|
Post by Samuel Irons on Nov 7, 2022 6:44:57 GMT
Sam woke up on the rambunctious side of the bed that morning.
Maybe it was that adventurous side of him trying to get all his adventuring in before he inevitably got a guardian to rein him in. Or maybe he was just feeling mischievous today. But Sam had decided to do a little sneaking off after the Pride had gone to sleep.
He’d had to be sneaky about it - after all, no doubt half the lions had ears like a Hawk. But he’d practically invented the art of sneaking out - having run away from two orphanages that tried to keep him. Creeping around several sleeping bodies, he was sure he hadn’t disturbed anyone when he’d stepped out into the Pridelands night.
Sam had never gone exploring at that hour, so he felt a little antsy to see what night life was like. “I mean, as long as I’m back before the rest wake up, what’s the worst that can happen?” He thought out loud as he shouldered his bag. “Now where to…?”
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2022 20:51:09 GMT
SARABI It was second nature to the old lioness to perk up when the gentle, stealthy sounds of someone sneaking off at night. It was one thing to slink off with silent courtesy, but it was another to deliberately, and painstakingly, move out from the sleeping pride. The first one rarely roused her, but the second? Well... she had a few names to blame for that.
She crouched and glided across the rocky floor, peeking at the one responsible. The human cub was gathering his bag, talking to himself as he had a habit of doing, and was distracted by his thoughts. She'd straighten herself up, assured they were far enough from the Pride to disturb anyone and spoke.
"And if someone was already awake?" She'd laugh at his surprise, if he had any, and playfully bump into him. "Sneaking out at night? I never saw it coming." Her flat tone showed it was a lighthearted joke.
|
|
|
Post by Samuel Irons on Nov 8, 2022 1:11:32 GMT
Sam nearly jumped out of his skin.
Damn, how did she know he was sneaking out? Then again, they were cats, he guessed and probably had way better heating than humans. Chuckling a little but trying to play it cool, Sam gave a sheepish, probably too casual shrug.
“You guys hear everything don’t you?” He asked with a raised eyebrow. Though he did add. “Don’t worry, I’m not making a run for it. I was planning to come back!”
After all, he was sure there was wonder if he was a flight risk the more he talked about his past. Most knew this was the longest Sam had ever stayed in one place, but at this point he had no intentions of leaving anyway. “Shouldn’t you be asleep anyway?”
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2022 19:10:34 GMT
SARABI He jolted like a startled springbok. "I did raise Simba." Not for long... but she preferred to keep it on a better note. His clarifying surprised her at first, but she understood it in her own way. "If you weren't trusted, the King wouldn't have accepted you. You're free to come and go as you'd like but it's better to have a guide, since some may not recognize you as part of our pride." Whether by disapproval or simply not knowing.
The boy was right, however; she should be asleep. These were the dark hours, cool and quiet... which was also partly the problem. "I wasn't able to sleep. The cold has its way of making me feel stiff and uncomfortable." She'd stretch a little bit, helping loosen her joints. "What about you? I thought you hated getting up before dawn." Although this was more of a case of not going to bed at all... "Although I suppose you'd be curious about the Prideland's nightlife, too."
|
|
|
Post by Samuel Irons on Nov 9, 2022 5:36:17 GMT
Sam guessed that both were good points.
It wasn’t like he’d be able to go to any of the humans if he wanted to either. They’d not seen a single sign of them since that day with Kovu, and Sam wasn’t even sure if they were alive. “Didn’t think about that… Everyone’s still used to me being here at all,” he admitted. “Plus it’s not like I’m going anywhere bad, probably. I’m still learning where I’m supposed to be avoiding.”
He’d heard a lot about avoiding an elephant graveyard. But that kind of sucked since he thought it sounded cool.
Oh, trouble sleeping. That did explain a few things he guessed. Sam could imagine that an aging lion was like an aging human and unfortunately probably more susceptible to it. “That’s fair, really fair actually. David didn’t like the cold either,” Implying David was an older gentleman himself. “Oh! I don’t get up before dawn. But I’m a night owl sometimes - where I come from I usually slept with one eye open anyway.”
