Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Nov 2, 2022 22:27:40 GMT
Sam had almost been too startled when he woke up the morning following his and Simba’s talk.
He most definitely was not used to waking up to other bodies, and he most definitely was not used to waking up in a den of lions. Yet here they were, and Sam was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact he’d willingly joined a lion Pride. He knew already David would have been jealous. But he was nervous, he’d never… Been a part of anything on this level before.
But he had gone to bed with a full belly, and a newfound sense of security. Neither of which he had ever experienced before or since David. And it felt good to have that again.
Yawning and stretching as he noted the last of the lions getting up to start their day, Sam decided it probably meant he probably should too. Even if he was definitely not used to getting up to anyone bustling this early. “Play it cool, Sam,” he reminded himself under his breath. “You’ll overthink this and fall flat on your face. You were already friendly with the Pride before. It’s just… Moving in.”
Yeah, like that wasn’t a big deal. He’d been invited to join something akin to a family, something he had never, ever been asked to do. And it was going to take a lot of adjusting. “At least that croc can shut up now.” He grunted as he remembered the other day as he stepped out, blocking the early morning rays with the back of his hand.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2022 4:45:37 GMT
SARABI To the old lioness, her day started when the sun was already bright. Old habits were hard to break however and she didn't sleep in too long, nor was she one to miss a quick review with the other pride members over the daily tasks.
Leaving the warmth and safety of the den was sometimes difficult when her joints ached and old wounds throbbed. Years under cruel reign and the battles for her homeland had left her unfit to hunt and unwilling to stray far, but her sense of duty and love for her family kept her on her feet. Watching Simba's pride grow was a joy to behold. She could watch for hours as the distant gazelle and meandering elephants dotted the savanna fields.
Her ear flicked as she heard the steps of soft-soled feet and a young voice. The human cub had woken up. It didn't surprise her that he slept in; he ate quite a meal for someone so small the night before. She had held her reservations before now, but Simba's decision was hers as well, and it was good to welcome a new member.
"Good morning, Pridelander." Her voice held some amusement, but also held her sense of honor for the title. Her head turned to watch Sam from a side glance as she sat facing the sun. "Did you rest well?"
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Nov 4, 2022 5:01:28 GMT
Sam didn’t jump thankfully.
But it took him a full minute to realize Sarabi was talking to him. Sam had gotten some run-downs of things from a few of the cub friends he’d made prior to joining the Pride. So though he had to search his memory banks, he remembered it to be Simba’s mother.
With a small smile, he nodded. “Better than I’ve slept in a long time, actually. It was the waking up that got me,” he joked. Clearly starting to feel a little more at ease. “I had to remind myself where I was. I’ve spent most of my life sleeping by myself in a small alley…” She wouldn’t get that - right. “Kind of a tiny itty-bitty crevice. Except it doesn’t have anything above you. Most of the time.”
It was honestly the truth, after all, Sam was not used to it. If anything having so many of them around was going to be the biggest adjustment. “I don’t think I actually introduced myself before,” he admitted. “But I’m Sam, by the way. Er… You probably knew that I just uh…”
His cheeks blushed a little. “Sorry I guess I’m a little nervous.” He admitted. “Two weeks ago I thought Simba was going to throw me out and now I just slept in his den. I’m trying to process it.” He admitted.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2022 5:19:06 GMT
SARABI She waited as he processed her speaking to him, an amused smile creeping onto her lips. He must have been startled. Ah... Before she could ask what an alley was, he explained and she nodded in understanding. He's an honest cub, isn't he? A good wit, and understanding of his place, though it's hard to find one when you've never had it, she mused.
"No need to be so formal. I only hold a sentimental title anymore." She chuckled, and gestured at a flat-topped rock nearby so that he may sit with her if he wished to. "I am Sarabi, mother of the king. Although you likely know that, too. Being nervous your first night is understandable. After all, it is brave to sleep in a lion's den." Many would not prefer to. "Well, a crevice is hardly fit for anyone to sleep in, so make our den your home. Mind that you don't make a mess, of course."
Her head turned back toward the distant landscape. "Simba has grown wise with his judgment in his time as King."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Nov 4, 2022 5:29:19 GMT
Sam decided to take her invitation.
It was true, he guessed. Sam had heard tale of others who might have tried the same with wolves maybe, but lions? Looking thoughtfully at the lioness he nodded his head. “It definitely took me a minute to process. My mentor, David, would have loved it though,” he admitted. “He’s done it twice before. Actually raised two cubs back in my land to maturity - now they’re a pride of their own. I got to meet them - but he never let me get that close… He was the expert, I was the trainee he’d say.”
