Dakar'ai's Den

Pride updates. Read from bottom to top.

11/14/24 - Three moons after the birth of Saffron’s second litter, Queen Aurea was expecting her own second litter. Aurea felt bitter about Dakarai’s preference for Saffron. The queen was second in everything, even having his cubs. She felt disrespected and ashamed now that little Aadan could become heir, as she’d had no males yet.


11/10/24 - Saffron gave birth to three cubs - two females and a male. She named them Jynx, Marigold, and Aadan. All three were beautiful. Dakarai seemed to take special note of Aadan, who, as his first and only son, perhaps stood to inherit the pride.
With the pride expanding rapidly in recent moons with no sign of stopping, hunting patrols were sent out often. Atsu began to advise that Dakarai expand the territory lest they overhunt the prey.


10/31/24 - Saffron has become pregnant with her second litter. She and Dakarai are incredibly excited, and their love, usually hidden, has been obvious to everyone for the past few weeks. Queen Aurea has been short tempered. Her daughter Dahlia and Saffron’s daughter Anise are old enough to understand their parents’ tension now, but the two half sisters remain close. Anise is very happy for her mother.


10/30/24 - Tyria has lost her litter, a great sadness to both her and Dakarai. Tyria felt that this had finally been the one big fortune in her life, and it was taken from her. The king has recently taken pity on a couple abandoned cubs, named Margay and Kahina, and welcomed them to the pride’s nursery.


9/24/24 - Imani has given birth to one male cub, light cream furred like a her. She was both joyful and sad at the birth, for she knew her only son would have to leave the pride once he reached adolescence. She named him Tobi.


8/31/24 - Tyria has become pregnant. Her joy was so intense that it was obvious Dakarai, who she’d been obsessed with ever since adolescence, was the father. It was well established now that Dakarai would breed with any of his young lionesses - fatherhood was a great joy to him, and he loved all his cubs equally.

The more surprising pregnancy of recent moons was that of Imani, full sister of Dakarai and Atsu. The former princess was aging and wished to have cubs before she was too old. This was slightly questionable, as Imani and her littermate Jojo were of royal blood, but Imani assured her younger brother she would never seek royal status or treatment for her cubs.


8/30/24 - Today a young lioness, barely an adolescent, appeared at Dakarai’s border with Cyrill. Her name was Jewel. She had run from Cyrill’s pride. Upon further questioning, Dakarai was shocked to learn the neighboring male had died - killed, no less, by his own daughter and her conspirators, who included Queen Amethyst. The new Queen Seraphine was welcomed by the majority of the pride, who suffered under Cyrill’s murderous rule. Dakarai questioned Jewel’s motivation for leaving. With some hesitation, she revealed that she was Cyrill’s daughter, which was no crime on its own - but her mother, a wild lioness that Cyrill kept around, was a supporter of the overthrown king. She was not welcome, and neither was Jewel by association. Queen Seraphine conducted a clearing out of Cyrill’s wild lionesses, and Jewel, one of the youngest, was not ready to turn to an unfamiliar life as a loner.
Dakarai, and Aurea especially, took pity on the cub, and allowed her to stay.


8/12/24 - Atsu returned with interesting news after a border patrol today. White Flame, a senior lioness in Cyrill’s pride, reported that there was unrest between Cyrill and a few of the younger lions and a queen. It seemed not everyone in that pride could tolerate the cruel way he ruled. Cyrill’s position was weakened, and he seemed to leave the dens much less often. Dakarai considered lifting the mandate that lionesses always leave the dens in groups of two or more, but ultimately decided against it, for now might be Cyrill’s most volatile times.


7/26/24 - Life would move on after weeks of grieving. Aurea returned to her duties and Dalia stuck closer to Anise than ever. Timone, Ayana’s son, was to leave the pride since he’d turned one year of age. Ayana and his sister Helena sadly bade him goodbye. Ayana took it hard - the broodmother loved cubs and was left with only one of her own now.


7/25/24 - Only a moon after the birth of her granddaughter, Mal passed away at a very old age. As one of the founding members of the pride, nobody remembered a time when she wasn’t here, and her wisdom and barbed tongue would be sorely missed.

More bad luck for the pride arrived - the princess Zina, just in her fifth moon, was now sickly and confined to the royal den. When she wasn’t sleeping, she coughed and asked for her mother. Dalia was not old enough to understand entirely what was happening to her sister, but she was scared by Aurea’s frantic worry. Dakarai spent a lot of time with the royal family during these days. A healer monkey was brought in, but his remedies didn’t seem to help. In the end, little Zina succumbed to her sickness. Aurea’s terrible grief was shared by the pride for their beloved queen. Dakarai, heartbroken as well, tried to console her as best he could, but there wasn’t much anyone could do for her. Once again Dakarai turned to Saffron for his own consolation. The days where they spent time in each other’s company with mischief and playful banter, though only moons ago, seemed long past, tinged by the weight of responsibility and the sorrows of parenthood.


7/24/24 - Astraea gave birth to one cub today - Dakarai’s fourth daughter, named Mala after her grandmother. It was decided ahead of time that only cubs of Queen Aurea would have the title of prince or princess. Regardless, Dakarai was a very happy father, and Astraea was full of joy to have a cub of his at last. Astraea’s sister Nia and their mother Mal were very happy to meet their new relative.

The princesses Dalia and Zina were now a few moons old and were starting to explore. Their older half sister Anise confidently showed them around the pride watering hole. Dalia was energetic and kept up easily, but Zina followed on unsteady legs. She was very small for her age and tired much more easily than her littermate. Aurea worried a great deal for her. Dakarai played with his three daughters just the same, and brought them toys - rat skulls, parrot feathers - from his travels that he used to make up games with them.


9/30/23 - Commander passed away today. He’d never quite recovered from Sunstreak’s death, and had lived to an incredibly old age. The pride mournfully said goodbye to their first and former king. He’d built the pride from nothing, and would be dearly missed. Dakarai and Atsu carried him away to be buried next to Sunstreak, and afterwards Dakarai found comfort in Saffron’s company.


8/31/23 - Soon after, Astraea become pregnant with Dakarai’s cubs. This answered the question of whether he’d breed with a regular lioness who was not his queen or mate. Astraea, despite being older than Dakarai by a couple years, has had a secret cub-like crush on him for years. Though she was never in the running for queen, her sister Nia had always suspected she’d kept that fantasy alive before Aurea was chosen. Dakarai had simple reasoning for choosing Astraea to have his third litter - Astraea behaved maturely, was humble, and would be a good mother, plus she was undeniably pretty.


8/22/23 - Queen Aurea had two daughters, whom she named Dalia and Zina. Zina was much smaller than most newborn cubs, and Aurea hoped she would catch up to her sister quickly. Ayana’s cubs were now grown and she could help raise the two cubs. The birth of the princesses brought the whole pride some joy after the death of Sunstreak.


8/21/23 - Today the former queen Sunstreak passed away. She was old, but it came unexpectedly, as she was in relatively good health. The pride was in deep mourning for their beloved queen. Her grandcubs from Aurea were only a moons away from being born. Commander, now very old and frail, brokenheartedly helped bury his mate.


5/7/23 - Two moons after Anise was born, Queen Aurea became pregnant. The former queen, Sunstreak, had chided her son about how he treated his queen, so it appeared Dakarai attempted to remediate this as soon as opportunity allowed. The pride was this time openly excited for the coming litter.


3/11/23 - Saffron had one female cub today. She and Dakarai named their daughter Anise. Dakarai and Saffron couldn’t take their eyes off her. The pride was joyful for their king’s first cub. Queen Aurea politely congratulated Saffron.


11/23/22 - A lioness can scarce hide a pregnancy for long, and soon the pride began to whisper about Saffron. They could be an outsider’s cubs, but nobody yet knew if the young king found that acceptable, and it would be a daring move to test his tolerance so early in his reign. Otherwise, they were his first cubs, and that would be a humiliation for his queen, Aurea.
Not being able to stand more rumors targeted at his beloved Saffron, Dakarai began showing small hints of affection towards her in front of the pride, which all but answered the hovering question. Scandal indeed.
Aurea was hurt, embarrassed, and angry. She’d thought that Dakarai chose her for queen out of genuine feelings for her, but he would not have done this if he loved her. The honor and excitement of having his first cubs would go to another lioness. If a male was born, that would complicate his succession. It was a mess and a betrayal.
Dakarai seemed to understand the trouble he had caused, and did his best to balance his time and affections between Aurea and Saffron.


7/31/22 - Dakarai had less time now to spend with Saffron, but he also confided in her things he could tell no one else, not even Aurea or Atsu. Their connection deepened, and the secret of their bond grew even more precious. Saffron grew to accept that publicly he would not pay her more attention than anyone else, though it pained her greatly.
When Saffron came into heat just under a moon into Dakarai’s kinghood, the young lions thought only of their love for one another, and Saffron soon became pregnant with Dakarai’s first cubs.


