. Rubbing his arm and taking a deep breath he decided it was best to get the day started. “Morning!” He greeted a few animals on his way. Ignoring the one or two side-eyes he did get.

Maybe today today he could just… Hang out? Play? Was he allowed to do those things yet? “I wonder what everyone else is up to…?” He said as he wandered toward the usual gathering areas.

It wouldn’t hurt to try right?

[Simba]

Simba had had many inner struggles because of Sam, but thanks to Mufasa lot of questions had been answered. The talk with his father had made Simba to reconsider everything about the human boy and he had reassurred him that Sam was not the one to worry about. Simba knew his father's words were assurance, and from that moment on he had started to see things differently.

Simba had made the final decision, following his father's wish: to officially invite Sam to join the Pride. 

Mufasa's law will prevail.

"Morning, Sam." The lion greeted the young boy when he noticed him. Actually, he was looking for him because he wanted to talk to him. "Can we talk?"

[Samwel Igwe]

Sam had been been in the middle of talking to a few of the younger animals when he heard Simba.

Welp that was not how he was expecting to spend the day - that was for sure. But he also had a bit of a pit in his stomach, had Tifu told him about the confrontation with the float earlier that week? Honestly, Sam didn't want any trouble, but it'd seemed to be calmed down by then - maybe it was something else. "Good morning, majesty, of course," He gave a slight bow in response before turning to his friends. "I'll catch up with you guys later..."

He jogged toward the lion with a little nervousness, but let himself relax.

After all, if he was actually mad about anything, Sam figured he would have acted a little angrier. The king had shown he could be fierce the first time they met after all. "I saw Kiume earlier, looks like he's all better now. Was happy to see it," He added, noting he most of the time kept an eye on who he could. “Everything OK? I haven’t stepped out of line or anything, right?”

Of course, he was still learning his way around so there was always that chance.

[Simba]

"Yes, he's almost completely healed. Rafiki said you had done a very good job. Thank you again for that." Said Simba in a soft, grateful tone. Before motioning for Sam to start off, the king gave the other animals a nod of greeting.

"Hehe, no, you haven't." The lion said with a chuckle to reassure the boy. Now he behaved more relaxed around Sam, thanks to his father, that feeling of upset had disappeared from his stomach. "I must admit I got some sense knocked into my head again, however I don't have bumps to prove it." Simba was joking, making fun of himself. He was a king, but it didn't mean he had to be rigid all the time. He had broke some traditions anyway, and he was more open to changes than kings before. "I have been watching you, and I talked much to my family as well. Now I see you are not a threat to my kingdom. So I hope you accept my official invitation to join my pride."

[Samwel Igwe]

Sam quickly noticed the overall change in demeanor as they walked.

He didn’t know exactly what was going on, but he definitely was noticing. Though he did have to admit he chuckled a little at his joke about the knock on the head. “Well I mean we can all use that once in a while, right?” He admitted. “I’m glad he’s feeling better though, a fall like that….”

He stopped dead in his tracks when Simba dropped the question on him.

Had he just asked him to join his Pride? Him? A human? Was that even possible? He might have asked but he had to remind himself a meerkat and a warthog were technically. But still… Him? Sam was a nobody, he’d done nothing since he’d been there. Why on Earth would Simba ask him?

Finally finding his voice, Sam spoke: “Your majesty, I’m honored. But… Are you sure you’d want someone like me in your Pride?” He asked, his low self-worth showing. “… I know how that’ll look. And I don’t know the first… I mean I’d be honored. But I’m not…”

Sam went over the million reasons no one had ever offered him a place in their home. Or what he’d made up in his head anyway. But instead found himself at a loss for his own words. “I mean the answer is yes, of course. I like being around your pride and you’ve all been good to me,” he explained. “… But I don’t want to be a burden or detriment either. I’ve never been a part of anything close like that.”

But of course - like he said if he was serious his answer was yes. What would he have had to lose? He had no family, and it looked as though he’d be there for the foreseeable future. At least with the Pride he’d have someone… To have his back? He wasn’t sure… A Pride was like a family he knew, and he’d never had that. All of his thoughts came from what he knew of one.

