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Abeni means "We asked for her and, Behold! We got her!" in Yoruba.
Abeni has been best friends with Boipelo since birth, considering her mother and the former Queen had been best friends. She and sisters Aberash and Lesedi got along beautifully with the twin Princes. Abeni had always had a huge crush on the elder of the twins, Boipelo, and was thrilled when she found out he felt the same. The day he asked her to be his Queen was the best day of her life; until the day their sweet Abena was born. As a mother, no day could be more precious than the day her first child entered the world. Abena is Abeni's whole world, and she will fight until her death to protect her Princess.
The Cape Fox Cub you see with Abeni was found one day while she was out hunting. The poor thing was cold, alone, and hungry. Taking pity on the young cub, Abeni adopted it. The two are now inseperable. The six-month old cub she has with her is a little orphan, whom Boipelo rescued in the dry season.
11/25/14
Abeni is getting older now, having just turned fourteen. She has her two five-month old cubs, Abeni II and Finale, who have just become independent from her milk. It brings her great sadness that she may not survive to see them through to adulthood. But whatever happens, her sister Lesedi is in the same boat as she, providing comfort and support. Daughter Abena is ever loving, and makes sure her mother is always fed and happy. Boipelo dotes on her more than usual, even though he is only a year younger than she and will undoubtedly retire near the day she dies. Abeni has had a long, good life, and is happy she will soon see her much missed friend, Dayo.
12/14/14
Abeni lays in her den, breathing unevenly, feeling her strength weaken. She has just returned from her last hunt, insisting to continue her Queenly duties until her last day.
Today.
Her daughters gather around her, stricken with sadness. Ife keeps Abeni Jr. and Finale outside; she doesn't want them to remember their mother like this. Only her mate King Boipelo, daughter Princess Abena, and sister Lesedi stay with her, comforting her, until she takes her last breath to join Dayo in the heavens.
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