7/17/22 - Aurea settled into duties as queen perfectly. The pride intuitively followed her lead, as they knew her trustworthiness and reliability from hunting with her. Aurea often made rounds to speak with pride members. When Ayana became pregnant with an outside male’s cubs, conceived just before Commander stepped down, she confided in Aurea first, and Aurea was thrilled for the broodmother, who had for so long wanted her own cubs, and suffered the loss of her first litter.
Dakarai was pleased that his queen was holding up on her end so well, but thought he ought to get to know his new queen on a deeper level.
He began to spend more time with her, and found her much more willing to open up than before, perhaps because now she felt secure in her position. Dakarai realized that he had grown to like her, and they formed an easy partnership.
Saffron, more time on her paws now that Dakarai was not with her so often, went to Ayana to help the broodmother prepare for her litter. She tried not to feel neglected by Dakarai.


7/16/22 - Today Commander stepped down as king. He felt too old to be able to sufficiently carry out his duties as leader and protector, and wanted to spend his last moons peacefully.
Dakarai was crowned king in a in a gathering of the whole pride. After Commander named him king, Sunstreak named Aurea queen, and Aurea took her place beside Dakarai, her face glowing with happiness. The whole pride was thrilled for the young couple.
Dakarai’s littermate Atsu, and their older sisters Jojo and Imani, were no longer offspring of the current king and queen, and therefore their titles were removed, and they moved from the King’s den to the Pride den. Sunstreak and Commander would remain in the king’s den.


7/8/22 - Soon after, Dakarai announced his intentions for Aurea to become his queen. The pride was supportive, and Aurea was ecstatic. Saffron pretended to be perfectly happy. She was glad that her friend would get the well-deserved role she’d always wanted, but Saffron wished she could be with Dakarai without an air of secrecy.


7/7/22 - Though Saffron and Dakarai no longer hunted together, they still enjoyed spending time together. Today, in a clearing in the jungle, they lay next to each other comfortably, talking about their futures.
“I would like to get even better at hunting,” said Saffron. “And go beyond our territory, as I’ve never been anywhere but here and my father’s territory. Maybe become a mother,” she added shyly.
“When I’m king, I’ll take you exploring. There are many places to meet new lions and see new things.”
“I would like that.”
Dakarai turned to her. “I would also like to be a father. The more the merrier.”
Saffron gazed back at him happily.
“I must tell you something,” said Dakarai. “It pains me, but I must. I asked Commander and Sunstreak for their blessings for you to be queen.”
“Really? Me?”
Dakarai’s heart thudded painfully as he saw the hope in her eyes. “But… they did not agree. I wouldn’t want anyone but you to be my mate, Saffron, truly, but for queen…”
“I am not suitable,” said Saffron softly.
Dakarai hung his head. “I wish it were different.”
“Me too.”
“I can’t bear it! I’ll have to lead a life of pretend.”
“I will be there for you,” said Saffron.


7/6/22 - Dakarai found Commander and Sunstreak alone in the royal den the next day. He announced his purpose for coming, and they awaited his decision.
“I wish for Saffron to be my queen.”
The king and queen did not speak for a moment, then Sunstreak managed, “Are you sure, dear?”
“Yes. She is the lion I most wish to be my mate.”
“But she is not fit to be queen,” said Commander. “She cannot lead hunts, nor command the respect of the pride, perhaps due to her murky heritage.”
“I do not care. We have the role of lead huntress for a reason.”
“You do not care, but the rest of the pride will. The queen must have a proper image and a commanding presence.”
Sunstreak cut in. “How about Aurea? She is the best hunter I have ever seen, and the rest of the pride love her.”
“I do not feel anything for her! She is a fine lioness, but I don’t wish for her to be my mate. She can be lead huntress.”
“A king makes sacrifices for his pride,” said Commander. “There must be someone else - Nalina is also a good choice. Echo, even, now that she is of age.”
“I feel nothing for them,” said Dakarai.
“It is, unfortunately, not solely about your own feelings,” said Commander.
“I will not have anyone but Saffron,” said Dakarai, turning to leave.


7/2/22 - Dakarai couldn’t stop thinking about what Saffron had said. Gossip in the pride, about her wanting to be queen! As if she were scheming to try and sink her claws into him. The thought annoyed him. As if he’d be so empty headed to just go after the first lioness who spent time with him. But then… was it not true? He’d come to realize that, not only was he attracted to her good looks, but he genuinely did enjoy her company… a lot… and perhaps even had feelings for her. Lots of feelings. She was humble, perceptive, a fast learner, smart.
He went to his brother for advice. He told Atsu things that he couldn’t tell anyone else. Atsu was always ready to listen. Today, they took a walk into the shade of the jungle.
“I did as you said,” said Dakarai. “I evaluated each of the eligible young lionesses.”
“And? Your conclusion?”
“Well, I like Saffron. She’s… it’s hard to explain. I feel happy around her.”
“Is she your final choice then?”
“Yes. I want her for my mate.”
Atsu considered his words. “I’m glad you’ve found someone you can love, brother, truly. I wonder… if mother and father will think the same. A lioness who makes a good mate may not necessarily make a good queen. By the look on your face, I think you already know this.”
“I know. But a queen’s duties can be easily learned, just as I have been trained to become king. You can’t say the same for love.”
“True. When will you ask for their approval?”
“Tomorrow, I think.”


7/1/22 - Commander was only a few moons from turning fifteen, the age at which he planned to step down. It had been nearly a year since Mouse’s murder. Lionesses still went out in at least pairs, but the pride had settled into a quiet, uneasy peace with the threat to the east. Commander was too old to do anything about Cyrill, a truth that he faced with some pain, but he channeled much of his energy into preparing Dakarai and Atsu for potential conflict.
The pride received gossip too about Cyrill’s pride, mostly from passing wild lionesses or neighbors at the trading place. They painted a picture of a ruthless, unempathetic leader obsessed with his lineage, perverted and cruel, and a danger to all. Commander wondered if his pride would one day deal with more runaways from Cyrill, like his predecessor Tyrannius’s daughters Tyria and Saffron.


6/30/22 - The following day, Saffron and Dakarai went out for a hunt. Saffron brought down a young zebra with Dakarai’s help, a prey she would not be able to hunt on her own.
Afterwards, she turned to Dakarai. “It might be time for me to start hunting with the lionesses. Thanks to you, I won’t be ashamed to hunt with them.”
This caught Dakarai off-guard. “Really? It hasn’t even been that long. There are a couple other things I could show you. Maybe you’ll even become as strong as me.”
Saffron ignored the jest. “I appreciate your help, truly. I owe you a lot. But… I’m afraid of our hunts appearing improper.”
“Pfft. A little late for that, isn’t it?” Dakarai said, wiggling his brows mischievously.
“You are ridiculous!”
“So you want to stop hunting with me because of what others may say, not because you no longer want to hunt with me.”
“Ha! You give yourself too much credit.”
“You just said you owe me a lot. I am simply claiming credit.”
“Oh, be serious. You are the crown prince, and a male. No lion will gossip about you, but they will about me. They’ll say I’m taking up too much of your time, trying to get closer to you-”
Saffron hesitated, heat suddenly rushing up her chest. “Trying to get closer to you so that - so that I might be chosen as queen.”
“Would you want to be?” Dakarai asked slowly.
“You know I can’t answer that,” said Saffron. “There’s no point in even thinking about it.”
“If you insist. Hey, how about you carry that zebra today? I’ve carried basically all the prey we’ve ever caught. I deserve a break, no?”
“That’s because you’re stronger,” said Saffron, and, throwing him an evil grin over her shoulder, she bounded away towards home.
Dakarai grasped the zebra’s neck in his jaws and slowly followed. He watched her figure grow smaller, deep in thought.


5/6/22 - One day, during mealtime, the lionesses up for queenship shared a zebra. This was a time for the pride to bond, and was usually when gossip was shared.
“You are the clear choice for queen, Aurea,” sighed Tyria. “You are so lucky.”
“Yes,” said Nalina. “I think Commander would make the same recommendation.”
Aurea looked at her paws shyly. “Truth be told, it’s what I hope for too, but you guys shouldn’t discount yourselves so easily.”
“Why not? It’s clear as day,” said Apricot.
“This is a rare chance for us lionesses to find a true mate,” replied Aurea. “We should all want that kind of love for ourselves.”
“Is that so?” said Tyria. Then she lowered her voice. “Dakarai doesn’t strike me as the type to only be with his queen. If he does it differently than Commander and Sunstreak, then he will be a mate to all of us.”
“But the queen would still be his love,” protested Aurea.
Noxi and Apricot snickered at this. “Someone is head over heels,” said Apricot.
“I think Aurea is right,” said Saffron. “The queen will be his highest priority. And don’t forget, Dakarai’s heir will likely be hers too. That’s another thing that sets her apart.”
“Saffron, he spends an awful lot of time hunting with you,” said Apricot. “Don’t tell me you don’t have feelings for him.”
“I-I do not. We are simply friends.”
“I don’t believe it for one second,” said Apricot. “And if you were offered the position of queen?”
“I couldn’t,” Saffron protested. “I am not worthy.”
This answer seemed to satisfy the others, and they moved on to other topics. Saffron didn’t listen closely. It was true, she and Dakarai had become much more easygoing hunting partners, and she truly considered him a good friend. Could he be something more?