David, he wondered what he’d think of it now. Would he be proud? He liked to imagine he was, as he continued his teaching and showed the respect he drilled into his head. But instead he focused on her comment about the crevice. He smiled a little. “It wasn’t terrible. Trust me, I slept in worse,” he joked. Though it was definitely not a lie. “I’ll take the den any day though. Honestly this whole place is so beautiful. I can get used to waking up to it like this every day…”
It was true, the longer he was here, the more he fell in love with the land.
When she mentioned how Simba had grown wiser as king, he crossed his legs. Knowing a little about his past, he supposed that made sense. “You should be proud of him. He’s the nicest leader I’ve ever met at least,” he admitted. “Our human leaders our honestly a mess. We’re in the middle of the second major war in like… A couple of decades because they can’t get along.”
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2022 6:07:39 GMT
SARABI Would have... She wasn't personally certain of the details, but past tense was an indicator of one's passing. Raising cubs... Imagining it, she had to assume David was someone of strength and resolve, as even one cub could be quite a paw-full. They survived to become a pride? "Is their pride in your lands, then?"
"Mm, true, there are worse places to sleep. Such as downwind of Pumbaa." She chuckled again. It wasn't the warthog's fault. "Be gentle to him about it."
Human leaders, and the beauty of the Pridelands... She listened to him, turning back to watch him speak, calm and serious. She gestured at the lands before them with her paw open, offering it. "Some desire to break the flow, like rocks in a stream, but they'll be swept away by the current. If you cherish what you have, it will thrive, as Simba and his father has seen to. You would not know that these lands were once withered and lifeless." She takes a deep breath with the wind, a gentle smile forming on her lips despite the grim topic. "I hope these human leaders will see their place in this circle of life. You are a part of it, too." She let her voice go low and soft. Golden fields and verdant trees... She hoped he could understand what she meant.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Nov 4, 2022 18:11:33 GMT
Sam nodded a little. He had to assume anyway, or that they didn’t know that they were in the Pridelands when they’d sent them there. Which was very unlikely given it all. “David made sure they were part of this big thing we call and animal sanctuary. It makes sure that bad humans can never bother them,” he explained, a bit of pride in his voice. “He visited every year though, some part of Africa I can’t pronounce. They were always so happy to see him.”
Continuing he added. “I learned everything I know about lions working with them. David worked with others too, but he didn’t know them as well… He trusted them and their pride,” it was understandable in retrospect. You didn’t start a small kid off with a potentially dangerous animal. “I think that’s why I wasn’t scared of you guys like most people would have been when I first came here. I spent a lot of time helping him work with that Pride. I learned a lot of respect for your species.”
He added. “Sometimes I think it should be him here. It would have been too, but for some reason he chose to save me,” he explained. “We were actually here because of his lion expertise - to make sure that we didn’t come in conflict with any Prides. Since the Savannah is pretty much your territory. But there was a storm… and when it came down to my life or his…”
He winced, it was still a sore subject to say the least. “Either way, he would have loved it here,” he mused. Then smirked a little. “Probably would have fought to the death keeping any others from finding this place it’s so special.”
Pumbaa, he kept hearing that name. Though he hadn’t met him, he definitely sounded like quite the character. And the way she put it admittedly made him giggle, after all, fart jokes at his age were the epitome of a good joke, right?
Sam did listen closely to what Sarabi had to say though, amazed at how wise her words were. But also amazed to think that this place could have ever been a wasteland. Sam frowned at the thought, of how anyone could squander such beauty. But was quickly reminded of Simba’s story regarding Scar - no doubt it was his fault.
“I think humans could learn a lot from the circle of life. Just from what I’ve been taught so far,” Sam commented when she’d finished. Rubbing the back of his neck. “A lot of us don’t appreciate what we have until we’ve run it into the ground.”
There was a long silence from him then, but somehow Sarabi was easier to talk to. So he was willing to go a little deeper. “We had this thing called The Great Depression, and everyone felt it. Our world probably looked similar,” he explained. “Everyone basically had to fight to survive - even me. Especially after my mom threw me out.”
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2022 22:55:39 GMT
SARABI Her smile grew warmer as he spoke, hearing him out. This place he was from... While it seemed very different from what she'd known all her life, it had its similarities. Things like that bridge the path between the familiar and unfamiliar, adding what at first seems foreign to the cycle...
Her lips drew into a line as he continued, sharing his innermost thoughts. Grief, loss... No stranger to those, she noddded her understanding and let him finish. A Great Depression wasn't a phrase she understood immediately, but the fact it caused his world to look like a wasteland was easy enough to. Scarcity, grief... Her eyes narrowed slightly as he mentioned his mother. "Some do not deserve to know motherhood." Her remark was rough.
Another long pause continued as she sorted her thoughts, choosing what to say.
"He has returned to the cycle. This, David... Though I've never known him, already the seeds of his actions spreads across the Pridelands. In your life, and in the grass and wind. Your survival means many things, as does his sacrifice. Though it is hard..." Though she was firm, there was still hints of grief in her words. Losses, whether fate or otherwise, hurt; she would never truly move on from Mufasa's death either.
