Kivudi's Den

. . . As you're crossing through these marshes, a golden lion approaches you, his eyes shining with joy. You feel obligated to stop and see what he wants.

The strange male catches up to you and purrs, his skinny tail swinging behind him. "Hello!" he chimes cheerfully, introducing himself. "My name is Kivudi." You glare at this male's unimpressive mane, and the strange splotches and markings that he bares on his hide.

His eyes graze over your back and your legs, noticing your fatigued posture and dusty paws, and Kivudi speaks up again. "You look tired, traveller! Oh, please, stop here and rest, I insist! I'll get us a nice lechwe leg to share, and I'll bring us some water, too!" Before you can reply to his affable demand, he is already gently nudging you past flowery bulrushes, guiding you to take a seat atop a mossy flooring he has created.

He returns a few moments later, carrying the juicy, torn leg of a lechwe. He sets it down at your paws with a happy smile, as a lioness appears, carrying soaked balls of moss to drink from, which she leaves next to the meal. Kivudi takes a seat close to you, your flanks brushing, as he fixes you with a cheerful, jolly face.

"She is a friend of mine," Kivudi speaks, his eyes glancing to the exiting lioness. "She used to be a traveller, like you. But, she was very fatigued, and needed a place to stay. She ended up enjoying it here so much, that she nests here permanently!"

You give the strange, golden lion a bemused stare. Why would he offer his home to some strange lioness? She had nothing for him. More importantly, why is he offering his water, and his prey, to you? He doesn't know your name, your history, anything!

Kivudi breaks your stampede of questioning thoughts, nudging the torn leg towards you as an adamant signal to begin feasting. "Please eat! Get some meat on those skinny legs!" He chortles in amusement, but you did not find it very funny.

Your ears twitch mildly - this overly friendly lion is definitely strange. Hmmm... perhaps there is an ulterior motive! Is the leg drugged with toxic berries? Is he planning to put you to sleep and skin off your pelt to sell at the trading centre? Riddled with suspicion, you lower your mouth to the lechwe leg, taking a deep sniff of the flesh and meat. You struggle to ignore the salivation building rapidly in your mouth, trying to seek out the scent of any berries or toxins. But, alas, there are no toxins here - just an incredibly tasty smelling carcass leg. Deciding to put your reservations about this strange Kivudi aside for a moment, you take a wide bite out of the thigh, savouring the juicy flesh and meat on your tongue before swallowing.

Kivudi purrs in delight at your decision to finally eat. "You're free to stay as long as you wish - though, I assume you have important business elsewhere, so there will be no grudge held against you if you must depart sooner rather than later, friend."

Some more moments rolled by of one-sided conversation, before you finally speak, asking Kivudi a complicated question... why is he offering his home to strangers and trespassers? Why is he freely giving up his food and water? What is there to gain for him?

Kivudi blinks appreciatively at you, his eyes warm, and as friendly as ever. "I know that across these lands, there can be so much carnage and violence." He begins. "So many challenges and hardships. I don't blame others for keeping to themselves, of course - it's their way of protecting what they have. But, I truly believe that with a bit of kindness, and a welcoming paw, this land can become such an easier place to inhabit. I will always offer a home, temporary or not, to those who need one. I see it as my purpose to help and provide for any creature that crosses through my home. Do you understand what I'm getting at?"

As you listen to this golden, friendly lion, you begin to understand how he sees this world, and you sincerely begin to believe in how he wishes to change it. The idea of kindness and happiness seems like such a childish view to you, but, is it not better then endless violence and spilled blood? If all it takes to live a positive life is a bit of kindness to others, then, is it not worth it?

Kivudi watches you, smiling warmly. "Forgive me, but, I must go and see to my other guests, for only a moment. You are free to stay and finish your meal, or to take it with you and leave back to your own home. It is your choice." The lion stands up, and you watch him turn away slightly. "Just know that you always have me as a friend to depend on, if you are ever in need of any help. If you remember one thing from what I've told you, remember this; is it easier to rush at trespassers with bared teeth and sharp claws, and end up with wounds, and aching limbs from fighting, or is it better to welcome them, and offer them help and support to ease them on their path?"