5/4/22 - Over the next few moons, Dakarai had come to know the young lionesses better one-on-one, following Atsu’s advice.
Apricot, daughter of the enchanting Safia, had unfortunately inherited none of her mother’s charm, Dakarai thought. She was nice enough, but there was no spark. And indeed, of all the young lionesses, she seemed the one least interested in him.
Noxi was pretty and quite mischievous, and was great fun to be around. However Dakarai suspected that these qualities weren’t exactly queenly - she’d be young at heart for too long.
Nalina, Halimah’s daughter, looked like a more speckled copy of her beautiful mother. Everyone loved the gentle young lioness, and Dakarai found himself drawn to her sleek, graceful frame. The only thing was, she didn’t have much of a personality, at least around him - she was so reserved and outwardly perfect that he had a hard time understanding her on a deeper level. In theory, though, she’d be a good queen.
Astraea had affections for Dakarai, and was quite bad at hiding it. Dakarai found that she came on a little too strong though, and he didn’t return her feelings at all. She’d come of age when he was just a tiny cub! It was normal for lionesses to be more than a few moons younger than their mates, but the other way around… well, it just wasn’t done. Her sister Nia seemed to understand this and showed no true interest in Dakarai.
Tyria, daughter of Tyrannius and the traitor Tabia, seemed to adore Dakarai. She worked hard to be a perfect pride member to make up for the sins of her parents, and her efforts had paid off, but Dakarai, and Tyria in her heart, knew that she could never be queen.
Saffron, for a similar reason, was not ideal, being the daughter of Tyrannius and a wild lioness. And she was slightly older than him. And she wasn’t very good at hunting. Yet Dakarai enjoyed his time accompanying her hunts, watching her improve, and, well, he had to admit, she was extremely pretty. Perhaps second to only Nalina. Her mismatched eyes were so very captivating. He spent the most time with her out of all the lionesses.
Aurea was the last left, and she was a good choice. Despite being just under three, she was already one of the pride’s top huntresses, and was only improving. Sunstreak appeared ready to name her as the next head huntress. She was also lowborn, but her wild mother had lived within the pride for a period of time, and had been well-liked. Aurea was well-tempered, friendly, and smart. She was not bad looking either. Dakarai had a feeling she would be the most popular choice for queen.


4/2/22 - An adolescent female named Ginger has joined the pride. Commander took pity on the lone young lion while exploring, and it was better for her to join his pride than accidentally wander into Cyrill’s. She quickly became friends with Echo.


3/13/22 - Dakarai, being a young male, also took note of the young lionesses, though he did a good job of hiding it. He told his brother, Prince Atsu, that he wanted to take the time to individually assess each young lioness, and asked his brother’s opinion on them. Atsu carefully replied that he held no opinions, being unable to take a mate, but suggested that, in the next few moons, Dakarai invite each lioness to spend time with him one-on-one, without making it seem like an assessment. Dakarai thought this was very reasonable.
Commander and Sunstreak had not yet given Dakarai their recommendation. You do not even need to choose a queen immediately upon becoming king, they told him. After all, it took Commander a couple years to find Sunstreak.


3/12/22 - It would be perhaps only a year or two before Dakarai ascended to kinghood. Gossip surged about who would be chosen as queen. As a three and a half year old male, handsome and strong - never mind being the crown prince - all of the younger lionesses vied for his attention. Popular opinions were that he would choose Aurea; she was only a year younger than him, and she was the clear forerunner to become next head huntress, already being one of the best hunters the pride had. Or, he would choose Nalina - she’d just come of age and was, in the eyes of many, the most beautiful lioness in the pride, taking after her gorgeous mother Halimah. The gossip was also that Astraea had the biggest crush on the crown prince, but she was too old for him, being five now. And Tyria, though well-liked, was of too poor breeding, being the daughter of a traitor mother and the widely disliked Tyrannius. The other young lionesses - Nia, Astraea’s littermate; Saffron; Apricot; and Noxi, seemed less remarkable and drew less talk.


3/11/22 - While Saffron hunted, Dakarai sat still and scanned the territory. They avoided the eastern border, but he was always on high alert.
Saffron brought down her first adult prey on their second outing - a lame-legged impala.
Dakarai ran over when he saw her latch onto its throat for the kill. “Amazing job!”
Saffron waited until it moved no more, and dropped it. “Thank you,” she said, daring to meet his gaze.
“Just one thing. I would’ve stalked closer by just a couple more tail lengths. At your distance, there was a real risk they’d outrun you.”
“Huh? There was no more cover, closer. Besides, you hardly even hunt!”
“Yes, but I am still good at it. It’s just a suggestion.”
“Thanks, I guess,” said Saffron, her excitedness worn off. “We should head back.” With some effort, she grasped the impala her her jaw and started dragging it home.
Dakarai had the faintest feeling that he’d somehow offended her, though he couldn’t guess why. He caught up and wordlessly took the carcass from her.
“Hey!”
“It’ll be faster if I carry it,” he mumbled around a mouthful of pelt.


3/10/22 - Now that the lionesses had to go out in at least groups of two, Saffron had a hard time practicing her hunting. She’d been slowly but surely getting better, but this seemed like it would bring setbacks. It didn’t help that there weren’t any same-age lionesses as her, and that she didn’t grow up in the pride and become close friends with any of them. Tyria, her half sister by their father Tyrannius, had only been born when Saffron was almost of age, and Tyria seemed desperate to separate herself from her heritage, so she did not associate with Saffron or Ori for that matter.
Saffron had been able to convince Nia to go hunting with her once, and also Apricot once, but she always felt like she was being a bother. None of the other younger lionesses seemed to prefer her company over their close friends.
It took a lot for her to swallow the little pride she had left and go talk to Sunstreak about this. The queen was sympathetic, and said she would try to find an older lioness to volunteer to go with her, on top of giving Saffron less involved roles in a hunting party. Saffron was appreciative but felt like the most useless lioness that ever lived.
Dakarai overheard this conversation, and trotted over to the two.
“I can accompany you when I am done with my duties,” he offered.
“I am not worth the effort,” Saffron murmured.
“Nonsense. I need to be out there patrolling anyways, so this is catching two birds with one leap.”


3/5/22 - The pride was shocked and shaken by Mouse’s murder. Most of the lionesses were terrified. They buried Mouse and returned to Commander for guidance. He instructed everyone to stay far away from the eastern border, and for all lions to leave the den in at least pairs. No one could go out alone.

Aurea soon turned two, and Echo almost one, ready to start her training. Commander entered his thirteenth year.


3/4/22 - Commander took Dakarai on a patrol for training. He wanted to check the eastern border with Cyrill, still disturbed by the hyena they found moons ago. Nothing prepared them for the sight they saw, though.
“Is that him?” Dakarai exclaimed.
Commander looked to the distance, and indeed, Cyrill was inside their border. “Yes. Quiet, now. He seems to be up to something.”
Father and son slunk closer.
Commander looked again at what Cyrill was standing over, and - no, it couldn’t be, his eyes had to be failing him -
“MOUSE!” Dakarai roared, leaping out of their hidden position, and dashed towards the enemy. “What have you done to her?!”
Commander galloped past his son. “Dakarai, stay back!”
Cyrill was looking a little frenzied, manic perhaps, but he let out a low rumbling growl upon seeing the pair. “Do not come closer,” he hissed.
Commander pushed his son behind him. “Cyrill, explain at once! Why is Mouse dead? Why does she have claw marks on her?”
“I have killed her. Unintentionally, of course.”
“Why?” bellowed Dakarai.
“I am not sure,” said Cyrill. “I was in a state, and she ran out in front of me. It was instinctual.”
“You piece of dung!” Dakarai tensed, ready to pounce.
“Dakarai! Stay back, this is a fight we cannot win,” said Commander.
Cyrill laughed. “Oh, how true, Commander. I beat you after just a moon of being here, back in the day. I am guessing this is your son, and he is probably as poor a fighter as you.”
“Leave,” growled Commander. “Never come back. If I see you, it will be war between our prides.”
“Alright,” said Cyrill. “No one could say that you are a fool. Truly, my condolences - this was an accident.” Cyrill turned and stalked off into his own territory.
“Father! How could you let him go like that?” Dakarai stared at Commander, disbelieving.
“Dakarai, this is an important thing for you to understand. Cyrill is the strongest fighter I have ever met. There is no scenario in which we fight and win. Additionally, he has no sense of morals or honor - he will never fight fair, nor will he show mercy. He is the most dangerous enemy we have ever faced. I did what was necessary to secure the safety of ourselves and our pride.”
Dakarai lowered his head. “Poor Mouse. She didn’t deserve this.”
“No. But we must take her back to our pride and explain what happened. We all face great danger now.”