Not that he did much of that these days… “I mean that’s not a problem now, obviously. Sleeping with a bunch of lions. But I still sometimes have a hard time,” he admitted with a shrug. “Plus you’re right, I wanted to do some exploring. You’re more than welcome to join.”
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2022 1:43:34 GMT
SARABI Probably. He was definitely an honest type... and naive to many of the dangerous in their lands. Sarabi had to ponder a moment; if in the case they weren't back by sun-up, it would give the others a scare. On the other paw, adventuring alone brought the other issue forward, and it was important for the others to get their rest so waking anyone up wasn't something she wanted to do.
...And it had been a while since she did anything daring. Something about talking to a youth really made her put that in perspective.
"I'll take that offer, then. If you don't mind having a grandmother coming along." She added, amused. Most wouldn't want that, but she had a feeling he'd appreciate the wisdom.
The lioness moved to walk beside him in the moonlit savannah. "Not all of the animals are out during the day. It's just as alive during the night where the air is cool and creatures are less likely to be seen. Only a keen eye will see some."
|
|
|
Post by Samuel Irons on Nov 10, 2022 4:43:11 GMT
Having a grandmother come along. Honestly Sam had to give a giggle at that.
God he had giggled more here than in years, starting to show his age more now without work to worry about. Or survival. And it was obvious. “I mean it’s not like it’s something I find embarassing. Not with who I am,” he admitted. “You’re the one who’s royalty and going around with the kid who tow years ago was eating trash.”
Man if his past self could see him now, huh?
Huh that was good to know, and probably more obvious than he’d admit. Tapping his chin he decided it was best she give him an idea where he wouldn’t make himself look dumb or make anyone angry. “Alright, so what’s the best place to start?” He asked rubbing his hands together. “I’m assuming anywhere that’s not going to get me killed.” He joked.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2022 1:10:02 GMT
SARABI "For tonight, think of me as a friend." Easy-going, her temperament masked her kindness with grace. Whoever he had been, however he had lived, she would treat him for who he is inside and nothing else. ...And the King had eaten bugs growing up, but she'd save that juicy detail for another time.
"To start with, I'd recommend the nearest watering hole. Oh, I know that sounds boring at first." Her muzzle pointed in its direction. "The best way to appreciate the night is to see somewhere you're familiar with, and how unfamiliar it feels. The water reflects the sky clearly at this time. It's beautiful." Looking back to him, she continued speaking. "What do you think?"
|
|
|
Post by Samuel Irons on Nov 11, 2022 5:14:39 GMT
A friend? He guessed that was cool.
Though he considered her suggestion carefully. Honestly it didn’t sound as risky and daring as he’d pictured on one hand. But on the other; maybe Sarabi was right that he needed to take baby steps as a new member of the Pride until everyone knew of him. “Ok the watering hole it is!” He said with some enthusiasm as he started the often-traveled route to the usual gathering place. “I bet it’s really pretty at night actually.”
While he had Sarabi, he did have something else to discuss too.
“You know, you got me thinking ever since we talked the other day,” he told her. “Do you think… I’d ever be able to see the Tree of Life? I mean, I totally get if it’s not possible - it’s been guarded all these years after all. But it would just be so cool to see. And I’d totally respect what I had to.”
He then added. “Plus it’d be cool to leave something of David’s there, he always said seeing it was his dream.” Unlike most talks about David he didn’t sound sad. More excited at the prospect of fulfilling that dream in a way,
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2022 20:34:19 GMT
SARABI Grass sprouts parted under her paws as they traveled the worn path. Dirt had been packed down by many years of paws and hooves and nature still tried to reclaim it, dotting the crackled surface with life.
"It's been on my mind as well," she admitted. "Now that we have a connection to the Night Pride and Kion has made the journey several times, we know the way. And I know who to speak to for an escort. The matter comes down to the danger present in the lands between, as you would face predators without Simba's protection." She mused a moment. "I want to see the Tree too. My grandson has grown into a fine lion, and I know his stay there had everything to do with it. His stories are hard to believe, but undoubtedly true." She'd think some more on this as they walked.