The elder laid down, one paw crossed over the other. "You've told me quite a lot about yourself. It's only fair I tell you more of myself; do you have questions?"
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Nov 4, 2022 23:15:42 GMT
TW: Abuse mentioned.
Sam was a little surprised by what Sarabi had to say about his mom.
Throughout his life, Sam had honestly believed it was his fault that his mom hadn’t loved him. The same way she’d told him it was his fault when she hit him. David had mostly been quiet when he brought it up, though he had always appeared angry. But this was the first time someone has verbally shown displeasure.
As such, Sam answered the way he thought about it: “It was my fault she did it. I didn’t do enough to provide for her or make her love me. I was just so little, I did what I could,” he shook his head. “Then I tried to go back and she was… She’d ended it.”
Sam blamed himself a lot for that.
However, as she told him about David, Sam listened carefully. Reminded of a reoccurring dream he had been having since he was here. “You remind me of the voice in my dreams. It keeps telling me “He lives in you.”,” he shook his head. “Rafiki thinks I’m getting these messages for a reason, but I don’t know… If I was chosen to be here I don’t get why. Maybe I’m not supposed to…”
Oh! What did he want to know? That was actually a good question. He tapped his chin slightly. “I don’t know… How personal are we talking?” He asked. Knowing that some people - himself included had a hard time opening up. “Were you born here? That’s an easy one.” He joked.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2022 1:19:27 GMT
SARABI A low fire burned in her as she heard him blame himself. "A mother provides for her cub. The elephants provide for their calves, and so on as the zebra and wildebeest herds grow. That is nature. You are not yet grown, little one. In time, you'll understand, and perhaps someday you'll have your own children to think about." Her narrowed gaze moved to the distance again.
He lives in you... The words held meaning. His voice was young and lacked the depth of Mufasa's, but she knew her beloved mate's words by heart, causing her to look at him, startled, maw parting a little. Rafiki believed it to be important, and she was like-minded. "Trust in that voice, Sam." She didn't elaborate, but her awe spoke volumes.
How personal? Well, she certainly had some reservations, but his curiosity was like any child she'd known. He may have a grasp on grittier subjects but lighter subjects were better suited for this. "That is rather easy. I was. Well... We'll see if I want to answer or not, hm?"
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Nov 5, 2022 2:13:57 GMT
Sam supposed she had a point about that.
Everyone here told him that - and maybe they were right about it. Sam had had to grow up fast. He was fourteen but his time with David and that night with the Pride had been the first time he’d voluntarily let another take care of him. Up until then…
“I think I’m starting to see what you mean…” he managed after a long pause. “I didn’t until I saw how the animals treat their young here. I used to think I was better off raising myself. But I didn’t realize how much I wasn’t ready for some stuff until I got here. I’m still getting used to letting people take care of me.”
He then added. “Sometimes it’s just hard. She was my mom, y’know? I loved her.”
So she agreed with Rafiki - that wasn’t a surprise to him. Taking a deep breath he crossed his arms. “I do when I hear it at least. It’s hard, some days I hear them so clear. And sometimes it’s like someone whispering,” he explained honestly. “But I’m trying my best to listen anyway.”
That was fair, very very fair. He hummed quietly as he thought of what he wanted to ask someone who was that old. But he guessed that one thing that had been bothering him since he got there was the most obvious… “You’ve been here a while. So I guess I can ask you this… It’s not personal but it has some meaning to what happened to me,” he explained. ”I know there’s the Outlands and the Backlands. But what’s… Beyond that?”
Somehow, he still wondered if Zion was out there somewhere.
But he also decided he should ask an actual personal question. After all, he didn’t want to pry too hard into knowledge he may not be ready for after all. “But more personally, if you don’t mind me asking, were you born here? Or was it like human monarchies where you came from a different kingdom?”
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2022 3:01:21 GMT
SARABI The lioness nodded once again, recognizing silently about his love for his mother despite it all. That too, was natural, she mused. For some, family wasn't to be forgotten and cast out. Not all had royal roots or a hierarchy involving who could bear young, but most assuredly, this human woman would never have been accepted in these lands.
The change of conversation had her pondering. "I've never been out beyond those, but there are vast deserts and wetlands. And beyond all that is Kion's home with the Night Pride. I hope to visit them for myself one day since he seems happy there." Perhaps if Kion or his friends came to visit, they could better explain the world beyond the borders.