1/10/22 - Sahara passed away today. She was very old, and had been frail for the past year. Ori is devastated, and Sunstreak is making sure the lionesses give her support, since she has a cub to look after on top of mourning her mother. Neema, Sahara’s other daughter, comforts her half sister.


1/5/22 - Ayana went into labor today, but her one cub was stillborn. Ayana was completely heartbroken - she had so wanted cubs of her own.

Aurea, being over a year old now, had started her hunting training, going out with the lionesses and Apricot. Apricot was happy to have her good friend training alongside her. Immediately it was apparent to Sunstreak that Aurea excelled physically and had strong instincts for hunting. She learned fast, and used her innate strength and stamina to the hunting party’s advantage, assisting with the kill. Aurea was the easiest cub she’d ever trained, Sunstreak told Commander after a couple weeks. A complete natural.


1/4/22 - Ori gave birth to one little cub. Sunstreak tended to her, while Sahara on unsteady paws soothed her daughter. When the cub came out, Ori started cleaning it, then paused. Sahara and Sunstreak looked closer. The cub was piebald! They’d seen other piebald lions on rare trips outside of the territory, but never had a piebald lion entered the pride before.
“Remarkable,” said Sahara about her granddaughter.


1/3/22 - Dakarai and Atsu turned two this moon. Commander beckoned them to the King’s den one morning for a serious talk.
“You two are adults now, and it is time for you to join the pride as subordinate males. There are important rules you must follow, as Dejen does. First, all adult lions of the pride answer to me as king. But as males, you must respect my authority even more than the females. You are, after all, a bigger threat to me than they are. Second, as subordinate males, you will take no mates and father no cubs. To break these rules is punishable by exile or even death. Your statuses as princes do not exclude you from these rules. Do you understand?”
The princes nodded seriously.
“I will allow one exception to you, Dakarai, as crown prince. You may begin to consider your options for a queen. There are many capable young lionesses, and you must take the time to assess them all and choose wisely. I will also make my own recommendation when the time is right. However,” Commander paused, “you will still not be allowed to take her as a mate. You will only keep her in your mind.”


1/2/22 - Today Prince Bomani left the pride. Every lioness gathered to watch the oldest prince leave. He reassured them that he would do well and become a leader as good as his father. Dakarai and Atsu in turn promised they’d look after their parents and lionesses well.

Aurea, the wild lioness Tawny’s cub, turned one this moon. Tawny decided to leave the pride, as most passing wild lionesses did - they usually did not fit in, and Commander rarely extended invitations to join the pride to them. Tawny left Aurea behind, and the adolescent lioness was sad to see her mother go. She’d become good friends with the other cubs her age - Safia’s daughter Apricot, Halimah’s daughter Nalina, and the stray adopted cub, Noxi - and they comforted her.


1/1/22 - Sahara is nearly sixteen years old and has been growing weaker over the past few moons. Commander was now often melancholy in between his moments of joy spent with his sons, for she was his oldest friend.

Ori, Sahara’s elder daughter, today announced that she was expecting cubs. Commander did not breed with his lionesses other than Sunstreak, so the father was unknown to all besides Ori herself. Sahara was very happy for her daughter, and so were the rest of the pride. Soon after, Ayana, head broodmother, also announced that she was expecting cubs too. Finally she will have her own cubs to look after.


12/30/21 - Today the pride found a mangled hyena near the border with Tyrannius’s successor Cyrill. It was not uncommon to find dead hyenas, but this one was in such a shape that it terribly upsetted the lionesses who found it, and young Apricot out training with them was in tears. Commander and Dejen were called out to investigate. The body smelled of Cyrill beneath the rot.
“What do you make of it, Commander?” asked Dejen.
“It certainly is abnormal,” said Commander. “It appears to have been more than just a simple territorial fight.”
“Yes. It looks tortured, almost.”
“I would not be surprised. Listen, Dejen - I have not shared this with anyone, but now I will. When I trained Cyrill and his queen, I saw some disturbing things from him, though he tried to hide it. I chalked it up to an adolescent male being an adolescent, but I was wrong, it seems. He is dangerous.”
“We must warn the pride,” said Dejen somberly. “It would be best if the lionesses avoided hunting near this border.”


12/27/21 - Only a couple moons from turning two, the three princes awaited their father’s announcement on inheritance. Commander had come to a decision at last, and he waited inside the King’s den with Sunstreak for their sons. They filed in, serious and nervous.
“Sunstreak and I couldn’t be more happy with of all three of you,” Commander began. “I am proud every day to be your father. This decision hasn’t come lightly at all. We’ve weighed many factors - strength and skill, yes, but also the opinions the lionesses have of you. They will be the king’s support, allies, and family.
“With this said, hear me on who will be the next king of our pride: Dakarai. You have proven yourself time and time again in combat, hunting, and social skills. I name you my heir.”
Dakarai sat up straight, eyes shining, heart racing. Atsu and Bomani dipped their heads to their brother, murmuring congratulations.
Sunstreak licked her two other sons. “There is more,” she said. “For the rest of our time as rulers, we will allow both of you, Bomani and Atsu, to stay, if you so choose. You are our sons, and we wouldn’t force you to leave. You will have love and protection among the pride.”
“Yes,” continued Commander, “Stay if you wish. But, if you wish to lead prides of your own, you may leave and do so as well. It is up to you. Here you will take no mate and father no cubs, and dedicate your life to protection of the pride as long as you live among us, as Dejen does.”
Bomani, sitting proudly, spoke clearly: “Father, I will leave. I want to lead a pride as you do.”
“And I shall stay,” said Atsu. “For as long as the pride will have me, I will contribute to it. This is my home.”
Pleased, Commander nodded at all three sons. “Come then, there are preparations to be made.”


12/26/21 - Saffron awoke early today and headed out into the savannah. It was terribly embarrassing for her to go out hunting with the other lionesses, so she decided that until she could make a kill on her own, she would practice alone. Luckily, since she turned two a couple moons ago, she was allowed to come and go from the pride watering hole as she wished.
She followed a scent trail and tracked down a herd of gazelles towards the north of the territory. A couple of the females had young fawns. She focused on what seemed to be the smallest one, and crept towards it, keeping downwind as Sunstreak had taught her.
Suddenly, one of the adults jerked its head up and looked around. And then all the gazelles were sprinting away, but not away from her - towards her left. She sprung into action, but her surprise had rendered her frozen for just a split second too long, and it was too late to catch up.
Saffron skidded to a stop and swished her tail. She looked towards the right to see what had spooked the herd, and saw Prince Dakarai standing a few feet away.
“What did you do?” She hissed, her usual timidness forgotten.
“It appears that I scared the prey away,” he said, grinning.
“I almost had one! If you hadn’t come along, I would have caught that fawn!”
“No, you wouldn’t have.” Dakarai flicked his ears towards a patch of tall grass just feet away. Saffron stared as a large male leopard slunk away, almost invisible in the grass. “Commander sent me to track down a leopard scent thats been going across our territory for the past few days. I think it was following you.”
“Me? Why would it?”
“I dunno. But with talk of half-lion, half-leopard abominations being born in the lands, maybe you should be more careful.”
“Thank you, but you really shouldn’t bother yourself with watching me,” Saffron murmured.
“A lion’s strength is in its pride! We don’t hunt alone for a reason. Come on, I’ll help you find something, since I scared those gazelles away.”


7/2/21 - Astraea and Nia bent down to drink at the water’s edge, pretending to be completely occupied while they watched Dakarai out of the corners of their eyes. He was warming up for a patrol with Dejen. At almost two years old, his muscles had filled out and they rippled under his golden pelt as he strode along the opposite bank. Nia saw someone else watching, with much less subtlety, and nudged her sister. Astraea let out a quiet mreow of laughter. As Dakarai and Dejen disappeared into the jungle, the sisters slid towards Saffron.
“I know you’re pretty new around here,” said Nia, “but didn’t they teach you not to stare in your old pride?”
“Especially at males like Dakarai,” added Astraea.
The lioness’s mismatched eyes widened. “I-I didn’t mean to stare at the prince. Would he get mad?”
“No, the oaf would become even more confident than he already is. I bet he already knows you like him,” said Nia.
“I don’t like him!”
“Oh, he knows, dearie,” said Astraea. “He can tell from just one look at a lioness. Not all males can do that, you know. For example, stare at Bomani all you want. He’d think it’s because he has something stuck in his mane.”


