I know they frown on author's note, but just a quick one: I'm back! Kind of. This is a pet project I've been playing with, and I decided to go ahead and upload it. It will be slow going, just like Divine Intervention was, but I do intend to finish it. Just no promises on it being a quick deal. XD Hopefully it won't take a year though. Reviews welcomed!
The sun broke a black horizon, casting a red and orange fire across the lands. Shadows of trees and bush stretched from one end of sky to the other, forming streaks of black across a glowing world. A gentle breeze blew and clouds drifted lazily across a dawn-streaked sky. Normally a silent time of the day, a single sound echoed across the lands and, like a beacon, drew the waking animals of the lands towards a single, proud formation, glowing red against a dark horizon.
The proud roar of a male lion, a golden pelted beast with curious acid hued eyes and a mane as black as night. He was huge, even by lion standards, with a broad chest and muscular shoulders. He stood at the tip of Pride Rock, watching streams of his subjects approach the massive stone throne. The King turned his eyes towards the rising sun and breathed deeply of a swirling wind. Today, the new sons of the pride would be presented to their ancestors and followers.
Twin princes, barely hours old at dawn. A golden male with shining auburn eyes and crimson-brown spots across his side, named Mufasa. The other, a deep brown cub with the eyes of his mighty father and black spots on his fur. Named Taiuka, this male had been chosen as the heir to the mighty Pridelands, and the days old Sarafina, the daughter of Uru's cubhood friend, was to be his Queen.
King Ahadi walked proudly to where his Queen was curled protectively around her sons. Sitting nearby was his only other living offspring, a female cub named Zuri. She was well into her cubhood and had the golden coat of her father, the white underbelly of her sinewy mother, and blue eyes unique to the bloodline. Her eyes were so pale they looked like ice; young Zuri was blind, and it is this fact that drove Ahadi to sire a second litter of cubs. The proud Ahadi looked quickly to his daughter, meeting her blind eyes for the sparest of moments before he turned his attention to his sons. He nuzzled Mufasa with the same briefness he had given Zuri before he buried his nose in Taiuka's soft fur, exhaling into his chosen heir's side. As he lifted his head, he nuzzled Uru warmly and smiled into her shining auburn eyes. Today was a good day of a blessed season - Ahadi's pride had been granted new lives, peace, and prosperity. His sons would grow up with plenty.
Paepai, the aging baboon shaman, approached slowly from the sidelines. He was leaning heavily on a large walking stick with fresh gourds hanging from the top. As he shuffled past the young Zuri he touched her head softly, watching her smile faintly. He returned it, though she could not see it, then turned to Ahadi and Uru. He bowed deeply to them both, smiling at them. Paepai had stayed the night to assist in the birthing of the princes, and now he would show the kingdom the results of the long night.
Tradition dictated that Paepai only bless the chosen heir, but Ahadi had pleaded with the baboon to grant both of his sons as much of the blessing as possible. His hope was that they would share power as adults and rule together as brothers - or as close to that as possible. Deep down Paepai knew this would not happen, but he had agreed to grant Mufasa some of the blessings that Taiuka would receive. With Ahadi swelling with pride next to his mate and watching the movements of the shaman closely, Paepai began the ritual as morning light surrounded them.
He first pulled a fruit from his staff and cracked it open, dipping a long, bony finger in."By the fruit, I grant you the ancient wisdom of the lands." He drew a horizontal line on the foreheads of both cubs. He then picked up a handful of dust and spoke again. "By the dust, I grant you the knowledge and stories of all generations who have tread here." A sprinkle on each furred head was answered with a sneeze, and Paepai allowed the distressed cubs to calm down before he picked Taiuka, the chosen. Auruna, a lesser member of the pride, lifted Mufasa gingerly and followed Paepai towards the very tip of Pride Rock as the shaman spoke the lines meant for Taiuka alone.
"I present you now to the sun and the sky. May your ancestors accept you, and may the Great Kings of the Past guide your paws. May they grant you a land of peace and plenty, a time of prosperity, and all the wisdom they have to impart."
To roars, trumpets, and cries of jubilation, Paepai thrust Taiuka suddenly to the air. The brown cub squirmed uncomfortably and gave a weak cry of distress as his paws dangled. Paepai closed his eyes as a wind swirled around him, felt the warmth of the sun upon his face as it hit Taiuka. Next to him, Auruna was holding Mufasa as high as her neck could reach, and the golden male was staring around with calm, wide eyes.
Though none could see it, Paepai's face had twisted with confusion. The warmth had settled only briefly on him, and he opened his eyes to find that a small cloud had passed in front of the sun. His heart immediately sank... Never before had this happened. A bad feeling settled in his gut, and he slowly lowered Taiuka and cradled the young cub, who stared up at him with bright acid eyes glowing. Paepai stared nervously into the small face, a chill running down his spine. The omen was not good... Perhaps the mighty Ahadi had made a grave error.