Cricket

"Well, howdy."
You were absent-mindedly walking forward when your paw landed on something soft and someone spoke to you. Snapping back to reality, you look down, seeing your paw on the fairly large tuft of fur on a large lion's tail. Looking up at him, his head was turned to see you, his expression intimidating. You jump back, embarrassed, and start quickly apologizing, but he laughed and waved one of his paws. "No, no! It's alright, it didn't hurt. Just.. surprised me. Like it surprised you." he explained, getting up. You back up, his large body towering over you, as he turned to face you, then lowered himself back to the ground. He seemed... nice... but he still intimidated you. "What's your name, stranger?" he asks and you respond with your name in a squeaky, nervous voice. He laughs at you. "Don't be scared, I'm Cricket. I'm scheduled to be the next in line for the king." he explained. "Luka would have been, but he's getting too old." "I heard that, youngster!" a familiar, calm voice shouted and Cricket snickered. "Yeah, Luka would have been a great king... especially since his dad was king and all. But, y'know how it is." he explained again. He sure could ramble on. You nodded, feeling more at ease near him, realizing he'd be a great, strong, and kind king. He kept talking, and glanced back at you, to realize he was rambling on again. "Oh, I'm so sorry! Please, hit me if I do that again." he apologized. You went to tell him that it was okay, but the same calm voice called out, "If you don't want to, I will!" You and Cricket chuckled at his response, knowing he couldn't hurt a fly if he wanted to, when a sharp roar caught your attention. "Oh, there's the king. It was nice meeting you... eh... what's your name again?" You, more confidently, tell him your name this time, and he nods. "Right, right. Won't forget it again. Thanks for listening to me talk!" he called out as you walk away from the large heir and his quick mouth.