7/1/21 - Tabia gave birth to one little female cub, who looked a lot like herself. She named the cub Tyria, which was both uncreative and rather infuriating, but Commander held his tongue. He was soft when it came to cubs, and this little one was just as innocent and adorable as any. He allowed her to stay, and Tabia as well, though she was still being carefully watched.


6/30/21 - Tabia is back. The very same lioness who consorted with Tyrannius many moons ago, and was exiled as a result, had come back. Knowing her way around, she’d made it halfway to the watering hole when she’d been stopped by a hunting party, who were not happy to see her. They brought her to Commander and Sunstreak. A crowd gathered to watch.
“Tabia,” Commander said. “You are not welcome here.”
“I understand - but - well, Tyrannius is dead! And his heir, Cyrill, did not want me. I’ve nowhere else to go.”
“And yet, that does not change the fact that you are banished. You should leave our territory.”
Sunstreak stepped in. “Tabia, you carry cubs.” It was not a question.
“Yes, yes! Commander, you cannot leave me to have my cubs alone in the wilderness. You know I’ve always been weak. We would die.”
“You are still shameless as ever,” replied Commander. “Whose are they?”
“Tyrannius. His last.”
“She should stay,” said Sunstreak to her mate. “At least until the cubs are weaned.”
“It seems that we are a safe haven for Tyrannius’s rejects and offspring,” growled Commander.
“Which is not a problem,” said Sunstreak pointedly, considering Ori, who may as well have been Commander’s adopted daughter.
“Yeah, yeah. Tabia, you have a penchant for attracting luck that you do not deserve, but I will allow you to stay. No second chances.”


6/29/21 - It was only a couple of moons since Saffron brought news of Tyrannius’s failing health when Commander’s pride heard that he’d died. Dejen brought the news after an evening border patrol.
“I happened upon Thunderstorm at the border,” Dejen told Commander. “He told me Tyrannius died yesterday morning. Their new leader is the very same Cyrill you trained years ago.
“Ah, yes. I remember him quite well. I hope for better pride relations now that they have a new leader,” Commander replied, though some memories he had of Cyrill as a young lion made him very uneasy.


5/30/21 - Commander and Sunstreak watched their sons practice brawling. At a year old now, the three princes had grown into healthy young lions. The king and queen could not be more proud.
Bomani and Atsu were currently tussling. Bomani, bulkiest of them all, was slower than the slim and agile Atsu. Commander had worried some about Atsu's physicality when he was younger, but Atsu, being the most clever of the three, predicted fighting moves before they ever came at him. Bomani pinned his brother down with a final burst of strength.
"Good job, you two!" Commander called out. "Atsu, those were some great moves, but you need to rely less on dodging. Your opponent may take too long to tire. And Bomani, I can see your last move came out of frustration. Had you not pinned Atsu, you would have wasted a lot of energy-"
Dakarai, who had up until this point been watching from a rock pile, leapt onto Commander from the side. His father staggered from the weight and surprise. Dakarai used the moment to use his hind legs to kick Commander's legs out from underneath him, sending his father crashing to the ground. Dakarai stood atop him, crowing in triumph. "You never saw me coming! I came up with that leg kick move myself. Isn't it great?"
Sunstreak hurried over. "Dakarai! You are getting too big to stand on some lion like that. Get off your father at once."
Dakarai stepped down and sheepishly looked at his father. "Sorry, Commander. But you always tell us surprise can decide the outcome of a fight before it even starts. It worked!"
Bomani whacked at Dakarai, who effortlessly dodged. "He's still our king, beetlebrain!"
"Even a king should always be prepared, though," said Atsu.
"That's enough," Commander said. "I'll admit it was a clever move. But try to do it when I'm not teaching your brothers, eh? Dakarai, go find Dejen and spar with him. Bomani and Atsu, let's try another round."
Sunstreak licked her mate's side, where faint claw marks showed through his fur. She did not miss the look of pride on Commander's face as he watched Dakarai bound away.


5/29/21 - Today a glass-eyed lioness wandered into the territory, carrying a tiny cub. Commander found them on patrol. The lioness appealed for help, telling him her name was Tawny, and her cub was Aurea. Tawny had no way of caring for her cub without a pride, as she was recovering from a paw injury inflicted while running from hyenas. Commander and Sunstreak took them in. Tawny soon recovered and proved herself an extremely skilled hunter, and Ayana was happy to have another cub to look after. Aurea and Apricot soon became good friends under Ayana’s care.


5/28/21 - Saffron slept in the pride den that night. She was awoken in the morning by Sunstreak, who beckoned her with her tail, and led the way outside.
“Commander and I have decided to allow you to join our pride as a member,” she said warmly. “Do you accept?”
“Yes,” breathed Saffron. “Thank you so much.”
“Wonderful. In that case, hunting training starts today.”

The adolescent lioness went out with the hunting patrols over the next weeks, but it was quickly apparent that she was not agile, nor strong, nor even sneaky. In fact, she was rather terrible at hunting, and improved at a snail’s pace. She much preferred spending time with Safia, looking after the older lioness’s little daughter Apricot. Soon it seemed that even the cub would outpace Saffron’s hunting skills!


5/27/21 - Commander and Dejen each returned from a patrol in the late afternoon. Commander had gone into the jungle, while Dejen patrolled the savannah. Commander returned to the pride waterhole first, and bent down to drink. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the russet subordinate male return in the distance. A smaller figure trailed behind him. Commander squinted. It was a creamy yellow young lioness. He got to his feet and trotted out to meet the pair. Approaching, he saw that she had mismatched blue and green eyes.
"What is this, Dejen?" Commander asked sternly. The king was allowed to bring home females from his travels, but sub males were allowed no mates and no cubs, and therefore were not allowed to bring home females either.
"Explain," Dejen grunted at the young lioness.
"I-I'm Saffron," she said. "I'm a year and a half old. My f-father is Tyrannius. I..."
Commander groaned. That explained her eyes. When would he be rid of that despicable beast? "If that is the case, then your pride should have told you how we are on extremely unfriendly terms. And that is putting it mildly."
"Y-yes," stammered Saffron. "But... but he is very old now. His pride is in chaos. He chased away a lot of us cubs... Well, those of us born to low ranking mothers. You probably know about his habits..."
"I've heard some things," growled Commander. "Tell me more about the state of his health and his pride, though."
"I-I-I," the young lion trembled in fear.
Dejen looked at Commander and signaled towards the watering hole.
"Alright, you don't have to tell me right now. Would you like to stay here for a while?"
"Y-yes, thank you. That's why I came," replied Saffron, looking noticeably more relieved.


8/17/16 - Soon, the young princes reached 5 moons old. They were a pawful, but Ayana helped Sahara watch over them while Sunstreak was out. Sahara was 14 years old and had retired from hunting to help care for the royal cubs.
Bomani, as the oldest, was usually the most commanding, though he was was quiet and reserved. Of the three princes, he seemed most aware of his role as potential heir, and took his training very seriously. Dakarai, the middle cub, was a lot more energetic and was outgoing. He seemed to be good at absolutely everything; Commander would send his cubs wrestling, pouncing, chasing, stalking, and climbing, and Dakarai completed each task to perfection without fail. Dakarai’s arrogance and boastfulness was probably a product of his unfailing abilities. Atsu, the youngest, was more timid and less physically able than his brothers, but seemed to have an innate cleverness about him. He preferred chatting with Ayana and the broodmothers to participating in the physical tasks their father set for them. At 5 moons old, he was already questioning Commander about pride workings and conflicts with the outside world.


8/12/16 - Sunstreak gave birth to three healthy male cubs. She, Commander, and the cubs’ older sisters Jojo and Imani were all very excited. One of these cubs was going to be the future king! The eldest cub was named Bomani; the middle cub Dakarai; and the youngest Atsu. There was no decision made on an heir yet. Commander wanted to wait until they were all older to begin their training and assessments. He entrusted Sahara, who had recently retired from hunting, with protecting his sons.


8/7/16 - Sunstreak soon became pregnant again, expecting her and Commander’s second litter of cubs. Commander hoped that what the trader monkey had said would be true, and this litter would bear all male cubs.


8/6/16 - The next day Commander crept into a human farm and killed one of the big red roosters. He then headed out into the desert where the sacred Oasis was located. He finally saw the lush palms and green grass, signaling that his walking was over, for the moment. He was parched when he got there, but he could not disrespect the Dynasty by drinking from the holy waters. He laid out the dead bird next to the banks of the clear pool. He then buried a gold beetle in the sand beside it. “O’ great ancestors, I give you my offering and humbly request that you Change the red rooster so that it may grant me sons,” he murmured. Immediately a wave washed up from the otherwise calm pool and drenched the rooster. Commander looked doubtfully at the soggy creature, then picked it up and headed home, where he told Sunstreak about his day while munching on the nasty chicken.


