It wasn't that Tau was afraid. No. It was more like...he wasn't sure about what to do with this cult business. So he did his best to just avoid it. Best for the council to handle it, and his grandfather Simi would do a better job than him, anyway.
He walked slowly down Pride Rock, trying to keep his mind focused and clear. When he was younger, he was good about his rounds, of making sure he connected with the members of his pride. But as he grew older and a bit more unsure of himself, he had begun to tuck himself away in the symbol of the Pridelands. He would only emerge to walk with his grandfather, to make sure he didn't take a tumble or get himself too far going in one direction to not have the energy to make it home.
It was always easier, having him by his side.
But the tone had shifted, and Tau was starting to realize just how much he had shirked his duties. And so, even with his ears tucked to his skull, he was trying. He just didn't quite realize that a king wasn't supposed to try, but do.
Down he went, down to the trees, were there were quite a few lions gathered around. Chatting about the dry weather, the health of the wildebeest herds, or if anyone had cubs. A few eyes turned to him, and he waited to see if anyone would bother approaching him.
Midnightglow18