Asking about her cubhood certainly took her back, though. "Oh, I was a spry young cub of the Pridelands. My father was a part of the Lion Guard at the time and the King and Queen felt I was a perfect match for Mufasa. Betrothals were customary, though Simba certainly kept his promise of doing away with them." Chuckling, she referred to the King's son and daughter, both of whom had chosen their partners themselves. "I'm sure some kingdoms may choose outsiders for relations, but I find growing up with your mate gives far more understanding."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Nov 5, 2022 5:27:11 GMT
Sam could feel that it probably was a sore spot for Sarabi. If Simba had been raised by Timon and Pumbaa partially after all… “Sorry if I probably brought up a sore subject by the way. I wasn’t thinking…” He admitted nervously. “I’m not used to socializing with people this much.”
The Night Pride? That sounded interesting. Especially given it meant that Simba’s Pride wasn’t the only one in this world he’d stumbled into. “So this place is huge.” He replied. “It just has me wondering… I don’t know how much Simba or Kiara told you guys… But the party I was with came here because of a really ancient legend connected to this place…”
He shook his head. “But it’s probably just a myth. None of it mentioned talking animals, or kings and queens. It talked about a human kingdom,” Sam explained. “It was in a book of fairy tales I read when I was younger. Had stuff like Cinderella, the Tree of Life…” Sam didn’t know yet that the latter actually existed of course.
Finally he finished. “After all, no one even knew what a human was until I showed up.”
Wow - that was interesting. To think that so many generations could grow up with each other. As he’d learned recently from chatter that Simba and Nala had met the same way, go figure. “That’s really cool, actually, I think it’d be better to marry your best friend. Or well, I guess mate,” Sam admitted honestly. “The lion guard.. Those are those lions that run patrols right?”
He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “I’m actually kind of glad I live out here with a bunch of animals. Because I don’t want to be “mated”, like at all,” He gave a slight “gag” at the thought. “David used to say it’s because I don’t think of girls that way yet. But like, it’s definitely not that… I just don’t get the point.”
After all, he’d long ago had his first crush. A girl whose mom worked alongside David… He thought back on how he’d left things with her. By now everyone knew they were missing. Were people out searching for them? He didn’t know.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2022 18:07:57 GMT
SARABI His apology was accepted. It was sore, yes, but he barely knew any of the Prideland's history, and his own tale was sorrowful too. "My son is here now, and that's what matters to me."
His recount of tales had her interest piqued. She didn't know anything more than the other lionesses of her pride. Cinderella didn't bring anything to mind, but the Tree of Life did, making her head move from a slightly tilted, curious state to level. "The Night Pride lives at the Tree of Life. I don't know if it's the same as your stories, but I know it's an important place for us all. Hm, humans... If any existed, nobody lives to know. Perhaps the Great Kings might remember. About what you said before... I've been told of their voices before, or even appearing in images or in the sky, but I've never witnessed it myself. I'm sure when Rafiki feels you're ready, he will help you find what you seek." Though, that does remind her... Her voice lowered a little. "And take care in what you say of the Tree of Life, as it's a sanctuary for many animals. Many do not believe in the Circle of Life as we do."
The patrols being mentioned had her nod. "Yes, that is the Lion Guard. The secondborn cub of the monarchy typically leads it, although Kion has found Vitani worthy of it. They protect the balance. And, well, you are young still, right? Finding the right mate may take years, or not at all. Some choose to walk other paths... And we do have a lack of humans." Sarabi chuckled.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Nov 5, 2022 19:00:54 GMT
Wait - the tree of life was real!?
Sam was dumbfounded. Even a bit floored. Trying to wrap his mind around that. His mind went far away from Zion at that point. If anything he was extremely interested in the fact somewhere like that existed. “Wait, the Tree of Life is real? Oh no, don’t worry… I’d keep that one close to my heart,” Sam tapped his chest with his fist for emphasis. “David taught me so much about that. It was a real… Fascination for him. I can’t believe he was right. Always said it was real, hoped to find it. He’s probably freaking out about if he’s watching.”
He laughed.
Though he had a feeling he’d probably never get to see it himself. Either way, he did heed her next words carefully. “I don’t know if I really seek it anymore. Zion I mean,” he explained. “That was the adults thing… I’d rather find work with Rafiki to find out what they’re trying to say… I feel like it’s important but I try and focus and I lose it…”
Ah, so it was a monarchy thing. That was sort of cool. Though his thoughts went to whether he was young. Well… Loaded question but he’d put it in lion terms. “I’m still a young cub by your standards. I won’t be “of age” for another four years. But we age slower,” he explained. Noting a couple of playing younger cubs he added. “If you met me a couple of years ago I’d still be about their age up here.” He poked his head.
Of course, having grown up fast, he didn’t always act his age. Though he was getting better about it. The next question he felt was more personal, but he had also been wondering it since he got here. Even moreso now that he was in the Pride. “You guys actually age a little slower than normal lions considering what my friends have said,” he explained. “… I hope this doesn’t sound rude - but animals don’t talk and live a very short time where I’m from. Have you guys, y’know. Always talked? Lived this long? I thought about asking Rafiki but he’s always so… Cryptic.”
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