It was a simple morning, brought on by a not so simple entrance. The lioness that had once destined for greatness was now stolen away to somewhere else. Green eyes opened after a deep sleep that had carried her through the darkness. She could feel her body being moved somehow, but not sure how it all happened in the grand scheme of things. All Sarabi knew was that she was no longer home, and that this place would have to become her new home. Her nose moved in a somewhat fast tempo, taking in the scents and her eyes studying the area. It was now clear that she was near a heavy water source. Good place to start as any, so the lioness got to her massive paws and began walking once she got herself in order.

Slowly she made her way through the thick grasses, making sure to keep caution a close friend. What layed about before her next was a large watering hole not unlike her own back home. It was thick with the smell of other animals. And while it was pretty scarce of them now, it was possible for there to still be danger lurking within the watery depths. Sarabi was no fool in such matters, so for now, she kept her distance.

The piebald woman walked around the large water source, eyeing what dangers might be hiding. When she was somewhat sure of herself and of her safety, she finally went to bend down for a drink. Okay, nothing bad happening here so far. Sarabi got her fair share, then got herself away from the banks before fate chanced itself on her. Sturdy and powerful limbs then carried her up a larger hill above the watering hole, calming herself enough to lay down at a high vantage point. Now she could survey her potential new kingdom. Now she could feel at ease amongst the new world she would now call home.

life had become very quiet for uhuru.

the penn'ed king of beasts did not read his restlessness for the sad nature which it evinced. he did not comprehend his boredom as loneliness, nor his easy wrath a signal of his slipping thoughts.

uhuru fell to his discipline.

it felt as though he had patrolled the entire savannah twice, though this could not be true.

he lay insensate near the acacia, gaze darkening with vague recognition as a leonine shape swung up into a higher point.

he told himself he was only deluded by the heat, and shut his eyes as not to be tormented any longer by so radiant a vision.

The elegant lioness knew that she would not be alone forever. The faintest sound of someone stirring nearby made her pause, ears twitching and moving about so as to pinpoint her possible visitor. Someone there? Her voice was that of danger and also intrigue. Sarabi watched and waited, wondering if perhaps it was all an illusion. That she had simply seen or heard something that wasn't in fact there. The irony of her own name meaning coming back to haunt her was a slightly humorous one. A smile creeped on to her face at the thought, her body trying to relax once more as she layed atop her own perch.

a lioness.

the notes of her voice fell like gold. uhuru rolled from his place in the heat and rose in a smooth glide.

she indeed lived. she indeed glowed. he let out a purling growl and sauntered over to strop his long and gleaming claws against the base of her perch.

his eyes rose to find her, drinking in the tawny set of her silhouette. a smile came to life upon his mouth. from where hast thou come? his voice reached up into her ears.

There it was again, the rustling of someone approaching. It didn't take long for their presence to become known. Her eyes focused hard on a massive brute of a lion coming her way, his movements almost as fluid and elegant as hers but with a more cumbersome and masculine strut. He dared to approach her so soon, making his way to her perch and gliding his claws up them.

His eyes bore into her greens, dazzling and bright as the sun. His voice was masculine and proud. From lands not of this vast realm, and you? Her voice was rich and regal, like that of a queen. Not been here long, awakening not moments ago. You may call me Sarabi.

sarabi. he purred the name with open pleasure, but did not attempt to join the golden one there upon the throne. i am uhuru. the lion circled her settee but he soon turned his shaggy head toward the congregation of wildebeeste in the distance.

if thou has just wakened, wilt thou eat with me? he asked in the same low purl. the eyes raised to her own; he did not smile, for his gaze was reverent as he took in her royal mien.

a queen. an empress.

he thought of the courtesan-hound and wondered what each would make of one another.

Sarabi eyed him with a careful and calculated gaze, tail flicking back and forth as she pondered his suggestion. Uhuru, it is a pleasure. I will gladly eat with you. Do you have a kill nearby, or shall we go on a hunt together? A glance over at the open grasslands that awaited them.

Did the males here even go on hunts? Back home it was mostly up to the women of the pride. Now there was only the two of them, things had certainly changed in the dynamic. This is quite the beautiful place. I hope to see more of it soon. Hopefully she could rule it if that is what the fates decided.

i wouldst not have thee eat carrion, uhuru said with a yawn that exposed the massive yellowed canines to hot sun. hunt with me, please, sarabi. i wilt show thee this savannah and its hidden places.

standing back, lion awaited the graceful descent of lioness. respect had earned favor in the past; respect and skill. it was with these things that he kept up, and he looked again toward the wildebeeste in their great number, pinpointing between one and then the next the hour of their deaths.

A regal man with a very forthcoming attitude, this was something she was looking for. Sarabi rose from her perch, leaping down from on high and joined the male at his side. She walked past him, tail flicking upwards until it reached his chin in the most playful way. Her gem like eyes turned to view him with keen interest, then to the wildebeest. We shall have a feast. Show me the magnitude of your abilities. Let me see your prowess in the field. The lioness began to head towards the long grasses that would shield them from the mighty beasts gaze. Patience and timing was the key here, then would come the power. Hopefully soon, this grand king of beasts could uphold his word.

sarabi teased. uhuru rasped a small laugh, watching her royal eyes appraise him and then the beasts.

her interest would wane without his success, therefore the lion meant to champion his own cause this hour.

an easy step slanted their path into taller grass that with dark gold drenching now hid the tan of their own coats and rendered them unknowable to the multitude of ruminants.

his tongue lolled. his tail was carried in a low curl. the eyes did not divert from their quarry.

uhuru found his hunting breath and kept his steady advance.