8/5/16 - Today Commander turned ten years old. With two thirds of his life over, he decided he needed an heir, fast. Sunstreak was in heat as well, so now was the time to prepare. There was one problem, however. What if there were no males born? This might not be their last litter, but if they had to wait for a litter to be born, wean the cubs, and then wait for Sunstreak to come into heat again, the heir might not have enough training time before becoming king. Commander decided to visit the trader monkey to ask for help.
The monkey giggled unpleasantly while Commander told him the situation, and Commander wanted to whack him. He was just as annoying as the questing snake! Finally he grinned, baring his yellow teeth, and said “There is a way for your female to bear a all-male litter. You must steal a red cock from the human farms and take it to the oasis to be Changed. Take an offering with you. Eat it after the Changing, and it will fulfill your desire for sons.” Commander groaned. That would be a long journey. Nevertheless, he was determined to go and paid the monkey a small amount for his advice.


8/3/16 - Mal’s cubs Astraea, Toko, and Nia have reached one and a half years of age. Toko was to be chased today, as he had been trained enough and he was old enough to survive on his own. Mal and his two sisters sadly bade him farewell. He licked each one of them and said, “Don’t worry about me. I’m going to start my own pride soon.” Commander didn’t doubt him at all, as the young male was spirited and a very quick learner.


7/25/16 - Sunstreak approached her king the next day, casting doubtful looks at him. He was crouching on the ground near one of the trees, watching his larvae wriggle in the dirt and munching on herbs. “Commander, I think you’re becoming a little obsessive, dear,” she began cautiously. Commander ignored what she said. “That one’s name is Silver, and that one’s Bull. Oh, and that one right there I named Blood.” Sunstreak glanced hopelessly at him, sighed, and walked away. Commander didn’t realize his mate was gone, and continued, “I think I need to build some sort of home for them. One for the males and one for the females.” He began to pile dirt and leaves into two separate mounds, and placed the larvae inside with a growl of satisfaction.


7/24/16 - Commander heard from some of the other males at the trade gathering place’s waterhole that some lions were starting to take care of beetles for fun. Interested, he heard one male challenge another male with their beetles. The insects battled, and the losing beetle’s owner paid the winner some silver beetles. The next time Commander was out exploring, he took home some of the squishy beetle larvae that he found.


7/21/16 - Despite the grief the pride shared with Safia for her cub, life went on. Commander had hollowed out large spaces under two of the biggest trees with the help of Dejen and a few of the lionesses. The caves were very spacious, with spaces between the roots to let a few rays of light in from the ceiling. The smaller cave was deemed the royal chamber, where Commander, Sunstreak, Imani, and Jojo would sleep. The other, larger one, was called the main den, where the rest of the pride would sleep, with Dejen to protect it.


7/1/16 - The next morning Commander was woken again by cries from one of the lionesses. What now?! With a sense of foreboding, he realized the noises were coming from Safia. Slowly he walked towards her. She was nuzzling her cub frantically, but the tiny creature was limp and didn’t respond. She was dead.


6/30/16 - It had been a day since Safia started labor, and still no cubs. She lay in her nest in a light sleep, her breathing shallow and quick. Commander paced around the watering hole, his mind filled with worry. Finally, after what seemed like eternity, joyful purrs were to be heard from Safia’s direction. He raced over, and Ayana turned. “She’s had one female cub,” she purred. Lowering her voice, she continued, “Mind you, the danger’s not over. She’s completely exhausted, and she’s lost a lot of blood.” Commander turned to some of the idle lionesses. “Lina, could you fetch some food? And Zara, some water please.” Turning back to Safia, he examined the tiny cub, who was very still, and fast asleep. She looked very much like Safia, a light sandy color with a white chest. Safia looked down at her cub happily. That night Commander fell asleep easily, his mind finally at peace.


6/29/16 - Life passed peacefully, and the pride flourished. Still, it could only last so long. Commander was roused early one morning by horrible cries. He looked around to see the lionesses shifting and sitting up in confusion. Ayana ran over to Commander. “Safia is giving birth,” she whispered fearfully. “Something has gone wrong.” Commander trotted over to the young lioness’s nest. She was panting, and there was a lot of blood, but no cubs yet. Sunstreak was licking her ears and whispering words of comfort. Safia yowled in pain again. Sunstreak looked up at Commander. “I think it might be best if you notify the other lionesses of what’s going on, and wait with them. We don’t want to crowd the poor thing.”


5/6/16 - Safia announced, to the shock of the pride, that she was pregnant. Apparently she had snuck off with another male during a hunt for a little while. Commander was furious and was about to punish her by making her clean out all the nests and dens when Sunstreak stepped in, an amused look on her face. “She’s young, and mistakes happen. Let her learn from it.” Ayana, the pride broodmother, was not so amused. “Yes, very young. She was only a cub a few moons ago, and now she’s going to have cubs herself.”


4/19/16 - Kiri and Dejen are fully grown now. Dejen was appointed second in command to Commander, but he would never be an heir to the throne.


4/3/16 - Mal’s three cubs were to be named Astraea, Toko, and Nia.


4/2/16 - Life passed peacefully. Mal had a litter of cubs after Commander sent her to another male, two females and a male cub. A passing young lioness named Lina decided to stay with the pride. She was albino with golden spots and blue eyes. Kiri and Dejen were nearing the end of their training, while Neema had started hers.


3/18/16 - Neema began to play with Risala’s cubs, Kiri and Dejen, as she grew older. The two older cubs would start their training soon. Ayana adored all the pride’s cubs, and Commander knew he had made a good decision in inviting her to join his pride. Life was good, he thought as he organized a hunting patrol; “Mal, Amira, Jojo, Kenya, and Odara can go, and take Safia along for training.”


3/14/16 - Sahara’s cub was born, a little female that she named Neema. Ori sniffed her little half sister enthusiastically, but as far as Commander could tell the two sisters couldn’t look more different; Ori was a brown and gold lioness and Neema had a dirty sandy color.


3/7/16 - Sahara announced she was expecting cubs. This was totally unexpected, and Commander knew once again the cubs were not his. This had happened seasons ago when Ori was born. Sahara could do whatever she wanted as the most senior lioness and second huntress in command though, and she knew Commander wouldn’t do anything about it.


3/4/16 - Further expanding his territory allowed Commander to buy a young adolescent female named Safia. She was sunshine yellow with darker ears and markings that gave her an exotic, shimmery look. He hadn’t planned on buying her, but after selling some excess food at the trading area he strolled around looking for interesting offers. He stopped to talk to her, and she was so charming he paid a gold beetle for her, and left wondering what exactly had happened.


3/1/16 - One moon later, Commander could walk without limping, and his wounds were fully healed. He set out to win his territory back. The male had been from the south, where the marshlands were. Commander trudged through the muck in the other male’s territory, wondering how any lion could possibly live here. He reached what looked like some reed nests, and a few fearful looking lionesses hid themselves. Commander wondered where their leader was, and his question was answered when the other male ambushed him from the left. He was bowled over in surprise. Leaping to his paws, he reared and clawed at his opponent, giving him some scratches. The other male leaned in to bite at his paws again, but Commander knew better this time. He jumped back, and while the other male snapped at thin air he pounded the male onto the ground. Letting out a triumphant roar, he declared he would take his territory back and also two females as compensation. The other male struggled to his paws and led an ebony lioness with sandy spots and an onyx lioness with a brown back and red eyes to him. “These are Eleni and Zara,” he growled. “Now leave.”


2/28/16 - A neighboring male invaded Commander’s territory one morning. Commander met him at the edge of the waterhole in battle. The rival was strong and gave Commander a terrible bite on his paw so he could not walk, and was soon defeated. The other male claimed a chunk of Commander’s territory, marking his scent line, and left. Only now did Sunstreak’s earlier warning about claiming more lionesses hit him fully. The lionesses would have a hard time catching enough food for his big pride now, with the territory drastically reduced. Determined to win back his lost territory, Commander visited the trader monkey for healing herbs and waited for the moment to strike back.


2/22/16 - Life passed peacefully for the next few moons. Risala’s cubs were born, a healthy male and female. She named them Dejen and Kiri, who did have red and saffron eyes. Commander decided to keep Dejen around for now, as he would be a huge help with patrolling the expanding territory. Ayana was glad to help care for them. Three lionesses named Odara, Kenya, and Halimah joined the pride. Commander started thinking about an heir. His only offspring were Imani and Jojo, and he had no son. It was okay though, he and Sunstreak were still young and could have more cubs.


