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It hadn't been very long since her trials in the snow pride. Since she had passed out in the snow and had been saved by not one, but two helpful males. If not for Sven and Tama, she might have died out there, just because she had been too eager and hadn't considered taking breaks on her travels. She should have been more prepared. As someone who prided herself on helping others, she should have known what was needed to keep herself going on a long, cold trip. In any case, she was grateful to the two lions who had rescued her. Sven had let them both stay at his den until they were feeling better. She left after that, but it seemed the other lion who had been out in the snow, Tama, had decided to live in the pride. That was fine for him, but she had her home. Eventually, she was going to return to it.
She just had to figure out how to get back there. Apparently she hadn't been going the right way, though she had thought she was retracing her steps. She ended up in the middle of a forest near a cliff face, emerging into a large clearing with a large river running through it. It looked like there were a lot of lions around, which she was intrigued by.
It didn't take long before she realized that she found stumbled her way into a pride.
She watched as a purple lion quickly made his way over, though his expression was not a threatening one. It didn't seem like this was the kind of pride that shunned visitors.
"Welcome to the Suka'fumo!" hummed the purple lion as he got close enough, the male stopping to give her a polite bow in welcome.
"Ah, hello. My name is Shujaa and I just... sort of ended up here," Shujaa replied, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wander into your home, I was just looking for mine and got a little... lost." She chuckled faintly and looked around, wondering if she would be able to find her way back from where ever she was. The purple lion smiled and nodded along.
"I see, I see!" the male hummed, "Well, I don't know much about the prides outside myself, but I'm willing to bet there are plenty of lions in here who would know how to help you out. Follow me! Oh! And you can call me Joka," he informed her with a smile, motioning for her to follow him. Since he seemed very friendly, and she really had no better options, she moved after him, heading into the large clearing. There were lions all around, seemingly in a state of bliss. Some were dancing, others singing. Others seemed to be acting out a scene together, too. They all looked like they were having fun, whatever they were doing.
"Is everyone always this happy?" She asked as they walked along.
"Haha, this is an entertainment pride!" He hummed lightly, "we pride ourselves on our ability to perform, and we love to keep our skills sharp! So the members of the pride often sing and dance, to practice. The lower members of the pride, anyway. The nobles don't tend to be as interested in it as the rest of us. Except the king, of course! He adores our shows." He smiled, though he wasn't actually someone who did the shows. That was the players job. He was a guard- he just made sure no one unsavory came into the pride.
She didn't seem to be an unsavory type, though, so he wasn't worried.
He took her to a small den near the bottom of the large cliff facing, Joka sticking his head inside and giving a mighty bellow. "HEY BASSANIO," he roared, his voice echoing through the cave. It didn't take long for a voice to call back from inside the cave.
"YOU TWIT DON'T SCREAM INTO MY CAVE LIKE THAT." Out marched a white and pink lion, with an angry look on his face and a small feather sticking out of his ear. He glared at Joka, seemingly unaware of Shujaa for the moment. "How many times do I have to tell you that you can't just come yelling like an ogre and expect me to-" he paused, noticing the hybrid standing just behind the purple lion. "Oh! We have a guest! Forgive me, fair maiden! My name is Bassanio. If I had known this oaf had brought you along, I would not have allowed you to see such an unsightly side of me!"
"You don't have to worry," Shujaa assured him with a smile, "it was quite funny. You two seem like you have a very close relationship."
"Ah, he's like that with everyone," Bassanio chuckled, "Joka here doesn't make much of a guard- he's too busy becoming friends with everyone around him! But he didn't start that way, oh no. He used to be one sore stick in the mud, let me tell you."
"So kind, Bassanio!" huffed Joka, "I'm hurt! You know I think of you as my favorite! And don't you worry, Shujaa. He might look young, but he's the best merchant I know! He's been all over the rogue lands out there, so I'm sure he would tell you where your pride is!" He beamed at the hybrid, who smiled back at him in return.
"Thank you, Joka," she said lightly, before turning her attention to the other lion, "Bassanio, was that your name?"
"You got it in one!"
"Well, Bassanio, I'm looking for a pride named... the Pridelands... it's a large land with a big rock where the royalty stay. It's called pride rock. I think you would know the place if you saw it before." She watched as Bassanio took on a very thoughtful expression for a moment. He seemed to be considering the slight information she had given him for a long time.
"Ah, I do think I've seen it before in my travels!" He hummed ,"it's a little far off though, do you need a guide? I would be happy to escort you!"
"I wouldn't want to impose," Shujaa said hesitantly.
"No trouble," Joka informed her for his friend, "we're happy to help anyone who needs it, no matter what pride they're from? Bassanio would be all too happy to get you where ever it is you need to go. I would go too, but I need to stay here and protect my pride."
"You mean stay here and welcome everyone into the pride no matter who they are or what they look like," countered Bassanio quickly. Shujaa chuckled as she watched the two males bicker back and forth. She didn't care what Bassanio said- it was clear they were very close friends. Closer than they just being members of the same pride. It reminded her of home- she had a couple lions she could get into a good, friendly fight with. Once they had settled down, they both turned to face Shujaa once more, bassanio offering her a very sheepish grin. "Well, all that aside, I do think I would be able to help you if you like, and it's really no trouble. As a merchant, I have to leave the pride all the time to gather supplies for my pride! and I'm due to head out on a hunt again soon, anyway. Maybe I'll find something nice along the way."
"Well, if you're sure, I would really love the help. I'm not very good with directions, I guess. It's been a long time since I was out of my pride and I think I've forgotten how to roam around." She chuckled lightly.
"No trouble! Why don't we leave in the morning? It's getting late now and I don't want to start when it's dark. You can rest here- no if ands or buts about it."
Shujaa laughed, looking from Joka to Bassanio. "I've found nothing but kind lions on my travels. I hope I'll be able to make this up to the both of you sometime."
"You can tell us a little about yourself," offered Joka, "why don't we all head inside and you can tell us all about your pride, alright?" He asked. Bassanio frowned at him, stomping a paw against the ground.
"Don't invite yourself into my den!" He protested sharply, "I only invited Shujaa!" But he didn't seem to care about what Bassanio had to say on the matter. He ushered Shujaa inside and followed in after her, leaving Bassanio to rush in last of the three. Once inside the cave, they settled down for the evening, to discuss their homes and have a lovely night telling stories until they all fell asleep. By the end of the night, Bassanio didn't even seem to mind that Joka had stayed there. In the morning, Joka saw the two of them off, blubbering like Shujaa had become a member of his family over night. She was happy to see that kind of love, even if it did confuse her a bit.
She left the pride with a smile on her face.
wc: 1526
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