"Is leaving something of his a human tradition?" In the distance, the scent of water carried over on the breeze.
|
|
|
Post by Samuel Irons on Nov 12, 2022 5:46:52 GMT
Sam listened to her closely.
That journey did sound dangerous. But it wasn’t like Sam was any stranger to danger, at this point he laughed in the face of it and it wasn’t even a metaphor. Taking a deep breath, he nodded his head. “It would be nice to meet his majesty’s other son too,” he explained honestly. “Since I’ve practically met the whole family by now. But I’m not afraid of danger, honestly. Most of the time I love facing it… Its an adrenaline rush.”
Well, maybe that was an exaggeration but still.
When she asked about human customs, Sam nodded his head. At least, it was one as far as he knew though not everyone practiced it. “Lots of people do it,” he explained honestly. “So that in some way, the person made it wherever you were too. It’s more symbolic than anything.”
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2022 22:46:08 GMT
SARABI He really sounded his age, saying something so bold. It made her laugh a little. "As long as you don't go looking for it."
So the person made it to the destination too... The lioness could see how that was different from their usual customs, but also how it held reason. "I see... I like it. When we pass, we give back everything to nature, so there's nothing to take. We don't have many trinkets like you." Though there were some. And taking bones or such would feel incredibly disrespectful. Perhaps some had done so, unwilling to let go, but it would speak against the Circle of Life.
As they neared the chorus of frogs and insects droned louder. The water's edge was teeming with life; fireflies danced across the water's surface and a toad bellowed their call. A rustle of grass had it scatter off, wary of snakes. Her smile warmed at the sight of it all. "Beautiful." She'd sit, taking it all in.
|
|
|
Post by Samuel Irons on Nov 13, 2022 4:24:50 GMT
Don't go looking for it? Where was the fun in that?
Ah, that was a good point, he guessed. He wasn't sure what they could do to mirror that when he thought about it, honestly. Though he did have a few ideas floating around in his head about what he could do for them. Even if they didn't yet. "That's fair, I don't think you guys could easily leave anything," He explained with all honesty. "Kind of depressing in a way."
As they managed to make it to the water's edge, he definitely couldn't agree more. It looked way nicer than he was expecting, at least. Looking around, he wasn't quite in awe yet, but definitely interested especially by the frogs... "Huh, I didn't know you guys had frogs," He managed. "I think that's the first animal I've seen that I could find back home." He joked.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2022 2:44:24 GMT
SARABI Depressing? She had to cast him a glance at that. It didn't feel that way to her, though she did miss her mate dearly. Perhaps... no, she knew she'd never given herself proper time to grieve. The moment Scar took the throne, her days were a blur of hunting for survival among hyenas and protecting the cubs of the pride from snapping teeth.
She laughed at his wonderment of the frogs. "Do they? You should tell me about some animals from there that aren't here sometime." With the hummingbirds at rest and the herds bedding down for the night there wouldn't be many larger animals here. A few fish tapped at the water's surface, plucking drowned bugs as if they were really trying to steal the stars. She leaned forward, peering into the water.
|
|
|
Post by Samuel Irons on Nov 15, 2022 6:04:12 GMT
Sam was thoughtful about her comment.
What did they have that the savannah didn't? Well, a lot of boring animals sometimes, that was for sure. Though they did have some interesting ones and fun ones like domestic dogs and cats. But if he told them about that, it might just be a little too much information at one time. Not to mention explaining how they domesticated cats. "We have a lot of them, honestly, but they're not nearly as exciting," He admitted to the older lion. "Honestly, a lot of our world is a lot more boring if you want me to be honest."
He stiffened up jokingly with a march as she sat down - looking straight ahead and acting like a soldier. "Everything's so uniform and dull. You either conform, or find yourself in trouble," He admitted. "Plus the animals don't even talk! Which I didn't even realize was a problem until I got here." He joked.
|
|