1/23/16 - Commander found another lioness while exploring. She was gorgeous, a pale gold with brown speckles and olive green eyes. When he introduced himself and invited her to join her pride, she shook her head sadly. “I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much use to you,” she said. “I don’t know how to hunt, and I don’t like killing anyways.” Commander inquired about what she might be good at, and she replied “I like taking care of cubs; I helped the broodmothers in my old pride.” Commander was quite pleased. “Well, if you’d like you can take care of our cubs. The lionesses have their paws full taking care of them as well as hunting. What is your name?”

“Ayana.”


1/21/16 - Commander sent Risala to another male with some beetles for a breeding. While he disliked his females breeding with other males, he found Risala's red eyes intriguing and so he found a male with red eyes in hopes the cubs would have the peculiar eye color too.


1/9/16 - Imani and Jojo were getting very restless. They begged Commander to take them exploring, and he finally gave in, knowing they would leave the den to start training within the moon anyways.


1/2/16 - By now Commander had brought home two more lionesses from his exploring. Maha, a dark golden lioness with black spots on her back, and Aisha, a young grey lioness with the faintest silvery speckles. Sunstreak didn’t seem too pleased. “I think our pride is big enough, and we don’t need every young lioness who catches your eye moving in,” she told him.


12/28/15 - Jojo and Imani were nearly a year old now. Commander adored his daughters, a soft spot everyone could see. They would start their training soon to become huntresses for the pride.


12/27/15 - Commander had to admit the two young lions were the most skilled cubs he had ever seen. It was a small source of lingering resentment for him, that Tyrannius also have the best heirs. He amused himself by knowing that they had been born far, far away from these lands, and that even the mighty Tyrannius himself couldn’t have bred such cubs. They were coming along well though.


12/10/15 - Commander approached Tyrannius’s territory, flanked by Sahara, Amira, and Risala. At the border a silvery pink lioness with white vitiligo, mismatched blue and green eyes, and a pink violet behind her ear stood before them. She was breathtakingly beautiful. “I am Queen Seafoam. What is your business on my king’s territory?” Commander stepped forward. “Greetings. I am Commander, king of the jungle and savannah to the west. Tyrannius holds one of my lionesses from us, and we have come to take her home.” Seafood wrinkled her spotted nose. “Oh yes, you are talking about Ori.” Clearly she did not think highly of the king’s daughter that was not her own. “Come with me.” The party followed the queen to the pride’s den. Tyrannius was already there, but no sign of Tabia. Perhaps she had not come to join him after all. “Seafoam, why have you led my enemies into the heart of our territory?” He growled. “They are here for Ori,” replied the queen. From behind Tyrannius, Ori stepped out. Sahara gasped. “Ori!” Tyrannius glanced at the older lioness, but gave no sign he had ever seen her before. “I have a… proposition for you, Commander. Since it is clear you want my daughter back, I will make you a deal.” Beckoning with his tail, he called two adolescent lions towards them. Gesturing at the young male, he said “This is my heir.” At the young female, he said “And this is his betrothed, his future queen. I am too busy to train them, and they need experience with other prides. If you train them as your own, I will allow Ori to return with you. But be warned,” He said, letting a hint of snarl into his voice. “Any ideas, and my pride will be at war with yours. And it would be a war you cannot win.” Commander growled. No lioness was worth this! But looking at Sahara’s hopeful face, and Ori’s longing expression, he sighed. “Only for two years. Then they leave my territory.” Turning, his group headed home, three lions more than what he come with.


12/8/15 - Three dawns after Tabia had been exiled, Sahara approached Commander. “We need to get Ori back,” she said. Commander paced around the waterhole. “What if she doesn’t want to come back? What if she likes her father’s pride?” Sahara shook her head. “Ori will come back,” she insisted.


12/5/15 - Tabia was to be exiled from the pride for treason and betraying pride secrets. Commander had consulted some of the older lionesses and they agreed it would be the best punishment. It would take place at dawn. Tabia was furious. “It’s not my fault!” she wailed. “Of course it is,” Commander had growled. “After you leave feel free to join that traitorous Tyrannius.”


12/4/15 - Sahara didn’t take the news of her daughter going with Tyrannius very well. It saddened Commander to see her so upset. Tabia had come back as well but was awaiting judgement. The last thing Commander wanted was for her to announce having Tyrannius’s cubs. Who knew though, how long she had been going to see his enemy for.


12/3/15 - Commander stalked toward him dangerously. “How do you know this?” he growled. “One of your lionesses is not so loyal as you think! She has been visiting me for a while," Tyrannius growled back. Commander glanced towards his hunting party, quick enough to catch a look of guilt flash on one of the lioness’s face. “Tabia?” he questioned. The dark golden lioness looked at Tyrannius guiltily again, then twined her tail with the enemy’s. Her fellow hunters recoiled from her. Shock and betrayal ran through Commander. “What is going on?!” Tabia answered, “I’m sorry, Commander. I wasn’t trying to betray the pride! It slipped!” Tyrannius flashed Commander a mischievous grin. “I can be very… convincing. But no matter. What we should be talking about is what my daughter is doing in your scummy pride.” Turning to Ori, he said, “Come with me. My pride is much bigger, more prosperous, and you’ll have everything you can dream of, and be a princess. Here you are just a lowly huntress.” Commander blocked the young lioness from Tyrannius. “You’ll have to fight us to get to her,” he growled. At this Ori spoke for the first time. “No! Commander, my heart is loyal to you and our pride, but this would be needless bloodshed. I will go with him for now.”


12/2/15 - Commander watched as Mal, Tabia, Nuru, Uma, and Ori left for a night hunt. Proud of what his pride had become, he trotted out towards the dark savannah in high spirits for his own night border patrol. He sharpened his claws, caught a small meal, and chased off a hyena. It was a good night. He finished the last strip of territory and turned back to return to the den. He squinted towards the east, where dawn was starting to spread its rays of light. There was a small group of lions there. Running towards them, he saw the hunting party in defensive crouches… and Tyrannius. “What are you doing here?!” Commander roared at the huge male. Tyrannius snarled at him. “Ori here is my daughter. You have concealed her from me for years!”


11/11/15 - Commander’s cubs grew fast. Soon they were able to walk and create all sorts of mischief for the pride, namely getting into the hoard and scattering everything about. Sunstreak had her paws full watching them, but luckily the other lionesses helped when they weren’t out hunting.


10/24/15 - Towards dawn, Sunstreak had given birth to two healthy female cubs. The pride had been anxiously waiting, and everyone was relieved and overjoyed when Mouse gave the news. Commander immediately ran towards Sunstreak’s nest. “Ohhh, they’re so beautiful, Sunstreak,” He gasped, looking at his daughters. “What shall we name them?” His queen purred. “How about Jojo and Imani?” Commander couldn’t have thought of better names himself. "Those are wonderful names.”


10/23/15 - Sunstreak had become restless after a moon of being confined to her den. She paced around the waterhole in the late evening as the other lionesses hunted, though with some difficulty because of the size of her belly. She approached Commander, frustrated. “I’m going for a walk,” she declared. Commander licked her head. “I don’t think so. The cubs will be coming anytime now.” Sunstreak just rolled her eyes and started heading towards the savannah, but suddenly gasped. She sat down, panting. “Nevermind… cubs coming…” Commander got up and helped her to her nest. Mouse, who wasn’t away hunting, shooed Commander away while the queen gave birth.


10/13/15 - Commander was patrolling his border in the savannah when he saw a male in the distance. On his territory. Growling, he trotted over towards the intruder, only to see the male turn and run. He sniffed the spot the other lion had been standing in, and he roared in fury. It had been Tyrannius’s son.


9/20/15 - Sunstreak was growing bigger and bigger everyday. It wouldn’t be long before Commander’s cubs arrived. He spent a lot of his spare time exploring and looking for nesting materials for his queen, who wasn’t able to hunt anymore. He also looked for bones and skulls of small animals for his future cubs.


8/30/15 - A few weeks later Commander’s pride had yet again expanded. Tabia and a younger lioness named Risala had joined the pride. With all the lionesses to hunt there was so much food Commander had to haul it all to the trading place to sell every few days. He had amassed a good number of rare golden beetles by doing so, and was quite proud of himself. He hid them in a leaf pouch nestled in the roots of one of the trees around the waterhole.


8/13/14 - Ori reached hunting age soon after, another source of happiness in the pride. Sahara was very proud, and she was in the hunting party that took Ori out for her first hunt. Commander had mixed feelings about his enemy's daughter. What if she happened to meet Tyrannius during a hunt? He pushed his feelings aside, and celebrated with his pride. He had come a long way since Sahara had shown up at the waterhole two years ago.


7/24/15 - Today the pride rejoiced, for the queen announced she is expecting cubs. Commander was over the moon at the prospect of being a father, and he tried to make Sunstreak rest for the remaining of the day. Naturally she refused, leading a hunting party out just a few hours later.


