The day was still early when the presentation began, dark blue clouds still hanging in the sky as the many animals of the kingdom traveled to vew the new royal cubs. A feeling of almost whimsical happiness seemed to permiate the night air, the whispering blades of grass making a music all their own as creatures great and small made their way through the long stalks.
By now the sun had shown it's face, silhouetting the small gathering atop Pride Rock and outlining the intricacies of the stone in a warm golden color. With a smile, Rafiki looked over the gathering, many had turned up to view the three cubs and it was obvious that every creature was curious. As a gentle breeze breathed past him, there was the feeling of someone else waiting as well. Turning to Nala and Simba, the old mandril pulled them both into an embrace, whispering words of congratulations once more to the new parents before being handed the firstborn by Nala.
Rafiki cradled the small golden cub in his arms, then began his ascent to the topmost part of Pride Rock. He waited a few moments, as if to built up suspense, and then raised the Prideland's heir high above the crowd. Below him, a great cry started up as the animals of he kingdom showed their approval. Many hooved animals stomping and baying, elephants trumpeting while the howls and barks of a pack of wild dogs stood alongside them. Here there was no hunting, it was a day of unity and peace.
Lowering the cub, Rafiki began his favorite part. Breaking apart the ceremonial fruit, he dipped his fingers into the red insides and smearing it across the heir's forehead, marking her as the future leader of the pride. Handing the cub back to Nala, Rafiki chuckled quietly.
"So, what is her name?" He asked, picking up the second cub, a male that mewed rather loudly in protest. "Kiara" Nala replied with pride, cradling her daughter into her arms. The mandril nodded before presenting the male, whom was still growling in protest to being handled. While the little male was feisty, he cuddled right up to his mother wen returned to her after being presented, it was obviously he would love his family with all of his heart, and he was named Kopa.
Finally, it was time for the last cub to be shown to the kingdom. Silently Rafiki was thankful, he was not as young as he used to be and lugging around lion cubs was not exactly good on his old arms. The third and last born cub was another female, as she was picked up, the cub gave a surprised squeak and wriggled in his grasp. Sighing, Rafiki waited until she was done before walking her up to the final presentation. As he lifted her up, the poor mandril felt a set of sharp little teeth prick his hand and took a quick intake of breath, holding it for a moment before releasing it and lowering the rather proud looking cub into his arms again. "You are luck Rafiki didn't drop you" he warned in a hushed tone, giving a half hearted glare which the cub returned with more than a little bit of satisfaction in her expression.
The last child was named Jino, in honor of her little stunt. Kopa and Jino were not treated to the red ceremonial liquid, as they were not first in line to rule. Everyone observing the cubs was hopeful, hopeful that the history of Scar and Mufasa would not repeat, and that jealousy would not tear the siblings apart when they were old enough to understand the signifigance of rank.
