The morning turned away to reveal the heat and excitement of the afternoon--it was almost time for the ceremony. Thousands of animals crowded at the base of Pride Rock, talking joyously within their respective herds. They gathered here before the most powerful family in the Pride Lands without fear of being attacked; royal law put a hold on hunting during the day of any special event. However, once the ceremony was completed, they would return to their own stretch of grassland and resume their lives.
One zebra calf nudged his mother's neck lightly and looked into her large, heavily-lashed eyes. "Mama," he began, pawing at the ground with his hoof, "when is it going to start?"
The mare smiled down at her child, giving a knowing side-long glance to her herd sisters and pulled her lips back in an equine grin. "Fairly soon, Batobato. Be paitent--this is a 'once in a lifetime' event for our kind." Though the words carried a dark meaning, young Batobato failed to pick up on them.
Suddenly, a great hush fell over the massive crowd as King Ahadi's powerful figure appeared at the edge of the promontory. The wind blew lightly, kicking his full and beautiful mane up in minute dances. The pride in his eyes reached through the great distance between the lion and his subjects and the entire crowd felt strangely humbled.
"Every child's first steps signify the creation of the path of life--a path that is fraught with danger, love, excitement and sadness. Each step brings one closer to their destiny. For a lion, walking this very path leads to the right to bear a mane, to take a mate and to take their place in the Circle of Life." The king spoke in his deep voice, commanding the attention of all creatures attended.
Uru took her place next to the wise lion, smiling down upon the menagerie stretched endlessly before her. "Our sons have had their share of experiences; from cuts to bruises, from pain to love... the youthful broken heart, the secretly shed tear. Many of you have witnessed these events for yourself. Today, however, they will experience something new and cherished before you all."
Ahadi smiled lovingly to his mate and begain to speak again, his voice never wavering though the faint sparkle of tears could be detected in his golden eyes. "Their paws have walked the path through childhood and have now reached a new journey: adulthood. They will accompany me on the morning and evening strolls, fall in love, bare children and rule with all the might they have."
The regal lioness spoke once more, having no trouble keeping the attention of the creatures below. "Six moons ago you met the two Princes of the Pride Lands, Mufasa and Taka. Soon, you will be meeting the lioness who will take my place when I am no longer of the earth. Today... you will meet the lion who will stand in Ahadi's paw prints and assume his rightful place as King."
The royal pair offered the crowd beneath them a polite nod and wandered back toward the communal den and out of sight. The pause in the ceremony was filled with many excited voices: neighing, chattering, squeaking, growling, chirping. Many of the older creatures--those fortunate enough to escape the dangers of Africa--bickered with their neighbors about the decision.
"No-no-no, it will be Mufasa! He's so strong and brave!" A wildebeest stated to her sister, tail in constant motion to drive away the flies.
Her sister shook her head wildly, ears flapping against the sides of her face. "It will be Taka! He's so intelligent and sweet, who could resist?"
Meanwhile, the lionesses that made up Ahadi's pride stood beneath the shade of an old red rock fig, watching intently. They were just as hungry for the information as the wildebeest sisters below, murmuring to one another lively. One lioness, a petite-framed girl with peachy fur and strikingly blue eyes, grinned and pawed at her sister. "It will be Taka! I've seen the way Ahadi admires him, Sarabi."
Sarabi snorted playfully and swung a large paw at the other, grinning. "Oh, don't you mean the way you admire him, Sarafina?"
The two erupted into giggles, causing stern looks from the elder lionesses around them.
"Sarabi! Sarafina! Hush yourselves!" Mojamala said, brows furrowed. She had a pained expression on her otherwise lovely visage, ears turned back delicately.
"Sorry, mama," Sarafina said and lowered her head shamefully. However, when she knew her mother wasn't looking, she would offer Sarabi silly expressions--it caused them both to fall into fits of quiet laughter.
Both the lionesses and the massive collection of the Pride Lands' denizens fell silent when two familiar forms took the place of Uru and Ahadi--the Princes, Mufasa and Taka.