Sarabi knew that this male might want more then he was letting on. But she was glad that he was clear in his communications, in his intentions. She smiled at him, a sly yet alluring tone to the gesture. The regal woman rose to her feet, meeting his side as he rolled around in the deep substrate.

Her body made an attempt to be affectionate, to rub along him in a delicate manner. Though didn't know if anything more would come of this. They had met not long ago, after all. Perhaps another time once he had earned more of her trust and respect. But then again, the lioness might not get another chance. Perhaps now was the time. To let her fate be taken into the world's hands.

uhuru welcomed her with a low sound in his throat, reverberating in the barrel of his chest. he did not seek at first to touch her, allowing sarabi the run of his body as his flesh wakened in response.

his paw settled lightly over her side from where he lay, claws sheathed. rasping tongue moved for her cheekbone, the side of her throat, the long strokes of meticulous grooming.

such contact was courtship, but this was the choice of a lioness.

to be chosen, uhuru must not dominate their interludes.

he would clean the blood from her fur as insects whirred in the hot air.

Uhuru moved along with her, his body easy on the eyes. She smiled as he made the move to bring more contact, feeling his lavish kiss along her cheek, slowly moving to her throat. The grooming was most welcome. The feeling of the blood slipping away from her mottled coat was relieving.

But that was all she would allow him this day. Sarabi got to her feet, easing up the tension that was slowly building up within her. Now was not the time for further physical contact. Sure that was an attraction clearly between them. But the lioness was not yet ready for such commitments. That decision would come later.

---

shall we have a new one? <3

uhuru rolled to his paws and followed. there was no need to rush; so long as he remained in proximity and aided in her hunting, he believed he would be chosen as a companion.

he thought of sancha. an anomaly with shared interest -- where had she gone?

he and sarabi seemed alone in this world, but it did not matter. his tail curled in rest, the proud cat prowled at her side.

Uhuru followed her obediently with an almost carefree attitude. It was a welcomed breath of fresh air for the woman, who often times met so many males that were so big headed and too forthcoming. She smiled at him as he met her side, green eyes alight with affection for him. Then her mind began to wonder: were there any others out there? Would she be able to start a pride or join one worthy of her? Sarabi turned to her companion, a questioning look on her face. Have you seen any others of our kind here? Where do you call home in these lands?

all this is my home, uhuru declared. many months ago when i first woke, the land was populous with our kind. every one has since moved on, save for myself.

was this foolhardy or fortunate, he did not know. i am a king with the crocodile, the scorpion, and the hyena for subjects. white teeth were framed in an elegant laugh.

there is much to explore here. will you allow me to show you, sarabi? asked the lion, turning to fill his eyes with her loveliness once more. it was only he and she here in this paradise. uhuru did not yet know of the tunnels, for he had seen no reason to leave.

Sarabi studied him for a moment as he talked of the others, the ones that had left. Sad that the two of them were the only lions here that they knew of. Well my king, we shall make this place our own. Others will come to join your kingdom. You may show me around. I would love it. The lioness joined Uhuru with a gentle smile on her face, keeping close now that she was developing some trust in him. Though she did wonder why the others he spoke of were no longer here.

the wellsprings. the golden savannah. the piles of cool stones. uhuru meant to bring sarabi each place, pleased at her use of 'king' as honorific.

let it be our kingdom, uhuru said at length, and boldly, for there is no sovereign without a queen.

a direct look. a knowing smile to warm his face.

if others came, they would likely be lionesses. best for her to carve out a place atop now.

Each landmark came to her emerald eyes, soaking it all in with utmost care. Uhuru was doing a fine job showing her the vast kingdom, carrying a sense of pride that a king certainly should. A smirk rose from her lips, reaching the corners of her mouth. A queen am I? For you, I could be. Is that what you wish? Sarabi joined him closer now at his side, giving a loving bump at his shoulder, a playful gesture from the kind lioness.

i should think this savannah is in more need of a queen than a king. the land had enjoyed one already, uhuru in his solitary bind.

the grandness of his broad head pushed against her own shoulder, and he twined their tails for a moment, rumbling in low pleasure. i am pleased to have met you.

no matter what might happen between them, or on from this day, it was satisfying to uhuru that he had found sarabi at all.