[Simba]

"Yes, I am sure." Simba replied naturally, although he didn't want to tell him why. The talk with Mufasa was so precious that Simba kept it as secret and didn't want to reveal himself right at the beginning. But now he knew what to do and had no doubts about it. His own father was the assurance and he had faith in it.

"Maybe you don't understand now, but I think you'll see oneday." The lion now looked at Sam while walking ahead. "The truth is sometimes I need remindings." Simba chuckled, making fun of himself again. Like with Kiara before, Simba was the one who had taught her about 'we are one', but his daughter was the one who had reminded him of its true meaning. This time his father was his reminder. "I have to keep it in mind that I just can't blame you for what you are. This is what I had to understand about hyenas too." It was not easy for Simba to accept Jasiri around his family at first. What's more, he had had many argues with Kion about it. But as time had passed, Simba started to understand that he just can't judge a hyena by its spots. "I need to see who you are, because that's more important than what you are. There is a big difference. You may be a human but it doesn't mean you are bad. Every creature and every species have their own role in the Circle of Life, it depends on us what path we choose for ourselves. Our acts, our thoughts, our personality makes us who we are. As for Scar, he chose to be evil. But as for you, I can see you're a kind person who likes to learn and help others."

[Samwel Igwe]

Sam listened carefully to what the king had to say.

As usual he was surprised by how wise the king’s words were. Most of the adults in his life hadn’t talked a third as intelligent and confident as he and Rafiki did. All the same, he waited until he was done with what he had to say before he decided to reply.

“I guess I never thought of it that way… I’m honored your majesty,” he explained. Getting one one knee in a humble and honoring bow for what else he had to say. “I promise, you won’t regret it. And I won’t forget your kindness. You have my loyalty… And your pride will too.”

He may have been very young but his words and the way he spoke them carried a weight much stronger than those of a fourteen year old. And what’s more, he meant it. Given the chance to have a family like this he would defend it with his last breath. He’d always told himself that - even if he never believed it would happen.

“If only David could see me now, he’d flip.” He did add with a bit of a chuckle,

[Simba]

Simba stopped and turned to Sam when the boy knelt down. With a noble nod, the king put one of his forepaw onto Sam's shoulder, it was his sign that he accepted the oath. "From now on, as Pridelander you are one of us. You have all rights that a Pridelander has, however, you must follow our rules that support the Circle of Life." Simba now put his paw down. "And?" a smile appeared on his face, "Where do you want your den to be?"

[Samwel Igwe]

Sam nodded his head slowly.

Normally, he would have been nervous about having a lion touching him. But at this point there was a certain comfort to it. As he listened to what Simba had to say, he of course understood, it would be a lot more learning about the cirlce of life after all. No doubt there was a lot he hadn't known already but still... "I understand, your majesty. I'll do my best." He explained. Though he had no doubt he could do it.

Then Simba asked his question. Sam was about to answer about the den he had already set up, but shut his mouth. Rafiki's words from a few weeks ago rang in his mind. He had to learn to be one with the pride, and with Simba's smile. He already had a feeling he knew what the answer should be. But sleeping in a den of lions? Was he really safe doing that? A part of him thought that he was batshit crazy.

But when had that stopped him before?

"Well, I guess if I'm going to be a member of your pride. I'll make my home with your pride too," He explained honestly as he rubbed the back of his neck and stood to his feet. "When I commit to something. I always commit my 110%. And I'll find ways I can contribute to the Pride myself... With your majesty's permission of course."

[Simba]

"Alright." Simba nodded. "You can sleep in our den if you want." 

From this part there was only one thing left: an official announcement. To be honest, Simba didn't like formalities when he was expected to stand out and speak in front of lot of people, always had nervous stomach when he had duties like this, even almost made him wish he wasn't king. But of course traditions must have been followed, and like a presentation ceremony, it had to be performed.

"I am going to make an official announcement about it on Pride Rock as tradition. I will tell you the exact day and date."