7/22/15 - A few days later Uma reached two years of age, and went out with a hunting party for the first time. Commander was confident they'd do an impeccable job of training her to become a valuable huntress.


7/19/15 - Commander decided Sunstreak had learned enough to take on the full role of queen. She was extremely happy to at last fulfill her role to her king, and the two grew closer each day. Three new lionesses have joined the pride, Mouse, Amira, and Nuru. Sunstreak took her duty as queen very seriously and worked hard to make sure the new lionesses fit it.


6/26/15 - The other lionesses received Sunstreak well. Commander made it clear she was to be their queen after she had learned the ways of the pride well enough. Mal was a little hesitant about welcoming a complete stranger so quickly, but seemed grow more friendly while sharing a buffalo they had caught earlier as Sunstreak’s welcome feast. Commander allowed her to warm up to him slowly, as love takes time.


6/25/15 - The long journey back home allowed Commander to get to know Sunstreak. She was a sophisticated but fun loving lioness who decided she’d take great pride in being his queen. He asked her what her old pride was like, and she was quiet for a moment before telling him, “Not good. Takh, he was that young male, really tries but he’s just not experienced enough. We often went hungry and the cubs starved.” Commander assured her the conditions in his pride were much better, and told her all about the waterhole and bordering jungle. She seemed happy at that.


6/24/15 - Having found nothing of interest the previous day, Commander slept in a nearby tree overnight and continued his search in the morning. He walked to the other side of the gathering place. He saw a scrawny looking young brown male that barely had a mane sleeping next to a small group of lionesses. He approached, and the male quickly got to his paws, blinking sleep from his eyes. "Lionesses! Cheap, great huntresses, valuable additions to your pride! Cheap!" He shouted. "Whoa, no need to yell." Commander told him, and looked closely at his lionesses. A light golden one with a darker back and white shimmer got to her paws. She had a slim build, her pelt shining, her head an elegant shape. She was beautiful. The other male followed his gaze. "Her name's Sunstreak. If you want her, 300 beetles is reasonable, don't you think?" Commander gave him a pawful of his beetles, not bothering to count, and led Sunstreak home.


6/23/15 - Commander decided that at five years old, it was about time he found a queen. He had considered Sahara, who he’d grown very fond of, but she didn't seem to like the idea much. So for the first time he set out to the trade gathering place. As he approached the grassy area there was much to take in; males milled about, trading everything from feathers to skulls to pride members. The smell of fresh meat met his nose, and sure enough a tough looking male was standing beside a large pile of carcasses. It looked like it could feed a big pride. "How much is all this?" Commander asked the male. "700 silver beetles only!" The male replied. Commander didn't even have that much altogether... Of course he had come with his pouch of beetles, but it only contained 500 or so. "Unless of course," the male continued, "you happen to have a gold beetle? I'll give you the whole lot for one of those!" Commander shook his head and moved on.


5/10/15 - The new lioness's name was Mal. She turned out to be quite a huntress, and his hunting party expanded, earning the pride more than enough food.


5/09/15 - Commander was exploring in the shrublands when he found a very dark colored lioness with faint darker spots. She was lying down, relaxed, looking as if she were just waiting for him to impress her. Hmmm... He let a terrifying roar, scaring all the prey animals for miles around. She just lay there, looking almost a bit smug. Trying again, he puffed out his chest, flexing his muscles in front of her. Still she waited for his next move. He shook out his mane, making himself look extremely big and bushy. She got to her paws and he rubbed his head against hers, and she followed him home.


1/17/15 - By the time Ori was nearing a year and half of age, Commander had opened up his territory to many more lionesses. None chose to stay permanently, however. Commander was now nearing five years of age. It came as a great surprise when he found a dark colored adolescent female during his explorations asking if she could live in his pride. She told him her father had gotten rabies and started infecting members of the pride. This was however three moons ago during the blood moon, she said, and he hadn’t a reason to worry now. Her name was Uma.


11/27/13 -  Sahara hid her grief for her son well. By the next morning she told Commander that her daughter would be named Ori. Commander didn’t care much, as long as the cub would never know her father.


11/26/13 - After nearly three moons of living with Commander, Sahara had her cubs. Both looked very much like Tyrannius, which displeased Commander a great amount. However what made him furious was discovering one was a male, with a small tuft of a future mane that would no doubt be as bushy as his father’s. He disposed of the tiny cub just outside of the territory.


9/8/13 - By dawn Commander was exhausted from the fight and walking home. Not wanting to see Sahara yet, he decided to explore the jungle bordering his home. Discovering so many wondrous creatures was a new experience for him. He fought a few of the spotted cats that seemed to live all throughout the jungle. On his way back he saw a strange creature. It was almost half giraffe half zebra… No matter. He was starving, and quickly attacked and killed the animal, bringing the remaining meat home with him. Sahara didn’t ask what had happened once he made it back to the waterhole, for it was quite obvious.


9/7/13 - Despite Sahara’s protests, Commander set out early at dawn to find Tyrannius. He hadn’t known the male lived so near, or else he would have gone to avenge his father’s loss of territory a long time ago. By nightfall he arrived at the big male’s savannah den. A huge tree with wide branches and rocky outcrops below made up most of the den. His lionesses had pelts of wild colors that Commander would never dream of keeping in his own pride. A reddish female with an albino snake curled around her squeaked and ran off, presumably to fetch her king. He appeared a moment later. “Who are you, stranger?” He asked. “I’m Commander. I’m here to take revenge for what you stole from my father and myself!” Tyrannius stared at him, then gave a booming laugh, his great mane shaking. “Go home, cub. I’ve fought many lions. Get over it, I haven’t time for this.” Humiliated, Commander flung himself at the huge male in a fury, claws ripping at his fur. Taken by surprise, his rival didn’t have time to recover before Commander bit into his leg. Hard. Howling, Tyrannius hopped on one leg, blood pouring out of the nasty wound. Commander stood satisfied, but was bowled over by a male his own age that could only be Tyrannius’s son. Together, the male and his father chased Commander all the way to the edge of their territory. “Don’t come back, ever!” The younger lion roared after him.


9/6/13 - Commander had decided to let Sahara stay. He decided it would be beneficial anyway if the cubs were female. More huntresses for his small pride. On one condition, though. “Who’s the father?” He finally asked during a midmorning meal. Sahara glared at him. “Why should I tell you?” She shot at him. “Because I’m your king and protector, that’s why.” He shot back. Sahara was silent for a moment. “Tyrannius. He rules a huge piece of the savannah a couple days’ walk from here.” Commander leapt to his paws. “I know him! Huge, arrogant, piece of dung! He stole half of my father’s territory when I was a cub! That’s why I had to leave my pride, my father could no longer support me! Why, I think I’ll pay him a little visit.”


9/5/13 - Sahara had decided to stay permanently. Though Commander was glad he had a lioness to start his pride, something was off. Something was very wrong indeed. As she dragged a small gazelle back from her hunt, he stepped in front of her. “You’re pregnant,” He accused. She stopped abruptly, perhaps surprised he had guessed. Then she relaxed. “Yes,” She replied steadily. Commander growled, wondering if he should chase her off at the spot. If he didn’t, he’d have to raise the cubs of some rival, for they were definitely not his.


8/31/13 - A light colored lioness with a white belly was drinking at the far side of his waterhole when Commander woke up one morning. She looked a little older than he was, though by not much. He stretched lazily in his nest among some thick tree roots, earning her attention. He trotted over to meet her. “I’m Commander,” he said, trying to put as much authority in his words as possible, “And this is my waterhole. I’m in charge here.” The lioness snorted. “In charge of who? You’re the only lion I see.” Sassy, she was. Commander just gestured with his paw at nothing in particular. “Why, exactly. I own this entire place. All the water, food and shelter you need. No big scary lions to challenge you. Feel free to stay.” The lioness look around, slightly more impressed. “I suppose I could stay for a couple days… Just until I’m well enough to travel again. My name is Sahara, by the way.” Commander gave her a toothy grin, knowing she wouldn’t leave at all.


8/30/13 - Commander was glad he had found the waterhole. Not only did it give him a constant supply of shade and water, it also attracted prey. He had eaten well in the past two days. Surely it was only a matter of time before a lioness stumbled upon his home…


8/28/13 - Commander stopped by the waterhole and looked around. On one side the thick jungle loomed above the young lion; on the other side the grassy savannah spread out for miles under the glaring midday sun. Quite desperate for the shade of the jungle and refreshments after his long journey, Commander stepped into the shade that covered half of the watering hole. He wondered if he could stay here permanently… A water buffalo caught his eye at the far side of it. He wished he were strong enough to attack it, for he was very hungry. But since he couldn’t kill it alone, he growled loudly at it, feeling good about himself when it backed away into the jungle nervously.