Niani

Niani is a kind and caring soul. She hates to see cubs suffer and if she had her way the pride would take in hundreds of cubs. Because Queen Tamani, the only other lioness, is pregnant- Niani is the soul hunter. This means she cannot breed despite being in heat. Niani is disappointed about it, since she is older than Tamani and feels like she should have breeding priority. Still, she doesn't want to fight with her fellow lioness and let her take the crown.

One day Niani was out hunting. She had been feeling so lonely as she watched Mahiri and Tamani gush over Tamani's pregnancy. So when she found a young male cub, she immediately brought him home. She named him Lucaro on the way over. When Mahiri saw the cub he was outraged.
"What were you thinking Niani?" He roared. "Bringing a cub here? We don't have space for him. I'd understand a female, she'd be of use to the pride when she's older. But him? He's just an unnecessary threat to MY cubs, MY son."
"Lucaro can be of use!" Niani argued. "He can patrol the lands when he's older, he could even be a stud if you want! I don't care! What matters is I get to keep him, I get to have cubs! If I take him in as my son our pride grows in numbers and strength without me being out of commission- unable to hunt while pregnant."
The two argued for what seemed like ages before Mahiri caved. He doesn't like Niani's adoptive son but he has taken him to training every so often.

Niani spoils her son with love and gifts to make up for Mahiri disliking him. This has lead to Lucaro being arrogant and snarky, but Niani only sees the best in him.